What I Learned from the Olympics

I am in finishing mode. I had several almost done things hanging around my house that were quickly turning from WIPs to UFOs before the Olympics. In an effort to remedy that situation (and given the threats from B that he will start unraveling things if I don't get a move on ;-), I am trying to get things done (especially since I have lots and lots and lots of things on the to do list). Besides Baby Blue Bobbi Bear, which was first on the list given its owners ever approaching birth, my Madison Scarf had been done but not blocked. So, I blocked it and now it has been trandsformed from a UFO to a FO:


I made the Seaman's version (which I inadvertently always call the "Fisherman's" version - mainly because "Seaman's" version makes me giggle - yes, I am 31 but it's really hard to tell sometimes). I used Knit Picks Andean Silk Twist, which was really great to work with, but does have a bit of the itch factor on bare skin. I was also going to take a close up of the pattern (well, I did take a close up, many, many close ups in fact), but my yarn choice made it impossible to see the pattern even with a contrasting background. So, I gave up. It also turned out to be a bit floppy as a final blocked scarf. Given all this, I would recommend the pattern and the yarn, but not together.

I am also on a mission to complete Erin. Winter has finally arrived in San Diego (I mean it - we actually got hail and rain and thunder!!), and if I don't get this sweater done soon, I won't be able to wear it for another year because Winter is usually only about 2 weeks. So, I finished up a sleeve and started on its mate. That's when I realized I had messed up sleeve #1 - yay. After a lot of going back and forth on whether to frog the finished sleeve. I decided to make a pair of messed up sleeves. I actually think they will turn out ok because it is mostly just the cuff I got wrong and I kinda like it my way anyways. Here's a picture of the front, back and sleeve #1.


So last night I got most of the second sleeve done and I will finish it as soon as I am done with this post - or at least that is the plan. Hopefully (and I am probably jinxing myself by saying this), I will be able to get the thing done this weekend. Maybe in time to wear it for Mammoth next weekend?

Since, it wouldn't be possible to finish everything without starting something new, I did cast on for a Clapotis. I wasn't sure if I was ever going to make this pattern, but the more I saw it the more I thought of my mom in it. At Stitches I picked up some great kid mohair and wool yarn called Duet from Brooks Farm Yarn. They had one of the best looking booths there with wonderfully beautiful and soft hanks of every shade and color imaginable. I was able to pick up a great natural toned hank in their sale bin, too. And when I saw it, I instantly thought of mom and Clapotis. So here's a peak at how it's coming out:

Her birthday is in the middle of April so I should have plenty of time to get this done. Plus it is the mindless knitting I have been craving lately. Actually, it's perfect, it's repetative, yet not straight stockinette, so it's keeping my interest so far. Plus, it is really fun to watch those stitches drop!

Alright, kiddos, Erin is calling me. Have a great Sunday.