Spring Fever

I'm getting so tired of the dirty snow piles and slick driving conditions.  I'm ready for Spring!

I'm really hoping we'll soon go from this . . . . .

 . . . . to this.

As I have had enough of this!
A recent post by one of my Facebook friends, listing all of her favorite things (thanks Audrie), have made me start thinking about my favorite things, which are:

Freshly laundered sheets, sunny morning drives to work, enough light after work to go for a walk, Gain laundry detergent, Lindor Chocolate Truffles (the ones with white chocolate centers), a new season of Downton Abbey to watch, all recipes from the Pioneer  Woman, lots of yarn arriving UPS, hugs from grandchildren, a new Pilot finepoint pen, a new Kate Spade handbag, needing a smaller size pants, planting the flowerpots on the deck, freshly poished nails (thanks Cheryl), and a fresh haircut (thanks Emily).

Tell me what some of your favorite things are . . .

A Beginning Knitting II class was held last night.  Chris and Rachel were such fun to spend the evening with.  Chris has knit these cute little hats for her Granddaughters (lucky girls).  They are both catching on to knitting so quickly.  I can't wait to see them again at the next class, or our next Knit Night.

The body of the "Steve" sweater is completed.  Now it just needs sleeves, and Steve inside.  I know I'm wishing away the Winter weather, but the sweater will be just as loved, if it is packed away for few months before wearing.

The pattern still has a long way to go, as it is still just in the scribbled on a piece of scratch paper stage.  I'm truly going to need some motivation to get it written.  The chain-like cables are going to be hard to explain.  I need to get busy and knit up some samples of the cables in a bright color and in bulky yarn.  I'm hoping pictures of each step will add to the written instructions.  If you have some other suggestions for me, please let me know.  I am really flowndering with this one.

It is also time for a GIVE-AWAY.  On March 31, I'll be drawing 2 random names from my "Followers", to win a pair of felted slippers.  One pair will be Child - large size,and one pair will be Women's - large size.  They'll both be two-toned, like the slippers pictured below.

Get signed up as a "Follower", for your chance to WIN!  Happy Knitting . . . . . .

Knit Nights

February's "Knit Night" was such fun!

Everyone brought yummy Valentine's Day treats to share.

Carolyn made everyone the cutest little Valentine's Day card, to give to their special someone.  They were the cutest polka-a-dot sweaters, and inside said "made with love by me for you".

It was a relaxing evening, with lots of laughter and eating.  We even did some knitting.

Jill just knit these darling little boot-toppers for her little girl.

Joan was wearing one of her past knitting projects.  You may remember my postings about it previously.  The pattern is called Cabled Embrace.  It was so inspiring, that I knit 2 of them myself.

Shara was knitting a ruffled scarf, Carolyn was finishing up a Backzip Baby Sweater, Joan & Jill were knitting felted slippers.

Becky was knitting a soft, ruffled baby blanket for one of her grandchildren, I was working on the "Steve" sweater (my newest design), and Kristen was starting the hat, which will match this little vest.  She is expecting her new "little man" in early March.

She just has the shoulder buttons left to add.  I was amazed at the argyle pattern, which was all knit in, rather than being added as duplicate stitch. 

I should have taken a picture of the inside.  It looked so nice and finished.   I can't wait to show you the matching hat, which has the same argyle pattern on it.  Kristen is becoming a true knitting expert.  

I can't wait until March, for the next "Knit Night".  Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive in attending.  It has been a well-needed social event for me.  

This is the "Steve" sweater, so far.  It is coming along . . .

The design includes a "chain-like" cable, that is a bit complicated.

I love the way the cable looks, but I'm baffled about how I will write instructions for executing it.

I've taken some step-by-step photos of knitting it, but I'm still working on putting it into words.

If some of you experts out there have some suggestions for me, they would be greatly appreciated!  Just put your suggestions in the comments box.

Valentine's Day is going to be great for me.  I just received these beautiful flowers at work, from my "one-and-only".  My world is right-side up, even if I can't seem to get this picture that way.  Thanks Steve, for being my everything!

Happy Valentine's Day, and may you always love your "knitting".  Happy Knitting . . . . . .