a blossom knits

I'm still on my knitting roll and loving the multiple projects I have going. I think that what is enabling me to not fall into a funk like I did a while ago and just stop knitting because I have so many UFOs . . is that my confidence has improved greatly. I really can't explain why either. It feels like I went through a wall and can breathe better now that I'm on the other side. Not having things finishing isn't really bothering me that much anymore. Cross your fingers (I know I am) that I continue to feel this way.

I am absolutely in love with my Hypoteneuse. The only two reasons are: the pattern and the yarn. Anne Hanson did a great job coming up with a fun and fairly easy-to-learn pattern that looks harder than what it really is. Once you get through one 24 row pattern chart, you're on your way . . . and "seeing" what to do is easy. Starting out though was a bit tough for me. I began this shawl using a different yarn (Classic Elite Classic Silk) and I did not like it one bit. I think the yarn was just too soft and drapey. It didn't hold the pattern very well. I needed wool to show the YOs on the hypoteneuse. Once I switched to Briar Rose's Legend (1300 yards), it was smooth sailing from there on. The pattern calls for a 5 chart repeat for the shawl (850 yards) . . . but I think I will have more than enough yarn to do either a few more repeats, or do a scarf.

So, lets do the artistic side cut one first:

And now for the top down, overall view:

As you can see, I have only three of the pattern repeats done so far. I have not even finished one of the balls I wound from the hank of Legend. I have two and one half balls left!! Maybe I'll make a second one for my mom. :) Maybe she'd like the scarf!

Also on my needles is the Textured Treasures Afghan from Lion Brand that I mentioned in my last post. I hate to poo-poo it because it's a Lion Brand pattern and their Wool-Ease yarn . . we all know it's not expensive stuff . . . but this project has certainly changed my mind and attitude towards using the craft store supplies. I've found I really do like this pattern and the yarn isn't as yucky as I thought it would be. When I have it on my lap, it makes me super warm! I'm hoping John's grandmother will like this when I'm done . . since it's for her.

Still working on my zig-zag scarf, but I'm in no rush to finish it. I'll prolly get back to it when I'm done with the hypoteneuse. Next on my list . . oh man . . I have SO MANY things in my queue!! I'll probably do the Dream in Color Shrug by Kay Dahlquist. Then I'm thinking about . . and please shoot me now because I can't believe I'm even saying this . . tackling some lace from Jane Sowerby's Victorian Lace Today. Specifically, the Holly Berries scarf. I have some Lorna's Laces (in Periwinkle) ordered from Angelika's for this purpose. I can't believe I'm contemplating doing lace!!!