Nov 22 2005

Sigh of Relief

Published by lolly at 12:42 pm under Klaralund, Scarves, Wraps, Shrugs

I did not have my nose in a book all weekend… just most of it! Luckily, I finished up two major papers just in time for last night’s class, and I am free for a few days before the major homework starts again. This is a big sigh of relief for me… I can finally see an end to this crazy semester. Only two more weeks of classes, two minor papers, and a big paper due in mid-December, and then I am done. (Still quite a bit, huh?)

Thanks for your encouragement through all of it. I go back and read this post and your comments often and I do feel reenergized — thank you!

However, this weekend, I escaped the stranglehold of homework for one evening, and got to enjoy a wonderful show with some wonderful people.

I love the radio, and I listen to it religiously. A few years back, I discovered the radio show This American Life and fell in love with the concept. Regular people with amazing stories to tell, sometimes based around a theme, other times a complete hodge podge.

Perhaps it speaks to the burgeoning historian and archivist inside of me… but who doesn’t love a good story? The stories told on the show are real: sometimes very raw, sometimes hilariously funny, and others have brought me to tears. Now that is good radio. (All previous episodes are archived and free to download on their site: go here for some of the favorites)

The show’s producer and "narrator" is Ira Glass, and many other well-known storytellers and comedians have contributed to the show; most notably David Sedaris and Sarah Vowell.

On Saturday night, Kris and I headed down to DC and met up with friends to hear Ira give a lecture / demonstration of how radio is made. The show was amazing, funny, intelligent, and inspiring. A wonderful way to spend an evening.

…especially when you start the evening with some yummy food and great company! We met Jenna (go check out her finished Cutaway cardigan now!) and some friends from work. We headed to Adams Morgan where there is a particularly yummy Ethiopian restaurant called Meskerem.

Jenna and Lolly shared the vegetarian plate.

For those of you that have not tried Ethiopian food before, I think it can be described as a nice mix of Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines — spices are aromatic and the "stews" are filled with plenty of lentils and vegetables. The plate comes with a large round crepe-style bread called injera, which you tear and scoop up the stew mixes. This was the third Ethiopian restaurant I have been to in DC, and probably the most authentic in terms of service and ambiance.

Jenna and Lolly stop stuffing their faces for a photo op - courtesy of Kris. (I kept on thinking through this whole picture "I hope I don’t have spinach in my teeth!")

We taxied over to the auditorium after the yummy dinner, and waited patiently for Ira Glass to come on stage. Jenna thought ahead and brought some knitting, Lolly did not. However, I had fun googling over the beautiful handpainted yarn she is using for the mitten!

With these big essays finally out of the way, I was even able to knit a little myself! It has been too long!

Even though I have not seen the movie yet (I swear, I am a real fan) I did start on my HiP Azkaban scarf. Heather and I are making these scarves together using Patons Classic Merino in Old Gold and Burgandy. I think the color match is dead-on: great choice, Heather! I love the bias cut of this scarf, and it is a fun and easy knit.

This scarf is my contribution to the

knitalong.

Another project that saw the light of day; my Klaralund is nearly halfway finished. I have 3 inches more on sleeve 1, and then I will start the front, and sleeve 2. This sweater is so geometric. It is a nice cathartic knit: stockinette with some garter thrown in. It is perfect for relaxing my mind!

The garter and "extended garter" that form the bodice of the Klaralund.

Thank you to all of you who voted for my next Sisik project in last week’s post! The voting remained close in the very end, with 134 votes, the Aberdeen Cardigan pulled ahead — 69 / 65.

I began to think about what Karen mentioned in her comment "Can’t you knit both?" Well, yes, I guess I can… so, I ordered a few more skeins of rust to make the v-neck too… maybe I should have done that in the first place! I really did enjoy hearing your thoughts on the patterns and the embroidery though… maybe I will just knit Aberdeen first!

For those of you that asked: the Aberdeen Cardigan is available in the Dalegarn 115 book (Google to find availability), and the Vienna v-neck is in Dale Trends 123. (The Dalegarn 115 book is also the source for the Sisik Balmoral cardigan that I made this past summer)

Expect another entry after the holiday — I have some great Socktoberfest finished pairs to share with you, and may even have an FO of my own! ;)

Don’t forget to sign my map: KnitBlogger Geography

*PS-I just found this site on the Bust’s Girl Wide Web–it has great potential in the forums, reviews of yarns and shops. Go check it out — register, and start some forum threads!

http://www.knitheaven.com/

48 Responses to “Sigh of Relief”

  1. # yahairaon 22 Nov 2005 at 2:16 pm

    I am insanely jealous that you got to see Ira Glass. This American Life is one of my faves.

