Don't get used to this. It's my second post in two days and, although I'd like to think I can keep up this pace, I probably won't be posting every day. You never know, though. I do tend to think a lot about knitting and love to talk and write about it. Since my family members aren't too keen on listening intently to me discuss every detail of my current and upcoming projects, I may have to use this blog as my imaginary friend. You know, the friend you can talk to and they won't think you've gone off the deep end.

Speaking of imaginary friends, all of my children have had imaginary friends and they were active members of our household. My daughters (I have 3) used to have an imaginary friend that they called "Nut" (aptly named, don't you think?) Last I heard, nut was travelling in China. I wonder what he's up to.

It's raining here in Los Angeles. It's kind of nice. It puts me in a knitting mood and I have been working on the Tea Leaves Cardigan. I just hit the point where you separate the sleeves. I love when you get to that part of the pattern. It really starts moving along from there and you start to see the garment take shape. Although I am loving knitting this pattern and know it will be something I am going to really enjoy wearing, I can't help looking forward. I'm always looking forward. There are so many great patterns out there and, it seems, not enough time to knit them. Of course, I will probably never knit all of the patterns that I want to, but there are some you just can't pass up. So, next up is Sabbatical by the uber-talented Connie Chang Chinchio. Connie is amazing. She has so many gorgeous patterns that she has written and she keeps cranking them out. Sabbatical is one of those designs that are both beautiful and truly functional. It looks so comfortable. Something that you can throw on over jeans (would be fab with long pearls and funky boots) and, also, wear to work and look really polished. I'll be knitting it using The Fiber Co.'s Road to China Light in Autumn Jasper that I purchased from The Backwards Loop, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite online stores.

The beginning...

(2) Stitches. That's the response I always give when someone says, "Knitting? I could never do that.", "I can't make THAT. It's too complicated." "I've never tried (insert knitting technique of your choice here). I can only make simple scarves." (2) Stitches. That's all that is between you and this, this, this or even this.

It has always amazed me that, with a bit of yarn and some needles, you can make, with just (2) Stitches, something fabulous. It's like

magic, really. I am constantly inspired by all of designs that are available for modern knitters. It's so empowering to know that, no matter what the technique, I know the basics that can get me there. It just takes a little bravery, a sense of adventure and a willingness

to learn from your mistakes.

I am in no way an expert knitter. I have a lot to learn, that is for sure. I just don't want to be afraid to learn something new. I don't want to see something I love and be stopped in my tracks, thinking that there is no way I can knit it. So, that is what this blog is going to be. Me, knitting, trying new things. Successes and failures. Learning from my mistakes.

So, is this one going to be a success or failure? When I see a pattern I like, I really try to determine whether or not the style would work well for me. I think this pattern is one that would look good on just about anyone. Tea Leaves Cardigan by Melissa LaBarre is perfect. I love cardigans and this one, with it's subtle styling is exactly what I like to wear. Add to that some fabulous yarn and it's almost a no-fail project.

I am using Madelinetosh Merino in the stunning Tannehill colorway. Tannehill is so complex. Dark greens, purples, browns, reds and a bit of blue. Lovely. I found out that Madelinetosh only makes this color in this specific base. Maybe that is why it is so hard to find. I had to buy

some from a Ravelry member and the rest from The Backwards Loop (great online shop, by the way) in order to have enough for the size I am knitting.

Here are some progress shots: