Saturday, April 29, 2006

Argh!

Okay, so it's been a while since my last post but it's been an especially hectic week. We had our front door changed on Wednesday and then I realised on Thursday that (holy cow) my driving exam was Friday! So I thought it about time to start studying and I realised that I really don't have the capacity to concentrate on a textbook for very long anymore. Too many distractions. Too boring. And I know it won't be the end of the world if I fail. So instead I finished this:


It's the foxy pirate sweater from Phildar knit in Aviso. And the eighth time was the charm on the intarsia medallion. Check it out!


I ended up doing something you are never supposed to do. Are you ready for this? I didn't weave in all those ends. I knotted them instead! Gasp! And I don't feel bad about it. I realised that the reason the tension was always off and uneven the first bajillion times was because I weaved in the ends as I went and it caused the stitches to pull. I tried to knit more loosely to account for the change in tension resulting from the weaving in and that didn't look good either. Then I found a site (thought I don't remember which one) that recommended square knots. Let me tell you, it didn't take long to sell me on the idea. So I knotted all those ends and dabbed the knots with some 'fray away' to make sure there's no way in heck that they'll unravel and ta-da! It's nice even intarsia! Here are some stills.




But then I really had to study. Thankfully, I have the greatest most supportive husband in the world who took the day off on Friday to baby sit while I CRAMMED! My exam was at 2pm and I started studying at 9am. That's probably why I was so nervous going into the exam. I was convinced I would fail. Too many details. The subtleties of the french exam. Multiple choice (the worse kind of test ever). My knees were shaking as I waited in line for my turn. And I really don't know why because there's no big deal. Really. If I failed one of the 3 sections, all I would have to do is go back next week and retake the section of the test that I failed. And I could keep doing this until I passed them all.

So they called my name and I went to my assigned computer terminal to take the test. I took my time. Rereading every word at least 5 times before submitting my answer, held my breath to see if I got it right and I did. Question after question. And I aced it! Took a picture. A vision test. A gazillion pieces of paper to sign and then I got it...my very own learner's permit! I'm so excited about it. Well except that I'm terrified to actually get in the car and drive! Good thing I have 8 months to learn and practice before my road test. So I haven't actually been behind the wheel yet (even though I have a permit to do so, yay!) and am not really looking forward to that part. I don't know if I should go out in a parking lot with Stephen first or if I should wait for the instructor? Well I have lots of time to procrastinate on that one ;0)

When I got home, there was a lovely little UPS package waiting for me on my back porch. It contained this gorgeous bowl:


It was handmade by the uber talented Jennifer of Knit Mama Knit and I was really excited to be her first etsy buyer (click here to check out her shop). I love this bowl! It is more beautiful than a photograph could ever capture and I just love to hold it.

I've been walking around the house with it trying to find it a suitable home. I haven't yet. So it's sitting in my lap holding the yarn, buttons and rick rack for my next project


I just realised last night that there are two yellow and orange Project Spectrum days left (including today) and I still have at least 5 projects in mind for this month. And part of me thinks it's still possible.


The totally deluded part! LOL!!! I can probably finish 2 things if Jujube will let me. Okay, maybe.

Cheers!

14 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh! Julian is so adorable. You should put the baby to work modeling. Earn his keep.The sweater turned out fabulous. Congrats on the test. I didn't get my license till my kids were 3 and 1 and have never looked back. Don't know how I managed without it.

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  2. That is the cutest sweater EVER! I love it. Maybe it's the model? The model certainly does not hurt.

    Yay for getting your permit! Congratulations!

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  3. Congrats on passing your test! I had to renew my DL early once (long story), and because I had to do it early they made me retake the written test! Ridiculous!

    Your sweater looks great - and I'm all for knotting those ends!

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  4. Your sweet little Julian looks adorable in that pirate sweater. How clever on the intarsia. I am glad you got your learner's permit. I have driven a car since I was 21 and would not be without my licence. Just think of all the yarn stores you will be able to drive to when you want.

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  5. Julian looks so adorable in his new sweater! You did a fabulous job on it too!

    Congrats on getting your learners permit, that is so exciting!

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  6. Anonymous9:32 p.m.

    The sweater came out great!!!

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  7. Beautiful baby and sweater!

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  8. Ahhh, that sweater is soooo cute on that sooooo cute little boy. Julian is a lucky boy to have such a talented knitting Mommy. And now she'll learn to drive ... congrats on passing the test with flying colors ... you'll do just fine behind the wheel. Take it 1 day at a time!

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  9. Anonymous8:32 a.m.

    that pirate jacker is super-adorable!

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  10. Anonymous6:33 p.m.

    The pirate sweater is sooo adorable. You did a great job with the knitting, picking out the colors. What a happy little baby! Oh, and congrats on passing the test!

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  11. Anonymous9:11 p.m.

    That pirate sweater is fantastic! I gotta tell you, that knot thing sounds better and better whenver I think about intarsia work. Great job on the test. Yay!

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  12. Love the pics of Julian in his Pirate sweater. Especially with the dough hook. I took an intarsia class at stitches east and it really helped. I think the knot idea is great if you're more interested in the outside of the sweater than the inside!

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  13. Arrrrggghh matey! That sweater is gorgeous. I find that with intarsia, weaving in ends as I go along is useless. It almost always looks...well...funny. I've learned to resign myself to it and sew 'em all in later when I can make sure they are going too look nice. However, that knot idea sounds wayyyy easier. Too bad I'm on an intarsia diet or I try it.

    Congrats on the permit. You'll be zooming around in no time.

    I hear ya on 10 months being an in-between stage. I remember feeling the same way. Some days I look at Claire now (17 months) and have trouble remembering the "baby". It really does go too fast, doesn't it?

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  14. The sweater is really great Anny. I don't think the knots are a bad idea; sometimes we stress ourselves too much with this stuff. That kid - he is too cute! Congrats on your test; if it was the old days you'd be able to shop LYS's; thank god you don't need a license to shimmy up and shop at the computer. Your license will definitely give you more freedom though. I love the bowl.

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