denouement

On Knitting, And Things Relating To It
Wherein we learn that the Swallow Tail Shawl has been knit, weaved, blocked, and hidden for three days so that it might not be discovered inopportunely.

Pattern: Evelyn Clark's Swallow Tail Shawl pattern from Fall 2006 Interweave Knits.
Yarn: Less than 1 Skein KnitPicks Shadow (100% Merino, 440yds/50g) in Sunset.
Needles: US 4 Addi Turbo circular

It's a quick knit; mostly simple; lovely to play with. I look forward to knitting it a second time, as soon as I figure out what I want for myself.

Also completed:
Pattern: Grumperina's Jaywalker for Magknits.
Yarn: 2 skeins Claudia's Handpainted Yarn (100% Merino, 175 yds/50g) in Black Walnut.
Needles: US 1 Addi Turbo circulars

You may recall the first was done some time ago. I may not have finished with others for Socktoberfest, but I did discover along the way I heart knitting socks. And through some twist of nature (and alcohol), my father-in-law determined that not only is his foot the exact same size as mine, but wearing handknit socks could be described as "sex for your feet". (Also, these socks do not feel like they have mistakes in them. He's quite upset I wouldn't let him have the screwed up pair.)

On Turkeys

This year I am very thankful that I did not have to wake up at the crack of dawn to be at work for the mall rush at 4 a.m.

Now that "mall employee" is behind me (and a four letter word), it is my turn to exact revenge on retail workers... by sleeping in until noon and then scoring a yarn swift for 60% off.

Also learned this holiday: chugging a glass of milk after several cocktails is not conducive to a good time.

On Things That Are Leafy
Rescheduled or not, this (indoor) Carbon Leaf show was astronomically overwhelming. I don't think I could have asked for a better spot than front and center.
If you were there, I apologize for the excited chattering before/during/after the show (and to the stealmonster, who was forced to deal-at least the strangers had a headstart). If you were wondering, the glazed over expression and the drool were not anything to be concerned about. I was within reach of Barry, as he proved twice. An invading army could have pulled a Red Dawn on downtown and I wouldn't have budged. It was worth having my car milkshak'd.
In summation, the show was crazy awesome. As are the (surprisingly sweet) band members.

Lest you think this had nothing to do with knitting, you can get it on good authority that the only music I have listened to since September the 12 has been such levels of awesome as seen here. They are inspiring my knitting/spinning/dyeing (oh, there is so much to discuss).

Leafy, tambien: The "Backyard Leaves" scarf that I'm going to knit when I get to Richmond and get me some Debbie Bliss. Because I met a ball of cashmerino this weekend. And it will be mine.

it's a beautiful sight

So, last night? Awesome concert. We can begin with this eliot morris man that started things off. I was pleasantly surprised. Even as we speak he's serenading me with his amazing ability to sing. He can sing. It's incredible. No Angie (or boba) but still. Great singing.

And the gooooooos. Johnny was something else. Totally not what I was expecting, but still amazing. Or, in his words, "officially classified as awesome". And his fluid with the stage/guitar toss move? Even better in person. And now I can cross something off my list of things to do in life: singing a song that changed my life out loud with the guy that wrote it. Huzzah.

The Counting Crows were also great. We heard the story of Adam's grandmother and how this was her home the last 8 years of her life, and this was the first show he'd played here since she had passed away. So he sang her favorite song, colorblind. Amazing? I think yes. It's my favorite of theirs as well.

Clearly, the night can be summed up with this realization: The concert was so tremendous, this is all the knitting I got done.


(Forgive the horrible photo? Taking pictures at way late at night usually means using the dreaded flash...)
Prepare for the awesomeness. Because it's heading our way at warp speed. Hoorah for 10 hour road trips.

here it goes again

If you watch The Colbert Report, then you surely know what it is I'm about to speak of.

But if you missed last night's episode, then you totally need to go here and watch the treadmill video.

I think these guys just made a spot on my awesome list.