Rhapsody in Blue
Started: May 15th, 2005 Finished: June 26th, 2005
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Candy Blue
Needles: Takumi Clover bamboo size 8
Pattern: Spring/Summer 2005 FCEK #29
This simple raglan boatneck caught my eye, and with some Cotton Ease in my stash, I knew it would be a good match. Knitting this pullover was a lot of fun for me–it was straight stockinette the whole way, but I did not find myself bored with the pattern. The yarn was wonderful, and like so many others, I am upset that it is being discontinued. My local craft stores appear to be sold out, but there is a chance that I may find more at the Tuesday Morning shop near my parents’ house–so I will check it out.
I finished the sleeves before I left for the beach, and the front was completed during the trip. A great majority of it was done while sitting on the beach at Assateague Island.
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Back at the house, I got some help with the yarn when I was seaming it up… my dear niece Krista has taken quite an interest! Krista and her older sister, McKayla, always want to peek over my shoulder and watch me knit. I plan to teach McKayla how to knit soon–she is seven, and has reached the point when I think she could handle some simple stitches. |
In other knitting news, I cast on for my Milano tank, but have not made any real progress since that point. I am hoping to get some more time this afternoon on the Metro. I also did a few more rounds on the Kahlo Homespun afghan. It has reached such large proportions, I have relegated it to the couch in the basement-it is no longer portable knitting! Your suggestions/votes on yarn for my One Skein Wonder was overwhelmingly for the Classic Elite Provence cotton–so it looks like this little quickie project will be up soon, along with the quickie lace sarong for my sister. (Hi Mimi!)
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A big thanks for Keri for the great RAOK that she sent me! It was a great thing to come back to on Tuesday when we got home! The card has watercolor ladybugs on it, and she notes she chose this one because of the ladybugs in our garden. She sent a cow tape measure (cute!) and a great little zippy pouch she got in Mexico–perfect for notions. Thanks! |
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School Days… Again…
Summer session classes began last Tuesday. This mini-semester is jam-packed with readings, writings, and presentations. One of my classes, History of the Book, is absolutely fascinating, and I can honestly point to this class as one of the reasons that I decided to do the Library School route. I have always been fascinated with manuscript and print culture, and with my work in European history, I am able to supplement this class with many other readings and research. This class is providing a perfect foundation for the librarian I want to be: a Special Collections librarian, which is a hybrid of sorts–borrowing from libraries, archives, and museums. Several of my courses have been held at the Library of Congress, however this is the first time that we will be able to really use the Library’s collections in our actual research… studying the typography of the Gutenberg Bible? well, let’s go downstairs and take a look at one of the real ones! A 12th-century Southeast Asian manuscript written on leaves? They’ve got it. It is really amazing to have those resources at your fingertips.
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The Jefferson Building houses the well-known Reading Room, and many exhibit halls and cases (online tour here!). Very few offices and public rooms are in this building, located directly behind the Capitol Building on the National Mall. Across the street, the Madison Building houses many offices, reading rooms, meeting rooms, and laboratories. My class meets in the Madison. Another building, the Adams, is located behind the Jefferson houses many offices and a few reading rooms. The books owned by the Library of Congress are spread between the three buildings, and several off-site storage facilities around the region.
My other classes, Information Systems and Art and Museum Librarianship have not started yet, but I am sure that they will be great too–I am very happy with my decision to go back to school for the dual degree–I just hope I can find the right job next year after graduation!
ISRAEL PICTURES OF THE DAY
Marking the five-year anniversary of my study-abroad trip to Israel June/July 2000
One of the most famous sites in the land of Israel rises up over the Dead Sea in the Judean Desert. Masada, a large plateau, has a long history, as discovered in the site’s archaeological excavations, however it is best known for the period around 70 CE, when a group of political and religious zealots, the Sicarii, left Roman-controlled Jerusalem and fled to the desert, making their home on top of this plateau. They were not the first to take up residence here, as King Herod the Great’s summer palace was located on the stepped edge of the mountain, built about 100 years earlier. The people lived on Masada for several years, building homes, a large cistern, and a notable synaogue.
Around 73 CE, the Roman legions marched on Masada, planning a siege of the mountain-top fortress. They constructed a large ramp, built from stone in order to reach the top, choosing not to use the windy "Snake Path" on the sea side of the mountain. It took many months to complete the ramp, and finally in 74 CE, the Romans reached the top of the fortress. Although the sources are not entirely accurate from this point, it can be said that the inhabitants burnt their storehouses, and many of them committed suicide, instead of falling to the Romans. This tale plays a large part in Israeli nationalism, and is one of the most-visited sites in the country, despite the arid desert location. We visited on a very warm day in July, and climbed the Roman Ramp side, which was very steep, but quite an experience.