    Happy Holidays, you better get a lot of relaxing and knitting done : )

  2. # Cathion 22 Nov 2005 at 2:32 pm

    Whee, the second to comment (I hope!). Sounds like a fun talk, and I’m glad that you were able to take a small break. Just think how sweet it will be to see Harry in a theater that isn’t jam packed with people.

    Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving- can’t wait to read your next post!

  3. # Jennaon 22 Nov 2005 at 2:41 pm

    IRA!! I’m glad you didn’t throw your undies on stage at him :) Thanks for inviting me out for such a fun night, it was great to see you and the K-man, and hear such an interesting talk. Grand fun for all!!

    Your Klaaralund looks like it’s coming along great, I want to see it. And be sure to see HP this week, it was really great. Fred and George steal the show. Keep on knittin’ and have a great holiday!

  4. # jenniferon 22 Nov 2005 at 2:41 pm

    oh lolly - you just made me miss yet another thing about DC - ethiopian food in adams morgan!!! i went to american (way back when) and one summer i worked at the ymca day camp in adams morgan and there were so many great restaurants YUMMO - thanks for the reminiscence!

  5. # Annetteon 22 Nov 2005 at 3:21 pm

    You’re going to love the movie, and good call on knitting both sweaters! Enjoy your mini-break.

  6. # Karmaon 22 Nov 2005 at 3:30 pm

    Lauren, it sounds like you had the BEST day. Yummy Ethopian food (injera! yum! I love it.), Ira Glass for goodness sake, and a wonderful friend to share it all with. I just can’t believe how efficient you are. I don’t get all the knitting done that you do and I’m not even in school anymore. Can’t wait to see Klaralund! :)

  7. # Danaon 22 Nov 2005 at 3:49 pm

    Meskerem…knitting friends…so sad I moved away! :(

    Glad you are nearing the end of your semester. Happy Thanksgiving!

  8. # Erinon 22 Nov 2005 at 3:58 pm

    Oh my gosh! I heard David Sedaris and I absolutely love him! He’s so funny how he can take a perfectly normal day and make it so humorous. It’s fantastic.

    Enjoy your much needed holiday break!

  9. # caroon 22 Nov 2005 at 4:18 pm

    I love to go for Ethiopian. Used to do that all the time. Yum!
    Make sure you don’t let yourself get too bogged down in the schoolwork (although it sounds like you’re finding a great balance). Have a great holiday!

  10. # Lil Sarahon 22 Nov 2005 at 4:22 pm

    Hey Lol!
    love the new entry, you funny girl. looks like you are seeing things slow down a bit, I look forward to seeing you this week. I love you!

  11. # debbieon 22 Nov 2005 at 4:23 pm

    hey lol, just handed in the first paper. one down, 3 to go and two finals! hoping over the weekend to at least get one done and another started, and, of course, knocking off that pair of dancing socks!

  12. # Rebekahon 22 Nov 2005 at 4:39 pm

    That sounds like great radio, I’m going to have to go have a listen. And the food looks wonderful. Living in the MIdwest though, we are just starting to get a mix of more interesting eateries, I hope the trend continues I love trying new things.

  13. # anneon 22 Nov 2005 at 4:50 pm

    Oh my, do I ever have a longstanding crush on Ira Glass. Very jealous.

  14. # Donnaon 22 Nov 2005 at 4:52 pm

    I am so glad that you’ve managed in a bit of a break for yourself! I’m sure you needed it. And you’ve gotten some knitting done..woohoo! Lauren & Sarah saw HP today and LOVED it! Said it was the best one! xo D

  15. # margeneon 22 Nov 2005 at 5:16 pm

    Your Karalund colors are great. TAL is one of my favorite radio shows. I listen most all day to the radio, too. Relax, enjoy the Holiday and knit! Happy Thanksgiving, Lolly!

  16. # Annieon 22 Nov 2005 at 5:28 pm

    Lucky, lucky, lucky! I *love* This American Life so much! As a self-confessed NPR addict, it’s one of my favorites.

  17. # chrison 22 Nov 2005 at 5:44 pm

    You always write about the most interesting topics- I learn so much about you reading your posts! I’m going to have to download This American Life soon and give it a listen. I remember you saying how much you enjoy Ethiopian food- sure looks good!! Klaralund and the HP scarf are both looking fantastic! So glad to hear that you finally get a little break, for a few days at least. You’ve certainly earned it with all your hard work! Happy Thanksgiving to you! Love, C.

