Distractions

It's nearly the new year, and I've certainly not maintained this blog as much as I've wanted. And while I may feel cliche enough to try and make it a New Year's resolution, I think I'll skip it and just try and do better. Especially when I have a master who looks like this:

How hard can it be? Then again, It might be yet another reason to do nothing...

More knitting-related distractions:

I have still not finished the gift I started working on nearly a month ago. While earlier this year it felt like I had no time, currently it's more like a lack of discipline when I do have time. I succumb very easily to new videos I get to watch (lately it's been a marathon of Sex and the City followed by Disney movies) and so I choose to watch instead of pulling out my knitting on the subway, during my lunch break or once I get home. Perhaps that iPod Touch was not such a good idea...

And then there is the newest addition to my satchel arsenal:

I received it as a gift for my birthday this past weekend from my friend, Stevie. I believe that she purchased it at a holiday market they do in several locations in the city. This one in particular most likely came from the one in Union Square, where I have always drooled over their wares, but never bought any as they tend to be very out of my volunteer salary. But as I am a "bag whore" as Stevie refers to it, she knew I would love it. Which I do.

Only one problem (which brings us to the next distraction): It is a bit small to carry around knitting in. Any of my bigger knitting projects are out of the question. However, it is just the right size to bring about my newest book purchase:

A fellow knitter friend of mine suggested this book to me. After reading the intro- duction online, I couldn't help but go and pick it up from the closest store that had it in stock. I haven't gotten to far, so I'll have to post my thoughts on it later, but I think I may have found my self a mistress. And this one comes with a riding crop from what I've read.

Lessons in Cables

I've been working on Lion Brand's Mixed Message Scarf for a few days. It's the first time I've ever followed a pattern that wasn't just ions of stockinette, or just doing a garter stitch. And this is what I've learned (so far):

1) Following a pattern can be easy. Despite that it is my first time ever doing a pattern of this level, I must say that it is fairly easy to follow. Now, that may depend on one's ability to adapt, but so far I've gone along without too many tribulations.

2) Reading patterns on the subway is not easy. Perhaps one day, I will be the sort of knitter that can memorize a pattern and simply knit from memory. Until that day comes though, it will prove for some interesting subway rides with a lot of juggling and stitch-by-stitch progress.

3) Cables really do afford a lot of bang for very little work. I've always admired cables in knitted items, and almost find the idea of cables alone synonymous with knitwear. I was incredibly nervous about it at first, but it has proven to be pretty quick to pick up. It makes me want to learn how they truly work and master them.

4) How to go back in my work. I've had to undo one particular section, and seemed to start up again on the wrong row. This led to a longer than necessary cable, and since I am quickly becoming a Type A knitter (sorry Harlot) to me frogging back to before the mistake existed. Of course, this is what caused the problem to begin with. My boyfriend has been kind enough to deal with me as I talk to myself wondering "How could I have gone wrong with this? I know I did a knit there, so why does it look like a purl?" Hopefully he doesn't have me committed. Or worse, take my knitting away.

5) Velcro is your enemy. Though I'm sure the statement to anyone reading this must make sense immediately, let me explain my particular situation. I purposefully bought an extra-large sized messenger bag for when I'm working on my knitting. Between all the yarn, needles, other tools, my books, work-related items of the week, etc., it was just getting to crowded in my original messenger bag. However, with the new bag came not two, but four Velcro strips to keep it shut. And while I find those strips handy when wanting the enormous thing to remain closed, it is not very helpful when my yarn attaches itself to one of the higher strips.