Orangina

Pattern: Orangina by Stephanie Japel
Yarn: Rowan 4 ply cotton "provence" - 3 balls
Needles: US2 24" circulars
Modifications: Cast on 9 less stitches for the smallest size, went down one needle size.

This summer top is a lot of fun and very easy to knit. The lace pattern is easy to memorize. A nice quick project finished in less than two weeks. The fit turned out to be just right with the modifications. I used a warm iron to press the top edges flat. I'm surprised I only needed two and a half balls. The smallest size called for five. I knew there would be leftovers, it's just more than I expected.

It's about time I finished something. It's been a while since my last completed project. Now I'm going to continue on my lace shawls again. I can use a break from the cotton. It's definitely not my favorite kind of yarn to knit with. But cotton makes perfect sense for the season. And I really like this shade of lilac.

Here's a progress photo of the Kimono Shawl.

Wendy

I've been reading Wendy's blog since last March. Besides the fact that her knitting is incredible, her blog is one of my favorite because her writing is so enjoyable. She posts five days a week and every single one of them is a delight. I was so pleased when I found out she was coming to New York to sign her book.

So on Sunday, I went to Knitty City to attend her book signing. I was such a dork! I couldn't go up to say hello until towards the end when it was time for signing. I was just really shy and nervous and embarrassed. What was I thinking?! She was very nice to me anyway and let me take a picture with her.

Anyway, so Wendy read from her book, answered questions and talked to all of us. Time went by quick of course. She also showed us her qiviut wrist warmers. They are unbelievable! Qiviut is so soft and delicate, it is so beautiful. Kay took a picture of it here. Yes! Kay was there! It was really nice meeting her, too.

Orangina

I've been knitting Orangina for the past few days. I'm using Rowan 4 ply cotton in "provence". I really didn't need to start this when I'm already in the middle of so many projects. But I saw Felicia cast on for it and I couldn't help myself.

Knit whatever

"Kimono Shawl"

There are projects waiting for me to finish, but they can wait. I just want to knit whatever I feel like these days. I'll knit anything that entertains me, if it looks exciting, I'm casting on for it. Guilty for neglecting the WIP's? Nah! It's my hobby, just want to have fun, that's all.

I'm preoccupied with a bunch of things that I ordered online that came in the mail last week, more yarns and more patterns. I started "Kimono Shawl" from Folk Shawls using some Zephyr I bought. That's one repeat so far in the photo above. It's a pleasure to knit this using my ebony straights. They're pointy enough for the decreases. A lot of you know how frustrating it can be when using needles that are just too blunt for lace.

This is the reason for the insane price I paid for the magazine I bought from Ebay. The "Orenburg Lace Triangle" by Galina Khmeleva. Shawl patterns are everywhere, but this particular one seems very unique. This pattern is not too difficult, it does require picking up stitches and short rows, nothing I haven't done before, but it'll be my first time doing them on 2mm needles.

Another distraction is this, the "Trellis Scarf" in the current issue of Interweave Knits. I'm using the called for yarn, Knit Picks' Alpaca Cloud in "smoke". Ms. Clark consistently comes up with pretty, pretty lace patterns.