On the crafting front, I’ve been spinning, have been quilting, and even knitting!

I got my new spinning wheel and I love it. It’s so fun. Talia at International Fleeces has started a weekly spinning group and just going and enjoying the community has been so helpful for improving my spinning skills and is keeping me excited. The first fiber I spun on my new Matchless was the Just Figs fiber from Into the Whirled.

Now that I’ve gotten some good spinning lessons (thanks Talia!), and have spun some fiber, I feel like I have a relatively easy time spinning fiber using the worsted method.  I can get pretty fine singles, but I want to be able to spin whatever I want – not just one thing.  So, I set out to make this fiber into a nice worsted weight yarn.  While I was spinning, it seemed that my singles were pretty uneven, but I plowed on in the hopes that practice would actually make me better.  Go figure, huh.  In the end, plying worked miracles and I ended up with a pretty decent yarn.

I spun the 4 ounces of Falkland into 86 yards of 3-ply worsted weight yarn.  It isn’t perfect, but I’m pretty darned happy with it.  I just need to find a cute little project that doesn’t need much yarn so I can actually knit with it!

To continue my desire to improve my spinning skills, I have been practicing woolen spinning.  I want to be able to spin some gorgeous cashmere/merino fiber into laceweight yarn for a Malagash shawl.  So, to practice my woolen spinning, I decided to spin the BDL/Silk I got from Sweet Georgia’s May fiber club from the fold.

My understanding is that since this is top, rather than roving, the only way to really spin it woolen is to spin it from the fold.  It’s turning out pretty well, and I’m getting better at my woolen technique.  We’ll see how it looks once it’s plied, but so far, so good.

]]> http://unwindknitting.net/?feed=rss2&p=1339 5 http://unwindknitting.net/?p=1330 http://unwindknitting.net/?p=1330#comments Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:34:25 +0000 admin http://unwindknitting.net/?p=1330 I don’t know about you, but I have a love-hate relationship with brownies. I want to love them, but am so often disappointed by the reality of them. I’ve tried lots of recipes … and I mean lots, and have never found one that really did it for me. Until now.

These brownies are so good I just had to share. As you can see, they’re very dense and moist – not cake-like at all, which is what I like in a brownie. If I wanted chocolate cake, I’d make cake. I want the texture to be dense, but moist and not so heavy that you feel like you can’t chew the darned thing! I adapted the recipe from the Cheyenne Frontier Days Daddy of ‘em All Cookbook.

World-Famous Brownies

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs, beaten

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine butter, cold water, oil, and cocoa in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil. Combine flour and sugar in a bowl and combine with chocolate mixture after it comes to a boil. Mix well. Add baking soda, salt, vanilla, buttermilk, and eggs. Pour into greased 9×13 pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until it tests done (mine took 35 minutes). While brownies are baking, make glaze.

World-famous Brownie Glaze

• 1/2 cup butter
• 6 tbsp espresso or strong coffee
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 pound powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional – I omitted them)

Combine butter, coffee, and cocoa in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil slowly for 1-2 minutes, remove from heat. Pour chocolate mixture into a bowl of a stand mixer (you can use a hand mixer too) and add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix well until glaze is very smooth. Add nuts if you are using them. Pour over warm brownies right after you remove them from the oven. Let cool completely in the pan before you cut them (or the glaze won’t be set up). Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee.

After that I’m not sure exactly what happened, but I started seeing a lot of talk on blogs about spinning and fiber and how much people were enjoying their spinning. Then one day I was looking at dealers on Schacht’s website and saw that there’s a new dealer right here in Laramie. In a hazy series of events, I advertised my Lendrum for sale on Ravelry and called Talia at International Fleeces about a Schacht Matchless. And as they say, it was all down hill from there. It turns out that Talia had been trying to get a spinning club started so we agreed to get together the following week and she would bring a Matchless and a Ladybug for me to try.

