32.

Today I am 32. Being away from family and my closest friends, I was completely prepared for a birthday under the radar. I was going to feel sorry for myself and get take out and perhaps watch a movie. Maybe I would dramatically blow a candle out all alone. It was going to be a night straight out of the beginning of a chick flick.

Apparently, that is not quite what the universe had in store for me. Wonderful sister and best friend that she is, Kara, surprised me yesterday with the news that she is coming to Denver for one night. Tonight. So instead of pan fried noodles and the Biggest Loser I am getting my girl Kara-lara. Best present ever.

I have some ideas for life after turning 32. I am sure I will share some in the months to come. Thanks to you all for being my friends, virtual or otherwise. I think it is going to be a good year.

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The following 55 comments were originally left at blogspirit:

Of course it’s going to be a GREAT year! You have a wonderful sister who knows just what you need. She’s pretty darn special! Happy Birthday, grrlfriend!!

Posted by: margene | 10/23/2007

Happy Birthday! Look at all the talent and friends you’ve acquired in such a short time!! Look at all the difference you’ve made to so many! Happy day and many more.

Posted by: Petunia | 10/23/2007

Happy Birthday, Erin! I like a birthday celebration, I am glad Kara is visiting to help you celebrate in style!

Posted by: nova | 10/23/2007

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIN!

Posted by: lisa | 10/23/2007

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIN!

Posted by: lisa | 10/23/2007

Happy Birthday!

Posted by: Kaitie Tee | 10/23/2007

Happy birthday! I turn 32 on Sunday – here’s to a good year 🙂 Enjoy your day!

Posted by: Kirsten | 10/23/2007

Happy Birthday!!!! I can totally relate to that urge to be all dramatic about being alone on your birthday, but thankfully your sister is there to save the day! I hope the two of you have a great and memorable evening.

Posted by: Julie | 10/23/2007

Wishing you a fabulous day & a spectacular year. Enjoy the celebration time with your sister – no matter what you do I’m sure it will be a fun & memorable time! 🙂

Posted by: Amy Artisan | 10/23/2007

I’m glad that your sister is coming out to visit you! Have a happy, happy Birthday! You should email me with your phone number. We should get together soon, k?

Posted by: Wanda | 10/23/2007

How wonderful to have such a great birthday surprise! Happy Birthday and enjoy!

Posted by: Posted by: Marie | 10/23/2007

Happy birthday, Erin! Sisters rule. 🙂

Posted by: terhi | 10/23/2007

Ya Ya! Can’t wait to see you tonight. It will be a night to remember…

Posted by: Kara | 10/23/2007

What an awesome birthday present–sisters are the best! Have a super-happy time celebrating.

Posted by: Ashley | 10/23/2007

Happy Birthday!! and have a great time with your sister.

Posted by: Knittypants | 10/23/2007

The universe has a way of giving us exactly what we need, and never what we expect. Happy Birthday! I hope it was wonderful.

Posted by: Erin | 10/23/2007

Happy birthday! Have a great time!

Posted by: Posted by: Dawn | 10/23/2007

Happy Birthday Erin!!!

Posted by: Steph | 10/23/2007

Happy Birthday Erin! And yay for Kara. I hope you guys enjoy your evening.

Posted by: holli jo | 10/23/2007

Good for you, Erin!!

Posted by: Heather | 10/23/2007

Happy Birthday!!

Posted by: Crystal | 10/23/2007

Hope you had a great birthday!

Posted by: Posted by: christine | 10/23/2007

Happy happy birthday!

Posted by: tiennie | 10/23/2007

Kara’s wonderful! Happy Birthday!

Posted by: Cheryl S. | 10/23/2007

Happy Birthday! Enjoy your visit with your sister.

Posted by: materfamilias | 10/23/2007

Happy birthday! I hope you had a fabulous time with your friend x

Posted by: Lin | 10/24/2007

happy birthday gorgeous girl! i hope you have a wonderful wonderful day!!

Posted by: jacqueline | 10/24/2007

I nearly started to cry thinking about you being all alone for your birthday. Of course it didn’t take me long to realise that just YESTERDAY i had read on Kara’s blog that she was coming to see you. Duh. You two have a great time. And no saga watching without me, you hear?

