Thank you for your wonderful comments about Tempest. It's one of my favorite sweaters, too and I'm dreaming of starting a second...soon.
In June I knit a sweater, a shawl, and 3 blanket squares (a community project). (Why does that feel like an inadequate total? And, why do I always think I can finish a sweater faster than I do?) Everything was finished this past week…all at once…just like that, nothing graced my needles! It was scary and somehow freeing, but it lasted only a few seconds as I had a project, two projects in fact, at the ready.
(Oh wait! Transverse is on the needles. However, at the moment she is a fill in project, the only project that has no deadline. Transverse was started while awaiting yarn for my next big lace project, Cleite.)
The story of this mythical figure has captured my imagination. She was a woman capable of great things in spite of adversity.
Cleite is being knit for a friend who is striving to live her life in a positive and strong way after a cancer diagnosis. Names have great meaning for her and Miriam's Cleite felt like the right fit as my friend is also tall, strong and very commanding by nature. This springy color, a color that signifies new life, is her favorite.
Opulence knits like buttah. So smoothly, so effortlessly, so beautifully it slips across the fingers and around the needle. Every stitch fills me with happy, positive energy and I know the shawl will do the same for her. My prayer is that this shawl will give her wings to soar above her troubles and to become strong and healthy once again.
Sunday is the last day you can donate to support Team Claudia as they endeavor to raise money for the MS Ride. Check out the fabulous prizes and give all you can to support her and the fight against MS! Knitters Rock!
Cleite is being knit with love and power, and the color is juicy and wonderful. Your friend should do well under its powers. XOXO
Posted by: Norma | June 25, 2009 at 05:21 AM
Yes! Give to Claudia. And, that is a beautiful shawl. And, I can speak from personal experience, a shawl knit by a dear dear friend (when you have suffered a blow in your life) means more than even that dear dear friend can ever know. In fact, it strikes the recipient speechless. Major hugs from the hell we lovingly call Middle Earth;-D
Posted by: cindycindy | June 25, 2009 at 05:31 AM
Knitting for friends and for community...beautifully generous! It was fun to see you yesterday!
Posted by: Suzy | June 25, 2009 at 06:03 AM
cleite's color is lovely!
Posted by: vanessa | June 25, 2009 at 06:41 AM
Geez, grrl - cut yourself some slack! A sweater AND a shawl, plus blanket squares sounds like a LOT of knitting!
Cleite - what a perfect choice for your friend.
Posted by: Anne | June 25, 2009 at 06:41 AM
Cleite is going to be beautiful! You are a kind and generous person, Margene.
Posted by: Julie | June 25, 2009 at 06:43 AM
PLEASE don't mention Transverse, I am in the midst of studiously ignoring it's siren call while other things get finished, I hope. Cleite will be lovely, and loved.
Posted by: Robby | June 25, 2009 at 07:07 AM
Again you have inspired me with your kindness for those in your life and your knitting prowess. My thoughts and prayers go out to your friend.
Posted by: jill | June 25, 2009 at 07:15 AM
Isn't it amazing how we can be knitting a scarf we love, yet completely ignore it when we count WIP's? It seems to be a corollary to the old saw "sock yarn doesn't count as stash".
Posted by: Barbara-Kay | June 25, 2009 at 07:20 AM
I have no doubt that Cleite will do exactly what she is intended to do! And WOW! that color is gorgeous!
Posted by: Kristin | June 25, 2009 at 07:22 AM
Judging your work as "inadequate" doesn't sound very zen to me...
Posted by: Carrie | June 25, 2009 at 07:38 AM
Cleite will be perfect for your friend.
Posted by: Cheryl S. | June 25, 2009 at 07:59 AM
Cleite is beautiful, and will serve well as your arms wrapped around your friend. Power and grace.
Posted by: gayle | June 25, 2009 at 08:10 AM
cleite is well named, it looks like the wind blowing.
Posted by: marie in florida | June 25, 2009 at 08:39 AM
Cleite looks like another fabulous present! As I said before, you are the best present giver, way to go :)
Posted by: Rachel | June 25, 2009 at 09:37 AM
Oh, Cleite looks like it's going to be wonderful.
Posted by: Chris | June 25, 2009 at 09:51 AM
What a perfect, perfect symbol for your friend. A cancer diagnosis certainly does blow you off course. . . but you never know what cities might be found "on the other side." I'm certain much power and strength and love will be knit into your shawl. It will mean so very much to you friend. :-)
Posted by: Kym | June 25, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Yay for beautiful Cleite! The bond between grrlfriends and knitters is so powerful! It's awesome to be giving this beautiful shawl to your friend. :)
Posted by: Laura | June 25, 2009 at 10:50 AM
The Cleite yarn is a really uplifting colour and I'm sure it will help your friend.
Posted by: AmyP | June 25, 2009 at 12:06 PM
i'm amazed at your knitting productivity! so far i've managed maybe half a sock.... hrm.
i'm also loving cleite! that color is amazing. :)
Posted by: opal | June 25, 2009 at 02:08 PM
I can't wait to see your Cleite!! :)
Posted by: Kim | June 25, 2009 at 03:43 PM
It's the process and love knit into the shawl.
How is it that I (of all people) am reminding YOU of this? ;^)
Posted by: Cookie | June 25, 2009 at 04:41 PM
Hi Margene !
Your gift of the beautiful shawl will bring comfort in the days to come...The color is so cheerful and shines with rays of hope!! Can't wait to see it finished...
You are a wonderful supportive friend!!
Posted by: Debbie | June 25, 2009 at 11:22 PM
I love knits with a story. Cleite sounds like a wonderful choice.
xo
Posted by: Sarah | June 25, 2009 at 11:41 PM
I will hold your friend in my prayers, Margene - Cleite will be a wonderful gift for her!
(((((hugs)))))
Posted by: knitnana | June 26, 2009 at 07:21 AM