Lo, and it was finished

It's done!! *zooms around room* Pics:

Side:



Back:



Front showing off sleeves:



Alas, these are all slightly blurry. It was raining today and the flash totally washed out the reflection. But that's the best I can do on my own. It looks more impressive in person, despite the black yarn, which sadly doesn't show off the pattern well. But, that can't be helped as it matches the bridesmaid dress.

I sewed about an inch seam in each armhole as it was a bit too open and saggy for my taste. Now it's fab. One happy accident did occur, but that's why it's a happy accident and wasn't ripped out. Either that or I was too lazy. :p I decided to block it at home, mostly cuz I just can't be bothered to do it now. Off to indulge in more Sherlock Holmes and Mr. Greenjeans now!

ho ho ho

I'm getting excited for Christmas. I know, I know. What about Thanksgiving and all the turkey yumminess? Well, it'll be virtual turkey for me this year, although I do have loads of pumpkin bread and pie supplies thanks to my pumpkin conspirator friends! Being a Yank in England is a funny experience when our national holidays come along. For Fourth of July my brother was trying to convince me to hang a big-ass American flag off my balcony. Hahaha. Yeah, not a good idea. It was a funny one though.

The wedding shrug is about 70% complete. I'm at the flat pattern bit on the other sleeve and side now so with any luck, this sucker will be done this weekend. And none too soon as I'm heartily sick of this pattern already and keep having to keep my eyes from drifting longingly to the Mr Greenjeans supplies for mom's Christmas present. 60 more rows. 60 more rows, seaming, and blocking and I'll be free!! I'm so excited.

And speaking of Christmas, I think I'm going to be up the proverbial creek this year if I don't get a move on with my Christmas shopping. Methinks online shopping for everyone this year with just a few exceptions as there is no way I'll have room in my suitcases next month. Plus, I'm really not one of those who loves last minute shopping. The crowds drive me nuts and suck out all the Christmas cheer from my bones. This year's going to be chaotic enough with my brother's wedding happening before New Year's and I'm all about minimizing holiday stress. I'll have to start poking around my favorite online shops this weekend.

And speaking of online shops, is Elann.com the best kept yarn bargain secret out there? Seriously, I got their newsletter earlier this week and was floored once again by their selection and prices. They're even beating KnitPicks! I may have to appease the stash gods once again when I get home.

Well, it's off to the dissertation for me now. I finished reading Northanger Abbey last night and my chapter on education awaits. I need to see how my readalong friends are doing with the novel.

Toodles!

ETA: I know, I'm back. But look! Cass the enabler has posted great gift ideas for knitters. Oh my weekend is going to be fab!

writing to knit

That's how it's been feeling lately. I work on the dissertation, sometimes begrudgingly, sometimes quite frustratingly, sticking to my self-appointed work time just so that I can chuck it all in by 10pm and "legally" take out my knitting. Still, last week's trip to Hampshire was very productive diss-wise and it's spilling over into my writing, which is always a good thing. And! I even remembered to take the wedding shrug with me! Not that I got much knitting done since I was basically up and out by 8am to breakfast and hit the road to Chawton by 9.15a to be at the library by 10. Chawton House library is utterly fantastic and I'm really glad I spent a few days working there. But being conscious so early meant I was in bed much earlier than is normal for me so I really only worked a few rounds on the shrug all week. Saturday, however, saw much greater progress since the weekends are diss-free. I'm now knitting the flat part of the pattern for the left shoulder and back, still screwing up now and again but I'm finding that fixing mistakes in lace is not as difficult as I once thought. Maybe I'm becoming a pro. :p

Toting about my knitting made me realize, I really need a knitting bag. I used a small bag from the Shakespeare Trust to tote the shrug in and while it did the job, it just wasn't knitterly and cute, you know? I grabbed the pattern for the Knitting Needle Knitting Bag last week or so, but I've also had my eye on KP's Total Tote (in the lime green, of course). Alas, to be a poor grad student who has to budget books and yarn. We shall see. Maybe I'll win the lottery one day.

Woops! Break time's over; back to the writing grind!

I'm supposed to be writing?

Oh Mari, you enabler! I clicked over to Shut Up, I'm Counting's contest and have been knitting blog surfing ever since. She's hilarity on a stick, yo. Definitely check her out!

Must. Go. Write. Chapter. Now.