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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Making Lists

This week has been much like the last. I worked alternately on the mystery shawl  and garter swing sweater. I have finished clue 2 for the Stephen West mystery shawl, which means I am halfway done. The knitting has been easy, although I have decided that I dislike purling light fingering weight yarn. I am still not sure what I think of the design. It looks a bit like a superhero cape to me. I just need to wait until Friday to see what the next clue entails and decide if I keep or gift it. Eamon is starting to hint that he may want it. The red sweater is going quickly. The yarn is an aran weight, so it is fast. I am an increase or two from splitting for the sleeves. It is so nice to pair this knit with the mystery one. I can actually read while knitting this sweater, since I only need to pay attention every other row for the increases.

In between knitting these two projects, I have begun making lists. The Ravellenic Games begin on Friday. I am planning to participate in a few events. I had wanted to finish the languishing socks on my needles, but they haven't been sitting long enough to count as a WIP. Instead I will be competing in the modular event with the hope that I will catch up on my granny square sampler afghan. I need to crochet 16 squares to catch up. I am sure I can do it if I really focus. The third Camp Loopy project starts on Friday as well. I have the yarn at the ready, but haven't decided on the pattern. Once decided, that project will count toward the shawl sailing event. The final event I am considering involves swatching. I have a few upcoming projects which require fair isle gauge swatches. I figure now is a good time to do those. I am also hoping this will force me to do a true gauge swatch complete with blocking. Eek!

While working on the red sweater and planning my involvement in the games, I finished two books. I enjoyed both The Story Sisters and Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. The kiddos really enjoyed the latter. I think I read almost half the book to them on Monday. They kept wanting another chapter. We are reading it with others as part of the Read Aloud Book Along with Annie of Bird and Little Bird. I appreciate all the work she does for this project, and we all wonder what the activity will be for the novel. My next read is one recommended by Amanda and is entitled When God Was a Rabbit. I may need something light after this one as the past few books I have read included kidnapping of a child, drug abuse and molestation. Heavy topics for this mama.

So what have you been knitting and reading this week? If you are looking for good project and book ideas, head on over to Ginny's for more yarn along posts.

21 comments:

  1. I have been sneaking looks at the mystery shawl as I have planned to do that for the Ravellenics, but I don't wear shawls like that, do you think I would use it as a lap blanket? lol Sounds like a busy and productive week for you!

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    1. I am not sure what I will use it for. I keep thinking the next two clues may change my mind and I will actually love it. Will you be changing your project for the games.

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  2. A fair isle gauge swatch? Ouch,just the thought of it makes me shudder.
    I have never heard of the Ravellenics, it sounds fun. I do hope after your receive your next clue you like your shawl knitting more. Mystery knitting must be very exciting.

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    1. I am shuddering a bit too. But this year I want to stretch my skills a bit. The Ravellenic Games used to be the Ravelry Olympics until a bit of a fuss was made by the Olympic Committee. Just a bit of fun to be had while the official games run.

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  3. The shawl is so pretty! I've never knit a mystery pattern before! I'm almost all caught up with the Granny Square Sampler along. I wanted to catch up before the Ravellenics began....never thought of making it part of the games! I finished When God was a Rabbit a few weeks ago (also having seen Amanda's recommendation) and couldn't put it down! A fast, interesting read. I really enjoyed it!

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  4. The Ravellenic Games do sound interesting, I think I might have to follow along because I have seen several people mention it!

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  5. I was thinking the same thing about the shawl. We'll see how it goes over the next two clues! I still have about 30 rows to go before I am done with clue #2. I'm not sure how much I am loving it right now.

    The Ravellenic games? Holy moly! Well best of luck to you!! :D

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  6. I'm so jealous of all the people joining in with the Ravellenic games - I can't wait to see what you all produce!!

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  7. guess maybe I must hop over to see if I can still participate in some of the ravellenic events....never done this before!!!

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  8. Sounds like you've got many cool things going on! I haven't heard of the ravellenic games - thanks for mentioning.

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  9. I'm intrigued by the mystery shawl. I hope you like it in the end. Enjoy the Games :)

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  10. love the colors you're using!

    and my kids are the same when we hit on a good book, always begging for one more chapter. i cave and then am hoarse for the rest of the day ;-)

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  11. Anonymous10:47 AM

    Best of luck with the Ravellenic Games!

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  12. Those blues are so pretty. I know what I am knitting for Ravellenics but haven't joined any team yet. Guess I should get on that huh?

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  13. didn't the olympics get all nasty about ravelry having a knitting olympics? so silly.
    anyway, i am interested in seeing what becomes of that shawl. i really like those colors.

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    1. They were following up on their copyrighted use of the word, olympic. Ravelry agreed to change the games to the Ravellenic Games. Same thing different name.

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  14. Anonymous4:33 PM

    Ooh, revellenic games, how exciting! I hope you win gold! :)

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  15. Heather, today I am simply in awe :) Your new book sounds like one I might like and am requesting it at library right now.

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  16. I love making lists, I have them for everything! I'm looking forward to seeing what you make for the Ravellenic games :)

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  17. So pretty! I love those blues. And I always enjoy finding out what you and the kids are reading.

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  18. The knitting looks gorgeous - the colours are pretty.

    Gotta love the knitting-reading opportunities.

    Enjoy all the projects.

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