15 February 2008

Let me see how I like this ...

So, this template is OK so far. I'm not sure I'm in love with it, but it's nice and clean looking, and the different color is a nice change. Of course, I have spent all day fooling with an image for the header, and can't find one that I can size correctly to have it *just right.* I looked at the code for the header size, and there is some blathery text in it that says it's not a standard size or whatever. But I shall keep trying a few more times, and hope that dumb luck will serve me well.

Garden Kitty and Jetsam send their thanks for the nice birthday wishes. They had a very exciting birthday, involving a catnip mouse and treats. It would appear that they are still enjoying themselves today. (Much to Tess' dismay ...)

In knitting news, I am making progress on Christmas gift #1, and I should probably finish it by the end of the month. Which puts me slightly behind where I wanted to be, but not too much. And I don't want to be too terribly pleased with myself, since that nearly always leads to my immediate downfall.

I think I mentioned that I am taking a colorwork class at Rosie's. It's called Krazy Kolors, and everyone in the class is making a pattern of Kaffe Fassett's. It's fun, since most of the people in the class are completely new, or somewhat new, to colorwork, so it's not intimidating at all. I chose this project, from Rowan Magazine #40, called Dotty. I'm using a couple of Rowan yarns, but others as well. I had another project in mind, but The Tim really liked this, and it was a vest (as opposed to the sweater I chose - sleeves!), so I decided it was a good starter project. It also works towards meeting one of my New Year's Knitting Resolutions, which was to learn fair isle knitting.

The class has already met twice, and we have two more sessions. The first two sessions were to get everyone started, then we have another one in March and the last one in April. There is also a blog for the group, to post questions, progress, etc. I think it's a great idea, and hope that they will decide to have other classes with a similar format. There was some talk about doing classes for Alice Starmore and Eunny Jang's designs as well. Once I have a row with color knit, I'll post a picture to show you my progress.

Did I tell you that Halden and Ben (Doughboy's parents) are expecting a baby? Yep, at the end of June. They found out it's a boy (which dismayed The Tim, who was hoping it would be a sister, and they could name it Doughgirl ...), so I pulled out my copy of Itty-Bitty Hats and decided to make this one:

It's so cute, I can't wait to make it! I thought it was particularly appropriate, since I know they both know how to sail. Baby hats are my usual gift, and I try to knit something that I think fits when or where the baby is born, or the parents' tastes. And they are one of the few things that I usually have no problem knitting in time to give as a gift.

Hopefully I will be able to keep all of my projects balanced and not get stressed out over any of them. I mean, this is supposed to be fun, right???

11 comments:

Carol said...

Ooh, I like the swirly part where you leave comments.

Personally, my middle-aged eyes find white easier to read than anything darker, too.

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

It's hard for pets to see others enjoying nice birthday presents. Remember the incident with the monkeys at the zoo who didn't get birthday cake? I like the new format - particularly what you did with the heading. Dotty will be a masterpiece fit for a king - and the hat is very cute - but what about your Clapotis!

Anonymous said...

Nice template. Me --- I could never import a header photo.

Some of the Fassett designs are just glorious; have fun!!

Anonymous said...

Wow - what a nice change. A bit of a shock and I knew you were working on this.

Love the hat you pick for the next baby.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Liz K. said...

I think the new template is very clean and organized. I read your blog for the content, not for the clever design anyway, but this is good!!

Carol said...

Love the new digs! It has a nice (in your jeans) kind of feel. Another baby to knit for, nice! This new class does seem great, hope they do offer more!

mary said...

Place me in the "I like this template" column too. Easy to read.

That vest is beautiful. Funny you should be doing color work as just yesterday I dug out a color work project of mine which is about 5 years old and decided it was time to get at it.

Cute, cute baby hat.

Anonymous said...

Okay, sue me. I'm sheepish about the new look. Ow! Stop hurling things at me from afar!

But I love the hat. Screamingly appropriate. :)

Anonymous said...

Perhaps I fear change? Or just your wicked roundhouse kick? Whatever, okay, I love it. I love it!

Just stop hurting me!

Now go make me a gimlet.

Anonymous said...

I like the new look because it's easy on the eyes.

The baby hat is cute, the vest is pretty good looking too. What a great idea for a class. FI and Christmas present? Or does Tim get the vest before then?

Brigitte said...

Um. Christmas gifts already? Wow, you're good!

If I had a vote, I'd go for an Alice Starmore! You can't get any better than that, and she has a multitude of colourwork to choose from.