Practice Sock / Shawl

Since one of my next projects is going to be knitting some socks, I have been busy making a practice sock, and, although I had to redo the heel several times, I think it came out pretty good. I have also been busy knitting a shawl. Originally it was for my sister to take on our cruise to Alaska, but it is a little small. The pattern was only to use one skein, but I used two and it still wasn't big enough. Therefore, I am giving it to my granddaughters.

I am still trying to finish the shrug for Britney, have started a felted tote, and am trying out a sock pattern my daughter, Tina, created. Hope to finish the shrug before I go to Alaska next week, although it is hard to put down the other items I am working on. I have, however, finished one of the blankets I was crocheting, and started another for one of the five babies that are due this year!!!!!

Cassidie's sweater / Linus Blankets

Here it is, finally finished!!! For my first sweater, I think it looks (and fits!) pretty good. I have also been crocheting blankets for the Linus Project. My Red Hat group donates blankets to needly families, shelters, Katrina victims, etc. Here are pictures of two of the blankets that are in progress.

I am also working on my second pair of convertible mittens, as well as a shrug for Britney, and another felted purse. Wait!!!!! I thought I was going to attack those socks next. Oh, well. They will come, don't worry.

Felted Bag / Convertible Mittens

I finally took pictures of my felted bag and convertible mittens. I am now on my way to sew Cassidie's sweater together and start on a pair of socks. Yippee!!

Felted bag

I finished felting my bag this weekend!!!! It looks fabulous!! Need to take time to take a picture so you can see it. Still blocking Cassidie's sweater--my blocking board only fits one piece at a time and I have had to reblock several pieces. Bummer! Am almost finished my second convertible mitten (the left hand). I have had to "tink" (knit backwards or take out) several times. Once because I was making another right hand mitten and another because once I had gotten past the thumb I tried it on and the thumb was in the wrong place (after I took this out and restarted, I realized I had tried it on my right hand instead of my left and it was correct all along!!! How stupid of me!!)

Knitting on / Knitting Club

I have finally finished Cassidie's sweater but have not been able to find time to block it. On Knitty Gritty they showed these wonderful Blocking Wires. Originally, I heard they were really expensive. I searched for them on the internet and, low and behold, I found some at a really good price. I found them at Angelika's Yarn Store in Oregon, www.yarn-store.com. Search under Blocking Boards and supplies. They are called Blockers Kit for $24.00!!!!!!! I just received them today and they look fabulous. Now I have to make time to block the sweater.

I have almost finished a purse that I will be felting. Can't wait to try my hand at that.

My next project is socks. I have ordered some sock yarn from Knit Picks (www.KnitPicks.com) and it looks really good. It is Essential Solid and was only $3.29 a skein! They also have great circular needles as well as dpns (they are like the Addi turbo). Oh, I also love their needle sets.

I am been very busy this week babysitting for three kids--5 year old, 3 year old, and a 1 year old. No, I am not crazy. It is only for two hours a day and for only this week. Thank goodness. They are good kids, so it actually is fun.

I also have two afghans that I am crocheting. I haven't touched them in about a month, so I guess I need to find time to work on them also.

Went to a new Knitting Club last night. There was a woman there by the name of Amy who was on Knitty Gritty (DIY Network) yesterday. Unfortunately, most of the people in the group do not get DIY Network so they weren't able to see her. It was a pretty nice group. Claire and I met a lot of interesting women as well as men!!! There are so many knitting clubs in this area I will never find time to visit them all. We also found out about a new yarn store that just opened up called A Tangled Skein. They have a web site so check them out: www.atangledskein.com. I understand they have wonderful yarn. Can't wait to go and visit.

Update on Cassidie's sweater

Cassidie, my granddaughter, has been visiting with me since Saturday, March 31. We have gone to the movies and swimming pool and done a lot of knitting. I have almost finished the sleeves of her sweater and am also working on finishing the front. Guess it is a little late for the winter, so she will have to wait until November to wear it.

I have found four knitting groups in my area. They meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, the 1st Thursday, and the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays and Thursdays. I have only been to one as yet, but hope to visit the rest of them this month. Happy knitting!!!

Knitting Club

Whoa, the weather is scorching; almost 80 degrees yesterday!!! Isn't this still March? I have been home for a week after visiting my daughter in Michigan for a month and haven't unpacked everything yet. What to do, what to do. I have four boxes of yarn in the trunk of my car just waiting for me to use it. After seeing my four grandchildren and getting caught up, I have made some time to knit!!! I went to my first knitting club in Maryland last night at La Madeleine in Rockville. It is a full service restaurant with lots of atmosphere. I met Morgan and Pam. Morgan also hosts another knitting club in downtown Silver Spring where more people attend. Knitting clubs are the best. You learn lots of knitting techniques as well as where to buy great yarn! I learned about a yarn shop in Rockville in King Farm named Woolwinders. Hope to visit it soon.