More Distractions

Once I finished the last scarf, I cast on for another "quick" project.*  I was lured by the siren song of a knit along with a bit of mystery. The ChoreoKAL is from Stephen West, and consists of four patterns released over the course of as many weeks. At the beginning he provided the type of project, but not the pattern (shawl, hat, legwarmers and scarf plus a bonus) I like his bold designs, so I decided to give it a try. The first pattern is a shawl in worsted weight yarn. I selected three skeins of malabrigo in bold red, soft gray and dark gray (bergamot, pearl and tortuga). I then waited for the pattern.

I really liked the pattern when I received it, but I questioned my yarn choices. Initially I used the soft gray as the background and red as the stripes. I hated it. It looked like The University of Ohio football colors. So, I switched the red and the gray. After the first repeat with this variation, I hated it too. I liked the first combination better. I frogged the shawl again and returned to the original colors after seeking much input from Dave and both of my parents. I persevered through the initial repeats and began to really like the colors.

The shawl is coming together really quickly and is easily memorized. This means it is perfect to take along on our outings. I think it will be finished today and then will need a good blocking. I am hoping the Malabrigo relaxes a bit to give me a bit more drape. Not sure who will be the recipient, but they will be warm wrapped up in it. When this one is done, I have quite a few projects to begin as well as two holiday WIPs. And of course, another ChoreoKAL pattern (this time a hat).

Reading has taken a bit of a backseat lately. I have been having a bad case of startitis. I am still listening to The Marriage Plot when I can. I have about a third of the book remaining. I started The Casual Vacancy, but it was due in a week. That was much too short for me with the craziness of Thanksgiving. I also have the three above books crowding my basket. I really like each of them. I have been working through both Simplicity Parenting and Project-Based Homeschooling: Mentoring Self-Directed Learners. Both speak to me. I have tried from the start to have a more simplified approach to our lives and continue to pursue this ideal. As far as homeschooling, we are very much non-traditional. However, the kiddos pursue their interests with fervor, and I would like to aid them in those endeavors. Inspired I made up a calendar for the kiddos and me. I am hoping we are able to settle into a rhythm and accomplish many of the great things I read and see on the web.

* I know I should really be knitting Eamon's shawl, but he is a bit too observant to knit in his presence. On top of his keen observation skills his gift is one he requested, so he will definitely notice if I am making it.

Following Along with Ginny at Small things for this week's Yarn Along.