  18. # ellieon 22 Nov 2005 at 5:47 pm

    Congratulations on the fun weekend, and hooray for end in sight. Have a great holiday.

  19. # Jenniferon 22 Nov 2005 at 6:05 pm

    Yay for the cardi!!

    Good luck with the final push for school.

  20. # katieon 22 Nov 2005 at 6:17 pm

    Isn’t it weird to see radio people while they are talking? Ira Glass came through Madison a few years ago, and we saw him then. What an amazing show. And yum, the food looks good. I first had Ethiopian food in Adams Morgan, I wonder if it was the same place? No North African food in Fort Wayne…yet, but maybe we’ll get some on our stop through Madison at Thanksgiving.

  21. # Miriamon 22 Nov 2005 at 6:29 pm

    YAY! I love Ira and TAL! I listen to it every week and when I need some inspiration at work, I listen to some of the old ones. Never fails to make me think.

  22. # Gracieon 22 Nov 2005 at 6:53 pm

    The HP scarf and all of your projects look great! Good luck in the last few weeks of the semester - I know how stressful it can be!

    I just added myself to the map! (Ok, so I added our future location, only a month to go!)

  23. # Ginaon 22 Nov 2005 at 7:24 pm

    Ira Glass is my boyfriend. I might not be his girlfriend, but he is my boyfriend. Except when we take a break and I go out with Jon Stewart instead. Anyway, you better not have been making goo goo eyes at him during his lecture.

    I am really, really jealous.

  24. # Lizon 22 Nov 2005 at 8:38 pm

    I would have voted for the cardi as well. However, both knits look loverly.

    Have a Happy Thanksgiving, dear Lolly! :D

  25. # Sarahon 22 Nov 2005 at 9:02 pm

    I am always surprised when I mention “This American Life” and people actually know what I am tallking about. But based on your comments, I shouldn’t be. I even had a conversation in Belize about Ira and his show! I don’t listen to it as much now that it is on Sat. afternoons. Sundays used to be perfect for me.

    Happy Thanksgiving.

  26. # monion 22 Nov 2005 at 10:13 pm

    so glad the work has let up a little for you, lolly! now you can relax and have some fun, which it looks like you are doing!

    I *love* this american life! I used to have a subscription to it through Audible.com. I miss it. I should get another subscription!

    Have a wonderful thanksgiving :)

  27. # tachaon 23 Nov 2005 at 4:14 am

    I haven’t got round to seeing the movie yet either - but my mum tells me to take a cushion as it is rather lengthy and she got a sore bottom!

  28. # Jesson 23 Nov 2005 at 4:56 am

    yum, that food looks tasty. Yay on getting the Azkaban scarf started!

  29. # jessieon 23 Nov 2005 at 5:51 am

    This American Life is great. The episode years ago with David Sedaris and his jazz lessons and Sarah Vowell and her marching band experience? Well, I think I peed a little I laughed so hard.

  30. # meganon 23 Nov 2005 at 7:21 am

    Oh my gosh - I ate at Meskerem just a few years ago! It’s such a fun experience. I really love visiting DC, I’d love to make the trip again sometime.

    And, I am a total NPR addict too! You just can’t get that type of news and commentary elsewhere. This American Life is one of my favorites, I usually cook with it in the background on Sundays. A Prairie Home Companion is great too.

    I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Lolly!

  31. # Samanthaon 23 Nov 2005 at 9:30 am

    Just yesterday I was looking at the Patons site and browsing over their Merino Wool colours and thought “I wonder if the burgundy and Old gold would make for a good HP scarf?” And today I come here and it looks great! Guess what I’m going to make myself in the new year?!!? :)

  32. # Maryon 23 Nov 2005 at 10:03 am

    You have GOT to go see Goblet of Fire! It’s awesome. I love your HP scarf-I’m going to do a Gryffie myself as soon as I’m done knitting Christmas socks. Yours looks great!

    Bye! (go see Goblet !!!)

  33. # Wandaon 23 Nov 2005 at 10:21 am

    I’m so glad you got to take some time out for you. I hope this next semester isn’t as crazy. I haven’t heard of this radio show, but I suppose I should listen to NPR a little more frequently. The show sounds great. Klaralund is coming along nicely, you’ll soon be done. I’m glad you’re making both sweaters. It really was a hard choice and as you can see, everyone was pretty set for liking both of them. Neither one was one you could just not make.

