A few random things

Truly random, with no connections whatsoever:

I'm not very good with Photoshop, and it's been a year or more since I last used it. I would probably use it more if I was faster at it, but lately I just don't seem to have much time to do the fiddling (hmm, I can't imagine why not!). It's a vicious circle, isn't it? Because if I worked with Photoshop and Illustrator more often, I'd almost certainly be quicker with them. Anyway, I just couldn't decide how the next dress should look, and it was fun to mock up several possible combinations. I still can't decide, however. Anyone feel strongly about one or the other?





Here's an interesting story from NPR's Morning Edition last week about sewing machines and the industry's attempts to renew interest in home sewing.

Also, J.Jill is holding a t-shirt design contest. Submit artwork of your favorite inspiration from nature, and the winning design will be printed on a limited-edition tee and sold as part of the Holiday 2006 J.Jill collection.


Just finished Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, by Lisa See, and I recommend it. It's a well written, historically-based novel about women in pre-revolutionary China and a secret written language that they developed.

It's too bad that Snow Flower went back to the library so quickly, because she would have looked nice next to my first Lorna's Laces sock, finished at last. I know I should have chosen a simpler pattern for this variegated yarn, but I'm still really pleased with the results. I like the fit, I loved knitting the lace, and I'm happy to have managed the magic loop technique as well as the short rows.

Sock number two will be going to Michigan with us next week. Bebe and I are leaving tomorrow morning to visit grandparents (hers and mine) for a week. We'll be back on Memorial Day. Have a great week!