Twist and Sigh

The new Twist Collective issue is up and, as usual, I was drawn to cables and lace cardigans. How many cable and lace cardigans are in my queue? How many are in countless magazines and books I've traded and/or purchased? I seem to have a bottomless void. Can we have a little variation on theme? I told myself this morning, "Keep it moving, don't put it in your basket" and yet somehow, against my will, Olivette appeared in my basket. 

But I didn't purchase it. I left it in my basket to ponder life. If I purchase it, I won't immediately knit it so why not just wait until I'm ready to knit it rather than having a folder filled to the brim with patterns that mock? I haven't knit Sylvi or Vaila or the others I simply "had to have." Vivian continues to tempt me but so far I've been resistant. Olivette would be gorgeous in Louisa Harding pure silk I have a ton of when Stitch House had their marvelous $2 sale. But I'm going to finish up my Flower Basket and my Sexy Scallops and Wanton Wisteria and ... and ... and ... you get the picture. *sigh*

And a public service announcement re: SOAK. Where have I been on this one? I bought Eucalan wash and was never really happy with it. Courtney at Seed Stitch told me that SOAK was heads above Eucalan and because she knows what she's talking about when it comes to fiber and fiber related things, I bought a medium sized bottle (most of the large was sold out. Now I know why), washed a few FOs and my goodness, this stuff ROCKS. I got a little carried away and hand washed a J. Crew merino cardigan and it is just lovely. Nothing else touches my handknits and delicates from this point forward. /end PSA. lol

I've also got to start on this skirt I've been staring at for about a year.  The colors are so gorgeous and the yarn was so expensive, there is just no reason whatsoever not to pick up the needles and get going already.

And finally, I'm blocking Emily! My galpal Sara gave us all the great tip that Christmas Tree Shops have the interlocking mats that can be used for blocking. The mats are huge and come in a pack of 4 for $9.99. Yes. *Hooray*

So here is Emily on the needles ... and Emily blocking. Blocking really does wonders.