I sat down with Talia and spun on the Matchless in double drive, then in Scotch tension, then I spun on the Ladybug in Scotch tension. When I sat down, it was kind of like being a newbie all over again – almost like I’d never spun before. The difference was that it came back to me fairly quickly and with Talia’s instructions on drafting and mechanics, I feel like I improved a lot that first night. After a couple of hours of spinning, it was very clear to me that I loved the Matchless and loved spinning in double drive (which is something I’d never done because I couldn’t set my Lendrum up like that)!

The second week was even better than the first. Talia again loaned me her Matchless until mine arrives and I spun some lovely blue-faced leicester from Sweet Georgia.

As you can see, it’s a little uneven – some is underspun, some overspun, but I made yarn! And I enjoyed it. I consider that fantastic progress in my spinning adventures. Talia let me keep her Matchless and take it home with me, so I’ve been spinning like crazy.

I bought 12 ounces of Jacob Humbug from International Fleeces and proceeded to spin that all up between the second and third week of our club (which is still nameless)

I plied the Jacob as a 3-ply – my first attempt at that – and while it’s still uneven with over- and under-spun (and plied) areas, it’s better than the first yarn. Don’t you think? I even practiced a little Navajo-plying on what was left on one bobbin! I guess I need to remember to do that penny thing with the pictures. I’m new to taking pictures of this yarn stuff, so sorry for the omission.  The Jacob is an aran weight, I’d guess.  I guess I should also figure out the wraps per inch. That might be useful information, huh.

Last week at spinning club, Talia helped me figure out how to spin the Falkland from the JulieSpins fiber club (unclub?). I’m shooting for a sport weight 3-ply and with her help I did a practice skein and am on my way. I love having someone help me figure things like that out the first time. It makes all the difference because I actually feel like I’m learning, and not just spinning my wheels (hah).

I took that picture Saturday morning before I spent a whole lot of time yesterday spinning.  I’m almost done with the first 3rd of the fiber (I have 10 oz total, so each bobbin should have a little over 3 oz) and the first bobbin is about 3/4 full. I know my singles aren’t completely even, but they’re pretty darned good for me!

I’ve been trying to spin a little bit every day and I’ve found that if I can get up and get ready in the morning (rather than screwing around) I have 15-30 minutes to spin and that really makes a difference.  I sometimes spin in the evening too, especially if we’re watching (i.e. listening to) something on tv, but even if that doesn’t happen, I got some spinning in for the day. I’m so glad that I decided to stick with spinning (thanks girls!), and for me, selling my Lendrum and deciding on a Matchless has been very motivational. And I am so grateful that I found Talia and that she’s willing to take the time to work with me – a good teacher really does make all the difference.

I’ve posted everything on Flickr and in my stash on Ravelry.  There are a few things that are really cheap and the rest of the stuff is free if you pay the shipping.  I just want it to go to a good home (and be out of my craft room)!  Let me know if you’re interested in anything and we’ll get it on its way to you.

Have a great weekend!

It had quite possibly been the longest three weeks of Elizabeth’s life.  She didn’t know if she should be amused or distressed that these miserable three weeks just happened to coincide with how long she and Jason had been married.

Elizabeth stood at the windows in the great room and looked out over the Port Charles Harbor.  Elizabeth had already spent countless hours watching the freighters and the pleasure boats come and go.  Seeing the boats and the water reminded her of home.  Well, Miami, since this was now her home.

She had loved the penthouse the first moment she’d seen it – on her wedding night.  It was gorgeous – spacious and bright, but quite sparse on the decorating.  Elizabeth sighed as she looked around.  She had been married three weeks and it had been three weeks since she’d seen her husband.  She’d been waiting for him to come home, but according to Spinelli, his eccentric assistant, Jason had been called away on business and no one knew when he would be returning.

Elizabeth shook her head and decided that if she was going to make this marriage work, she was going to have to get busy and stop moping around waiting for some man to hold her hand or give her permission.  She walked to the phone on the table next to the lone piece of furniture in the enormous room and called the only person who had been kind enough to call and check on her since she’d been dumped here.

“Carly, it’s Elizabeth.  Do you feel like going shopping?”

*~*~*~*

Elizabeth collapsed into the chair across from Carly and reached for her wine.  “Oh my God.  You should have warned me when I asked if you wanted to go shopping.  I had no idea you were such a machine.”

