Month: April 2008

crafts · knitting

Tempting the knitting gods.

stitchywitch15 Comments

We’ve all done it of course… switched needle sizes halfway through a project, thinking “it’ll be like extra shaping!” Decided to substitute an aran tweed in a pattern calling for sportweight silk. Said “Oh, I don’t need to swatch… I made a sweater with this yarn 3 years ago, gauge doesn’t change!”

In my case, I said “So yeah, I’ve made 3 Norah Gaughan designs before and they have all been cursed… but Manon will be different!” So I happily knit on, making triangles and oohing over the interesting peplum construction. Last night I finally finished the peplum and thought “Hmm… maybe I should try this on.”

“Shouldn’t these pieces just meet in the middle? It looks a little big. Oh well, nothing a good blocking can’t fix, right?”

*sigh*

Because of the way this is constructed there is not way to fix this without starting over.  I know I could pick up fewer stitches on the top, but it isn’t going to be enough to compensate for the six extra inches of peplum I’ve got going on.  I knew, of course, that my gauge in pattern is usually wildly different from my gauge in stockinette.  I’ve learned that lesson over an over, and yet somehow I thought that on this patttern they would match up perfectly.

So… froggity frog frog frog.  I’ll knit on Tuscany and think about what I want my next sweater project to be… hopefully it will be less ill-fated!

crafts · knitting · patterns

Summer IK

stitchywitch4 Comments

I have spent most of my week being completely fascinated by the construction of Manon.

I’ve completed the right peplum and one sleeve, and I’ve begun on the left peplum. I love the All Season cotton – I think I may have found a new summer favorite! People compare it a lot to cotton ease, but to me it’s softer and doesn’t cause the crazy uneven tension that I sometimes get from Cotton ease. I like the color too, which is a heathered gray/green. This design is brilliant because while you are knitting it you can’t imagine how it’s ever going to turn out in a sweater shape, and then it does!

I’ve also been knitting on Tuscany, although I don’t think I love that pattern quite as much as Manon. It does make a nice break from the cotton. I’m just not such a big fan of all those K3togethers.

This is 4 repeats in. The pattern calls for 11, but let me tell you right now I won’t be making it there – thank goodness my yarn is thicker than the yarn called for in the pattern! Also: never let it be said that I shy away from bright colors. This yarn is practically radioactive it’s so purple, but I adore it!

This was a great week for new patterns – Nectar came out, and I have already assigned yarns to Jasmine (4 ply cotton) Joy (denim, had to buy yarn for this!) and Dawn (handknit cotton.) In addition, we got the preview for the Summer Interweave Knits. I must say, I don’t like this issue nearly as much as the Spring issue, but since the spring issue was one of my favorites ever I suppose that’s to be expected. A bit too much color work for my taste, but ah well… it’s still miles ahead of many of the past summer issues (I did like last Summer’s quite a bit, but the year before was icky to me.) I did order yarn to make the Wallis cardigan (are you shocked? it looks exactly like something I would make!) I’m going to try making it from Ella Rae Bamboo silk, which I ordered just under the wire on the WEBS sale. Unfortunately, the color I ordered (a bright green) is out of stock, but they will send it when it comes in, and it’s not like I’m going to knit this next week anyway. I also really like the Gossamer Stars scarf (2nd photo) and plan to use my Ivory Lady Godiva for it – I was saving that yarn for Manon, but I have fallen out of love with that design, and like the idea of making the scarf just a tad bigger. My other favorite is the Wakame lace tunic, but I’m not sure at all what yarn to use for it, and in addition I’m not sure on the size – it’s shown with 5″ of ease and it looks nice, but I fear looking like I’ve been eaten by my sweater. I also like the hoodie, but I probably won’t knit it, and the skirt is nice (but again I won’t knit… the smallest size would be too big for me anyway.)

crafts · knitting · patterns

In betweens

stitchywitch8 Comments

I find spring and fall to be difficult seasons to knit for. I know that people say some sweaters are “transitional,” but really I find that I’m either hot or cold – I either want long sleeved or short, wool or cotton. It seems we went from 40 degrees here straight up to 80 with about a day of 60 in between. Even so, I don’t really want to knit sleeveless things yet, sow hen I was looking for my next project I ignored the nice camisoles and tanks waiting for me. I decided to knit another shawl, and at the same time knit a cardigan that might be called “transitional” by some people (although obviously not by me!)