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Rhapsody in Blue looks fantastic! I think it sucks, too, that Cotton Ease is being discontinued. The Lion Brand website still has some for sale, but only certain colours now — whichever they haven’t yet run out of I guess. Maybe if we all write letters and complain enough they will bring it back to life.
That’s great that your neice wants to learn to knit, and I’m sure you’ll have a blast teaching her.
My son wants to learn too. He’s 3 1/2 years old. I think he’s a little too young, because I think once he got his hands on my knitting needles he would decide they make great drumsticks. *lol*
Have a great time in school! I’m going to go back to school as soon as hubby is done his course … I can’t wait!
Happy knitting!
Rhapsody is gorgeous! Great color and very flattering.
Rhapsody looks great…so much better on you than in the mag! What a great pose too…beach FO’s!
You are a terrific writer by the way…I love reading the memories and the facts about israel…You need to contact FODOR’s and write for their travelogues!
x/o H
Your sweater is lovely, such a good color for you.
I am so envious of your progress in your library science studies. I keep saying I want to go back, but something is keeping me from doing what I need to do to get there. Have fun with your summer classes, especially your research at the Library of Congress.
You look gorgeous in your sweater. Blue is a great color on you. The pattern reminds me of the Hourglass Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.
Amy
Lolly girl…read my notes on the Milano, just in case. You probably would figure that out beforehand. Me…I’m a dufus.
Anyway, great job on that Rhapsody. Absolutetly hot!
I love the Library of Congress. I was an intern there at the Congressional Research Service. It was a great experience.
I used to work at libraries and bookstores before I got my current boring job. I’m so jealous.
Lovely Rhapsody… nice setting for the photo too
Enjoy your course! The Other Knitter is an archivist… so I bet you’d have stuff to talk about.
Lovely Rhapsody… nice setting for the photo too
Enjoy your course! The Other Knitter is an archivist… so I bet you’d have stuff to talk about. Earlier today, T.O.K. said, ‘ugh, meeting this afternoon with academics’. Me: ‘Hey, I am an academic’; T.O.K: ‘oh, you’re different’. Huh!?!
Oh Lolly– I LOVE IT! It looks so stunning on you..especially with that color! Yay, congrats on finishing…
And I love your pictures from your trip to Ocean City down below! For some reason, I never got an update on bloglines?!?!? Weird. Either way, isn’t frog tree gorgeous! I love it
Have a happy 4th 
Lolly, it looks fabulous. The blue looks so great on you! What a great everyday sweater!
You look so gorgeous! And of course, the new FO is a beauty too! I agree with you, Cotton Ease is such a good yarn to work with. I am glad that I’ve built up a little stash recently!
Wow – Rhapsody turned out so cute! It looks great on you!!!!
So cute that you want to teach your niece to knit.
And good luck in school!
What a gorgeous sweater. Thanks so much for sharing your fun photos with us. I love the pics of Israel. What an exciting trip that must have been.
You look absolutely stunning in that shade of blue! I love the pattern on you as well. Well, it really is easy to make anything look great on such a lovely canvas! tee hee!
I love looking at all your pix. Your nieces are such cuties! I can’t wait to see your one skein wonder. I just picked up some yarn to do that one myself. I am going to do the borders with a variegated yarn though (just for a different look).
Yes, what they said. I love the boatneck, and the colour is gorgeous.
On our trip to the Library of Congress, Peter and I spent a good deal of time with the Gutenberg bible. Heck, we could have camped out there in the dark little niche with it for a few days. You’re lucky to have a reason to go there every day; I can’t wait to go back.
What cutie little nieces you have! And so fun for you that they love to watch you knit. My littlest sister in law (she’s 7) wants to learn how to knit, but only has enough attention for about 2 rows before she quits. Oh well, maybe some day.
WOW – you look lovely in your beautiful blue rhapsody! Great color, great pattern!
Oh, how I want to go to library school. I read about your studies and think, next year I’ll get in, I just have to.
I loved the Library of Congress when my sister and I visited.
Your sweater looks fabulous. Nothing like a simple sweater to liven up your knitting.
Your niece is adorable. I can’t wait until my 9-month old niece is old enough to be interested in knitting.