  34. # Julieon 23 Nov 2005 at 10:57 am

    I’ve been to that restaurant - it was very good! Hope you have a good Thanksgiving - I’m taking Andy out to Indiana for the first time!

  35. # Dianneon 23 Nov 2005 at 12:18 pm

    Lolly,
    Thanks for posting here about KnitHeaven. Your friends are coming and posting there…What fun!
    Enjoyed reading your 100 Lolly odds and ends.
    Added your Lolly button (so cute:) to KH.
    Happy Thanksgiving,
    Dianne

  36. # Teresaon 23 Nov 2005 at 12:22 pm

    Glad you got in some knitting time! Hang in there-not too many more weeks of school left. It is snowing here again like crazy-I am sooooo happy-and I will send some your way! ;-) Have a wonderful, relaxing, and happy Thanksgiving.

  37. # Melissaon 23 Nov 2005 at 1:28 pm

    Ira Glass is great - they record the show here in Chicago. Have a great Thanksgiving!

  38. # francoiseon 23 Nov 2005 at 4:44 pm

    I have just been to see HP tonight with the children. I wish I had knitted them the scarfs (and one for myself too…). Maybe I’ll get organised for the next movie (giving me plenty of time…) Your Klaralund looks great. Can’t wait to see it finished.

  39. # eyeleenon 24 Nov 2005 at 12:11 am

    I love the HP scarf, I haven’t finished my scarf, but I did knit through the previews at the movie. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

  40. # Aprilon 24 Nov 2005 at 1:30 am

    Wow, weird - I was reading your post while you were commenting on mine =) It’s always strange when that happens and more common than I would expect.

    I don’t know if we have any Ethiopian eateries in Fort Worth, but it looks like something I’d try and fall in love with immediately =)

    No HP reports or reviews, but the DH and I just got back from Pride and Prejudice as a tiny Anniversary thing tonight and it was WONDERFUL. My favorite novel has been told yet again and very masterfully.

  41. # Mimion 24 Nov 2005 at 5:44 am

    Lolly! You look so pretty in the picture with you and Jenna at the Ethiopian restau. Goodness, you look great. You make me miss scarves with your cute one and the new Azkaban you are working on. Sudu said she took most of mine to school with her… Dang this paradise weather!

    I am playing. I love it here! Miss you!

  42. # Sherylon 24 Nov 2005 at 7:33 am

    Lolly,

    Thanks for commenting on my blog. I know about you from amylovie and candsmom (I saw the pics of your Hawaii trip). I love reading your blog because there is cool knitting and lots of other fun stuff. Hope you get some rest and knitting in during your break from homework.

  43. # Catrinon 24 Nov 2005 at 3:11 pm

    Hi Lolly!

    I wish Happy Thanksgiving to you and to Kris and the rest of your family! Today I found this at the web site for The Museum of National Antiquities in Sweden. This months treasure is textiles with pommegranates in the patterns. It´s all in swedish, but it´s about church textiles in late middle ages. As you know it was a very popular motif at this time. Look at the lovely photos!
    http://www.historiska.se/collections/veckansfynd/vfynd1_112005.html

  44. # Jessicaon 24 Nov 2005 at 5:31 pm

    Hi Lolly! Just wanted to wish you a Happy Belated Birthday and a Happy Turkey Day too. :)

  45. # Heatheron 24 Nov 2005 at 9:29 pm

    Happy Thanksgiving!

  46. # Raganon 24 Nov 2005 at 9:40 pm

    I just love your projects. I have to work on switching colors so that I can make one of those Harry Potter scarves for my step-daughter. She read the last book in a weekend! I hope that you had a wonderful Turkey Day. I finished my third ever pair of socks! YAY. I have been inspired ever since your knitalong.

  47. # heatheron 25 Nov 2005 at 10:08 am

    First, I’m dying to try ethopian/moroccan food!

    MM…it looks delish!

    Don’t remind me I have to work on the scarf! that means I have to put down my obsession (cable vest)! okay…anything for you my lovely.

    I hope you had a grand thanksgiving this year. Me & Pixie are sure thankful for you…(and kris too!!!)(and sweet crazy ol rusty scupper)(and Jen & Bella Girls!)(oh! and Quincy too…)( and the dammed fish as well) hehe.

  48. # Rebeccaon 30 Nov 2005 at 10:45 am

    We have to get together for dinner sometime, when I am in DC and you aren’t so busy…

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