Thanks, Guys.

First off, congratulations to my boys for winning the World Series AGAIN! Geez, twice in 90 years. A girl could get used to this. I had been knitting my Forest Canopy Shawl, but the last two days have been so nerve wracking I had to find something else to work on. I can't knit lace and watch championship baseball. Just don't have it in me. Instead I cast on for an adorable shrug for the girl to wear over her princess costume on Wednesday night. I was going to put a coat on her, but i think it's going to be warmish. She likes her "tintess sweater" so far. Plus, it's pink. I'll post a photo when it's done.

Here's the progress on the shawl so far:



And a lace detail:



I'm using Elsbeth Lavold Silky Wool in a dark forest green color. It's gorgeous. I wanted to have it finished for this weekend's knitting retreat to Grandview, but I don't think it's going to happen. I'll have to put it on hold, since I plan to start Cobblestone on the trip. I'll see how much I can get done between now and then.

Oh, and another quick FO; the Republic Hat.



Pattern: The Republic Hat, by Nik's Knits
Yarn: Aussi Wool bulky weight, color, sensuous grey

I loved working with this yarn. It was so soft and sproingy - perfect for a hat. Unfortunately it grew like mad when wet, so it's waaaaay too big on me now. I'll try felting it, I guess.

Even the losers get lucky sometimes.

Whew am I glad I tried to reblock the Juliet sweater.



So much happier now. It's still a little bit felted, but I like it.

They can't all be winners - two FOs

First FO, Wallaby the Third. This adorable thing just flew off the needles. It's my third wallaby, the first hooded. The first two wallabys went to the boy. I had a ton of Knitpicks Swish in Ballerina, so I whipped this one out.



Details:
Pattern: The Wonderful Wallaby, Cottage Creations
Size: Willie Wallaby (4)
Yarn: Knitpicks Swish, ballerina, >5 balls
Mods: Used seed stitch border instead of garter, used smaller needles than the pattern calls for (us7)

I knit at a smaller gauge, but long, so it perfectly fits a long skinny 2 year old.

Here's a closeup of the seed stitch:



I'm slightly less than thrilled with my second FO. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the pattern, I just screwed up royally with gauge. Seriously, this is the most unflattering garment ever knitted.

Here's a picture looking all innocent:



Put in on me and I go all George Costanza.

And it got even bigger after blocking. To compensate I tried to felt it a little in the dryer, but it only shrunk lengthwise, not width wise. So I look even squatter when wearing it. Last resort, I'm trying to re block it so it's not so big around. I'm hoping if I pull it out longer, it won't be so wide. Wish me luck.

Oh, here are the details:

Pattern: Juliet, by Zephyr Style
Yarn: Elann Peruvian Highland Chunky, 7 balls
Started: Oct. 10
Finished: Oct. 14

At least it was quick.

It's over

This past weekend I had the absolute pleasure to be the Matron of Honor at the wedding of one of my closest friends. She was a beautiful bride and so happy and glowing. It was just a spectacular day.



We had so much fun at the reception, here are a couple of dancing photos (please ignore the expression on my face -- it's my dancing face).





I think the best part of the evening was staying at the hotel with my husband. We have never been away together without the kids so this was a real treat.



Oh, and the shawl I knit for this wedding, the one that matched my dress perfectly? I never even put it on. My friend Cheryl wore it.

They might be pirates

Last week I finished a very quick hat for the boy.



Specs:
Pattern: Skull Hat, by Knit Two Together
Yarn: Patons Classic Merino in Brown and Green
Needles: Size 7 addis
Started: September 26
Finished: September 28

This pattern is based on the We Call Them Pirates, which I've wanted to knit since forever. I love the worsted weight version. So. Much. Easier. I do want to knit another out of something less scritchy than the Patons, but first, I need to knit the Girl a sweater. The poor thing took a washcloth I knit, put it over her chest and said, "thank you for knitting me a sweater". Man talk about guilt. I knit the boy two sweaters in a row, it's her turn.

I cast on for another Wallaby in pink (Knitpicks Swish in Ballerina) stash yarn and it's going super quickly.

Yesterday we went apple picking, and the Boy wore his new wallaby:



I love fall.