Swallowtail - FO

This was a *very* nice pattern to knit. It took concentration, lifelines, tinking and some cussing. I also had to figure out really how loose to knit the nupps - but I loved knitting it and how it turned out.


The yarn is Classic Elite - Silky Alpaca Lace. The needles I used were Bryspun circs #4 and cast of with #6. Since the needles are white (well, sort of creamy color) it was easy enough to see the yarn. I must confess that I do have a great Verilux lamp that I sit under. Otherwise it might, no, it would be much more difficult to see.

Mods - I knit 19 repeats of the budding lace using LittleBerryKnits numbers and method. It was so easy with her great directions.

A little closer view

Nupps!

Now the conundrum is what to knit next?!

FO: Juno Regina

Juno Regina was a great knit! I used KnitPicks Gloss and #5 Options Harmony needles.

Using the blocking wires -

Standing in the backyard

Worn as a wrapThis was a pleasure to knit, well maybe not the 42" in the middle.... but the diamond patterns on the ends were very intuitive. And using the blocking wires for the first time - I think the end result is great. What do you think?

Out with the old and an FO

And in with the new... fireplace screen, that is.

The old:

The naked...

The new:

In use:

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh. Where's the hot chocolate?


Here is hubby in his finished Cobblestone:

The yarn is Sirdar Country DK and the gauge was 22 sts = 4" so I had to fudge the numbers for a size that fit. I think it came out pretty well. Whew. There was a lot of stockinette but the short row shaping held my interest.

I think Jim will stay warm and I hope you do too.

FO: Baby Sweater

After we finished the Mahler concerts, I took a week to go to NY and visit Mom. She is doing well.

I also visited my cousin (on the right) at his new home:

And got some knitting in:

This is a One Piece Baby Sweater. I used Hobby Lobby's new "I Love This Yarn" - but I don't really love it. I think there are other acrylics that are softer. However, it will be very easy care for the new Mama and hopefully fit the baby when it starts to get cool here.

I also developed bronchitis again (remember last year?!). Not at all fun. The Dr gave me loads of pharmaceuticals to drive it out. We'll see - so far not so good. I am on bed rest for another day .... I haven't even knit for 4 days - you KNOW I am under the weather!

Wallis Cardigan was coming along well in NY - both fronts are almost done. Hopefully I will feel like knitting later today.

We are awaiting the rains and winds from hurricane Ike. I need to go the grocery store for a few things to tide us over. Maybe tomorrow I can get out. We won't get anything like the Texas coast. but still will have some effects.

FO: BYOB

It is fini!!!

I love how this bag came out, but the seed stitch drove me crazy. (I am now glad I didn't knit the Minimalist Cardi - it is all seed stitch. Aaaargh!) I used the old Cotton Ease from my stash and knit on #3 and #6 Options. Yes, being a loose woman, er, knitter, I always have to go waaaaaaaaaay down.

The first picture looks like a truer representation of the colors. The fabric is nice and tight, so I am hoping it won't stretch like some other knitters' have.

On to the next project - I have been rethinking the Wallis Cardigan and decided to knit it. When I was talking to one of the ladies at my LYS, she was saying how flattering that type of design is for many body types - I'm hoping she is right and it won't accentuate the parts I usually try to camouflage.

So today, after I make some Mahler reeds, practice the millions of notes in the symphony that I still cannot play, have some lunch with the girls and teach a boatload of students, I will swatch.

Enjoy your day ~

FO Basic Cranberry Cardigan

I know, it has been quite a while since I posted. Life has been extra-ordinarily busy. Just when I think it can't get any more, something else pops up and I am sucked up into the vortex. I am not complaining - just explaining why I have been delinquent in visiting you and posting here.

• I did finish something: Basic Black Cardigan. (Well, cranberry, not black) Since Magknits is no longer available :-( I cannot link the pattern.

Here is one pic:

And another:

• I realized my gauge was too big and so is the cardi. I have someone in mind I think would like it and can wear it, so all is not lost. I used Sirdar Country DK in Cranberry and Options #5 (should have used #4 and knit the smaller size). Oh well, I gained a bunch of experience and really am happy overall with how it turned out. I might even knit it again in a nice cotton blend.

