Sometimes Only Lace Will Do

Maybe it was a very delayed response to Malabrigo March Madness or a subconscious joining of Project Spectrum-Fire after the fact.

I found myself at Twisted which has probably the best selection of Malabrigo in Portland. I felt compelled to rid myself of the negative knitting juju of this (an utter waste of time and beautiful yarn).

Once again I returned to what is comfortable and cast on another Shetland Triangle in Malabrigo Lace because clearly two STs are not enough.

The colorway is Sealing Wax and in my defense I will say that:

1. I have been actually wearing ST #1 quite a bit lately.

2. I am embarking on slightly new ground by actually knitting lace in lace weight yarn.

I have already had frustrations with the latter, it tied itself in a tight little knot this morn which, pre-caffeine, I was forced to knit up into the shawl after hopeless attempts at unknotting. It amazes me with laceweight how quickly the stitches add up as the triangle is still so dainty.

I worked a few rows today at work during meetings but it is still so wee.

Socks and Showers

The cold fall weather and BMFA Stash Sale have finally brought me out of my sock knitting slumber. I started this Monkey in BMFA 'Christmas Balls'.




I finished (ahem, except for grafting the toe:) one Lenore. It fits well despite changing needles and sizes several times.



I finally blocked Shetland Triangle #2. It is huge and lovely but the edging isn't very pointy and I'm not sure why as I did all the edging rows, maybe a second blocking will do the trick, it made #1 pointier.



I made this hat for myself for cold mornings waiting for the bus. It is Elsebeth Lavold Silky Flamme which is Alpaca/Silk/Wool. I wanted a more neutral colored beanie so my outfit on cold days did not have to match my red cabled hat.
I'm not much of a fashionista really but for some reason I like my accessories at least to go well together (not clash too badly).



Last but not least, our water heater is dying and we will be spending some time over this holiday weekend installing a new one. This will cut into my knitting time but hot showers (and baths) in the winter are important to this crafter.

Monsoon Season is Upon Us

A bountiful fall harvest this brisk and rainy morning.


Our side garden is really enjoying this weather!



Finally a proper blocking for the Shetland Triangle, now it is clear to me who is recieving this shawl for Christmas.

Blocking Lace on the Road

I finished the Shetland Triangle this morning. I only made it to row 10 on the edging and was very afraid I would run out of yarn, so I casted off.
It is a little less regular than I had hoped for, but that may be partially due to the hasty way it was blocked today on a picnic table in 90 degree, dry heat.
I may block it again when I get home.
Still, I am happy with it!








Pedro and Rosie wrastling.



Lace Detail



More pretty places we explored..

Knitting in Paradise

A very long (6 hour) car trip with three dogs who were surprisingly well behaved. Either they knew our destination or Morgan did a great job packing the car and maximized the dog comfort factor, probably a combination of the two.
Morgan was a doll and drove the entire way so I could work on the Triangle.





And then there was Festivus; Blues, Brews and Bronze in Joseph City Park six short blocks from my house.
It was fantastic fun all around and the after party was at our house. Our tenant, Kate has done wonders with the house, painting and new flooring and the place looks amazing! I will post some photos later in the week.
I did not knit a stitch on Saturday because there were just too many old friends to catch up with.
There are few things better than an good music, beer and catching up with old friends in a park with a view.





Today was all relaxation and knitting at the lake and on the front porch. The Shetland Triangle will be complete very soon.



Great birding in the shade of mature Ponderosa Pine at the head of Wallowa Lake.



Hi to everyone in Portland!

# 1 Ladies Bookclub in the Park

Every August my bookclub meets in our neighborhood park. Our newest member, Ashley is 9 months pregnant. She and her husband moved here recently from Texas and are still settling in.
We thought some knitterly Stumptown hospitality was in order.


Ashley was surprised and elated by all her goodies, especially the gift certificate to the spa just for moms (who knew) and all the handmade baby knits.



I was pretty happy about the wine and the beautiful cupcakes with flowers from Sarah's garden!



All the food and good company



And a lace pattern that is lovely yet easy enough to knit while socializing.
Behold WIP Shetland Triangle
I can hardly put it down it is so soothing to knit.The yarn is Aran Silky Merino in 'Sangria over Garnet' from Sundara.
We are off to Joseph Oregon for a week. I'm not sure if I can block a lace shawl while on vacation, but I'm sure gonna try!