I went to my first sheep and fiber festival yesterday. Not on the scale of Rhinebeck, but fun nonetheless. Saw many different breeds of sheep -- shetlands, babydolls (small brown sheep w ith heads shaped liked a bear's, Jacobs with two-to-four hours, and many others, the names of which I don't recall -- llamas, bunnies that looked like live "dust bunnies" with their long, fuzzy fur, and in the petting zoo, a pig, a turkey, a funky-looking chicken with a crown of black and white feathers that reminded me of Cruella DeVille. Unfortunately, my camera batteries ran out so I didn't get many pictures.
(Here's a picture of the babydoll, but it wouldn't turn around)
Lots of lovely yarns, especially from The Sanguine Gryphon. They had such gorgeous silks but I didn't buy any of that. I only bought sock yarn. This is Sea Sock, a blend of merino wool and sea silk; the color is "Maggie May."
This is Little Traveller, 100% merino wool that is sooo soft, in "Djibouti."
This is Woolie Bears Superwash from Woolbearers, a wool/nylon blend, in "Don't Leave."
And finally, this is Oasis Yarn Aussie Sock, a merino/nylon blend, in "Hot Pepper."
Now to find patterns for all of these. Off to Ravelry!
New Project?
Not yet, but the current issue of Interweave Knits arrived today, and there are a couple of patterns I really like: the Ruched Shell and Henley Perfected. I may actually try the Ruched Shell. Although I like many sweater patterns, I'm put off right now by sleeves.
As an aside, I could have sworn that the model on the cover was Jennifer Garner. In some pics, the model is a deadringer for her, others, not so much.
Brooklyn Sock Knit-a-long II progress
Finished the first sock. I tried a picot bind-off but I'm not sure I really like it on this sock. It's also a little finicky because you have to knit into a stitch, move that stitch to the LH needle, knit into that stitch, etc. The yarn is a little split-y, too, so I had to redo stitches a few times because I wasn't knitting through the whole stitch. But I enjoyed using this yarn, and I really like the way the color variations came out. On to the second in the pair.
Related post: Second Brooklyn Sock Knit-a-Long -- MacGiver style
Oh, Canada!
Had a wonderful visit a few weeks ago with May. You know things are bad when you get to the airport 2 hours early and they've already delayed your flight. It just got worse from there. Thunderstorms and a deluge of rain was keeping everyone on the ground at LaGuardia. After about 7 hours, finally took off at midnight. We could have left sooner -- plane was there, had a crew, but ... no pilot. We had to wait for him to fly in from Chicago! Crazy. At least, the flight wasn't canceled.
The rest of the weekend was great, so it was worth it. Friday we spent the day shopping for cross-stitch and yarn. Saturday was knitting, stitching, munching -- much fun. Here's my stash enhancement report:
Cross-stitch:
Went to Gitta's, May's LNS. Nice shop, with a nice selection. - Take Time to Stitch too (will embellishment pkg.) -- Jeannette Douglas Designs. Like many of her designs, but didn't want to spend too much. (Yeah, right.)
- Black and White tulip (#34940) -- Marjolein Bastin. There was a stitched model of a larger piece -- Black Tulips (#34840) -- that was amazing. The shading and detail made it so
realistic. But decided to go for the smaller kit, which I think will be equally lovely. - Cross-stitch booklets from Zweigart. I haven't seen these anywhere in the U.S., but outside the U.S. there are so many wonderful cross-stitch magazines and booklets with designs for making something -- placemats, a bag, potholders. The poppies and roses were my favorites.
Knitting:First stop was Village Yarns. Great shop with many wonderful yarns to fondle and a great atmosphere. From the website:
We are about a 10 minute drive from Pearson International Airport and more than once an Airport Limousine has waited at our curb for a knitter to shop on the fly.
Worth it, if you can.- Knitting Lace Triangles by Evelyn A. Clark -- The shopowner showed us a knitted sample from this book and it was beautiful. A must for the knitting library.
- Handmaiden Yarns Sea Silk -- It's a blend of silk and seacell. Don't know what that is, but it feels luscious. Had to have it and it's hand-dyed in Canada, so it's a souvenir. The color looks reddish purple in the photo, but it's really more bluish purple.
We went to another shop (can't remember the name), but I didn't buy anything there. It' s a huge shop and they have any standard yarn you could possibly want. Also lots of books, magazines and charts. It was sensory overload, by that point though.
