Nearing the End

It's been fun to read about the Holiday fun, surprises and gifts others have received.  Smith made sure there will be more stash enhancement in my future, a nice buzz from caffeine on my way to work (I love local drive through coffee places) and car wash coupons so there can be no excuse for my car to remain dirty. (He did this to make it easy for me to stop and wash so he doesn't have to for me.)  To insure maximum entertainment while knitting, several KnitCast's have been downloaded to my new iPod and a wide variety of music is also ready to accompany my trips to the gym...just so I'll stay on the treadmill a bit longer.

The weather dolts people now say the expected cold front will stay well north of us. Over the next week precipitation will come in the way of valley rain and tons of good powdery snow in the mountains, while the unseasonable warmth continues. You can't complain about weather like this, really, and I now wish I'd learned to ski.  Skiing conditions have been near perfect since Monday. Maybe I'll head back to the ice rink.

Rosarie seems to be the runaway favorite in yesterdays poll,at least so far.  Julia, Rachel H, and others, suggested something easy for the first project of the year. That's how I'm ending 2005, however, with Sally's Funnel Neck Sweater from her new book 'Color'. This sweater was started the first of December as an easy way to knit through the Holiday frenzy.  Even with less time to knit the project has grown and it has been a nice way to relax.  Not much thinking or fiddling is necessary because there is little shaping and no patterned stitches. 

Funnel is the first time I've knit with Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool and I find it wonderful!  The fabric created has a nice hand, it is soft and easy to knit, and the color is interesting and beautiful.  The finished pieces don't grow when blocked (yay!), but you can manipulate the gauge a bit if need be. It's a solid, soft fabric and this sweater will be one that can be worn for 3 seasons. It should be finished, or nearly so, this weekend.

Smith and I have a four day weekend starting tomorrow.  There will be lots and lots of knitting and a trip or two into the mountains. I'm so-o-o ready!!

Comments

[sandy]

Another breathtaking picture of your view, Margene! It always makes my day!
:)
I am wishing happy, happy weekend to you and Smith!
xo

[Norma]

Man, that Silky Wool keeps sounding better and better!

[Cara]

I, too, am very interested in the Silky Wool. The color is amazing. YAY for days off! Have a fantastic weekend!

[Kathleen]

I love reorganizing the Silky Wool at the shop. I just have to finish a few things before I can buy anymore yarn! Namely that St. Brigid needs a big dent!

[Zarah]

Sounds like you did pretty well on presents! The funnelneck top is beautiful, great for stress-free holiday knitting. I hope we'll be seeing pics from your long weekend!

[stitchnsnitch]

I'm glad you get a four-day weekend. Enjoy it! ;)

[Jess]

Have you tried the Cast On podcast? (www.caston.com and you can subscribe through iTunes). It's pretty new but sounds really professional and is great entertainment while knitting or doing whatever.

The sweater looks great and what a lovely photo!

[Sarah HB]

Great photo!

Have a wonderful 4 days off.

[Carole]

can't wait to see modeled shots of the sweater - that silky wool sounds great. Have a wonderful 4 day weekend, we have one, too.

[Jenna]

Sounds like you got some lovely gifts. I love practical ones like the car wash coupons, they're something that will get put to good use.

I only get a 3 and a half day weekend but I'm also hoping to make good use of it.

[Rachel H]

My first project in the New Year is going to be a hat for myself in Silky Wool. Unless of course I finish the boy's second sock today and decide my hat really needs to come next. :o)

[Kim]

Have a great weekend!!!

[Cassie]

Glad your guy treated you right and that you'll have lots of treats to look forward to in the new year. Enjoy your long weekend!

[Lisa in Oregonl]

Mmmmm Silky Wool is the BOMB! Love the drape, the cost is reasonable, nice colors too. :) Funnel looks awesome!

[regina]

I'm a big fan of Silky Wool. I also love her angora, which comes in the most incredible colors.

I hope you and Smith have a wonderful long weekend! Happy new year.

[Stephanie]

Gift certificates for the car wash are a wonderful idea. I'll have to tell my husband about that. I have a new iPod too, and am enjoying it when I'm knitting (and if it'd ever warm up and stop being so freakin' windy, when I run). Have a wonderful weekend.

[Vicki]

Have a great weekend, Margene! We've had unseasonably warm weather here, too -- the snow's melting! I'm sure it'll catch up with us eventually (just hope it's not April).

[Imbrium]

It's been warm here (Denver), too. The Boyfriend was freaked out that to was 70F on Christmas day...I'm originally from California, so it felt like home to me.

Hope you have a wonderful long weekend!

[Laurie]

I am getting converted to the idea of Silky Wool for my next sweater. Where are you going? BEAUTIFUL sky. Have a wonderful trip, and a great New Year's with that man of yours. What a gem.

[Rebekah]

I would love a trip into the mountains this weekend, but alas, I'll be at home cleaning. But there's a sense of accomplishment in that.

[Colleen]

Oooh, I love Silky Wool.

[Marcia Cooke]

Have a lovely weekend, Margene. (This is also test to see if I have finally outwitted the evil gremlins at Typepad who have been preventing me from commenting for the past two weeks!)

[Debi]

Have an amazing weekend M! I'm wishing you and Smith lots of laughter, love, chocolate, good health and knitting in 2006!!

[La]

Just wanted to say thank you for the birthday wishes yesterday. I certainly hope that 2006 starts off better than 2005 ended! See you on the flip-side

[Kim]

I would say if you're using your gift certificate that you received before Jan. 1 that would be fine :) Happy 4 day weekend and Happy New Year to you both!

[Felicia from sweetgeorgia]

I like easy starts! Happy New Year Margene!

[Kathy in San Jose]

That Silky Wool is fab stuff, isn't it! I'm working on a stole in the denim blue - originally a crocheted poncho, but when the poncho was finished, I realized that a ruffly edge running right around my middle was about the least flattering anything could be. Now it's a lacy stole, and the Silky Wool is holding up beautifully.

Enjoy the weekend and Happy New Year!

[Shara]

I'm so out of it! I didn't realize Sally's third book was out! Needless to say I had to go ahead and place an order to Knitpicks before the 1st! Thanks for sharing the great photos.

[Beth]

I'm lagging behind in all things blog-like, but I liked Rosarie too.