I seem to be riding a wave of knitting nonchalance. I go through periods of "knitting gung-ho-ism", where the needles fly furiously, and I feel constantly inspired and driven to create. Then there are those days that turn into weeks where the desire to sit still and perform tedious, repetitive motions dwindles drastically. Ah, but wonderful knitting waits patiently for the next frantic "OMG! I MUST KNIT NOW!" moment (see Silk Garden Fair Isle). However, knitting blogs do not patiently wait. Sporadic once a month postings can't be ideal...thank goodness for bloglines! People would get tired of checking this site for updates!

So the point is, I haven't been knitting...much. After the quick chunky knit top, and the more complex, slightly frustrating SGFI, I needed a mindless, small gauge project.  Thermal!  I wasn't terribly thrilled with it at first, but I definitely changed my mind after seeing a few really cute ones floating around blog land. It's been just what I need, but Oh.My.Goodness, it's taking FOREVER. But, I love it, and hopefully I'll be done by the time the cold weather rolls around.

And yes, yes, I know I STILL haven't posted pictures of the 5-buck top or the SGFI. I have yet to take decent pictures of either. But until then, he's a sneak peak of of the 5-buck recycled top!

Observe the lovely waist shaping...

Working with chunky yarn is great, but can all too easily result in bulky, unflattering knits. Because fit is of supreme importance to me when working with this quick-knitting yarn, I added plenty of shaping for a perfect fit.

All my creative time has shifted from knitting to cooking! I've been working on a food project for my sister's birthday, so all my free time has been spent cooking, tweaking recipes, photographing, and EATING the results.

mmm, german chocolate cake in cupcake form! Thank goodness for spinning classes!

My whole family will be flying to Seattle tomorrow from Texas (me), Santa Barbara (little sis), and San Diego (parents) to hang out with my older sister for a quick week! SO EXCITED! I get to see my family twice a year, at most, so our little reunions are always a blast.

Hope you are all enjoying your summer!

Comments

[Karen]

Yay! - you're coming to Seattle?! If I see you, I'll wave, and not be too embarrased if you don't notice. ;)

I know what you mean about the knitting. I've been on a sewing kick for the last couple weeks - nice, instant gratification, and no sizing or qauge swatch needed. Plus, it uses up some of my fabric stash. :)

[April]

Thermal looks good and the waist shaping on the 5 buck top looks nice and shapely. I'll be stopping by for one of those cupcakes later. I forgot you were in Texas for some... weird reason - lol duh

[ysolda]

Those cakes look delicious :)

[Katyaflutes]

wow - thermal looks sooo good! what kind of yarn is that? i love how we feel the need to make excuses for each and every little hiatus. cupcakes - yum!

[kim]

I just washed my swatch for Thermal!

Mmm...cupcake...

[allison]

There must be something in the water, because I just made cupcakes 2 days ago. Yours look delicious (and that color for Thermal? Great choice!).

[Elizabeth]

I just started Thermal myself a few weeks ago! And I'm only five inches into it. DANG it's a slow project, but I know I'm going to love it when it's done... in 2009.

I'm excited to find someone else who's at about the same place I am. Yay!

[Octopus Knits]

Thermal looks lovely -- the color is great! Can't wait to see modelled pictures of your FOs... those cupcakes look delicious!

Have a great time with your family!

[mimsie]

Thermal looks really gorg so far. What's the yarn?

[Erin]

Seattle is so fantastic! Have a great time!

[Wendy]

Mmmmm...yummy looking post; all the pics, not just the cupcakes. ;)

[kristin]

That thermal is beautiful.

[Sarah]

Thermal is an awesome mindless knit. I loved knitting mine. I love the chocolate brown of yours! Are you using the Knitpicks Gloss?

[Dani in NC]

I definitely know that feeling of knitting ennui. Unfortunately, it stretches on and on and ON for me. I'm hoping I'll feel more like knitting when the weather gets cooler. Good to see that you have kept your sticks moving!

[Mel]

Your food photos are incredible....an additional career perhaps?

I am right next to you in the Infrequent Blogger line.Thermal is lovely...I've been fantasizing about knitting a brown sweater.

Thx so much for the link to your gorgeous art-work. I plan on linking to it on my blog...but you know, the whole infrequent blogging thang....

Have a fun trip!

[Leah]

Um, I had to go back and actually *read* your post as the sight of the german chocolate cupcakes had me enthralled!

As far as the knitting goes I think we all have it. I've been feeling it a bit too but it seems to be lifting on my end. I hope it lifts on yours too!

[Julia]

Have fun in Seattle!! i was just there for my honeymoon...loved it. Thermal's lookin' good, I love that pattern. Can't wait to see your sweaters, looks like some good ones comin' up!

[wenders]

Hey, I just like that when you DO post, they're meaty posts - knitting, baking, travel, family... :)

I'd rather have one of those every whenever rather than "I ate PB&J today"...

And the Thermal looks mahvelous.