My new toys

My goodies arrived - I got my Ruby's Daughter skein which is gorgeous - I have to figure out some projects for the amazing handspun that I have! The crochet yarn from knitting warehouse was no great shakes - I still haven't figured out exactly what they used in that book and how to make my work look like that - the thread was too small for my E hook - I'd hate to go smaller, tho that Karabella shawl calls for a D. The rosewood hook is very nice though.

Anyway, my status. Almost done with the second strip of the cabled throw. I just did the 8 row cross cable which is very easy to do - I have about 4 more repeats and I'll be done with that. I have enough in this colorway to do two more strips I think; I am itching to change colors though so may switch to the plum for the next strip. I've decided I will get some teal, and perhaps magenta or fuschia, but I WILL wait until I've knit out the Debbie Bliss I have on hand.

I took the afghan square class at Village Knittery on Saturday and ripped out what I did in class and started over. It is a fun easy pattern; I had to stop because I left one of the balls of yarn at the store - it's the third color. I have to find time to get out there and pick it up; maybe Thursday.

I am working on the 24 leaves for the Nicky Epstein Fabulous Felted Bag Fuschia purse. I've done about 10 I think. I just carry the yarn and needles in my purse; have the simple pattern memorized so I can make one in about 4 minutes I think.

It was interesting when I took that class; saw that I was a kinda slow knitter - it was a little demoralizing. And I got a bit anxious and was making mistakes. Thus ripping it out and starting over at home where I could concentrate (and use markers to track the 225 stitches!)

I received an invitation to be considered a project knitter for spinner extraordinaire (and designer) from Material Whirled, Reenie. Don't know if she'll pick me but it sounds fun! It's to make a felted bag. Would be interesting to see how her yarn felts up.

OHH, forgot to say I finished the "versatile wrap" from Y2Knit. It is beautiful. It's the most flattering thing I've made for myself. I just need to steam it. I think I may take it to the cleaners recommended by Village Knittery - I have a few things that need to be blocked, and may just let a pro handle it. There is a nice article about how a good dry cleaner can be a knitter's best friend in the new issue of Knitty.

And excited to say that Amazon says my new Jan Eaton book, 200 Ripple Stitch patterns, is on its way. I am trying to decide on a pillow pattern for my husband's special "huggy pillow" (I know, why aren't I the huggy pillow?) which is worn from use. Perhaps there will be something there, though I am considering making up one of the squares from the Great North American Afghan book with my hand-painted yarn - just have to wind the stuff!