Ever since I started counting the days until vacation I have been daydreaming of all the lovely knitting I plan to do. I know I want to work on socks for the Fall, and I really want to finish the MANY projects I have in various stages of completion around the house. The latest issue of Simply Knitting has added another project to my summer list, the Big Top Ted by Alan Dart from the April 2008 issue. I first saw the pattern on Ravelry and I immediately went on the hunt for the issue. Now, book stores in my area do not carry Simply Knitting on a regular basis, and when they do get it in they fly off the shelves. I have missed out on several issues as a result. But I had to have this one. I grew up collecting teddy bears, and they still hold a very special place in my heart. So I spent about an hour calling various book stores throughout the tri-county area begging clerks to go to the magazine section and check for it. I found one clerk who was super sweet and he offered to hold a copy for me. The location was about an hour away from home, and since I was still in an Alan Dart stupor I convinced my hubby to go for a little drive. We decided to stop at Joann's on the way so that I could pick up some Fun Fur for the pattern, and on the way out I spotted the issue of Simply Knitting that I was looking for. I couldn't believe it! At least we stopped at Joann's before driving all the way to the bookstore.
Here is a picture of the pattern insert and a picture of the cover in case you want to scout out a copy for yourself.
The pattern is so cute, and I am very excited about this project. I have read on Ravelry that it is an utter nightmare to assemble so I am going to wait for summer vacation to start it. I bought Lion Brand Fun Fur in Chocolate, and I am going to use some DK in my stash for the collar and hat.Over the weekend my husband surprised me with a fantastic gift. He stopped in at a local art gallery on his way home from work on Saturday, and he picked up a beautiful little bag for me. He knows I am constantly in search of the perfect sock bag, and when he saw this little gem he knew I would love it.
It is an Erda bracelet bag, and it is absolutely gorgeous. The fabric is beautifully woven, and it is just perfect for a sock in progress. The bag measures 7" tall by 6" by 6" by 6". I love that I can slide it on my wrist for knitting on the go. Each bag is made by hand, and each one is embellished differently. I absolutely adore the bag. Thanks babe!Happy Tuesday everybody! I hope you all get in some well deserved knitting time this week.
