For Elise

I finished the Baby Soft Cardigan almost in time for its baby's arrival, but not quite. She was born last Thursday, and at that point it was still drying on a towel. Cotton takes forever to dry. Then there were buttons to choose, and a card to get, and, oh, you know. I took these pictures this morning, just before I wrapped it up and took the package to the PO.

• Pattern: Baby Soft Cardigan by Jennifer Hagan, from Clara Parkes' Knitter's Book of Yarn.
• Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton in Sage
• Needles: 5.5mm/US9
• Size: 6 month
• Mods: None, except that I crocheted most of the seams, and once around the edges for a nice finish.

I'm so pleased with the way this turned out! I hope Little Miss Elise will be cozy and comfortable. She's the newest addition to our bookstore family; her parents are the wonderful couple who were married in the store in 2006.

Easter Sunday did indeed involve chocolate and Yahtzee. It was fun! We munched grapes and cheeses, had a wonderful supper, laughed and talked, and I visited with the Remarkable R's and their Magnificent brother M, who came out from the city for the day.

My dear friend Judy is physically, constitutionally, and completely unable to make just one of anything, so there were two desserts for seven people (already full from those appetizers, and risotto and pasta and salad, not to mention chocolate bunny parts).

First there was a delicious strawberry tart with orange custard, and then there was Nigella's Instant Chocolate Mousse. The servings were huge, and as we dug our spoons into the chocolate and whipped cream, Judy confessed that she'd doubled the recipe. She was trying to kill us. I managed to drive home, but barely.

Knitting continues, same as last time I posted. The shawl is even longer, and the sock is closer to the toe. Nothing exciting there, but satisfying. I feel comfortable and strong in my knitting life right now. It's an incredibly good feeling to have. Does this mean something, or is it just a good thing? I don't think I'll wonder -- I'd rather enjoy it.

Spring

It's Easter, and I'm getting ready to spend the afternoon with Judy and her Fabulous Family. There will be chocolate. And Yahtzee, I hope. I've missed a few chances to sit down and post - I'm not sure I'll ever be able to get to all the things I was planning to write. But here I am, now, for a minute or two.

All of a sudden I'm busy again. Work is more like it ought to be - busier, more demanding, needing my closer attention. All that is fine with me, because the slow pace of the off season begins to wear on my nerves after a while. Later, when summer really gets here, I'll go back to whining about my busy work life. For now, I'm happy to be so occupied.

By the way - if you are watching that wretched Real Housewives of New York City on Bravo, you will see why I might complain about Summer People. Those women, their offspring, and their entourages? They are the bane of my existence. I watched a little bit of one episode and had to turn it off. I swear I've seen the guy with the pink cowboy hat in my store (without the hat, thank goodness).

The Crest of the Wave shawl keeps growing. It's not very photogenic right now, though. I've knit about 40 inches so far, and I've just cracked the second skein of yarn. I could knit for miles!

It's good knitting.

E is for

Emerging.

Seasons don't seem to burst here. They arrive slowly, taking their sweet time, and they toy with us in the process. It's the ocean's doing, I suppose, something about the currents and the temperature of the water.

Ah, well, there are signs. Slender iris shoots, bright mosses, and deep red ground cover are scattered over the bed next to my walkway. Though the sky is bleak, the air is damp and raw, and the trees are weeks from greening, Spring is emerging bit by bit.

Fancy that!

I was toodling around the internet today, and what do you know? I found this blog with my name on it! Apparently I have a blog and don't post very often. Huh. I could make excuses: work blah blah weather blah work blah blah time flies blah blah. But I won't.

I have been knitting in every spare moment, though. This is my new take-along project. It's a small rectangular shawl in the Crest of the Wave pattern (see Barbara Walker). The yarn is Sundara Sock yarn in the color "Ember over Flame," which really does look like a fire. It's amazing. I've been meaning to make something other than socks with this yarn. I'm using US6 needles, and enjoying every stitch.


I finished my Piecrust Basketweave socks the other day -- also in Sundara's Sock yarn -- and they're almost dry. They were a fun, easy pair to make. I needed a little bit of quick knitting gratification!


Whenever I finish a pair of socks, I need to cast on a new pair as soon as possible. The other day I was consolidating some of my stash (as in take all the yarn that was sitting around and put it into something) and I came across this pretty color. It's Sundara's Sock yarn (yes, I know...) in Grey Violet over Mauve, and it's perfect for Nancy Bush's Wishbone Socks in the March/April 2008 Piecework Magazine. This is a great little lace pattern that is easy to remember and interesting to knit.


And how will I transport my socks-in-progress? Why, in one of Lanea's sweet sock bags, of course! This is the best sock bag in the world, hands down. No question. I love it. The tea cozy is a little bit jealous.


I'm hoping to start the new week with energy and a good attitude. I had a blast last week, but the crazy weather at the end of it turned everything inside out. By Saturday afternoon I was one of the piles on my desk at the store. Not this week, no ma'am/sir.

This has been a beautiful day off, much of it spent laughing with online friends or knitting the beautiful mauve-y socks. The weather has cleared, the sun has been bright and strong all day, and I'm cozy and content as it sets. What more could I ask?