Carly leaned back on the couch and studied Elizabeth over the rim of her own wine glass.  “You held your own, little girl.  I’m impressed.”

Elizabeth let her head roll back as she worked the kinks out of her neck and shoulders.  “I had no idea what I was getting into.  Do you think Jason will be ok with what we picked out?”

Carly scoffed, “He probably won’t even notice and if he does, he’ll be fine.  He doesn’t care about stuff like that.”

“I want Jason to be comfortable in his own home.  Do you think he’s going to hate everything I picked out?  Maybe it was presumptuous of me to go shopping without asking him first.”  Elizabeth couldn’t help but feel unsure about her shopping expedition.

“He’ll be fine.  I know him and I think you did a great job picking things he’ll be comfortable with.  He would rather be tortured than go shopping, so he isn’t going to have any problem with you going without him.  Trust me on this.”

Elizabeth chewed her lip and debated about whether to say anything about her concerns.  Finally, she sighed, “Carly, do you have any idea where Jason is?”

Carly slowly lowered her wine glass and stared, “Of course.  Don’t you?”

“No.  I got up the morning after the wedding and he was gone.  I asked Spinelli and all he would tell me was that Jason had been called away on business.  I don’t have his cell phone number and Spinelli wouldn’t give it to me when I asked.  He said he’d have Jason call, but I haven’t heard from him.  I don’t want to be a whiny brat, but I’d kind of like to know my new husband is ok and when he might be back.”

Carly could not believe her best friend.  What a jerk.  Oh, she was going to give him a piece of her mind just as soon as she could get his selfish ass on the phone.  “Elizabeth, he’s in Puerto Rico.  There was some problem … yet again … with one of the casinos.  Sonny said he’d be back by Friday night.”

“Oh, good,” Elizabeth let out a breath she hadn’t known she was holding.  “That’s good to know.  I’m glad he’s ok.”  Elizabeth couldn’t help but feel left out since it seemed that everyone had known what was going on but her.  “And I’m glad all the furniture will be delivered tomorrow.  I should have everything arranged before he gets home.”

Carly couldn’t help it, she liked Elizabeth.  She wasn’t what Carly had been expecting – she wasn’t as shy and meek as Lorenzo had made her out to be, but she was nice … normal, and didn’t seem to be dependent on Jason to make her world go ‘round.  And knowing Jason like Carly did, that was a very good thing.

*~*~*~*

Jason picked his phone up on the 4th ring and could see from the caller id that it was Carly.  “Hey,” he said as he sipped his beer and watched the sun set from the balcony of Sonny’s villa.

“Don’t you hey me, Jason Morgan.  You are in some serious shit with me, mister,”  Carly snarled at him.  Elizabeth had left her house about 30 seconds before and Carly wasn’t wasting anytime giving Jason a piece of her mind.

“What?  What did I do to you?”

“To me, absolutely nothing.  To you wife, now that’s a whole different story.  You do remember your wife, don’t you Jason?  She’s the pretty, petite brunette with the sapphire blue eyes.  I think her name might be Elizabeth.  She’s the one you dumped in your house 3 weeks ago and haven’t even let know you’re alive.  Didn’t leave her a number where she could reach you.  Haven’t checked in to make sure she’s ok in a completely new house in a completely new city.  Any of this ringing a bell with you?”  Carly ranted and paced her living room while she outlined just a few of Jason’s sins as she saw them.

“Now Carly …”

“Don’t you now Carly me, you jerk.  Apparently she’s asked Spinelli on numerous occasions for your cell phone number, where you are, and if you’re ok, but your ever-faithful assistant was not at liberty to divulge any of that information.  I just assumed you were in contact with her, but I see now how wrong I was.  I cannot believe you…”

Jason pinched the bridge of his nose as he listened to Carly rant.  “Are you done now?”

“Don’t you take that tone with me Jason.  You know you’re in the wrong, and you owe Elizabeth an explanation.  Talk about rude and hurtful.  I thought better of you.”

