10 Ways to Lighten Your Mood

Has life got you over a barrel???  Throwing your head back and moaning, "It's all toooooooo much!"?????  Well, then, what YOU need is today's Ten on Tuesday - 10 Ways to Lighten  Your Mood!!!

1.  Get thyself to a yarn shop and buy something amazing and incredible!!!  Cast on as soon as you get home, no matter how many things you already have on the needles - this is emergency therapeutic knitting!


2.  Find a song that really makes you smile and play it now...play it now...play it now...  (repeat as necessary)  Ok...there are a LOT of songs that make me smile, but this is one of those goofy ones I just can't resist.  And holy schickies, people, did Neil Diamond REALLY look that good????  I mean, I used to be a fan back in middle school or whenever it was before I discovered Gordon Lightfoot, but I don't remember him looking like THAT!  Oy...deep breaths...

3.  Paint your toenails some bright, outrageous colors (this would be Sally Hansen's Fairy Teal).  Stare at your feet a lot and smile.

(Three hours later...after watching every Neil Diamond video on You Tube...holy schnickies...)


4. Watch something that makes you laugh...old I Love Lucy reruns...old SNL reruns...maybe this...




5.  Have a collection of your favorite cartoon anthologies handy.  My favorite is Bloom County. 

Bloom County cartoon courtesy of mythologic.info

6.  Snuggle your favorite furry creature.  In the absence of said furry creature, a teddy bear will do quite nicely, unless, of course, you want your face licked.  Technology is great, but they've yet to create a kissy teddy bear.

7.  Go out to eat.  Your favorite food at your favorite restaurant.  Or have someone you love cook you a special meal.  Comfort food, that's what it's all about.

8.  Count your blessings.  That's right, you know you've got 'em - write 'em all down!  You can do it right now - I'll wait (while watching more Neil Diamond videos on YouTube...).

9.  Take a long nap.  Or have a good cry.  Or have a good cry then take a long nap.

10.  Remember, the sun will rise tomorrow on a bright new day - maybe the best one yet!

So, I counted my "hibernating" projects...

There are three (not counting the Ten Stitch Blanket).  I considered each carefully.  I definitely don't plan to make one of them any time soon, and I'm not sure I want to finish the other at all - I just don't like the yarn very much.  That leaves one - a cute little scarf, probably pretty similar to the Seaweed Scarf, but in a heavier wool.  I've taken it out of hibernation as of today.  That means two things:

1. I am making steady progress on ALL of the projects I've started in the past five months.  Soooooo...
2. I cast on for a brand new project last night!  Oh, it's a beauty, you're gonna love it!  Here's a peek...  As usual, I can't seem to get the right light to bring out the true color of the yarn.  Maybe what I really need is a photography course??

 

Happy knitting!  FO's tomorrow!

Wednesday, Wednesday....

The sound of Blind Willie McTell (greatest 12-string player of all time...) singing "Scarey Day Blues" reminds me that it's Wednesday and time to update the WIPs!


I've been getting such great encouragement on all my crazed OCD/ADD knitting - was blown away when I checked NMjewel's wonderful blog Yarn and Ivories yesterday and saw she was sending people over to my humble little blog to check out my projects.  Thanks!!! 

But I really don't want people to think I necessarily LIKE keeping up this pace of having ten or more projects going on at once.  Whew!  A girl gets tired!  This is my strict self-discipline at work here.  During March and April, I cast on an absolutely stupid number of projects...and I'm not allowing myself to start any NEW projects (other than holiday knitting or projects I can complete in a day or two) until I've finished all these old projects.  It's killing me...it really is.  You can't imagine the cool projects I have waiting in the wings.  But it's really firing my determination to get caught up - and YOUR support helps, too!  So thanks, readers!!

I'm making steady progress on all my projects and am really thrilled to say that, other than the Ten-Stitch Blanket (which is hibernating till cooler weather), I only have three small projects to retrieve from hibernation and finish from my raging case of Spring Startitis!  This means I can start working on NEW projects very soon!  Just the other day, I finished a big project and woke up another from it's four-month nap.  Progress...

I don't have new pics of all my projects this week since some of them really don't look markedly different this week.  I'll start with them...

Project:  Mystery Blue Holiday Thang
Progress:  60%
I worked on this project both Saturday and Sunday at knitting groups.  I can do this pattern stitch in my sleep, so it's just perfect for knitting while engaged in lively conversation. 

