Jan 31 2006
Self Portrait Tuesday : Smorgasbord
I joined Self Portrait Tuesday because I thought it was an amazingly innovative project. I loved the concept behind it, and the aspect of personal exploration. Unfortunately, I have not been the best SPT participant, as I only post a picture about once a month. And here I am, the last day of the month…
The weather in Maryland (and for much of North America, for that matter) has been very fickle this season. It is supposed to be winter. That means cold outside, pulling out the warm sweaters, and snuggling by the fire. Except, it has been 60 degrees outside… while I love the pretty weather, I want some winter too. That is why I am wearing the legwarmers - with bare feet.
My weekend proved to be quite productive - I worked on my Hourglass. I finished sleeve one, and started on sleeve two. I hope this one goes quicker. Maybe I will be able to wear it before it gets too warm…
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I chose to make the sleeves “bracelet length”, falling right above the wrist. This length is perfect for me and my daily tasks - can’t have sleeves getting in the way while I am working with materials in the archives, or am crafting at home. The yarn continues to be a good fit for the project. I am glad that I decided to go with this yarn, and I am particularly happy with the shade of green (KnitPicks Andean Silk in Lettuce). |
For those of you unfamiliar with this pattern (perhaps one or two of you that have not made this pattern - are you out there?) there is a special hem on the sleeves, collar, and bottom of the sweater. I have not yet hemmed my sleeves and bottom, but I like the polished look of the tucked in hem.
Untucked hem - Unfinished
Tucked hem - Finished
You know how you look through your stash, and you come across this great yarn you kind of forgot about? and then 10 minutes later, you find that you have already cast on and started it? Yeah… well, that happened to me this weekend.
I should not have started something new, but I was really taken by the color of this yarn. This was the first yarn I ever bought at a yarn shop. Before this, all yarns came from the craft store. Hey, I am not knocking the craft store, but this yarn just sticks out in my mind for that reason. It is Classic Elite Provence, Egyptian mercerized cotton. I bought the yarn with this pattern in mind - the “Little Black Top” by Jenna Wilson in the original Stitch N’ Bitch book. Except, mine will be a little blue top. This will be a slow-go knit on the size 5 needles, and that is fine with me.
…and now for something really pretty…
Hill Country Yarns Sweet Feet in Strawberry Swirl colorway
Hill Country Yarns are a new kid on the block, and they have some great yarns to offer - look at their colorways! They are all inspired by the colors of the landscape in their home state of Texas. I chose the sock weight yarn, but they also have a special yarn called Instant Gratification, that you can knit up for a pair of quick socks. Lynda just made some in the Blue Bonnet colorway (in 5 days - definitely instant gratification!) Stay tuned to see how this hank knits up.
I chose the pink and red colorway specifically for Project Spectrum - another pair of socks for March! But, I may just have to start these early… along with all the other socks I have planned.
I compiled the list of Project Spectrum participants, and we have a great group! Please let me know if you see any mistakes or misspellings, and of course, let me know if you want to be included too!
Project Spectrum seems to be catching on, and I am so excited that many of you are making great plans to think “outside of the box”. Remember, this is not just about knitting! You can do anything that revolves around the color of the month!
- Tracy and Kathy are planning to work on their beaded jewelry.
- Moni is planning to work on handpainting and dyeing her own yarns.
- Allison and Amy are planning paper crafts and scrapbooking.
- Cara is planning to focus specifically on her spinning.
- Kate’s plans involve photographs and picture essays.
- Stephanie started a sew-along for knitters! You can still sign up for the Sew? I Knit! - the first project is to make a skirt by March 20th. You could easily use a pink or a red fabric for your skirt! I signed up immediately after seeing it!
What do you have planned? Please leave a comment and let me know! Hearing what you have planned is an inspiration to all of the participants, and a perfect way to attract more crafters to the Project! Of course, there is plenty of time to plan, so if you don’t have a project in mind, that is okay!
Plus, remember, there is no reason why Project Spectrum cannot work with your other projects, no matter what you have planned - it can be as little or as big as you want to make it. It can be your dinner plate, or your finger painting with your child.
In closing, I saw this great little piece of word art over at Karma’s today…thought I would share.
See that on the right? The bolded words say “Lolly Love One Project Socks” - that is just too true! Although, my lonely Dublin Bay sock is not feeling any love right now…
Hi Lolly!
I am one of those that has not made the hour glass, although I have the book and my mom has asked for the sweater… I may have to cast on sometime soon. Make it a surprise for her 60th!
