New Skirt, New Hair

I finally finished it and the best part is it fits!!! I was worried that this was going to be too small once it was washed. It blocks great and shrinks in length only and by blocking I mean wash it and through it in the dryer. I actually started this last August. Other than blue fingers from it bleeding on my hands, the Rowan denim was great to knit with. My favorite part is the lace and the ruffle.

Pattern: Indigo Ripple Skirt
(Ravelry link)
Source: Interweave Knits, Spring 2007
Yarn: Rowan Denim
Color: Nashville (8.5 balls)
Size: Smallest
Needles: US Size 4
Modifications: I did the usual mods. I cast on for the second
smallest size and increased until I had the correct number for the
smallest size. I also lengthened the stockinette portion of the skirt to
15 inches before washing. I did 50 rows for the lace portion and crocheted
a chain for the draw string with a size H hook and the yarn held doubled.

I wore the skirt to the grocery store yesterday and some lady stopped me to tell me how cute my skirt was and to ask where I bought it. I proudly said I made it. This is definitely one of my favorite knits and will be a summer staple.

I also got a new hair cut by a stylist trained on how to cut curly hair. I learned about how curly hair should be cut in the book Curly Girl. If you're a curly girl you've got to get this book. It has taught me so much about how to care for my hair. It even teaches you how to make your own shampoo and curl refresher.

The hair cut was very different from any that I've ever had. The stylist cut my hair dry one curl at a time. She also taught me how to properly apply product and gave me some great styling tips to help avoid frizz. I got her name on the naturally curly website. I was a little worried going to a new stylist because I've had some really bad hair cuts. My hair shrinks when dry so if it's cut too short I can end up with baby doll bangs. Usually not a good look for me. The hair is cut with the natural curl pattern so my hair actually ended up curlier after the cut. It's a little shorter than I wanted but I am still happy with it.

Too many projects

I have been busy painting and remodeling my dining room. I took some before shots so I could post some before and after shots. I have managed to squeeze some knitting in. The Indigo Ripple skirt is close to being done.


Here's a close up of the lace pattern. I love it but I'm kind of over knitting this. I had to put it down for a little while and move onto something else. I started the Yogini Bolero. I'm using the same yarn and color that Wendy used. I wanted to make it in the Red Hemp but Kpixie didn't have three skeins in stock when I placed my order.


This has been a really fast knit. I'm glad this is one of those patterns that you can try on as you go. I'm making the size small so I knit until it measured 10.5 inches from the cast on but when I tried it on it was too high up on my bust. I made the top a little longer and bound off to try it on but it still seems too high. I'm debating if I should add a little more length. I may sleep on it before deciding to rip out my bind off.

Well, I'm off to finish my paining.

Quick Update

No progress pictures today but I'm almost done with my indigo ripple skirt. I'm really enjoying the process of knitting this skirt. I love the Rowan denim. I just hope it is going to fit once I wash and block it.

I have also been busy power washing the patio and back steps. This weekend I added a sand cement mixture to the joints in between the pavers and did lots of planting. When I'm done I take some pictures. I hope the rain stays away for at least a couple more days so I can put my patio set outside and soak up some sun.

Summer Knits

I still don't have any FO pictures of my Ribbed Lace Bolero and my finally complete Eyelet Cardigan. I'm happy with the way they both turned out. My finished summer knit list is growing. I've started yet another project. I could' nt resist making another Indigo Ripple Skirt. I made one last year but unfortunately the skirt doesn't fit anymore. It grew and it's too big. I didn't use the Rowan Denim last year because I was afraid to it was going to shrink, but after seeing Eileen's finished skirt (Ravelry link) I decided I had to have one in the denim. As usual I didn't get gauge with the size 6 suggested needle size. I had to go down two needle sizes so it may be awhile before I get this done.

I also bought some Shibui sock yarn from Webs to make the Shetland Shorty. I can't wait to get started.

I couldn't decide if I wanted to use the green (Wasabi) or the dark teal (Peacock) so I got both. One can never have enough sock yarn.