So here is a perfect example of why one should finish what one starts in a timely manner. I started working on Dolman Updated oh... early 2004 sometime. I just finished the last of four nearly identical pieces yesterday. Such excitement filled my soul as I laid 'front right' to 'back right' in preparation for seaming. But then, what's this? Why is 'right front' so tiny, and in such a tight gauge? Why is 'back right' so relaxed, and several inches longer? I pulled out my trusty KnitChek (pictured at left) and verified that the first sweater section was knitted several stiches off gauge. Gargh! I yodeled my frustration to the capricious knitting gods. So take a look: The good news is that the remaining 3 pieces are knit to the same gauge. I guess I must have been stressed last winter, or something. This was also the first big project I attempted after switching to continental style, and I have discovered that I can knit a little tightly if I don't watch it. The other good news is that the pieces go pretty quickly, so I should be able to re-whip up another 'right front' piece in no time at all. Oh, and if anyone else is attempting this pattern, be sure to check out the errata on the Interweave Knits website.

Sitting in front of my laptop at the dining room table, having put the finishing touches on the work I needed to get together before a meeting tomorrow morning, I am struck by the fact that the rhythmic wash cycle of my washing machine is exactly the same as the backbeat of Depeche Mode's "I feel loved". I am not kidding, but I am rocking out a little.

So much to do, so few days. I can't wait to go back to being a worker. Being a student is hard. Anyway, I've managed to squeeze in some knitting time this weekend - I'm trying to power through my Dolman Updated, the cover pattern from the Winter 2003 Interweave Knits. I am more than 75% done with the knitting, then there will only be the seaming. Which, I think we can all agree, is the best part. I went to a new knitting group on Saturday (new to me, at least), and no one else showed up! How rude. Luckily, I had dragged a friend along, so all was not lost. The meeting was at the Hotwire Coffeehouse in Shoreline, which is a really nice place. They really do have some kick-ass coffee. Let's see... I also had a weird encounter at Bartell Drug - right ahead of me in line was the guy who officiated at my wedding - exchanging lipstick. Wrong color. Dear me.

Here's my next sewing project, ripped from the headlines, er, the Crate and Barrel Catalog. These flatware storage pouches are just the thing I need to store my fancy silverware. Right now they're wrapped in paper towels in plastic storage bins. Not quite as deluxe as these felt pockets. But $34.95 is a bit pricey for a set of 5. I'll have to make a trip to the Joann Superstore that just opened up a few miles north of my house to get some felt. Then I'll have to figure out how to mimic the cute silverware embroidery on each pouch. Any suggestions?

I've been attending a Knitting Group for about a year, and I've finally decided that I don't like dragging myself all the way down to the University Village (where the group meets) and fighting undergrads for tables at Starbucks. So I started a new meetup group, especially for folks who live on the King/Snohomish county line. We're going to meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Lake Forest Park Town Center foodcourt. Free parking, lots of seating, and free refills on drip coffee. What could be better?

LJC's photos of Piglet enjoying London inspired me to post these photos of Rudi's trip to Miami. It looks like Piglet is capable of standing up by himself, whereas Rudi is a bit too floppy, and constantly needs propping up. We were attending a conference at a swanky resort, and Rudi just couldn't stop breaking into the minibar. He also enjoyed the gourmet buffet breakfast (check out that belly), and calling for room service on the loo phone.

I'm finally making headway on my Variation on a Frill. I made it through the frilled edge with no trouble at all, but the body had me stumped. After several painful rrrrriippps and false starts, I decided to post a question on the Knitty Coffeeshop discussion board. Wouldn't you know it, the example Q&A posted by the Knitty Mods in the board FAQ answered my question. So now, the Frill and I are just zipping along. I'm really liking the way it's turning out, the color is great, and the beaded edge on the frill adds just the right touch of swish. When I was a little girl, all I wanted was swishy skirts that would flare out as I spun around. The Frill is like a grown-up version of that. I can't wait to wear it, perhaps to Florencia in el Amazonas, if it's warm enough! Speaking of divas, turns out the rumors are true, Mark Burnett is producing a Martha Stewart version of The Apprentice. Oh, that would be fun, but since I just got funding for my dissertation, it's probably a bad time to start a career as a TV celebrity. What does the world need more, a better understanding of cancer, or the perfectly folded Irish linen napkin? Well, in any case, I'm sure I'll be watching it, and clapping with glee as the contenders get picked off, one by one.

Well, the patterns for the Spring 2005 Interweave Knits are out, and they're a little weird. I do like the heads-up hat - maybe I can get rid of some of the Cotton Classic I have kicking around! In related news, I just got the Knit Picks catalog in the mail today - wow. Wow wow wow wow! They're introducing their own line of 12 new yarns, at really incredible prices. I'm tempted by so many of them, if only I hadn't spent my allowance at the So Much Yarn sale in January...