Good Morning Everyone!
The holiday season is officially here, I wish the snow would arrive, the lights look so much nicer. A big THANK-YOU to those of you who were able to stop by on Small Business Saturday to help me launch the beginning of the holiday shopping season and the ANNUAL DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY RAFFLE. I had a fantastic day and was excited to see so many of you. The lighting of Taylor Park was a wonderful way to end the day. Actually that Gin and Tonic in the lounge at Jeff's was the perfect way to celebrate a terrific day. I can't wait for the snow to fall, Taylor Park will look even more beautiful lit up at night with a blanket of snow, I'll be patient....
I know you're probably sick and tired of seeing posts about my steeked sweater, I'm ready for a change too. You'll be happy to know that it's finally dry, all I have left to do is sew in the ribbon and attach the buttons. I stopped by Joann's on the Williston Road Sunday, the store is huge! They have a decent selection of ribbon, not exactly what I was hoping for, but I found something that will work. I should have bought the 7/8" ribbon and not the 1 1/2", I'm not thrilled with how it looks, but at this point, I think I'll just roll with it. I really wanted to find an embroidered, woven ribbon with a pretty design, I wound up with orange grosgrain. Maybe I'll like it better once I have it sewn in. Anything will be better than that unfinished edge which looks terrible. The crocheted edge didn't accomplish what I'd hoped. As a matter of fact, I was able to pull some of it out which made me super happy that I'd sewn my steek. Hopefully I'll have my sweater finished and ready to wear for tomorrow evening's Stitch and Bitch.
I'm super excited to report I've been able to make some fantastic progress on the raglan cardigan I was asked to finish that didn't have a pattern. Often times, it does take a village, and I'm thankful to Andra and Kathleen this time around. Kathleen suggested I look at a pattern called Fountain for some direction regarding the sleeve, it has proven to be the missing piece of the puzzle. Between the handwritten instructions that are for an entirely different gauge with a cable and the Fountain, I've been able to successfully knit a sleeve that will fit into the existing raglan opening. If any of you have ever looked at another knitter's "notes" while they are knitting, it's like reading Greek. Often times I go back to my own notes and have no idea what I was doing. Imagine picking up someone else's sweater and trying to figure out how something has been done and what's next. I am quite proud that I was able to finish this sweater for Shirley, it's going to make someone's Christmas very special. With any luck, I will have this project finished up so I can put it in the mail and surprise Gordon. Did I mention the best part? I found several labels that read "Handknit by Shirley" I cannot wait to sew in that wonderful little detail.
I'm trying to decide what to knit next, I certainly have lots to choose from. I'm thinking the Pressed Flowers cardigan should definitely be one of them, I can't wait to see how the yarn from Junction Fiber Mill knits up into those pretty little flowers. I'd also like to start a cabled sweater with my Green Mountain Spinnery alpaca and merino blend from my Contrast Book. There's also the Spot Sweater using Vivian Acres mohair and wool, SO MANY CHOICES!! That's just the tip of the iceberg, I have yarn for Golden Fern, Whitehorse, Foxthoughts, Manarola. I think I need to breathe into a paper bag....the thought of all those pretty sweaters just waiting for me. And let's not forget my Emsworth vest that has been PATIENTLY waiting for me. I think I just answered my own question, that vest is GORGEOUS and needs to be finished. I'm still going to wind up a couple of skeins for the Pressed Flowers just to entice me...
We will be meeting tomorrow evening from 6-7:30 for Stitch and Bitch, I hope you can join in the fun. Make it a great day, I'll see you soon!
Katy