...because I'm going to show you some knitting, and it's actually MY knitting! I know, I know; you didn't think I really did that anymore; I'm sure you all thought I was just telling stories when I said I was working on a couple of things but have had no pictures. I've tried to distract you from my lack of production, by focusing on the FO's of my friends. Yep, I've been an FO user; but no more. I have an FO and a WIP of my own to show you.
But first, let me show you the stitch markers that Samm made for me.
Aren't they gorgeous? They are made using Bead for Life beads and swarovski crystals or seed beads; there are also a few made with glass beads and crystals.
Now for my knitting:
First, an update on the wrap I'm knitting for Lark. I finished the first Chart this morning. I'm so very happy with how this is working up. Another thing I am happy with is the fact that I've put in a life line every 10 rows. The lace work is only on every other row, so I decided that it wouldn't hurt too badly to have to rip out 10 rows if the need arose. Don't ask me why, but for some reason I actually had to use that life line. This is not a difficult lace pattern, but you do have to pay attention and apparently I wasn't at one point. Where do you think I was when I discovered the error of my ways? I was on row 8 of the 10 row life line cycle! So, I'm sure you don't really care about all that; you want to see the photographic evidence of knitting, don't you?
So, what do you think? Of course it's unblocked lace, but I think you can get a good idea of what it'll look like blocked. The border is worked along with the center, which is pretty nice. That's a provisional cast on you see at the beginning; I used the crocheted chain type of provisional cast on. I find it to be pretty simple and easy to take out when it's time to pick those stitches back up for the picot border. The color is fairly accurate on my screen. I'm anxious to get started on the next chart (which I have to repeat 11 times!), but I decided after finishing this section, I would finish the neckwarmer I've been working on for Hubby.
Initally, I started this as a hat and I was going to surprise him with it. I'm glad I decided to ask him what he thought as I was beginning it; he said he'd rather have a neck warmer. Okay, no big deal; I had already cast on stitches for a hat and was a little worried it wouldn't be big enough anyway. So, I decided to just do a k1p1 rib for about an inch and then stockinette for a couple inches. He wanted it long enoug to go under his coat, so I did some increases over the next several rows and ended with another inch of k1p1 rib. It fits him exactly how he wanted and he's very pleased with it. I still have quite a bit of the yarn left; there's actually a little more left over than what it took to knit this neckwarmer. I think I may have under-calculated how much yarn there was to begin with.
I have had a great day today. As most of you know, I work at the local gym on Sunday mornings from 6 to noon, which means I need to get up around 4:30ish on Sundays; but today I was able to sleep until 7:30. Why? Because a while ago, Hubby asked me if I'd let him take over my Sunday shifts. At first I wasn't sure why he was asking; it wasn't going to bring more money into the house, but duh, he wanted to give me a break. Here he is, through no fault of his own, at home every day while I've been working 6 days a week. (We're certainly not alone in this situation). I was reluctant at first to let him; when you've been working the same shift for years, you make friends and look forward to seeing them each week. Finally, I decided it might be a good idea; but I didn't want to totally give up my shift. After discussing it with my boss who said to do whatever works for us (he's great!), we decided that I'd work every third Sunday, so that I'd still get to
see my Sunday morning friends and I'd also get some much needed rest. Last week he came to work with me and I showed him what needed to be done and stuck around until around 9 and went home and took a nap until he got home at noon. Sleeping in today felt so good :-)
Good for you for getting to sleep in! If I got to sleep past 6:00am EVER - I'd dance a jig!
Posted by: Amanda | Apr 06, 2008 at 09:40 PM
The neck warmer looks great. And I think he had a wonderful idea having you sleep in some times.
Posted by: brenda | Apr 06, 2008 at 10:28 PM
heh... I had just popped in to Ravelry a few minutes ago and saw these two projects, that diamond pattern is very cool and I love the neck warmer!
I'm so glad you got to snooze in this morning, Chris, you're a good man!
Posted by: marianne | Apr 06, 2008 at 11:56 PM
Wow! Look at all of those stitch markers! Will you put them all onto one project? Pretty lace... And what's better than making something for somebody that is exactly what and how they want it? What kind of yarn is it? And woooo! for sleeping in. Nice guy your dh. Has he gone over to Cabela's yet?
Posted by: lisa | Apr 07, 2008 at 07:08 AM
What a great guy! He totally deserves that neck warmer!
Posted by: Carole | Apr 07, 2008 at 07:43 AM
That sounds like a good deal for you and your husband!! Glad you're getting a break, too. The lace is looking lovely. :)
Posted by: Chris | Apr 07, 2008 at 08:31 AM
hey doll! love the stitch markers and thanks for making us aware of the beads. What a great source! The knitting is fab, as usual, and I'm glad you are getting the occasional Sunday in. Must be helping Chris from going too stir crazy, too.
Posted by: heather | Apr 07, 2008 at 09:10 AM
the stitch markers are beautiful!!! wow
and the neck warmer is very clever- I love those kind of warmers
its so sweet he wants you to be able to sleep in! I bet after a few times sleeping in, you will give him ALL the Sundays! lol
Posted by: Colleen | Apr 07, 2008 at 09:20 AM
The lace is very pretty and I love the neckwarmer.
What's not to love about sleeping in on a Sunday morning? What a nice guy.
Posted by: Amy | Apr 07, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Beautiful FOs'! Chris' neckwarmer is gorgeous and your lacework is mouth-watering. Samm, too, did an amazing job on the stitchmarkers; they're lovely.
Posted by: Dana | Apr 07, 2008 at 01:11 PM
You know I'm thinking that neckwarmer isn't such a bad idea. I might want to make myself one of those for next winter...
Posted by: Sara | Apr 07, 2008 at 05:28 PM
Oooh! Love the new stitch markers and that lace made me DROOL!
It's so great that you found a use for your beautiful Teddy Bear handspun. It looks great on him!
Posted by: Gina aka Sleepy Eyes | Apr 07, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Stunning stitch markers, wonderful knitting and a nice hubby for giving you a day of rest. I'm really glad you were able to sleep in and enjoy a Sunday morning.
Posted by: Sheepish Annie | Apr 07, 2008 at 08:04 PM
You have wonderful people around you.
The stitch markers are awesome. At first I thought they were diodes... which is maybe why I love them so much :D
Posted by: ErickaJo | Apr 08, 2008 at 07:38 AM
Samm sure outdid herself on the stitch markers, and you're really outdoing yourself on your knitting. The lace pattern in the shawl is so beautiful and I bet that neck warmer is still coming in handy with the cooler temps.
How kind of hubby to take over your Sundays. What a wonderful man!
Posted by: ~Kristie | Apr 08, 2008 at 05:52 PM
The stitchmarkers are stunning and so is that lace! Lifelines are the best thing for lace ever.
So glad you have the chance to get some rest on Sundays. Aren't Chris-husbands the best?! :)
Posted by: Debby | Apr 10, 2008 at 12:01 AM