Project:  Citron Shawl
Progress:  45%
This is starting to turn into a long slog.  The ruching for this one ended up being 444 stitches long...ouch!  But I love the way this project looks and feels with the Mini Mochi.  I've started the last ball, and my goal is to use up the ball.  It might not turn out as large as I anticipated, so I might really be farther along than I think - which would be a very, VERY good thing!

Project:  Evenstar Shawl
Progress:  50%
YAY!  I'm at the halfway point of this puppy!  At this point, I'll be done in...oh, about six more months...  Oy.  I truly wish I could sit down and really hammer out a big patch of this edging, but two patten repeats (40 rows) takes about 90 minutes, and though it's easy and fun, I'm twitching to do something, ANYTHING else (even scrub floors!) at the end of that time. 

Project:  Merope Shawl
Progress:  60%
I'm still not certain about my choice of yarn for this project, but I ran it by some of my knitting group friends, and they all seem to like it so...  I love how clearly this pattern is written. 

Now for the Project eye candy...

Project:  Boneyard Shawl
Yarn:  City Tweed DK
Colorway:  Tabby
Purchased at:  Knit Picks
Needles:  #8
Date Started:  4/15/10
Progress:  35%
Just brought this one out of hibernation last week.  I have six balls of Tabby, and will make the shawl large enough to use all six.  So far, I love knitting this simple pattern, and I love how soft the yarn feels.  This is going to be one very soft, drapey, perfect little shawl.

Project:  Pine and Ivy Shawl
Progress:  25%
Even though I've only knit seven more rows on this project this week (each row takes about 15 minutes, a significant chunk o'time!), there is something very significant going on here that I'm really excited to share.  Look - you can see the taper of the shawl beginning!!!  My quick & dirty calculation is that I've decreased about 60 stitches so far, and every stitch less on this baby is a cause for celebration!

Project:  Olive Entrelac Neckwarmer
Progress:  45%
This is a fun little thing I'm just messing around with, seeing where it goes.  I might even be starting to develop some fondness for this yarn which originally just looked too "camo" to be wearable.

Project:  Cradle Me Blanket
Progress:  10%
I decided to push aside my guilt at knitting an Anne Hanson pattern in an inexpensive acrylic yarn and see where this goes.  I'd read some reviews that said this yarn  (Bernat Softee Baby) is very splitty and hard to work with, so that was an added cause for hesitation.  However, 11 rows into the pattern, with plenty of split-inducing K2togs and ssks, I have not had a single split.  This yarn is knitting up like a dream, and I'm enjoying the pattern a lot.  I'm sure Raechel will also love the fact that she'll be able to machine wash and dry this blanket, though I admit I feel a pang of sadness that I won't be able to block it out like I would a nice wool. 

Project:  Ten Stitch Twist Rug
Progress:  70%
My assistant, Wilbur, decided to help me showcase my progress on this rug.  I have about 1 1/2 rounds to go as you can see from the fluffy white rug underneath (which is the "temporary rug").

On Friday, I'll have TWO FOs to share!  In the meantime, keep yer goin'!  We've finally had a break in the intense heat and humidity, and I think I actually felt a hint of autumn in the air the other night.  YAY!!!

How to Cram a Whole Week's Worth of Posts Into One...Featuring WIPs and FOs!

As the late, great Frank Zappa would say...Great Googly-Moogly!!!  What a week...  My editorial and (sometimes) artistic assistant, Wilbur, already filled you in on the Great Summer Migraine of 2010 which struck late Saturday afternoon and continued into Monday after a cold front went through and the temps and humidity went back to tolerable levels.  He didn't tell you that, although I was pretty much a worthless slug during that time, I did manage to knit during those moments when it was possible to pry open at least one eye.  Both eyes open was a bonus!

He also finished my Random Thursday post by telling about our ill-fated excursion to see the President, so I don't have to tell you about that, other than the fact that, yes, I decided to take him to quieter pastures after it became clear that my former bulletproof dog ("bulletproof" meaning pretty much unflappable in situations containing lots of people and/or vehicles) was thrown off and skittish because of his lack of hearing.  A month from tomorrow will be his 13th birthday.  He doesn't have all that many days left, so my priority is making sure all of them are good for both of us.