Still mulling around ideas for my “project pink” in March- cna’t decide if I want to knit it or do something else… I figure I have a bit to decide.
MMmmmm…I want to eat the strawberry yarn!
Look at how beautiful your feet are- I hope that doesn’t sound creepy. They just look very delicate and feminine.
I want to do Project Spectrum, I just need to think about it for a little bit, in terms of what I could contribute. Such a fab idea, as always, Ms. Lolly.
PS- Thought of you last night while I was watching the Daily Show with the mooner from MD. Hope you haven’t run into him!
Thanks for the plug on Sew? I Knit! And I haven’t made Hourglass. I like it, but I’m not sure about the wide neck. So, I’ve just been pondering with no action.
yes!! you are so close to finishing!! I bet February will be sweater weather and we’ll both get to enjoy our hourglasses.
that new yarn is delish, reminds me of the yummy preserves I had with breakfast.
for project spectrum I think Im going to spin for red/pink and knit up some socks (maybe Ill sneak in a little dyeing as well)
i was going to tell you that your feet were pretty too but hesitated because i didn’t want it to sound creepy. but since cathi already said it, i’ll just concur. *snort*
as for what i’m planning for project spectrum … other than explore the colors of every month, i reserve the right to be inspired on a day by day basis. how’s that? of course i’ll be knitting (or crocheting) but i may throw in a photo essay or two, or maybe some dyeing and spinning. maybe i’ll use it as a jumping off point for trying new things.
how’s that?
I think I’m going to work on the Angelica sweater. I’ve got some lovely handpainted yarn in reddish tones.
I love that Hill Country yarn. Must resist impulse to go shopping…
I think I may be the last one left to knit Hourglass, but I’ll get there, I swear!
I’m a little nervous about doing the hems, but I really like how they make the sweater look polished, too. And you know I’m particularly happy with the green you chose! 
Your Hill Country Yarn is beautiful!! I’m getting those itchy-clicking-ordering fingers again after seeing it on both yours and Lynda’s blogs. And your blue top is going to be so pretty in that Provence. Thanks for all the Project Spectrum ideas and inspiration!! I’m going to check out that Sew and Knit for sure. This is going to be such a fantastic way to get to all those crafts I love but that have fallen on the wayside since knitting came on the scene last year. BTW, I love your SPT pic! Take care, Lolly! 
Love, c.
I’m going to use project spectrum for sock knitting!
Hi Lolly, I’m with you on complaining about the heat. It’s been 70 here. Does Austin not realize it’s January? I’ve heard good things about provence and I’ve been eyeing up that pattern myself. I’m looking forward to seeing how it turns out. I’ve been debating about project spectrum, but you make it seem so low key I might just have to sign up. Hope your semester is going well! xoxo
Well I’ll be! Hourglass is getting close to a finish-can’t wait to see it on! Don’t even get me started on the strawberry yarn-looks so yummy…As for Project Spectrum, there are so many ideas in my head. I joined the Sew? I Knit!, and will more than likely make my skirt with a red/pink material. I would also like to focus on sewing a little more, and have a few household items I would like to work on (chairpads, curtains, etc). I have started my first shaky steps into the world of quilting, and during the warmer months will more than likely work on my beading. So there-a whole lot of maybe and not much else! I am looking forward to sharing with others, and can not wait to see what others come up with!
Take care love!
-T
I was thinking of knitting a shell/tank based on Knitty’s Soleil (http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/PATTsoleil.html) in my last bunch of red cotton ease. I want to change the neckline though to maybe a square shape. Red is my favoritest color though. I can’t wait to begin.
What a bursting post - again. Pretty, cosy legwarmers (and beautiful self-portrait). Looks like I have missed them before? Your hourglass sweater comes along so neatly with the tucked hem. I am excited to see it finishd - as if I need another one to convice me to start my own!
Thank you for pointing out the Sew? I knit! workalong. Probably something I really need to do.
I don’t know what I’m going to do yet. I have so many hobbies that I’m not sure what I want to start with. Maybe I’ll dye some fabric to make another knitting bag (because you see, I need another one, right? of course) with a beaded applique. I think I need a bag for every project, don’t you?
Hey Lolly - love your self portrait! Those are so fun to see. I hope you like your Hill Country yarn - that colorway is so pretty!
I did a word cloud today too - what fun to see what pops up!
I heard the weatehr people say it’s supposed to be colder in the coming days. It does seems weird to not have a proper winter but I’m totally loving it! I would like to wear some of my sweaters a few more times, though.
