Swift action

So, Dean spontaneously bought two swifts last week: one for me, and one for Squarah's birthday, which isn't until July. I couldn't wait to start using mine; it makes winding yarn so much easier, and fun! I had to call Sarah to let her know, so she wouldn't impulsively buy one before her birthday.

I wound up my Araucania Nature Wool this morning, all four hanks.
Yesterday, before the wedding, I cast on for a My So Called Scarf, in my Queensland Collection Rustic Wool.

I've been wanting to use the yarn, since it was one of my first LYS purchases, and I'm really enjoying the project. It will be my portable project to take back and forth to work, and I'll probably give it a Christmas gift (since scarves aren't practical here for 11 months out of the year. Ah, Houston.
So, the wedding last night was really fun, and probably the best one I've ever attended. It was extravagant, but not in a disgusting way. The food was delicious, the weather was perfect and the bride was gorgeous.

Something looks off with my eyes, but as you can see, the bright dresses are actually quite flattering.

My hair looked totally rockin. It's still sort of curly today, and I'm loving it.

Motivating forces

After finishing Square Cake for Terra, I felt revamped. While I enjoy knitting gifts, if I feel forced or pressured to finish something, my excitement for the project immediately ceases. I seamed the purse on Friday night, and immediately jumped back into Something Red.

It's really coming along. I'm another inch and a half past the yellow stripe now. I've probably got another inch and a half or two inches left now, and I've decided to do the remaining portion in yellow. I'm really embracing yellow, which is odd-I've never really cared for it in clothing for myself. The wedding is this weekend, but I'm hoping to start the sleeves before Monday. We'll see.

I've also started a sock for myself, using the Yarn Love Juliet yarn I got from Woolgirl about a month ago. I've cast on thrice for the sock, which I originally planned to do Charlotte Schurch's Slipped Stitch Rib pattern, but then, when I had to cast on fewer stitches, I switched to her Waffle Rib II pattern.

I've tried to convince myself that these are tight enough around the calves, but they're not. I will, for the third time, have to frog them. Luckily, this nice yarn can take a beating, so at least it's not a total waste. Plus, I'm getting pretty good at using the small needles (I'm using 2.5s). Also in that picture, you can see my second tattoo (the other is on the left ankle).

Here's a cute picture of Bella, just because.

Back to work!

FO: Square Cake

I sewed up Square Cake last night. I was feeling sort of lazy, so I hand-sewed the lining, and I really like how it turned out.

Talk about cutting it close! The lingerie shower is this afternoon, which is when I'm gifting it.
Details:
Square Cake, by Jairlyn Mason, Knitty
Yarn: Tilli Tomas in Hope, less than 1 skein
Size Size 6 dpns, size 4 circ
Time:3 weeks
Gift for Terra's wedding
I enjoyed this pattern, and if I make another, I won't buy the Tilli Tomas yarn again, I will use smaller needles, and I won't get lazy with the straps like I did. The yarn is so expensive, and the sequins made things a little difficult. They got stuck on the yarn when I was seaming, and made the knitting a little slower than I would like. The finished product looks nice though, so I guess it was worth it. I like the fabric I chose for the lining-it's very girly, which I think is what the recipient would prefer.

I hope she likes the purse. She asked for something she could use on the big day, for her makeup and such. I know she will probably also use it on her honeymoon, and when she goes out.
All in all, I think this is a pretty successful gift. :) We'll see how she likes it.
After I finished the purse last night, I picked up Something Red (and Yellow) and got a few more rows knit. I started a second stripe of yellow, and I probably only have about 2 inches left on the body. Maybe I'll be able to start the button band this week.