Category: Uncategorized

As a new spinner I'm learning that the best laid plans sometimes go awry.  My original plan for this lovely merino/silk blend:

was for the Beech Leaves Vest.  After spinning my singles, it looked to me as if a 3-ply would give me the weight of yarn I wanted.  After plying and winding on my niddy noddy, I confirmed that this was so.  But I made a rookie spinning error!  I forgot to factor in how much the yarn would bloom when washed to set the twist!!  I did end up with some lovely yarn, but it is more of a worsted weight than a light dk.  When I tried doing a gauge swatch, I discovered that there was no way this was going to work.  Well, rats!  The frustrating thing is that if I had 2-plied it, I would have had the perfect yarn for the pattern.  I had leftover singles that I did just that with and after washing and knitting – I got the perfect gauge in a very nice, drapey material:

I have 4 oz. leftover and rather than spin that up to a 3-ply to match what I already have, I think I'm going to forge ahead and 2-ply this and order some more fiber.  I like this yarn so much that I really want to have a garment from it.  It occurred to me this morning as I was knitting my sample that I have spun Silky Wool!  That's always been one of my favorite yarns, but it always seemed a little on the skimpy side.  This silky wool has a little more body and has all kinds of possibilities for Elsbeth Lavold designs.

In the FO category, I finished the basketweave socks:

As you recall, these are out of the Araucania that felted on me in a warm wash, so these will be run through a cold wash just to confirm that they can be machine washed and then, if all goes well, they will be gifted to my friend Kim for her birthday.

We had a wonderful Easter with the girls.  Hubby did a scavenger hunt for them and they really seemed to enjoy it.  And their dresses fit them perfectly:

Are they not exceedingly adorable?

This week is turning out to be a bit of a challenge.  I am still having tooth issues.  The endodontist said the continuing pain is normal and it will just take time.  In the meantime, I am back on pain meds, which are leaving me dopey (or at least dopier than usual).  I'm hoping for some quick recovery so that I will be pain free this weekend.  Lorette and her hubby are coming for the weekend and while the hubsters do whatever it is guys do, Lorette and I will be attending a two-day spinning event!  Last spinning event I was so overwhelmed I completely forgot to take pictures, but I promise to do better this weekend.

After what has felt like a lost week, I am finally starting to feel human again.  It started last weekend with a tooth that has been sensitive to cold for quite a while.  It finally got tired of being ignored and got very, very angry.  My dentist called in an antibiotic and pain med until he could see me on Tuesday.  That meant several days either doped into zombie status or experiencing excruciating pain.  So I mostly stayed zombie.  On Tuesday he took x-rays and said I needed a referral to an endodontist.  Around here that often means a wait of several weeks, but I was very lucky and got an appointment on Thursday.  That meant several more days of living in a fog.  By Wednesday the Vicodin was not working so well, and I was dopey and in pain!  The root canal on Thursday was actually a piece of cake and I'm feeling a lot better.  There is still some residual pain, but it's easily knocked down by Ibuprofen and the doc said it should feel a little better every day. What's not feeling better is my savings account.  Paying for the whole fiasco was a shocker!!

I didn't want to knit anything that required even a modicum of thought, so my fall back (when I wasn't sleeping) was spinning.  I discovered that I spin pretty much the same high as I do sober.  Good to know.  I've finished about 3/4 of the merino/silk for my vest.  Since I seemed to be pretty consistent, I went ahead and plied when I had three bobbins full:

As soon as they're dry, I'll wind them into balls and do a gauge swatch.  I'm hoping I can get a good gauge to do the Beech Leaf Vest and have ordered the pattern.

Other than that, there really isn't much to tell.  When you've spent the entire week either in the dental chair or sleeping, it makes for pretty dull blogging. I did manage to finish two dresses for the girls that I had started before my dental crisis.  A friend pointed me to this site of patterns for children.  Isn't that just perfect?  I emailed her a picture of my Izzy and Ivy and she kindly wrote back and said she was sending me some patterns if I would take pictures and allow her to use them on her site.  Abby consented and so I received two adorable little patterns.  These are the dresses:

Front:

And back:

But here's the best part – look at the label!

