Whoops!
I kinda fell out of the blogosphere for a while there, didn't I? Sorry about that. Given that today's a public holiday (and I am full of the 'traditional hot cross buns/obscene amounts of chocolate' combo) I figured this was a good time to bring the blog up to date.
Firstly, the knitting news! You may recall that I was entering a few knitted items in my local show. Well, guess what? I got first and second in the 'knitted socks' category-
(Note: This is less of an achievement than it seems, as I was one of only two people to actually enter that section).
I also got second place in the 'Adults Knitted Jumper or Cardigan' category- an award I really don't think I deserved, as my jumper had a much lower 'degree of difficulty' than some of the others I saw displayed.
However, my 'ironic pincushion' was unplaced (the winners were both very 'traditional'- pink, lacy pincushion confections).
My 'Primordial Punk' didn't get a place, either- but I expected that. Both prizes there went to good ol' Jean Greenhowe dolls (Ravelry link). I'm not sure why they chose to cover the toys with plastic sheeting, but I suspect the involvement of a small child and some sort of sticky beverage.
Unfortunately, my small successes in this year's show have simply served to kick my competitive streak into overdrive. Next year, that 'Most Successful Exhibitor' ribbon is mine.
Since the show, my attentions have been almost completely focussed on one particular project (which is a rarity for me, so I embraced project monogamy while it lasted). Fresh off the needles, may I present the 'Triumph of Practicality' jumper.
The pattern is Elizabeth Zimmerman's 'Saddle-Shouldered Pullover' from Knitting Without Tears, and I will definitely be using this method of garment construction again. I love that you can try it on as you go, I love the complete lack of seaming, I love the fabric, and I love the saddle shoulders. I added short-rows at the bust and made the shoulders a little wider than suggested in the pattern, and whaddaya know, the whole damn thing fits. Perfectly.
I've dubbed it the 'Triumph of Practicality' jumper because it's just that- practical. It's seamless, it's machine washable, it's comfortable, the colour is such that it will hide things like crumbs, sweat stains, and the general dirt one accumulates on long haul flights and while hauling a heavy backpack through the streets of... wait, I haven't told you I'm going on holiday, have I? In just over two weeks? Well, I am.
I could simply tell you where I'm going, but there's no fun in that. So... given what you know about me, and with the whole world to choose from, where do you think I'd decide to go on my first overseas holiday in seven years? (Those of you I may have mentioned my destination to- sssshhh!) Leave your guess in the comments*.
*Of course, this whole 'guess in the comments' ruse is also my way of finding out if I have any readers left after abandoning you all so callously for so long. Sorry about that.
Firstly, the knitting news! You may recall that I was entering a few knitted items in my local show. Well, guess what? I got first and second in the 'knitted socks' category-
(Note: This is less of an achievement than it seems, as I was one of only two people to actually enter that section).I also got second place in the 'Adults Knitted Jumper or Cardigan' category- an award I really don't think I deserved, as my jumper had a much lower 'degree of difficulty' than some of the others I saw displayed.
However, my 'ironic pincushion' was unplaced (the winners were both very 'traditional'- pink, lacy pincushion confections).
My 'Primordial Punk' didn't get a place, either- but I expected that. Both prizes there went to good ol' Jean Greenhowe dolls (Ravelry link). I'm not sure why they chose to cover the toys with plastic sheeting, but I suspect the involvement of a small child and some sort of sticky beverage.
Unfortunately, my small successes in this year's show have simply served to kick my competitive streak into overdrive. Next year, that 'Most Successful Exhibitor' ribbon is mine.
Since the show, my attentions have been almost completely focussed on one particular project (which is a rarity for me, so I embraced project monogamy while it lasted). Fresh off the needles, may I present the 'Triumph of Practicality' jumper.
The pattern is Elizabeth Zimmerman's 'Saddle-Shouldered Pullover' from Knitting Without Tears, and I will definitely be using this method of garment construction again. I love that you can try it on as you go, I love the complete lack of seaming, I love the fabric, and I love the saddle shoulders. I added short-rows at the bust and made the shoulders a little wider than suggested in the pattern, and whaddaya know, the whole damn thing fits. Perfectly.
I've dubbed it the 'Triumph of Practicality' jumper because it's just that- practical. It's seamless, it's machine washable, it's comfortable, the colour is such that it will hide things like crumbs, sweat stains, and the general dirt one accumulates on long haul flights and while hauling a heavy backpack through the streets of... wait, I haven't told you I'm going on holiday, have I? In just over two weeks? Well, I am.
I could simply tell you where I'm going, but there's no fun in that. So... given what you know about me, and with the whole world to choose from, where do you think I'd decide to go on my first overseas holiday in seven years? (Those of you I may have mentioned my destination to- sssshhh!) Leave your guess in the comments*.
*Of course, this whole 'guess in the comments' ruse is also my way of finding out if I have any readers left after abandoning you all so callously for so long. Sorry about that.
Labels: FO's, holiday, I'm not worthy
posted by Michelle at 12:05 PM
10 Comments:
I'm still here. Although I have no idea where you may have gone. Somewhere in Europe, perhaps?
Congratulations on the prizes!! I just came back from the Easter Show. Where they don't have a category for knitted socks. Sigh.
Love your practical jumper. You can't beat that, really.
Now, as for holidays. I've got no idea but it must be somewhere reasonably cold. If it were me, it would be New York or London. Both have excellent shopping. Especially the NY yarn stores...Or maybe Canada, for similar yarny reasons. Hope you have a fab time!
I have no idea where you're going but I think you would have a fabulous time here in Montreal! ;)
How about backpacking and hiking the grand canyon? Lol Just you mention backpacks and long haul flights.
Have fun and be safe whereever you are going and do blog about your trip.
Kind regards, Mel
congratulations on your Show success!
Your pincushion was robbed. where's the irony, I ask you, in today's crazy, mixed up world? who will make place for the irony??
your jumper of necessity is indeed a triumph, hope it brings you much warmth over the coming months.
good to have you back around, too - was beginning to think you'd fallen off the wagon :)
I love your jumper. Seamless? I'm in!
Just for fun, I'm going to guess Thailand as your destination.
Congrats on winning! That is an enormous boost :-) LOL! As long as you don't disappear in Knitting Blues Country, it is okay ;)
We're all still here. Given the realm of possibilities on the holiday - it will have to be a guess --> yarn shopping may be involved so where would that be? Italy perhaps?
Well done on the Knitting Ribbons!!
I think the judges are more than a little staid!!
I love the "ToP' How wonderful to make such a fantastic jumper with all those attributes. I have no idea where you are going but I hope you have a great time!!!
Well done on the Show entries. I'm really impressed and I'm very surprised there weren't more entrants in the sock class. And I think you're going to Japan.
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