There was no Musical Monday to write about since my headache kept me from attending Death By Banjo's Sunday afternoon gig.  Next week begins a new season of choral insanity, and I am giving serious consideration to how thinly I spread my voice this year instead of just jumping in and saying "Yes" to every musical opportunity that presents itself.  I have some choices to make regarding what serves my talents and abilities best and just how many nights a week I really want to be away from home at rehearsals.  Away from knitting, too, I might add.

So...since there was no Ten on Tuesday this week, that just leaves WIP Wednesday and FO Friday, and there is much to write about on both, so I'd better get busy!  First, the WIPs (Wipsen, if you speak Wilbur...)

Pattern:  Christmas Tree Skirt
Yarn:  Plymouth Encore
Colorway:  Cranberry and Dark Greenhouse
Purchased at:  Knitter's Mercantile
Needles:  #9
Date Started:  1/12/10
Progress:  85%
Only 120 rows to go...only 120 rows to go... 

Pattern:  Citron Shawl
Yarn:  Crystal Palace Mini Mochi
Colorway:  Jungle
Purchased at:  One skein at Knitter's Mercantile and one skein at either Paradise Fibers or Loopy Ewe (I can't remember which...)
Needles:  #7
Date Started:  4/9/10, taken out of hibernation 8/20/10
Progress:  40%
I bought two balls of Mini Mochi to make the Pretty Thing Cowl.  It took a little less than one skein, so I was left with a skein and a half that I didn't know what to do with.  I started playing around with this pattern and decided I really loved the thick, fluffy Citron.  I also realized it would need to be bigger so ordered another ball online.  Then, for no good reason, I put the project into hibernation for four months.  But now it's back and ready to be wearable by the time cold weather arrives!

Project:  Cradle Me Blanket
Yarn:  Bernat Softee Baby
Colorway:  Fresh Green
Purchased at:  Bargain Yarns
Needles:  #6 and #7
Made for:  Our first grandbaby
Date Started:  8/9/10
Progress:  5%
I decided to go ahead with this blanket, mainly because I couldn't find another color of washable sport weight yarn that spoke to me like this shade of green.  This is going to be a long slog, but I'm looking forward to being done with the edging (two more rows!) and starting in with the pattern.

Project:  Evenstar Shawl
Yarn:  Knit Picks Shimmer
Colorway:  Bayou
Purchased at:  Knit Picks
Needles:  #3
Date Started:  3/3/10
Progress:  45%
I am almost to the halfway point of this endless edging!!!  It's so hard to get a good picture of this shawl right now, and heaven help me when it comes time for blocking.  I may have to rent a hotel room with a king size bed for a day just to have room to pin it out.  Anyway, I hope you can see that about half (the left half) of the edging is done.  Slow and steady...

Project:  Merope Shawl
Yarn:  Malabrigo Sock
Colorway:  Rayon Vert
Purchased at:  Temptations
Needles:  #4
Date Started:  7/10/10
Progress:  55%
This is a fun pattern.  However, the farther I get into it the more I feel like I made a poor choice with the yarn.  I can't get this yarn to photograph very well, but my sense is the yarn is too busy for the pattern.  Can't decide, and really probably won't know for sure till it's blocked.  Every now and then my fondness for multicolored yarns comes back to haunt me.  I hope this isn't one of those time.

Pattern:  Mystery Blue Thang
Yarn:  Rowan Tapestry
Colorway:  Whirlpool
Purchased at:  Temptations
Needles:  #9
Made for:  Christmas gift
Date Started:  8/16/10
Progress:  15%
Another cute little holiday mystery thang that I can work on in my sleep.

Pattern:  None
Yarn:  Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend
Colorway:  Moss
Purchased at:  Temptations
Needles:  #6
Date Started:  8/14/10
Progress:  35%
This is just something I'm messing around with to see how it turns out.  I'm not wildly in love with the colorway.  If I wore this with an orange shirt, it would scream "Deer Hunter"!!!  What I thought would be lovely autumn shades has made a serious turn toward camo, so I don't mind using it to play around with an idea that may or may not work out.

Project:  Pine and Ivy Shawl
Yarn:  My Name Is Yarn
Colorway:  Moss 'N Berries
Purchased at:  My Name Is Yarn
Needles:  #3
Date Started:  3/30/10; frogged and restarted 8/3/10
Progress:  20%
Glory Hallelujah!!!  I'm finally through that endless edging and into the body of the shawl!  Ok, only two rows in, but no more aggravating edging!  I tried to get some good pictures of this yarn so you could see how easily it would blend against silver or gold needles.  Oh, and speaking of needles, I just noticed the pattern instructs me to go down to a #2 needle when I finish the edging and start the body.  Um...not gonna happen.  I am not spending another $27 on another needle for this shawl.  I have plenty enough yarn to make the whole thing on #3s and that is what I shall do.  I do remember reading in the KAL that several people inadvertently missed that little instruction and their shawls turned out just fine.  Mine will, too!

