My SIL jolted me into awareness that Easter is early this year and only weeks away. NOW is the time to finish this sweater for Emily. This is the photo from Zoe Mellor's Animal Knits, my version is below. I wanted to call this post Chasing Tail since that does describe the bunnies in this pattern, but then thought of the Google hits and decided I don't need that kind of audience! Knitters only are just fine with me. But, I must tell you a story to remind us all to write as if your mother, your mother's workmates at the library, or your favorite high school teacher are reading because they might just be. Of course I know my mom - the wonderful knitter who got me started - reads this. I also knew she shares it with with fellow knitters at work. What I never expected was an email from my high school history and psychology teacher. Not really sure why I used his full name in my 100 list - guess it was just the natural impulse to give a person you're honoring their due (the opposite of a "who shall remain unnamed" slam). Someone saw it and forwarded it to him (google hits again I suspect). We traded a couple of emails where I was able to clarify my appreciation. I cannot tell you the incredible satisfaction I've had in being able to say thank you 22 years later. Sometimes the net is just plain wonderful.
Yesterday, after six straight days of rain (we're now at the 3rd wettest year on record for San Diego County) I decided it was time to jump in the frog pond. We actually do have frogs in our backyard, which entertains cats and kids to no end. Ripped Rocktorp. Packed up Lara. And dealt with Rogue. Ah Rogue. So glad I put it aside. Knew something was wrong, but on the circs the extent of the issue was not clear. Off the needles it was downright funny. Had to take this Slim Fast photo to show just how far off I was. Excuse the 14-year-old pleated peg-leg pants - these babies were cheapies from the Limited in 1991 and they will not die! They've been my house sweats for 12 years and I've found nothing can hurt this space-age fabric. Took gauge (again), made notes and frogged it all. Very sad to frog cables and that beautiful knitted hem, but there was no saving this. Especially since I'm at my hippiest from not being able to exercise for 1 1/2 years! Good part is that I get to reduce it by 40 stitches so it will go that much faster next time. Still want Rogue and still want it in this yarn. Next year.
Regarding my back... only 10 days until my percutaneous discectomy! Yippee! Just trying not to hurt myself until then. I've had debilitating sciatica since Oct 03 and during the worst episode last year I was hospitalized because I was unable to move. That sucked. I'll mention it again right before, but I won't be posting for a week or two after March 7th because sitting will be restricted during the initial healing time.
Klaralund has not been forgotten. Got pretty lucky with the sleeve cast ons since these yarns matched right out of the balls. I am changing the sleeves a little with some bell shaping rather than the unshaped kimono sleeves of the pattern. Since I shaped the body I hope it works. Feeling brave and hope to not be feeling stupid. We'll see. Want to finish this soon while they're still predicting more rain. Btw, we're not in any way negatively affected by rain. Our back slope is heavily planted and the retaining wall deeply and solidly footed. That cost us big bucks, but now feels like money well spent.
Also ripped the Gloria swatch. Thought of making another larger swatch since I'm still uncertain about these yarns together, but since I'd gotten gauge that seemed silly. Started a sleeve instead since it uses the alternating garter pattern. I don't think I've ever been this uncertain about yarns. I love both yarns: the colors, the textures, and the weights. But I keep questioning if they belong in the same sweater. Thought of switching out the Bliss to another color, but nothing else moved me like this periwinkle. It's just such a beautiful shade for spring. Held up next to my face the colors together look good on me, so that's a big positive. It will certainly be unique!
Finally, back to the bunnies:
Started this in spring of '03 before we adopted Emily. Last year it was way too big for her so I left it in stash. It's just her size now and all I have left are the two front panels and trim. Using Brown Sheep's Cotton Fleece. Not bad, but it splits very easily and isn't really the best for intarsia, cables or fair isle as you can see. Too late now though! I was hoping two years of additional knitting experience would help, but after picking it up again this morning I can attest that the spliting and lack of stickiness is inherently frustrating. Regardless, Ems is pretty excited about it and woke up telling her Daddy all about her bunny sweater, which confused the heck out of the poor man since he's never seen it. There's a whole lot of estrogen under this roof so he'd better get used to clothes talk. Actually, he can handle that, but he's not looking forward to the boy talk!
