Last Hurrah

Went down to The Point yesterday for a last hurrah. So sad to see one more yarn store close in NYC, we've lost 4 of them in the last 3 months or so.

I didn't want to spend too much and was a knitter on a mission - to find the Claudette Hat pattern. It was a house pattern, and while there was the chance that the designer might offer it up on her own later on, I didn't want to take that chance. And I found it, all the way at the bottom of the bin. It could very well have been the last copy even. Score!

The line was long, so of course I couldn't just wait in such a long line to buy one measly pattern, right? So I picked up some circular needles. Not very exciting, I know. But I needed some size 3 circulars to make Little Birds when I get the chance. I have been planning on knitting this for awhile, but I had the chance to try on Ysolda's sweater when she was here and I need to make it now. Right now. But it's gonna have to wait until I finish this deadline project. If you go to Ysolda's blog and scroll down a little, you'll see me modeling it. Cute, huh? I'll need to do a few modifications on the bottom rib, but other than that, it fit perfect!

Back to Work

No more personal knitting for me! Next design project was officially cast-on on Friday. Don't feel too sorry for me though, I'm using Handmaiden Double Sea - silk and sea silk.

This yarn is just so shiny, soft and gorgeous! However, I am finding that it is a little rough on the hands. The pattern I am working right now takes a bit of manipulation, so I can definitely feel the tendons on the top of my hands tightening up a bit. I just have to make sure I keep stopping for rest and to continue doing my stretching and strengthening exercises. Thankfully the deadline is also more than 2 months away, so I don't have to work my little tendons to the bone.

And in other news, where did Spring go and who told Summer it could come early! It was so hot in NYC this weekend! 83 degrees yesterday and I think it was supposed to be almost 90 today. Yesterday I ventured out with a few of my knitting buddies and took in the view of the East River in Astoria park. We got a little sunburn, but I think it was worth it. Didn't even bother to venture out today other than a few errands. The shade and the breeze from an open window suited me just fine. I even had time to do a little yoga today to try and stretch out the old back. I'd like to get back into yoga for the stress relief, but not sure how committed I am. Especially when I'm so tired when I get home from work and waking up early is just not an option.

A Lovely Day in NYC

Today I had the pleasure of hanging out with Ysolda and Connie in NYC for a bit of button shopping. Our first stop was M&J Trimming where the never ending rows of trims boggle the mind and of course you can't forget the buttons. Then it was onto uptown to the main attraction - Tender Buttons.

If you haven't been to Tender Buttons and you live in the NYC area or are planning on visiting, it really is something you should not miss. They have a very nice collection of vintage buttons at fairly reasonable prices - at least not much of a difference from M&J. Connie and I resisted the urge to buy (barely), but Ysolda picked up some very nice finds. I'm sure Connie and I will be back to purchase soon, our saving grace was we didn't have any sweaters or yarn to color match.

Next, after wandering around for awhile trying to find an empty table at a coffee shop that wasn't Starbucks, we met up with Veronique who joined us for dinner in Union Square. We didn't get much knitting time in, but we did have a lovely chat and it was nice to just relax with friends.

Connie also gave me this very nice thank you gift today - a beautiful shawl pin from Designs by Romi. I have admired her pins for sometime, but never got around to purchasing one for myself. It will be perfect for my Desert Sun Shawl that is almost finished! Thanks Connie!

Still Enjoying My Break

I'm still enjoying my break from designing and am making very good progress with my Desert Sun shawl. I only have about 5 or 6 repeats to go and done! Never mind that each repeat takes me about a week to accomplish. This shawl started off as a yarn-along with two knitters from my Astoria knitting group, but I got sidetracked with deadlines for awhile. Might not matter too much though, one ended up ripping hers out completely and the other is still knitting along between projects.

My hand is still aching very slightly so it too is enjoying the break. I'm still doing my stretches and trying to see the Chiropractor as regularly as I can. It doesn't bother me when typing or using the mouse anymore which is a big improvement. I just need to keep stretching out the tendons on the top of my hand which seem to be the cause of the slight aching now. I just want to be back to normal, I know it just takes time.