This is the beginning of Manon from Norah Gaughan vol 1. This is the 3rd of her designs I have knit, and I’m hoping it will be the first I can wear. The pattern calls for Berroco Pure Merino, which is super expensive and also pretty heavy. I’m substituting Rowan All Seasons cotton in a discontinued shade (military) that I got for super cheap on ebay. It’s very nice to knit with, and the stitch definition is really wonderful for a cotton. I’ve been wanting to knit this sweater since I first saw it, but I was afraid to take the plunge. Yesterday I let Marc look at my queue and pick out a sweater for me to make, since I am so indecisive, and he picked this one. It was a good choice – the first triangle knit up quickly and was really fun!

This is my second new project, Tuscany from No Sheep for You. The yarn is Manos silk blend that I bought last week in Chicago. I adore the color, which I now realize almost exactly matches the Options needle cables!

Kim Hargreaves’ new book is for sale on her website, and of course I have ordered it. I’m pleased to see the designs from “Out of the Shadows” because I’ve really wanted to knit Joy and Glee. Many of the other projects are nice as well, especially Ripple, a sort of long sleeved version of Blithe. The first two below are knitted in Rowan Denim, which I have never used.  Is it nice to knit with?  I understand it won’t be the softest, I just don’t want it to hurt. Here are my favorites:

crafts · finished objects · knitting

FO: Something Green

stitchywitch15 Comments

Pattern: Something Red by Wendy Bernard

Yarn: Blue Sky dyed cotton in Pickle, 4.5 skeins

Needles: US 5

Notes: I’m more pleased that I thought I would be! After finishing this sweater up I tried it on (with sock monkey pajamas) and thought “What was I thinking making a flared sweater?” After blocking, and with more sedated pants, I like it much better (don’t we all go through that period of hatred with large projects?) I knit the raglan depth to 8 inches, far less than the pattern called for, and I could have gone even shorter – the sleeves could be smaller in my opinion. I also knit the total sweater 1 inch shorter than the pattern called for, partially to compensate for the shorter raglan deepth. I used a smaller button than the pattern called for, but I may end up replacing it, as the button seems to pull a little. I did use different increases for the flare – a lifted increase rather than the make 1. It’s barely noticeable, and I would definitely recommend the sub. I also did my increases in the middle of the group of knits rather than on the edges, again hoping for a smoother result. I picked up a ton more stitches than the pattern called for – 3 for every 4 rows and 1 for every stitch around the back of the neck. As a result I’ve avoided the curling button band problem, but my neck does not perhaps stand up as much as it might.
One of the most surprising things to me is how much I liked the blue sky cotton. Last time I used it was nightmarish, but somehow this time my hands had no trouble at all, and I was able to knit for pretty long periods with it. It did smooth out a lot with blocking, but it isn’t perfect. I can live with it though!

Marc really likes this FO, and that pleases me; sometimes I think he is puzzled by some of the things that I knit. I do really like the color, and I can see this being a sweater that gets a lot of wear – it’s very comfortable and will go with both casual and dressier outfits. I would recommend this pattern, just be sure to pay attention to the raglan length and plan out your increases carefully!

cats · knitting · Life

Getting there

stitchywitch8 Comments

My Something green is going much more quickly than the last time I attempted it.

Just 2 more inches to go on the body and then I get to start the sleeves!  I used my lifted increase and I’m very pleased – you can see the increase in the purl sections, but it isn’t anywhere near as obvious as doing a m1 increase was.  The sweater is fitting very well – it’s on track to have about a 32″ bust including the button bands, and that’s just perfect for me!

I’m wondering if I should add some length to the sweater.  I tend to think no, since the swingy style would be unflattering if too long.  I probably think that because of my green gable, which I’m wearing today, and which isn’t the longest thing ever.  I love it anyway, fortunately I like the look of a long tank under a sweater!

I’m feeling a bit better today, thank goodness.  The swelling is going down, and I’ve been able to switch to ibuprofen instead of the vicodin the dentist gave me.  I hate the way that pain medicine makes me feel, and I wasn’t able to work this weekend – I only managed one mass yesterday, and that was really pushing things.  I do feel able to teach today, so it seems I am getting better.

