Seeing double

Your eyes don't deceive you.  An actual pair of mittens is in the works!  I had the hardest time pairing colors and pattern for this project but after knitting one cuff, I knew this combination was a winner.  I promptly cast on the second, to test my theory that knitting two mittens at the same time will prevent my falling into the SMS trap.  (SMS...Second Mitten Syndrome, cousin to the dreaded Second Sock Syndrome.)  So far, so good!

The sewing machine is still at the shop.  I literally stumbled on it, heading to my favorite local quilt shop to kill some time during our house inspection.  (Ok, one small good thing did result from the whole fiasco.)  Turns out the shop is a new Janome dealer and there sat my preferred machine, waiting for some serious test driving and dangling a tempting promotional price tag.  Aside from the reduced price, it came with a free custom table, which remains on backorder.  After asking you all for machine recommendations in January, I had done a little research and then decided to put off my purchase until after the move.  However, sales tax here is 6% and by late summer will be 10.25% in Cook County, so that sealed the deal for me.  I'll pick them up together when everything is in. 

Thanks for all the commiseration on the house situation.  I really try to avoid mentioning it here but there's no getting around the fact that it's the stressful backdrop to everyday living, cramping my handcraft life and as a result, what I have to offer here.  When I don't have much to write about, I get cranky, because for me, blogging is all about the conversation.  (And I've already told you I'm a big gabber.)  Frustrating as the house business is, we're no different than thousands of people across the country dealing with the same situation...*extreme buyers' market*.  And everything else in our lives is wonderful, so we can't complain.  Too much.  *grin* 

Comments

[Dotty]

I love love love your new mittens. The colours against the black background are stunning. Can't wait to see what you've got planned for the rest of the mitten.

[hunnybunny]

The colors in those mittens are amazing. I hear you on blogging the negative things, it's hard sometimes. It's your blog though and write what you will, I hope everything gets better for you soon, it's hard living a life "on hold".

[Bele]

After all the hassles with the house, the new toy sounds like an extremely good deal. Have fun with it!
And you certainly have not lost your feeling for colours and patterns through frustration...

[KathieB]

Might as well channel the pent up emotions and energy into knitting. What else can you do? Then at least you'll have something positive to hold on to despite all your real estate frustration.

[Betsy]

That cuff is a winner..I'm glad you're making a pair of this one..

[Quilt crazy]

Posted a little something just for you at oregonquilt.blogspot.com Hope it makes you giggle and smile!

[charlotte]

just catching up here- even if the house isn't moving, you are certainly stirring up the greatest creativity and skill ever! fabulous- the mittens ...and the smocking! I smocked all my girls' dresses eons ago. hope I saved a few of those....wishing you a spring with a determined buyer. xoC

[mary jane]

Oh and I just called you the "just one mitten queen" in the nicest way I assure you! Now how will I justify my single mittens, without you the stellar colorworker, to shine on my world of impulse?
Ok. I will start the 2nd yellow cabled mitten today...or maybe tomorrow...I promise!

[Chris]

I'm sure that sewing machine will soothe your spirit a bit. :)

[Jeanne B.]

I can empathize with you on the house situation. Through no fault of my own, I have not one but FOUR properties on the market. I inherited my Grandma's property and my childhood home when my Mother died in 2006. I moved into my childhood home, put Grandma's on the market, and my personal home on the market. Grandma's was subdivided into three lots, hence the four properties. Eesh. It's challenging, to say the least. Two down, two to go.

I love the color choice for the mittens. For some reason it reminds me of playing cards. Not sure why!

[MaryjoO]

great idea about two mittens at once. Wonderful colors.

SO sorry about the housing woes. No no fun!

[San]

I really love the school house quilt showing in your February post. The blue and white one with the cheddar background. Mahhhvelous. Would you mind showing another picture of it closer up?

[monica]

I won't mention the 'h' word... but those mittens are totally fab!!! BOTH of them...

[Silver Ilix]

Wow, those are some amazing mittens. The tulip ones were great too! I can't wait to see them done!

[chronicler]

Oh I love the way the mittens are looking! 10.25% wow! That's a huge jump.

I think you will love that machine!

Here's hoping the house situation changes soon!

[camilla]

In the spirit of distracting yourself, have you considered a trip to the end of the earth? Okay, Franklin isn't 'that far', and Wednesday there will be caramel pecan sticky buns here at Clementine's... bring your knitting, good woman, and stay awhile. I'd love to turn your mitten inside out (and I didn't mean for that to sound so naughty, but you understand...) Hope you can plan a southern adventure soon. Camilla