The shop is on Queen Street West, where there is also a lovely Asian tearoom -- Red Tea Box
"for any Asian spin on afternoon tea.*" It's a great place for a light meal and tea. When you walk in, it's a little deceiving. There are only a few tables. But in the back through a small courtyard, there's another room which is delightful. The furniture is very eclectic, with mismatched chairs, tables and settees. We shared a pork sandwich and a bento box that had an assortment of small sandwiches and cakes, and a pot of Earl Grey tea. Everything was delicious. Interesting twist on the water they served. They put some slices of cantaloupe in it. Unusual, but not bad. They also let us sit there for quite some time while they were closing up.
*from the New York Times, requires free registration.
Introducing....my first pair of knitted socks. These are the Eiffel Tower socks from the first Brooklyn Sock Knit-a-long, finished about 3 weeks ago. Yarn: Shelridge Farms Soft Touch 100% Wool Ultra Fingering Weight in Pumpkin Started: June
Finished: September
Loved knitting with this wool and the Eiffel Tower pattern was fun to work on.
Alison has finished one sock in her pair, which uses the same yarn but in Azure. While we were stitching, I often commented on her nice, even stitches. I seem to knit loosely, especially with yarnovers, so my Eiffel Towers aren't as well defined as hers, in my opinion.
Second Brooklyn Sock Knit-a-long -- MacGiver style
We've also begun the second KAL. I chose the Elongated Corded Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch. We're using Shibuiknits sock yarn. Mine are in Earth and Alison's are in Stone. It's quite soft and the colors are wonderful. I'm definitely going to use more of this.
We working toe-up with short row toes and heels. I considered turning the heel with a flap and gusset. But after trying the "class sock" in The Sensational Knitted Socks book, I decided against it. I understand the theory of picking up stitches for the gusset, but I couldn't execute it very well. I like short rows, so I'm sticking with that for now.
Now, why the MacGiver reference? Alison taught me a cast-on method using a crochet hook. When we got together to start this KAL, I couldn't find either of my crochet hooks. (I was going through a "can't find anything" phase; it's calmed down for now.) Ever resourceful, Alison suggested bending a paper clip into a hook and using that. Voila! It worked. I dubbed it MacGiver knitting since the problem was solved using an ordinary item. She also uncovered my crochet hooks; I had used them as bookmarks in the sock book.
Also on my needles...
I started another pair of socks using Crystal Palace Panda Bamboo Wool in Seascape. Another soft, delicious yarn to work with. The pattern is Slipped Stitch Rib, also from Sensational Knitted Socks. It's a very easy pattern.
During a brief knitting phase in the late 1980s, I subscribed to Vogue Knitting. I think I may have attempted only one or two designs (probably never finished), but drooled over the intricate, stylish patterns.
After work tonight, I stopped in Borders. I was intending to buy a French dictionary for my cousin's birthday, but instead, ended up getting the 25th anniversary issue of Vogue Knitting. Afterwards, I met Theresa at the Black Orchid bookshop for their final anniversary party -- sadly, the shop is closing -- and then dinner. Since we were on the Upper East Side, I took the Second Ave. bus to 59th Street and walked over to Bloomingdale's to catch the N or the R train home. The N was pulling into the station just as I was walking down the stairs. Lucky me -- or so I thought. After a minute or so, I looked up -- the train was coming out of the tunnel onto elevated tracks. Uh oh! that's not supposed to be happening, at least not so soon. The N to Brooklyn goes over the Manhattan Bridge after Canal Street, but we weren't anywhere near there. Yes, dear reader, I took the train in the wrong direction and was now in Queens.
Okay, not too much harm done. I got off at Queensboro Plaza to wait for the Manhattan-bound train. After a couple of minutes, one arrives. I settle into a seat eager to peruse my magazine during the hour's ride ahead. I'm enjoying looking at the photos and the designs. I read the article, "Vogue Knitting Cover to Cover," about how an issue is put together -- envious of everyone who works on the magazine. Imagine spending your day choosing yarns for the designs that will be featured. That's the Yarn Coordinator's role. Where do I apply?