Sarah Jane is sitting in my lap, making typing difficult.  I swear, I’ve never had a cat that needed to be so close to you all the time.  It’s adorable, of course, although I don’t think the other cats see it that way.
Thanks to everyone who added me as a friend on goodreads, as well as to those who agree with my introverted ways – I’ll respond individually, but isn’t it neat to see how many of us there are?

books · knitting · Life

Reading and knitting, and 7 more things about me!

stitchywitch26 Comments

I was always shy. When I was growing up I would go to great lengths to avoid having to meet new people, and sometimes even to avoid talking to people I already knew. I’m still an introvert, although I doubt that it’s very obvious to people I meet anymore, and certainly no one I know well believes it. I find social situations exhausting, and I require a fair amount of time to myself to recharge. Knitting fills that time now, but it used to be reading. I was a voracious reader as a kid – the kind who could check 10 books out every week and read them all. Grown up life and other hobbies have cut way down on my amount of reading time, but lately I’ve been trying very hard to get back into things. I’ve probably read more books in the last month than in the whole previous year.

Are you all on Goodreads? Wouldn’t you like to be my friend (I’m Stitchywitch there too.) I really like having a place where I can notate everything new that I read, it appeals to the crazy listmaking part of my brain (seriously, nothing makes me happier than crossing something off a list.)

Since I’m still sick and looking like a chipmunk (although I am feeling a little better, I finally got to sleep at 4 last night) Marc was sweet enough to go to the downtown branch of the library and check these books out for me!  I just love the “No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency” series, I’m sure that reading them will help me to feel better!  Now I just have to master the art of reading and knitting at the same time (those of you who do this, how does it work?  How do you keep your pages open?)

Finally, I was tagged again for the 7 Things meme, and I figure there are always plenty of random things about me, so I’ll make another list (mmm…. lists.)

1.  I was so happy last summer when I finally got to own my dream car… a Volvo.  Yes, you heard that, I always wanted a big boxy Volvo.  Marc already owned one when we met, and when the time came to get a car for me I knew what I wanted – we bought a used S60 and I love that car to death!

2.  My eyesight is really bad, and what makes it especially bad is that my left eye is 2 points worse than my right, making seeing out of a pair of glasses nearly impossible due to distortion (I do see fine with contacts though.)  I envy all the cute eyeglass styles I see now and actually own a pair that are not prescription so that I can fit in… but I feel like a fraud when I wear them!

3. My all time favorite TV sitcom is “The Bob Newhart show.” Not the 80s one, the one from the 70s set in Chicago.  I love their fabulous 70s decor, and I think Bob and his wife act just like Marc and I.  I was so sad when Suzanne Pleshette died recently.

4. Although I really dislike most contemporary christian music (I think it’s usually pretty bad musically) I have a secret love of gospel choirs.  I listen to them all the time in the car!

5. My hair is naturally blonde, although I have been dying it red for most of the past 8 years.  I did have a very brief experience with black hair, after an encounter with a box of black cherry (read: purple) dye.  I tried keeping it natural after that for awhile, but I just felt washed out.  I love being a redhead!

6.  I am not a vegetarian, but I prefer vegetables and will usually choose the vegetarian option.

7.  I cry more easily than anyone I know – I cry when I’m sad and when I’m happy, at books and movies, and when I even hear about someone else being sad.

Wow, that’s still a fun meme.  If you want to do it, consider yourself tagged!

crafts · knitting

Rows and rows

stitchywitch8 Comments

Last night I started feeling pressure and terrible stabbing pains in my jaw. I knew right away what it was, although I was hoping I was wrong. I wasn’t though, so… I have what is very likely an abscessed tooth. I’m on antibiotics now, and it will get fixed once the infection is gone, but for the moment I look like a very lopsided chipmunk. I’ve cleared my schedule for tomorrow (really, singing is not in the cards) but I can’t help Sunday, so I hope I feel better by then!

I didn’t have any health insurance for years, and Marc actually had to remind me today that I didn’t have to tough it out – and he even went with me, and then made my favorite soup for dinner (it was hard to eat, but it was so nice of him!)

