Time flies...

Whew! Where has this last month gone? School is well underway, grad classes are time consuming, fall is nearly in the air... or is it? It's been hard to tell these past few weeks! I've been busy with a few weekend jaunts (The trip to Atlantic City with colleagues was surprisingly story-less, but did allow for a bit of knitting on the drive. The surprise trip to Michigan for my parents' 25th was wonderful and reminded me of the crisp fall air and change of leaves that I don't see enough of in the city.)

Speaking of the MI trip, would you believe that I forgot my cable needle despite bringing the Cables and Lace Kimono Wrap along? Not to worry; there was a Dunkin Donuts in the terminal and a coffee stirrer sufficed just fine. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Speaking of the Cables and Lace, it is finally going somewhere. I'm done with the back and one front panel; halfway though the second. Finally moving at a quick pace.

I signed up for the Secret of the Stole but have yet to cast on. I picked up a tiny crochet hook this morning, so it is time to see how that works.

I dropped by Knit NY today; not bad! Had a great cup of tea, worked on the Cables and Lace, picked up some bright green Malabrigo at 40% off. Did I need it? No, but I do need a new winter hat and scarf set...

I was counting on the baseball postseason to see me through some of my autumn knitting, but I've only got one team left. Fingers crossed for the Bx Bombers...

Cool article on subway knitting

Check it out here: A conversation piece

No knitting on The Daily Show

I've been quite fortunate to have many opportunities to travel to various locations. During many of said travels, I have brought along knitting to keep myself busy. Never have I encountered a problem carrying on knitting needles. Like many, I have knit during class, in workshops, while commuting (via public transport!), and at other random opportunities. While I've received my fair share of strange looks and stares, I cannot recall a time that I've been asked not to knit in a public location... until Tuesday, that is...

I received some fabulous news at work Tuesday morning. A colleague (and friend) had an extra ticket to that evening's taping of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and I was the one he wanted to share it with. Smile! I hemmed and hawed a bit over the decision (I know, I know... what was I thinking?!) as I had grad class that evening, but my response was a decided YES. Jason and I jetted out of school and headed to Midtown, where the show is taped. We waited in the rain, I did a few rows on my Cables and Lace Cardigan, we waited some more. It was finally time to enter the studio, and lo and behold: we got FRONT ROW SEATS! Incredible! However, we still had awhile to wait, so I decided, with a look at the security guard, to take out my knitting. I gave the guard a sort of nod and asked if it would be a problem if I knit while waiting. "Yes, it'll be a problem," he said a little sheepishly, "We don't know when Jon will come out and you'll have to put it away then." He was nice about it, so nothing further from me. After all, we had front row seats and I wasn't about to do anything to jeopardize those! (Though I would have loved for Jon to make fun of me for knitting!)

In the end, the show was great, the atmosphere was phenomenal, and it was fun to feel a bit like a tourist during the week. Progress on the Cable and Lace will just have to happen in other places.

Sorely overdue

Have I done any knitting lately? Sadly, no. Has the school year gotten off on a positive foot? Gladly, yes!

First things first... my shrug mission was complete with time to spare for the wedding! Thank goodness for a teacher trainer that did not mind a knitter in her audience. These pictures will have to do; I've yet to get a good one. The shrug looks very lopsided, but it is just my inability to stand straight. (The photo was a candid, which is why my head is cropped out... the only photo that I have of the shrug doesn't do much justice for anything else...)

The lack of knitting, though, is due to a very hetic few weeks. Wedding, guests, preparing for a school year... I'm pleased to say, though, that the year is off to a GREAT start. I don't want to speak too soon, but the first week was MUCH smoother than the first week last year. The school as a whole really seems to be doing better. Of course, it will take a lot of effort to continue, but we can do it. This year, I have a 5/6 bilingual SPED class, and so far, I am really enjoying the little ones. So cute, so silly! There are a few challenges to keep an eye on, and lots of academic growth to be made, but I am ready. Last week was mostly about procedures and school culture, and I think the students will respond even better to content areas.

I hope to dust off the knitting this weekend; must work on the Kimono Lace cardigan and finish the Monkey Socks for the swap.

Mission: Possible

My cousin is getting married this weekend, and though it is going to be a small ceremony, yours truly needs something to wear! I found an old dress at home last weekend, but it is strapless and that's a) too scandalous for my family and b) too chilly for an outdoor wedding in Wisconsin. Enter: quick project time!

Thanks to Ravelry, I was able to browse hundreds of potential projects while balancing the time I'll have for knitting this week, knitting speed, style, etc. I decided upon the Ribbed Lace Bolero in I am Allergic to Wool. Cute, no? Let's hope it works out! (Mods and details to be included with the finished project.)

Joining up...

Seems that last week was characterized by joining group activities. First, a former college classmate started a book club. Now, I love my students, but teen fiction doesn't always cut it. I didn't read as many "me" books last year as I would have liked, so this will remind me to balance youth and adult literature! Our first book is White Noise by DeLillo. I've been interested in checking him out for awhile now and am glad to have the chance.

I've also joined my first swap! Monkey Swap III is accepting sign-ups 'til the end of the month, so you have time to join, too! I have a pair of monkeys on the needles at the moment, but will probably take a break from them 'til I learn what my pals prefers. Where does all the cool monkey swag hide out in NYC?

Oh, now a helpful hint. (hello, Heloise?) Do you struggle with organizing your earrings? While I was home, my crafty little sister had hers hanging on a piece of lace attached to her mirror. Kitschy-cool! I had to try it myself, and though it isn't a great picture, you get the idea.

Now, I'm off to watch the old hometown boys take on the new hometown boys. Split loyalties...

Monkey Swap III

The basics:
Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate, or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair in your sleep?
I’ve made a few pairs, but still consider myself a beginner.

The measurements:
Shoe Size: 8, 8 1/2
Foot circumference: 8.75 inches
Foot length: 9.25 inches

Yarn Preferences:
What colors do you love?
I ADORE rich autumn colors, especially reds, greens, blues, etc. I like the basics, too (black, white, gray).

Do you prefer solids or variegated?
No preference, really, but I’m not a fan of pooling.

Do you prefer wool, cotton or acrylic yarn?
For socks, wool.

What colors would you never wear?
Solid orange or yellow (though I like them as part of variegated projects).

What are your favorite brands of yarn?
I’m on a Cherry Tree Hill kick at the moment (it was on sale!) and also love Koigu. However, my sock stash is limited and I’d love to try something new!

Are there any new brands you would like to try?
I’ve never tried STR or Lorna’s Laces, but I’m willing to try anything! I am also curious about the sock yarns with bamboo and other fibers. So many brands that I am unfamiliar with…

Cookie A. Patterns:
Which of her patterns have you already knit?
I’ve done Monkeys, and I tried Pomatomus once, but was not very successful.

Which pattern(s) would you like to knit and don’t already own?
I think Twisted Flower is absolutely divine. Her patterns are all pretty great!

Other pertinent information:
Would you be willing to have an international Monkey Pal or do you prefer one in the US?
International or US would be fine. I speak Spanish and have lived abroad; thus always love connections with people outside the US of A.

Do you have any allergies?
None that have been discovered yet!

Will your knitting be exposed to smoke or animals?
I have a dog, but he stays away from my stash and my knitting projects!

Are you on Ravelry yet? If you don’t mind having new friends, what is your Ravelry name?
I am and it is: Wanderlustknits. See you there!