I looked more closely at a few patterns of the designs that caught my eye, including the anniversary scarf embellished with Swarovski crystals that's on the cover. As intricate as this looks, it's really quite a simple pattern. I then moved on to "Knitting's Old Guard Speaks Out," a roundtable interview with designers and authors Kaffe Fasset, Mari Lynn Patrick, Alice Starmore and Meg Swansen, and "Chatting with Knitting's New Guard," which includes Vickie Howell from DIY Network's Knitty Gritty, and authors Shannon Okey aka knitgrrl, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee aka the Yarn Harlot, Clara Parkes and Debbie Stoller. Both were interesting discussions from different perspectives about how they all came to make a career out of knitting and how the knitting world has evolved.
As a native New Yorker, I'm able to immerse myself in what I'm reading and still know when I reach my stop. Dear reader, you know where I'm going with this. Tonight, my station-stop sonar was definitely out of whack. I registered that the train had stopped at 59th Street in Brooklyn, which means next stop I get off. Except for one minor detail -- I completely forgot I was on the N train. I needed to switch at 59th for the R. As the train pulls into the next station, I look up from my knitting reverie to see it was not my stop. Once again, I had to back track to get home. I've done this before. Once, before moving to Bay Ridge, when I was on my way to a friend's Christmas party, and another time a couple of months after moving into the neighborhood. The first time, I ended up in Coney Island. The train was skipping stops in the return direction because of track work. That meant I had to go all the way out to Coney Island so I could turn around and come back. The MTA has a lame slogan, something like "you may have to go our of your way while we make getting you to where you're going better," to explain the inconvenience. At least this time I was able to get off only one station away to switch to the other side for the train back. Alas, the subway gods still were not on my side. As we pulled into the 59th Street stop -- you guessed it -- the R train I needed to transfer to was pulling out.
It took a while for another train to come. In the mean time, I saw a transit cleaning crew pull some hoses onto the platform, and subway "wildlife" (rats) scampering on the tracks. (For any non-NYers reading, yes, there are rats in the subway tunnels, but you don't always see them. Believe me, the condition of the NYC subways is a hundred times better than it ever was in the 1970s.)
I finally made it home by 12:30 am. Luckily for me, I have the day off from work so I don't need to get up early. I'm also off Monday and Tuesday and will be away in the Poconos with my family. No subways, just car rides. Let's hope the traffic gods are more favorable than the subway gods were tonight.
A couple of friends who know of my love of bees in cross-stitch, emailed me about the Bee Fields Shawl. I've been wanting to try my hand at lace knitting, and this design certainly is beautiful. So I clicked through to purchase the kit. I remember trying to decide between the Tupelo Gold or Buckwheat Honey colorways and thought I opted for Tupelo Gold. I remember adding it to the shopping cart and maybe even beginning to complete the transaction. But I could swear that I decided not to go ahead with the purchase. Or did I decide it wasn't that much money so I'd buy it. Seems I bought it because the kit arrived in the mail today -- in Buckwheat Honey.
My first attempt at lace knitting was last year with the Candle Flame Shawl. Although I started in the fall, I naively thought I would be able make it as a Christmas gift. What was I thinking?! I ripped the darn thing out dozens of times because I couldn't get past row 20 of the 36-row pattern repeat. Even when I was meticulously checking my stitches and thought I had completed rows correctly, had the correct number of stitches, I'd knit knit the next row and it'd be off. Worse yet, I couldn't figure out where I made the mistake. Fed up, I abandoned the project. Now here I am with 1900 yds. of laceweight merino wool and a xx pages of instructions for a quite complicated undertaking for my knitting skill level. But that's me, never start simple. Where's the challenge in that, right? I'm in no hurry to start this any time soon. I have socks and a scarf to finish -- not to mention several cross-stitch projects.
I just came across this blog post about a knitted coffee cup/French Press cozy. I sometimes use a French Press pot and do find that the coffee doesn't stay as hot as I like it, so I may have to make a cozy. They work for tea, so why not for coffee?
When my friend Alison and I got together a couple of weeks ago for some knitting, the subject of sock clubs and Socks that Rock came up. I was considering joining one, but Alison had a great idea -- we could have our own club. We'd decide on a pattern and yarn and have a sock knit-along. Since Alison had just been to Maryland Sheep and Wool ("Brief Report" post on May 7), she had some delicious yarns to choose from. And she had a pattern for us in mind. So off I went to buy some yarn. At Alison's suggestion, I choose the Soft Touch 100% Wool Ultra Fingering Weight from Shelridge Farms. With such beautiful colors, it was difficult to choose one. So I bought two -- Pumpkin and Clover Flower. Alison has Azure, I believe. We both like knitting toe-up socks with short-row toes and heels so we decided that's how we'd do the first pair.