“Carly.”  Jason sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.    “I know I should have called, but I don’t even know Elizabeth.  You know I don’t like to talk on the phone.  What was I going to say to her?  She’s a stranger.”

“Well, she isn’t going to ever be anything other than a stranger if you don’t talk to her.  You should have at least left her a note or called to tell her where you were.  She was worried.  She asked me if I knew if you were ok.”

Jason sighed.  Carly was right, but damned if he wanted to admit that to her.  “I’m sorry Carly.  I didn’t think of it like that.  I’m not used to having someone to answer to.  Someone that worries about me.”

“I’m going to forget for now that you’ve completely overlooked the fact that I worry about you, and tell you that you’d better get used to having someone to answer to, as you so quaintly put it.  You’re married now.  It’s time you pull your head out of your ass and be considerate.  When are you coming home?”

Jason just sighed, pulled his hair, and took another drink of his beer.  What the hell had he gotten himself into?  “I’ll be home Friday afternoon.”

“Good.  I’ll expect you and Elizabeth at our house at 7:00 for dinner.  And don’t worry, I’ll tell her myself since you don’t seem capable of communicating with your wife.  You know, Jason, I know you didn’t want this marriage, but you are, in fact, married.  And are going to be for awhile.  I think you need to try to make the best of the situation.  You never know, it may turn out to be the best thing that’s ever happened to you.”

What do you think?

That last one is my favorite.  I love how soft and antiquey it looks.  I used one of Pioneer Woman’s actions, but I can’t remember which one.  Vintage maybe??

Can anybody find me somebody to love?  Everyday – I try and I try and I try – But everybody wants to put me down… Somebody to Love ~ Queen

Elizabeth Alcazar sat at the vanity table and stared at her reflection in the beveled oval mirror. She looked at her dark chestnut curls and her sapphire blues eyes, but didn’t see anything other than the awkward and shy girl she’d always seen. Today was her wedding day and it was nothing like she’d imagined it would be. Rather than marrying her one true love – that man that would save her from her family and from herself – she was marrying a stranger. For business. It wasn’t like there was someone else … someone she loved and wanted to marry, but she wanted the idea of marrying for love. Elizabeth wanted the choice. She wanted to love and be loved – to feel like she finally belonged, that she fit somewhere. Instead, she was marrying a man she’d never even laid eyes on. All she knew about him was that he was a business associate of her father’s and that a merger was very important to the future of the business. She didn’t even know why it was important because women were not to be involved in business – even when it directly affected them. Elizabeth sighed as the door to the bridal room opened and her family walked in. Show time, she thought to herself.

“Elizabeth, you need to get dressed. It’s almost time.” Alexis Alcazar was a striking woman who shared Elizabeth’s dark brown hair and fair complexion, but really nothing else. Alexis was a strong, no-nonsense woman who had made her mark as a successful criminal defense attorney and had never understood or nurtured her daughter’s artistic side. Alexis had always made Elizabeth feel silly for wanting to pursue art and Elizabeth’s decision to major in art in college had been met with contempt and ridicule. To say that Elizabeth and her mother weren’t close was indeed an understatement.

“Yes mother,” Elizabeth replied as she rose from her seat, “I was just finishing my make-up, but I need help getting into my dress.” Elizabeth turned towards the dress hanging on the door and reached up to take it down.

“Here, Liz. Let me.” Elizabeth’s sister, Robin, reached to take the dress from her and removed it from the hanger.

“I know you’re nervous about your wedding, and your marriage, but I know it will be ok.” Robin talked softly while she helped Elizabeth into her dress. “I remember how scared I was before my wedding. People had such dreadful things to say about Mateo – how mean and nasty he was, how ruthless his family was, and how my life as a Ruiz would be sheer hell, but people can’t possibly know until they’ve lived where you are. You’ve seen how Mateo is. He’s so generous and caring, and he loves us more than I ever imagined possible. I know you’re going to have the same kind of relationship with Jason. He’s going to take care of you, and you will take care of him. Just wait and see – you’ll be happy.” Robin leaned in and adjusted Elizabeth’s veil and kissed her on the cheek.

