Two Wooden Sticks and a Ball of Wool

Covering Up

I want to start this post by saying THANK YOU to all the heart felt messages I received after my last post; it means so much to be cared about and appreciated - I really appreciate you too...so much (and at the risk of getting over emotional - my state these days and oversentimental - I have had to rewrite this a couple of times, I will stop now).  I am going to try and moderate myself....which should be quite a challenge.

So,this isn't a B post; I actually got a couple of things finished and had to show them off!  Woohoo!

I was planning to give this to my Dad for Christmas but then and I got sick and it didn't get done.  He got it last weekend.  This is Version 2 of the Lizard Ridge  (the photo above is a little dark, the two photos below are more representative of the colours of the Noro #178).  I am also making Version 1, and while this baby is hefty to knit, especially as you get to the last few repeats, I must say it is an easier knit on so many levels.  The short-row rows are killer (I can say with complete certainty I have the technique down!) but at least there are some nice long knitting stretches in between.   Let's just say Version 1 - not coming along too quickly!

After blocking it I decided not to put the crochet border on - I felt it looked really good just the way it was and I didn't think my Dad would care too much.  He has actually been pretty touching about the whole thing - he was soooo pleased when I gave it to him, and he has slept with it every night since I gave it to him (he put it on top of his side of the bed - he ain't sharing with my mother!) - it gives me a great sense of pleasure to have given him something that he is clearly so enjoyed by.

I have also finished my Azure socks! (Photo above -side shot below and frontal on top- is not completely reflective of the colour - the one below is closer - got to love that winter sun!).  This is a great pattern and a nice knit.

Okay I lie.  I have to say that having spoiled myself on Short Row Yarn Over heels (best tutorial ever; if you haven't tried these do so), doing a traditional heel flap, even toe up, was a bit of agony for me - I felt like it would never end (I do have the short row heel into a bit of a science - or perhaps I am just a little rigid...).

 

I wanted to remain true to Deb's pattern - she has really done a great (clearly written) job on the instructions.  In the end I am really glad that I did.  They are truly lovely socks....just sayin'.

 

A is for.....

Azure socks(a great pattern designed by the uber sock knitter Deb - she knit 79 pairs of socks, yes that's right 79 pairs, in 2007!) knit with Araucania (the colour, a lovely Apple Green, is actually listed as PT484).

An Aran sweater lying on my new Aqua knitting chair - a lovely Christmas present from my Mom and Dad.  Very comfy for the sore joints.  Thanks Mom and Dad!

Specs on the sweater - Jack by Kim Hargreaves from A Treasury of Rowan Knits.  The yarn is Yorkshire Tweed Chunky (it is wonderful to knit with!) which I purchased from Julie at The Needle Emporium.

And finally, A is for still being Alive.....another long absence from my blog (let me tell you, just trying to remember how to put some buttons up and update TWS was a learning curve....again!).  I had a rough summer and fall and capped my year off with Whooping Cough and Viral Pnuemonia (always a good time for the Christmas holidays!). 

I can't bemoan my circumstances though; everyday I remember (and I am reminded) that no matter how bad it seems for me, there are so many others out there dealing with much tougher stuff (never take your good health for granted; it is a gift). 

I decided that the ABC-Along would be a good way for me to get my feet wet again (no promises on how much out there I will be....blogging, visiting, commenting, etc. is still quite cognitively draining for me) and I have a goal of posting every two weeks.  I have been knitting - trying to channel my limited energy (and focus away from the pain - knitting can be quite meditative) and feel productive, although I must say I live in complete awe of what some of you complete (and do!)...

Ahhh, it feels good to post again!  Au revoir... for now!