bleargh

So, you were all looking for a Rhinebeck wrap-up, right? Here's the quick version: I went, I saw friends, had drinks, bought yarn, and came home. Last year, I was all about the fiber buying, as I had a new wheel at the time. This year, it was about seeing friends and perhaps making a few new ones.

I had a fabulous time. And now I'm paying the price ...

... home sick with a cup of tea.

Thank goodness for Flickr, Ravelry, and Bloglines to keep me amused, because daytime television is crap.

Oh, and what did I buy? Not much! I'm fairly restrained at festivals.

These skeins from Zeilinger's are destined to be a stranded yoke sweater, along with another darker color for the body.

I also got a single skein of some yummy, squishy soft merino from Punta Yarns:

And some sheep:

Also, although not shown, 4 ounces of natural colored merino roving to practice woolen-style drafting.

Now, back to loafing on the couch. I think it's time for another cup of tea.

stand up and be counted

Yeah, so I guess I never mentioned that I'm going to Rhinebeck this year. I have a sweater that is incredibly close to done (as in, just a few buttons to sew down), and I'm hoping to finish it tonight. Maybe photos tomorrow?

Who else will I see? I know from conversations (irl, or over email) that many of you are coming, but I'm not exactly sure who. So, leave a comment if you'll be there!

I told a colleague about plans for Rhinebeck. I may have mentioned that there would be yarn, wool, and adult beverages. Her comment was

Sheep and booze don't mix well. Be careful.

In the meantime, I've been playing with these ...

Details later, or click over to Flickr for more pics.

And, umm, did I mention that I decided to join Project 365?

wrapping up the Mafghan

A long time ago, I told you about a project that I started for a friend. An afghan, made with love by friends near and far. An expression of support during a tough time. A Mafghan, if you will.

It was supposed to be a surprise, but I gave it to her before it was finished, because she needed to know about it and about all the people who cared about her. I think she liked it. Then I took it back to complete.

Well, I finished the Mafghan a long time ago, but never posted. And I never thanked all of you who contributed to the project. The final result was a huge blanket (and 2 pillows!), and it is more beautiful than I ever could have hoped. Yes, I think she really liked it.

A big THANK YOU to all of the following wonderful people:
Erin Abby Debbi Annie Suzanne PatchesMom1973 Manise
Bertha Suzanne Kathode Ray Tube Sparkles Alison Becca Deidre Anne
Maryse Thorny Jess Mel somebunnyslove Beth S. Wenders Sneaksleep
Elinor DeltaDawn Maryse Pam Femiknitter Kelly Suzanne Julia FC
Lucy Chris Q Laura Sharon Haddy Etherknitter Emily Karen
Kelly Kathy Lucy Alex Lucia Kat Claudia Britt Suzanne
Suzanne Katie Christy Cetta Alison no-blog-Rachel PumpkinMama Cynical Knitting Gal
Brenda Ruth Kit Britt Amy PiGrrrl LauraC Erica
Katie Lisa Annie Francesca Kate Danielle Julie Kim
Sara Mary Lindsey Knitopia roro HoneyBee Rhonda the Stitchingnut Linda

In case you are wondering about the order in which the names are listed ... they are arranged according to the layout of the squares. So, Erin made the square at the top left, Manise at the top right, Linda at the bottom right, etc. If you click the photo, it will bring you to the Flickr photo -- leave a note with which one is yours if you want! (Also, there is a Flickr set with photos of each individual square up close.)

And thank you also to PainterWoman JulieFrick and Julie S. who weren't able to knit a square, but sent yarn for the borders and seams. And to Cheryl, who taught several of us a new way to seam :)

Indeed, she liked it.

Some of you have asked me recently about the Mafia and wondered how she was doing. Some of you were concerned because she hasn't been around online very much. Rest assured that things are going well for her! If you want to leave her a note in the comments, I'll nudge her to stop by and check them out.

So, with this post, I now consider this WIP to be a FO.

Mafia, with best wishes for much happiness and good health -- enjoy!