Now the girls have their names in their dresses.  Of course, Izzy may not be so thrilled.  For months she was "Diego" and now she's "Indy" (Indiana Jones).  Not sure when Izzy or Isobel will make an appearance again.

Happy Easter to everyone.  Enjoy a wonderful day celebrating the resurrection of Christ!  He is risen!  He is risen indeed!

I've finished my first project with my very own handspun!  Better yet, I've finished two.  First up – Pretty Thing cowl by the Yarn Harlot:

This uses the silk/merino that I spun.  This was definitely the most consistent yarn I've made to date.  It came out to a heavy fingering and I am so pleased with the finished result.  And I may even have enough for another one.  Also finished was the diagonal scarf:

This skein was not quite as consistent.  This was the last fiber I spun before I got my Woolee Winder.  Despite its inconsistency, I was amazed at how lovely it was to knit with.  Most of the lumps and bumps seem to just meld into the knitted fabric.  I think I can say I'm now addicted to knitting with my handspun.  Spinning continues on the new silk/merino that I started:

I had originally considered doing the Featherweight sweater with this, but I think it may be just a little too heavy.  If I ply it into a 2-ply fingering weight I'm pretty limited, but a 3-ply dk/sport weight gives me more options so I am planning on that at this stage.  This may take a while, though, because I'm not the speediest spinner in the world.  However, I am being monogamous at this point in the game to try and keep the consistency.  One of the patterns I'm considering is the Beech Leaf Vest by Fiddlesticks.

I have four repeats of the newest clue in Evenstar finished:

I'm not quite sure about the lines of twisted rib in the middle of a shawl.  It should be interesting to see how they are finished out.  I think I can say that this will probably be my last mystery KAL for a couple of reasons.  First of all, I find that I am not  a community knitter.  I don't really feel compelled to join in on the social aspect of it.  It might be fun to knit a project with a few close friends, but I don't particularly feel called upon to be an active part of the group.  The second thing is the errata.  Now, I know that it's probably realistic to expect errors in knitting patterns.  No one is perfect.  However, I did think that in a mystery project they would have been worked out.  In a "real" pattern you at least have the safety net of a picture, so you have a fair idea of what it's supposed to look like.  In a mystery project you are essentially flying blind.  If there's a mistake in the pattern you don't know it until it's too late.  Thankfully I've avoided having to do any major frogging, but others in the group have not been so lucky.  And unfortunately, they are the new lace knitters.  When they expressed their frustration to the group they were slammed as somehow being disloyal to the group and especially the designer.  While I have sympathy for the designer and feel that overall she has done a fine job, I think the group has been a little unfair to those expressing frustration.  All in all, too much drama for a knitting project for me!

The biggest drama I've had in my own knitting is multiple froggings on Nutkin!  I got down to the heel and decided I wanted to mirror the design, so I ripped.  Once again I got down to the heel and realized I was in a state of denial.  No way were these going to fit the intended recipient.  So I frogged again and this time did a simple basketweave stitch:

Much better!  As soon as I finish this clue on Evenstar I'll get cracking on the socks so I can gift them mid-April.  On the agenda this week is a trip to the dentist.  No, not working!  Gossip from the office has me SO thankful that I'm retired and determined never, ever to go back.  This time I will be returning (to a different office) as a patient.  I have a tooth that is really throbbing.  Realistically I can probably expect a root canal and crown in my future.  Hmm – will I need to take out a second mortgage??  I was definitely spoiled by 24 years of mostly free dental care.  Thankfully I got a good deal on plane tickets to go back home to Missouri to see the parents.  Best of all, they're coming back with me and my sister for a visit.  They've never met Mei-Mei and I'm so excited that the girls will be able to see their great-grandparents.

Our first day of spring is promising to be a wonderful one.  Temps should be in the 60's and the sun is shining!  As far as the spring flowers go, we're about a month ahead of time.  It's always interesting to note the timing of the bulbs over on the mainland.  There are fields and fields of daffodils and tulips and every year they have a Tulip Festival.  Some years they hit just the right week, but often as not, the bulbs are either too early or too late.  Last year they were too late and this year there is some concern that by the time the festival rolls around, the bulbs will be all gone.  This picture was taken about 10 years ago – we usually avoid the crowds that descend at tulip time.

