Sockapalooza Slump

So I thought I had decided on a yarn and pattern for my Sock Pal. She said she loved unusual colors, adventurous patterns, etc. So I found some Socks that Rock in my stash that I thought was pretty wild--by my standards (keeping in mind that the last three sweaters I've knitted have all been gray . . . ) and started in during this last weekend, the first of my three weekend trips during the rest of this month. Only problem? I fell in love with these socks myself.



Turns out the colors aren't actually so outrageous once they're knitted up in the pattern (slip stitch rib) that I chose. Turns out that they're actually perfect for me rather than for my sock pal (especially since I've never knitted a pair of socks for myself before)! So we're back to square 1 for Sockapalooza 4. I need to get this straightened out before I head out to Portland on Wednesday, though--there's some serious plane knitting time that I'll need to take advantage of if I'm going to finish these socks by their deadline!

In other, non-knitting news, here's a picture of me this weekend, along with the cow that was named after me--some may see this as a dubious honor, but I think it's pretty cool.

Seven Random Things

So Gabriella tagged me for a meme, which was a first for her, and is a first for me as well--cool!

The rules: Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and need to read your blog.

Seven random things (in a totally random order) about me:

1. I lived in five different states (NE, IL, PA, MI, MN) by the time I was six--my parents were itinerant grad students/professors during my formative years.

2. I've performed at Boston's Symphony Hall with my handbell ensemble, which is also (incidentally) about the hippest handbell group you'll ever see (if I do say so myself).

3. I somehow graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, even though I a) am not blonde, b) don't sing, and c) don't have even a drop of Norwegian blood. Go figure.

4. Back when I worked a "real" (i.e., office) job, I worked in rights and permissions at a couple different publishing companies. Normally, this was pretty routine, but I did get to grant permission for some of our books and journals to appear on screen in movies like Hulk and Good Will Hunting. Who knew that books could be stars, too?

5. I was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" by my high school class.

6. My four-year-old son knows more about sharks, whales, and many other marine creatures than most adults--once I won a trivia contest thanks to facts about whales that I learned from him!

7. My first and middle names (Norah Caroline) are only two letters different from a certain southern state.

And that's it--now I'm supposed to tag 7 people, so we'll try Theresa, Elinor, Terri Lynn, Sarah, Hy, Suzanne, and Anna. Have fun!

. . . And, We're Back!

So I figured I should actually post sometime this spring, since I've signed up for Sockapalooza 4 and all. How about some pictures of that never-ending Nantucket Jacket, which (as tends to happen when I actually sit down and work on something) did actually end after all?

Here's a view of the front:


One with a very surprised-looking P:

And one from the back to show that groovy waist shaping:

Project Details:

Pattern: Nantucket Jacket, Interweave Knits Winter 2006

Yarn: Louisa Harding Kashmir Aran, Color 12 (grey)

Started: 11/1/2007 (ish)

Finished: roundabout 3/30/2007

Comments: As I noted here, I had a heck of a time getting gauge when I started, but all that ripping out paid off--it is probably the best-fitting sweater I've ever knitted for myself. I added barely an extra inch to the body, between the end of the waist shaping and the armholes. Otherwise, I followed the pattern pretty closely. I've been wearing this sweater a lot since finishing it, and it's one of those sweaters that gets oohs and aahs from everyone once they realize that I knit it myself. So if you've been on the fence about making this sweater, go for it--it's fun to knit and looks a lot harder than it actually is!