Thank you to all who commented on my shawlette – I hope some of you considering the pattern give it a chance, it was so fun to knit!

Now that the shawlette is finished I’m concentrating on my “Something Green.” It seemed to take forever to get the sleeves separated, but here they are at last (my raglan length is a little over 8″ rather than the 10″ called for in the pattern.)

I really am enjoying the Blue Sky cotton this time, although I can admit that you can see me rowing out like crazy (rowing out is when either your knit or purl rows are noticeably looser.) There are times this would bother me, and I might be tempted to use combined knitting, but not for this cardigan. I think it will look fine in the casual style, and at any rate I’m about to switch into ribbing.

This isn’t, perhaps, the most exciting sweater ever. It’s entirely possible that I’m knitting it out of spite – the last time I tried this (nearly two years ago) it all went tragically wrong. First my gauge went crazy halfway through, so I started over. Then I experienced my one and only case of an Options needle cable breaking. This was before I could fix dropped stitches very well, so I had to frog back quite a lot. Then I found I was unhappy with the way the ribbing increases were working out, so I kept frogging back. Then I realized the yarn (Knitpicks Shine Worsted) was going to be really unsuitable for the sweater. I finally spent about 2 hours of a very long car trip, making the world’s largest ball of frogged yarn.

But I still wanted to sweater, so when I was looking for an excuse to give Blue Sky cotton another try I dusted off the ole PDF file.

I’m a little worried about the increases, but this time I am armed with a different sort of increase, and I suspect this yarn will be more forgiving than the Shine worsted, which seemed to highlight every single bump.

While looking through old photos, I actually found my previous attempt, only a little bit past where I am now.

It looks so different from my current attempt that it’s difficult to compare. It looks better in this photo, but in real life it was so much worse. Less rowing out, but a whole lot heavier, and too big to boot (I used to think I was a 34″ bust. That was clearly wishful thinking.) And the ribbing… ugh. This time I’m thinking of doing combined knitting for the ribbing, because the effect is so much neater.

I’m trying not to start anything new until this is more finished. I’ve still got shawls on the brain, and yarn to make 4 or 5 of them (or 6 or 7…) I also have lots of sweaters to make, and Coraline is technically on the needles, although I haven’t done much with it because I’m really afraid of running out of steam.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

crafts · finished objects · knitting

FO: Clementine Shawlette

stitchywitch23 Comments

Pattern: Clementine Shawlette, from Interweave Knits, Spring 2007

Yarn: RYC Silk Wool DK in Porcelain, 4.2 skeins

Needles: US 6

Notes: I’ve been on a bit of a shawl kick lately, having finished more in the last 2 months than in my entire knitting career. I loved this shawl when it first appeared in IK, but I had my doubts about the usefulness of the shape. Recently, casting about for a project to carry with me to Chicago, I decided to give this a try, using some RYC Wool Silk DK that has been in my stash for over a year. It was ok, but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t buy it again – I think it’s pricey for what youg et.

I started out using size 5 needles, but I was unhappy with the way the yarn felt using size 5s, so I restarted using size 6 needles. As a result, this shawl is 4 inches wider than the pattern specs. I’m happy about this, because I questioned how useful the original size would have been. I shortened each piece by 3 inches, because I have small shoulders, and I’m happy with the resulting size.

Now let’s talk about the grafting, a source of much discussion on Ravelry.  I’m pretty comfortable with kitchener stitch, so I didn’t try any special grafting tricks.  I did end my pattern repeats after row 2, so that I could get a smoother graft.  I grafted from the front of the piece.  It took about half an hour, and I’m happy with the result.  It isn’t invisible of course, but no graft would be, and I’m happy that it looks ok.

The best part is that it matches one of my favorite dresses, and camouflages that the top of the dress is a bit too big – yay!

crafts · knitting

Back!

stitchywitch4 Comments

We got back from our trip at 3 am last night, and I was so glad to sleep in my own bed! I had a nice, relaxing time out of town – I got to knit, and I bought 3 pairs of shoes, so overall it was a nice break!

I mostly knit of the Clementine Shawlette this week, although my total knitting time was probably lower than in a normal week. I’m almost finished with the first half.

