Aquafina getting close!

When I started Aquafina, I knew it would be a test of my patience because doing an entire sweater on size 3 needles would be a challenge for someone like me, who likes instant gratification. Unless I put them down forever and never touch them again (which happens more often that I care to admit), I usually can finish projects relatively quickly, which satisfies my impatience. But I just had to have this sweater and it just takes a long time to make. I was really afraid that I would simply get bored with it and let it sit in my growing pile of UFO's, never to see the light of day. However, yesterday, I put the whole thing on one circular needle and joined it to make the ribbing! Wouldn't you know it I made one mistake, the only mistake so far, on the last row of lace! I couldn't find it for the life of me, so I just k2tog and got on with the ribbing. I've only done two rounds but we're getting there. Only 6 inches of ribbing, then a smidge of seaming, and voila! A finished summery top. One of my favorites I think. Isn't that always the way with things that take hard work?

In my attempt to continue my fair isle training, I also purchased some yarn to make the Christmas Rose bag from Handknit Holidays (thanks for the idea, Kris!). I really like the colors. The pattern calls for 16" circular needles, but since I hate those, I'm considering just doing it on double points. I hate those, too, but they're much better than the wrist killing 16"'ers. Now that I think I've settled the needle issue, I'm ready to begin this project. It seems like a really doable, inexpensive and pretty first fair isle project.

I'm off to yet another day of training at my new job. I don't remember if I posted about this or not, but I've taken a new job doing Computational Fluid Dynamics for a professor at SDSU. I'm learning everything in a week (we hope), so I'm a little nervous but hopefully, it will give me a good Master's topic AND help me get a job. The guy who had the job before got a job at NASA, so we'll see!