I finally dived in and started knitting with my handspun.  I was a little hesitant, because once I wound the blue merino into a ball, it didn't look anywhere near as nice and even as it did on the skein.  But it's amazing how the humble little garter stitch can even out yarn:

The yarn is fingering in some places, close to worsted in others, underspun, overspun, you name it!  In some places the underspun singles broke while I was plying, but I just spit spliced and moved on.  Despite it all, I find it extremely satisfying to be knitting with yarn that  I made!  One of the reasons I gave for rejecting spinning last year (never say never!!) was that it added one more step before you could start knitting.  Now that I'm spinning, I realize that the added step is really a destination of its own.  I've been surprised at how much I love spinning for its own sake. There's something about feeling the fiber flow through your fingers and twist into yarn that is hypnotic.  In fact, I'll find that I can sit and do it for so long that I have to remind myself to get up and move a little every once in a while so I don't freeze up.

I finished a new skein this week and I am ridiculously happy with it:

This is Ashland Merino/Silk blend in the Sea Mist colorway.  It was gifted to me by Lorette before I even started spinning (an enabler if I ever met one!).  This was pure pleasure to spin.  And, it's come out so even and nice that I can really see some potential for this skein.  Right now I'm thinking of doing the Yarn Harlot's Pretty Thing cowl.  This is so soft and silky and would feel wonderful around my neck.  I loved spinning this so much, that I have ordered enough for a sweater.  I wasn't sure how much to order, so I ordered a pound.  I have a feeling that may be way, way too much, but I don't want to run out.  And, if I have some left over, I can start knitting cowls for Christmas.  Depending on gauge, I'm thinking about the Featherweight Cardigan.  Marguerite mentioned this on her blog.  I would never have given it a second thought until I saw some of the changes that Ann had made.  Technically it calls for laceweight, but I believe I'll be able to get gauge with a fingering weight.  

Lots of things between here and there, though.  With spring comes some yard work and gardening.  Not my favorite thing to do, but we at least need to clean up the yard so we're not embarrassed when John and Lorette come to visit next month.  And, we've decided to try a small vegetable garden.  Just a trial to see if we can win out over the deer and rabbits.  I also need to finish the Auracania socks for my friend.  I went through my stash and just couldn't find anything I liked as well, so I've decided to finish them and toss them in the wash on cold water.  If they come out ok, I'll just give them to her with specific washing instructions.  Let the chips fall where they may!

When we got our new front loader washer, I was pretty sure I could not felt in it.  But, according to Kathy, you can.  Unfortunately, I found that out first hand, although unintentionally.  I washed all my handknit socks, as usual, and imagine my dismay when two pair came out felted!

The ones on the right are some pretty old socks from Mountain Colors Bearfoot.  No big loss – as you can see they've faded at different rates.  From the very first washing I might add.  But the ones on the left are brand new.  This was their very first washing!  They are out of Araucania.  And I loved them!  The socks didn't even have the good grace to shrink all over, but just widthwise, so there's no use taking them down to the granddaughters.  I checked the settings on the machine and the only difference is that I usually wash on warm/cold and the setting had been changed to warm/warm.  It's hard to believe it would make that much difference.  The 8 other pair in the wash are just fine.  So, I will not be using Araucania again, despite how luscious it is.  Problem is, I already have a pair started:

 

These are Nutkins (and yes, I did check that they are indeed Nutkins) and were destined as a birthday gift for a friend.  However, I can not in good conscience gift socks that might shrink, so I will be looking for another yarn for her.  These were a little larger than my size, but the pattern is pretty stretchy, so I will keep them for myself and hope for the best.  That does, however, leave me with a dilemma.  I currently have four projects started.  That is pretty much my limit for "knitting peace".  Do I start a new pair for her so that I will be sure and have them for her birthday in mid-April?  Probably so.  I can put the Nutkins aside and the Evenstar shawl knitting is pretty sporadic as the clues only come out every two weeks.  I'm almost done with the clue that came out Friday:

This is a nice project, although the charts are a little odd.  Nothing an experienced lace knitter can't decipher, but I think it's got the new lace knitters' knickers in a little bit of a twist.

