Saturday, June 30, 2007

Not What You Expected

Some of you were expecting photos of two knitters from blogland meeting. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. POUT. I was doing payroll while Michelle and I finalized plans, and I didn't write down the time. I got it wrong, and by the time we talked, she was 15 minutes from our meeting spot, while I was still over an hour away. Big sigh. Guess it just wasn't meant to be right now. Sorry Michelle!



In other news, my Green Yarn Junkies pal's box mailed out this morning, along with my first No Sheep Swap package. (Yes, mailed on the last possible day to be considered timely...) But more interestingly, I finished my vest. The arm holes are bigger than I like, but otherwise, it fits well, which for my first garment is good enough. I loved knitting with the Plymouth Royal Bamboo, and since I have nearly 250 yards left over, I can make another little project. My sweet husband suggested socks, but I don't think that's anywhere near a good choice for that yarn. It is a fairly heavy vest, as summer clothing goes, but on, it doesn't feel heavy at all. I will likely wash and block it later today, and wear it very soon. Maybe then, I'll be able to get a better photo. If you haven't tried bamboo, I highly recommend it. It just glides through your fingers and off the needles. I also mastered the three-needle bind-off on the shoulders. Piece of cake! I'd done seaming before, first just a bit on Mugsy's sweater, and then, on the Mitered Squares bag. There really was very little on this - just the shoulders to the back with the three-needle bind-off, and then, each side to the VAST arm holes. Oat Couture patterns are great!


That's about it for knitting content. I'll likely finish the first two circs. sock later this afternoon, and then I'll have to decide what to cast on next. Probably a dpn sock, but I do have non-sock projects I could and should consider.


Don't forget to get your bingo card in for the second round of Virtual Vacation bingo. And sign-ups for the second round of the dishcloth swap end at midnight tonight.







In non-knitting news, I have to give props to my incredible sister and her husband. We had an early birthday dinner for me last night, as they've headed off on vacation. My sister gave me FOUR charms, including the one Anne spotted on our Richmond yarn crawl. The picture could be better, so that's a grater on the far left, a colander on top, a whisk on the right, and the needles and yarn in the center. My sterling charm bracelet will be much heavier once those are added!





However, my always funny, kind brother inlaw gets the bow. Because botching dates and times is what I seem to be doing this summer, I somehow flopped Anne and Ingrid's arrival date around, thinking I could go with my sister and other friends to Williamsburg, for the big Longaberger event there. So, my other brother inlaw's girlfriend signed us up to weave our own baskets, something we've done before, but these were special, designed just for the Williamsburg crowd. Long story short, my sister said she'd found a friend to go with her to take my spot, and I stayed at home and greeted my guests. I thought nothing more of it. No one shared any details, which I thought was a bit rude, but I decided they didn't want to make me pout - which you know I am apt to do - and let it go.







Wrong! They were all in on it. My brother inlaw, disdainer of all things baskety, set aside his eye-rolling urges and instead, rolled up his sleeves and made me a basket. I can honestly say, prince that he is, my own hubby wouldn't have done that for me. Now, I have known my brother inlaw most of my life, as he's also a volunteer firefighter, and first dated my sister when I was just a little girl. My inlaws are his son's godparents, so even before he and my sister reconnected and eventually wed, he was still a significant family friend. My other brother inlaw's girlfriend was sworn to secrecy, so now I know why she didn't email with details of the trip either. I love it! There's the close-up of the Colonial Williamsbur signature pineapple (a symbol of hospitality) and the special nearly Williamsburg Blue trim. Note the splint commemorating the event, and the beautiful tie-on. He also initialled the bottom, in Longaberger tradition, got the weaver (the guy who talked him through it and helped out as needed) to sign it, and then stood in line to turn it into a certified collectible with a signature from one of the Longabergers. Thank you!!! I am truly spoiled.

PS - I love spell check, but it doesn't love me back. "Baskety" isn't a word. "Blogland" isn't either, if you can imagine...

8 comments:

Shannon said...

Sorry to hear the meeting didn't work out. :(
But how sweet about the basket. Very pretty!

Sue J. said...

Oh, the basket is so lovely. What a terrific brother-in-law you have. And congrats on the vest. Very, very nice. Sounds like you are having a great weekend.

vegasangelbrat said...

Oh my!! The Vest is done and its beautiful!! Good Job Chan!
Oh I love the basket :) Yup, that brotherinlaw is a keeper for sure in my book!! Wouldn't have happened in my house either..lol
glad that did thougha nd sorry you missed Michelle, I know you were looking forward to that.
Have a Happy Birthday Weekend!!
Big Hugs!

Sharon said...

Sorry about the missed meeting :-(

I second the recommendation for bamboo. It is sooo soft and lovely....

Yes, spell check. Don't get me started ;-)

NH Knitting Mama said...

What a beautiful basket! And the best kind, made with love.

Devonshire said...

That vest looks wonderful! I love the color and I think those are the perfect fit for you. That basket is gorgeous!! What will you fill it with???? I love those charms - must have the whisk, where did she find them?

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday!

I'm so sorry we missed each other! I'm so bummed, but I know we can figure it out for another time... I was just hoping you'd meet Chewy too! She seems good though the news about her cancer is not... I'm hanging in there though...

Your charms are so beautiful and so is the basket!

Virtuous said...

YEAH! On the vest! Great summer color!