SchmooTape
I have so many mosquito bites on my legs right now. And of course I can't stop itching them, so my legs look like I'm 12 years old and I played outside all day. Ouch. If you live in a non-mosquito-ridden place, you are a lucky schmoo.
But I guess if my mosquito bites are the only thing I have to complain about, I'm doing pretty well. And I AM doing pretty well. I guess I didn't realize how much my old job stressed me out until I got a new one and NOW I feel like a new woman! Woo-hoo! I'm ready to start something new and learn new things and meet new people, etc etc etc. It kinda feels like the first day of school!
To celebrate, HEJ and I may have gone to karaoke this week and we may have wowed the bar with our vocal abilities. I will neither confirm or deny that I announced to the crowd "I'm really drunk" before singing 'Billie Jean' by Michael Jackson. Nope, that vicious rumor will NOT be confirmed. I will confirm that a good time was had by all. And that a repeat performance of said activities is surely in the near future, because my birthday is coming up. Oh, yes.
But you're probably here for the knitting, so I'll get to that now. Here's the Flower Basket Shawl in all her blocked glory:

She's a pretty little thing.
Here's the wingspan shot.
And here's another view.

She's so versatile.
See? The shawl can also be headwear.
Not to repeat myself, but I LOVE this shawl and this pattern. I think Cotton Fine is an excellent yarn for this project, especially if you want to make a lightweight shawl for warmer weather. (P.S. to Athens / Atlanta knitters: Main Street Yarns is putting their Cotton Fine on sale for July 4th, if you're looking for lace yarn!) I think I'll probably knit this one again.
I blocked another project while I was blocking the Flower Basket this weekend - the Half Clappy. Wanna see?

Clappy is complete.
Here's the Clappy's wingspan.
The recycled silk yarn can be blocked, but the texture of the yarn definitely changes once you block it. I personally like the texture better after blocking - it's softer and drapier. However, the color isn't quite as vibrant as it was before. It's still gorgeous yarn though. I want to make another Clappy, full size, very soon. Our local yarn store has the Lion and Lamb that the pattern actually calls for, and although it's not really in my budget, that yarn is AMAZING.
Now I just have to figure out how to wear shawls to work and I'll be set. I'm working on some sort of brooch situation so I can drape it around my shoulders casually. We shall see.
I've been working on the Super Secret Project pretty much non stop, so I'm making good progress. I'm going to North Carolina to see my dad over the July 4th weekend, which means lots of good car knitting time. I should probably start picking out other projects to bring....
Ooh! I almost forgot. Anne Marie returned from her travels and brought me back the cutest little knitting project bag with some knitting goodies inside. Check out this adorable tape measure:

