I'm all but finished with the second pair of Ragtop mitts and have a great idea for photographing them -- and I'll be doing that this weekend! There might be a puppy involved, too. Meanwhile, I sort of panic at the thought of bare needles, so there was a need for a new project (yes, a NEED).
Virtually indestructible, the standard of perfection...
it's little (angelic) Susan Bates!
I'm not sure where this "Circlon Whisper Smooth Nylon Circular Knitting Needle" with the "perfect ball points" and "precision tapered points" came from, but it was the only circ I had in the size and, more or less, length that I needed. I soaked it in hot water, as the package suggests, to loosen up the curl a bit and cast on! Circs not being my preferred type of needle, I am loathe to go out and buy one if I can make do. And, yes, I did consider modifying the pattern to knit it in pieces, but I also have a pile of sweaters waiting to be seamed... an activity that always seems to take a certain (and, apparently, infrequent) alignment of the stars. The needle is pink -- a very, very soft pink that I think comes only when a much brighter color has faded -- a very nice contrast to the black cotton I'm knitting. It's actually quite a nice needle, as far as circular needles go.
Inspired by an outfit (top half, at least) that Kalinda was wearing on The Good Wife a few weeks ago, I'm knitting Gretel. Heheheh. Yeah. Archie Punjabi and I are pretty much opposites in body type, but I thought that maybe this idea could work.
The further the day progressed yesterday, the more it seemed like Friday. There was a good vibe at work, lighthearted and even jovial, which felt really great. While a great weariness came over me on the way home, I was mustered by a second wind and started to prep the yarn for my last "red month" dye job. I'm feeling a little all over the place but getting a jump on the weekend projects. I've chosen a pattern (or three) for my project and settled on the yarn, so will be dyeing for that, and also playing around with over-dyeing 95g of already-red yarn left over from another project.
Besides dyeing and knitting, plans for the 3-day weekend include a trip to an architectural salvage place (or two) with Rusty, and playing with two little boys who are coming with their parents for a visit tomorrow. I hope to get a bike ride in between raindrops, too; it's going to be cold, but I scored a lightweight zippered layer on sale the other day. TGIF! I'm ready for the weekend.
gosh, great packaging. good luck with the new sweater and all that dyeing!
Posted by: cauchy09 | May 27, 2011 at 10:19 AM
I LOVE Gretel! Can't wait to see yours. . . it's on my Want-To-Knit list (but I have to finish a certain purple monstrosity before I dare cast on for anything else). Have a wonderful weekend, Vicki!
Posted by: Kym | May 27, 2011 at 10:22 AM
The long weekend will revive us and there will be time to do many fun things with family and friends. Enjoy your weekend! I can't wait to see your PS project, the reds you create and what comes next!! Happy happy holiday weekend!! xoxo
Posted by: margene | May 27, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Interesting - I didn't know you were not a fan of the circulars! Gretel is a lovely pattern - such an elegant neckline.
Posted by: Julia | May 28, 2011 at 02:24 PM
I like my vintage nylon needles! The cables may not be the thinnest, but they're fairly flexible (better than the old aluminum-tip circs) and the joins are super-smooth, being molded in! Nice tips, too, not too dull, not pointy enough to hurt my fingers, and good resilience. I like 'em in sweater sizes, though maybe not for lace.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Posted by: Cathy-Cate | May 28, 2011 at 05:35 PM
Well, I could agree with "virtually indestructible."
Posted by: Lynne | June 23, 2011 at 06:53 AM