Breaking blog silence

How many pictures does it take to get one that looks good?!

I'm so darn tired!  This is nothing new, you say...and you're correct.  I've worked extra shifts in the last week, finished a test-knit, and repaired two garments for customers.  I've had my hands full in class every week for the last month.  I've been trying to wrangle my grocery budget and cook something warm for my guys to eat every night (because my plans for left-overs keep getting upset by the appetites of two growing boys).  Finals are fast approaching.  I have three more repair jobs to do.  I have a pattern in the midst of being test-knit, and another being totally overhauled (more on that in a minute).  I have holiday knits to try to squeeze in, and my 5-year old has asked me to knit a sweater for his girlfriend (yes, you read that right...) who he loves.  I'm gonna have to watch this one like a hawk when he gets older, lol.

And that pattern I'm overhauling?  That pattern never had a real sample, which might be one reason why it only ever sold one copy.  I decided that I needed to knit the sample myself, and now that I'm looking back at the pattern, I'm wondering what exactly I was smoking when I wrote this!  It's a mess.  I've changed the format and updated the charts with the fantastic Intwined Pattern Studio software, but I've designed a unisex-sock for men and women, so I'm having to make some serious adjustments to the pattern as I go.  Right now I'm knitting the men's size because The Boy needs a new pair and I need to make a men's pair anyway so I've decided to make these his holiday pair of handknit socks.  I know it sounds terrible, but I have to make him a pair anyway and what the heck am I going to do with these after they're done?  So they go to him and I kill two birds with one stone.  I'm looking forward to finishing this pattern and then I'll relaunch it and do a little advertising to help it along :)

Meanwhile, I finished my Julissa test-knit and I just love this sweater!  I've worn it three times already!  And who knew that 3/4 sleeves would actually be functional in New England.  I loved every minute of this sweater and I finished it in 18 days (which I know because I was totally monogamous to this sweater, lol).  I only added 1/2 inch to the sleeves before starting my decreases and to be honest, that was a total accident because I was happily knitting along and didn't feel like going back to pull it out.  I also waited to start my increases after I'd covered my bust, but other than that I knit the sweater exactly as written.  I only used 3 1/2 skeins of Tonos Worsted to knit the 36.5" size.  And I know that I haven't posted any decent photos yet, but the weather hasn't cooperated so as soon as I can, I'll have the hubby take some.  So, if you're tall or busty or simply looking for a super sexy sweater to knock 'em dead in, then go get the pattern!

Now, back to my Takoma.