Here’s the finished MaryElla, as worn to MSWF. I think it came out nicely, and was very comfortable to wear. The snap got sewed in at the Chick-Fil-A we stopped at one the way there, as I didn’t think to pick it up until we were on our way.
Remember the picture of all the beads strung for the project? Here’s what’s left over. Trying to think of something I can do with them all, and not sure what that is, honestly. I haven’t done any beading in a long time, other than this project.
No, it hasn’t stopped me from buying an inexpensive bead spinner. I’m never stringing that many beads by hand again.
;And I’m sure you’re all dying to see the lovely yarn I bought at the festival. Warning, crappy cell phone pics ahead.
On the left, we have what I think is "Confetti," and on the right, "Spring Garden." The pictures, as always, don’t do the yarn justice.
So, where do you all think I spent my day today?
Maybe, just maybe, Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.
Yes, I made a few new friends. But, really, who wouldn’t want to take this cutie home with them?
The obvious answer there is, of course, Mike. Heh. But he did come home with a nice pair of sheepskin slippers, and a pen with almost as many functions as a Swiss Army Knife.
Myself? I came home with sore feet and two utterly gorgeous hanks of yarn from Tess’ Designer Yarns. I think the two colorways I got are Confetti and Spring Garden, but I could be wrong. I just know they’re incredibly lovely, and may never actually be knit. As I tried explaining to Mike, not all yarn is for knitting. Some is for being lovely and making you happy just existing. No pictures at the moment, but I’ll get them later.
I do wish I had taken more pictures. I only took three, and one didn’t turn out on my little cameraphone. But it was just overwhelming! We found the fairgrounds, saw the number of cars parked, and Mike’s first words were "Holy SHIT." He didn’t think there were that many fiber people out there.
The other picture that turned out is that cutie’s stallmate.
Apparently I’m too mysterious. *grins*
The new project is Knitty’s MaryElla, made from a lovely kit from EarthFaire.
Neither scan (this or the one I showed previously) show the wonderful color of the beads. They’re a dark iridescent, and just lovely. However, stringing them all was a pain in the butt.
Yes, I know the pattern tells you not to. I’d read elsewhere that it was a good idea anyway, so you don’t have to cut the thread every time you need to add beads. Plus, knowing me, if I didn’t get the unpleasantness done all at once, it would never get done.
This is very fun knitting, even if it’s on 0000 needles. Just takes some getting used to. Of course, I’m sure for those who don’t knit socks, it would be even harder. Doesn’t seem like too big a difference between a size 1 and 0000.
And yes, Becky. I am insane. But so are you, sis.
Who wants to guess what this will be? If there’s enough interest, maybe I’ll make it a small contest. Email me with your guesses!
Whatever could this be?
First of all, stealth project:
The Kittyville hat from the Stitch and Bitch book. Yes, I am that goofy.
Second, from the best Secret Pal in the world:
Which I unwrapped to reveal:
The green yarn is Nashua Handknits Creative Focus Worsted. The pink/gold/green is unlabeled, but looks very spiffy. It will be interesting to see what it says to me.
Mike immediately tried to lay claim on the chocolate covered macadamias. In fact, the package got opened before I got the picture, because he *had* to have one before going to work. He was late today because his alarm didn’t go off. As opposed to being normally late.
Air freshener for the car, which is good since I’m driving his these days. The book is Vogue’s American Collection, and has Lily Chin’s Reversible Rib Shawl, which I’ve been pondering lately.
And, the best thing of all? I’m sure you’re all wondering what that is.
Opens up to this:
It is, simply, the coolest circular needle case in the world. My SP had it made JUST for me. I *adore* it.
SP: *squees and hugs* You’re the best!
If it’s not obvious, it’s not happening. *sigh*
When you’re missing one of each pair of socks you’re giving as Christmas gifts.
The bars, bars, bars, bars, bars, bars, bars, bars…
Yes, I’ve cracked. As if you’re going to figure out that I’m parodying Poe’s “The Bells.” Of course, it’s noon, I haven’t slept yet, and it’s not all from Christmas knitting. Heh.
I’m really surprised that I’m as far as I am with it, considering that Mike and I have been herding small children most of this week. I think one gift might not get done in time. I can live with that, all things considered. And there will be pictures later. After I figure out where I packed the camera cord. Or see if, in a house with four desktops and two laptops, if they might have a similar cable.
I’m off to see if I can get a nap and figure out why my parents do not seem to have any antacid. Which will probably prevent that nap…
At least I got As in both my classes this semester. Yay!
*glances over at the progress bars*
The two at 99% just need ends woven in and blocked. Mike’s father’s gift was 95% done, and then I realized I dropped a stitch back at a point I couldn’t just pick it up, so I frogged 20 rounds or so. Ouch. It’s sitting in Time Out for now, so it can think about how a proper project should behave.
I’d like to say right now that I love both Mission Falls 1824 Wool and Ann Budds The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns
Oh, more details on the visit when the nieces haven’t exhausted us both. But Allie is learning to knit! On a loom, yes, but she told me today, “Knitting is cool!’ Glad to know I’m corrupting a six year old. *evilgrin*