I've started on Ivy's Christmas sweater.  I'm very excited about it.  Abby has expressed the desire this year to be surprised, so I will not be posting progress photos.  However, if you'd like to see it, pop on over to Ravelry and check it out on my project page.  Just don't be too specific in your comments, please.  If you're not on Ravelry and want to see, leave a comment and I'll email you a photo.

I've been spending a lot of time on spinning lately and I think all the practice is beginning to pay off:

This is Ashland Bay merino, Baltic blue, two ply.  It's about 20 wpi and the most even yarn I've made so far.  I messed up on the plying of the other 1/3 of it, so it doesn't match very well, so there's a not a huge amount that's usable.  I'm hoping they'll be enough for a pair of fingerless mitts.  However, I just finished plying another batch of the same fiber in the color Riverstone (brown, with hints of blue and yellow) that came out fabulous!  It's a 3 ply and still came out to 20 wpi (about a sport weight).  There was very little waste on this and I figure I have about 450-500 yards.  I think this will be destined for a nice cowl for the Christmas box.  I'll post a picture next week.  It's currently hanging on a towel rack in the bathroom drying.

One of the things hubby told me when I retired was that I would be so busy that I would wonder when I ever had time to work.  He is so right!  It seems that my days are so full and I don't get done half the things I'd like to!  I haven't even touched my scrapbooking and there's some hand quilting that I had hoped to get accomplished.  But, I also have to keep reminding myself I don't have to get everything done the first few months.  And I'm having lots and lots of fun.  Abby and the girls came down last Monday and spent the night.  I taught Abby how to use my old Bernina and she started working on curtains for the girls.  I may have just enabled another sewer.  I certainly hope so!

One last picture.  Saturday before last I met with our quilt group at church and we worked on American Hero quilts for returning soldiers.  I started this one and brought it home to finish:

We received a really nice letter from a nurse in Baghdad.  Apparently there were enough quilts at Madigan Army Hospital that they sent some to Iraq to use for the soldiers who were transferring out from combat to the hospital in Germany.  She said the soldiers who were conscious were so touched by the fact that someone they didn't know would make a quilt for them.  And for the ones who weren't aware, the nurses said it gave them such pleasure to wrap them in a little bit of home. 

When I received my paycheck for the two weeks I worked in February, I was torn about what to do with it.  I considered a fiber spree, but fiber seems so fleeting and I really wanted something permanent to remind me of the joy of retiring for good.  After some thought I decided to use part of it to buy a Woolee Winder for my spinning wheel.  I placed the order and prepared for a wait.  According to their website, due to a fire in the workshop they were backlogged on orders.  It could take up to eight weeks to receive my order.  Imagine my delight when, only about a week later, the package arrived on my doorstep today.  Since this replaces the flyer on my wheel and since the bobbins are not interchangeable, I had to quickly finish up some Ashland Bay Merino that was in progress.  That took me a little over an hour and I was ready to install the Woolee Winder.  It was a quite simple process of loosening one maiden, removing the old flyer and snapping in the new one.  I had another 4 oz. of Ashland Bay Merino, so I sat down and started spinning.

In the immortal words of Mei-Mei, "Oh. My. Goodness!"  I don't know if it was the winder or not, but all of a sudden I was spinning singles that were exactly what I dreamed of when I started spinning!  They are fine and even and, if I am not mistaken, when 3 plied will be about a sock weight.  Woo Hoo!!!  I'm a spinner.  Here's a photo of the winder and my first singles:

 

I love the way it winds the yarn smoothly, with no hills and valleys.  The bobbins are also a little larger and so will hold about 1/3 more yarn.  Here is a comparison shot:

Timing is everything, however, and I will not be able to play with it this weekend.  Tomorrow I'm meeting Abby at a fabric warehouse to help her pick out some fabric for curtains for the girls' room.  She's interested in starting to sew and that will be a great first project for her.  After that I'll go home with her and my sister will pick me up later in the day.  Sunday it's the opera (Falstaff).  On Monday Abby will bring me back home and spend the night here with the girls.  So I won't get to play with my new toy, but I will get some great time with Abby, my sister and the girls, so all is well!