Now that the WIPs are caught up for the week, and we are back on the correct day, here is FO Friday!!

Pattern:  198 Yards of Heaven
Yarn:  Berroco Ultra Alpaca
Colorway:  Turquoise Mix
Purchased at:  Temptations
Needles #8
Date Started:  8/15/10
Date Finished:  8/16/10
Yays:  OMG...this was the easiest shawl EVER!!!  I literally knit 90% of it while suffering from a migraine.  If you've ever wanted to knit a shawl but don't feel confident with all the YOs and decreases, this is the pattern for you.  I was worried about it being big enough, as the unblocked dimensions were only 25"x15".  However, after vigorous blocking, it is a lovely 41"x25".  I am already planning to knit another in Malabrigo Merino Worsted Stonechat to match my Brattleboro Hat.  LOVE this shawl!
Nays:  You've gotta be kidding, right???

Project:  Mystery Grey Holiday Thang
Yarn:  Rowan Tapestry
Colorway:  Lead Mine (what a great name!)
Purchased at:  Temptations
Needles:  #9
Made for:  Christmas gift
Date Started:  7/17/10
Date Finished:  8/14/10
Yays:  I really love how the two strands of yarn blended.  When I started knitting this project, I was only using one strand, and I really disliked the way it turned out.  This was an experiment that succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.  This project still needs to be blocked, ends woven in, and buttons purchased and sewn on, but I'm considering it finished.
Nays:  The fact that I can't show you the whole thing...yet.

Project:  Seaweed Scarf
Yarn:  Crafts Meow Soft Serve
Colorway:  Blackberry Tea
Purchased at:  Knitter's Connection
Needles:  #4
Date Started:  7/17/10
Date Finished:  8/19/10
Yays:  When I saw this yarn at the Crafts Meow booth at Knitter's Connection, I immediately fell in love with it and knew it had to go with my cowboy boots and denim jacket.  By sheer serendipity, the pattern was for sale right next to the yarn, and I thought it was a match made in heaven (or at least in Columbus).  This pattern is the perfect travel project, it's easy to memorize, and it works up quickly.  I'm thinking of making another one of these in a lighter, more mohairy yarn.
Nays:  Ok, I'll admit...about twenty pattern repeats from the end, I started twitching a bit.  I think I could have made it a bit shorter, but I'm still quite pleased.

And there you have it...the wipsen and the fosen and the soaken and the blocken.  I'm off to hear some good power pop tonight, a baseball game tomorrow night, and knitting groups in between.  Keep yer knittin' goin' and have a great weekend!

Wipsenfosen...

Hi folks...it's me...Wilbur.  Mom can't come to the keyboard right now.  She hasn't been here all week from what I understand.  Mom had one of her real bad headaches Saturday night...and Sunday...and most of Monday, and she got really behind on all her chores and the other Mom things she does.  It's hot here in Ohio, and Mom doesn't like hot unless it's Dad telling her that's how she looks.  I don't understand this - she likes it when someone tells her she looks like she's going to get one of those bad headaches? 

So, I thought I'd help her out by writing her blog today.  She's feeling better.  In fact, she went to the groomer today and came home with a very nice haircut.  She thinks Dad will tell her she looks like she's going to get one of those bad headaches.

Yesterday, she took me a few streets over to see President Obama at a neighbor's house, but we never got to see him.  We were only a street away when I got really nervous because of all the people and cars that I used to be able to hear but can't now.  They were all around me.  Mom saw that I was uncomfortable and took me for a long walk in my favorite park, then we went home and she scritched my ears.

There's something Mom wants me to tell you - she keeps running around the house saying stuff that sounds like "wipsenfosen" and "soakenblocken".  I think that means she has knitting stuff to show you when she gets back to her keyboard.  Mom has been knitting A LOT this week when she's not busy with other things like tracking down that deliciously stinky washrag in the laundry, tying it up in a plastic bag and throwing it in the garbage.  Now WHY would she want to do a thing like that?

