Sunday, June 10, 2007

It was a nice day today. I heard from my daughter who is studying in Italy (loves Florence, Rome - not so much). She and her classmates were at the Colluseum and had a birdeye view of the rioters down in the street who were protesting the arrival of the current US president. There was teargas and carabinieri (sp?) everywhere. Thankfully, they were safe but it gave me pause...

Also, I had dinner with my friend Laurel who is slowly recovering from a broken ankle. Plus, she just started a new job. A little stressful, no?

Now I am awaiting my "baby" sister's arrival tonight for a quick visit while she's here in the DC area on business. I always have fun whenever either of my sisters visit...the fun usually consists of too much wine, too much food, more wine, shopping and then more wine...and food...and did I mention the wine?

And, I casted on for my next big project, the Katharine Hepburn Cardigan from Lace Style. I really love this book; there are so many really pretty patterns in it. But the main reason I bought is was this sweater...I sure hope I can actually finish it for the Fall (this Fall, y'all!!!)



KH ready for her close-up:



The yarn I'm using is sooo yummy...super soft and easy to work with. It feels absolutely fantastic. It's Knitting Notions Classic Merino Sport in the Dark Rose colorway. It's kettle-dyes and contains gentle variations in color that my camera just can't pick up and each skein has 390 yards!!. My one concern is that the wonderful Catherine Harrison of KN only had four skiens in each dyelot so I have 4 +1. I think it will be okay - I'll just blend two lots into the back where there should be plenty of room to "stretch" the colors together. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS YARN!!!

And what was my dog, Fred, doing today? Mostly this:



The elder statesman (13 1/2) up close and personal:

Eileen has arrived! June 7, 2007

Well, it's taken a whle and other projects have come through, but I finally finished my "Eileen" tank from No Sheep for You edited by Amy Singer. The "Eileen" pattern was great for a newbie lace knitter. It was designed by Jillian Moreno whose directions were clear, the chart super easy to follow. After a couple of false starts with different yarns, I settled on one of my new favorites Knitting Fever's King Tut cotton in color #1130 (orange) that I found on eBay. Gotta' love eBay! I made a few tiny changes to the design. #1 - I made it a bit longer, #2 - I did not add the edging to the armholes, and #3 I shortened the armholes (the full 8" for my size would have been way too long). My upper arms are basically like big hams and they do not require enhancement of tight tank armholes...I think the scoopy armholes are much more flattering.

So here she is: Eileen



But wait, there's more!!!



And more...



And still more... And this, my friends is the money shot!!



I would like to give a big shoutout to my Thursday knitting pal NittanyKnits for the excellent lakeside photography! Many thanks!

Now, when the lace shrugs from Lace Style get back from their trip to Italy, I will post pictures of them as well.

I have been a finishing fool of late! My Mom would have been so proud!