Saturday, January 3, 2009

Ready Set Go

I've been thinking about resolutions, taking a hard look at my personal and professional life, and the sometimes great differences between what I say and what I do, between what I put out there for all to see and what's really going on inside. I don't know that anything concrete has formulated itself, but I do know the kind of person I WANT to be, and I guess my resolutions are whatever will allow me to become that person, you know? A better, more patient mom, a more relaxed spouse, and just generally a better WOMAN. That last one's the key, I think.

Hmmm, so what does that mean? Hell if I know... Actually no, I definitely want to be more open to new experiences, to be more of a YES person, to be more spontaneous...

So, in the spirit of spontaneousness, I give you 2 newly cast-on projects! WOO-HOO!

First up, and I think you all knew this was in the works, a new hat for my Dad. I was really on the fence for a while with this project. I've got some lovely DIC that I want to knit up, and some great patterns queued, but either the pattern didn't suit the yarn, or vice versa... Then I remembered I've got about 3(?) skeins of Manos Del Uruguay 100% wool in the stash, something I bought over a year ago to make Dad a scarf (which he's still patiently waiting on - Whoopsee!). Anyway, it's a nice forest green and it's sort of rustic, and I really think it'll suit him perfectly.

After browsing all 527 matches when searching for free hat patterns using Aran weight yarn, I settled on the Marsan Watchcap. I really hope he likes it!

Earlier in the week, Kate-the-Enabler and I finally got our acts together and had a SnB à deux (technically à trois, since her husband Chris sat in and contributed the occasional comment). As I was getting ready to head over to her place, I realized I didn't have any suitable knitting. I had finished most of my WIPs, the hibernating projects were firmly ensconced at the bottom of the knitting bag and there they would remain, and all I had going was a lace stole (that doesn't work so much with the talking and drinking). So I ran upstairs, grabbed a couple of skeins of Noro Silk Garden and a pattern I'd printed up a few weeks ago, and was off to the races.

Can you guess what it is?
It's the Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf, and I'm absolutely loving it. I want to knit it all the time. I want to wear it naked, or possibly with high heels and a tiara. The colours are just SO. ME.

Turns out I don't have enough to knit a proper scarf though (I only had 2 skeins). Not to worry though, I've already scoured the Internet and placed an order with Pick up Sticks (Sorry Robyn! You didn't have any 205!) whicyh should be arriving shortly. I MAY have also picked up a few additional skeins while I was at it...

And that's all there is for today! I've got the last of my Christmas concerts coming up at 4 this afternoon, so I should probably go get ready. I wish you all a very Happy New Year. My wish for everyone is that, whatever life throws your way, you have the courage and grace to rise up to the challenge. And of course...

Happy Knitting Everyone!

6 comments:

kate-the-enabler said...

Ahhh. The first Dear blog entry of the year :)
I had a ball at the SnB (I cast on Henry. I have done six rows The rows are looong). Agree that the scarf colours could not possibly be more you. Can't wait to see what other skeins may be coming with your Noro addition.
And your Dad is getting a hat in legendary Manos. That seems fitting.
Here's all sorts of support for your resolutions, wherever they may take you - although I have a hard time imagining an even better Tara....we already think you're pretty awesome over here chez Enabler. ;)
Happy New Year

Sinéad said...

Glad to see Dad's hat cast on, and it's a great pattern too. The scarf is gorgeous, can't wait to see it finished! I've yet to try this Manos that everyone speaks opf so reverently, I must tag that on to my resolutions...

Montreal Mama said...

It's ok Tara, I don't stock that color - no offence taken here!

Happy New Year!

Caroline said...

"I want to wear it naked, or possibly with high heels and a tiara."

Now that would be a spontaneous thing to do, especially if you do it in public ;)

Mrhide said...

Caro, that's only for me to see :>

Dad said...

Naked....with only a tiara ....and heels...oh my poot poor heart...arrgh! Love Dad...

P.S. Love the colours, I go nowhere without my mitties - what is the point of the string by the way, the one that connects the right and left mitt? - Love the colour they will match. H&K's Dad.