As soon as Alison sent me the sock pattern, I got started using the Pumpkin. Over the last week, I was able to finish the toe and one and a half pattern repeats. Alison came over yesterday and started her sock, completing the toe shaping. Here's are progress so far. Alison's yarn is more blue than it appears in this photo, and mine isn't as red. By the way, I really don't have giant feet. It seems I'm loose, er, I mean "relaxed," with the knitting needles. My stitches aren't very even, either. Alison's are so neat and tidy. I'm using size 0 dpns ,and Alison is using size 1s.
This pattern has a bit of an unusual twist -- the sock can be worn knitted side out (as you see here) or inside out which reveals a completely different, very fun design. I'm going to keep the inside design a secret until I finish the first sock. So stay tuned.
Under Construction -- Village of Hawk Run Hollow
Itching to Stitch commented on my last post that I hadn't updated my progress on Village of Hawk Run Hollow recently. I'm still working on the church block, but I'm missing some NPS. Until I get them, progress will be a little stalled.
Make sure you check out Itching's blog. She does beautiful work. In addition to VofHRH, she's also tackling Chatelaine's St. Petersburg White Nights -- gorgeous.
"My wife loves knitting," said Forbes, 35, a math teacher. "She's knitting -- um, I believe it's a sweater. Or maybe a nightgown."
"It's green," Hlywa said.
"Where It's Knit, Knit, Knit At the Old Ballgame," by Peter Carlson, Washington Post, May 16, 2007
Finally, a completed sock! My first ever. It has felt like I've been working on it forever. There were many frustrating moments -- false starts, yarn-stealing cats and problems with binding off -- but I love the way it turned out. Of course, this is a happy dance on only one foot. Now, I have to knit its twin. I extended my Memorial Day weekend to Tuesday, so I plan to get a lot of cross-stitching and knitting done.
Those are Jasper's legs in the photo. I gave up trying to get him to move.
Seaside Cottage: On Track
It's coming along swimmingly. (Of course, if it was a bricks-and-mortar cottage that wouldn't be a good thing.) The couple I'm making this for is getting married at the end of August. I'm not worried about getting it done in time because Elizabeth Designs stitch up so quickly. The leaves on the trees will be satin stitches. There'll be a lighthouse (also done with satin stitches) on the right. Then a bit more on the sand, some flowers and it's done. Plenty of time to finish stitching and get it framed.
Bind-off Stand-off I'm not happy with the progress on the toe-up socks. On one hand (or should that be foot?), one sock is finished. On the other, I completely botched the bind-off. Referring to Nancy Bush's Simple Socks, I attempted a K2P2 bind-off. I knew I really wasn't getting it, but I kept going. Big mistake. When I was done, I couldn't get the sock pass my toes. I painstakingly ripped the bind-off out. But I'm rather disgusted with the darn thing. I dropped a couple of stitches and in a moment of insanity, I cut the yarn. I'm not sure I have a long enough tail to try again. (Actually, I'm positive I don't have enough). It should be okay if I rip out a couple of rows. I'll have a shorter leg, but at least it'll be done.
Learn Something New
When all else fails, learn something new. I think that'll be my new motto.
A couple of months ago, I bought some yarn which I was planning to use for a scarf. So, I decided it was time to wind it to prepare for starting this project. (Do I need to start another one? I'm sure you know the answer to that.) Ever since Alison had shown me the center-pull ball she made, I wanted to try it, too. A quick Google brought me to these instructions, which are very clear and easy to follow. In no time, I had a center-pull ball of yarn. It's nice and solid, and I like that the bottom is flat so that the ball doesn't roll around.
This morning, I started the Multi-directional Scarf by Karen Baumer. It starts with a cast-on of one stitch, increasing one stitch each row until one side of the triangle measures about 5 inches (or to whatever width you want the scarf). So far, so good. The directions suggest using the recommended size needles for the yarn chosen to create a more solid look. That would be size 9 or 10 for this Avalon yarn. Or go up one size for a looser look. I decided to go with the inexpensive, plastic size 10 circular needles I have on hand. Not exactly luxe, but I should still end up with a nice scarf.
While flipping through my new copy of Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch, I was reminded of a recent Yarn Harlot post about charts vs. words. She prefers knitting from charts because she can more easily tell when she makes a mistake.
