a scarf story

Well, my first scarf is complete! It's a little wonky around the edges and has a few holes (5 or so-I counted) from dropped stitches, but I'm still pretty happy with it.

Next in Stich 'n Bitch I'll be learning how to purl and then how to combine my 2 stitches (knit and purl) together to make a ribbed scarf. Next time I may invest in better quality yarn and try to stay zen and peaceful while knitting to avoid my uneven tension issues. :) I'll keep you posted. I wonder which will happen first--warmer weather or a completed second scarf...?

stops and starts

Knitting continues to be a bit of battle for me. After finishing about 8 inches or so of my first scarf I decided the loose open weave just didn't do it for me, so I decided to switch to smaller gauge needles (10). The pattern called for "bulky" yarn and size 17 needles; I bought and used both, but I don't think my yarn was really all that bulky (despite what the label said). Now I'm about a foot into scarf round two and it's better looking, but I'm still not completely satisfied. The edges of my scarf are wavy and uneven. I'm guessing this is due to uneven tension on the rows---tighter stitches from time to time mixed with looser ones? Any thoughts?

Lately I've been day dreaming about buying and decorating a house (or townhouse). Here are a few lovely images that have caught my eye recently:
























What I love:
row one (left to right):
1) informal bulletin board in kitchen nook-fun and easy to change picts
2) unique old apothecary looking cabinet (fingers crossd that I'll find something like this on craig's list)
3) color, art hung collage style, and eames rocking chair--ahhh
row 2:
1) windows, built in window seat/entertainment center, mid century mod furniture
2) great wall paper cutout--sweet idea for the future
3) tree wall decal (?) and touches of red

swatting the swatch

Well I finished my first knitting warm up project, nicknamed "baby's first swatch" in Stitch'n Bitch. It's not perfect--a few little holes and general uneveness, but overall not bad. I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday to buy yarn for the next project a bulky "Go Go Garter Stitch Scarf". I've started the first section and then torn it out a few times already; somehow I keep ending up with extra stitches along the way. Any advice?

As you can see my cat is jealous of anything that takes over her precious lap space: knitting, the laptop, a book, etc. :)

Picture of yarn and size 17 needles for my next project.