Almost Time

I thought this day would never get here. I waited and waited. Patiently. Don't laugh. I am capable of patient, even if more often I hope/desire instant gratification. I mean, I wouldn't be a knitter if I wasn't capable of patience, right??

Anyway, I'm not talking about knitting, yet. It's time for the Spinning Retreat at the Old Orchard Inn this weekend! Woot!! I'm excited. Can't you tell? Ha! I've never been to one of these before but it's going to be great, I just know it. I'm planning on coming home to sleep in my own bed at night but a bit of extra driving doesn't seem like much of a sacrifice. My wheel is ready to go; I'm just contemplating which fibre to bring with me. Something easy that won't give me grief when I keep stopping to gawk at what everyone else is spinning? Or something more challenging, so other, more experienced spinners can give me tips and suggestions for a better learning experience? One thing I really want to learn this weekend is to Navaho ply. Ohhh, I'm so excited!

So now about the knitting. Yesterday I cast off from my latest blanket. It's a big (very) square based on the Barn Raising Quilt by Larissa Brown . It was originally designed as a fundraising project back in 2009 for Doctors Without Borders. It's super-simple, the single block. I just kept going and knitting until I ran out of yarn (and space on my needles) that I was stash busting. It's lap blanket size, and I intend on adding some sort of knitted on lace edging to make it lay flat. Because I used worsted/bulky yarn, the center has a bigger whole than you would get if you were using sock yarn so I plan on attaching a flower of sorts to cover it. Big plans. Photos when the whole thing is finished.

Since I wasn't in the mood to go digging for the pattern for that lace edging, I started knitting the very simple Prohibition Shawl. I'm about halfway done. I'm using Red Heart Cozy Wool, which is 70% acrylic(gasp)/30% wool which will make it machine washable, on size 9mm needles. It's cushy and drapey. And it's a stunning raspberry red. Not something the Prohibitionists would have approved of, but then again it's my shawl. (If I wasn't so mature and of that certain age, I'd stick my tongue out.) It's going to be lovely. I just have to think up what yarn to use for the I-cord trim. I'm not going to buy any fur yarn, just so we're clear on that! I do have this fluffy white yarn but that would scream Mrs. Claus a bit too loud. Maybe something in a brown or black with some texture. Yeah, that sounds good. Again, photo to follow.

Hey, did you notice the absence of photos on this blog? Yes, me too. Lazy. Must fix that! So here's a snap shot I took this morning. Enjoy your weekend!