Before and After

Posted on 04/29/2008 by Barb | Comments (2)
Filed under : Random Thoughts

Steph recently went to a sheep-shearing festival somewhere in Massachusetts, and sent these pictures.

While she was there, she bought some bamboo fiber to spin. I can hardly wait to see what she does with it. I think she said she’s planning on spinning some lace-weight.

She’s off to Prague on Thursday. I’m envious. Bon voyage and safe travels, Steph! Have a blast, and send e-mail updates if you have a chance!

Expecting house guests ...

Posted on 04/28/2008 by Barb | Comments (2)
Filed under : Knitting, Random Thoughts

I haven’t had anything exciting to post ... until now. For knitting, I’m just plugging along on the all-ribbing sweater for Alex. What's more exciting (I think) is that Steph’s two cats, Bo and Elliot) will be coming for an extended stay. I’m expecting them to be delivered this weekend. I do have to take care of some things before they arrive (e.g., lace curtains and a couple of area rugs that look and feel a lot like they could be scratching poles). They’re good ol’ boys and very different from one another. One likes to perch up high, the other finds the lowest, darkest spot he can get into.

Even with the claws, they’re really no trouble at all.

I keep thinking Andrea is going to post up somthing about her Ireland trip, and since she hasn't I will share one photo with you:

I hope you don't mind, Andrea. (It looks to me like you're enjoying yourself!)

Ireland sock choices

Posted on 04/06/2008 by Andrea | Comments (1)
Filed under : Knitting, Random Thoughts

This will probably be my last post until at least April 19th, because I'm going to be off on my international adventure (Ireland, that is). I've narrowed down the travel knitting possibilities to three sock patterns. I've always enjoyed bringing socks on trips; I think they're the perfect travel knitting because they're small but still take a bit of time to knit. I highly doubt I'll knit three pairs of socks during my trip, but a girl's gotta have some options.

I haven't even swatched for any of these. I'm just going to bring the patterns and the yarn and a couple of needle sizes and see what happens. I mean, I've got almost 13 hours of travel time (each way!) to keep myself occupied, so I'm not too worried about it.

Here they are:

• Marina Piccola by Kate Gilbert. The instant I saw this sock pattern I knew I had to knit it.
• Quill Lace Socks from Knitty. An oldie but goodie from spring 2007. I do love me some lace, and this looks like it's easy enough that it should make for good travel knitting.
• Viking Socks by Lykkefanten. Well, I'm going to Ireland so I should do some cables, right? And these look exquisite.

I'm sure mom will do a great job holding down the fort here while I'm gone. I'll be back in a couple of weeks!