As promised last week I have pictures of yarn to put up this week.  Those of you not interested in spinning might want to skip to the end of the post for other news, but I did want to show my progress.  Although I have posted a picture of my first skein, here is a recap for reference.  This is Icelandic wool from a sheep right here on Whidbey Island:

Not bad for a first effort, but plenty of room for improvement.  From there I went on to some Mystery Wool that was a retirement gift from my friend Christall (speaking of whom, we really need to get together and spin!):

Still not great, but getting better.  Next up was some Blue Faced Leicester (do they really have blue faces?) that my friend Lorette, the Knitting Doctor had sent me even before I had my wheel.  She was thrilled to enable another fiber addict:

This was the first skein that I didn't really struggle with.  Still a lot of thick and thin places, but eventually may find its way into a project.  The next skein was some Romney from a sheep named Rainbow (don't you love fiber from a source that has a name?), owned by my friend Lois here on the island:

This skein may get framed.  Although far from perfect, I felt the real joy of spinning with this one.  No struggle – the fiber just flowed through my fingers.  It felt a little rough as roving, but when washed bloomed into a very soft, lovely yarn.  This was my epiphany that I might actually make it as a spinner.  The pink Corriedale was ordered with a gift certificate from my kids for my retirement:

With this skein I learned that at least until I'm more experienced, I should spin a fiber from start to end and not try multiple projects for now.  This was interspersed between other projects and the end is so much better than the beginning!  So although it doesn't show in the photo, it's quite uneven.  Last up – Punta from Corgi Hill Farms that I bought way before I had my wheel:

I had been saving this fiber until I felt good enough to not ruin it!  I am quite pleased with this and I think will actually start looking around for a project.  I figure I should dive in and actually make something with the yarn I'm producing and this might actually be worthy.  The interesting thing about this skein is that although it is not as fine as some of my previous efforts, it is more consistent.  On some of skeins I had trouble figuring out the wpi's.  In some places lace, in others worsted!

From now on I'll try to post my spinning as it comes rather than inundate you with it all at one time.  Of course, with the Olympics lots of knitting has been accomplished as well.  Whistler is up to the body pattern:

As usual, Maggie feels that she needs to get in on the action.  Just a few more rows and I'll be into the three color rows again, which I am not looking forward to!  But bless Ravelry, on the Stranded group I got some good ideas and am anxious to see if they help. 

I finished the Monkey socks and they have been gifted to my friend Caroline to great appreciation:

These are the first hand knit socks she's ever had.  She was amazed at how well they fit and how comfortable they were.  Yarn is Lorna's Laces, size 0 needles.  Next up are socks for Kim.  I checked out Socks From the Toe Up from the library.  I'm going to try one of the patterns.  In looking at the book, I think it's one that I may want to add to my library.

I mentioned previously that I was considering making Nagano sweaters for the girls for Christmas.  However, when I looked at the pattern, the sizes start with child's sizes, not toddler (guess you've got to have a lot of room on the chest for dragons!).  Since Dale sweaters run huge, there is no way they would be able to wear them for years.  However, I trolled through my Dale books and found the perfect choices for them.  Yarn has been ordered and I'm anxious to start.  Want a little hint?  Ladybug, ladybug, fly away home!

It's finally over!  Since before I retired I knew I had these past two weeks hanging over my head.  I promised my co-worker I would work for her and was silently hoping they would not want me to come back!  But now it's done and final.  In some respects, going back was a good thing for two reasons:  1.  It reinforced how right my decision to retire was.  2.  It removed all feelings of guilt I might feel if they experience a crisis (as in the entire staff quitting) and want me to come back.  In all honesty, seeing how they are treating their employees gives me no reason whatsoever to feel any sense of obligation.  So, 'nuff said and on to happier things.

