Happy Halloween

This is going to be another random post.

• I've had a nasty cold all week. Right now I'm watching baseball, knitting, and napping instead of Halloween partying with my friends...


• I got a wonderful book out of the library - Knitted Gifts by Interweave - and added it to my Christmas wish list because I like eight of the patterns.


• Penny's Catskill Ridge sweater is knitted, washed, and blocked. I bought buttons for it today and hope she'll be able to wear it tomorrow. I'll write a FO post as soon as I get some pictures of her in it.


• I started knitting the Ocean Currents scarf from the book Ocean Breezes. I might try to personalize the pattern so both ends are rounded.

Sweater and shawl

Upcoming Sweater

I've decided that I want to knit myself a pullover. I haven't been doing much knitting this year so a semi-complicated sweater is just the thing to add to the mix, right? haha.

I truly love my stockinette Red Raglan--and practically live in it while on the couch in the winter--but am looking for something a bit more challenging. I tend to queue cardigans so had to search a bit for a pullover pattern. Possibilities: Eastlake, Threepenny Pullover, and Marseilles.

The last two times I bought nice yarn online (Maude Louise and February Lady) I received mismatched hand-dyed skeins that all had the same lot number. I will not go through that again! I'm going to buy this sweater's yarn at my LYS so I can hold it all in my hand and make sure it matches. I help out a local small business that way, too.

With yarn pricing/options in mind (and Marseilles as my top contender), I visited my LYS a few weekends ago. I was looking for a good yarn that doesn't cost a fortune...and which is also available in nice light colors so people can see my fancy needlework. The LYS owner suggested Cascade 220 Superwash and when I go back, that's probably what I'll buy. I have to wait until after my birthday so I have some cash in hand.

Muir

I've been working on Muir at lunchtime and have found that the chart is a cinch once I have a little momentum (I'm probably dooming myself to multiple rips back to my lifeline just by saying that). Instead of doing 2 rows per 30 minutes, I'm now able to do 4 rows per 45 minutes. Lace is always slow-going for me and I'm too afraid to attempt repairs instead of lifeline use. Someone send some bravery my way! ;) Anyway, I'm almost done with the 5th repeat of the chart.

I had wanted to wear it to one of this year's weddings... I'm not holding my breath, but it would be absolutely fabulous to wear it to the November one. I know, I know. Doing the math pretty much gaurantees that I couldn't finish it by then so I will just finish when I finish.

Secrecy

I've been plotting away and knitting a bit the last couple of weeks but can't write about it just yet. Details to follow.

My Grandma

My paternal grandmother passed away last night. She was 93 and has lived down in GA for the past few years (in an assisted living facility near my aunt). She loved her family and adored having all of us together--4 kids & their spouses, 8 grandkids & their spouses, and 3 great-grandkids.

I don't want to write too much so will keep this note relevant to the blog. Like my other grandmother, who passed away last October, Grandma was a wonderfully-skilled crocheter. I'm lucky enough to have several beautiful bed-sized blankets, a lace table cloth, hot pads, pot holders, and Christmas decorations that she's made over the years. I'll miss her very much and cherish all of the memories I have with her.

In the picture above, from 2006: Grandmam, me, & Grandma