I taught myself to knit many years ago from a Learn to Knit book, which I no longer have. The book only had descriptions, some photos to illustrate stitches and definitions for stitch abbreviations. So I am used to reading patterns that uses those abbreviations, and never cared for charts. Word patterns appeals to the part of me that likes to do crossword puzzles. When I can make sense of the pattern, I feel like I've cracked a secret code. I've avoided patterns that are only charts. They seem much more confusing to me.
After seeing how charts are presented and explained in Sensational Socks, I see that it's not as difficult as I thought. Schurch's instructions for variations on basic sock construction appear to be very detailed. And she uses photos, words and charts to illustrate and describe the many pattern variations included. They all look really interesting and fun and I can't wait to try them.
When you knit, what do you prefer -- a chart or words?
I treated myself to the sock book and an Indian cookbook because I recently discovered a B&N gift card I forgot I had. I don't remember who gave it to me. I think it was from a Christmas exchange at work. I'm sure I properly thanked the person at the time. Even though I don't remember who you are, thanks again!
The joys of not working for a week and a half...I read a book, started another and made progress on new projects.
By the Sea
First up -- Seaside Cottage by Elizabeth's Designs. I decided to substitute fabric from my stash for the 32 ct. Confederate Gray called for. I chose an overdyed from the now defunct Blended Needle -- 32 ct. Storm Cloud. I think it works well for a sky and water effect.
This is working up quite fast and I expect to have it done in time since it is a gift. My manager is getting married at the end of August and is having the wedding at a cottage on Cape Cod. I'm planning on adding their names, the date and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to make this piece a nontraditional wedding sampler. I'm either going to have it framed or mounted in a Sudberry or Old Colonial box.
The Dark Side of the Moon I also started Lunar Harvest. This is on 32 ct. Navy linen. I'm glad that the moon is mostly in DMC 3047, light yellow-beige, rather than grays. It's more pleasant to look at. Stitching on dark fabric is always a challenge, but the weave on this linen is a bit loose which makes is easier to see the holes. My eyes are also getting adjusted so I'm not minding it too much. Again, this is working up quickly, and is a gift for my niece. I don't normally stitch gifts but I seem to be in a giving mood right now. ;-)
What's afootSocks are coming along nicely. I had turned the heel then realized I dropped a stitch. Annoying, but it didn't take long to rip out the heel, pick up the stitch and re-turn the heel.
The yarn-stealing cats managed to get into by bag at one point and lost one of the dpns. (Much to my dismay, I'm sure I'll find it one day when I step on the pointy end). I'm now working the sock with 4 needles instead of 5. It doesn't seem to be making a difference, but it is easier to knit with 5 needles.
Looking at this, I'm wondering if I've started the cuff ribbing too soon. I should look at one of my reference books before I go any further.
Book Bag
Indulged myself by buying some books during vacation:
My Life in France by Julia Child
Julia Child's memoir, written with her grand nephew, about how she began her career as a French cook, author and TV cooking show host. I enjoyed reading about her journey and love of French cooking. I'd like to get Mastering the Art of French Cooking and try some recipes.
The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury
Just started this and it grabbed me right away. Great opening: four horseman dressed as Knights Templar ride down Fifth Avenue to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the gala opening of a Vatican Treasures exhibit to wreak havoc and steal an ancient decoder device. Who hired them? What secrets will the device uncover? Can't wait to find out.
The Sign of the Cross by Chris Kuzneski
Another thriller with an ancient conspiracy theme.
Emperor (Time's Tapestry Book One) by Stephen Baxter
Seems to have elements I enjoy -- alternative history, generational saga, Roman and British empires. Only book one, so I'll have to see if it's a series I'll continue.
The Knitting Answer Book by Margaret Radcliffe
Picked this up in Michael's. It's always good to have a reference guide handy. It helped me figure out how to fix the dropped stitch in my sock.
Wish I had several more weeks to indulge my stitching, knitting and reading, but it's back to reality tomorrow.
Here Comes Santa Claus is finished! It's my first finish of the year. I bought The Prairie Schooler Limited Edition kit on my birthday in August and have thoroughly enjoyed stitching it. This design encompasses two of my favorite themes -- Santa and houses. When I bought the chart, I mistakenly thought that the trees at the top were a cityscape, which I really liked. Oh well, in my mind, it still is. Don't look too close otherwise you might notice the "specialty" fibers donated by Jasper and Curry.
