Hello! I’ve been missing in action and letting Susan carry the burden of blogging. I’ve just had nothing interesting to write about. I’ve been mired in a long, slow project that doesn’t seem to want to end. I like the project; I am just tired of it.
Now, to the rescue, some beautiful yarns have tempted me to stray. (And those who know me know that I am easily tempted.)
Last week, I was in a bookstore with my Writing Group. When we finished up, I perused the magazine section and came across a publication I hadn’t seen before: Knit Wear, published by Interweave. I liked three or four of the patterns right away and so I bought it (the Spring 2014 issue).
Knit Wear is an interesting “occasional” publication. Although I was able to purchase an individual issue at a newsstand, it doesn’t look as if one can subscribe and have hard copies mailed out. (The subscription card that fell out as I read the magazine was for Interweave Knits.) On the other hand, one can purchase copies digitally — so even though I missed the first few issues, they are available for purchase and download. (A few can still be purchased as hard copies.)
Anyway, one of the patterns I liked is Bristol Ivy’s Folded Lace Tank, knit out of Manos del Uruguay’s alpaca/cotton blend yarn Serena. I “folded” immediately and bought Serena in the color “Flamingo.” This is a difficult color to capture. It’s not coral but it’s not pink, either. This is the closest I could get, but in real life the color is softer and just a tad more orange. (And yet it’s not orange.)
The yarn is incredibly soft. I’ve cast on and knit about four inches. I absolutely love this yarn.
One other pattern that I liked is the Ruched Yoke Sweater designed by Carol Feller. I will probably modify it somewhat (possibly ditching the kangaroo pockets and making it a little less flared at the hem). It was knit out of Madelinetosh Pashmina, which is a favorite yarn of mine. I immediately went out and purchased it in Cousteau, a colorway I have long wanted. Again, this is an impossible color to capture. It is so rich it almost glows in real life.
I can’t wait to knit this one up.
P.S. It is with great sadness that I tell you that Thor (aka Thor the Wonder Puppy) is gone. He was the canine love of my life. Thor was a beautiful, gentle dog with a quirky almost human personality. He has appeared on the blog in occasional photographs. He is greatly missed.
I have lurked on your blog for several years now and always find it very inspirational. I had to come out of hiding though to let you know how very sorry I am for your loss Sally.
Comment by Maureen — May 16, 2014 @ 6:10 pm
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Thor.
Treasure your memories and those beautiful pictures!!
Comment by Kath — May 16, 2014 @ 6:18 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thor was a very good boy.
Comment by Catherine S. — May 16, 2014 @ 6:44 pm
My eyes filled with tears. Thor in your husband’s lap needs to be framed. So sorry for your loss.
Comment by Mary Pat — May 16, 2014 @ 6:52 pm
Sally, I only comment once in a blue moon, but I wanted to say how sorry I am – Thor looks like a treasure; he reminds me of all of the great Goldens I have known, truly members of our family. XOXOXOXO
Comment by Donna — May 16, 2014 @ 7:15 pm
So sad to hear about Thor.
Comment by Susan — May 16, 2014 @ 9:30 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to lose pets, as Donna writes, they are members of our family.
Comment by Lissa — May 16, 2014 @ 11:30 pm
What a beautiful boy! I am so sorry for your loss.
Comment by Barbara — May 17, 2014 @ 1:10 am
So sorry about Thor.
Comment by Pattie — May 17, 2014 @ 6:37 am
I am so sorry for your loss.
Comment by Doris — May 17, 2014 @ 8:48 am
Oh, Sally, so very sorry for your loss of such a beautiful canine companion. I dread the day we lose our chihuahua who was a drop off in our neighborhood. I re-label that to the universe sent us the perfect dog, Buddy Love/Mr. Very Good boy. That said, love to see photos of your ‘little assistant’ any time, though realize he’s a visiting assistant. Especially love the photo of the two dogs together.
Comment by Ann McCauley — May 17, 2014 @ 10:14 am
Oh Sally, I’m so sorry! We have our pets for such a short time, so we go into it knowing we’ll outlive them. Yet the inevitable grieving is outweighed by the amazing, abundant love they give us so unstintingly.
Comment by Suzan — May 17, 2014 @ 10:46 am
He was the very best.
Comment by Nora — May 17, 2014 @ 11:59 am
I’m so sorry about Thor. It’s so hard to lose a friend like that.
As for the sweaters, I just received a yarn shop email featuring these two sweaters (plus one more). You are adding a little peer pressure to existing temptation. Lovely. Like your color choices too – summery!
Comment by Pam — May 17, 2014 @ 5:11 pm
My thoughts are with you and your family over the loss of your beloved Thor. There is no love like that of a Golden.
Comment by Cathy B — May 17, 2014 @ 5:34 pm
So sorry to hear about your loss. I’ve been without my Maggie for 2.5 weeks and it is still so hard.
Comment by Cathy L — May 17, 2014 @ 9:10 pm
I lost the canine love of my life in September so I feel your pain. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Comment by Araignee — May 18, 2014 @ 12:20 am
Our Jake died in January so we know your loss, so sorry. In February, we bought two English Cream Goldens, Lilly and Molly. They looked just like Thor in the top photo. We have always had dogs and could not stand the empty house. Jake is still very greatly missed. Goldens are very special.
Comment by Mary Jo — May 18, 2014 @ 2:53 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. It is so painful to lose a pet.
Comment by Lee Cockrum — May 18, 2014 @ 4:29 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend Thor the Wonder Puppy. These furry animals have such a way of endearing themselves, they really become members of the family and trusted companions. I hope your memories of Thor will be a solace to you.
Comment by Suzy — May 18, 2014 @ 10:34 pm
What a sweet boy. Our loving constant companions…so sad when they are gone.
Thinking of you.
Comment by Beth — May 19, 2014 @ 9:24 pm
I am very sorry for your loss.
Comment by monica — May 20, 2014 @ 10:29 am
Oh, nook! I’m so sorry about Thor’s passing. My heart goes out to you.
Comment by victoria — May 20, 2014 @ 9:03 pm
It is so sad to lose one’s puppy companion, especially when the puppy has been your pal for so many years. Thor will be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge, of course, but is not much of a comfort for now. Somehow, I missed this blog entry. I’m glad that I didn’t miss it altogether.
Comment by Joanna — May 21, 2014 @ 5:19 pm
I’m so sorry, Sally.
Comment by Carrie#K — May 29, 2014 @ 2:53 pm
This is quite late, but so sorry about Thor. I love Goldens and he is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. I know how much you must miss him.
Comment by Cyndy Harkins — June 3, 2014 @ 7:23 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of Thor’s passing. What a handsome boy he was!
Having lost 3 doggies, I know how difficult it is to lose a furbaby. My sympathies to you and your family and all who loved him.
Comment by RuthieJ — June 7, 2014 @ 3:36 pm