As usual, I've been piling up items to report, and taking no photos at all. And starting too many things and not finishing enough. So. Last week I received Folk Socks (courtesy of a Christmas Amazon gift certificate) as well as The Sweater Workshop. I've begun reading Folk Socks, and shoot--it really rocks, just like the Harlot said. I wonder if Kate knows there's a pattern for Scottish kilt hose in the book. Finally, the narrative explanation of sock construction that I've needed all along, although I still want a diagram of sock anatomy and construction. When they say pick up stitches and knit across the instep, I want to see it. Don't make me picture needles #1 and 3 in my head--show me.
This week has been all about two things: preparing for my half-marathon on Sunday, and Macworld Expo. Last Saturday, before it really started raining again, I did my last long training run and strategized about how I'll handle the actual run. It really helped with the jitters I was feeling, and helped me put it into perspective. I have a really solid endgame strategy now: It consists of handfuls of Advil, washed down with margaritas drunk through a bendy straw while lying on my side in the fetal position. This will follow my strong 8-mile run and refreshing 5-mile walk.
On Sunday I got a deep-tissue massage at the Claremont Hotel, courtesy of a birthday gift certificate I hung onto. I have to say it's a wonderful splurge--after they get done kneading the knots out of your back, they put a hot towel on you and cover you up with a blanket--then they start on your neck. I can't afford to do that very often, but I think I can come up with an excuse about once a year.
I made some progress on the second Noro mitt, as well as making a mistake in the pattern--but I'm not going to rip back. I'd like to think that the pattern deviation provides some welcome variety. I'm no slave to convention or rules.
Because we're headed out on a long road trip this weekend (the half-marathon is in San Diego), I cast on for the second Mer-Made sock, so I'll have something brainless to knit in the car. We'll see if my new-found understanding of sock construction translates into a better-looking sock. And because I have no self-control, I also cast on for the colorwork hat for Jane. The two main colors are a dark brick red and a pale, heathered sage; it will have charcoal-black accents. I had to buy about 8 different colors of Cascade 220 to settle on this 3-color combination--and the purple skein that's about the shade of boysenberry yogurt, I don't know. I don't think I really like it. We started with a purple-gray-black color scheme, but I rejected that right quick. Since I bought the yarn at different times in different states, I found that my preferred local yarn shop's prices are on the high side, but I guess you do pay something for convenience. And the Latvian braid that borders this hat kicks butt--I'm in love with it. I'm only partway through the first colorwork repeat, though. When I have more done, and when it's not the dead of night, I'll take pictures.
For the past two days I've been at Macworld Expo for my job, meeting with hardware and software makers, and seeing what's new for Macintosh. It's rather more interesting than a typical computer trade show, mostly because Macs are used in publishing and other creative professions, so the products are aimed at media professionals--it's often products that I would use in my day-to-day job.
Anyway, between work deadlines, travel, and the race, it's likely to be another several days before I post again. Wish me luck and stamina on Sunday.
Good luck! Have a blast! You'll be soooo proud of yourself....
(And hey, did you see the iShuffle? Want one, want one.... )
:)
Posted by: Rachael | 01/14/2005 at 06:30 AM