a blossom knits

Look! Up there . . in the sky . . . is it a bird?? A plane?? NO! It's an FO!!! *lol*

I finished my (modified) Sursa in record time. Done in a week, about 12 hours of knitting time. This pattern has been modified in the decreases of the main section, addition of more make one's in the ruffle to make it more . . .uhh . . . rufflier . . . ;) . . . and the bind off stitch. I watched Lucy Neatby's Knitting Gems 4 DVD for her unconventional purl-wise bind off which was - beautiful!! I only wish she would have done an example of the suspension bind off done purl-wise also. I may just have to write to her and ask for those instructions. Anyway, this was done using 2 strands of Noro Silk Garden Lite (I know, everyone's using Silk Garden . . but I had to have this colorway, and besides . . it's Florida!) in color #2032 and the ruffled edge is Noro Cash Iroha in color #84.

Here's the front:

And here's the back:

I can't get over how amazed I am that I made something this pretty! I mean, I'm shocked. I love this pattern for so many reasons - it's super easy, you get something extremely functional (especially for at work when it's always cold), and it couldn't be more feminine. I have one in line to make for my co-worker, Leah, who gave me the wonderful gift of a first edition Barbara Walker book. Besides, I want her to have something pretty too. :) I think I may make myself another one using a heavier yarn . . but maybe not Noro. I'm tossing around a few ideas first.

Immediately after finishing this, I cast on for an lap afghan for John's grandmother who is in a wheelchair 90% of the time. I wanted something fast, cheap, and washable . . yet not yucky and acrylic-like. So, I found a pattern on Lion Brand that I totally fell in love with. I've been looking for some time now for a pattern that was practical yet pretty for her. If you search the website for "Textured Treasure Speed Stix Afghan" you'll see the pattern. I decided to use Wool Ease Thick & Quick in Sky Blue. Now, I don't normally knit using yarns like this . . . but again, I wanted something inexpensive and washable/durable. When I finish it then I will definitely post pics. It's surprising me -- the pattern is adorable!! I really think I'd make something for us here using some finer yarns, for sure.

Tomorrow is our excursion to Prism yarns in St. Petersburg. Laura Bryant has invited the ladies who frequent Fiber Arts in Odessa to . . . tour her facility!! Can you believe it?!!? I feel like I've found the golden ticket and I'll be seeing Willy Wonka tomorrow!! I will definitely be posting about the field trip and I'll try to take pictures (if she'll allow it).

I've sent in my membership to the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc. so that I can register for Convergence 2008. I'm wondering though if you have to register for the entire week if you only plan on going on Sat/Sun. I can't take time off from work to go during the weekdays, unfortunately, so hopefully there's some way to be able to do that. If any of you have any information about this . . please let me know.

Okay, well . . . I'm off to knit on the lap afghan and watch Tiger in HDTV! Have a great weekend! :)