Scatterbrained

I feel like I have so much to tell you that I can hardly write, so I’ve decided to write a random post to get everything out of my brain. It’s something that I don’t particularly like to do, so I hope you’ll excuse me and know that it’s not something I plan on doing often.

Goodale
If I had posted a Covet Wednesday this week, I would have told you how I’m coveting Goodale:

Goodale by Cecily Glowik MacDonald

I think it would be a great piece to add to my teaching wardrobe, as it’s a nice cardi to wear over a dress or skirt, and with the crazy nature of the temperatures at the university, I can always use more of those! The big question now is what yarn to use when I am able to cast on.

Mirasol Nuna #18 French Navy for a classic wardrobe piece

or Araucania Ruca #13 for something unique

I’m torn! Let me know what you think in the comments.

A Quick Trip
We had to make a crazy quick trip down to my parents’ house on Thursday to make some car repairs. Luckily, we also managed to squeeze in some vacationing during our 24-hour trip.

On the way down we stopped at S.R. Harris, which has got to be the biggest fabric store in Minnesota.
It is a massive fabric warehouse, and everything is 50% off of the bolt prices. I only snapped this one shot, but the store stretches in every direction from where I was standing with fabric up to the ceiling. We had to make our stop short, but we managed to walk through the entire warehouse during our visit.
I managed to walk away with four pieces of fabric, which I think shows enormous restraint on my part! From left to right: a print with which to make a dress for an August wedding, a floaty print for a top secret project (or two–I overbought because there was a substantial tear in it), a gray-blue wool pinstripe and a gray-brown wool solid for teaching skirts. I can’t wait to visit again (especially if I have more time), but I’ll have to wait until I do a bunch of sewing if I don’t want to end up with a substantial fabric stash for which I don’t have space.

Next stop was my parent’s place for car repairs and cookie baking–a thoroughly productive afternoon. We then went to a party where I got to see 4-H friends that I haven’t seen in around five years. It was amazing how little everyone had changed from back when we were so close–we even jokingly called it a “grown-up” party. We capped off our evening with swing dance at the Tapestry, my favorite swing venue in MN.

Golden Birthday Shrug
We also managed to snap a few photos of the shrug that I made back in April for my golden birthday.
I happened to wear it to the party, I had my hair looking nice (I’ve been wearing it up all the time lately because of the heat), and it was a sunny day. Oh, and I had Sweetie around for once to take photos–work has been keeping him busy!
I went with a single color and shorter sleeves for spring/summer. This project knit up quickly and fits well, so I could definitely see working it up in different variations.
I also found shoes that are a perfect match–they were meant to be!

Pattern: Two-Tone Ribbed Shrug in Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel
Yarn: 1.3 skeins Cascade 220 Quatro #5014
Needles: US 8 and 5
Made for: Me
Timeline: April 18-22, 2010
Modifications: I made my sleeves 4” long from the underarm: 2” stockinette and 2” ribbing. I could have made them longer and still gotten the above-the-elbow look I wanted.
Worst Part: someone spilled red wine on it at the party 😦
Best Part: being able to quickly whip up something new for my birthday

etc.
Friday was a long day. After being out late the night before, we had to leave early in the morning so that I could make it to work at the shop by 10. I had planned to take a nap after work, but I ended up picking up my flute for the first time in years. It was really scary, as music used to be a huge part of my life and I wasn’t sure how terrible I would sound, but I wasn’t as bad as I had feared and I’m glad I did it. I’m now looking into joining an ensemble to give me a reason to play again. I think I needed the long break that I took since quitting my music performance major was so difficult for me, but it’s time to make playing a part of my life again.

I’ve spent a good part of today watching the Harry Potter marathon on tv and knitting the class sample of my February Baby Sweater, which I’m hoping to have done tomorrow. I admired the Weasley twins’ hats…
…and was so glad to see that there are two interpretations of the pattern available on ravelry. I may have to knit one up!