The first time I ever left the country was to go live in Indonesia for a bit. They were soo many things, and it started the instant I got there. At the airport, I remember seeing a huge sign that said "Welcome to Indonesia! Death penalty for drug traffickers!". Also, the traffic was so wild in the taxi ride from the airport to my apartment. All the cars, horse carriages, 10 times as many mopeds/motorcycles as cars, bajais (tuk tuks), all weaving so chaotically I had to close my eyes.

Having a maid/cook, people who did our laundry, and finding out how common that was.

Having to bribe a cop for being out late at night with a guy (I'm a woman), but only having to give him the equivalent of like $5USD.

Everyone staring at me ALWAYS. Random people asking to take photos with me all the time 😆.

Haggling at basically every store/market except the fancier/chain ones.

Squat toilets. Also seeing shoe prints on standard toilets and signs telling people not to squat on those toilets.

Armed guards and metal detectors at most malls and hotels. Every time we'd come home our car would have to go through an armed security checkpoint and they'd check inside the car and open the trunk etc.

I'm probably my own worst critic, but I guess some spots don't look as "polished" or "neat" to me as I'd like. Some of the ribbing on the neck collar looks a little uneven. It's just small things that are probably more noticeable to me than anyone else. Also, it was only the 2nd sweater I ever knit, so I'm self-conscious about how good my work looks to anyone else.

but you must feel a paper cut from every single page of knowledge

Before I started on this sweater, I'd knit about 10-15 projects beforehand including some hats, headbands, cowls, and one really simple (short-sleeved) sweater. It took me about 6 weeks from start to finish but I had a lot of time each day to work on it. I also actually had learned to crochet before knitting and had crocheted several things.

They're both great crafts and there are a lot of nice tops you can make with just crochet if that's the craft you'd feel more comfortable learning first! There are a lot of great resources for learning both. I actually learned crochet from a book, but couldn't really grasp knitting from books, but was able to from videos.

I'd made at least 10-15 smaller projects before I started on this, including a more basic knit "test" sweater with shorter sleeves. It still felt daunting starting this, but I just read through the pattern ahead of time and tried to understand when/why I'd have to do certain steps.

Thanks for the hair compliment! I could definitely dm you and share whatever you want to know, unfortunately the color I've been using has been discontinued so I'm about to try a new one soon 🤞

omg 😍

Gorgeous! How's the hike out to that spot? I really want to go there, but I'm kinda clumsy with an injured ankle so I'm wondering if I'd be able to do it.

Thanks so much! I live in the area, so the elevation shouldn't be too much of an issue...will definitely bring poles!

E

Waterloo is my absolute fav! And I 2nd watermelon but I also really like grape and black cherry.

Thank you! The darker green areas are due to cloud shadows. I was at over 11,000 ft elevation when I took this photo, so the clouds were moving quickly and casting some really neat shadows. Some of the the orange hues are either from Fall vegetation or lack of tree cover, I think. The patch of yellow is actually tons of aspen trees that had already changed during early Autumn (this was taken in September)!

Thanks so much! I really want to try some colorwork next, I really love the squishy texture of brioche so I might go for that.

I lived in Jakarta 2005-2006 and remember hearing about that show when I first moved there 😆...tapi, nggak berbicara Bahasa indonesia bagus, typical bule lol

I'm interested in said business if you want to send a dm!

🤘😜

Incredible shot! Norway is at the top of my dream-vacay list!

This looks magical 😍

Awesome place, I loved it there! I have a bunch of photos but they're from 2005 or 2006 so unfortunately all compressed low quality.

reminds me of salvia!

FYI, I believe most or all La Quintas are pet-friendly. That's where I've stayed when moving long distances with my 2 cats. You won't have the yard benefits, but it's still good to know.