Hello All

Yes I am still here.

Sorry there hasn't been any posts - still have lots about Chicago - life is just slightly more BLAH than normal -- not sure what is actually making it so but it is.

Finally got my "official" letter on Friday - very pleased cause even though I knew I got the job -- I really wasn't believing it until I got "the letter"

Been working extra shifts - and of course getting cold feet about leaving -- you know the last 4 days have been better..... I know leaving is the best thing, but change you know.....

Other than that life continues. Josh is driving me nuts (12 is such a fun age NOT!) Lissa is counting down the days to her birthday (I am not ready for 16) and work goes on.

Later Gators
K

Chicago Friday

So the first store that we hit was on Polk btwn State and Wabash - a very short jaunt from our hotel (Essex 8th/Mich).

LOOPY YARN

What an awesome place. Very nice assortment of yarns and books. I started by purchasing this book. Now, no I don't have any babies or any grandchildren in the wings, but I love to make baby stuff. Its usually a quick knit and I've learned about sweater construction on a little scale since I'm not much of a sweater person myself.

I also purchased this ball of mohair with sparkles (sorry its blurry). The shaw was an easy 40 stitch cast on -- knit all -- on 17's. But the scarf/shawl came out so light and airy with little bits of glitz. Saw it done in blue jean and silver -- very pretty. This is for mom for Christmas (that's the plan at least).

And even though I don't need any more sock yarn currently.... Fleece Artist with pattern. No immediate completion plans, stash enhancement.

The people at Loopy Yarn were wonderful!!! - very helpful, welcoming.... just too kind.

Definitely a place I will hit again and that I recommend if you're visiting!

Chicago Outbound

Our jaunt to the Windy City was wonderful!!! I have to take pics of purchases --- (stay tuned) but haven't unpacked much yet.

Took a new project with me to start on the train. As we pulled out of Dearborn Station, I cast on for "Flow" . Harlot had done this last summer and after obtaining pattern (special order off internet) and than finding yarn I could afford 1000 yds of (thank you bust-line....Seduce was not in my budget) I set off. Worked on the 7 hr ride (we were delayed) and had a good 5 inch mojo going.

Friday night I took the project out, transferred it to circular needles to check width and such and realized that when I completed this there would be 10 inches more material around my middle. Now I realize that the pattern said this straight off. However, I did not read that far and it didn't become clear until I laid the knitting out (got gauge and all) and realized HOW MUCH extra fabric that was. That's a lot. And if you are conscious about the "few extra pounds" that one carries -- an extra 10 inches can make one feel more than "quite a few pounds" heavier.

So I ripped it out. The whole thing.

So much for 7 hrs of knitting time.