sneak peek

Finally getting a chance to show this. I finished this on Sunday but it was dark by the time that I had it blocked and dry. Monday and Tuesday, the weather was too yucky out to try and photograph it. Even today, the skies have been overcast and just not the greatest for doing a "real" shot. But I am done waiting, I want to share.

I knit this shawl for a very dear friend. Still haven't had a chance to get it to her because I really want to see her face when she receives it, not just get an email or a phone call about what she thinks. I wanted to give up a few times because I came across a stitch that was giving me fits. But I found a way to alter the pattern enough that I could manage and I am so glad that I did! I actually now have a few more shawls on my "to knit" list because of this one.

I don't know what kind of yarn I used or the weight since it was gifted to me over a year ago. But I can say that I think that it was a fingering weight or possibly a sock weight. Its a blue and purple mix colorway. I knit this on size 4 needles. And I secretly want to keep this project too but like the owl longies, I am being good and sending them on their way.

pay it forward 2012

I posted on facebook at the beginning of the year a status about "paying it forward". It is a really simple request... The first five people to comment, I would hand craft a gift for them as long as they "paid it forward" by posting the same status. The hand crafted part could be anything homemade that comes from the heart... even a simple cup of coffee shared between friends would suffice. As long as it wasn't a purchased Starbucks handed to someone.

I have already decided on what to make for three of my five people. Possibly four. And for some odd reason, in true "me" fashion, I started with the hardest, most time consuming one of the group.

I will share a picture when this is done but here is project "pay it forward" gift one. This is going to the home of someone very warm and caring that I just met this year. She is a beautiful person, both inside and out and I am very honored to count her as a friend. I am not even sure what prompted me to make this for her other than I think that it will be cherished. Never will she hear how this is actually my least favorite thing to do because its nerve-wracking and takes so much time and concentration. But I think that that's why I chose it for her at the same time. She always seems to be taking the time to enjoy things, never seeming rushed or hurried. She is patient and loving with a good spirit.

Honestly? If I had put any real "thought" into this, I think that I would have chosen this very gift for her. But instead, I let my muse speak for the both of us and I think that it worked out well. My heart obviously knew what my brain would have balked at and for that, I am very grateful.