Bounty

First things first: I will not be going to Rhinebeck this year after all. It turns out that Phil's surgery was unsuccessful, the tendon and nerve in his ring finger are still severed, and he's got to have another surgery this afternoon. I am, of course, bummed about missing the trip, but am sad beyond words that he has to go through this painful operation again, and that we have to reset the timer on his recovery time. A month to the day after the original incident, and he's still no closer to being on the mend. That, I think you'll agree, is a big bowl of arse right there.

Despite the No-Rhinebeck thing, life chez Dear is feeling very bountiful in terms of knitting. For instance, I've finished the Garter Yoke Cardigan.

Probably the fastest cardigan I've ever knit, which isn't really saying much since I've knit precisely two adult-sized cardigans in my lifetime, heh. I don't know... I cast on September 17th, and bound off October 12th. That seems pretty fast to me, considering the limited amount of actual knitting time I get in an average day. Knit with Shelridge Farm Soft Touch W4 yarn in the Cranberry colourway, I knit this pattern pretty much as written, except I added some shaping to the sleeves.

I suppose it isn't really really finished though, as it's still blocking and I've yet to sew the buttons on. Stay tuned for a proper photo shoot in the near future.

Anyway, I think I might be addicted to this whole knitting cardigans thing. I've already got the next one lined up and ready to go. I'm going to knit the Honeybee Cardigan, using some luscious Malabrigo Sock. Oooh, I can't wait.

It'll have to though, sigh. I've got to knit a few Winter Woollies first, it seems like everyone needs hats, scarves, mittens... In true Knitter form however, I'm kicking off the season of selfless knitting by knitting something for myself, heh. I cast on for a Gretel hat using a beautiful handspun angora-merino blend my cousin gave me for my birthday last year.

And it has to be said: I might just have an orgasm every time I wear this thing. I mean, angora? Oh. My. God. So soft! Oh baby, where have you been all my life? I never knew it could be this way.

Saving the best for last, I received a lovely, thoughtful, package in the mail this week, from my wonderful friend Kerry. I guess she thought I was feeling a little down lately, and decided I needed a pick-me-up.

She sent me a ball of Noro Silk Garden sock yarn, and as you can see I've already cast on with it. I mean, look at those colours! Does she know me or what?

Now the yarn is fabulous, but what really knocked my socks off, no pun intended, is the card that came with it, which she made herself.

Thanks so much, Kerry. You really did brighten up my week, and I'm glad to have you as a friend.

Happy Knitting Everyone!