List of Lasts

Yesterday I finally started getting excited about doing Ironman USA in Lake Placid this weekend. I think it's because I experienced a bunch of lasts:

1. I taught my last cycling and sculpting classes at the JCC before the race.
2. I had my last pre-race massage.
3. I had my last personal training client before the race.
4. I taught my last cycling class at the YMCA before the race.

And this is my last post before the race. This post includes pictures of the last 2 things I have knitted before the race:

Here is my altered Coachella from Knitty. (And I don't know what's up with my eyes. I don't look that raccoon-y in real life - at least I hope not.) Like I mentioned in my previous post, the neckline was waaaay too deep before. A friend of mine made a little alteration, and now it fits much better. She ended up putting a little somethin' somethin' across the back neck to hold the several inches of knitting that she basically took up:

Good idea, huh? I like this top - the way it makes my shoulders look, the way it's sexy yet casual, and the way it shows off my tan:

Okay, maybe I'm not so crazy about the silly tan lines from my suit. I've been swimming outside a lot this summer, both in a lake and in an outdoor pool. (By the way, check out the new hair! It's long and straight! I'm going for the Jackie from Bravo's "Workout" show look - not her fauxhawk but her messy look. I'm getting close, but I have a little more length to grow and I'm having trouble getting my hair to be messy and stay messy. I think I need to try a new hair product.)

Next up is my Indigo Ripples skirt from the spring Interweave:

Here's a closer shot:

I think I'll follow suit with other bloggers and list the details:

Pattern: Indigo Ripples Skirt, spring issue of Interweave Knits
Yarn used: Rowan Denim in Memphis, 8 balls
Needles: Denise interchangeables, size 5
Discussion: I love this skirt! I was a little nervous about knitting a skirt, but I'm sure glad I did. I did make some modifications, but nothing that hasn't been done by others. I used the k3tog and sssk for the mirrored decreases in the lace section like everybody else. The skirt sits below my natural waist, just like everybody else's. I lengthened the stockinette stitch panel like everyone else and I did a crocheted chain instead of the i-cord for the drawstring like everyone else. (Yes, sometimes it's hard for me to have an original thought, especially when it comes to something creative. Take pity on me - I used to be an accountant.) I tried the skirt on a million times as it grew to make sure it was going to fit the way I wanted it to. I ended up not making as many increases, which surprised me. I hadn't heard of anyone else having to cut down the number of increases they made, and I'm sure I have more junk in the trunk than other skirt knitters out there. It does fit a little snug across my ghetto onion, but that's the way I wanted it to fit. Snug, not hootchie.

I will definitely be wearing this skirt a lot. I'm going to wear it on Monday in Lake Placid so although I'll be feeling like sh!t after the previous day's Ironman, I'll look cute.

Today we finish packing, then tomorrow it's off to New York. My race is Sunday. After one day of rest, we will be driving to Niagra Falls then spending the night in Buffalo and heading home on Wednesday. I'll provide a post-race report and maybe some action shots of the skirt towards the end of next week. Wish me luck!