On My Toes
I've been making good progress on the sock. Whenever you want some elbow room on the subway, may I recommend knitting with five very pointy double-pointed needles. On the way home tonight, I'm sure some people chose not to sit next to me because of my dpns. I'm not exactly graceful using them so they looked quite lethal.
I felt pretty confident working the short rows for the toes and am happy that there aren't any holes at the joins, so far.
Photo Ott
My Ott light is coming in handy for photo shoots. It's the best light in my living room and allows me to photograph projects without using a flash. I can adjust the exposure with my camera which also helps. By the way, JoAnn's is having a sale on Ott lights. I have the basic black floor task lamp, which I bought at Office Depot several years ago, but there are some really nice styles available now.
My forays into sock knitting to date have been fraught with mishaps and miscalculations: Needles too large for the yarn, casting on too few stitches, needles and yarn too large that a sock for Bigfoot was emerging, yarn-stealing cats, tangled balls of yarn (see yarn-stealing cats), misplacing newly purchased smaller dpns.
All of that is about to change. I am determined to knit myself a pair of socks! Lost dpns found. (Check.) Unknit sock mistakes. (Check.) Untangle yarn and re-wrap into balls. (Check.) Knit swatch to check stitch count. (Check.) I said I was determined.
The plan is to knit a basic, toe-up sock with self-stripping yarn. No patterns, just ribbing. Keeping it simple. Once I have an honest-to-goodness pair of socks, I hope to move on to some of the lovely sock patterns I've been admiring.
So, let the sock knitting begin!
Among the Metrostitchers, we often say that we have two hobbies -- cross-stitching and stash collecting. We all have more than enough stash that would take several lifetimes to ever finish. But sometimes, you just need to own a chart for a while. (I think May gets the credit for coming up with this rationalization for buying a chart that has only a remote chance of being stitched.)
When I first discovered cross-stitch shops and then the Internet, it was like being the proverbial kid in a candy shop. I indulged myself with charts, fabric, threads. But in recent years, I've noticed that I've reached a saturation point. I'm able to restrain myself and leave a cross-stitch shop with only a skein or two of fibers I may need for a project. That's not to say that I still don't indulge myself, but I do it much less frequently. I also have more of an incentive now to economize because I bought an apartment last July.
But my mortgage was the farthest thing from my mind on Saturday when the Metrostitchers went to Tawny's. Here's what I got:
From the top left, clockwise: Avalon yarn from Manetto Hill Yarnery, Brittercup Designs Touch of Wilderness, Brightneedle Christmas House, Mirabilia Lady of the Mist and Crystal Symphony and JBW French Country Cat. The DMC and Weeks threads are for Elizabeth's Designs Seaside Cottage. I need fabric before I can start it and Tawny was out of what I needed. But she's getting a new shipment in shortly and will send me 32ct Confederate Gray linen.
I had seen the Brittercup, Brightneedle and JBW designs at the Nashville Market, but decided not to get them at that time. As soon as I got to Tawny's, I searched them out. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the chart for French Country Rooster also recently released. Next time. The Britty Kitties are very adorable, but I really was drawn to the Stag and the cute Fox in Touch of Wilderness. Brightneedles houses/shops are wonderful, of course. I already have the Needlework Shop. And since houses and Christmas are too themes I'm drawn to, how could I not own Christmas House.
I've always been a fan of Mirabilia designs and own quite a few charts. But I haven't felt the need to buy any of her new ones in recent years, especially the "In the Garden" series. I much prefer the opulent, elegant designs. When I saw Crystal Symphony and Lady of the Mist, I knew I would need to own these for a while. After seeing how beautiful Spring Queen looks, I may actually start Lady of the Mist. Maybe after I finish Les Cerise and Seaside Cottage (this one has to get done by August since I'm planning to give it to someone.) But don't tell my Mirabilia Garden Verses UFO that I'm planning to start a sister design. She might get jealous.
Finally the yarn. I couldn't resist those colors -- shades of green, purple, brown and beige. Alison has kindly shared a pattern for a scarf that works well with variegated yarns called the Multidimensional Diagonal Scarf. I've been eager to start on some socks. And now that I found the dpns I thought I lost, I was planning to get going on them. But I may start the scarf instead. Decisions, decisions...