So many great pictures today! Thanks! I lov ethe colors for Gloria, I think they are fun and original. Emily's sweater is just too cute - makes me wish we had a little girl around this house. I'll be sending you many many healing thoughts when the surgery comes around!
Posted by: Jackie | February 24, 2005 at 02:29 PM
I love the colorway your using for Klaralund..I did my clapotis in that colorway. It's very subtle. Your bunny sweater is really nice, too! Good luck on your surgery...I can relate to the sciatica pain. I've suffered from it off and on for quite a few years now. At one point I was in so much pain that I went to the emergency room (I didn't have health insurance and didn't know what else to do). It hasn't bothered me too much in the past three years, which is good. Take care!
Posted by: Moni | February 24, 2005 at 02:58 PM
Loving Gloria - the colours fair zing together! That bunny cardy is gorgeous - makes me long for daughters - oh well, boys are fun too...
Posted by: sally | February 24, 2005 at 03:08 PM
Love the bunny sweater. I wish that I had knitted when my daughter was little. Sorry to hear that you have to have surgery, but I hope that all goes well.
Posted by: Violet | February 24, 2005 at 04:33 PM
Where to start? Your back - eek! - I hope that all goes well. The Gloria swatch - very cool. I'm not even a big variegated yarn person and I love it. The bunnies - adorable. And Rogue? Isn't it nice to make things too big and realize how lucky you are to be so thin without exercise! I really enjoy your blog and will miss you in March.
Posted by: Julia | February 25, 2005 at 06:12 AM
Love the bunnies, they are adorable and it's almost done! I want to do a Rogue too, just can't decide on a color. So many I have seen look fabulous. So sorry about the surgery, but I hope it gets you fixed up. Hmmm, perhaps you could put the computer up higher so you could stand at it while you blog. Yeah, I know, like you're gonna care about blogging then. We'll miss you.
Posted by: Another Julia | February 25, 2005 at 06:32 AM
In your photos, those colors look striking when combined. I say do it.
Posted by: Colleen | February 25, 2005 at 06:37 AM
I am officially in love with the bunny sweater - that is just adorable. And what a great name "chasing tail" - hahah! Almost laughed out loud over that one.
Posted by: Vicki | February 25, 2005 at 07:02 AM
Poor Rogue. I love the slimfast picture! My fingers are crossed for your back. What a great story about your teacher. I've discovered that my mom and a couple of coworkers are regular readers of my blog so I'm conscious of my writing.
Bravo for packing up the wintery things and putting them away for a while. I hope you get Klaralund finished while it is still useful.
Chasing Tail is a very pretty little sweater. I look forward to seeing it finished.
Posted by: Risa | February 25, 2005 at 08:58 AM
love the chasing bunny sweater! Good thought on the name switch to prevent all that porn googling.
Can't wait to see photo of finished bunny sweater and darling daughter modeling.
best,
Juls
Posted by: Juls | February 25, 2005 at 12:26 PM
i'm so glad you're safe from all the rain. it's so weird, the way the weather has been this year. i wonder if the earth is trying to tell us something.
that bunny sweater is precious. you are just awesome! *bows down*
sorry about your back! please take it easy these next few weeks (like i need to tell you that!). i'll be rooting for you!
Posted by: michelle | February 27, 2005 at 06:08 PM
Cute Cute Bunny sweater! I'm knitting an Easter sweater for my little girl too. (Molly from Debbie Bliss Junior Knits). Sending best wishes for your surgery, heal fast!
Posted by: Emily | March 01, 2005 at 12:19 PM
just love the bunny sweater. hoping for speedy back recovery. take care!
Posted by: froggy | March 05, 2005 at 10:12 AM