Perhaps it's the relief at being done, or the signs of an early spring, or the results of my healthier eating, but today was such a pleasant day!  Maggie and I got out for a long walk, I went to yoga and spent time knitting.  I finished up Clue #1 on Evenstar:

Attention for non-knitters – knitterly geekiness ahead; you might want to skip over.  This was my third attempt at this.  The first one didn't look too bad, but in reading the Ravelry board, it was brought to my attention that on the k7 out of 3, there were several ways of doing it.  My understanding was that the pattern said to do k1, p1 for 7 stitches.  But then some on the board said, no, it was k1, k1 through back loop for 7 stitches.  Well, I did it the first way first and it didn't look too bad.  But then I ripped because I thought it was wrong and might look better the other way.  But the k1, k1b was really ugly – as smooshed up.  In more discussion, the suggestion was made to do k1, yo for 7 stitches.  I tried that third and liked the resulting stars much better.  I also deviated from the pattern as suggested on the board by closing up the side petals with a k4 tog on the right side, but a ssssk on the left side.  Much more symmetrical.  I know all you non-knitters are yawning right now and saying, "HUH??"  This isn't the best picture in the world, but may be the best for quite some time.  It will be too bunched up on the needle to take any more quality pictures.

As I mentioned, we seem to be experiencing an early spring.  Although it's still getting a little frosty at night, the days have been in the 60's.  The trees are blooming and the crocuses (croci?) and daffodils are starting to bloom.  Spring here is usually pretty reliable and we don't often get slammed with late snowstorms or freezes once it starts.  The dark is receding too and that makes me happy.

I mentioned hubby's project last week and I'm happy to report it is all done.  Here are the before and after pictures:

Doesn't it look great?  He did a wonderful job.  It was a little challenging.  This is an owner built home (not by us!) and we've found over the years that not everything is level and square.  I had my doubts about the floors – I was afraid it would look cold, but the wood actually makes everything look warmer.  Maggie is not as entranced.  She's having to get used to new footing and can't run quite as fast.  That's probably a good thing because a few weeks ago she hurt her back by running so fast down the hall that she slammed into the closet door.

I hope to get back to more spinning this week.  In addition to having to work, I was also hampered by an injury.  I got a little too aggressive chopping onions and took off a chunk of my finger.  I chopped off the fingernail on my left finger about halfway down.  And yes, it was painful and icky as it sounds.  Surprisingly, it hasn't hurt to knit, but the bandage got in the way of spinning.  I promise – pictures next week!

So . . . I sat down this week to work on the Nutkin socks I am making for my friend.  Since I hadn't worked on them in a few weeks, I had occasion to refer back to the pattern.  Imagine my surprise when I realized I am not making Nutkins, but Monkeys.  Must have been a senior moment.  I have updated my Ravelry page accordingly.  One Monkey down, dog's nose added for scale:

And add another FO to the project page:

This is the Enchanted Wood shawl from the mystery KAL.  Yarn is Green Sheep Fingering in the Michigan Morning colorway, size 4 needles.  This was a fun KAL.  I have to admit to a little frustration having to wait for the clues, but the finished product is worth it.  I have found that I love adding beads to my knitting and will certainly look for more opportunities.  (I noticed that I labeled this picture Evenstar – wow, I really am having some senior moments).  I started Evenstar this morning, but I'm afraid progress pics will be few and far between.  It's a circular shawl and it's almost impossible to get good pictures.

In another show of knitterly fickleness, I have also changed my mind on Nagano.  Michele posted pictures of her Whistler sweater and I fell in love with a passion that is unseemly for a knitted garment!  I had looked at this year's Whistler sweater and was not impressed.  I love this one so much and was able to snag the last copy at our local yarn shop.  Here's my progress so far – cast on and worked on during the opening ceremonies:

The grey you see there is Knit Pick's Squirrel Heather and I do like the contrast.  This will end up in the shoulder area.  Of course, after I cast on, I looked at the pattern a little more closely and imagine my dismay to realize that some rows require carrying three colors.  I have sent Michele a message asking if she will hold my hand through this.  She lives close by, so maybe we can even meet up for some knitting therapy.  Never fear that thoughts of Nagano have been abandoned entirely.  I got to thinking that two little girls would probably love dragon sweaters for Christmas.

