Stuff

Napping Cat

My cat decided to have a nap--on my Bombshell!  So instead of shooing her away, I let her sleep.  I like it when she sleeps on my bed next to me.  Not everyone in the household likes the cat, so I make the extra effort to give her scratches when she wants them and to let her sleep when she's napping.

Meanwhile, I'm working on essay #2 and mid-term#2 . . . 

Later,

About the Bombshell

I'm finally done with the knitting.  I've got a few ends to weave, but the sweater is done.  Sadly I haven't taken any proper photos--only in-progress shots.

Neckline In-Progress 

I really like the moss stitch details at the hem, sleeves and neckline.  I also made the sleeves a little longer and a little more narrow.

Sleeve Detail

Hem Detail

I hope it'll work as a costume top.  I mentioned already that I've started working on the skirt, but it needs some elastic at the waist and some hemming before its finished.

Folded Skirt Awaiting the Finishing

And I've given up on the yarn wig since buying a store-bought one (although it would be nice to actually finish the yarn wig).  Lack of time has been one reason for the change.  My other concern was the hot factor: it'll be less warm in a light-weight wig than a heavy yarn wig.

Hanging Wig

I'll definitely be taking proper photos when I'm dressed up at Hal-Con in a few weeks time--so excited!!  Besides all the neat stuff to see and do, there's gonna be a session on "knitting for geeks". How cool!! :D

Happy Turkey Day!

Turkey Cupcakes courtesy of foter.com

Hope you're enjoying your turkey day with family and friends.  Cheers!

Up to My Eyeballs

No, not up to my eyeballs in yarn (I wish!!).  Rather up to my eyeballs in homework: lectures to watch, chapters to read, notes to study and research . . . ugh!  Remind me not to take TWO courses at the same time.  So NOT doin' that again.

Sunflowers

Meanwhile, I can soothe my jagged nerves by looking at the garden.  Check out my sunflowers. 

Tall Sunflowers

Soooooo tall--love 'em!  The tallest one has got to be over 2 meters.  I purposely planted them close to the deck so they could be anchored to the railings.  

Black-eyed Susans

My sunflowers are surrounded by wildflowers.  Lovely blooms erupted in red, white, purple and blues.  Definitely planting these wildflowers again.  Most are now spent, but the black-eyed susans are still in bloom.  And they're lovely.

Have a good week! :)

About the Costume

I finally tried it on.  Verdict: the fit is good.  I made no real modifications and have worked the pattern as written for the large size (learned from first version that a top like this needs zero or negative ease). With the waist shaping and ribbing complete, I'm on the home-stretch, so to speak.  My focus now rests on making room for my ample hips, so yes there will be extra increases.  As well, I'm adding extra length too.  

Pink Bombshell In-Progress

I'm still debating whether to use the seed stitch hem as written.  I saw some versions on Ravelry that used alternate stitch patterns.  Maybe I need to consult my stitch dictionary . . . As for the neckline and sleeves, I am seriously contemplating ribbing to "tighten" the fit.

Back View

As for the skirt, my sister-in-law found matching fabric in a local shop.  I just need to find a place that sells paper patterns so I can sew the skirt.  Two local businesses used to sell sewing patterns; neither sells them anymore.  I may have to travel to the next town over unless someone here can direct me to a Canadian online outlet selling Simplicity or Butterick patterns. Anyone?

There's still the matter of the wig, but I know the cap fits.  It's just a matter adding the "hair". . . Less than two months left!

School's In

 Back to the books!

photo courtesy of foter.com

Besides working full-time, caring for a family and dabbling on the family hobby farm, I'm now back "at school".  Last year I tested the waters--so to speak--and stuck to one course per semester.  This year I've upped the ante.  Instead of one course, I've enrolled in TWO courses this semester (developmental psychology and intro sociology/anthropology).  My one concern: When will I knit?!

Back to Bombshell

Bombshell in Progress

So progress continues on the hot pink Bombshell.  Thus far, I've reached the ribbed waistband.  Twenty more rows and then I start increasing for the hip--not too far to go, eh?  Although I must confess that I will add length because my first version was shorter than I prefer to wear.  The sleeves require very little work too, although I may add a few extra rounds of stocking stitch (perhaps decreasing?) before adding edging.

Another View

Confession time: not really loving the yarn, although I've used it in other colours for blankets and baby clothing without complaint.  Still, I chose the yarn for price and not feel. The top is meant to be a costume.  Hope my gamble pays off . . .