H is for

HOMEWORK

for the Knitters Connection classes I'll be taking in June.

Since I have 13 swatches to knit for the classes, I had visions of finishing. . . uh. . . beginning them on the plane to Columbus, Ohio. Not a pretty picture of yarn, needles, stitch markers getting scattered all over the cabin. Plus, you just know I'd forget the instructions and there'd be an emergency visit to a yarn shop for supplies.

I don't want to be that person.

So--I began the homework. It did cross my mind, "Gee, it's only April. . . I have plenty of time." But I know how slippery time can be.

6 finished:


And I have another one on the needles --so, I'm halfway done.

I've Been Working on the Railroad

This song has been going through my head for the past few days--only with different words:

I've been knitting on the railroad
All the live-long day.
I've been knitting on the railroad
Just to pass the time away.

Don't you hear the whistle blowing,
Rise up so early in the morn;
Don't you hear the captain shouting,
"Mary, knit your shawl!"

I'll be spending a long weekend in Boston. The Marathon. My niece is running. It's her 4th. I'm getting there via Amtrak and have the shawl packed and ready to go.

Run. Run. Run. Knit. Knit. Knit.

Hopeful Signs

Today was full of promises.
Promises of days ahead when we''ll be sweltering, sweating and swearing.

But, for now, we'll just enjoy this Spring day.

Trees are in bloom:





Ice cream cones make tasty after-school treats:




My winter coat has been thrown off and all I need is the Clapotis over my shoulders:

G is for. . . .

GIFT from a GERMAN visitor.

How cute is this little sock?



This week, at our knitting group, a knitter who was visiting from Germany, joined us. C. found us via the internet.

Being knitters, we chatted of knitterly things. Who taught us and how long ago did we learn. We compared yarn and cast-ons and talked of yarn shops. We admired projects and we look forward to C.'s ruffled sock pattern being available.

We learned that a 32 inch cable might be perfect for the magic loop technique. We drank coffee and water and pulled the chairs closer together as the coffee shop got crowded.

So many different people--but, so much to talk about!

When she left, C. pulled out a little bag and asked us all to choose one. C. said that maybe we'd remember her each time we looked at the little sock.

A tiny sock--but a gigantic gesture!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Twice this week, I went to the Yankee's Opening Day game.

The subway stop:


Walked past the new Yankee Stadium still under construction:


Got myself settled in on Monday afternoon. Ate a hot dog:


But, Freddy Sez it best:


We waited through a rain delay. I worked a bit on a sock (and forgot to take a photo!)


Game called on account of rain.

Tuesday night. Another day, another hot dog:


The rain held off and finally it was Opening Day!




Is there no prettier sight than the Yankees taking the field?


Kirsten, this one's for you!


PLAY BALL!

Half n' Half

Was it only a month ago that I was sitting in a knitting abyss and making lofty goals for March?

I must have been thinking with only half a brain when I thought I would finish the North Sea Shawl by April 1. I had forgotten that life often has other plans for us.

March was a month with lots of rollercoaster moments and very little knitting.

The North Sea Shawl is now half done:



And, no promises, but it might be finished half-way through April. Life, you hear me?

Today, I'm doing the Happy Dance because it's the NY Yankee Opening Day and the hubster and I will be there!

And I don't care that'll it be cold and rainy this afternoon for the first pitch. I was born a Yankee fan and it's Yankee Opening Day! No half-love there!

F is for. . .

FICHU.

My winter uniform is black jeans and a black vee neck sweater. I have several of each so everyday, black jeans and a black vee neck sweater.

When it was very cold, I'd wear black wool slacks instead. But, you get the idea. Black slacks, black sweater. Typical urban armour.

To stand out a bit, however, I'd often wear a fichu.

The Shetland Triangle designed by Evelyn Clark and knit by my friend the talented Sonja.



The Forest Canopy Shawl designed by Susan Lawrence and knit by me.



I love these little shawls!

They don't take much time or yarn to knit up. But they provide so much. Warmth. A dash of texture and color. And it's just plain nice to wear something lovely and handmade around my shoulders.