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY…[hmm, i was going for 32 but that may be a little too much, perhaps] HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :0) XOXOXOXOXO

p.s It’s going to a FABULOUS year.

Posted by: vera | 10/24/2007

I hope you had a GREAT birthday, Erin!!!!

Posted by: Lolly | 10/24/2007

Hey Erin, hope your birthday was fabulous! 32 is not older, just better! Keep up the great blogging work, yours is one of my most favorites to read!

Posted by: Kristine | 10/24/2007

Happy Birthday!

Posted by: Kathy | 10/24/2007

Happy Birthday! What a nice sister 🙂

Posted by: Lauren | 10/24/2007

Happy happy birthday! May the coming year be the best yet, and may it be filled with love, fiber, chocolate and success. 🙂

Posted by: Romi | 10/24/2007

Girly, I totally feel for you! I turned 33 on an Air Force Base in the middle of Montana. It sucked! I didn’t get any dang yarn! I don’t know a soul out here older than 4.

I give you permission to tell us next year! Tell us! We won’t think anything bad about you. We will hook you up! There is nothing worse than a birthday with no party and no friends and no yarn!

I send care packages all of the time. It breaks my heart to think someone is having a nothing birthday.

Posted by: Alexandra W. | 10/24/2007

Hi!

Congrats on another year! My family doesn’t really make a big deal about birthdays, so I’ve always been really low key… then this year I decided to do a real blowout, made fancy invitations, got a friend who does wedding cakes to make me a humdinger of a fancy cake, and had the best party I’ve been to all year. Why not??? After all, you only turn 27 once 🙂

It’s hard when you’ve just moved and don’t know many people, but this time next year you’ll be able to look back and see how many friends you’ve made and how many great things have happened in only one year. For now, hope you had a blast with Kara!

Natalie

Posted by: Posted by: Natalie | 10/24/2007

How wonderful! I hope you had a great birthday.

Posted by: Michelle | 10/24/2007

Happy Birthday! What a nice sister to come spend the day with you.

Posted by: connie | 10/24/2007

happ happ happy birthday to yooooooo!

Posted by: Teyani | 10/24/2007

Belated happy birthday! What a great sister. 🙂

Posted by: Chris | 10/24/2007

Aww, sisters make a great b-day present. Happy Birthday!

Posted by: Jennifer | 10/25/2007

I hope you had a wonderful, fabulous birthday! You are lucky to have such a great sister 🙂

Posted by: rachel i. | 10/25/2007

Happy belated birthday! That’s so wonderful that Kara could visit. Hope you guys had a great time!

Posted by: Octopus Knits | 10/25/2007

Happy Birthday!

Don’t the 30s ROCK! The 30s are the best time of life so far!

Posted by: Heather Joins the Round | 10/25/2007

One more thing….I tagged you in a meme- Hope you can play!

Posted by: Julie | 10/26/2007

Happy Birthday! I hope you have a fabulous time!

Posted by: Karen | 10/26/2007

Belated birthday wishes – hope you had a great time!

Posted by: Heather | 10/27/2007

Happy Birthday, love! And don’t forget that you’re only as old as you feel. Don’t think about it too much and it will be fine. You are strong, and smart and beautiful and how many years you have lived doesn’t reflect on your self worth.

*hug*

Posted by: Miriam | 10/27/2007

It’s a bit belated, but happy birthday!

Posted by: Ella | 10/28/2007

Feliz Cumpleanos!

Posted by: Pam | 10/28/2007

hmm. I remember when I was that age.

Posted by: Posted by: Jeff | 10/29/2007

Happy Birthday!!

Posted by: pamela wynne | 10/29/2007

Sounds like a wonderful present! Glad you had a good birthday 🙂

Posted by: BAM | 10/30/2007

Happy Birthday! I think you’ve gotten 32 off to an amazing start, making such a big change as you did a few months ago. That and your knitting skills are a real inspiration to me.

Posted by: Debby | 10/31/2007

Hey Erin, I know I’m late, but hope your birthday went fabulously!!

