Progress report

When my friend Toni told me her Fair Isle knitting was relaxing, at the time I thought, wow, I want some of what she's drinking. Now that I am well on my way with my masterpiece Oregon vest, I totally get what she means. As long as you keep track of where you are in the pattern, it's one of those "go to" projects when you just want to plain ol' knit. It doesn't make my head hurt because there are no special stitches to keep track of, unless you consider increases and decreases special stitches, which I don't. Okay, after having said all that, I will admit that I am not yet past the ribbing. Two more rounds to go and I will be ready to get into the meat of things. I am still just as excited as I was the day I began though. So far, the way the colors are put together, this project is holding my interest. I still have much to learn, i.e., cutting the steeks, and picking up the stitches for the armbands and neckband afterwards, but I have a very good teacher. She does recommend a glass of wine when it comes time to cut the steeks....I will make sure we have a good supply of some zin or merlot when the day arrives!


This past Friday, with Scooter out of town and not expected home till late, I decided to get out my beading stash and take inventory to see if I had what I wanted to make some stitch markers. I knew I would be needing at least 24 more when I get into the body of my vest, and since I'm using small needles (sz 3), I need smaller markers than what I already have. I try to keep a nice assortment of beads and supplies on hand, but it looked like I failed to replenish from the last time I did any beading, so I made a trip to the bead shop. Here's what I came up with.....26 new stitch markers!



Remember the socks I have named Teaberry Shuffle socks? The second sock has been started and I'm pretty happy about that. I love always having a pair of socks on the needles. That's usually my "going for a pedicure or stuck in traffic project". In case you've forgotten, the pattern is called Openwork Rib, by Charlene Schurch, from her Sensational Knitted Socks book. I love this book!!! Once you get going on the pattern, these socks pretty much fly off the needles.




Yesterday was the day of my cousin's baby shower and I was so happy that she liked the little bolero and matching beret I made for her baby girl due next month. I made it big enough to where she should be wearing it this winter, so my cousin has promised to send me a picture of baby Zoe wearing it. I would love to see her in person with it on, but they live about 60 miles away, so it's not like a trip across town to the grocery store, and since she works full time, that makes it even a little more difficult to get together as often as we would like. My other cousin (her sister), put together the baby shower, and she did an awesome job!!! There were approximately 50 guests and we had such a great time catching up, laughing, having lunch, and spending the afternoon together in a gorgeous setting where my aunt lives. She is in a Del Webb community and their "lodges" are always so beautifully decorated, etc. What a wonderful day it was!!!