You know, I was just looking back through the original SNB book myself last night and at first I thought, “Oh, there aren’t really that many patterns that I would make in here,” but as I continued to look, I thought, “well, I’d make that one” and “that one’s nice.” Mybe that means I’ll be making something from there soon, too. Who knows?
I’ve been tempted to join Self Portrait Tuesday for awhile…It’s such a neat idea! I may just have to do that.
I love what some of the others are doing for Project Spectrum! I love the photography idea..It never even occured to me to do something that didn’t involve fiber
My goal with project spectrum is to branch out — either new crafts (I’m thinking about making some cards) or other stuff: decorating my house (desparately needed), cooking (nothing says Happy Birthday to me-in March-like a Big Red Cake), etc.
Your hourglass sweater is getting near the end and I can understand you’re itching to start something else… The Sew? I knit along is a tempting idea…
I’m not sure what I’m doing for PS yet, but it will probably be a knit or crochet project.
I love your new sock yarn! Thanks for alerting me to another yarn I might need to investigate (as if I really need any more sock yarn, but that’s neither here nor there). I’m thinking about doing something collage-like, or an assemblage of some kind, for my first PS project. Either that, or I’ll make socks, or start something with that reddish-brown Blue Moon merino-tencel yarn I have. Hmmm…
Thanks for the heads up on the new sock yarn. I was just looking online today trying to find something new and different and didn’t come up with a thing.
I have always liked the little black top pattern. Simple and elegant. Yours will be a knock-out in that blue!
Hi Lauren! Your Hourglass sleeve is gorgeous…great color! (Hourglass is on my lengthy “To Do” list!) For my Project Spectrum project I’m going to try to Kool Aid dye some yarn for the To Dye For sweater from the original Stitch N’ Bitch!
Thanks for the link to the ‘new’ sock yarn - just might have to make something for my best friend who moved to Texas.
I would be one of those who hasn’t made hourglass yet.
Would you suggest it as a good 1st sweater?
Project Spectrum…stay tuned…in addition to knitting I’m anticipating some scrapbook projects.
That sock yarn is BEAUTIMUS! I’m still going over ideas for Project Spectrum craftiness, but I’m leaning towards a set of paper crafts (scrapbook collection of items in the color of the month? having every card I send out in March be red?). This is really getting me thinking - thanks!
Pretty feet are hard to come by! I’m jealous. Also jealous of the sock yarn, but that stuff I can go out and buy. Unlike the feets.
I’m going to make a pink top down sweater for my 18 month niece for Project Spectrum. I’m probably going to start in in a couple weeks…I’m very excited as this is coming from my stash! woo!
love the tootsies!
How is it I haven’t heard of the Hill Country yarn?? I’ll be a LYS in Texas for gosh sakes! Unforgivable.
You will like crochet. I agree that any fiber craft is worthwhile.
Amy
Hourglass is coming along great.
I was just thinking about Project Spectrum today wishing this month was white month so I could take the easy way out and photograph the snow… but really how is that challenging me. I suck at taking pictures and am excited to try to pretend I’m a photographer. Thanks Lolly!
I love the sock yarn, I’m going to have to go and check it out. One can never have too much sock yarn. I haven’t decided on March’s project yet, I’m trying to narrow it down!
What a fun post, as always! Your new strawberry sock yarn is so pretty. I must resist the urge to buy it (for now). I’m really enjoying your progress on Hourglass, prolly cause I’m one of the two people who haven’t made it yet. I’m really itching to use Andean Silk sometime soon, too.
Thanks for sharing the picture of the luscious Hill Country yarn! I’d never heard of this brand, but now I’m intrigued.
I think I’m going to pick a fun sock pattern and knit socks using some STR in Ruby Slippers for the March Project Spectrum project. Mmmmm…red….mmmm…STR!
Love that strawberry yarn!!
I love the red sock yarn!
Recently, I have been on a major knitting kick (and a very necessary one, as it is the most relaxing of my hobbies) and am going to use project spectrum. My only ideas so far are:
March: to actually make the teddy bear that I’ve bought all the fabric for and everything already (out of a red fake velour-type fabric - very pretty)
And in either the green month or neutrals month, I’m going to play with LEGOs. But that’s going to require planning and thought still. I’m waiting for inspiration for the other months, but that is why there are still aways off, right?
Project Spectrum? I’m in! Still deciding what knit project I’ll do, but there will definitely be cupcakes with pink frosting for a dear friend’s birthday.