Posted by: Erin | 10/31/2007

i can’t believe i missed this!
happy happy birthday……….better late than ever….
hope it was fantastic!

Posted by: leslie | 11/04/2007

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Bad cops are the best

After my latest post, I feel a bit like I played good cop/bad cop with you all. I couldn’t speak the hard truth to myself so I made you all give it to me. So thanks bad cops.

a bad picture, but a new start.

You were right, the extreme flair would have slowly driven me crazy. It needed to go. And now I am contemplating making the gloves longer by adding another repeat of the center cable pattern. I have no idea if I can make this work (or if I want to) but I am thinking about it.

In other news, after finally receiving the yarn I ordered for a special sock exchange, I casted on for what I think will be a beautiful sock. I only have to knit one of them, the finished sock and leftover yarn (Lorna’s Laces Shepard Sock, Firefly) will be sent to its recipient for them to knit the second. (Get it, no Single Sock Syndrome?) I picked another pattern from the IK Holiday Gifts mag, Socks for Veronik. I thought this patten would suit the yarn particularly well. I LOVE these socks so far. Hopefully my pal will too.

Progress so far…yarn not as bright in real life.

It feels like I have a lot on the needles right now. Could be because I do. Here is the low down on my current projects:

1. Socks for Veronik –half of the leg complete
2. Twisted Stitch Gauntlets –ribbing started on right glove.
3. Tangled Yoke Cardigan –finished body to underarms
4. Autumn Rose Cardigan –book arrived yesterday, swatching to begin shortly
5. Cherry –over half way through front
6. Secret Christmas Gift Project –yarn purchased

There is so much else I want to cast on for–I really wish there was more time in the day. I sometimes feel like the patterns I end up knitting have to fight it out with the other patterns to make it to the needles. Natural Selection for knitting if you will. I wonder who will be strong enough to survive.

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The following 11 comments were originally left at blogspirit:

I love those socks for Veronik – I’m definitely making those, too. I love the color you chose!

Posted by: Elizabeth | 10/20/2007

You did the right thing, starting over! You’ll actually end up wearing them.

Posted by: Julie | 10/20/2007

Lovely socks. I lose track of all the things I want to make! I must find time to use Ravelry to list them all!

Posted by: Lin | 10/21/2007

I love how you are always casting on for the newest things – I never get around to the magazines and the knitting until years later… I do love the socks you are working on! If you find more hours in the day for knitting, you must share 🙂

Posted by: Lolly | 10/21/2007

Those socks are so beautiful. The more I see from that holiday issue, the more I want to pick it up! It looks like it’s full of new designs.

Posted by: Marlena | 10/22/2007

Happy Birthday Erin!!! Hope it is fabulous and full of fun surprises!

Love you!

Posted by: Meghan | 10/23/2007

I hear it’s you birthday? May it be full of fun and celebration!

Posted by: margene | 10/23/2007

Happy Birthday, from one Erin to another. Have a lovely day!

Posted by: Artmomma | 10/23/2007

Glad you finally gave in to what you already knew. That flaring was never going to work. :0)
Such a pretty sock pattern. Just love the idea of knitting one sock and then passing it on. There is practically no room for boredom!

Posted by: vera | 10/23/2007

Happy Birthday Erin! Hope you had a great one!

Posted by: tiennie | 10/23/2007

Wow you DO have a lot on your list. Funny part is I envy your list because it is filled with wonderful things! Can wait to see them.

Also HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Posted by: Nubiancraftster | 10/23/2007

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Fall makes me happy

I loved this weekend. Waking up to rain is my favorite, especially when you don’t have to be anywhere. Then there are the leaves on the vines outside my windows changing pretty colors. And the temperature…in the afternoon I went out to meet some friends and it was perfect fall air–warm enough to be outside pleasantly, but cool enough to wear layers and drink hot chocolate. Yes, my favorite month never fails to deliver.

Swept up in the moment of fall, I casted on for a new project. Gloves.

These are the Twisted Stitch Gauntlets from the new Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts. I really, really like the picture of them in the mag but I am not sure if I am liking my version. They are meant to flare out in the bottom but mine seem to not balance with the hand.

