Lovely Rita . .

Yesterday was a pretty lovely day overall.  I woke up way too late because I was hoping to finish my Faraway So Close shawl . . . but those 400'ish stitches on the needle required for the ruffle proved to be just too much for me and I had to call it quits around 1 a.m. (I know . . . I NEVER am awake at that hour!).  I'm knitting her out of Järbo Duo (the body in colorway 41025, and the ruffle in colorway 41001).

I finally finished the knitting last night, and she really is a beauty . . .

 

So, several ends to sew in, a good soaking, and a light blocking, and she'll be good to go.  She's a prayer shawl, ready to hug a lovely lady who is in need of prayer--prayer for strength, healing, stamina, understanding, and grace.  I'll be praying for her every day, and hope you will too.

 I attended my friend, Rita's, wedding shower yesterday.  She's a sweet, sweet girl who is marrying a sweet, sweet guy!  I wish her a lifetime of happiness!

And because I just don't have enough on the needles now anyway, I started a new pair of socks last night as I listened to podcasts (one of my favorites, Yarn on Tap).  I've never done an afterthought heel, and really want to try it.  I'm only about an inch up the foot, so I've a ways to go, but I'll let you know how it goes.  Should be fun.  I'm using some beautiful Shoppel Wolle Flying Saucer in the Planet Kiwi colorway.  This is the perfect yarn for knitting two socks at a time on one circular needle (my preferred method, resulting in no second sock syndrome, which I'm totally subject to!!)!  Gotta love it.

And I'm sewing the ruffle on the gorgeous Lace Ruffle Blanket from the Winter 2011/2012 Vogue Knitting.  Totally and completely the most gorgeous afghan ever!  The body is done in a stockinette stitch, which was a little boring, but it went so quickly using a super bulky Encore Mega in a dark grey colorway.  So lovely and squishy, and the dark grey is super elegant.  The second I finish this I'll post a picture.  I don't want to enable too much in one post--once you see this finished you'll be running to get the yarn to make her up yourself--she's gorgeous!!

On the work front, it's almost kicking my kabootie . . . but not quite.  I am so b.l.e.s.s.e.d. because I love what I'm doing and with whom I'm doing it!  I work with the nicest people on the planet!!  For real, the nicest.people.on.the.planet!  I'm getting my feet on the ground with the volume, and I love the successes!  The hard work is so worth it!

Sunday morning and I have places to be.  So I'm out of here.  See ya next time!

xoxo

What are you thankful for?

Where do I start?  There is so much for which I'm thankful, not the least of which is the privilege of living in a country where there is so much to be thankful for.  Don't get me wrong . . . we're not perfect here.  But I've done my share of traveling, and I wouldn't trade America for anywhere I've been! 

I'm thankful for wonderful, true friends; a family that is so there for me and that loves me unconditionally; and a job I love, working with the coolest people on earth!!  My blessings seem to multiply every day!

My prayer for you today, and everyday, is may the Lord bless keep you!  Thank you for being my friend!

xoxo

Mother bear project . . .

We awoke to wet earth, cool breezes, and gray skies today.  It rained during the night last night, heavily during the day today, and the skies are now opened up and the rain is coming down in torrents.  We're so glad to see it.  I can't remember a time when it's been more parched and we have needed rain more. 

I finished the three bears for the Mother Bear Project today.  They are sweet, and I'm particularly happy to know they'll be going halfway around the world to bring a sweet child some happiness.  My prayers are going with them.

Rowan was glad the bears were done too, and wanted to give them a happy, loving send off:

Her cheeerleader bunny made great friends with the bears!  She was happy to give up the bears after loving them up.  Such a sweet girl.

I'm making soap tomorrow night.  Not for myself, and not for sale, but rather for a co-worker who is organizing a church retreat.  I was glad she asked about my soap, and glad I can do something to bring some cheer to women who are on a spiritual journey.  Retreats are for pampering, showing love, supporting, encouraging, uplifting . . . so I'm glad I have an opportunity to share a little bit with others.

My friend, Terry, was the winner of a fleece from a podcaster, Meghan, from the Stitchit Podcast.  How fun is that??  Congratulations, Terry.  I'm glad you won it--it will have a good home with you and will become something beautiful, I'm sure.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I haven't finished the Humbug Hoodie I'm knitting for my niece, Stacy's little boy, JD!!  So tonight I'm seaming the sides and making an I-cord for the drawstring.  Sheesh . . . I don't know why I dislike finishing so much! 

Time to get ready for my week. I'm so blessed--I love my job and am so, so, so thankful for it!!  

Hope your week is perfect!

xoxo

"Little Red in the City" . . .

I bought this book by Ysolda Teague a couple of weeks ago.  One of my biggest problems knitting sweaters for myself, and others, is that they just don't fit the way they should.  Well, Ysolda solves that problem by teaching the reader how to measure, how to alter, and how to knit some fit into your patterns.  I'm drawn to several of the patterns--Cria looks super comfy; Lauriel is so versatile--it's going to be hard to pick just one out.

In the meantime, I need to finish up Humbug Hood I'm making for my niece's little guy, J.D.; I have "vanilla" socks on the needle ready to turn the heel; I have a cute little vest almost finished for Miss Rowan; and I'm doing a linen stitch scarf that's slow going, but oh so beautiful!! 

So what's on your needles?

xoxo

Saying thanks . . .

Sunday, June 26^th

I’ve been enjoying my Friday mornings going to school with my granddaughter and being the “extra” adult in the room while her ballet class is being taught.  I’d never met Rowan’s ballet teacher, Ms. Allison, because I managed to get my calendar mixed up and missed her recital (can you believe that???)!  Thankfully, her mom and dad took lots of pictures.

 And seeing the class on Fridays has been a real treat.

 A couple of Fridays ago while watching Rowan's ballet class, I was casting on a little shawl  and decided that it was meant for Ms. Allison.

(Note: Summerflies by Donna Griffin (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-flies) in Filatura Lanarota Soft Silk (50% merino, 50% silk) in white)

So . . . since I won’t be able to be with Ms. Allison anymore because I’m starting my new job tomorrow morning, I sent Summerflies with Rowan to deliver to Ms. Allison with my thanks for being such a great teacher!  I hope she loves it!!

xoxo