Friday, May 30, 2008

Shawl FINALLY finished

I think I spent about four months knitting this shawl. It really turned out pretty, and I'm happy to report that my mom loves it, even though I didn't make the Mother's Day deadline.

The pattern is North Sea from Folk Shawls. It's a super easy pattern, but it turns out looking a lot more complicated that it is.

mothers day shawl 2

This picture gives you an indication of the size. That's a queen size bed, and it easily stretches across it.

mothers day shawl 1

This is a better representation of the colors. If I can talk my mom into it, I'll get an action shot too!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Charity Knitting

I just knit my first pair of sock for Warm Woolies. Check out their site for details, but they provide knitted garments for orphans overseas and for poor children on two reservations in South Dakota.

They ask that items be knit either in bulky weight or double-stranded worsted weight. I chose the latter for these socks, and I think it gave it a cheerful color scheme. Items should also be mostly or all wool since it does so well in cold wet weather.

warm woolies socks

If you have some extra time or yarn on your hands, what better way to use both up? This is a great cause, but you can always find something else if you like. Just google "charity knitting" and you'll find plenty to keep you busy.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Ravelry Scarf Exchange

I'm participating in the Ravelry Scarf Exchange. My knitter was Boldly. The scarf is really pretty, as you can see.

scarf exchange 1

I've finally chosen a pattern and yarn for the one I'm knitting, and I've even done about four inches. Woohoo!

If you get a chance to join a swap like this, I'd highly recommend it. It's fun to knit for a stranger. You get a chance to "get to know" someone and work on doing something they'll like. I've tried about half a dozen patterns so far before settling on one I like, and I think she'll like, as well.

Of course, one great benefit is that you do get some knitted goodies. Who can complain about that?

Monday, May 19, 2008

Miscellany

I’ll finish the shawl today, and I plan on getting up in time to block it tomorrow morning before work. I think it’s going to be really pretty, but I’m also pretty sick of working on it too. I usually don’t work on just one item at a time like I have with this one, so I think that’s made it even worse for me.

I’ve got several projects clamoring for attention. Three pairs of socks, a sweater I’m dying to start, a sweater that needs ripping back (the im-perfect sweater, it turns out), and I want to start a shawl for myself. Looks like it’s going to be a busy summer.

I promise (honest, really) to post some pictures. I’ve been so busy with the shawl, I haven’t taken time to do anything. I’ll remedy that. Promise.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Still here, or back, or whatever

I'm still around. I've not been gone, really, though I haven't felt particularly inspired to write for the blog. We do have new kittens (pics later).

I very nearly finished the North Sea shawl for my Mom's Mother's Day present. It's still in my purse, getting all the attention I can spare. That's one reason for my slacking here, so at least it's a partly good excuse.

I think I can finish in three or four days, and then I'll have plenty of pictures of the finished product.