My attempt at an "Onion" headline:

Gun control supports express outrage at Supreme Court decision by shooting gun rights activists.

Irony at its best, I think. The alternative:

In midst of celebration of the Supreme Court's decision, gun rights activists shoot gun control supporters.

First mistake.

I'm usually really good at buying yarn on the internet. So when I began searching for yarn for Peter's seamless hybrid sweater, I wasn't worried. However, I should have known that the curse of the sweater would come back to haunt me. See I started another sweater for him years ago, four years ago to be exact. I didn't like the yarn -- it was brown Rowan Cashsoft DK. Not that the feel of the yarn was bad, it was just that as I was knitting it up it didn't appear to be a color that I thought Peter would wear. I thought the Cashsoft was just too unsweater-like -- too soft and silky. But I wanted brown, so this time around I went with Knit Picks "Wool of the Andes," again, in chocolate. When I got it in the mail, I loved it, and so I stupidly threw away the invoice. Now I'm knitting it up and I don't love it at all, I don't even like it. I've realized what I was missing all along with this sweater -- heather. The yarn needs to be less solid. I guess that's what I was getting at before but could never really identify. I've made one last internet purchase, this time from WEBS, with some closeout Berroco Ultra Alpaca. We'll see if this color satisfies my needs, otherwise I think I'm going to pause with the internet shopping and go back to the yarn store so that I can feel, smell, and see the wool first-hand. Until then, know anyone who needs a boat load of chocolate Knit Picks?

Friday cuteness!

Her Royal Cuteness (Red Panda @ DC / US National Zoo)
Originally uploaded by Nikographer [Jon]

Collective *sigh*.

On a side note, Peter and I went to see the Kids in the Hall last night. They're touring a live show right now across the U.S., though I don't know when it ends. However, if they are coming to somewhere near you, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! It was so great. I'm not as big of a fan as Peter, though I like them, but it was so funny and so great. They're still relevant and they've still got it!

Synopsis to come...

Dusk
Originally uploaded by Faux pas

...but in the mean time, you can view all our Seattle photos (minus Peter's broken toe, which he made me delete) here. Enjoy!

It finally IS a sweater!

My first sweater
Originally uploaded by Faux pas

This post is a little over a week late, but here it is: I finally finished my first sweater! It's the Hourglass Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts, knitted in a beautiful green Cash Iroha -- totally worth what I paid for it on eBay.

I used the T-shirt hem method from the Nothing But a T-Shirt pattern, which is still available on Ravelry, but no longer on MagKnits. I knitted the small version, but I added a couple of inches to the body and the sleeves. I also added a few extra yoke decreases to make a narrower neckline.

I'm so in love with this sweater that I took it with me to Seattle this past weekend, despite the fact that it's not blocked yet. It was so warm and springy, perfect for the sea breeze there.

I'm so happy with this first sweater that sweaters no longer seem so daunting. Hence I've got two more on needles already. This jacket from Drops in what has to be my favorite yarn so far Mirasol Sulka, and a seamless hybrid sweater for Peter. I figured after six years together (anniversary next week) it's now safe to knit him a sweater :)

We're going back!!!

Kerry Park 5 TTHDR
Originally uploaded by manleyaudio

Peter and I leave this evening for a fun-filled weekend in Seattle, including two nights of backpacking in Olympic National Park! I can't wait to introduce him to my new favorite city (sorry San Fran :)). Wish me luck in trying to convince him that the west coast is where we need to be!

Sorry, but I just can't get enough...

... of sad panda. Awwwww.....