23 July 2009

A Couple of New Beginnings

Remember a couple of weeks ago, when I had figured out a cast-on for toe-up socks, using Wendy's book? Well, I pulled some yarn out of my stash, and gave it a try with some actual sock yarn. I decided to try the Basic Toe-Up Sock with Gusset Heel pattern in the book, and so far, so good:



By now I've made a little more progress, but I'm pleased with how well they are going. This is Socka Color yarn, in a colorway called "Daisy Dot." I bought it when I first learned to knit socks, so it has been mellowing in the stash now for probably about ten years ...

Proving that eventually, I do get around to using yarn I have bought.

I can't remember if I mentioned that as a birthday gift last year, The Tim bought me a new sewing machine. Well, he did, and it's perfect for me - not a real basic model, but not full of bells and whistles that I'll likely never use. Long ago in a distant galaxy, my sister Nancy taught me some basic sewing skills, but I decided that it would be worth taking some actual lessons, particularly since it had been so long since I'd sewn anything using a machine. The [relatively] new fabric store near my house, Spool, was offering Beginner Sewing classes, so I signed up.

The project for the class was a Reversible Grocery Tote. Everyone chose their fabrics and we got started. Here is an in-progress shot of the fabrics I chose, in the beginning stages of becoming handles:

I'll unveil the completed bag in a future post. But the class was well worthwhile, I learned a lot of things that I didn't know before. And to be honest, I would have never, ever attempted anything reversible on my own, so now I feel like I've learned something extra. Laura (the owner), is a wonderful teacher, and explained things really well, then let us take our time. If you live in the area and would like to learn to sew (or want to see some pretty fabrics!), I'd encourage you to visit Spool.

Unrelated to knitting or sewing, I walked up to our neighborhood CVS this afternoon for something, and was on my way home. I got near Rittenhouse Square, and saw a couple with a very cute, small, fuzzy white dog. So of course, I had to ask them what kind of dog it was, could I pet it, etc. They were telling me about funny things the dog does, and other such details that people usually tell you about their pets. When I stood up to go, and say thanks to them for letting me pet the dog, I realized that it was Cole Hamels and his wife!! How cool is that? I've always thought he was nice enough looking, but I have to say that in person, he is really great-looking! And a whole lot taller than I thought he would be. I didn't say anything, 'cause they had been so friendly, I didn't want to suddenly become A Fan.

But it sure was fun!

10 comments:

Mistrmi said...

Nice projects --- I'm a sucker for "confetti" print yarn.

And, nice going on the Cole Hamels, thing! Between that and Ewan McGregor, it's been a good run for you. . .

Jenn said...

Thanks for posting the link to that bag, whenever I wrangle my sewing machine into submission, I want to make a couple of those!

Bookfool said...

Ooooh, see, you could have put that on twitter, yesterday. They were doing "lame claims to fame". That sounds like a pretty good one, though -- not so awfully lame. He's a cutie, all right. Very nice that he and the wife were friendly.

Marie said...

I actually know who Cole Hamels is! Congratulations on keeping your cool.

SissySees said...

We have a couple of famous clients, but my favorite celeb and pets moment was Sissy Spacek singing to Fred (our male basset) and then sending her "helper" to offer me a blank check for the dog. Um, no, not for sale. To which the doorknob turned, and she came in to rub his ears one more time... I gave her the name of the breeder and wished her well.

I want to learn to sew some day. I even own a machine, but I just can't seem to take that next step.

I also have to go see if I can find some of that yarn. I don't usually like white yarns, but that just really makes me happy!

Lorraine said...

Bridget- I have a machine that I use for quilting. It can be very relaxing.

Nope, don't know who Cole Hamels is.

teabird said...

Cole Hamelss? no... But I did meet William Shatner in a cafe. He's about 3" tall and Not Nice.

Chris said...

Oh, I love the fabrics you chose - looking forward to seeing the completed bag!

anne marie in philly said...

oooooooooh, cole hamels! hubba hubba! (makes lip smacking noises)

did you see the article on spool in this week's inky? very nicely written!

can't wait to see your bag!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful sock yarn! 10 years old? Damn.