Warming Things Up
It's so hard not to complain about the weather, even thought I know many of you are much colder. I told KimG that I'm so over snow, so over day after day of cold temperatures, so over winter. Yesterday morning the weather tried to fake us out with clear blue skies (it looked warmer than it was), but it didn't last long. Clouds moved in by late morning and snow started in the late afternoon. My lungs are still compromised from pneumonia and they (and I) crave to be filled with warm (tropical) air. It is not to be...snow is expect every 48 hours for the next 7 days, and that includes continued (never-ending) cold. (I now understand why 'snowbirds' head south.) How's a grrl to survive? How's a grrl to get over it and start living life!?
Knit Tropical Lace...that's how!
Susan's Spring Things Shawl, knit in the warm colors of spring, warm climes and the sweet fruits of summer, is just what's needed to lift the spirits. Susan spun this yarn last year (Tahiti, is the name of the roving she used), and I think it was her first single ply. It's beautifully spun, even in grist and very fun to knit. The color can't decide if it's a warm tropical orange or hot pink, but together they create a lovely mix of sunny shades. This may not represent 'exactly' the Element of FIRE, but it does denote warmth and sun, summer and heat. It will be my 'fireplace' this weekend...a place to warm my hands and help me think warm thoughts.
I love this project so much it's hard to put down. It's made me feel as if monogamous knitting might be the way to go and, in fact, I think I'll knit on this one project all weekend. Its colorful beauty and rhythmic lace patterns are comforting and enjoyable. How far do you think I could go if this was my one and only?
You know what I'll be doing this weekend. Enjoy your weekend whatever you do or knit!
I LOVE it and you know what, I'm also planning to knit it in hot pink!
Posted by: Kathy | February 01, 2008 at 04:38 AM
Oh, it's perfect for creating a tropical feeling!
Posted by: Carole | February 01, 2008 at 04:57 AM
The new shawl looks tropical indeed!
Posted by: Carol | February 01, 2008 at 05:22 AM
Oooohhh. What a pretty colorway and pattern. We finally got a real snow, 8". Have a safe warm and snuggy weekend. I hope your weather moderates soon. We are expecting 50's by Monday. A weather rollercoaster. Take good care.
Posted by: CindyCindy | February 01, 2008 at 05:32 AM
It may not be conventional fire, but it's definitely HOT colors! What a great antidote to snow and cold. Mmmm.
Posted by: Cathy | February 01, 2008 at 05:47 AM
Now I see why I liked that yarn....it is a warm shade of pink and orange. It's going to be beautiful!
Posted by: Kim | February 01, 2008 at 05:55 AM
It's BEAUTIFUL!! Maybe MrZ needs to TAKE you to a warmer place to recover?!?! You know, Valentine's Day is coming up...
Posted by: Robin in VA | February 01, 2008 at 06:26 AM
BEAUTIFUL!! The perfect project for beating those winter blahs!
We're still getting dumped on here, too, but I'm not over it yet. ;)
xoxo
Posted by: Kim | February 01, 2008 at 06:31 AM
I'll be knitting and watching football!
Keep warm! Just stay inside and recup.
Posted by: Teresa C | February 01, 2008 at 06:54 AM
Oh, that is gorgeous! You'll have to just hold it in front of your eyes when you look out the window - better than rose-colored glasses.
Posted by: Chris | February 01, 2008 at 06:55 AM
You know I'm not normally a fan of orange -- but mix an almost-red orange with pink and you have a sunrise, a tulip, a hope for spring.
Posted by: Lucia | February 01, 2008 at 06:55 AM
So, so pretty! I can understand why you'd want to be a monogamous knitter with that on the needles.
I share your sentiments about winter. I think this is one of the worst ones I've experienced in my 11 years in Utah, in terms of the snow and cold. I'm flat out tired of it. I just had to go outside to help push a neighbor's car that was stuck in the snow. I hope they make it all the way to work without getting stuck again!
Posted by: Nicole | February 01, 2008 at 07:17 AM
Very beautiful Margene - I hope it warms you!
Posted by: Cara | February 01, 2008 at 07:24 AM
Those colors really do have a tropical feel. Enjoy your weekend knitting and stay warm!
Posted by: Hillary | February 01, 2008 at 07:42 AM
I feel for you with all the cold weather you've had. Makes me glad I live in "snowbird" country, even though lately it's been colder than normal here too. Hope knitting this shawl warms your spirit. The color is gorgeous!
Posted by: Wool Winder | February 01, 2008 at 07:48 AM
Hmmm . . . should I regret giving that yarn to you?? ;)
You need to go to Disneyland for a few days. That's what we're doing in a couple of weeks. I can't take it any more!!!
Posted by: susan | February 01, 2008 at 07:51 AM
warmth and love and light surround you
Posted by: marie in florida | February 01, 2008 at 08:09 AM
I'm the designated shoveler in our house, so I'm just as glad we've been snowless this winter. Your landscape is a lot prettier than our yuck brown, though. Stay warm!