I did end up restarting it on size 6 needles. I liked how it looked on size 5s, but the yarn didn’t feel nice at that gauge. I’m happy with this – it’s about 3 inches wider than the pattern specs, and I like that because I was worried about it being too narrow to be useful as a shawl.

The pattern repeat is super easy to memorize, and I would recommend it to anyone, even lace beginners!

I have also worked on Something Red, and I am going to split join for the sleeves pretty soon. Again, the Blue Sky cotton is working so nicely!

I’m still going to focus on the shawlette for a bit – I want to get the 2nd half started or I’m worried that I’ll start neglecting it! Today was back to work, but it wasn’t so bad.

Kim Hargreaves has a splash screen up that her new Spring/Summer book is coming soon. I cannot wait – you know I will be buying it right away!  I made two projects so far from Heartfelt, both of which I simply adore.  Since I was so disappointed in Rowan this time hopefully this will make up for it!

I am very behind on answering questions, emails etc… I apologize for that!  Sometimes I think I have more hours in the day than actually exist!

crafts · knitting · yarn

Photos and meme

stitchywitch9 Comments

I’ve been tagged for several memes, and today is a great day to do them – it’s super rainy and cold outside, leaving me without much desire to go out, so I’m having a relaxing day – yesterday I walked plenty!  Tomorrow I will have to be out, since I have to check us out while Marc is still having his class, so I will save up my final shopping for tomorrow!  After we leave we are going to visit a friend of Marc’s in Wisconsin, so we won’t be back home until late Saturday night… just in time for me to have to get up and go to church (twice.)  Still, it has been a most excellent trip so far, in spite of the weather.

I did manage to make it to Loopy Yarns, where they were very friendly and had just what I was looking for!

This Sea silk was not labeled for color, but I think it’s ocean.  This is to make a diamond fantasy shawl (the small size)

This is Manos Silk blend, and it’s way outside my color box!  It doesn’t look bad with my hair, and I will admit that I adore the color.  I bought enough to make Tuscany from No Sheep for you.

That concludes my yarn buying… at least until the next Interweave comes out!  I have to make the 2 projects I stashed yarn for from spring (the camisole and Printed Silk cardi.)  I also really want to make the Holly Jacket, now that I’ve seen how great the finished ones look, but the problem is that I really want to use the recommended yarn (I love the sheen and the slubs in the yarn) but it is crazy expensive.  I’m not sure I want to head down that slippery slope!

Here is the meme I was tagged for by Orata from Feather and Fan.

Out of the top 50 yarns on Ravelry (by number of projects):
Bold the ones you’ve used and would use again,
cross out the ones you’ve used and would not use again,
and italicize the ones you’ve never tried, but would like to.
Add comments as desired, and then pass the meme along to 5 knitters/crocheters.
Link back to this post and to the person who tagged you.

Ready? Here’s my list:

1. Cascade 220 –I have made two projects from this, my veste everest and the Babette blanket. It’s a nice basic wool but not my favorite… I won’t be choosing it for wearables again.
2, Patons Classic Wool Merino, 10445 projects– I made my ill fated Nantucket jacket from this yarn, and honestly I’m not too impressed. It isn’t soft enough for merino, but it does like to fuzz up like merino (not pill, just get fuzzy(
3, Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted, 8421 projects–I love Malabrigo. I’ve made a scarf and a shrug out of it, and I recently aquired enough to make a full sweater for myself – I can’t wait! My only complaint is that sometimes different dyelots will look rather faded.
4, Noro Kureyon, 7947 projects– I bought some of this yarn intending to make a Clapotis, but alas it was not to be. This yarn actually makes my hands burn from the scratchiness.
5, Caron Simply Soft, 7914 projects–I can’t really use acrylics anymore (I think I’m sensitive to the chemicals or something?) But this is my favorite.
6, Lily Sugar’n Cream Solid, 6864 projects–Nothing finished but I have some balls in my stash. I don’t like how ropy it feels, but I guess that’s sort of the point!
7, Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Worsted, 6619 projects– I have used the bulky and not been in love, but I want to try making some nice felted projects sometime.
8, Red Heart Ltd. Super Saver Solids, Not a good acrylic
9, Lion Brand Wool-Ease Solid, 5554 projects– Doesn’t wear well in my experience, and it’s a little scratchy.