Elizabeth touched her cheek to Robin’s and whispered, “Thank you for being an optimist. I needed to hear that today.” As the sisters pulled apart, the door opened again and Lorenzo Alcazar poked his head in.

“Ah, I see everyone’s ready. I have something for you before we go.” Lorenzo was a tall man with broad shoulders and thick, auburn hair. He was the kind of man you paid attention to, even without knowing why. He was always dressed impeccably and had a way about him that implied power. There was, however, nothing that implied tenderness. He wasn’t the kind of father you could go to with your problems and fears. He quite frankly didn’t want to hear about it. There had been no cozy family moments growing up, no curling on the couch and watching movies or dancing on his shoes when you were too little to dance by yourself. Instead, there had been nannies and boarding schools for Robin and Elizabeth. And now there were arranged marriages to further the Alcazar family holdings and power.

“What is it, Papa?” Elizabeth asked as she fastened her pearl and ruby teardrop earrings.

“It’s a gift from Jason,” Alcazar replied as he held out a small silver box for Elizabeth. “Here’s the note that goes with it.”

Elizabeth’s hand shook as she reached to take both items from her father. She opened the note first and turned slightly so she would have a small amount of privacy while she read what her mysterious fiancé had written.

Elizabeth,

I know this all seems cold and business-like to you. I wish I could tell you that business wasn’t the driving force behind this marriage, but I refuse to start our marriage with a lie. You and I both know that business is the reason we are getting married today. Despite that, I want you to know that I will always do my best to be honest and respectful. I understand that you have chosen rubies and pearls to go with your dress. I hope the enclosed necklace is to your liking. See you at the altar.

Jason

Elizabeth carefully returned the note to its envelope and tore the paper off the package. The lid on the black velvet box opened to reveal an elegant pendant of a heart-shaped ruby with a beautiful ivory baroque pearl suspended from the point of the heart on a fine platinum chain.

“Oh Elizabeth, it’s gorgeous,” Robin exclaimed as she reached to take the necklace from Elizabeth and fasten it behind her neck.

Elizabeth reached up to brush her fingers over the necklace resting on her sternum as she thought about what Jason had written. Above all, she appreciated his honesty. She had been lied to so much in her young life that nothing meant more to her than Jason’s willingness to tell the truth, despite its harshness.

“Alright then, we’d better get a move on. We don’t want to keep your fiancé waiting.” Alcazar reached for Elizabeth’s arm and they moved from the bridal room to the foyer of the church. As the florist handed Elizabeth her bouquet she stared down the candle-lit aisle at her future and couldn’t help but feel apprehension and at the same time a tiny bit of hope. Maybe this marriage wasn’t going to be as dreadful as she’d imagined.

*~*~*~*

“Come on, Jason. She’s a sweet kid. This marriage isn’t going to be as bad as you seem to think.” Sonny rubbed his hand over his chin as his dark eyes glancing warily at his best friend and business partner.

Jason stopped his pacing long enough to glare at Sonny, his ice blue eyes flashing and clearly conveying his annoyance. “That’s exactly my point, Sonny. She’s a kid. She’s 23 years old and her asshole of a father is marrying her off to solidify a god damned shipping route. What kind of father does that? And what kind of guy agrees to it?”

Sonny sighed. “I know you don’t agree with my decision Jason, but this partnership with the Alcazar family is critical to our Puerto Rican holdings. We won’t be able to maintain the casinos without this deal and the only way Lorenzo was willing to agree to a partnership was with a family connection. Since I’m already married and neither of my children are old enough to drive, let alone get married, you’re the only option we have.”

Jason ran his fingers through his chin length hair and glared at Sonny again. “I know, I know. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

“Wouldn’t you rather she be married to you than to someone like Mateo Ruiz? That’s who Alcazar’s older daughter is married to. Talk about a ruthless SOB!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know. … I just don’t like it. What am I supposed to do with a child bride? I have no experience with someone like her – someone so innocent and guileless. How do you expect me to do my job and still entertain someone with no ambitions other than shopping and gossiping? You know how much I hate stuff like that.”