It's a schmeasuring tape.
I can't stand the cuteness! Now I must try to sleep.
Comments (34)
Hi! Love the flower basket shawl... looks very well knit and the color is STUNNING!
Glad to have found your blog!
Posted by Mel | July 7, 2005 9:35 AM
G-d Help me...I have shawl envy.
Looks beautiful girl. stunning
Posted by heather | July 6, 2005 10:03 AM
no mosquito in colorado your legs will look hotto
Posted by mojojojo | July 5, 2005 2:36 PM
When I was in college I once got plastered at a karaoke bar and sang Rick James' "kinky girl" song. Have you ever heard the lyrics to that song? It's dang nasty. And NO, I didn't know what I was thinking but I have friends who still rag on me about that embarrassing episode.
Love the shawl!
Posted by Becky | July 5, 2005 9:58 AM
Your FBS is FABOO, f'real. Just beautiful! The headshot picture cracks me up, too.
Must...resist...temptation...to start...FBS...rightnow...
Posted by Em | July 4, 2005 11:19 AM
I love the FOs - may have to make FBS after all. Your new home is lovely as well, though I will always think of you as a pretty posy. xox
Posted by Julia | July 4, 2005 9:43 AM
Wow! What a great looking shawl and so versatile too ! I must go revisit that issue of IK. Glad to hear you had fun on your little night out at the Karaoke.
Posted by knittingnurse | July 3, 2005 11:02 PM
Your FBS looks great! Love the tape measure -- that doggie is so cute :-)
Posted by kathy | July 3, 2005 11:35 AM
Very pretty shawl and scarf, Carrie!
Posted by alison | July 3, 2005 10:59 AM
Beautiful FBS and 1/2 Clappy! Happy 4th!
Posted by Rossana | July 3, 2005 7:07 AM
Your shawl is gorgeous! I love the color and it looks fantastic on you! :)
Posted by atouria | July 2, 2005 10:42 PM
Gorgeous projects! Every time I see that FBS done I think about knitting it. Someday...
Posted by Anita | July 2, 2005 9:05 PM
Your blog is awesome. Your FBS came out great! I just finished the Clapotis scarf that I knit along with a dear friend of mine, Becky and it was such fun that I think we're going to make another in a much lighter yarn for this hot weather.
Mosquitos are HORRENDOUS...I live with a can of OFF at arm's reach at all times :-)
Posted by Esther | July 2, 2005 7:05 PM
The shawl looks beautiful, and I entirely hear you about mosquito bites. My legs look the same, and that unconscious scratching at night is terrible for causing scabs! Ick. Mine don't hurt. They itch. A lot. Can't stand those things...
Posted by Deb | July 2, 2005 6:41 PM
Ohh I was there when she picked out the tape measure!!
Love the shawl, I'll hopefully finish mine some day.
Posted by Kate | July 2, 2005 4:29 PM
I love the shawl, it looks amazing on you. Well, maybe not so much in the headwear shot... I'm so glad you like your new job. Have a great fourth :)
Posted by Vicki | July 2, 2005 2:56 PM
Gorgeous shawl and beautiful half-clappy! You did a lovely job on both. Glad to see you've got your own domain now, too... and can I say, I feel your pain about the mosquito bites. I live in TX and don't leave the house in summer without packin' a spray bottle of citronella insect repellent...
Posted by Elizabeth | July 2, 2005 2:15 PM
That flower basket almost makes me wanna make one!!! Too many things to knit though :( Including my OWN CLAP! WOO!
Lion and Lamb IS pretty!! I loove me some Lorna's...What colorway would you do it in?
Posted by Lara | July 1, 2005 11:44 PM
the shawl-worn-around-the-head shot is a true classic. with that plaintive look, you resemble an extra from "the passion of the christ." except that you are sporting a positively beautiful shawl.
Posted by carrie m | July 1, 2005 11:32 PM
What were the stats on your half clappy? Was it a half clappy in width or length? I am getting ready to start a smaller version myslef and wasn't sure how much to cut it down. Yours is indeed beautiful!
Posted by Abby Maranda | July 1, 2005 11:24 PM
schmeasuring tape!
classic!
Posted by elizabeth | July 1, 2005 5:45 PM
Your shawls emerged from their blocking chrysalis with fine form!
Glad your new job is schmwonderful.
Posted by Post-urban Naturalist | July 1, 2005 4:22 PM
Nice work on the FBS! Very nice color, and the stitches look great! Also, very lovely Mother Theresa impression.
Posted by KC | July 1, 2005 2:05 PM
Thank you! Thank you! The FBS is GORGEOUS! I'm so happy with the yarn too. And I'm loving it blocked - I was nervous it wouldn't block out that much, but it looks like it does. Woohoo! You look great in it too. Did you take it to carrieoke?
Hmmm. You did nine baskets huh. Great to know. I'm already up to 16! Geez! Now I know I can stop any time.
Thanks again. Have a great weekend!
Posted by Cara | July 1, 2005 1:48 PM
Carrie, your FBS came out beautifully! And you were it so well :-}
And I love your half Clappy. The Sari Silk is so heavy, do you think a full Clappy would be too heavy?
Posted by Leah | July 1, 2005 12:06 PM
That shaw is absolutely gorgeous! I LOVE it. I'm sad I missed karaoke with you and HEJ :( but I hope you drank lots of PBR from the can for me.
Posted by Leslie | July 1, 2005 11:02 AM
I love both the new shawls!! The flower basket is gorgeous - and the colors in Clappy are amazing. If that's what they look like not so vibrant - hoo boy. That is one gorgeous wrappy-clappy.
(And um... Billie Jean?? You MUST have been drunk!)
Have a great holiday weekend - can't wait to see the super secret surprise!
Posted by Kathy | July 1, 2005 9:30 AM
I LURVE your shawl. I would like to steal it. Karaoke sounds fun!!
Posted by Cathy | July 1, 2005 8:54 AM
FBS turned out SOOO pretty! I love your turn of the century immigrant beggar child shot of it on your head. And the clappy? Amazing. I share the mosquito bite problem. My feet look like they have measles. It's awful. Even when I wear bug spray I get bit. Evil little bloodsuckers. Congrats on the new job, I hope it goes great for you, and that your stress is much reduced.
Posted by Sarah | July 1, 2005 8:37 AM
the shawl is absolutely breathtaking dude. ya got skillz. :) have a fun time with your poppy and i can't wait for you to start your new job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by carolyn | July 1, 2005 8:36 AM
Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful! All your stuff is always beautiful. I haven't gotten involved in the whole 'shawl' thing yet either, but your flower basket shawl makes me want to. Again, really beautiful!
Posted by Carrie | July 1, 2005 8:22 AM
Clappy and FBS--you have been a busy girl. They both look beautiful!
Posted by Lolly | July 1, 2005 7:45 AM
Yay for you and your high energy friend who like to post LATE NIGHT and get me through the long, humid afternoon. Karaoke sounds like lots of fun.
Your shawl looks great! I haven't gotten into the shawl craze because I can't really figure out how to wear them either. So please post any progress you have on that front!
Posted by molly | July 1, 2005 2:26 AM
Schmoo. What are you doing up? You crazy girl. I just posted about the Karaoke fest as well. ;-)
You are so much beautiful in that shawl.
Posted by Jenny | July 1, 2005 1:22 AM