so, after a few longs weeks of knit-knit-knit-knit, my green knit sophie bag is complete. Thanks to the internet I figured out i-cords and grafting and binding-off and other complicated knitter-slang, to turn out a felted, finished product that I would *not* be embarrassed to take out. This was actually a good experience for the first thing I’ve ever knitted (other than a square at the first Spins & Needles, but that doesn’t really count).

Surprisingly, it only took one round in the washer to get it felted the way I liked it – I was sure it would take at least two or three. Blocking it was super simple – finally that collection of old thick plastic IKEA placemats comes in handy.

When trying to bind off the bag and contemplating starting the i-cords without my helpful “teach me to knit and I will bring you some Guinness” teacher at hand, I was freaked, and totally intimidated. Until I discovered some instructions complete with photos online – those were a godsend.

side note: it is seriously hard to have a”sick day” when today is the day they are cutting up the street directly below your window. BOO.

I’m sick. I don’t know how it happened, I just am. Overnight, perhaps? Saturday morning was the dawn of the sorest sore throat in the history of sore throats. It was also the beginning of large-scale vitamin consumption. And the necessary napping. At my parents house (who, incedentally, have made it to england according to air canada. Yay!).

In a way I’ve been expecting this revolt….this rebellion. My body is forgetful, absentminded. It forgets to hang on to important things like minerals and nutrients, absentmindedly discards them like the socks you leave tucked in the corner when it’s just a little too warm out and you want to feel the grass between your toes. Blood tests are always fun times….I despise needles and pricky things, but love watching the techs do that “Iron + Blood = Floating” test that I fail.every.single.time even if I’ve existed solely on a diet of metal bits from the local hardware store. The look of confusion on their faces when they discover that things like iron, and b12 don’t even register on any sort of acceptable scale because in my body they’re so freakishly low is almost entertaining. Except for the part where it means I am totally screwed over.

It’s beautiful out today, though I think I’ll be spending it venturing no further than my front porch, drinking tea, working on screens, designing some fabric and playing with paint. This crazy show of mine is only two weeks away. Any chance someone wants to turn back the clock for me so I could have more time??

In other news, bringing my bass in from its weekly foray to the folklore centre for a lesson brought loads of comments from my neighbour’s going away party. My favourite? The guy who offered up a slowly-drawn-out “Nice cello.” as if he were sidling up to me at a bar somewhere, complimenting some aspect of my body. Isn’t that like trying to compliment me on my eyes by saying ‘nice ankles’? Dude….at least pick the right instrument. Though I will give him a little credit. Cellos are hot. Double basses? Hotter.

Also, this nice warm weather means skirt season has finally arrived. About freaking time.

The above: my knees. And my new skirty-apron for ladyfest. My knees clearly need some work. You know….soccer scuffles and the like. And maybe a tan.

The “great” glebe garage sale was this morning. Ugh. Early-ness. But goodness. Ryn and Rob and I wandered around until nearly 11 looking for funky bargains. We found none. Until….we hit along a house on first or second ave. that was the home of an older couple who, on their travels through the world had collected boxes upon boxes of natural fabrics. From everywhere you can imagine, in any colour you can imagine, all with stories, and lists of details. Ryn picked up some flannel wool and assorted others. I, a roughly two yard swath of turquoise merino wool. Dreamy. Hello new blanket!

Around the corner, at the Glebe Community Centre, we came across another vendor selling imported eastern clothing – I picked up two little apron/skirts, perfect for my upcoming Ladyfest crafty sale, and a little childs top which will work perfectly for a bag design I’ve got in my head. The super find was the merino, though. HEAVEN.

Surprisingly, when we were out at 7:30, there wasn’t really a lot going on. People were setting up late this year, despite the crazy good weather. The streets were somewhat empty.

I’m glad to have made it out. After trudging home with our tired feet, I snagged some of the lilacs from the backyard to add to volume to the bamboo I’ve got going on in my bedroom. I love the smell of lilacs in spring. And cherry blossoms.

And now it’s off to my folks for dinner and a send-off, and then…..joy, bliss, a dip in the hot tub. With some red wine, and the pseudo clear sky you can get once you’re outside of downtown, it’s exactly what I need tonight. With luck, there’ll be lightning, too.