Groucho, P.I.

Here's Groucho the Wonderpooch, seen modeling his little trench coat that my sister gave him. As you can see, it's a bit biggish. And the smaller size is a little too small, so we're going to have to hit the racks again in search of the perfect outerwear for the resident canine.

The other night I suffered some knitting frustration, but I think I'm back on track. When I finally braved the pick-up-and-knits, I wondered why I couldn't come anywhere near the number of stitches I was supposed to have. I had a "Well, duh!" moment and figured out that I picked up stitches on the front of the sweater and the instructions I read were for the back of the sweater. Brilliant, Julie.

I was encouraged, however, to discover that I had actually picked up the correct number of stitches for the front piece! I just had to tear out a few rows to insert a buttonhole I had missed. And when I started binding off, sighing a satisfied sigh that I had accomplished my goal, I tore it all out again because I didn't like how my stitches lined up at the edge of the fabric.

I'm bound and determined to get it just right tonight. Fourth time is a charm, I'm hoping. And since I know what I'm doing, I should be able to pick up the stitches for both pieces tonight so I can start seaming it all together. All told, picking up and knitting isn't so bad. I don't know why I was so jibber-jabbery.

P.S. Have you checked out this fun little tid-bit from Brawny, the paper towel maker? Even with the subtle use of paper towel in each of the clips, the super-sensitive strapping man in flannel provides plenty of feel-goodness after a long day. The "random breakdown" segment spoke to me in particular.