Baby's got a brand new scarf!

Just in time for the cooler weather, my ISE pal Amber sent me a gorgeous scarf! Unfortunately, Blogger is not cooperating tonight, so I can't post a picture of it, or of the yummy Misti Alpaca laceweight yarn and darling knitting cards she included in the package. But I'm determined to post more regularly, so I'll just mention the scarf then try to post a picture later.

I've been really busy over the last couple of weeks. Dave and I went to Ashland for our anniversary, and I've been giving, and grading, midterms. Next post, I'll try to include some pics from Ashland and relate our misadventures. Stay tuned. I'll be back when Blogger decides to cooperate again.

Finally finished

I finally finished the scarf for my International Scarf Exchange pal. It's knitted from Artyarns Merino, in a very pretty blue colorway. I used the "tilting blocks" pattern from one of the Barbara Walker treasuries. As usual, I've taken a lousy picture of it.

Thanks, Ceris!!!

I received the loveliest package from Ceris today, all the way from England! Ceris was my Hot Socks swap partner, and she sent me the most gorgeous sock yarn from Curious Yarns! I've not heard of this company, so I'm doubly happy with my pressie. It's so nice to "discover" a new source for beautiful yarn. The picture doesn't do it justice; it's very autumny, and the colors are deep and lush.
There were also two tins of tea in the package: one for morning and one for afternoon. It's about 3:20 in the afternoon right now, so you can guess which one I'm enjoying. (It's delicious!)

I love this teacup. I collect vintage tea things, and this was the first one I bought when I started my collection. Ceris also included a tea ball and some Burt's Bees lip balm. How did you know I always have chapped lips? Thanks so much, Ceris!!

In which I have an epiphany!

Well, shoot. I'm crap at photography, but at least I'm usually able to take a few photos when I go on a knitting jaunt. I was out of town with friends this past weekend, knitting my little heart out. Unfortunately, my camera batteries were dead, so no pics of knitting by a lake.

As to the epiphany, here goes: I bought some heavy sport-weight (maybe DK, I don't know) yarn, and decided to use it for thicker socks to wear with my Tevas in the fall and winter. What joy! What instant gratification! What a blast to be able to knit an entire sock in about 6 hours!!! Here's a photo that I took once I got home and changed the batteries. I've already gotten to the gusset decreases on sock #2 and should have the pair complete by tomorrow. Notice the lovely polish on my toes? The result of my first ever pedicure. My friend Laura, a pedicure afficionado, set up the appointment, and it sure was fun. I love the massaging chair! Seems a shame to cover my toes with socks. Maybe I'll make a pair of open toe socks to show them off!