I picked up the winter edition of a "high end" knitting magazine last weekend at Michael's because I had a 40% off coupon that was about to expire. I don't recall ever buying this particular magazine before, and now I know why. Generally, I like most of the patterns, but the magazine is styled very similarly to FCEK--which is now Knitting Simply or something like that. Turns out the same publisher owns both mags. I have been looking for a cool cable pattern to knit for a while and thought that pattern #23, a cabled vest with coordinating scarf, was going to be the pattern for me. I even began considering using the recommended yarn, something I rarely do for patterns in mags. So, I did a little internet search to find who sells the yarn: Classic Elite Yarns' "Embrace." This is a cashmere yarn. I thought, cool, I am willing to splurge a bit on some cashmere, how much could it really be? For the vest I only need three skeins--not too much. Yeah, right. I found the yarn online--for $280 a skein! So, for almost $900, I can knit a VEST only. If I want to do the scarf, I will need two more skeins. So for $1500 I can knit this little combo! Please, who do they think really knits their patterns? I know, it is still a fabulous pattern, and I probably could find cashmere, or a cashmere blend much much much cheaper, but I am still reeling over the sticker shock. I may just hit up the Knit Picks site and buy some of their appropriately priced yarn for this pattern. Or not. In the meantime I found a cute cabled tee pattern, so I may do that. For now I need to focus on Socks, though.
My sister started a blog! She doesn't have the time to learn to knit, but someday I will convince her to try it again. For now my busy niece and nephew keep her occupied.
I am trying to develop a list of crafts to do during Lolly's Project Spectrum. I want to continue to work with rubber stamping and eventually get back into painting. I am thinking of increasing my sewing skills--maybe spend some time making sachets or little bags. I also want to make soap--I haven't done that for years. (Audrey, do you still have those soap molds? Maybe we can spend a Saturday making soap!) So many possible crafts to do, so little time!
I stayed home from work today to sleep late and try to get rid of this cold. I slept late, read a new novel while soaking in a hot tub of bubbles, drank some tea, then ran a few errands. Now I need to knit! I still am stuffed up, but at least my head is less groggy.
Happy Weekend!