Speaking of little girls – this exchange was heard between Isobel and her mom lately:

Isobel:  What are you doing?

Mom:  Taking care of the trash.

Isobel:  Why are you taking care of the trash?

Mom:  Because it's full.

Isobel:  Why is it full?

Mom:  Because we put things in it.

Isobel:  Why do we put things in it?

Mom:  Why do you ask so many questions?

Isobel:  I don't know.  Because there are so many.

Ah – the world through a child's eyes.  This weekend hubby, in the spirit of Valentine's Day is embarking on a home improvement project.  We have decided to rip out all the carpet in our house (except for the bedrooms) and put down laminate wood flooring.  He did this in Allen's apartment and it came out so nicely, we made the leap.  Too late to turn back now:

As usual, Maggie feels she must help.  What am I giving him for Valentine's Day you might ask?  My cold.  Who says romance is dead.

Oh, and you also might ask how work is coming along.  Don't ask.  Just let it suffice to say that three days next week and it is over.  There is absolutely nothing they could use to entice me back!

No, don't panic – it's not permanent!  Shortly before I retired, my replacement found out that her mother in England has cancer.  Since her replacement was pretty inexperienced, it would be hard for her to get away to visit her.  So, I told her that I would come back and sub for her so she could go for a visit.  She'll be gone for two weeks, but I may not have to work every day.  The schedule is pretty dead (hmmm?) so we'll just take each day as it comes.  But I'm hoping to make at least a bit of money for fiber enhancement!  That will be the consolation prize because I'm not really looking forward to it.  Here's hoping it will pass quickly.  It's going to be interesting because I was told they are having computer problems and the computer guy is taking an extended vacation.  If they do run into problems, I'm going to just tell them I'm taking off and to call me when they have it fixed!

Spoiler alert for Enchanted Wood;

I finished clue #4:

The gradience is quite interesting.  I'm not sure I would do it again, although I will have enough left over for a small project.  There's more striping in the transition from blue to pink than I like, but overall, I'm happy.  The beads really add a lot and I'm sure more beading will be in my future.

I got the yarn for my next KAL – the Lord of the Rings "Evenstar" shawl.  I got Eos from Unique Sheep in the Moonstone colorway.  The dyer contacted me and asked if I wanted the color "pushed" toward purple to match the cloak that Arwen wears in the movie.  I told her yes, as long as the yarn is not lavender:

I was little disappointed when I opened the package, because it sure looks lavender to me, although nowhere near as lavender as it looks in the picture.  But the more I look at it, the more I like it.  You can't see in the picture, but it has lovely silvery heathering throughout.  I think it's going to be beautiful and I love knitting with a 50/50 silk/wool mix.

Nagano is coming along, but I need some advice.  I am ready to start the top pattern.  I'm using the yarn from the Lusekofte kit I bought and was hoping to just use the colors that came with it.  However, I'm not too sure about how it's going to look:

I had planned on having the yarn on the left as the lower border with the aqua as accent.  But I'm not sure there's enough contrast.  I don't want to use the aqua as the border because there's too much contrast.  What I'd really like to use is a light/medium grey, but Telemark doesn't come in that color.  If I went that route, would there be a substitute?  Or should I go with my original plans?  All advice is welcome.

This past week has been a new beginning for me.  I was debating about posting it, because I was afraid if I failed, I would have to admit it!  But I have started on the Prism program.  It's billed as a weight loss program, but that's not the primary reason I have started, although I could certainly benefit from shedding a few pounds.  I just need to learn how to eat healthier.  I know I have a horrible sugar habit and it just seems so much easier to reach for cookies and crackers rather than healthy food.  This program emphasizes whole foods as close to nature as possible.  The first part is a little restrictive in order to break your dependence on some "habit" foods, but eases up as you learn to eat better.  The first few days without sugar I had a terrible headache.  But I'm feeling a lot better and I really hope I can learn to keep sugar out of my diet.