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Tuesday, October 15, 2013

What's this?

It looks like a neglected blog.  September was a bit crazy here in my little corner of Virginia.  The Hubs had two surgeries,  he has severe carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands, that we are hoping will be successful.  After almost a month, neither one seems to be doing any better but the surgeon said that it could take up to six months for the nerves to wake back up if they are going to wake back up.  Work was absolutely crazy but that is pretty typical for the end of the fiscal year, unfortunately we weren't able to tell each other "good job" as my division is part of the several hundred thousand Federal employees that are locked out of their offices until this country's leaders and I am using that term loosely get over their childishness. As of today, I have been out of work longer than I ever have been since I started working and I am not liking the feeling.


I tried knitting years ago but never learned anything other than how to knit.  A few years ago, I knitted a number of scarves on huge needles (50 US/25mm) and really enjoyed it, so I started looking around for scarf patterns and have had the yarn and needles in my stash for this scarf since then.  I figured now was as good a time as any to give it a try and here's where I am:

I do have to work on keeping my tension even and pattern reading but I am happy with how this is turning out with simple knit and purl stitches.

I do have two finishes since my last post!  I am as shocked as any of you over that news!!!

Here is 99 by Ink Circles:



This is stitched on 32-count Golden Walnut with DMC.  Mine is in a different order from the pattern due to a placement error when I started so I do have to type a new guide but I am very happy that it is finished.

And here is Twilight of the Tsar by Dimples:



This is stitched on 32-count Smokey Pearl Belfast with DMC, Kreinik and Mill Hill beads.

 In addition to the finishes, I have made progress on several other projects:

Serengeti by Chatelaine stitched on 32-count Summer Sky Jobelan with recommended fibers and beads.


Sugared Almonds Gingerbread Houses by The Nutmeg Company stitched on kitted fabric, fibers and beads.

And, Mary's Sampler II SAL by Plum Street Samplers.  Stitched on a piece of mystery linen, it is actually browner than shown in the photo, with provided DMC conversion.  I used Simply Wool in oatmeal for the white sheep as it added a little bit of dimension.



Santa's Magic by Mirabilia has been put in the rotation.  That gives me three very large projects in my rotation so I am glad I have Sugared Almonds and Mary's Sampler II or there would be no finishes for the rest of the year.

I do have to get busy finish/finishing things soon and have been searching through the house for some boxes that I bought years ago (years before I moved to Virginia).  I know I brought them with me but for the life of me, I can't find them.  I know I will find them as soon as I figure out an alternative. 

9 comments:

MarchAnn said...

Looking good Susan, I love 99 bottles and of course Twilight of the Tsar by Dimples (want to get rid of that one let me know)
I haven't knitted since I was in my 20's don't know if I could pick that up again.

Catherine said...

I hope your husband's recovery is short and yields the results you all hope for.
Love your knitting ~ very pretty ~ as are all of your finishes and projects!

Angie said...

I love serengheti and your 99 bottles. Hope you aren't out of work too much longer.

Chris said...

So sorry that you are out of work. This is so frustrating! Hopefully it will end soon.
Congratulations on 2 wonderful finishes! Your other projects are looking great. Way to go on the knitting!
I was wondering where you were? So glad to see an update!

Dani - tkdchick said...

Wow! Two spectacular finishes!! Your Egg is stunning!!!

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

Great progress and two Happy Dances too! Congratulations!

I love the 99 Bottles sampler, hubby would insist on getting one of each of the bottles to drink while I stitch. Hope your hubby is better soon.

So many people are stitching Mary's Sampler but I'm not quite ready to be Christmassy yet!

Giovanna said...

Congrats on the lovely finishes! The WIPs are looking great too. I hope you're back at work by now, and that your DH is recovering well.

diamondc said...

Susan: I hope all is well with your Husband, love all your projects, someday I will learn to knit and crochet.
Catherine

Deb said...

Beautiful projects. Love the 99 bottles and the flowers!
Hope DH is recovering!