Emerald

Since my grad classes ended this week, I found a little more free time on my hands.  Naturally, my mind began to think up all of the projects that I can work on, both knitting and craft-related.  I hope to have more final products to show for this month! 

I am off to a pretty good start…

This is the back of Saunshine’s lovely “Ruby” tank, and after some good quality knitting time, it is almost complete! Since my tank is in fact green, I thought “Emerald” would be a good name for her, keeping with the whole jewel theme.

The pattern is a great quick knit, and I can see that this will become a staple summer wardrobe piece!  Saun sells this pattern in a package deal with another beautiful lace v-neck tank on her blog. (Did you see Kate’s finished one? so pretty!) I think I may tackle this easy lace repeat in order to have that lovely tank in my closet as well! The great thing about her designs is the layering factor. I am a first-rate layerer, so these garments will easily make the transition into fall/winter wardrobe with a collared shirt, or a long sleeved tee. Thanks Saun for the versatile design!

I am using the Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece that I found in NYC in March, in colorway Holly Green.  (Not to Christmas-y though, right?)  I prefer to think of it as kelly green.  The yarn is 80/20 of cotton and Merino wool, and has a nice texture.  It will require some blocking when I am finished, but I think it will hold shape very well.  I do like working with cotton, so I am sure more of this lovely yarn will show up around these parts again.

Although I have not made the leap yet, I am also planning to take on *another* sock-knitting technique.  I am still reserving complete judgement for the knitting socks on 2 circular needles until I finish my Lollygirl socks, but in the meantime, why not add another work in (almost) progress?  Look at that yarn!  how can I say no?

This yarn was a sweet gift from Kira, after last year’s Socktoberfest.  It is the handpainted sock yarn SweetGeorgia line, dyed and sold by Felicia.  This yarn is so beautiful, and I just can’t wait to cast on! 

Of course, all of this probably won’t happen this weekend – because this weekend is filled to the brim with activity!  Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival!  It would be an understatement to say that I am excited about this.  I will be there BOTH days – Saturday and Sunday.  If you are attending the Festival, I would love to meet you.  Please come and say hi!  You will find me in the pavillions with beautiful yarns in my hands! After the festival, there will be the KnitBloggers’ Ball meetup (Clyde’s in Columbia, 7pm!) and some other fun activities.  Can’t wait!

I tried to be prepared, and organized about the whole excursion; we’ll see how that works out for me.  I went through my ever-growing bookcase of knitting/craft books and magazines, and found the patterns that I just adore… the ones that I dream about making… and I wrote down all of the information about the yarn, and even the suggested retail price (I want to know that I am getting a deal!)  I found that Yarndex was a great source for this information.  There are many great substitutes available, especially from some of the local sources, and I am planning to purchase for at least one of the projects on this list.  Here is a glimpse at my list – this only includes three of the ones I have highlighted.  I think I have 10 projects in all that I *really* want to find yarn for.

(This could also be my handwriting sample, like that meme that was going around, right?)

Here, I have some highlighted Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton designs, and one from the new Norah Gaughan masterpiece.  I also have a good representation of Interweave Knits patterns.  We’ll see what I come home with… I hope I can keep to the list (with only a few diversions for Morehouse Farm, and Tess Designer Yarns)  Speaking of, did you see the festival COUPON for Morehouse on their website?  Right click – Print!

I am off to the city to meet Zarah and do a little touring, and a little knitting.  She has been in DC for the week, and I am excited to meet her! The weather has turned a little gloomy, so I hope that the rain stays off through the weekend (I know what wet wool smells like, and it is not pleasant!) 

For that last little bit of green, I thought it would be fun to show off some of our plants.  I would love to see some of yours too – so get out there in your garden, or to that windowsill, and show me your little bit of green!

Have a wonderful weekend!

PS – Thanks for all of the lovely comments on our backyard pond project!  I will show more as we stock it with fish, and plant some new aquatic plants.