Monday, May 25, 2009

Lazy Weekend

Happy Memorial Day! No matter what country you live in, please thank your service men and women for their dedication!

I've had a weekend that didn't have much to do with stitches of any kind. G, J and I joined a gym on Saturday. I used the weight machines today and all I can say is that I believe I'm going to be moving a bit slow tomorrow. It actually feels good. Surprise! While it feels good, I'm quite tired after. My body simply isn't used to it! I'm not doing anything even close to extreme but when you've been a couch potato, the body rebels a bit. I haven't talked much about my Weight Watchers journey but my weight loss has hit the wall. I have not lost a pound this entire year! I'm now trying to shake it up a bit by joining the gym and hopefully get control of my weekend eating. If anyone has any remedy for sore muscles, please let me know, I think I'm going to need it!

In the last few weeks, I have had my last 2 Sweater Workshop classes. What great fun this has been! The most scary thing I've ever done with knitting is the afterthought pocket we did during this class. Cutting into your knitting (and this was just one stitch) is just plain scary!

First, you find where you're going to snip.
Then you unravel those stitches. I can honestly say I don't think I was breathing during these 2 steps.
Next up, you take 2 DPNs and pick the stitches up! WHEW! Thank goodness that part was over.
Then you start knitting the inside of your pocket.
Tuck it in and you have a pocket!
We also did a bit of intarsia, some faire isle, duplicate stitch, Icord, and made this drawstring. Lots of fun!
I've been working on my No Purl Monkeys (Ravelry link HERE). What a quick knit (and I'm a slow knitter)! I love the way the yarn I dyed looks in this pattern.
I've even turned the heel! The No Purl part comes into the pattern by doing a knit stitch anywhere the pattern calls for a purl stitch.
I also got the yarn for the ribbing for Alex's bolero (ravelry link). Unfortunately, I realized that once I separated for the sleeves that I failed to continue my decreases. So I'm ripping it back to the sleeves (which have already been knit) and hoping that I can somehow get back on track without pulling the sleeves out in their entirety. What a goober I am.

Not much playing with stitches of any kind this weekend. I did buy new hiking shoes for our upcoming trip to the mountains, did some errands and shopping, and had a major Costco run. J had 5 friends over yesterday, so I spent some time visiting with them. 3 visits to the gym. Today, I've had Quincy Jones' Ribs cooking all day. Everyone should be home for dinner. So while I haven't been playing with stitches, it's been a good weekend. Hope yours was good as well!

14 comments:

Debbie said...

I'm thrilled to hear you and G joined the gym. My advice is to go slow, drink your water and listen to your body. You will reap many benefits from exercise.

I've used your pocket technique to insert a thumb on mittens. It works great.

And, I am completely in love with your No Purl Monkeys.

Jackie as always, you are an inspiration to me. Hugs, Deb

Anonymous said...

The sweater workshop class looks like it taught you everything you need to know. By next year you will be deigning your own patterns. The 'monkey' socks are fabulous! You did get them knit in a jiffy. Wow, you did a wonderful job dying the yarn.

Beth said...

I don't think my cure for sore muscles will help with the weight loss wall -- CHOCOLATE! It cures everything!

Loving knitting!

IrishGirlieKnits said...

Yay for hitting the gym! The sore muscles is a good sign!! I always love/hate when I'm sore the next day!

Love your Monkeys! The yarn you dyed is gorgeous!! And wow, that looks like an awesome sweater workshop!!

Unknown said...

You go girl with the Gym. I'm proud of you and I know you feel better doing something like that for your overall well being!

Okay so while I reading and looking at those pictures of the pocket butchering I was holding my break! IKE!!! But the pocket is so very cute!!!

Micki said...

You are doing so well...I hate to unravel stitches too. I wouldn't be breathing either.
Micki

Candace said...

Hey Jackie - so glad to hear you've joined the gym! You will thank yourself over and over for that! My remedy for sore muscles is to stretch a LOT before you work out, gradually work up to a level you can maintain and increase that level gradually - you shouldn't get sore at all that way. But if you are sore, a good long hot soak in the tub does it for me!
Lovely knitting - I just can't believe how fast you knit! I would have been terrifed of that pocket, but it looks so professional even on your first try!
Cheers!

Susan said...

Nice job on the pocket! I don't think I would ever be brave enough to snip a hole into something that I just finished...at least not without a lot of supervision!

I think it's time I start a new knitting project...it's been awhile since I've had anything on the needles!

woolwoman said...

YGG on the gym thing!

Class piece looks awesome - and your socks are really moving along and looking great - Mel

Debbie said...

You are doing great! Keep going!

Ruth's Place said...

Gorgeous socks! Love the knitting you've done for your class.

Simone de Klerk said...

Jackie, great knitting work! The yarns you use are very pretty too.

Marie said...

Hi Jackie, I have enjoyed your knitting so much. I love the socks as I have to wear socks to sleep in especially since my surgery. The pocket is really neat. Your do such beautiful work. Good luck with the gym. Your inspiring me to knit again. Hugs, Marie

Holly said...

Wow, I was fascinated with your pocket construction. That's really neat! I only knit dishcloths and not very well I must say but I have fun anyway. I'd love to knit socks someday. Sore muscles remedy - keep working out! It gets better.