The Pink and White Blob

That's what I'm lovingly calling my first attempt at knitting this weekend. It started so innocently... I packed 2 sets of needles and 3 skeins of yarn (because I was going to be a busy and fantastic knitter by weekend's end!). I had all of this nestled in a favorite drawstring bag, along with my knitting book and a little bag filled with what I perceived to be knitting essentials (scissors, row counter, tip protector, etc.). I was all set!!

We hopped on the highway, waited for Sydney to fall asleep and then I pulled out the book. I pulled out my soothing pink and white cotton yarn. I pulled out my needles and learned how to hold them (kind-of..). I read on. I got the slip knot. I got the casting on. For the life of me I just couldn't get the actual knitting part. I tried and tried and it just didn't work. I don't deal well with frustration, so I gently nestled the knitting goodies back in their bag and fought traffic with hubby and Syd. After a *fun* 12 hour drive (traffic, accidents closed highways, you name it - it happened!)we arrived at the hotel and I tried it again. Still no go.

Sometimes at night my brain has a chance to catch up with the days events and I am able to reach striking clarity (I don't know if that's normal, but that's my brain...) with some things that have been troubling me. Like my knitting issue. Somehow I visualized what they meant in the book and couldn't wait to try it out! (I wish there was a video clip in the book - it's tough when they can only show step by step and not how they got to that step!). We were too busy on Sat. for me to try again, but Sunday after our nephew's baptism, there was no stopping me! WOO WOO! I was knitting! I was so proud!

Of course I have some problems keeping the correct tension, so the initial rows are a bit, um, interesting. The following rows were kind of better, but I'm convincing myself that they are not as good as they could be because some of my initial ones were rough. So I think I'm going to cut my loss (literally) and start over to see what I get. I don't want to start the PURL until the KNIT sticks in my mommy-brain-of-late. Here's pics of my blob:





As for what other projects I've been up to this week, I've got some totes and belts in the works, in addition to some gifts. I finished up another toddler tote today (I think it's my mission to outfit all toddlers with a fun bag) and will take pics tomorrow if it decides not to rain. I'm also working with a customer to finalize ribbon choices for a tote. Here's one of the many, many sample options:



I can't wait to hear reviews of the Quilt Market this weekend! Have fun Heather!!!