This week flew by, along with all the time I thought I’d have to take/post photos and write blog posts. So today you get a little mish-mash of things that I’ve meant to tell you. And I’m borrowing photos from my Instagram account, so my apologies for any repeats!
My Overdyed Cypress #NaKniSweMo project is coming along nicely, pictured are the wee little armhole increases. They seem hilariously itty bitty at only 5 stitches wide, although I’m sure that’s appropriate for a vest and it will all make more sense with the ribbing added.
I’m totally in love with the Sweet Codex Shawl that I recently finished. I’ve been wearing it nonstop. It’s the perfect mix of casual and elegant and I think everybody needs a nice, neutral accessory. Check out more lovely shawls on Instagram with the #fallshawlstyle tag.

Food for thought (see what I did there?!)
As you might notice by looking at older posts or projects, I’ve lost some weight over the past year. I began an Ideal Protein diet and weaned off of it a month before my wedding. Since I’ve been off that diet, I’ve been struggling just to maintain my weight loss (let alone lose the rest I need to reach my goal). I think the Paleo diet and Whole30 concepts are super intriguing, though, and are quite similar to the way I ate on the Ideal Protein diet (mostly veggies, lots of protein, no dairy, no grains, no beans, no added sugar) and aligns with the rules that Michael Pollan smartly suggests, while relying on actual food instead of replacing some meals with protein ‘packets’ (yeah, Ideal Protein was a fun several months). So far, I adore the books shown above and think there’s a really great intro to the whole idea (and lots of resources) on The Clothes Make The Girl blog.

Singles of frustration.
Finally, I’ve come to the conclusion that I might be outgrowing my spinning wheel. It spins longwools beautifully and is great for plying, but I’ve recently revisited a long-abandoned project using very soft, very fine Merino wool — and it’s been a gigantic pain in the ass. The Babe uses Irish (bobbin-lead) tension so it has very strong take-up which means that it’s essentially ripping the yarn out of my hands before the single gets enough twist. So I’m left with an unevenly drafted, underspun, and fragile single that is driving me bonkers. I’ve spent lots of time researching wheels this week and will chat about them soon, but for now, what wheel do you use, and why do you love it?

Over 100 completed orders, wahoo!
In exciting news, we’ve surpassed our 100th order over at Sweet Sheep Body Shoppe! Thank you for all your support, and remember that the free lotion bar sample deal is still going strong this month!

Rust-to-gold gradient!
Finally, this last photo is just to remind you that color gradients are everywhere, and fall is fabulous. Have a happy Friday, and check out Libby’s #shareallthethings post! There’s a great knitting pattern deal in there.
Thanks for sharing Alicia – the diets sound interesting. And your projects are super gorgeous as always.
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I learned on a Ladybug, and would have kept her (or upgraded to a Matchless) if the set of my hips hadn’t meant pain everytime I spun for more than half an hour.
I also recently sat down and tried a Little Gem II, and I loved it… but there’s not a dealer in my area so I’m waiting for Stitches.
Can you go to a spinning-yarn shop and try out a lot? That’s really the best way to get a feel for what’s out there.
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Oh interesting! Too bad it hurt your hips. 😦 I’m planning to try some out ASAP, there’s really no other way to know what I’ll like.
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That Sweet Codex Shawl is a thing of beauty! I would be wearing it non-stop also! Also, it’s really awesome that you’ve made a commitment to yourself. We’re all beautiful, regardless of size. Health is what the big picture is about, and it looks like you’re really rocking that journey!
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Thanks, Michelle! I like thinking about it as a commitment to myself, rather than something restrictive or negative. Thanks for that!
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