LOVE!

YAY! I love, love, love my new shawl! Yes, the Big Red Blob is a blob no more. I was very concerned when it came off the needles that it would be much smaller than I wanted, but no beed to fear. It came out to a fantastic 78inch wingspan so it wraps around me perfectly and stays put. Also, I ended up loving the lighter spots in the uarn. They give just the right amount of variation. I did not have any desire to do the crochet edging, so I instead looked up (on Knitty) the instructions for a picot bind-off and applied this technique. It gave the shawl just the finished look I was aiming for -- a little bit of detail, but nothing too fancy. This is my "casual" shawl. There isn't a single thing about it I don't like. Wanna see?





Next up, I am finishing the little vest that will need to be steeked. I'd like to have it for this weekend as it looks like it will be a bit chilly and may well be the last opportunity I will have to wear it. If the weather holds out for Saturday, I'll be wearing the red shawl, if not, my vestie (under a coat!) at the NH Sheep and Wool. (So who's going?) I fully intend to be there ALL DAY and come home with a nice fleece or two. What is it about spring that makes me crave fleeces and my drum carder? We will be camping again in Maine soon and I have promised to bring my wheel and teach the owner how to spin, so i need to have plenty of supplies and options, right? After all, we will be there for two whole weeks this time! Gotta stock up. :)
(also -- for those who have yarn on order, esp. my Eye of Jupiter fans, I am working on it starting...now! the kids have returned to school today after their vacation, and the yarn has been soaking, so I have a full few days of dyeing ahead. )