This is my fault because I went down a needle size at the wrist in order to have them fit my narrow hands a little better. I am starting to think I should have used the smaller needles on the whole glove. It would still flare but not as drastically.

Or…do I like them? Why can’t I tell? Maybe they need fingers for me to decide. I don’t really want to start over but I do want them to look good. I like the pattern a lot and really think they would be a great staple. The yarn I am using is Rowan 4-ply soft and the color is a really dark brownish-purple (which is hard to tell from the pic.) I don’t know, what to you guys think?

Ugly wings or pretty design feature?

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The following 29 comments were originally left at blogspirit:

It looks nice the way it is, but if it’s going to bother you, you should start over. It’s extra work to rip back and knit it again, but it’s less extra work than if you knit the whole pair and never wear them. Think long-term!

Posted by: Telmah | 10/15/2007

My question is about warmth. If it’s cold out, is it going to get drafty with the flare? I think I’d re-knit to make them a little more snug, for practicality if not for looks.

Posted by: Ashley | 10/15/2007

The cableing is really beautiful, but I’m the flare does seem a little extreme. It would work really well if you wanted the gloves to pull up over the wrist of a heavy sweater or jacket, instead of trying to stuff the glove inside a cuff.

(Also, you have really lovely hands.)

Posted by: Artmomma | 10/15/2007

I really love the gloves and after going to look at the link you provided I think it would make you much happier to reduce the flare a little. Better to rip now, then to not wear them later.

Posted by: nubiancraftster | 10/15/2007

Those are really pretty. I think the flare looks like it might be a bit too much. But like Artmomma says, if you’re planning to wear them over a jacket cuff they would work well.

Posted by: Knittypants | 10/15/2007

you know, i live in knitterly denial most of the time. what i would do it stash it away for a year or two until i have the guts to rip it out and start over. this is bad advice.

will you wear it flared? if not, it may be time to rip. it’s kind of nice flared, but it does have a very different feel from the photo in the mag…either way i know they’ll turn out gorgeous. the look amazing already!

Posted by: rachel i. | 10/15/2007

Rip.

Posted by: Shannon B | 10/16/2007

They are a great pattern but I would go down a needle size for the whole thing. I don’t think that you will get the wear out of them if they are not right.

Posted by: Lin | 10/16/2007

Try them on with a coat. Does the flare fit nicely over the sleeve? That pattern is the main reason I bought the magazine;-)

Posted by: margene | 10/16/2007

When I see the glove I think “ill-fitting pattern,” but maybe that’s just me. I guess the true question is what do *you* think. They’ll be on *your* body!

Posted by: Stitch-n-Snitch | 10/16/2007

I haven’t gotten the holiday issue yet…is the flare supposed to go over your sleeve? Being something of a fan of practicality…will the openness be drafty? I like the cable, but if you don’t feel like the flare is cute or functional…I would rip and re-knit. And I am usually never an advocate for such drastic action.

Posted by: nova | 10/16/2007

Did you try them on with whatever you’re going to wear them with, I guess your winter coat? Are they supposed to go over the coat sleeve?

Posted by: Heather Joins The Round | 10/16/2007

For me, the flare distracts from the beautiful cabling – I would rip.

Posted by: Posted by: Marie | 10/16/2007

I have to agree with Ashley- especially if you’re wearing the gloves while dusting off your car- it’s so easy for the snow to get up in there without a flare.

What is it about knitted hand coverings that makes them 1000 times harder to fit to your form than sweaters? I’ve had pretty much no luck with them.

Posted by: Cathi | 10/16/2007

You’re getting great advice. I would definitely rip- especially if it’s bugging you enough to ask.

Posted by: ami | 10/16/2007

Gotta go with what appears to be the majority on this: Less flare = more flair 😉

Posted by: Crystal | 10/16/2007

They’re gorgeous! I love twisted stitches. But yeah, the flare seems to be just a bit too much. Maybe you should try them on with the jacket you would wear? They might work really well then.

Posted by: Chris | 10/16/2007

I think you might want to rip and redo, sorry though. The glove pattern looks good!

