I Knew This Was A Bad Idea

I'm usually not one for knitalongs or other types of knitting together. I like doing my own thing on my own time. Same reason I don't join a bookclub even though I love to read. So why oh why did I think joining the Olympic Knitting group was a good idea? And an even better question, just what was I thinking when I picked the Flower Basket Shawl in LACEWEIGHT??!! I have now officially ripped back more than I have knitted. I can see it might be a beautiful thing when (make that if) it ever gets done. But it's taking everything I have to keep at it. Maybe that's what it takes to be a true Olympian. I think I should have signed up to be on the alternate team, you know, the one who waits in the wings at home, just in case. I'm going to keep working on it but I think to like it I'm going to need to work on it without the pressure of a deadline. My guess is that unless a miracle occurs there won't be any medal in this corner. Here's a picture of where it stands right now, pitifull!

I've been finding so many "other" things calling my name I think in avoidance of the shawl. I have some really cute socks called Farfalle Socks from Orinda5. I saw her knitting them on her blog and was silently stalking to see if she would publish the pattern. She did, you can find it on Ravelry or her blog. They really work up nicely and farfalle is my favorite pasta!

I also boought some Cascade 220 in a really pretty orangey/peachy colorway (no suprise there) yesterday. I was planning on a Knitting Pure and Simple cardigan but somehow the February Lady sweater seems to be calling out to the yarn. I have plenty to make the sweater so I think that will be in the works pretty darn soon. I just have to go wind up some yarn to start.

It's hard to believe that the summer is winding down. K heads back to school in two weeks. He's had a busy summer working and making lots of money to support his habits at school. He's been down to Patriot's training camp a number of times and even got to go to the first pre-season game (too bad they lost). But now it's time to go through the mess he brought home and figure out what goes back as well what is needed. I know we need sheets (note to moms of boys- when they go off to college buy one pair of sheets, not really expensive ones as these guys don't bother to wash them and they STINK. Throw away and repeat each semester or each year depending on the complaints of the roommates!) and some basics but I think otherwise things are good. We'll see what list of things he comes up with.

Have you looked out your windows lately, I mean when it's not raining? This is what I noticed today-

Can you see it? The leaves are starting to turn. Yikes, fall is closer that I thought!

Off to check out some fridges to replace the twenty year old model in our kitchen. Time to update and in case you hadn't heard, no sales tax this weekend in MA. Have a good one.

Cruisin' Along

Things are moving along these days. The summer is going well, a few humid days, alot of rain but overall enjoyable. The flowers in my yard are enjoying the weather so far, just take a look-


My widow boxes are going crazy and the hydrangea is out of control (in a good way). Don't you just love my "birds of a feather" garden stake? I couldn't resist them at the garden center. Flowers are blooming everywhere. It really is pretty. On the agenda for the rest of the weekend is taking our little fountain on the deck and moving it to the garden area surrounding the deck. I think it will look better there.


In the knitting world M's shawl is complete. I really am proud of it. I can't believe I was afraid to start it. I sent M some pictures and she loves it too, yippee! I can't wait to see it on her. M moves to NJ tomorrow to start a new job so she and vet2b will be separated until the wedding. She's excited but I know they will miss each other. However the good news is that if all goes well it looks like they will settle in the NJ area when vet2b graduates and that means they will only be 3-4 hours away. So good luck M as you start the new job!! Here's a look at the blocked shawl.

I also finished a baby sweater and some socks. My fingers seem to be moving right along these days. The projects that were overwhelming me in their bags hanging all over the house are finally being completed. Only a matter of time until it starts all over again. Meanwhile I'm into trying to finish up projects started that are on the needles.

The sweater is Helena from Knitty. I did it in the Sheep Shop 3 yarn, purples. The socks are called Order from Chaos from Fearless Fibers. Great pattern . They were done in yarn hand dyed by Kim at Butterfly Yarns. She is doing some awesome colors!

Guess that's it for the knitting news. Heading off to the airport to pick up vet2b who will be with us for the next two weeks doing one of his rotations. Almost like old times 2 out of the three boys home. It will be fun to spend some time with him. Then it's off to Las Vegas for my conference. What better place to discuss breasts! See you when I get back, maybe sooner !

It's Done!

I can't believe it but I finished the shawl for M for the wedding. It ended up not being as bad as I thought it would be, I don't know why I kept putting it off. It's blocking and I know I'll have to block it again in side sections but just take a look. It looks huge and a darker blue than it really is, it's just the picture. I hope M loves it!

Yarn Goodness

Yesterday I got my order from Dani at Sunshine Yarns. Oh boy, oh boy, is it beautiful!!!!! I ordered some of her SunSilk in the Powder colorway for the Summer Shawlette I am going to make for M for the wedding. It is sooo pretty. Gorgeous shades of blue with cream. It will be gorgeous with her dress and the blue and white Penn State theme. Dani said it was to reminded her of the sky and she wasn't kidding.

Look-

It's hard to see the subtleties of the color or the beautiful sheen but believe me it's there. I can't wait to get this on the needles. If you are looking for some lovely lace weight yarn head over to Dani's.

I also got some pretty sock yarn that I think I will use for a baby sweater. Quite a departure from my usual palette but oh so pretty. What do you think?

It's called Starburst and it is yummy. I don't know what lucky baby will someday get this sweater but they will have to be pretty special.

The Minimalist is dry and I've started the seaming. I got a little ahead of myself and have to undue a bit but so far so good. Pictures by Monday as it's a working weekend. Hope you all have a good one.