Tomorrow, Mom says.  She will show you the wipsenfosen tomorrow.  Now it's time for my after lunch nap.  Thanks for reading my very first blog post, and consider yourselves nuzzled.

FO Friday - By George, She Really Has One!

Presenting...The Brattleboro Hat!!!

Pattern:  Brattleboro Hat
Yarn:  Malabrigo Merino Worsted
Colorway:  Stonechat
Purchased at:  Temptations
Needles :  #8
Made for:  Dublin Sip and Knit KAL (but really...for me!)
Date Started:  8/9/10
Date Finished:  8/13/10
Yays:  Where to start?  This is a really easy pattern that works up quickly and looks more complicated than it really is.  The yarn is heavenly to knit with, and I have about a half skein leftover that I'm thinking will become a matching cowl.  I'm also thrilled that I was able to use vintage buttons from the family button box on this project.  They're a little bigger than what the directions call for, but I like 'em anyway!  And while it is a little big on my Head Dummy, the hat fits my head perfectly. 
Nays:  None, really.  My biggest challenge with this project was blocking the band without killing it.  I've been blocking lacy shawls all summer, so I'm in the habit of really pulling.  After I soaked the band, I actually had to push it in a bit to keep it the right size.  It kept wanting to grow an inch or two, and I was a little nervous till it dried. 

Happy weekend everyone!

Random Thursday - A Trip to Yarn Market

Did I mention I've been knitting with a great group of women over in Dublin (Ohio) on Saturday afternoons?  Actually, I've been trying out knitting groups for several months now, and they've all been wonderful, but this Saturday morning group actually fits my schedule.  My schedule, especially during choir season (late August - late June) is a living nightmare, and when you add Pete's practice and gig schedules, it's a wonder we even see one another, let alone socialize with anyone else.  So, meeting a group for lunch and knitting on Saturdays fits perfectly.

Last week was the big Irish Festival in Dublin, so those of us who didn't want to brave the megacrowds headed out to Yarn Market.  This was my third trip, so I was prepared with a list of what I wanted to look for and happily checked everything off.  Here are a few pictures from my visit.

In this unassuming building is more yarn than you can ever imagine...ever!

The office area where the friendly (VERY friendly - YAY!) staff help you with your purchases.

The first area of the showroom.  They have samples of every yarn in stock in this area.  That's Nikki from the knitting group in her really great sundress.  Hi, Nikki!  :-)

A nice little sitting area where you can chat...or knit...or just hyperventilate at the sheer yarnishness of it all.

More of the showroom...and...

even still MORE of the showroom!  But that's the easy part...then comes THIS...

It's like this...seven warehouses, floor to ceiling...just like...this...

it's enough to make a gal feel faint...truly.

And that's just the Yarn Market part.  Across the street is Bargain Yarns...

which is only ONE warehouse and considerably less intimidating...unless you started across the road like most folks do and are already approaching fiber overload.

Seriously...Yarn Market and Bargain Yarns are fantastic, and the folks who work there make it so easy and fun to visit and find what you need.  It's just...big...whole lotta yarn...must consume mass quantities...

I picked up a couple more balls of Mini Mochi, those Lantern Moon needles for Pine and Ivy (which is coming along wonderfully), another Marble Chunky for another rug, a skein of Manos Silk Blend and those three skeins of Bernat Softee Baby that I probably won't use.  Maybe for swatching.  Or not.  I've already started my list for next time.  It won't include this...

 Honestly, why did I ever buy this yarn???  I am usually quite disciplined when I buy yarn and have some idea if not a definite idea of what I will make with the yarn.  This stuff?  It just flew off the shelf at Temptations and landed in my bag.  It's really, really pretty...there's only one ball of it...and I have not a single clue of what to do with it.  Sit it on my desk and stare at it's sparkly loveliness?  Suggestions, anyone???

Oh, and I can't forget this picture.  On the wall just outside Bargain Yarns...

Yup...a moth.  A very very BIG moth, probably close to 3" long.  Lovely, too.  I don't think he's one of the ones who eat wool, but I couldn't resist the irony.

The band to my Brattleboro Hat is soaking, and now I'm off to block it.  Happy knitting! 

WIP Wednesday - TWO New WIPs!!!

I can just see you shaking your collective heads right now and speculating on my sanity.  Be comforted in the fact that I am doing the same.  No, seriously...I started two new projects this week because one is a pretty quick and easy one and is part of a KAL and the other will take a long time so I wanted to get started as early as possible.  So there!  Rationalization abounds!

