In-Flight Knitting

I just returned from Texas where the weather was terrific. I only brought my knittles with me and no crochet hooks, so I knitted on the plane. I sat in the middle seat with stangers sitting on either side of me. NOT easy I tell ya. I'm gonna stick to crochet when in the air.


I'm blog challenged, I just found that missing font!

Boutique Buy

There is a charming accessory boutique called Sage at the corner of my street. I always pass their tiny store longing to enter. Their storefront is so bright, colorful and friendly. So I entered one day because I needed some hair flair to accompany me to the ballet. Quite lovely, isn't it? AND it was on sale. How lucky am I? AND, the girl working in the store lives in my building and recognized me. I really do love my neighborhood. Chicago and I have a love/hate relationship, but my neighborhood and neighbors are pretty fantastic.

Since Sage doesn't have a website, I am linking you to an article on them. I'm frankly perplexed when I find companies don't have a website or blog. To each their own I suppose! I shall promote their fantastic-ness!

Whew!

I set out my clothes the night before, picked out some lucky testing panties (does anyone else do this?), dreamed about my test all night, and used the aromatherapy lotion I received as a gift nearly 5 years ago (thanks Kathy), meditated..... AND...I think I passed. I'm going to say there is a 75% chance I passed. On to test #2 of 7. But, I am taking a little break. One week at least. OH! I have great news....I got my work hours cut today. That sounds sarcastic, but its a dream come true. I need a break. And now I will have 1.5 extra hours per day to dedicate to studying, googling, and crafting. Hip hip hooray!!!!

Anxious

Tomorrow I take my first exam in 5 years. I cannot believe that if I pass this one, I will have to take 6 more. I definitely have not forgotten how to study, however, I am a lot more anxious than I used to be. I remember walking into tests half asleep after not having studied even an hour and not feeling the slightest bit anxious. Maybe the doctors can prescribe something to me for test taking only? Only joking. Ok maybe I'm a tad serious.

Well this is good news for my blog. I will have a lot more time before I take the next one (May or June), so I plan to get some knitting, crocheting and sewing in. Yes sewing! Babies are being born and I have a new stash of fabric and yarn to go through. Can't wait! I also have a ton of books to read of the NON architecture variety. I've been purchasing books lately. I don't know why, I don't have time to read them. My list is:

1) Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri (currently reading)

2) Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

3) Even Cowgirls get the Blues by Tom Robbins

4) McSweeney's Issue #20

The last two of course I purchased for Justin for Valentine's day with the intention of reading them myself.

Ok off to meditate....and maybe to watch The Tale of Despereaux. Hoping that mouse has magical calming powers! Wish me luck!

Peacock Scarf

Just finished a scarf for a friend and thought I would share. I love this shade of blue. I made it with Sensations bamboo and ewe yarn. It's a little, tiny bit on the itchy side, but incredibly warm for a lightweight scarf. I think it can go either way, warm for cold days, light enough for warm days...

I used the same pattern as the Desert Sand scarf I made awhile back. The crochet technique is called Broomstick lace. It's a lot of fun, very easy and very quick. It only took me so long because I procrastinate and I ran out of yarn. I'm mailing it tomorrow so that Kelly gets to use it before the Texas summer begins, which is end of April/beginning of May.

I am still on a blogging hiatus, but I'm working on things between studying to calm my testing anxiety.

Lucky Me!

There is a cute little yarn store near my office called Knit 1. I have only been there 3 times, but I looked them up online to see when their classes were, because if you read this blog...you all know I need knitting lessons. Anyway, when I found them online, their blog had posted that they were closing (I was bummed) but they were having a yarn give away if you purchased their patterns. Well I could always use a new pattern, so I entered AND..........................

I FREAKING WON! How in the world did that happen? Here is a photo of my loot which is $507 worth of yarn related products. Can you believe it? I absolutely CANNOT. I am super lucky. I really love everything I got. I haven't won anything since that 2nd grade coloring contest at the grocery store!

Big thanks to Knit 1!