One knitting-related post coming up! I have surprised myself by being very crafty/creative this week (a little) and weekend (a lot). However, two projects underway are stealth projects so that leaves some blog material very much in an unpublishable draft form for a while. No worries though. I actually have real knitting content. Not BIG knitting content, but I know you're not here for that. I started the Simple Yet Effective Shawl (Rav link) on the train down to Chicago on Tuesday and worked on it again on Thursday, you guessed it, on the way from Chicago. And yes, I did spend some of that time in conversation with my DH.
The yarn is even brighter in person. It will be interesting to see how the colors stripe between the two different balls. It is a perfect use for sock yarn that probably shouldn't be used for socks.
Friday took me into Madison for an oil change (for the Jeep), a massage, and general errand-running. Fortunately, I had time to stop at Lakeside Fibers. You know, just to look around. Well, look what came home with me.
There are a couple more balls of the yarn, Rowan Kidsilk Haze, that didn't make it into the photo. I was paging through the book in the LYS and I was immediately struck with the need to knit Veronique. I didn't put up much of a fight.
I know, black fuzzy yarn may prove to be a challenge but a fellow knitter in that LYS commented that all I would have to do is use light colored needles. Ta-da! Enabled.
Besides getting a fix at Lakeside, I came home to find this in the mailbox!
It is of very nice quality and I love the patterns. I also ordered the electronic version of the patterns. I fell in love with the doll, but I'm sure I'll make several items from the book. Nice job, Ysolda!
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Finally, to thumb my nose at last night's snowfallX (!!!!), here is a view of some of the crocus (crocii?) in the yard last Thursday and they're just fine this afternoon.
X I'm so glad it was sunny today because the two inches of snow that fell were having a serious impact on my mental well-being. It *is* almost April, you know.
Wow! You were busy! Lucky you, only two inches of snow... we got a bit more than that. Bleah.
The books look so intriguing, and I can't wait to see more of the shawl!
xoxo
Posted by: Nora | Monday, March 30, 2009 at 05:05 AM
DAMN YOU! Another book and pattern added to my wish list. And they call me evil. Veronique is very beautiful.
I secretly covet ysolda's ishbel, but all that stockinette at the top might bore me to tears. (or relax me.. hmmm) I wish I had the body to wear her snow white.
*coughIcaruscough*
Happy New Week! I hope it keeps you close to home and/or loved ones again
Posted by: Stacey | Monday, March 30, 2009 at 05:19 AM
The SBE shawl was a fun quick knit. I can't wait to see yours grow!
Posted by: Julie | Monday, March 30, 2009 at 07:27 AM
Stacey is evil. What's she whining about?
You could also sit in the sun when you're working with the KSH. Not only would it be easier to see the yarn that way, but you would get a chance to enjoy spring... assuming spring ever arrives.
xo
Posted by: Cookie | Monday, March 30, 2009 at 02:43 PM
The brighter the better with the Simple Yet Effective shawl. It's such a zen knit. Enjoy.
I love Ysolda's patterns. Must check out that book.
Posted by: Kim | Monday, March 30, 2009 at 03:26 PM
another trick you might want to use when knitting with black yarn is to keep a white towel on your lap. that helped me out a bit when i did it. :)
Posted by: opal | Thursday, April 02, 2009 at 04:30 AM
I had not seen that shawl before -- now it is in my Rav favorites. Thanks!
Posted by: kmkat | Friday, April 03, 2009 at 10:45 PM