Well, that was a while. First of all, I'm doing fine. I really don't know where the time flies to these days, but whatever is going on, it's obvious blogging isn't a priority. So, sit down with your favorite beverage and let's see if we can figure out what has been going on since the last time I posted (June 24th!!!!)
July
One of July's highlights is the local fireworks show, which this year was, sadly, rained out. I did finish quite a few knitting projects, though. Oh, and all links go to my Ravelry project pages, so you can connect from there to the patterns and/or yarns.
First, an online, local knitalong that I suspect I'm the only one that has completed so far (hope I'm wrong about that!)
- Ene's Scarf. This was the first item I ever entered into my Ravelry queue, and I'm glad I finally got around to knitting it. Such a fun pattern!
The next finish is a pretty spectacular one. My cousin's daughter is pregnant with a little girl, and I thought it would be nice to knit a Christening blanket for her. This is the same young woman I knit a wedding shawl for just last November. Since I still had a LOT of that white Zephyr left over, it seemed the perfect choice. I chose a shawl pattern with a big garter stitch center, suurounded by a pretty lace border.
- Bridgewater, by Jared Flood. All that garter stitch was, well, garter stitch, but the border was very interesting to knit. She was thrilled, and so was I. Can't wait to meet the little one it is intended for - she's due in December.
Next up, a quick shawlette made from some yarn I bought to make socks, only to realize that it wasn't superwash. I don't know why I thought alpaca yarn would be superwash, but there you go. However, it was perfect for this project.
- Maluka. The lace edge is knit first and then the stockinette portion is added. It's very easy to make this as long or as short as you wish. I will definitely be making this again.
Of course, my cousin's soon to be born granddaughter is on my mind, so baby projects were definitely on the list.
- Flower Power Elephant. Such a silly little guy. I love making these, and they always bring a smile.
- Baby Surprise Jacket. Doesn't every baby need one? I think so.
August
At the end of July and into August, I went on a vacation with my cousin, Gayle (she of coming grandmotherhood.) We are both having our 60th birthdays this year, and the original plan was to go to Norway. But when her daughter became pregnant, and the father of that baby was stationed in Afghanistan, she decided it was better to stay nearby. So, we took our vacation nearer to her home. First, we spent one night and day in Stockbridge, Mass. Home to Alice's Restaurant and Norman Rockwell. We visited the museum of the latter, but only passed by the former (which is no longer Alice's, but still...) Then we headed out for two days in Boothbay, Maine. We had a great time in both places, and since she did all the driving, I held up my end and did all the knitting.
My first plan was to make cotton sun hats for us, so we could be two old lady goofballs in hats on vacation. Well, I didn't finish in time, so we had to content ourselves to be two old lady goofballs without hats on vacation. We had some really great meals, took a boat ride and saw whales, and did all those other things old ladies do on vacation - by which I mean shopping. Anyway, here's the knitting.
- Sun Hat(s). Fun pattern, easy, but suffice it to say that I did NOT look as cute in mine as did the woman in the pattern photo. Sigh.
The next two projects were a lot better - and I know the intended recipient will look extremely cute in them.
- Milk Infant Top. Oh my gosh, this si TOO CUTE! The photo really doesn't do it justice. I loved the whole thing, even the crocheted edging. And the little button is an antique one from my cousin's mother's button box. Jessica, the pregnant mom, played with them when she was a child. I love things like that!
- Sprout Hat. This pattern came from a little kit I bought at Sock Summit in 2009. I used the leftover yarn from the sweater.
I have a few more finishes that should go in here, but they are still sitting on my table, waiting to be blocked or washed. The middle of August, Jim, my son and his wife, and I went to Estes Park, Colorado for a week. We hiked, drove around, ate, and I even took a horse ride. It was lovely! If it turns out that I can't continue to live in Atlanta because of my asthma, Estes Park is number one on the list of places to move! One of the things I finished on vacation was something for me.
- Well, of course, socks! Charade Socks, to be precise. I love this pattern.
Two of my August finishes were sad ones - chemo caps for my all time best friend, Katie. While she is not taking any more chemo or radiation, her thinning and falling hair had her asking me for caps. Of course, I obliged, and I was even able to deliver them in person when I visited her the beginning of this week. She looked FABULOUS in them!
- Shedir. My go-to pattern for chemo caps. Pretty, fun to knit, and in Rowan Calmer, very soft.
I had one more small finish before going to visit Katie (a baby item,) but I was also working on a sweater for myself. While sitting on her couch, I finished this.
- Split Neck T Shirt. I changed the pattern a little, making long sleeves instead of 3/4, and adjusting where the side shaping occurred. Best of all, IT FITS!!! LOL I can't wait for it to be cool enough to wear.
So, that's my summer in a nutshell. I've also been busy riding every morning except Sunday, watching tv, eating too much junk food, and just generally hanging out. Life is basically very good, with the exception of the fact that my best friend will be leaving the planet some time in the not so distant future. But before that happens, we had a really nice visit this week, and hopefully I'll be going back sometime in early November. Her husband has promised to cook a turkey so we can celebrate an early Thanksgiving. And despite it all, we'll have something to celebrate - our love for each other, our families, and our friends. Big hugs all around - virtual and otherwise! And I also promise to be back soon. Really!