Rhapsody looks fabulous on you, I love the color! =) Glad you had a great trip and I’m glad you enjoyed your RAOK!
Rhapsody in Blue looks fabulous! I love the photograph on the beach.
Oh hunny, that sweater looks great! The color is perfect for you!It’s such a shame yarn companies have taken to discountinuing their best yarns! What’s going on there?
You classes sound extremely interesting. Even though you’re going to be busy, I’m sure you’re looking forward to them!
hurrah for finished sweaters! you look fantastic! i’ve never tried cotton-ease, but everybody’s so upset it’s discontinued that i believe it must be a fabulous yarn!
your classes sound very cool, btw. hope you get a little free time as well, though, this summer.
Rhapsody looks wonderful! That blue is a lovely color on you.
looks fantastic! great pics!
You look so pretty in your Rhapsody, Lolly! That color is great on you!
I really enjoyed graduate school, but I must say that reading about your current endeavor really makes me appreciate the fact that I’m done with school! [chuckles]
Rhapsody in Blue looks beautiful on you, lolly! wow! I’m really liking CE, too. I’m totally bummed that they are discontinuing it. It is an easycare dream! my OSW was washed and dried in the machines and didn’t shrink a bit!
You are so lucky to be able to visit LC while in library school. Are you planning on working there when you graduate? I have lots of library school friends who got jobs there and are very successful! they love thier jobs.
Yay! I love the Rhapsody. It looks really pretty on you. Have fun with the one skein wonder, and best of luck in school!
Rhapsody looks perfect! I love the beach shot. One tip though-the kid, way too cute. You know what they say about sharing the spotlight with kids and dogs…….:)
Your sweater looks fabulous! Beautiful color and you’ve done a great job.
That looks great– nice work! The beach pic is beautiful
I was eyeing that sweater as a possible use for the mountains of CE I’ve been hoarding. After seeing yours all finished, I know that I must knit it. It’s really a cute sweater. I love the relaxed fit of it and the boatneck. You did a fab job.
Maybe I’ll have to go and pick up the rest of the CE still sitting around in this town. No… I must restrain myself. But if it goes to more than 30% off, then the gloves are off.
You’re absolutely adorable in that sweater, Lolly! Have a terrific 4th of July and tell Kris hello for me!
xoxo
Rhapsody looks Fab. I can’t wait to make something in Cotton Ease!
Oh it looks great! Lovely fit and I’m sure that CE feels great on.
Great job Lolly! You look so adorable in that hat too!
Your sweater is beautiful! The color looks perfect on you, too.
Simply gorgeous. And the sweater looks mahvelous too
Have a happy fourth!
Tanya
Looks fantastic — better than the one in FCEK!! Great photos -
now don’t you look beautiful in blue. congratulations on a great sweater!
I love reading about your scholastic updates….it all sounds so fascinating. Just please don’t inspire me to go back to uni….I was really hoping to be done and dusted with that.
Rhapsodical (with you in it!) looks absolutely fabulous! Great job! I love all the holiday piccies.
hiya! Rhapsodical indeed!! Looks fab-U-lous – that color is perfect on you and a great fit too.
The beach is fantastic too – we’re heading to PEI for a beach vacation (and to visit mom/dad) next week and I can’t wait. Seeing the sand and surf is making me want to leave right NOW. I think it is so interesting that you’re studying to be a librarian – that appeals to me so much. I’m a bit jealous to be honest. Also – thanks for the Israel Pictures of the Day – very interesting.
Your rhapsody looks fantastic! And I can’t wait to see how the one skein wonder turns out!
Lolly, it’s gorgeous! Vacation knitting is the best! I’m very jealous that you got to see the wild ponies. I must have read ‘Misty of Chincoteague’ a hundred times as a kid!
Your rhapsody is gorgeous! i love the scenery you took your picture in as well. Great job!
Maybe I should have gone to MD’s library school instead of UCLA — classes at LC?! But I did work there, so say hi to Vicki, Diane and Dorothy in the office for me! I also worked at LC and it was the best job ever. If I hadn’t gotten pregnant and moved to California I would be at LC I think. Good luck on your summer classes! And the sweater is beautiful! Is there still a Tuesday Morning in Silver Spring? I may have to find one out here to get more Cotton Ease.
Lolly…I love, love, love your sweater!!! It looks great on you & the color is fabulous!
Lolly, it’s beautiful. Great job on the Rhapsody in Blue Pullover. The color is really spectacular on you.