Scarves and Shawls

I haven't posted anything about the Sausalito scarf since my last trip to the frog pond. (deep sigh) Well, it is FINISHED! and I love it!!!! The scarf is feather-light and oh-so-soft. I am very pleased with it. :-) If this yarn isn't in your LYS yet, it will be soon!

Now that I am done with the Sausalito scarf, I needed something else to work on during TV-time with hubby. So I started my 10th (yes, TENTH!) Peggy Shawl, designed by Jackie E-S of HeartStrings Fiber Arts. Jackie describes this shawl as "An easier-than-it-looks triangle shawl featuring feathered radiating columns of subtly textured lace." And it is easier-than-it-looks! I recently taught a class featuring this pattern to a group of knitters who had not yet accrued much experience in knitting. Their results are impressive!

I love learning!

Yesterday afternoon was my day to work at the quilt shop. Had a good day, got a lot done. Then realized that last night was the class on Cathedral Window Quilts. I had notice this class when the class list was being drawn up and was mildly intrigued, then promptly forgot all about it. Then Brooke arrived at closing time to set up for the class. Don't know what grabbed me, but I immediately called my Mr. Wonderful, told him he could say "no" and promptly gave him all the reasons to say "yes." He so didn't mind if I took that class so I did. Here is completed step 1:

Doesn't look like much, yet! My completed step 2 didn't photograph well because of the black fabric and not-so-great lighting, so Peggy held hers up for me. Here it is, although it is not yet pressed:

And here is the first completed "window" -

far from perfect but a lot more fun than I thought it would be. And please don't tell my daughter-in-law that this means I am learning the basics of applique!!!! She has always encouraged me to learn and I have dug in my heels. I'm thinking I might like it!!!!

I will another picture when I get the other 10 "windows" done.

One last trip to the frog pond!

Well, I think I have finally found a lace stitch that I am satisfied with. But when charting it, I made a mistake, and so, for the first several repeats I made a mistake. Throws the whole thing off. So will frog this one last time, and then I think I am ready to make - AND FINISH - this scarf. Still enjoying this yarn and it is still forgiving. I think Crystal Palace has a real winner with this Sausalito!

Rip-it, Rip-it

When, oh when, am I going to be satisfied with a lace motif? Had about 7" done and just frogged it all - again! Wonder how much more this yarn is going to forgive me? I've frogged a ton of times already. (deep sigh). Maybe I'll go through a stitch dictionary and see if something strikes me . . . hmmmmmmm.

On another note, I made two blocks today for the 2012 raffle quilt for the Goodtime Quilters Guild of Circleville. Each star is the Ohio Block and, if I remember correctly, there are to be about 72 blocks in this quilt. I also finished quilting a shop sample. Will take it in and have the "Binding Queen" - Pat - bind it. AND, I got the directions written up for the Double Diamond class I get to teach at the GTQ retreat in March. Is it a sin to have this much fun??

OK, back to the stitch book.

Back to the Frog Pond

Got up this morning and picked up my knitting. Decided I wasn't all that thrilled with the stitch I had chosen to ripped it all out. Started again. Once it is blocked, I think I will like the "new" stitch better. It's hard to see the lace in this picture, but after it is blocked, the lace should be much more visible.

Love Sausalito!

Well, I started playing with the new ball of Sausalito yarn from Crystal Palace Yarns last night! Love it, love it, love it. I am working on a very easy lacy scarf but keep changing my mind how I want it to look. Sausalito holds up well to frogging! lol But I now have about 4 inches done and I love the drape or "hand" and I am pleased with how soft the scarf feels. I'm still thinking this yarn would make great socks.

New yarn to play with!

My goodness - 2 posts in one day!!! I received a ball of yarn in the mail from Crystal Palace Yarns. It's their new Sausalito yarn and I can't wait to play with it. It's really soft - and durable, with fiber content of 80% Merino Wool and 20% Nylon. I am going to play with a lacy scarf but I am thinking this would make nice socks, too. The good news is that first shipments of the yarn should arrive mid to late February - in other words - SOON!

Will try to post progress of the scarf. Think I'll make another mug of tea and start knitting!

Never say never!

My dear daughter-in-law, Mary, and a friend, Holly, have decided they are going to make the Dear Jane quilt. They suggested I join them and my response was, "never! no way, no how!" Wellllllllllll, they have completed their first block and posted about it on their new blog, OurHoppyPlace.com, and I now I am intrigued. I am going to have to try. Need first to decide my colorway and Mary is my color expert. She and my son just left to celebrate their anniversary and will be gone a few days, so may need to wait till she gets back. However, that block is SO calling to me that I may have to start without her.

Be sure to go to their blog by clicking on the word "blog" and check their progress! You might even want to be a "follower" of their blog.