March Madness!!!

Good Morning Everyone!

We've made it to March, which means nothing lol...the promise of Spring? Spring, such a fickle little season, one that definitely likes to arrive late, if at all. Just about this time, each year, I revisit my childhood PTSD regarding Easter dresses. It could have completely been avoided had my Mimi decided to knit me a new Easter sweater instead of making me a frilly new dress. The pretty little Easter dress that required the wearing of long underwear in order to stay warm. It's almost as traumatizing as the Halloween costume you can't see underneath the snow suit, life in Vermont...no wonder I've learned to embrace sweaters so much, pure survival mode. The temperatures may be slow to move up, but I can't complain about the amount of daylight we're getting again, YAY!!! Did anyone see the lunar eclipse this morning? It was super cool and wasn't visible for very long. I was hoping to get a nice shot of it from the overlook, but it had disappeared before Bernie and I could get out the door.

I've been diligently working away on my Brookline sweater, the back is done and the front is more than halfway finished! This sweater is going to be a true test of my talents, it's in pieces...the challenge of course is making the pieces so they fit together, mirror images. So far, it appears that I can accurately follow directions and most importantly, haven't deviated, a true testament to the designer, Asa. I did make a bit of a mountain out of a molehill with my description of the increase/decrease sections, they aren't so bad (mainly because I didn't screw it up). Paying attention to the details makes all the difference, and in this case, reading ahead. This particular pattern had one of those annoying bold faced NOTES "Please read through the next section carefully." Hinting at the the fact that you will be shaping each side at the same time and will need to keep track of each separately. I heeded the warning, made cryptic notes and accomplished the required shaping of the sleeves, TA DAH! It's just like Sandy says, "just do what it says." I find very little more gratifying than accurately deciphering the nuances of a knitting pattern.

The KAL Gals met on Saturday, lots of progress and pretty vests on the needles. We have decided to pick our next project from Laine's latest issue 28. Several of us are interested in knitting Clara https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/clara-26 there is also interest in Honeymist https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/honeymist I have the issue, it is filled with absolutely stunning designs, they always are. You could also knit the Brookline, there are lots of useful skills to develop while knitting this sweater. Ideally I'd like everyone to knit the same project, that is the purpose of a KAL, but I'm not always one for following the rules. So let me know if you're interested in joining.

Speaking of joining, I have started a Facebook page dedicated solely to KAL. What's very strange is that I am having trouble inviting people to join it, I couldn't invite Carrie which is completely weird. If you want to be included in the group, let me know and I will make it happen. My hope is that some of you who aren't able to join us physically, could post pictures and participate from a distance. It would also serve as a forum to ask questions and get help from the group. I think this is a terrific idea, I can't believe I didn't think of this sooner, that's why I have all of YOU!!!

I've posted the MARCH Hat of the Month pattern, did you see it? Once again it uses worsted weight (hoping several of you will use the Chic) and this time, it's an all over textured, patterned hat, SUPER CUTE, AGAIN!! I've seen several Cold Hearts Hats completed, what a beautiful job you did! I absolutely love mine! What's even better, I am able to wear my hats out on my walks now, I don't need my headlamp hat any longer. The irony, I have beautiful knit hats to wear, but am forced to wear the ugliest hat so that I can find my way through the woods. I suppose it doesn't really matter, I don't see anyone else up there, just my owl and squirrel friends, but there's just something about sporting a hand knit hat...Stop by to pick out your next hat color, I got lots.

We will be meeting tomorrow evening, Wednesday 6-7:30 for Stitch and Bitch, I hope you can join in the fun. Make it a great day and I'll see you soon! ENJOY THE SUN!!!!

Katy