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.

False Start

No pictures. Alas I got bigger than my britches and decided to try and get in a few more rows. Yup, you guessed it. Screwed up, tinked back, dropped a few stitches. Now it's back to the begining. But a true athlete never gives up. Maybe tomorrow some pictures, including a lifeline!

Ready, Set..........Knit

Are you knitting for the Olympics yet? I cast on my lace Flower Basket Shawl this morning. I'm going to need all the cheers and support from the sidelines on this one. I'm a little cocky right now as I am up to row 20 without a lifeline. Only because I felt I had to bring it to work to cast on and forgot about the lifeline. So, should I continue or hold up until I get it home? Only time will tell.

More later...I'm at work, remember!

Returned

Back from the unreal city they call Vegas. All I can say is WOW! They aren't kidding when they say it's a city that never sleeps. There are people everywhere, all the time. Constant noise. Hot, I mean really hot. It's a big fantasy land for adults.I guess I can say I've been. Will I go back? Well I think there are other places I would rather go. A few pictures of the sites.

I didn't get much knitting done. I pulled out my sock on the plane only to find that my needle had broken. I don't know how, it was in my carry on bag and not overly packed. But there it was, broken, so that project was a bust. I of course had another project in my luggage and I managed to get in a bit of it during some of the conference. But when not actually in sessions we were at the pool and since it was so hot most of the time we spent in the water. So not much knitting there either. I made some progress on my BYOB. I will say that between the cotton yarn and the seemingly endless seed stitch this is not one of my favorite knits. It is pretty though and very practical so I'll get to finishing it soon.

When I returned I did find a package from my Sock Yarn from Your Stash (3) swap partner. It was some package! A Stitch and Pitch tote bag, a ladybug project bag filled with tools, a ladybug mitten pattern, stationary, yummy treats and tea. The yarn I recieved was from Pagewood Farms, a beautiful colorway called Crayon, bamboo/merino blend. Oh so pretty. I'm looking forward to knitting with it. This swap has been so much fun. I've "met" great people and received unbelievable packages. I'm thinking I may do round 5, if there is one. Check out the group on Ravelry.

Looks like I'm knitting up some sweaters for the greyhounds soon. A knitting buddy sent me the link to these sweaters and I think they are so cute. Awaiting word on what colors will suit Peaches and Zip and then I'll get started. Can't have cold puppies this winter!

Quickie!

A quick post about my quick project. Last week found me looking for a new project. I wanted something fairly quick and easy. I had bought yarn at WEBS for the Lucy Bag (scroll down a bit to see the pattern)and I decided to give it a go. Nice easy project with great results. I started just a week ago and today it's sitting outside enjoying the sun and drying. I think this as well as some of the other patterns from Two Old Bags will make great Christmas presents.

I made it in Cascade 220 in a deep red, the picture is pretty true to the color. I like the results. Now I need to pick another one or two fairly simple projects for the upcoming plane ride/conference. Socks will be one, not sure of the other. I'm positive I can find plenty to choose from!

Vet2B is on his second week of his rotation here. I'll be sad to see him go, I'm not sure when we'll see each other for a while. We haven't been able to spend a bunch of time together as he has been at the clinic long hours and exhausted with the heat and work. I'm thinking large animals may be not his thing. He does enjoy the small animals and teaching pet parents so I think that is what he will end up doing. Time will tell. M is loving her new job at the Seeing Eye Dog Foundation. She can't wait to get to work every day, a very good thing!

Off to pack. I have to try and get organized, I have to be one of the world's worst packers. I never think I have enough clothes. I'm trying to be thoughtful about what I bring and mix and match so fewer clothes end up in the suitcase. I'm off early Wednesday morning. You all have a good week and I'll be back soon!

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!