“Come on Jason. Just because that’s how Alexis described her doesn’t mean anything. Alexis doesn’t strike me as the kind of woman who’s real in-touch with her children and their interests. Give Elizabeth a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised.”

Both men turned as the door opened and Sonny’s wife Carly stepped into the room. She smiled and walked over to kiss Jason on the cheek. “Jase, look at how handsome you are in your tuxedo.” She reached up to straighten his tie and gave him a hug. “I know you don’t want to do this, but I know things are going to work out for the best. You’re my best friend and if I didn’t have a good feeling about this arrangement, I would have thrown a hell of a fit. You know how I am!” Carly laughed as she stepped over to straighten Sonny’s tie in much the same way she’d done for Jason. “I bought something for you to give to Elizabeth. I knew you wouldn’t think of it, and I thought it would make her feel better about this whole wedding business. Here’s a note card. Why don’t you write something to her and I’ll make sure she gets this before the ceremony starts.”

Jason eyed Carly and the small silver box she held warily. “What is it?”

“It’s a pearl and ruby necklace. Robin told me that’s what Elizabeth chose for earrings and I thought a necklace would go nicely.” Carly wasn’t sure about Elizabeth Alcazar, but she was hoping for the best. As far as Carly could tell, Elizabeth was a quiet girl who had spent most of her life in boarding schools and university. She couldn’t see her as a good match for Jason, but she had to be better than that tramp Samantha McCall that Jason had briefly dated the year before. When Sonny had come to her with the idea of an arranged marriage between Jason and Lorenzo Alcazar’s youngest daughter, Carly had decided that she was going to try to be a true friend to Jason and do what she could to help the two of them establish at least a comfortable marriage.

Jason took the note card, scribbled something, and sealed the envelope before Carly could get a good look at it. “Thanks Carly. I should have thought of a gift. I appreciate you looking out for me and for doing what you can to make Elizabeth feel better.”

Carly took the note and the little silver box and hurried out of the room. Jason turned back to Sonny, but before he could pick up their discussion, Sonny interrupted. “Come on, Jason, it’s time. We need to get out to the altar. Remember, you’re only locked into this marriage for two years. If after that, you and Elizabeth decide you’re ready to move on, you can get a divorce without adversely affecting the business.”

Jason moved to the door and muttered to himself, “Yeah, that’s just what I want to think about … divorce.”

Jason had always known that he would eventually end up marrying someone for the good of the business. It seemed that was just the way Sonny chose to do things. It wasn’t like there was anyone special in his life, and marrying the daughter of a business associate had some distinct benefits. He didn’t have to worry about her reaction to his business or the constant danger in his life. Her moral code probably wasn’t going to be offended by his chosen profession, and now that he was married he wouldn’t have to worry about fending off the single women looking to him for a thrill or for someone to take care of them, or whatever it was they always seemed to want. It would have been nice to at least meet his fiancé before they actually said their vows, but problems in Puerto Rico had kept Jason out of the country until late last night. Jason smiled to himself as he stepped to the front of the church. At least he’d be able to pick her out of the crowd – she’d be the one in the white dress!

Jason watched as Carly and the boys were seated, followed by the Alcazar family. Jason felt Sonny behind him as he looked down the long aisle of Saint Matthew’s Cathedral and saw Robin Ruiz slowly make her way to the front. As Robin took her place, the music swelled and Jason saw Elizabeth and Lorenzo step into the doorway. The crowd rose to their feet as Elizabeth made her way down the aisle. Jason caught his breath as he got his first clear look at his bride. She was gorgeous. And tiny. She had on a simple white strapless dress that showed off her petite frame and porcelain complexion. If he had asked Carly, she would have told him that the dress was silk and very expensive, but all Jason knew was that she looked stunning. And scared.

