I finished the body on Paloma last night, using a needle one size larger than the one I was using previously and adding a few more inches of length to make it more of a tunic. It will cover my hip bones but be a few inches above where my thigh meets my body, which is a good length for me. I just need to do the cap sleeves now, but I thought I would wash the body first.
Here it is lying flat on the washing machine:
and hanging (I thought I'd try photographing it this way as it is really hard to see anything on it when it's flat)
I think I'm going to end up liking this. Not much more to go!
As you can probably tell from my photos, I didn't do much sewing while on vacation, but I did do a lot of knitting! I did do some sewing at the beginning, and made yet another S3775 dress that I have to hem. I also found a way to trace BWOF patterns I like, and traced off two patterns, so I think that's an accomplishment. The destashing sale was a huge success and I've cleared out about four or five plastic boxes. I think I am going to use a few of them to house some fabric that's not exactly organized, and the rest for my clothes closet for non-hanging items like workout tops and pants.
Jim and I only did one long motorcycle ride - about four hours total on the bike - just to some farther flung "country-ish" suburbs (exurbs?) of our area. It was fun. We couldn't really go anywhere else as we got a lot of rain - I would say it rained about 75% of the time.
I think a week off is too long to hang around the house for me personally (particularly if it's too rainy to sit by the pool) - I get antsy. We still have to plan where we're going to go for our "big vacation" next year (we do a 2 week cruise every other year, usually) and that's where I really like to spend my vacation time. Interestingly, when I had all the time in the world to sew or knit, I felt kinda blah without a "routine" and didn't feel like doing much (except knitting). I didn't think I was such a creature of habit, but apparently I am now. I have decided I'm happiest when I'm busy, and the last few days were the best as I got a lot done around the house and organized some things, plus I'm happy with my knitting progress and destashing.
Anyway, that's my recap. Back to the routine now, which actually doesn't seem bad - hopping on the treadmill and going to work! I guess that is the point of a vacation - to refresh you to go back to your everyday life!
Wow! That's a beauty! Great color. I just received the French Knits book. I'll have to add this to my Ravelry queue. Thanks for the great pics and pointing out this project. ;)
Posted by: 2BKnitting | July 13, 2009 at 07:43 AM
WOW Robin!!! The drape on this looks amazing! I love it!
Posted by: Adrienne | July 13, 2009 at 09:08 AM
Very pretty! I love the color!
Posted by: Michelle | July 13, 2009 at 09:10 AM
You did a beautiful job on this one. I can't wait to see it on you. I know the color will look amazing on you.
Posted by: Andrea | July 13, 2009 at 11:01 AM
I get SO antsy too if I'm home on a day I normally work. Holiday Mondays get me all out of sorts. Must be getting old. LOL.
Posted by: Jenny | July 13, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Paloma looks great so far! Glad you are refreshed, even if there wasn't as much sewing as you would have thought.
Posted by: Susan - Knitters Delight | July 13, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Hi Robin, I still read your blog, although mine isn't updated very often. I noticed your sewing passion - do you know this link: http://www.burdafashion.com/en/Download/Gratis-Schnitte/1333669-1413206.html ? Free patterns from Burda (which is a German magazine, but those are in English). Hope you enjoy them!
- Eva
Posted by: Eva | July 13, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Paloma looks great! Funny how it can be hard sometimes when you have a ton of time on your hands! When I have time like that, I usually knit a lot too.
Posted by: Lara | July 13, 2009 at 01:27 PM
All I can say is, I'm envious. Maybe I'll try to cast Paloma on again tonight.
Routines are great for helping you get things done. Since I've been out of work, it's been hard to establish a routine, but I'm trying. I'm sure having all that rain didn't help much with your vacation plans.
Posted by: Debby | July 13, 2009 at 05:18 PM
Paloma looks so airy - perfect for summer!
Posted by: sandra | July 14, 2009 at 04:26 AM
Love the colorway! We had rain a lot on our vacation too.
Posted by: Zonda | July 14, 2009 at 10:50 AM
I really like that length on tops too.It works really well. Lovely
Posted by: Carol | July 15, 2009 at 12:22 PM