For all projects I gave detailed info about last week, I'm not going to repeat unless there's been a major change.  If you want to refer back, click here . 

Pattern:  Pine and Ivy Shawl
Yarn:  My Name Is Yarn
Colorway:  Moss 'N Berries
Purchased at:  My Name IsYarn
Needles:  #3 Lantern Moon Destiny 40" circs
Made For:  Me
Date Started:  3/30/2010, frogged and restarted 8/3/10
Progress:  10%
This project may well go down in history as the project for which there are no good needles.  I was still having some difficulty seeing the yarn against the silver needles, and the Addis just weren't quite as pointy as I would like.  So, I gritted my teeth and spent $27 on a lovely Lantern Moon Destiny circular needle.  I love the ebony/rosewood finish, and the yarn shows up wonderfully against it.  Points are nice and pointy, and the finish is not so smooth that stitches slip off easily.  However...the joins are anything but seamless, and I constantly have to manually move stitches over the "bump" in the join.  So, This project is going along well as far as the knitting is concerned, but I'm still searching for a needle that will make it less of a chore.  Any suggestions?????

Pattern:  Brattleboro Hat
Yarn:  Malabrigo Worsted
Colorway:  Stonechat
Purchased at:  Temptations
Needles:  #8
Made for:  Me
Date Started:  8/7/10
Progress:  10%
I do so love this pattern and, when the wild wonderful women of the Dublin Sip and Knit group decided to do a KAL, I jumped at the chance.  Love the yarn...like butter...

Pattern:  Cradle Me Blanket
Yarn:  Bernat Softee Baby
Colorway:  Fresh Green
Purchased at:  Bargain Yarns
Needles:  #6 and #7
Made for:  The grandbaby (due in late January)
Date Started:  8/9/10
Progress:  6 rows in
I was at Yarnmarket/Bargain Yarns on Saturday (more about that tomorrow), and I was trying to scout out a good DK/sport weight yarn for this beautiful pattern.  I fell in love with the fresh green shade and bought 3 skeins.  Six rows in, I'm not having any problems with this yarn, however, after reading the comments about it on Ravelry, I'm not sure I'll be continuing with it.  My requirements for baby knitting are simple - it has to hold up well, it has to be able to go through the washer and dryer without becoming a fuzzy mess, and I'm not willing to spend a ton of money on the yarn.  I suspect this project will be frogged, in fact, I'm sure it will be frogged as soon as I find a more suitable yarn.  Suggestions?????

Pattern:  Merope Shawl
Progress:  45%
I've finished section A and just started on section B. 

Pattern:  Seaweed Scarf
Progress:  40%
I got a lot done on this pattern Sunday evening while watching Pete's band.  I may revise my calculations on this pattern, as it looks like it may take fewer rows than I thought to get the right length.  If my progress bumps up dramatically next week, you'll know this is the case!

Pattern:  Ten Stitch Twist
Progress:  65%
There's been a big change in plans for this rug.  My husband asked if I would make a rug for the area at the bottom of the stairs (where Wilbur likes to hang out if there's a rug - right now, he's using the rug from Pete's room).  When I measured the existing rug, I realized it wasn't a whole lot bigger than my Ten Stitch, so I've reallocated this rug, reducing pattern rows as appropriate.  This rug doesn't need to be anywhere as big as the one for my room.  Oh, and I also bought another ball of Marble Chunky at Bargain Yarns, so I have plenty for the rug for my room, which will be next.

Pattern:  Christmas Tree Skirt
Progress:  80%
I really cooked on this puppy this week!  I think I have maybe three more wedges to go and I'll be finished!

Pattern:  Mystery Grey Thang
Progress:  70%
Almost done with this one.  Will get buttons Saturday.  I'm still rethinking the ones in Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend.

Pattern:  Evenstar Shawl
Progress:  40%
I'm so proud of myself!  I've been averaging two pattern repeats a week on this shawl, but this week I managed to get FOUR repeats done!  I am beginning to feel like I just might complete this shawl in my lifetime...or at least while I'm still young enough to enjoy it.

Thanks for all your great comments and encouragement on my Knit-O-Rama!  Having to report in here every week is making me a much more focused and productive knitter.  Now I just have to come up with something for FO Friday...hmmm...can I really finish something by then??????