A Little Yarn On The Side

Sleeves seem like such small things--you don't cast on many stitches, and only add more stitches gradually, so occasionally an unwary knitter is foolishly sucked into believing that she could finish a sleeve in one day. That, however, is not really the case. Today I have spent WAY more time than I care to admit working on the first sleeve, and I'm not even at the half-way mark. All that knitting completely wore Theo out, so I was able to get some cat-free shots of the Fir Cone shawl now that it is blocked. It's not quite square, and no matter how I pinned it, the edging doesn't lay completely flat--it would probably have been good to skip a few stitches on each side. But, it's still a lovely shawl that will look fine when it's worn. A few close-ups for detail: And now I'm going to go do something--anything--as long as it doesn't involve sleeves!

As of 6:00 PM on Saturday, the front & back of Andy's sweater are done and the shoulder seams are done and the first sleeve has been cast on. 3 days left in the month....... ....and really, don't you think this whole "sleep" thing is overrated anyway??????

So, there are 4 days left in the month and I'm to here: on Andy's sweater, which translates into almost at the division for the neck on the front of the sweater. I have the rest of the front, 2 sleeves, and the collar to do in 4 days. What are the odds?

Early this morning, my trusty sidekick and I washed the finished Fir Cone shawl, with Theo stopping briefly to smell some flowers I received for my birthday a couple weeks ago, though he was on-hand to make sure there were no washing disasters, as this wool does felt if you stare at it too hard. And voila! Finished WIP # 9 in a row!!!! YAY!!!!!! Andy's sweater might get a little quality time this week after all.....

I am this: close to being done with WIP #9!!!!! AND, I'm still loving the pattern--Fir Cone by Cheryl Oberle. Love it, love it, love it! For a little bit, I thought I might be creating a blanket, but folded in half, it will make a reasonable shawl. For those of you who remember that September was going to be Knitting For Men Month....I still have 7 days left and I believe in Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and knitting miracles--probably in that order.

I have rounded the third corner and am on the home stretch!!!! Finished WIP number 9 is so close I can almost taste it...... ......which would probably be distinctly awful as it's wool and wet wool generally stinks, so it would most likely taste really bad.... ....but you get the idea.... ....must...go....knit....

It's late September, and about the time that the true crafter creates an insane list of projects that she really thinks she can complete by Christmas morning. Luckily, I am on a knitting WIP marathon and CANNOT cast on any new knitting. Boy, I didn't think I'd ever be glad to say THAT. I did, however, work on my part of the friends/family Christmas gifts. Andy and I have decided to alternate years with who makes the gifts, and this is his year. I did promise some nice bags to go along with his woodworking creations, so tonight I made this: It's made from a wonderful black & red brocade that ravels like crazy, and I don't like the gold ribbon drawstring, but aside from that, I think it's a decent prototype. I decided to go ahead and cut out the rest of them and Theo had claimed the lining. I got in about an hour of knitting today and he completely ignored me. I turn on the sewing machine and WHAMMO! Obviously, all crafts are not created equal in kittyl...