Posted by: Wanda | 10/16/2007

oh, what have you done? did you rip? i hate to say it, because they are so beautiful, however, i too would rip……….can’t wait to see what you have done!

Posted by: leslie | 10/16/2007

I’m with the majority suggesting that you rip. Also, if you’re *not sure* you like them, that tells you all you need to know.

Posted by: *karen | 10/16/2007

love the warmers. what is the pattern for that?

Posted by: Brynne | 10/17/2007

Yes, yes yes. I love the rain too – how fabulous was this weekend!

I’m going to go with the majority as well – if you’re not sure you like them, rip rip rip. Especially for something you’re going to make a staple. The pattern’s lovely…

😀

Posted by: Ella | 10/17/2007

I say rip it if you’re not sure! It is very pretty though!

Posted by: tiennie | 10/17/2007

Personally, I’d probably rip them out and do them over on the smaller needles. But hey, that could just be me. They’re still pretty regardless of what you choose!

Posted by: Erin | 10/18/2007

Frog, frog, frog! The picture on the interweave site has an almost imperceptible flair, while your gloves have some belly in their sail. The color is great, though. Nice and rich.

I love autumn as well! One of the real drawbacks to living in the desert is that there are so few rainy days… Glad to hear that you’re enjoying it!

Posted by: Posted by: Natalie | 10/18/2007

Oooh, I hate to tell you to rip, but it may the best option here. These are gorgeous. There is a definite lack of glove knitting in the blogosphere – it is good to see such a lovely pair on your needles.

Posted by: Lolly | 10/19/2007

I agree with Margene, does it fit nicely over the sleeve of a coat??

Posted by: Kristi aka Fiber Fool | 10/19/2007

RIP: RIP:
Love thye effort and idea

Posted by: Posted by: Grandma C. | 10/19/2007

You are hand model material, no doubt! I think the cables are lovely…

Posted by: Heather | 10/19/2007

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I went shopping

Visiting Utah this weekend was fruitful indeed…

Thank you to Vonnie at my old LYS, Black Sheep Wool Co., for staying open late and taking so much time to help me substitute colors for my…Autumn Rose Pullover! Yes, I took my first step towards starting on my next big project. I really hope these colors work out. I started the color substitution with wanting to sub the brown tones with greys. The purples, pinks, and blues grew out of that switch. Kara really thinks I need to call it something other than Autumn Rose based on the colors I chose. Any ideas? I really hope the colors work well together but I won’t really know until I swatch. Swatching should commence in the next week or so, once the book is delivered. I had to order it online because it was sold out everywhere I went. I ordered the pattern book and some pretty sock yarn for a sock I need to cast on for asap–more on that later. Isn’t knitting SO exciting?!

In the mean time I am plugging away at my Tangled Yoke Cardigan and my DVR box. When I got back into town Monday I had a 95% full DVR. I love new tv season time. I haven’t liked every show I recorded but there are a few keepers. Pushing Daisies is adorable and that Chuck show is funny. Side note: The main guy in Chuck is my next boyfriend. I actually saw him at lunch one day in Salt Lake City. I later learned that he (Zachary Levi ) was in town filming a movie. He might be the most attractive guy I have seen in person. From what I observed, he seemed really nice and unaware of his infinite hotness. And confident and smart and funny–there was lots of laughing at his table. (I love how I pretend to really know people just from being an unintentional stalker.)

Anywhoo, life is good when you have a big bowl of really thin yarn just waiting to turn into a super complicated and time consuming sweater. Anyone else in?

P.S. to all my Utah knitting friends, I am so sad I couldn’t be there over a Tuesday to come knit with you all. I will be back in December for the holidays–hopefully I can make an SnB night then.

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The following 22 comments were originally left at blogspirit:

What a beautiful palette of yarns for your next project! Pushing Daisies is definitely a keeper – especially after the knit connection in last night’s show. 🙂 New TV season is great for knitting – look forward to seeing how Autumn Rose blooms for you.

Posted by: Amy Artisan | 10/11/2007

I love your substutitions! I’m thinking about doing this new Eunny project. My main problem with this and the previous design is the batwing effect of the armholes. I’m thinking about knitting the sleeves flat for set-in sleeves. Are you planning to re-design that area as well? Sewing was my first love. Sleeves look best when they join the body of the piece at the shoulder joint.

