Try, Try, Again...

I'm back!

I was re-reading my post on MS4 and boy was I disappointed. I knit the first 3 clues before I realized how much I disliked the main part of the pattern. The stole is hibernating while I figure out how I can "fix" it. I love the beaded ends, but the body just wasn't my cup of tea. Oh well... There's always next year.

Here's a quilt I just finished... It's a commission, but I don't think anyone will notice my posting it here. I had budgeted about 3 full days to complete the hand applique of the gate over the pieced landsape and it ended up taking 7 FULL twelve plus hour days. I missed my deadline and feel like a heel, but my client was very kind about it.

The landscape was much fun to do... It is composed from strip pieced squares. Once I got the mountains arranged the rest just fell together. I was really worried about the red, but I think it ended up making the piece work. It would be a wee bit boring if I had toned it down.

Chomping at the Bit...

I am so excited! It's almost Mystery Stole season! I enjoyed MS3 so much that I signed up for MS4 on the first day! The clue releases give you just enough to do that you have to plug away at it, but you aren't overwhelmed by the scope of an entire lace stole. It makes an easy introduction into serious lace knitting.

Unfortunately the first clue will be released on Sept. 5th while I am at Dog Camp. So, I will start a week behind, but if last year is any indication, I should be able to catch up by week 3... Crossing my fingers...

I have decided to use some Alpaca With A Twist Fino in the Ruby Slippers colorway that has been marinating in my stash for a while. I am still struggling a little bit with the bead selection... I bought some Miyuki 8/0 seed beads in color 304 which is a dark red which blends beautifully with the yarn, but I am concerned about the lack of contrast. The beads do show up better in person than in the swatch photo, but I am not sure I don't want something with a little more pop... Opinions always welcome...


I know I did a crappy job blocking it, but it's a swatch and you should all just be grateful that I actually took the time to block the thing.... lol...