Hi Lolly~
I noticed you around Craftster before you stopped by my site to say hi, thanks for leaving such a nice comment! I love you blog and I am adding it to the “Blogs I haunt” list on my site. I came on just to check it out after your comment and stayed! You are so funny and witty and gorgeous!
I really love that shade of green. I think everyone is making this sweater… its so flattering. I may make it too now lol. I think there is a KAL on Craftster but if not not I will have to start one!
Anyhow, you will see me around again!
Have a great one!
Emms
You have nice toesies. I like the leg-warmers. That royal blue top should be really nice. Check out my blog for my early March Project Spectrum stuff…Love You!
Thanks for the link to that Texas sock yarn - looks so yummy!
I am excited about the spectrum project, and at the moment I am going to knit socks within the monthly spectrum (it gives me a great excuse to keep practising different techniques whilst guiding me on colour choices!).
Hey Lolly!
I agree on the pretty feet (I’m kind of self-conscious putting a pic of my bare feet up…), but I keep wondering if those sock/feet pictures attract a lot of fetishists…? I hope they haven’t found out about those naive knitters yet;-)
i love the yarn that you have palnned for march’s colors! that is such a pretty colorway…all of them are!i have several pink and red projects to do for march i just have to decide i guess? i am so excited about this KAL! i will post on my blog what I will be doing when I finally decide! PS love your leg warmers!
Project rich, time poor is my problem, but you seem to have that covered girlfriend! And covering all the colors in the spectrum. Good job!
I am so excited for Project Spectrum that I think I am even going to get my kids involved!
That sock yarn is so luscious looking… I am suddenly very addicted to buying and window shopping sock yarn.
love your legwarmers!! i know what you mean about the weather, i feel like the winter had never came this year!
I’m just starting my own hourglass … my veryfirst sweater. You’re ahead of me by a sleeve and I’m happy to watch your progress for tips! I’m using a really scrumptions red malabrigo. Mmmmm. Good luck to us, eh?
Hey Lolly - your hourglass is looking great! I’m all ready for Project Spectrum - I’m going to make the Branching Out Scarf from Knitty in pink GGH mohair. It will be my plane knitting while on vacation! Isn’t the sew i knit concept great? I’m joining!
Your legwarmers look very fun! Thanks for all the links and inspirations.
Hi Lolly!
Just wanted to say hallo and let you know that I regularly read you. Take care!
Hi Lolly,
I love the lettuce green! I’m sure it’ll look gorgeous on you!
Thanks for stopping by my site - I can give you the peanut butter cookies recipe for your girls, if you want! Let me know!
I love the hour glass sweater - I haven’t made it but at least I know what it is! The green color is beautiful. I had just read about the Hill Country Yarn on Lynda’s blog - it is gorgeous, we will have to check it out!
I’ll send you an email about Project Spectrum. The list is huge and it sounds like fun!
well, i am one person who hasn’t knit hourglass!
honestly haven’t thought much about a project spectrum project for March yet, but combining it with Sew? I knit! is a great idea….hmmmmmm
My first yarn store yarn was Classic Elite Provence, too! I used it for a tank that sadly needs to be frogged because it was also my first wearable project and needs some help. However, it is a great yarn and I hope to give new life to it this spring.
Keep working on that Hourglass. You’re getting closer to being done! I love the color you chose.
Nope! I haven’t made it either. It’s tempting, though. I love your yarn and apple photo.
I know what you mean about the weather. I’d love for it to really be witner and it just isn’t this season. We’ve hardly gotten any snow (and snow is a major thing around here!) Hopefully February will be a little bit more winter-like.
By the way, I love the color of your hourglass sweater
My March project will be a pink scarf, knitted. We’ll see what else I come up with!
Love that Hill Country yarn. I wonder if it’s put out by the people at Hill Country Weavers, a great yarn shop in Austin??
those blue socks are really beautiful - I agree they look a bit like my blue one - but I think the koigu is even more beautiful! I love that blue top you casted on - and I am eagerly following the progress of hourglass - plan on knitting it when I only finish a dozen of socks and two or three other sweaters first…
Love the new sock yarn. Such pretty colors. I can’t wait to see your finished hourglass sweater.
Is it too late to join project spectrum? I love the idea, but haven’t had a lot of time lately to read about it. You’re so creative!
I have the book - but haven’t made the hourglass
Lolly, I made the SNB top more than a year ago, and I *STILL* have not made the million mile i-cord belt. LOL It still gets a lot of use though. Maybe one day I’ll get it done.