Sometimes it takes a friend

. . .to help you rip back several inches of your first lace shawl. (I'm sorry Carmelita, but you'll thank me for it later!) I knew what had to be done, I just needed needed to set it aside and sit with it for a while before doing the deed. I needed that last little nudge. Even though this is my first lace project and I usually cut myself some slack on my first attempt at anything, I came to the conclusion that the mistake I made was not one I could live with. (Dis, you were right.) And so, last Thursday night, Julia ripped, I wound. Although judging from the stares by bewildered on-lookers at Knit Cafe who observed with much concern, the process was virtually painless. "What are you doing?" they asked Julia, as if she was causing me actual, physical harm. "Oh, just ripping a shawl," she calmly replied. "It had to be done," I said, reassuring the desperate faces around us that not only was I okay with this, I was genuinely grateful for the offer and for the helping hand(s). "She's a good friend." (Cue Dionne Warwick & co. singing "That's What Friends Are For.")

Thank goodness for the kindness of friends, and for lifelines! And for Group Therapy night. (Suzan, you have no idea!) And also for the opportunity to learn Lace Lesson #171: Check your work...often! This wouldn't have been nearly as much drama, had I just checked my work continuously and not gone on for so long without noticing the F-up. Now I know. And now, to begin again...more or less...

Never missing an opportunity, I used my hiatus from Carmelita to start a new pair of socks. I impulse-bought the most fun Koigu (I love this yarn so much, I would consider marrying it) and after searching long and hard for a pattern that would do this colorway justice, I decided on Marilyn Roberts' Crusoe from the Spring '03 Knitty. This is so much fun to knit! Kyra was kind enough to let my sock pose next to her as she napped.

Totally unrelated, if you are in need of some fun to combat the Monday blues, may I suggest you check out this book, which was brought to my attention by Mary-Heather. I am going to have to pick up a copy for myself, because we were having so much fun, I'm not sure I learned much- other than how fun it is to act like a 10 year-old every now and then. ;) Also, Nasus told us about this website, which I found to be interesting and quite informative, if you want to learn all about your birthday.

(Note: I am making a conscious decision to keep a light, positive spin on this post, therefore I will not go into how FREAKING OPPRESSIVELY HOT it was in Los Angeles over the weekend.)