Resolutions

Earlier this month, I resolved to be more neat with my knitting supplies. Needles would be neatly organized in a plastic box, yarn stash would be tidy, and all my little knitting supplies would be kept neatly in a small makeup bag. Things would be put up instead of scattered about the house. I am proud to say that I have kept that up but have been reminded in the meantime why I don't make New Year's resolutions. That neat little bag of supplies...it's gone. I have no clue where it went. I can't remember taking it anywhere so it must be buried around the house somewhere. Perhaps at work but it hasn't turned up there. All my small things, the stitch markers, tapestry needles, scissors, etc. are gone.

I discovered this missing bag last Wednesday. Backyard Leaves was finished for Thursday's Secret Santa gift exchange, just a few ends to weave in. I couldn't find a needle! It was 10:00 at night, and a trip to the 24 hour Walmart was inevitable. I got the bright idea to check the couch cushions, and lo and behold, I found a lone needle and a couple of stitch markers. You know you are a knitter when, buried in your couch cushions, instead of coins, you find supplies. I know the surest way to find the bag is to go buy all new stuff but I haven't yet. I'm determined to find it.

Ooh, what do we have here?

I ended up spending my LYS gift certificate on yarn for Salina from Rowan Vintage Knits. I've loved Salina ever since I saw it on Becky's blog and bought the book mostly for this pattern (and fortunately, there are several others I want to knit too and some I love but can't see myself knitting/wearing). It's a green shade in the book but I pictured it in a darker shade, burgundy or dark plum. My LYS doesn't carry Rowan but I thought Elsbeth Lavold Silky Wool would be perfect. They only had 3 skeins of the plummy shade I really loved and wanted but when I laid eyes on this blue-green color, I decided to go for it instead. It's gorgeous, and my blue eyes tend to take on whatever color blue I am wearing so it will be a good color on me too.

I cast on for the Loopy Velez Cowl my co-worker asked me to make for her. It's in some stash white with a sparkly thread running through it Wool-Ease. I made one of these before, same yarn, (see picture here) and forgot just how annoying these loops can be! It's a mess. I somehow dropped 2 stitches in the first row of loops but didn't catch it until a couple rows later. I did just discover these directions for knitting the loop stitch that are a little different from the ones in SNB and are a little easier for my thread. The problem I was having is that the yarn is a little splitty because of that sparkly thread and K2Tog was tough. I was watching a basketball game at the same time so I wasn't paying super close attention either. I ripped out a couple hours of work but hopefully the rest will go more quickly!

Have a happy New Year everyone!