I really have been knitting.

First of all I FINALLY crocheted an edge around my “Cozy” shawl, something I’ve been meaning to do for quite some time. It looks much better now, as I had originally opted not to knit the rows of garter stitch at the beginning and end, like the pattern called for. And when you consider this shawl has been finished for quite some time (2005), it’s amazing that I actually did this at all, since I wear it all the time. It’s one of my favourite things.

(click for bigger pic)You can see the crochet bits here. I did single crochet all around the entire shawl one time, and then on the second pass did single crochet on the sides and double crochet on the ends to give them a little more “weight”.

(click for bigger pic)And I know, I’ve never posted a photo of a person wrapped in it, and I suppose I should but instead here’s a photo of it hanging on the deck railing in all it’s glory…

(click for bigger pic)In other knitting news, Kaiti’s sweater is moving along slowly. Because it’s black and I have crappy eyesight I have to make sure to work on this in the daylight hours. Since this photo was taken I’ve sewn it all up and all that’s left is to pick up the stitches around the neck and knit the ribbed neckline.

I had her try it on at this stage just to make sure it’s exactly what she wanted, and so far… so good.

Keep your fingers crossed for me.

(click for bigger pic)Simmering in HibernationLand is Thermal. This is as far as I got with it. The yarn is small, the needles are small and quite honestly I was bored to tears going round and round and round.

I may finish it or I might frog it and use this yarn for something else. I don’t know yet. I still love the design, but I am thinking I chose the wrong yarn for this one.

WREN…

Believe it or not, I am still plugging away - slow and steady wins the race. Can’t find the photos I took, so they’ll have to wait.

I did start another project (BAD IDEA), because I had this skein of Sea Silk calling to me with her Siren song…

It’s the Woodland Shawl from THE.THRIFTY.KNITTER.

I found the pattern while digging around on Ravelry and knew I had to try it. If this is too small to be a shawl it will still make a pretty scarf.

I’ve had to stop working on her temporarily because of the meds I’ve been taking and how they are messing with my brain. The lace pattern is simple, but there is no resting row and I just knew I’d screw it up if I tried knitting while in pain AND on drugs, so I put it down for now. The thing is I even have Addi Turbo Lace needles for it, so it’s like knitting perfection.  I pick it up every day just to feel the yarn and look at the stitches.

In place of the gorgeous Woodland Shawl I’ve been knitting a little simple something I’ll show you tomorrow soon. I want to call it “The Shawl that Drugs Knit”. You’ll see what I mean soon enough…

Comments? Sticks? Stones? Applause for knitting projects FINALLY talked about?

(click for bigger pic)I just finished ball five today. This will be Lady Eleanor from Scarf Style, knit a little wider so that it’s more shawl-like in Noro Silk Garden, colour 226. I bought most of it at a 25% off sale, but foolishly didn’t pick up enough, so I paid a little more for the last 3 balls (I think I bought 14 or 15 in total). I want it as a shawl, and I want the fringe so I had to make sure there was enough yarn, since the Noro knits up slightly smaller than the recommended yarn. I am knitting fairly loosely, and added two additional repeats to the width.

The knitting goes quickly. It is repetitious, but the changing colours keep it from getting too boring. Basically, it makes great TV knitting. I’ve learned to knit backwards too, so that is also speeding the entire process along. I am managing to knit a ball a day pretty much, so if I keep up that pace the knitting will be done in fairly short order. Then there is the blocking and the fringe. I am not going to block it too harshly, I like the sort of pillowy look it has, but it needs some blocking or the wrong side will look really nasty, and let’s face it - it will show.

(click for bigger pic)A little teaser. The “It’s about freakin’ time you finished me” sweater with crocheted edge. Crab stitch, aka reverse single crochet. Frustrating to start out, but pretty fast once I got the hang of it. The yarn is interesting. Novelty yarn that is mostly mohair and wool and it was actually the thing that I was worried about the most, given my phobia about fluffy yarns. So the button placement is marked off and all that’s left is a little tweaking of the sleeves (I’ll explain more when I debut the sweater). Let’s just say I should have followed my gut instinct with regards to those sleeves.

It’s the Work in Progress report!

(click for bigger pic)First up is the “It’s about freakin’ time you finished me” sweater. When first started this sweater, I believe I used the phrase “quick knit, big yarn”. Yeah. That was pretty much a year ago.

Get it done already!

(click for bigger pic)The mystery project!

I don’t think I’ve mentioned it here before - it was started while Kaiti was in the hospital in September. It’s for a baby. Do you think you know what the pattern is?

If you do, post your answer in the comments. First correct answer gets the prize!

(click for bigger pic)Look what’s swatched and ready to go!
This could take years to knit at my speed…

It’s fingering weight yarn for an adult sweater. OMG!

Let just all keep our fingers crossed shall we? I will be like ”The Little Engine that Could”, and in a flurry of positive thinking I WILL get it done in this decade!

I will leave you with one last shot showing the cone of yarn in all it’s glory (and wow, there is a lot of it I must say). My hand is there only for comparison....

You know there are lots of people knitting this sweater and even a couple of KAL’s to inspire (me). So I know I can do this.

This weekend is a busy one - I’m working for the Variety Club Show of Hearts Telethon. Should be fun and it WILL be emotional. I am working the last 6 hours, so there is a guarantee of tears at all the last minute outpourings of donations, presentations, etc.  Guess I’ll be bringing a box of Kleenex with me!

Have a good weekend everyone!