Posted by: Posted by: Sharon | 10/11/2007

Oh, I can’t wait to see this project grow. I’ve loved the pattern since I first saw it (can’t remember if that was on Eunny’s site, way back?). You did such a lovely job of the Venezia Pullover, I know this one will turn out beautifully as well. I think I’ll order the book, at least, and maybe assemble the yarns and swatch. Have to finish a few other things before I could start knitting so you’ll be my vicarious Autumn Rose knitter.

Posted by: materfamilias | 10/11/2007

Given your love of puns, Rose of Erin?

Posted by: Heather Joins The Round | 10/11/2007

I love the Autumn Rose Pullover, but I haven’t had the gumption to actually start one. I’m looking forward to seeing you make one, though!

Posted by: Marlena | 10/11/2007

ohhhhh that pullover is going to be so pretty in those colors!

and i can’t believe you saw that chuck guy, he’s definitely cute!

Posted by: rachel i. | 10/11/2007

How about posting the Baccardi Rum sauce recipe your family so loves?

Posted by: Michael A. Cleverly | 10/11/2007

We miss you and will hold you to a drive by in December.

Posted by: margene | 10/12/2007

Oh goody! We will get to see more of your gorgeous fair isle! I don’t have any ideas for a different name for it though, the colours look great.

Posted by: Lin | 10/12/2007

Oh, wow, I’m so excited! I’m waiting for Autumn Rose for Christmas, and I simply can’t wait to see how beautiful your yarn subs look. Maybe you could call it your Antique Rose?

Posted by: sulafaye | 10/12/2007

The colors you and Vonnie picked will be just beautiful, and I’m sure you’ll do a wonderful job on it. Too bad you couldn’t come to SnB, but hopefully we’ll see you in December!

Posted by: Cheryl S. | 10/12/2007

Erin! I was so sad I missed you on Friday. But, thanks for your note- I dooo like you; I really do!

I also love ‘Pushing Dasies.’ I think it’s such a fun show! I miss talking TV with you, girl!

I especially loved this phrase in your post: ‘he seemed really nice and unaware of his infinite hotness’ you make me laugh!

Hope you had a great SLC weekend!

Posted by: laceyJ. | 10/12/2007

I can’t wait to see how it turns out. Maybe you could call yours English Rose instead of Autumn Rose. The colors make me think of a grand Victorian garden with elaborate rose bushes.
I want to finish up my Tangled Yoke and then I’ll be starting my Autumn Rose too. I can’t wait. I love all the finished ones I have seen pictures of so far.

Posted by: Michelle | 10/12/2007

Glad you had a great time! Love Pushing Daisies and Chuck. If I weren’t married, I’d be fighting you for Zachary Levi!

Posted by: tiennie | 10/12/2007

Oh wow that Autumn Rose pullover is going to be a stunner!

Posted by: Heather | 10/13/2007

The new colors look wintery to me – but not dreary at all! I hope they work, because they’re gorgeous.

Posted by: Chris | 10/13/2007

Oh, my, those colors are beautiful and will look great on you. I agree, English Rose, is a good name.

Posted by: Wanda | 10/14/2007

Love the colors you’ve chosen. They’ll make a lovely Autumn Rose. I just ordered my copy of the pattern, too, although I think I will practice my fair isle for a while longer before I commit to this project. It’s to pretty to not give it my best. Can’t wait to watch you knit it.

Posted by: Knittypants | 10/14/2007

OK. So funny story. Before I really was paying attention to the new shows that were going to be coming on my friend, Nicole (well actually she’s more my sister-in-law’s friend, but I have hung out with her a few times), posts this bulletin on MySpace saying we all need to watch Chuck this fall because it is their friend from high school days. So I am linked to Chuck… kinda.

Posted by: Lisa | 10/15/2007

For whatever reason, I can not track down SS4…not that I would knit the sweater tomorrow or anything…you know, just for planning. Yours is going to be awesome.

Posted by: nova | 10/15/2007

Aahhh, you’re starting it! I’m so jealous, I really wish I could afford this right now. But that’s going on the list, big time. Love it love it love it.

