It's a busy week (living life can keep one running), but I have been able to fit in some knitting here and there. As always, I'm looking forward to the weekend and more time to spend with a sweater, either Gray Mist or Wisteria, or both preferably.
Wisteria reminds me, during these days of (a slight) inversion (it's ugly here, folks) that spring will come and bring beautiful flowers once again. Wisteria also reminds me of the process and the joy that can be found in working stitch by stitch in the present. She reminds me that while I dream of flowers, what is in my hands now is of utmost importance. A few stitches here, a few more there and she grows.
The SnB gang (we aren't just grrls) had a "One Skein Exchange" for our 5th Anniversary party.
All the "gifts" were in brown paper bags and no one knew what they had until the bags were opened. Cheryl got a fun hat from Eliza, Chris got Laurie's (coveted) beaded bag, Eliza received Heather's very creative cowl, and Heather got Warren's very warm (and cool) ear warmer. Laurie received Chris' linen bread cloth (no picture), Warren's neck is now warmed by Cheryl's buttoned cowl and Susan (happily) got the Applewood Cowl from me. I was the lucky recipient of Susan's gift and I'll share it with you after I get a picture of it with Acer.
The intent was not to torture you by dragging out the Acer debut (although that's not a bad idea). Our first opportunity for a photo shoot is this weekend, but I can tell you this already, she one of my favorite sweaters ever.
Gosh, how I love your knitting group! The color of Wisteria is stunningly beautiful!
xo
Posted by: sandy | January 16, 2009 at 04:31 AM
What fun! Looking forward to the double reveal!
Posted by: Manise | January 16, 2009 at 04:51 AM
That is gonna be some stunning sweater. What a fun gift exchange. Looks like everybody came away with something wonderful. Have a great weekend and we'll wait (albeit impatiently) for your Acer shoot. I HATE inversions. We get thermal inversions in summer and the air quality is hideous. Stay warm and have a fabulous weekend, dear. Sounds like you have great knitting weather!
Posted by: cindycindy | January 16, 2009 at 05:01 AM
I can't wait to see Acer but I'm happy to hear you love it. I started mine this week and hope it will turn out okay since it is the first adult sized sweater I have made in 8. I was going to do either Acer or the February Lady Sweater but I had read so many comments about FLS not fitting properly I thought I would try Acer first. If you have any comparison comments (since they are both neck down) I'd love to read them.
Posted by: Viki | January 16, 2009 at 05:29 AM
I'll trade you Louisiana's 26 degrees for the inversion. Louisiana and temperatures in the 20's -- that's just not right!
Posted by: Barbara-Kay | January 16, 2009 at 05:35 AM
Your anniversary exchange looks like so much fun. You have a great group of friends and knitters there. And I love the picture of Susan.
Posted by: Carole | January 16, 2009 at 05:40 AM
Your bit of Shibui appears to be the same color as my pink Wisteria plant who grows on my patio...beautiful! xo
Posted by: Suzy | January 16, 2009 at 05:58 AM
Your One-Skein exchange is a great idea! We just had our 5th anniversary and I think something similar might be in order - thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: deb | January 16, 2009 at 06:01 AM
Oooohhh...I love the idea of a secret one-skein gift. Hmmm, I may have to propose that at some point for my own group!
I got to work on my second sweater yesterday, and I chose my husband's to work (this is my slight cheat - he's getting one of the 12) because the yarn is very warm and very cushy. It goes well with coffee and is perfect for comfort and warmth during the coldest days of the year.
Posted by: Kristin | January 16, 2009 at 06:30 AM
The one skein exchange looks like fun! Pretty Wisteria.
Posted by: Chris | January 16, 2009 at 06:33 AM
The color that you chose for Wisteria is such a beautiful shade of violet....very pretty!
Posted by: Kim | January 16, 2009 at 06:38 AM
Lots of pretty gifts. Can't wait to see what you got.
Posted by: Wool Winder | January 16, 2009 at 07:10 AM
You're right...those inversions are just yucky. It's even weirder to stand on the side of a mountain up in PC and look DOWN on clouds! Do I see some new people in your group?
Posted by: Marcia | January 16, 2009 at 07:22 AM
Great pictures, Margene!
I love the one skein swap, it is the best one we've thought up.
Warren's ear warmer is awesome and I've been wearing it every day.
Posted by: Heather Joins The Round | January 16, 2009 at 07:26 AM
Great photos, I loved how you captured the element of surprise in so many of them. Looks like it was fun!
Posted by: Anne B. | January 16, 2009 at 07:37 AM
I love my new hat!
Posted by: Cheryl S. | January 16, 2009 at 08:19 AM
Oh, everyone looks so happy!! Can't wait to see ACER!
Posted by: Vicki | January 16, 2009 at 08:30 AM
Looks like your knitting group is a blast :)
Posted by: Joy | January 16, 2009 at 09:37 AM
Fun times!
Posted by: Nora | January 16, 2009 at 09:54 AM
Wow, really? That's some high praise - one of your favorite sweaters ever! Can't wait to see, and you're right - enjoy each stitch! Have a great weekend!
Posted by: elizabeth | January 16, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Looks like a fun sweater to knit! Your knitting group looks really fun, what a fun swap!
Posted by: Jewel | January 16, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Acer is my new favorite too. It is a great quick knit and it fits wonderfully. I can't wait to see your cardi.
Posted by: Tonia | January 16, 2009 at 01:22 PM
What a fun lookin' group!
You just love to tease us. I know you do.
xo
Posted by: Cookie | January 16, 2009 at 03:20 PM
Favorite sweater ever? Wow. That's a high standard to aspire to. I can't wait to see and hear all about her. It's sunny here today, so hopefully some of our better weather is headed your way.
Posted by: Stephanie | January 16, 2009 at 03:48 PM
What a fun idea! Thanks for sharing all the great photos. It has been sunny and warm here during the day this week, but too dry... hoping for nicer weather headed your way, and happy weekend knitting.
Posted by: Birdsong | January 16, 2009 at 06:25 PM