• My husband's socks will be done in no time now - just the toes to finish. It should only be a day or two for those. The dilemma is what to knit next? Do you go through the indecisiveness and angst when trying to make the decision too?

• We just received the news from our accountant about our taxes and I am now on a yarn diet. But the reality is that I am in the market for a new oboe (KaChing) at the same time as our tax fate was being deduced, so new yarn will be on hold for a while. Good thing that vortex is whirling around us since we will be sending Uncle Sam a chunka chunka change. I hope your taxes come out more advantageous for you than ours did for us.

Have a good rest of the week, dear fellow knitties and I will try to stop by for a visit.

FO: Bamboozle

FINI!!

Bamboozle Lace Panel Tunic knit in Gedifra California, color #3111, tobacco - 8 skeins, on #6 KP Options.

Began November 07, finished February 08

And it even fits!

Bach and the Bolero

Last week was another hectic one, I performed the Bach Double Concerto at one of the music club meetings. Sarah, the violinist was great. Emily, our pianist was great, and Ceci the oboist - well, I should not toot my own horn. :-) Let's just say I was quite pleased with the performance.

Then we had symphony rehearsals and performance on the weekend. And on Tuesday, I subbed for a friend on oboe 2 and d'amore 2 in the Bach Magnificat. It has been quite a ride. Things calm down now and I can get in more knitting.

Ah, speaking of knitting, here is the Bolero!!!!

I began it on April 18 and finished May 9.

Specs: Sirdar pattern #8706, Luxury Cotton DK, #4 KP options circs

On to the next project ........

FO!!!

Well, here it is! This is from Garn Studio Drops Design, #94-27. I used Queensland Collection "Maldives" and #4 needles.

My journey began in April 2006 when I knit the back and sleeves. I hit a roadblock at the front pieces and put it away until last month. I was able to get some guidance from Sillyewe for those front pieces and was determined to finish! Then you all helped me in the finishing process - thank you!

The grand finale was this morning at about 10:00 a.m. It is quite amazing to me that it fits and looks pretty decent too! My disappointment is that I was hoping it would make me look young and thin like the model :-)

Ready and willing to jump right into the next project, I chose CeCe from Chicknits. Then I started looking at the new Drops designs for spring and summer and fell in love with this:

It is design #101-32. The lace has four different sections (and 2 extremely confusing charts) so it will take some major deciphering on my part. I think I can do it!!! I bought this yummy Berry colored Cotton Ease to use.

Oh Yikes!! I just saw this one:

#100-26

Egads!! Now what am I going to do???????

Thursday morning I am on a plane to NY to see Mom. Since her house is not wired, I won't take the latptop and will be off line until the next Tuesday. I guess I could find some WiFi access, but I thought since I play a Bach Concerto in 2 weeks, I think it is wiser to take my oboe instead to get in some good practicing.

And I will of course take my knitting - but which one?!

FO and a Birthday Bag, Symphony Report

Thanks for the birthday wishes. It was really nice and being middle aged isn't so bad. Like my Mom says, consider the alternative!

Here are my socks from my all-time favorite pattern "Embossed Leaves."

I used KnitPicks Gloss in Dusk and #2 DPNs. I knit one less pattern repeat on the foot since I wear a size 6.

I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these socks!!

Laura and I went shopping today at a local consignment shop and she got herself a great bag -

Boas and Polka dots!!! And the lining has little girls in poodle skirts!!

Too Fun.

Last symphony, we performed the Elgar Cello Concerto with Amanda Forsyth. She was remarkable. And you should have seen the men's heads turn when she walked in. She is a drop-dead gorgeous woman who is a fantastic cellist! Way to go, Amanda!!!!

We turned in a good performance on the brahms as well. It was a harrowing week, but the final product was good. Whew!

Next week is crazy with Palm Sunday and numerous rehearsals and performances crammed into 3 days. I will write more if I survive next weekend.

A good thing to look forward to during the week of craziness - Silly Ewe and I are working together :-)

Enjoy the rest of this one.