Posted by: Sarah | 10/15/2007

I agree that it looks wintery… Frost on the Rose?

Can’t wait to see what you do with this! Especially now that you’ve got all your office mates for help and advice 🙂

And it’s good to have you back and posting a little more often. I know I can’t complain (blogless gal that I am) but I’ve missed your updates 🙂

Posted by: Posted by: Natalie | 10/15/2007

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Highlights from my Recent Trek East

• Hanging out with two great friends both of whom I met while studying abroad in London in 1995. We have been friends for 12 years. Crazy.
• Having a friendly homeless beggar tell me how nice I looked one night. He even said it AFTER my friend gave him some money. Now, normally I don’t take compliments from strange men on the street to heart, but this guy really seemed sincere. I asked my friend if he thought the homeless guy meant what he said and he told me he thought he did. Nice.
• Food. Lots and lots of good food. (Followed of course by lots and lots of gym time this week.)
• Seeing famous people. Sort of. I saw a guy in a hotel lobby that I could tell is an actor (since he was so much better looking than normal people) but I have no idea who he is. I think he might be on TV but I can’t place what show. So I think I saw someone who is at best quasi-famous. But I saw him.
• Walking everywhere. I love that you can so easily navigate New York by foot.
• Spending a beautiful day with my cute cousin Meghan and the happiest baby on earth, McKinlay, in Boston.
• Learning that Johnny Cupcakes is in fact NOT a cupcake store but a deceptively designed “bakery” selling t-shirts and underwear. Super lame. Meghan and I were severely disappointed since we excitedly spied the store front and eagerly opened the doors in anticipation. Note to Johnny Cupcakes: Maybe you should sell some cupcakes. Just a thought. Speaking of cupcakes…
• Inadvertently getting on a You Tube video with my co-worker Michelle. Unknown to me, there was this couple on a fake date to a really good cupcake shop in Boston called Lulu’s. I am walking down the street with my co-worker Michelle and spy a sign for Lulu’s cupcakes. Michelle is walking a little ahead of me and so I call out to her to stop so we can both enjoy a delicious cupcake. As soon as I say her name I notice that this couple on the steps turned to look right at me and then I see that there is a guy filming them. I slowly saunter over to Michelle and we watch as they walk across the street. We go into the cupcake shop and find out that it is part of some Improv show and the “Cupcake Dates” are filmed and put on You Tube. I am SO famous. Watch from 2:05-2:17. That is when I make my guest appearance (I am in the green jacket). The rest of the “date” is kind of lame so I wouldn’t bother watching.
• Finding out that I have a serious thing for cupcakes.
• And finally, getting past the bottom ribbing on my Tangled Yoke Cardigan.

It worked everybody–the trip gave me my knitting mojo back!

(sigh) I love the east coast.

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The following 27 comments were originally left at blogspirit:

Are you obssessed with cupcakes?! Glad your knitting mojo is back.

Posted by: Lin | 10/02/2007

Wow…I went to watch the video and caught the 15sec before you walked through, and wow…that was horribly lame. Not you, the tool trying to dance.
I am stalled on the first sleeve for Tangle Yoke. I really want to get to the fun part (ie the cable) but that doesn’t happen too quickly if you keep working on other projects instead.

Posted by: Christy/ Not Hip | 10/02/2007

WOW, that guy was ANNOYING! How’d you find out you were in the video? Did they make you sign a release?

I love Boston. And New York. Totally for the walking, too.

Posted by: Alarming Female | 10/02/2007

Glad all’s well again with your knitting. I’m doing Central Park Hoodie, now, and it’s getting me back on track.

Posted by: Petunia | 10/02/2007

You were definitely the highlight of that video. Maybe you stole that guy’s dancing mojo!!

PS I would be crushed if I found underwear instead of cupcakes too.

Posted by: sulafaye | 10/02/2007

you are SO famous! knowing you almost makes up for the fact that i still have a major cupcake craving

remember next trip–we go to maine! 🙂

Posted by: megs | 10/02/2007

…and on to the endless sea of stockinette…made infinitely better by the ability to concentrate on the movie being watched due to hands on autopilot. Now if only there was a way to consume cupcakes while knitting st st mindlessly all during a great movie or tv show!

