So...here is the first FO of the new year (actually, I just finished blocking it today, but I'm still counting it as a 2012 project). It's the Belmondo Shawl in Universal Yarns Classic Shades colorway Tropics. The poor-quality ipod pics do not do this yarn justice, but it's the best I can do today:
Yesterday, I spent the afternoon at Ewe & Company enjoying good company, good food, good knitting and great yarn. Glenna made cookies and a great black-eyed pea soup (does it count if you eat those on New Year's Eve instead of New Year's Day). While we were visiting, the nicest older couple came into the shop asking if any coffee shops were open. They were driving down from Canada to visit friends in West Tennessee on their way to spend a month on the Mexican coast. They had tired of interstate driving and had ventured off onto one of the state highways. They wound their way around one of our hilly, curvy backroads and ended up in Kingston Springs, hoping for a nice coffee shop at which to rest for a bit. We have a great local cafe, but it was closed for New Year's Eve, so Glenna offered them a cup of her freshly made coffee. They sat and talked to us for a bit, and it turned out that the lady was a knitter (knew I liked her). Her husband was from Scottish descent and I could have listened to him talk all day long. After they finished their coffee, they went on their way. Funny how something as simple as a bit of small talk with folks just passing through can add such a bright spot to the day. I hope they have safe travels.
Back to knitting, while at E&C, I used some of my Christmas money to buy an alpaca blend for the Glitter Shawl, which is next on my list to cast on. Yesterday, I cast on the Lintilla out of some Poem Sock yarn that I also purchased at E&C several months ago. I love this stuff. The colors and texture look a bit like Noro, but with a much softer hand. I do need to get another project started and in the mail this week. My sis-in-law asked me for another pair of Susie's Reading Mitts for her sister. These are a fun knit and this pair will be my fourth.
I hope you all have a healthy and prosperous new year. As for me, in 2012 I hope to:
- Spend much more time in 2012 at my two favorite LYS's knitting with new and old friends: Ewe & Company and Haus of Yarn
- Return to Atlanta for Stitches South
- Escape for at least 1 knitting retreat with my good friend TNknitter (been too long, Liana!)
- Give weaving and spinning a fair chance
- Do more fund-raising knitting - so much fun to knit with a purpose
Best wishes to all!
