me, on vacation!

me on vacation!
Originally uploaded by jacquichris

it's true - i went on vacation. between all the chaos and family, i enjoy sitting under a tree, listening to the cicadas and wild turkeys... oh yeah, and spinning around with my arms outswept like a little child. everyone should make time for whirling about like a dervish.

vacation was too short. it reminded me how desperately i miss backpacking. Bear + wild turkeys + horsey = highcomic relief.

there isn't really much more to say.

go spin about like a top! it is good for you. i'm a doctor. i know these things.

i win!

in preparation for vacation*, i made a big push to finish projects. here i present to you my flurry of recent FO activity.

first we have the Back-to-School U-Neck Vest by Stefanie Japel in Moda Dea Silk 'n Wool Blend on US 8s and 6s:

i am pretty happy with this. i should have increased the bust darts a bit so it would fit better. its not that i am that busty, but apparently the pattern is set for negative A cups!

next we have Riverstone by Just Jussi in Bernat Boucle on US 8s:


this was a test knit. it is a child's pattern that i made for my [almost] nieceling. she is 3 and completely gorgeous. it will be perfect on her.

finally, we have an oldie but goody - Cabled Denim by Kathy Zimmerman in Plymouth Encore on US 8s. [do you sense a theme?**]


this is for my stepfather. it turned out lovely, but i am rather concerned it will be too large for him. we find out Friday.

as an aside, i recently found an unposted entry... did i ever show you this? my first completed project made with my own lovely handspun - the Zetor Scarf by Jatta Saukko:


is it perfect? no. is it wonderful all the same? YES!

i also finished the Diagonal Rib Socks by Ann Budd but haven't had a chance to upload the photos yet.

in other news, my Syrian Shawl may soon get to come out of time-out! stay tuned for exciting updates once the yarn arrives.

oh yeah, it was vacation so i cast on another project. i converted to knit in the round, finished the back in the dark, and then when i went to shape the armholes for the front, i discovered it was INSANELY big. frogged to the cast on. removed 20% of the stitches. knit 3 inches. remeasured. STILL too big. frogged again and recast to reknit. either it works this time or i burn it. [i would put it in the compost now but it is part acrylic.]

---

* it was awesome, i am rested and i hope to repeat again soon.
** of course it wasn't on purpose. US 8s are soooooooooo outre. damn gauge swatches. they are all out to get me.

zoom zoom!!

the hummingbirds returned in force this Saturday. during hummingbird season, my morning ritual is much brighter. there was one bird last year that liked to hover in front of the kitchen window, watching me make my latte each day. i am very happy to report that he seems to be back. for two days now, i have had a companion for the daily 'opening ceremonies'. i plan to remove the window screen, after which perhaps i can capture my pal on camera. in the meantime, please enjoy this series that Travy captured.

Hummingbird contemplates the feeders - which might be tastier?


the art glass. definitely. drinks always taste better when served in art glass.


oh uh. human in range. better get going before he gets any crazy ideas!


happy Monday, all!