Coming up for air...

I'm feeling like a very bad blogger. Things have been a bit more busy than usual at work and consequently the blog, among other things, has been neglected. I haven't even made it to knit night the last few weeks.
So here's a quick update of what's on and off my needles!

I'm knitting myself a pair of socks with the Hill Country Yarn that my friend, Knittng Novice gifted to me on my birthday. Spring just doesn't want to come to us, here in Philadelphia. It's been a very gloomy March, so I cast this on in hopes of coaxing spring out of hiding. It reminds me of those early spring days when all shades of green shoots are poking up through the dirt and buds are starting to pop out on the bare trees. The yarn is really lovely to work with. This is my daily train knitting project so I'm further along then this picture demonstrates. I'm actually working the gusset of the second sock. I don't seem to be afflicted with SSS.

Yarn: Sweet Feet, 100% merino by Hill Country Yarns
Colorway: Pecan Orchard
Pattern: Plain Ole Sock top down on size 1 US dpns

I'm also making slow but steady progress on my cardigan. It's my knit night project because it's back and forth stockinette and great for knitting and talking. But since I haven't been getting to knit night you get the picture...
Yarn: Ella Rae Classic 100% wool in color 109
Pattern: Knitting Pure and Simple Scoop Neck Cardigan #278

My Celtic Tote has come out of zzzzzzzz..... and I finally finished the first side and am ready to start the handles. It's my 'evenings at home' knitting project.

Yarn: Lion 100% Wool (main color is Cocoa with cables outlined in Lemongrass)
Pattern: Celtic Tote by Jennifer Tallapaneni in Winter '07 Interweave Knits

I had some yarn leftover from my Foliage Hat so I made a Foliage scarf to match. I did get to wear it once or twice, but now I'm ready to put it away for next winter!

Yarn: 1 and 1/2 skeins of Araucania 100% Nature Wool Chunky
Pattern: The leaf lace pattern from the Foliage Hat by Emilee Mooney
Needles: 10.5 US

I don't think I shared any of the goodies I picked up on the yarn crawl last month. Our stop at Rosie's Yarn Cellar resulted in this score... 2 skeins of Manos Silk Blend. It's been calling my name ever since. So I wound it up and I think I'm going to give in soon and show it some love.

And just in case you were wondering.... I blocked my clapotis and it's officially a FO. I still am not sure I can pull off wearing it, but I enjoyed knitting it, I enjoy looking at it and I'll probably make another one.


Whew!!!

Yarn Crawling in Philly

Last weekend Suzy Girl, myself, Knitting Novice, and a bunch of great gals from the PhillyKnitters blog went on a yarn crawl. Although the torrential downpours may have kept the sane people in doors, us crazy gals braved the weather for some yarn purchases and to meet other knitters. Despite the rain and the need for Noah's ark, I kid you not, we have a fabulous time. We laughed, got wet, bought yarn, knitted, and made friends along the way.

Sparkcrafted was the organizer, and she did a marvelous job. There are 4 yarns shops in center city Philly: Rosie's Yarn Cellar, Sophie's Yarns, Nangellini, and Loop. We started out at a coffee shop, and went in groups to Rosie's. From there we went in the order that I mentioned. I would have to say a good time was had by all.

Now obviously I got some yarn, because how could I pass up this opportunity, especially when my first stop had a sale basket. I told Suzy, I wasn't going to buy a lot, because I had a lot of things going on, and my stash was pretty big. just some yarn for a hat. You know nothing major. Now to some of you, my purchases may not be major, but when then don't quite fit in the stash container, well....lets just say I won't be making any purchases any time soon.

This first one I got at Rosies for $7 a skein on sale. The red was screaming out to me. The color is actually a little variegated, in that it is light and dark. And it is so soft. It really just jumped into my arms. I'm thinking clapotis.

Next purchase was at Sophie's. Just 1 skein of this Cascade Pastaza in blue. What? Blue? Yeah, I know I never really buy anything blue, but I do like the color. And my favorite football team's colors are blue and white (Colts), so you know. I'm thinking a hat.

The last purchase was at Loop. I saw this Lamb's Pride and immediately Celtic Tote came to mind. Gotta have it!!! There are 3 grey skeins and 1 black for contrast. I already have that pink and brown I want to use for a felted bag, so that's why I chose a different colorway.

Yeah, don't know when I am getting to these projects, but at least I have the yarn for them.

TTFN!