Posted by: beatknit | 10/02/2007

Haha, I’ve got to see the YouTube video!

And P.S., I think we’re still in exactly the same place on the cardigan!

Posted by: Kim | 10/02/2007

Hey! I posted about cupcakes (even posted a photo or two) a few posts ago after we enjoyed some from a great little shop in Vancouver’s West End, Cupcakes, just a block or two from the beach (that’s Vancouver, BC, Canada– pretty sure your version in Washington doesn’t have a beach!). Come visit some day and you can get yourself a little box of yummy, pretty cupcakes and take them down to the ocean for a perfect picnic (not very balanced, but perfect!)

Posted by: materfamilias | 10/02/2007

Cupcakes! I lovie the cupcakes and well there is nothing so grand as the east coast to get you going again.

Posted by: Posted by: annzy | 10/02/2007

Welcome back! There’s nothing like a good cupcake. 🙂

I’m with you on the east coast. Gotta get back there!

Posted by: Amy | 10/02/2007

Glad you had such a good trip! Sounds like fun.

Posted by: Wanda | 10/02/2007

Sounds like a great trip! And it does indeed sound like you have a thing for cupcakes.

Posted by: Michelle | 10/02/2007

hooray for all that stuff… but *especially* for cupcakes and for knitting mojo!

Is that the “Pickle” colorway for your TY? I love it.

Posted by: pamela wynne | 10/02/2007

Why do you keep getting more and more famous?! YouTube. There is no stopping you now.

Can’t wait to see you this weekend!

Posted by: Kara | 10/02/2007

Yeah for traveling bringing back knitting mojo! Those cupcakes must have helped too 🙂

Posted by: Kristi aka Fiber Fool | 10/02/2007

Yay for mojo return. I think the cool weather did it for me. The East Coast is easy to love. I do love to visit but not sure I could live there…I love ‘me’ mountains;-)

Posted by: margene | 10/02/2007

sounds like a fabulous and refreshing trip. the tangled yoke cardigan is looking lovely too. glad you got your knitting mojo back!

Posted by: rachel i. | 10/02/2007

Love your cardi! Glad you had yourself some fun, cupcakes or no cupcakes…

Posted by: Heather | 10/02/2007

Can you meet up tomorrow. I’m in Denver right now.

Posted by: susan | 10/02/2007

That’s too funny about the cupcake date! Ha! It sounds like you had a great time!

Posted by: Erin | 10/03/2007

Glad you had a great time and I’m glad your mojo’s back! I’ve missed you blogging and your beautiful projects and lovely life!

Posted by: tiennie | 10/03/2007

I am glad your knitting mojo has returned, and I am glad you had fun on the east coast! It’s a fun place!

Posted by: nova | 10/05/2007

Glad you had a good time on your trip. I did part of my undergrad in Boston and love the area. You knit beautifully. Been admiring your work for a while and decided to delurk and comment 🙂

Posted by: connie | 10/06/2007

love that you got your knitting mojo back….i have the yarn to make the tangled yolk…just haven’t cast on…
sounds like a fantastic weekend…..isn’t it funny how a total stranger saying you look nice, is such a pick me up! 🙂
i actually watched that whole video! too funny.

Posted by: leslie | 10/09/2007

This is my first visit and I just went through your entire gallery. You have sure come a long, long way since your striped scarf just a couple of years ago!

I love how you’ve formatted your FO’s – very informative!

I’ve someone coming over today for help casting on her first scarf and I sure plan to show her your progress for inspiration!

Posted by: Posted by: Marie | 10/10/2007

According to the lame guy, he “has a lot of depth.” Hmmm. I think the girl would’ve been bes served by getting cupcakes with you and leaving his sorry butt in the street.

I love Boston and NYC! Do you think I should move there instead of LA? Would the dating scene be better than DC? I see no improvement if it contains tools like the one from the video.

I picked up crochet but I suck. I am deeply shamed by all your master pieces. Maybe I should knit instead.

Posted by: Pam | 10/10/2007

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