The consensus was for either Jasmine or Blithe, and it was pretty evenly split. I decided on Blithe, because it looks a little more interesting to knit.
I’m using 4-ply cotton, a yarn which I am unbelievably sad has been discontinued. I do not consider either the new Milk cotton (too limp) or siena (slightly heavier and shiny) to be real subs for this – the only 4-ply matte cotton I have found that I like. I like Siena too, but I can’t get 4-ply gauge with it. I love this color too, which is slightly lighter and grayer than it looks here. I had trouble getting an accurate photo – perhaps the blinginess of my nailpolish is distracting my camera! I am inordinately proud of my nails right now… my entire life I had have a bad OCD habit of picking at my cuticles until they bled. A few months ago I decided I wanted to stop, but it was so hard… until I realized that keeping my nails painted all the time prevents me from doing it, because it messes up the polish. So now I polish them a few times a week, and I’m not longer embarrased by my hands! I can’t have long nails because of piano of course, but one of the advantages of having giant hands is that even short nails tend to look pretty long.
Still not quite right, but closer. I can’t wait to get started!
We are in the midst of Kentucky Derby season here, and my neighborhood is insane – all the crazies are out, and I am hibernating (I did go to the neighborhood art fair this afternoon, and that was super fun, though the weather was really hot.) I can also share with you all that I am trying to build up my teaching studio, in the hope of teaching full time by fall. I auditioned for the Opera chorus this week, and I’m hoping the be in the chorus for La Traviata this fall, which I also think would be something super fun to do. So overall – things are looking much brighter than they did a few weeks ago, and I have things to look forward to – spending next weekend with my Mom (an outlet mall trip, and then landscaping my back yard) and our trip to Wisconsin in a month to meet our new niece (her name is Sarah, and I haven’t knit anything for her yet, believe it or not – I am stuck on what to make!)
Thanks for sticking by me through my depression – I hope you are all right, and that the changes turn out to be a good thing!
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
Another good thing about giant hands is playing the piano:) I am so excited to see how Blithe comes along–what a pretty color. I am considering making it as well. Not quite yet, though, as I have had to take out the better half of the foot of my Rimefrost socks, and the A-line dress from spring/summer Knitsimple 2009 is still on my needles. I am beginning to think that a knitting blog would be a good thing for me… I am glad that your rough patch has eased up a bit and that you are inspired to knit again:)
Oh, I always miss Kentucky at Derby time! (I grew up not far from Lexington). Maybe next weekend I should make derby pie or have myself a mint julep or something to celebrate.
The new project looks lovely, too!
P.S. Forgot to say that as a pianist I can’t STAND wearing nail polish. It’s too distracting for me when I’m playing! It’s fun to do my toes every once in a while, though I don’t usually bother 🙂
Your nails look so pretty! I have to ask, though, how do you manage to paint them and let the polish dry? I generally mess mine up because I hate sitting still that long- I want to knit or type or do SOMETHING involving my hands. Even when I think that they’re dry, they end up fooling me because only the top layer is dry, and I get weird imprints in the polish.
What’s your secret?
Good choice! It will be beautiful! I can feel it 😉
I totally do that to my fingers too if I don’t keep them busy knitting! For some reason I just can’t sit still and leave my hands alone!
You are so talented… an excellent knitter, a piano teacher and wow, now trying out for the Opera chorus! Amazing!
I can only dream of being this talented and ambitious. I can’t wait to see your new creation, the blithe sweater.
Good to know you are out of your funk. We all go through it once in a while, but that’s why you have blogworld and your blogfriends to help you out of it with encouragement and a good “ear” for listening; even though it is through cyberspace.
Have a great weekend!
Dude!! i’m a reformed cuticle picker (and biter) too and i found exactly the same thing about nail polish. I’ve only been ‘on the wagon’ for a little while but its hard not to self consciously pick. Anyway, well done you 🙂 also blythe looks ace, enjoy the knit
Jen
Hang in there! You seem to be doing so many positive and creative things–it’s hard to be bummed out if you stay busy! I love the nails too, but I can’t imagine painting them several times a week. That’s why I limit my nail polish to my toenails. 🙂
I have a good suggestion for a 4ply cotton for you. Try the ones at Bendigo Woollen Mills (just google the name), they are a bit of an Australian secret but there are lots of projects on raverly and even a group. 4ply is standard 4ply and 8ply is the Australian term for DK weight. This cotton is lovely with the only drawback that it doesn’t come in a huge range of colours although there are still 15 to choose from. Also the prices are fantastic…about $11.00 AUD approx $7.50 USD for a whooping 200gram ball aka 670 meters (and usually there are no joins in any of those balls of yarn!) Shipping is also very reasonable. They have a huge range of basic yarns as well…but I won’t get sidetracked by talking about those. You can request that they send you a shade card for free online. I don’t want to hijack your comments any more so email me if you want any additional information.
As someone who has been feeling quite down myself recently and I’m glad to hear that things are looking more positive for you. Keep your chin up (easier said than done), you are going about it the right way by focussing on the things that make you feel good.
I love the yarn! That is going to be so pretty.
Congrats on overcoming your cuticle problem! I have the same OCD habit of picking at my cuticles and the skin around the edges of my fingernails. Maybe I will try the nail polish trick too. 🙂
That yarn is lovely, it’s going to be a gorgeous knit on you.
That would be wonderful to have your studio full time teaching!! Sending you lots of good luck vibes for that!
If you’re looking for a quick baby sweater knit the Five hour baby sweater. You can find it by searching “five hour baby sweater” on Ravelry. If it took me around five hours it will take you no time!
I can’t wait to see your Blithe. You are such a lovely knitter.
The Opera chorus sounds like a ton of fun! I hope you make it!
Can’t wait to see your Blithe grow!
Happy knitting-
ali
Love that color!
WHy don’t you knit the Baby Surprise Jacket? It should fit the baby by the time the cool weather comes around this fall.
I love your website also the color of that yarn you are contemplating….
I love the colour! I’ve never used cotton before, always wool. I’m gonna have a look in a while and see how you’re doing. I’m interested.