I asked Olivia yesterday if she liked her stripey backpack, and she did, and then I asked her how she would feel if Abigail got a store bought backpack? Like a Strawberry Shortcake backpack, for example. Would she still be happy with her stripey backpack? Or would she be sad and want a store bought backpack herself?

It is now quite apparent that I’m going to be spending the next two weeks making Abigail’s backpack.

I saw a neat stitch on my stitch calendar yesterday. I didn’t think much of it until Nate looked at how it was worked and said, “That looks like it would make a very thick fabric….” Bingo.

Behold, the Blanket Rib stitch. This stitch is thick and strong, and is going to take a long time to knit into a backpack. Not being particularly happy with the way Olivia’s backpack felted, I’m going to make Abigail’s differently. As in, I’m not going to felt it. This stitch is really nice. I’m excited to knit another backpack now, as opposed to the feeling of hopeless dread I held previously.

Yes it goes on and on my friend…..” Anyone know what song I’m trying to reference here? I wish my keyboard had little music notes. Here’s a hint.

I’m really surprised at how long this sweater is taking. I worked on it a lot over the weekend, and I’m still not done with the back piece yet. BUT, I am finally to the point where I put the center stitches on a holder and work the shoulder decreases, and eventually (get ready for it) BIND OFF!!!! That will be a happy day.

I think that once I’m finished with the back, I’m going to start a sleeve, just for something different.

In other news, Wendy is co-hosting a knit along for Lara, a beautiful sweater in the new Debbie Bliss book.

I really like this sweater. I could totally see myself in it, plus, it looks like it is fastened with a brooch. Cool. I like brooches, but have a difficult time finding good ways to use them. It starts October 1st, and I am thinking about it. I’m going to try to hunt myself down a copy of the book. I really like this one too.