another knitting blog

I joined a gym

I joined a gym.

It is not a shiny chrome and glass gym. It is the equivalent of your neighborhood dive bar. It's the tiniest bit seedy. I would not be surprised to arrive one day to discover that it has burned to the ground because too many treadmills were plugged into the same outlet. Nevertheless, it is (relatively) clean and the equipment appears to be in decent shape. The other patrons seem to be a reasonable bunch. There is a large contingent of beefy, bald guys strutting around and a few middle-aged women (like me) who show up to use the elliptical machines.

Because I started at such a low level of fitness, I spent the first month exclusively walking on the treadmills until the gym owner badgered me into considering the ellipticals. I now divide my time between the two.

Despite what the gym owner thinks, that treadmill time was necessary for me to develop the habit of going to the gym. I needed a non-threatening workout that I didn't dread just to get me in the door. An hour strutting to my tunes was sufficiently motivating at first.

Additionally, about a week after I joined the gym, the coworker who recommended the place to me proposed an incentive bet that has also given me a push on my low-energy days. We both have the goal of getting in four workouts a week. It's a draw if we both meet or miss our goal; however, if one of us makes it and one doesn't, the 'loser' owes the 'winner' a beverage. So far, I am up 2-0-2. This little bet made me drive to the gym after work on Wednesday instead of rushing home to sit on the couch (which is what I really, really wanted to do).

Along with my weekly goal, I also have some long-term goals. I'd like to lose 30 pounds by my birthday—that works out to just over a pound a week. I'm on track with that. I'd like to drop two pant sizes so I can wear a former favorite pair on my birthday. That shouldn't require me to lose the full 30—so that's potentially achievable even if I fall short on the first goal. Finally, I'd like to be in shape enough so that when I attend a conference in Tahoe this summer, I can hike and bike without feeling like my lungs are trying to escape my body. That one theoretically doesn't require me to lose any weight at all, just increase my cardiovascular fitness.

It's only been a month and I have a famously bad track record when it comes to working out, so we'll see how all this turns out. If things go poorly, I will likely never mention this again.

Book Review: Classic Knits at Home: 15 Timeless Designs to Knit and Keep Forever by Erika Knight

Book Review: Classic Knits at Home: 15 Timeless Designs to Knit and Keep Forever by Erika Knight

[A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review].

Previously, I reviewed Glamour Knits at Home and we learned that I am more flopsy than flossy.

So, I'm not glamorous. Am I classic? And, what's the difference between glamorous and classic? I suspect the answer is sequins.

We have now moved from a cottage with an English garden to somewhere a bit more pastoral. Key words from introduction this time are: practical, rustic, and eco-friendly (i.e. knit from hemp); but also, sumptuous and chic. Classic is hard to pin down.

In some ways, classic is a lot like glamorous, only less sparkly. Some of the patterns in Classic Knits (CK) are similar to the patterns in Glamour Knits (GK). There is a round rug pattern in CK that uses the same short row technique as the round, ruched cushion in GK. There is a pair of yoga slippers in CK that resemble the ornate slippers of GK sans jewels.

However, CK also has a distinct perspective--the feeling is more organic. As in GK, there are cushions and throws; but, there is also a yoga mat, a pear-shaped door stop filled with pebbles (pebbles are actually listed in the materials list), and knit covers for plant pots. [Don't your house plants need sweaters?] Instead of languid lounging, there is sitting with intention. And, for your intentional sitting, there is a very nice square floor cushion like the ones I've contemplated at Crate&Barrel many times. Or, how about a hemp wash mitt like one you might find at The Body Shop?

Sumptuous must come from big throws worked in chunky merino and from a lacy bed throw knit from ten balls of Kidsilk Haze. As there are no charts and no clear picture of the entire lace throw, this piece is also a bit of a mystery.

I think I might be more at ease living in the pages of this book rather than in Glamour Knits. Paradoxically though, I find myself less inspired by this book as a whole. Maybe that's because its projects feel comfortable and familiar…well, except for that freaky, rock-filled door stop.

Book Review: Glamour Knits at Home: 15 Sensuous Designs to Knit and Keep Forever

Glamour Knits at Home: 15 Sensuous Designs to Knit and Keep Forever by Erika Knight

[A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review].

G-L-A-M-O-R-OUS (flossy flossy)*

What makes something a 'glamour' knit? The Introduction of this book uses words like sumptuous, ornate, and delicate to describe the projects. Gee, that doesn't sound very much like me at all. Is there anything here for me?

I don't buy many knitting books anymore. I already have an entire bookshelf full knitting books and magazines so any new book has to have a 'value added' aspect for me to consider it. It has to describe a new technique, have a unique viewpoint, or be very, very pretty. Patterns that I want to knit are definitely compelling motivation to pick up a new book, but it doesn't hurt if the book looks good too.

This is indeed an attractive book. The front section contains lovely photos of each project that make you dream of life in a romantic, shabby chic cottage where every morning you bring in freshly-cut flowers from your English garden. The air is fragrant, the bed is made. Ah, so pretty!

So, pretty, but how are the patterns? As the title states, there are 15 designs presented (more than that if you count variations on a theme separately). Most are typical items for the home like cushions and throws; but there are a few novel items like padded dress hangers, a beaded lamp shade, and a tasseled key fob. One unexpected and imaginative design is a tea-cozy knit from a continuous strip of tulle fabric that is reminiscent of a pair of frilly panties. Although throughout there is too much added frippery for my taste (for example, a pair of bejeweled house slippers), even without the extra sparkle, these projects would remain pretty and sensuous because of the yarns and fabric used.

Yes, fabric. A number of the projects call for basic sewing skills. I counted six patterns that would require machine sewing to duplicate as shown. I don't sew, so I can't assess how helpful the sewing directions are, but they seem to assume you already know what you are doing. Still, I think in most cases the sewing could be overcome or eliminated. I could probably sew a square pillow if pressed. One of the more striking projects, however, is probably beyond my paltry skills. The chinoiserie throw is a lavish combination of silk, velvet, and lace appliqué. I think I'll leave that one for the cottage in my dreams.

The patterns that I find most accessible for my skills and adaptable to my design aesthetic are the cushions and pillow covers. The very details that make these projects glamorous--the sequins, beads, and ribbons--are probably the first things I would eliminate, but I am still inspired to fill the bed in the guest room with a pile of soft, handknit pillows. Maybe I'll even plant some flowers.

Next time, I'll review the companion book Classic Knits at Home.

*Every time I hear this song, I hear 'flopsy flopsy' instead of 'flossy flossy'. That always makes me think of 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit' and Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail. Somehow, I do not think that this is anything like what F*rgie had in mind.