I love Monday

Yesterday was the Cincinati Feis and I did well (2 first place, one second place, and one fifth). Then today I got to work only half a day then spend the rest with a child who couldn't go to school today. He is no longer ill, just annoying. I haven't gotten much knitting done. I am really trying to get the Icarus shawl done before the Mystery Stole starts. We leave on vacation on thursday for a camping trip then visit my sister. I should be able to get knitting done on vacation. My sister is also doing the mystery stole, so we will cast on together with the first clue. Maybe we will get our mom started as well.

Sock Knitting

Here is the photo for Kish of how I hold the socks while knitting.
Note how the previous needle is surrounded by my fingers as I knit the next one. This keeps the space between the 2 needles small and therefore smaller ladders.
Here is what my Dancing Jig socks look like now. I started the second one before teaching Kish how to do socks and since I am also working on the Icarus shawl and working 8 hours a day in the labs I haven't gotten as much work done on the sock as she has.

Lazy Weekend

My goal for this weekend was to knit, shop for yarn, nap, get some sun, and grocery shop. I got it all done. Well I didn't buy any yarn, but I pet some and my friend bought some. I got the swatch for the Mystery Stole done in Mushroom Zephyr:
I really liked working with it and can't wait until the first clue. Until then I am working on the Icarus shawl in Iris Alpaca Cloud from KnitPicks:This is also very nice to work with and I have (since the picture was taken) finished the second repeat of chart 1.

My cats were very interested in a chipmunk the other day:

I also finished the first of the dancing jig socks and started the second one as I was teaching a friend how to knit socks. I think that was lots to do in one weekend. Now I get to relax by going to work tomorrow morning.

Celtic Dreams is finished

I finished the Celtic Dreams sweater with some modifications.

Pattern: Celtic Dreams by Beth Brown-Reinsel
Pattern Source: Black Water Abby Yarns
Yarn: Jacob Wool Yarn, about 12 oz or 900 yds
Yarn Source: Ohio Valley Natural Fibers
Knitting time: about 6 months
Modifications: I shortened the sweater and the sleeves and made the skirt pattern continuous on the body and repeated on the sleeves.

Since I finished an item I got to start something else. I have chosen the Icarus Shawl from Interweave knits to keep me busy until the Mystery Stole 2 starts in July. I am using KnitPicks Alpaca Cloud for the Icarus shawl and it is wonderful to knit with. For the Mystery Stole I ordered Zephyr in a mushroom color from WEBS (www.yarn.com).

Not much knitting

This past week has been busy with not very much knitting. Last sunday was the Cleveland Feis (my group got 14 medals total). Yesterday was taken up with dancing, not a competition, but a dress rehersal for a recital. I am doing both Irish and Ballet so I had to be at the theater 2 different times. This morning was a trip to the Zoo followed by a much needed nap.

On the knitting front: I got the new Interweave Knits magazine and love the Icarus Shawl pattern. I will have to finish the Celtic dreams sweater, suede shawl and baby blanket before I start that. I have spent most of my knitting time this past week working on the Dancing Jig sock since most of the knitting time has been away from home. I have also given in and placed an order with Heirloom Knitting. My sister wanted the Wedding Ring shawl for her birthday present and since I was placing an order I ordered myself the Rosebud Shawl, why pay twice for shipping.