As she and Lorenzo stopped in front of the priest, Elizabeth’s eyes locked on Jason’s. Jason held her gaze as the priest went through the opening formalities. Lorenzo turned to kiss Elizabeth on the cheek and she broke eye contact with Jason. His gaze flicked to Lorenzo as he moved to place Elizabeth’s hand on Jason’s arm. As Lorenzo stepped away, Jason’s gaze found Elizabeth’s again. He reached up with his right hand and squeezed the hand that was clutching his forearm and she seemed to relax. Part of Jason was relieved that such a simple gesture seemed to relax Elizabeth, but the other part of him was worried that he was marrying a timid little mouse who wouldn’t be able to handle being a part of his life.

Elizabeth couldn’t believe that this man was going to be her husband. She had been expecting someone like Mateo – tattooed, scarred, and really kind of scary. Instead, she found herself standing next to … a hunk. He was tall, at least a foot taller than her petite 5’2”, with bright blue eyes and chin-length light brown hair with lovely streaks of blonde that offset his sculpted jaw and what could only be described as kissable lips. Elizabeth was so lost in her own thoughts that she barely registered the priest and their vows. Before she knew it, Father Joe was pronouncing them husband and wife and telling Jason he could kiss the bride.

Jason reached up to lift Elizabeth’s chin and their eyes locked once again. He leaned down and briefly touched his lips to her soft pink ones. Shots of electricity zipped through Elizabeth at the contact, but it was over before she could even register the feeling. Robin reached out with Elizabeth’s bouquet and Jason placed her left hand on his arm and started back down the aisle. As Elizabeth walked next to Jason, she realized that it had really happened. They were married. She was no longer Elizabeth Maria Alcazar. She was now Elizabeth Morgan. Mrs. Jason Morgan. Oh my god. She was married to the most notorious hitman on the eastern seaboard. What the hell had she gotten herself into?

I started Lillian.  I’m using the Plymouth Suri Merino, which is very reasonably priced for an alpaca/merino blend, and got gauge with 4.5mm (size 7) needles.  I’m doing something with this sweater that I did for the first time on Butterfly.  I’m combining the sizes to get a better fit (hopefully).  I’m knitting the 35 1/2″ chest circumference size, but working the body length for the 40 1/2″ size.  I will knit the armhole shaping and the sleeve cap shaping to the 35 1/2″ size, but the arm length in the largest size again.  My hope is that the combination of sizes will give me a sweater that is long enough, but not too long, and still fits in the body.  It should work, right?

This sweater uses an i-cord cast on, which I’ve never done before.  I found a great tutorial online because I couldn’t find it in any of my books.  Once I saw the pictures, the directions in the pattern made sense, but I had to see the pictures to put it all together.  The i-cord cast on takes awhile, but looks very tidy when it’s done.  And there’s no curling or stretching, which is a bonus.

I’ve started the waist shaping and have about 6 inches done of the back (there was only about 4 done when I took these pictures).  It’s going pretty quickly and for the first time in a long time, I’m excited about my knitting.  It’s been so long since I worked on a sweater that I forgot how fun it can be.  So, despite the fact that I’ve started something that will surely slow down the pace of Butterfly, I’m excited.  I’m looking forward to working on this over the next few weeks and seeing the finished project (will somebody please remind me of this when I’m bitching about knitting the sleeves?).

In non-crafting news, I’m working on another fictional story – some friends of mine are writing Valentine’s Day stories and I thought I’d join in and dust the cobwebs off of my  writing skills.  I’m going to be posting the chapters here, but I know that’s not really why most of you stop by.  If you’d like to read and give me your feedback, I’d love to hear it, but if it isn’t your thing, that’s fine too.  Over the next couple of weeks, I’m going to try to keep you in the loop on Lillian’s progress and I’ll also have some photography stuff to share.

I’m still home with the flu, although I’m feeling better today.  I think I’ll be fine to go back to work tomorrow – just in time for the weekend.

Today is day 1.  So far, so good.

The food co-op here has a pretty good selection of gluten-free food and I stocked up yesterday.  I bought some wonderful frozen chocolate chip cookie dough and went right home and baked them!  They were delicious and I think I need to go get some more tonight.  I’m feeling my way through the change – trying to educate myself and looking online for books that might help.  If you eat gluten-free or have celiac disease, I’d love to hear which books have helped you.

Here’s to feeling good in 2010!