Answered

For the Good of the Order, I offer today a definitive answer. Isn't that reassuring? Unfortunately it's not about knitting, for definitive answers are thin on the ground in the realm of string. But this is almost as good.

As I bet many of you have, Gentle Readers, I have more than once struggled with a particular First World Problem: How do we match a lampshade to a base? Use The Force? Trust the manufacturers? Call an expert? White-knuckle and hope? 

No, my friends. At last, I have learned that there is an actual formula! Thanks, Maths! It is with profound relief that I present:

The Answer:

Thank you, Ballard Designs

If you click on the above, you will be taken to the font of lampshade-selection-wisdom. Now all you have to do is remember that you found the answer on somebody's knitting blog once. Good luck with that.

You're Welcome. May we all sleep more soundly now.

Evolving

I stumbled upon this hilarious cartoon!  It was made by one of my students, after attending 2 my Strings = Not Scary class. Enjoy!

Iv'e always wanted to know what I would look like as a Velociraptor.

Are We There Yet?

I "finished" my repurposed jacket project. Or did I?

I essentially fired my lace gun at it. I also replaced the dated buttons with new ones. They're hand-covered in Scott tartan.

I love the way the lace adds texture. It continues all the way around the back of the neck.

I added extra buttons to the cuffs, and trimmed them with more lace.

So it's so far, so good. But my question is, Am I done? Should I (for once) err on the side of restraint, or is something missing?

Originally, I wanted to add some elements of deconstruction, but the truth is, I lost my nerve. I loved the original jacket too much to tear it up. Especially since it was basically new when I found it.

I have a nagging feeling this is still a little too safe for me. It fails to conform to my "Nothing in Moderation" credo.  But what's missing? More texture? More colors? Something sparkly?

What say you, Gentle Readers? Please post a comment to share your advice!