12 OctEpic Shawl

after 4 years in the planning and 4 months in the making, the Shipwreck Shawl is complete!

It began by finding out that, after so long in stash, the yarn had weakened and was damaged. But, after consultation with the yarn experts on Ravelry, I decided to use it anyway. This decision led me to a new join technique: the Russian Join. This was awesome and it meant there was only two ends to weave in!

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Then, after finishing the middle section, it was time to string the 5000 beads….

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I figured out the best way to accomplish this: 1) buy a bead spinner; 2) find a 12 year old to learn how to use it; 3) enjoy having your beads strung.

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Then, after days and days of pushing beads and mindless yo, k2tog, the knitting was complete! Oh, happy day….

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Finally, it was time to dye the finished shawl:

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And then this project was complete!

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Sadly, it felted a little. But it is done and I think very lovely

11 OctFinish it Friday

In the spirit of Finish it Friday, I finished something! Woot! It’s not too bad for a first crocheted garment, right?

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Not only did I finally use up almost every last inch of some deep stash, I learned how to construct a crocheted sweater and make a crocheted button.

23 SepMerry Christmas!

One of my favorite things this time of year is the MA GDC (“gift containment device”) Swap. This is my 4th year participating.

This year my partner requested a stocking. Yea! So, I completed my very first stranded project:

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Hope she likes it!

15 SepPretty awesome!

It’s been a pretty great day in knitting land. Last night I saw that Susan B. Anderson , of the Itty Bitty fame, was hosting a giveaway for the The Unofficial Harry Potter Knits Special Issue 2013 Interweave Knits so I signed up at the 11th hour and won! I am SO excited.

I am also almost done with my 2013 swap stocking for the MA Annual GDC swap. And, I committed to two KALs for sweaters and said I’d finish my Flaming June (started August, 2012(!)) and my Short and Sweet (started August, 2013) AND my Rime’s the Reason (started February, 2013 – have to frog this and re-start).

Since this appears to be my lucky day, there’s hope I can get these done!

09 SepJust a few drinks from our trip to Mexico!

…I have not become a bar tender