Lately I have been up to a lot of different things!
First up I have been knitting non-sweaters - shawls (one down and it is GORGEOUS, just need to take a picture; another almost done) and I am even interested in making SMALL PROJECTS. What?? Who is this person? Life's too short not to change your mind about stuff.
Another new thing is Pilates. I have been doing it faithfully two to four times a week and even signed up for the unlimited membership. The Reformer is my friend. My abs and arms both have a lot more definition than they ever did. I always knew Pilates was good for the midsection, but the triceps are another happy beneficiary. YAY. I weigh the same thing (thanks to the wine, cashews, and avocado) but feel really great.
Golf. I signed up for one lesson with my pro, who I hadn't worked with in four or five years, and she turned me on to her new PDL - player development league - which I am doing on Sunday mornings with a great group of women. Now I have some other people to play with, and am consistently doing nine holes every week. We walk and pull our bags, so it actually is a pretty decent workout especially in the heat wave we've been having. AND I have been improving.
Evidence (of a sort) is below:
And now for the new TNT and the prompt for this post. I finally made myself a Vogue 1027 dress. The famous dress that was a top pattern of 2008, and I foolishly refused to sew. What a mistake that was - I am in LOVE with this pattern. First off, I sewed two of them yesterday afternoon in five hours. Second, after just one adjustment to the shoulder pattern, I was able to get a result that fits very well in the bodice without a cami - practically unheard of for v-neck wrap dresses, at least for me. Here it is.
First the pattern pic, in case you might have forgotten about this one:
I also discovered VersaSpa spray tanning - I like this way better than the Mystic (although that one has its time and place as well.) I like that this one is a more rosy color of tan. No need to sit in the sun when you can do this in five minutes flat. I like that this brand of spray tan booth dries you off after tanning so no streaks result.
And now for more words from our sponsors (sorry for the advertise-y post!! I just realized how it sounded!)
Next up, some finished shawls, and did I mention that I *LOVE* the new (fall - sorry Debby) issue of Interweave Knits? I even *ordered yarn* for a project.
The dress looks great on you and I love the color. Your swing is looking pretty good there. I took golf lessons years ago but never found anyone to go to the course with me. I also took Pilates years ago as well and loved it. It's an awesome workout and makes you very limber.
Posted by: Andrea | August 01, 2011 at 06:53 PM
With four kids (including a newborn) home during the summer, I'm realizing the appeal of smaller projects, too. ;)
There's some gorgeous stuff the Fall VK preview, too (http://www.vogueknitting.com/magazine/fall_2011_fashion_preview.aspx#1), as well as in the new Twist Collective that came out this morning. :)
Posted by: Katinka | August 01, 2011 at 10:42 PM
you are a busy beaver! phew!
looking great in that dress.
shawls are great projects imo!
Posted by: rebeccawip | August 02, 2011 at 01:41 AM
Wow, you must have tremendous reserves of energy. I love the new dress. I will definitely checkout the pattern now. It looks fantastic on you.
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 02, 2011 at 06:40 AM
OH I love that dress! So cute on you! May have to check that one out!
Posted by: Michelle B | August 02, 2011 at 09:31 AM
I forgive you. It's OK.
It's great you've found so many new (and old to new) interests! That's what keeps us young and is so good for our minds. I am thinking of trying Pilates too -- I've heard good things about it in terms of strength and grace, both of which I need.
Your dress is gorgeous. Glad you were able to overcome the difficulty with it!
Posted by: Debby | August 02, 2011 at 02:09 PM
P.S. Forgive the dorky question, but, how do you do the spray-tanning on your face? Do you wear glasses? Just wondering.
Posted by: Debby | August 02, 2011 at 02:11 PM
I can't wait to see the shawl.
The dress turned out beautifully.
Our trainer also does pilates, and she incorporates a lot of exercises (with that infernal ring) into our regular routine. All that pushing on it really does firm up the arms. I must say this isn't my favorite part of her workout, but it has its benefits.
Posted by: marjorie | August 02, 2011 at 03:50 PM
I like it even more now that I have seen the photos better. I need this dress...and I have the pattern??? Off to check.
Posted by: Lakaribane | August 02, 2011 at 07:39 PM
that is gorgeous on you! I just always enjoy seeing what you create. I love it all - sewing or knitting!
Posted by: leslie | August 02, 2011 at 10:16 PM
Hey girl, great to see you back. I love the new dress. Great going on the golf!
Posted by: Rosie | August 03, 2011 at 07:43 PM
Hey Robin! The dress looks awesome! Does the spray tan last a while like Mystic does?
Posted by: Jenny | August 04, 2011 at 12:43 PM
I love the new dress and the shoes very cute
Posted by: toy | August 08, 2011 at 03:17 AM
Pilates,eh? I've been doing a little yoga in an effort to get my hip to stop acting up. not sure if it's working yet. Not sure I want to try a new form of excercise just yet. But go YOU! I will live vicariously through you
Posted by: Carol | August 09, 2011 at 07:30 PM
So glad you love the pilates! I need to get back into it, but I'll be traveling a lot in the next month. Soon! You should come down before the weather gets bad to knit on the roof. I'll bring up some wine, too.
Posted by: Amanda | August 19, 2011 at 05:21 PM
Sounds like fun!!
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Robin | August 19, 2011 at 07:11 PM