10, Noro Silk Garden, 5410 projects–I said never again because it made my hands ache, but the colors are so pretty!
11, Koigu Painter’s Palette Premium Merino (KPPPM), 5094 projects–I’ve never used it, but I am curious!
12, Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, 5071 projects–Made armwarmers – nice but not special, I would use it again.
13. Lion Brand Homespun– I bought some when I was a new knitter (didn’t we all?) I hated working with it, even on giant needles.
14, Lion Brand Cotton-Ease, 4157 projects– Great for baby projects and blankets, though I don’t love the colors.
15, Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock Multi, 4086 projects–I made half a Jaywalker in Lucky Stripe. I loved the yarn, though it is thin, I will get back to it sometime!

16, Manos del Uruguay 100% Wool, 3989 projects–I have some in my stash to make a Cloud Bolero – hopefully soon!

17, Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Bulky , 3927 projects – I used it for a vest but never finished it – it was thick and I hated the mohair.
18, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, 3751 projects I want to try it, but not for a whole sweater.
19, Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock – Lightweight, 3723 projects – I know I’m the only one, but I don’t like the way this seems to pool.
20, Plymouth Encore Worsted, 3573 projects–
21, Cascade 220 Heathers, 3422 projects– Thinner than regular 220, I like the colors better.
22, Lily Sugar’n Cream Ombres & Prints, 3384 projects
23, Zitron Trekking (XXL), 3348 projects–I’ve got a ball, but lord only knows when it will actually be socks.
24, Patons SWS (Soy Wool Stripes), 3243 projects–It’s so pretty, and not too hard to work with on metal needles (I made a hat on bamboo dpns… never again!) but I find it horrendously itchy. I would use it again, but not for anything that touches the neck.
25, Rowan Kidsilk Haze, 3203 projects–I want to try it… maybe. I probably won’t care for it, but I have to know for sure!
26, Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, 2917 projects I love this yarn so much I would marry it – soft and springy and no pills!
27, Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Co., Inc Peaches & Creme Ombres, 2658 projects–
29, Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock – Mediumweight, 2503 projects
30, Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, 2489 projects – I hated this stuff – felt like rope!
31, Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Co., Inc Peaches & Creme Solids, 2476 projects
32, Cascade 220 Superwash, 2323 projects – I do love superwash!
33, Berroco Ultra Alpaca, 2286 projects– lovely colors, but I’m allergic!
34, Knit Picks Swish Superwash, 2226 projects–It feels nice enough, but I wouldn’t make a whole sweater due to wear issues.
35, Knit Picks Essential, 2149 projects
36, Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice Solid, 2142 projects
37, Colinette Jitterbug, 2090 projects–I have a ball of Velvet Damson… someday!

38, Lion Brand Lion Wool Solid, 2030 projects–

39, Knit Picks Shine Sport, 1976 projects – I have two sweaters and a scarf from this yarn. It does stretch quite a lot, but I love it anyway.
40, Dale of Norway/Dalegarn Baby Ull, 1885 projects–
41, Lion Brand Microspun, 1871 projects
42, Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino, 1863 projects – my Boteh scarf is made of this yarn and I love it!
43, Knit Picks Palette, 1765 projects–It’s pretty if not the sturdiest yarn ever.
44, South West Trading Company TOFUtsies, 1762 projects
45, Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, 1756 projects– Love this yarn – I have lots stashed. My only caveat is that is does stretch out of shape easily.

46, Mission Falls 1824 Wool, 1725 projects–Very soft and nice yarn.
47, Rowan RYC Cashsoft DK, 1718 projects
48, Red Heart Ltd. Super Saver Multis/Ombres, 1664 projects
49, Rowan Felted Tweed, 1646 projects–I still miss my felted tweed – stupid allergy!

50, Rowan Calmer, 1571 projects– Calmer is a great yarn, but all my projects seem to end in disaster! The tension is hard to control.

I will tag: anyone who wants to do this meme, it’s lots of fun!

Soon I will do the other thing I’ve been tagged for – right now I’m going to wander off to the coffee shop across the street and knit on something!