Press On

History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed?  They won ‘cuz they refused to become discouraged by their defeat. After finishing my last project, I got a little ambitious and started Trickle-Down Tank immediately (previously mentioned here.)

Imperial Stock Ranch Erin–a 3-ply worsted wooly yarn–gives it a light, airy, pleasing, pebbly texture feel. I typically prefer DK or lighter-weight yarn. But Erin is actually cool to wear…maybe ‘cuz the gauge allows the breeze through? I love this yarn!  Anna Cohen, of Imperial Stock Ranch design team, used Erin to advantage in her swingy summer top that features a diagonal stitch pattern, deep V-neck, and shaping detail.

Anna designed the lacy, seamless garment for maximum versatility: A large-scale lace pattern, first knitted flat from bottom–center back–using short-row technique, then in the round, covers the tunic-length tank that may be layered loosely over tanks, tees, or dresses.

Simple diagonal lace pattern goes quickly with larger needles. Fashionably asymmetric from front to back, this medium-size tank–in my case a tunic as I normally wear adult-small in clothing–is a very loosely fitted garment, great for summer, yet perfect for layering in any season! It can easily be adapted to fit.

It literally took me nine tink (knit spelled backward) to finally make the connection. From center back to center front, one side of the bias lace leans one way while other side leans opposite way. Once Eureka’s arrived, the project was a breeze. It worked up quick, yet, is interesting. I finished the knitting in an evening sitting.

I am very happy with the transitional tunic and Imperial Stock Ranch Erin! Nice drape and it doesn’t cling…a fun casual!  Great for days outside. I love wearing summery knits.

Highly recommend marking–color code–each segment as follows: Right Front Side seam to Center Front, Center Front to Left Front Side seam, Left Back Side seam to Center Back, Center Back to Right Back Side seam. Place markers on both side seams. Mark off the rows if you need to take a break. Once the flow is understood–with suggested steps implemented, the charted pattern is actually quite easy to follow. I feel with a better visual, even a fearless beginner knitter may tackle this lovely tank.

The shop sample consumed 2.16 skeins (244 grams or 530 yards) of Imperial Stock Ranch Erin. In my humbly opinion, the length may be shortened to conserve yarn to keep it a two-skein wonder…or continue in pattern as long as you like for an A-line sundress.

Like many knitters, I love showing off my hand-knit items, but, cozy cardigans and slouchy hats do not make for sexy weekend wear! Now you may flaunt your knitting chops and some skin with this lace top. Wear it with skinny jeans and a leather jacket (your pick) to go out on the town. Or layer it over a solid or printed (as shown) tank to dress it down.

So grab your needles, ladies–-it’s time for knitters to take back the nightlife! Both pattern and yarn are available online or in store here. ♥ ♥ ♥

The Tickle-Down tank is my lesson in Persistence and Perseverance. Life is a funny thing. It’s always testing me, challenging my resolve, while pushing me to the edge of what seems impossible. Some folks look at setbacks and see them as insurmountable obstacles. Me? When faced, I often ask Why not me? Why not now? I believe that no matter what life throws my way, I will persist and persevere–eventually attaining my goals and objectives. How do you face your challenges?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Your Mind Will Answer

“…most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.”~~William S. Burroughs

Meditation is one way to get those answers.

Relaxation can also make me wise in answering the questions.

It’s true.  After ripping out my Trickle-Down Tank the ninth time (previously mentioned here,) it’s finally registered.

It’s no longer a puzzle, a mystery.   Once figured out the design element, it was a breeze to knit up.  I got it completed in an evening.  Only things left to do is to wash, block the lace tank, take finished photos, package it up, and ship it back to Twisted.

Through this particular trial of mine, it got me thinking of an unique, refreshing, and inspiring story I read recently of a new dad of an adopted infant son.  A real man who isn’t afraid of wearing his heart on his sleeve, cries, and hugs his mom on the green after his win.  Bubba Watson, winner of the Masters Tournament (story linked.)  A humble golfer–who gave thanks to God–after coming from behind and winning in sudden death…after driving into the woods.  What a game, what a tremendous golfer who had never a golf lesson in his life!  Gotta love his pink driver!  What’s your inspiration and/or role model today? ♥ ♥ ♥

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Surviving a Storm

Getting up, lunch packed, and out the door by 6:30 in the morning…

Get the teen to Lewis & Clark for her State Solo performance by 10:40.

Just ten minutes away–not a clue…he says, she says–driver licenses and insurance information exchanged. Here is our worst part of the damage:

The other car suffered most harm of the two vehicles…

They had five huge, stocky dudes–all came out with their iPhones. I told hubby not to make waves. Everyone behaved in a civilized manner. Within fifteen minutes, we were swiftly back on the road.

and got us all at the college in time

for a warm-up.

At least, no one was hurt. Rest of the day was good.  The teen got to hang up in the mall with her good friends, Gabbi and Elizabeth, for a few hours.

Here I’m still attempting last piece of the recent batch of commissioned work.

I feel this will never end.  Knitting it over seven times.  Kid you not.  Seven. I thought I got it while I was hanging out at Twisted in Portland this afternoon…I didn’t.  Neither foreign nor complicated.  Yet, I can’t seem to make it right?

What’s the big deal?  Why not just finagle the instruction, knit the tank up, and turn  it in?   What’s stopping me?  It’s a shop sample.  That’s what.  I have to knit as instructed–line by line–to a letter T.

There are a beginning and a beginning of round markers.  I could’t seem to stop at those two points after the 3rd row once cast on.  After forging ahead and knit-up nearly one full skein, I unraveled every stitch…

It will be gorgeous and that I’ll be very happy at the end when the whole thing is finished.

I keep telling myself that…Besides, Imperial Ranch Erin is soft on the hands with nice touch to the skin. I don’t mind so much for knitting it over again. But, as this is going slowly, surely, I need another to-go project to work on–between errands, waiting for kids,  in the car to grocery shopping, or just to have a break.

At least, I got to see my designer friend Michele and had a short chat…surrounded by a few pleasant knitters too.  It’s another beautiful day .

Thank you for reading my rant and a little of an uneventful day. What’s your challenge today?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)