Posted by: Marcia Cooke | February 01, 2008 at 08:21 AM
Oohh! It looks just like a gorgeous tropical treat, or Tahiti Treat which was a huge favorite when I was a kid. The colours should warm us all right up, I'm surprised its not melting the snow under it!
Anne in Calgary
Posted by: Anne B. | February 01, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Just think how delighted you will be when spring finally arrives. You're just feeling a little blue because you've been sick. That luscious shawl will have you feeling in the pink in no time. And maybe you could watch Magnum PI re-runs to get that tropical feel. (Oh my, he has nice legs!!)
Posted by: Roxie | February 01, 2008 at 08:28 AM
What a fantastic shawl! I love it, it's so warm and fun!
Posted by: Heather Joins The Round | February 01, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Oh yes, this never ending snow. My 3 year old son asked me why it snows every day? I want to know that too! Ugh, will it ever stop??
I love that yarn, oh so beautiful! It looks so warm just to the touch. Maybe that's what I need to do, knit something bright and warm looking!
Posted by: Kim | February 01, 2008 at 08:38 AM
I think it definitely fits into the fire category. And so cheerful!
Posted by: Cheryl S. | February 01, 2008 at 08:54 AM
I think you'll go very far! You might even have it done!
Posted by: elizabeth | February 01, 2008 at 09:10 AM
You've been busy! :-) Wow, that's a really spectacular color. Definitely a shawl to knit while you're sipping a drink with a tiny umbrella in it...
Posted by: Beth S. | February 01, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Come be a snowbird in our sun! Our guestroom is waiting and I promise to find you some nice scottish/irish things and oh yes, I know at least one place I am going to take you to try an excellent one of those!
Posted by: Rachel | February 01, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Gorgeous color! You've certainly been getting your lace on lately and it seems to agree with you. It's tempting me away from the gift socks I'm working on, except for I do want to give them. Wishing you warm and sunny thoughts...
Posted by: Sunnyknitter | February 01, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Ooh it does look cold! Crikes. I've got TWO weeks of training in SLC coming up and now I'm worried...
That Tropical Lace project is delicious! It's like a popsicle and I want to lick it, in a figurative good way of course.
Posted by: Sil | February 01, 2008 at 10:18 AM
That looks like the perfect cure for all that snow.
Posted by: Cookie | February 01, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Wow! That's melting the ice clear over here in NY! Beautiful, Margene.
Posted by: Jean | February 01, 2008 at 11:30 AM
How pretty that's going to be...Stay warm and dry, okay? I know how you feel with those pneumonia-challenged lungs...I'm back in pleurisy-land again, myself! Knitting is a great thing for "what ails us!"
(((Hugs)))
Posted by: Knitnana | February 01, 2008 at 12:49 PM
What a nice bright cheery color. How's the EPS?
Posted by: Kim D. | February 01, 2008 at 03:05 PM
The knitting portion of Spring Things is so addictive... it wasn't til I got to adding in the beads that I set it aside. Are you doing beads or nupps? Those colors should definitely chase away the winter blues and have you ready to spice up a spring wardrobe.
Posted by: Birdsong | February 01, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Love Spring Things. I bought the pattern after I finished my Forest Canopy. Your yarn just screams "spring" to me considering we had a rainy day today in CT. I guess I will add this one to my queue in hopes that it will move its way up into rotation.
Posted by: Suzanne | February 01, 2008 at 05:27 PM
No fair - you have blue sky. Thanks for the picture - I had forgotten what it looks like. Nice sherbety colors on the needles.
Posted by: Sharon | February 01, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Oh, that springy-colored shawl is happy!!!
We've had a pretty mild winter, and I'm still not sick of it. Ask me again in a few weeks, though, heh.
Posted by: Norma | February 01, 2008 at 07:12 PM
It's beautiful and I normally don't go for those colors. I predict you'll be able to finish it this weekend as it's a quick knit and you're a speedy knitter. The fun part will be to see if you choose beads or nupps.
Posted by: Opal | February 01, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Beach, sand, sun, warm tropical breezes. A fruity drink with an umbrella in it....
sigh.
Posted by: claudia | February 01, 2008 at 07:54 PM
That is some lovely warmth you have going. I just got some roving that color. It is neat to see it spun and knit. I think you could finish it this weekend. Will you do nupps, no nupps, or beads?
Posted by: Sarah | February 02, 2008 at 04:23 AM
looks like a fabulous tropical drink - something that should have one of those little umbrellas (grin)
It's gorgeous.
And I hope that knitting on it speed the healing of your lungs and spirit.
I send warming hugs.
Posted by: Teyani | February 02, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Lovely tropical lace! I hope your lungs feel better soon. It's a slow, miserable process, isn't it. :P (I've never had pneumonia, but, being asthmatic, I'm susceptible to bronchitis.)
Posted by: Andrea (noricum) | February 04, 2008 at 08:52 AM
i really like your interpretation of fire as warmth - i totally see it! beautiful lace!
Posted by: Lolly | February 04, 2008 at 12:15 PM
The colors look like a tropical sunset. Can we head to the tropics right now?
Posted by: Mia | February 06, 2008 at 12:35 PM