Love those FO's

Sweater #7 has been done for a while and even worn a few times but I'm finally getting around to posting about it. It's the Lemongrass Bolero and it's been the perfect summer addition to my wardrobe. I had 3 skeins of Dream in Color Classy hanging out in the stash which I had originally bought for the Dream in Color Shrug but then changed my mind about making that. I went through several pattern ideas for this yarn before settling in on this one thanks to Meera's that I saw on Ravelry. It's perfect for throwing over a tank top especially at work where the air conditioning can make it a little uncomfortable.

I also finished knitting my Seraphim shawl which now, instead of sitting around on the needles, will be hanging around waiting for a bath and blocking.

And sweater #8 is on the needles - the Whisper Cardigan from Interweave Knits. I've started this a few times but was not happy with my initial yarn choice. I am now knitting with Malabrigo lace in the Lettuce colorway and I am totally swooning over this yarn. It is so soft - I imagine it must feel wonderful on.

Have a great weekend!

Getting my money's worth

"I think you are going to get your money's worth." This is what my daughter said to me just before the Jonas Brothers took the stage at their sold out concert in Boston last Friday night. And even though she made me laugh with that statement, she was 100% correct. I really wasn't sure what to expect, but I can honestly say that it was an awesome time. The music was great and my daughter and I shared a memorable experience together as we danced around to some fun songs.

It was fun watching the crowd which varied from children around 5 or 6 to teenage girls and parents. You could tell the parents that were merely along for the chaperoning - the ones sitting with their iPods or their books - but there were also the ones who like me, dancing along to the familiar music. I will admit that I didn't scream as much as many of the girls but I did have fun.

And yes, I definitely feel that I got my money's worth. Being able to share an experience like that with my daughter was priceless!

And the Sweaters Keep On Coming

Sweater #6 is finished and, thanks to Mother Nature, has even been worn already. Who would have thought I'd be wearing a wool sweater at the end of June. Presenting my May Day Lady sweater knit with Madelinetosh worsted in the Kelp colourway.

The buttons are "Beach Buttons" that I bought from Judy's booth at Cummington. They may turn out to be a little heavy for this sweater but we'll keep them on for a while and see how they do.

And of course I have started a new sweater - the Lemongrass Bolero. Here is mine being knit from Dream in Color Classy - Strange Harvest. Looking at these on Ravelry, I've liked the ones that have been knit a little longer so that's what I'm planning on doing.

I'll leave you with a shot of our dog's favorite spot at our annual Walk for the Animals which benefits our local shelter. We had a great day this year and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.

Just a little reminder to head on over to Claudia's site and check out the wonderful prizes you could win by donating to her annual MS bike ride. Let's make Knitters Against MS number one again this year.

Must Quit Foolin' Around

Ok, I really have to stop being distracted by other projects. I HAVE to work on sweater #6 - it is the middle of June already and instead of working on my sweaters, I have been knitting a couple of small projects.

Here are two I finished recently for a friend's baby shower. The Baby Bobbi Bear (my second) in Blue Sky Alpaca Dyed Cotton (dog not included as part of gift) and a Sweet Pea Baby Hat from the Itty Bitty shop.

The cute baby hats are quite addictive and I've made two more since then (Upside Down Daisy hat and the Bumblebee hat) and started a third.

I've also started a Darkside Cowl with Sunshine Yarn in the Edward colorway (Twilight reference). I guess I'm easily amused, but I find it humerous to think of having Edward around my neck.

But, I need to focus on my goal of 12 sweaters this year and I need to get back to working on my February Lady sweater. I love working with the Madelinetosh yarn and already have more in my stash. It's just so soft and squishy and the color is perfect. And just wait and see the buttons I found - they are perfect for this.

Bragging Rights

I’m so proud. Our local animal shelter sponsored a poster contest in the area schools and my daughter won second place in her age group. The theme for her grade was “Lost Pets + ID = Ticket Home” and this is her poster. She really loves doing artwork and comes up with some great ideas.

I also finished NaKniSweMoDo09 sweater #5 and my daughter has been wearing it almost everyday. This sweater was a quick and easy knit and she loves it. Ravelry details are here.

For the most part, my daughter has a great group of friends but we have run into some issues lately with parents whose parenting ideas are different than mine. For example, I usually like to be involved in what my daughter is watching on TV, what she is reading, what sites she is visiting on the internet. I feel that it is my responsibility to know what she is being exposed to and I know that as she gets older, I will lose more of this ability. But I would like her to get her information from her parents for as long as possible. Some of the girls in her class are reading the Twilight series and since I had never had any desire to read these books, I had no idea if there were any inappropriate parts for a nine year old. I asked some friends at work and I guess I could have checked with my knowledgeable library resource, but I agreed that she could read the books if we read them together. And let me tell you, I am so glad that I did. The woman at the book store hadn’t read them either but said that she heard they were like eating potato chips – you just couldn’t stop. And boy was she right. My only complaint is that my daughter gets upset if I read too far ahead but this is making the books last longer. Plus if I was reading all the time, there would be no time for knitting.

Fun with fiber in RI

Two fiber events are happening this weekend in Rhode Island and it’s a perfect time to visit.

On Saturday May 16th from 9 am – 4 pm, the third annual Rhode Island Wool and Fiber Festival will take place at Coggeshall Farm in Bristol. This event has gotten bigger each year and I have heard that there are more vendors this year than last. There will also be a fleece to shawl contest along with sheep shearing, a children’s craft tent, wool craft demonstrations and of course the wonderful animals. It is sure to be a fun time.

And then on Sunday there will be the 2nd annual Stitch and Pitch at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket. This will be my first time attending one of these events and I’m really looking forward to it (and keeping my fingers crossed that the weather will behave). There is a ravelry link here for more information.

So come visit Rhode Island this weekend and have fun playing with fiber.