Today I decided I really needed a break from the pineapples, so I dug out a bag of handspun alpaca that a friend had sent me a few years back--from a spinning weekend she had hosted. There were several balls of yarn, all contributed by her guests. The one I picked to work with was the ugly duckling of the bunch...I figured it was just a collection of leftover scraps spun together. It didn't take me long to recognize that whoever had done the spinning on that one, was either a really bad spinner, or a real novice. As I knit along (I decided to start a scrappy shawl for the coming winter), there were long stretches where the threads were barely twisted and equally long stretches where they were so tight that they were like crochet cotton--only kinked so badly I could barely use the yarn! It's going to be one, ugly shawl!!! There's another ball that seems to be more of the same--I'll save that for the other end, I guess! But knitting that has sure been an interesting 'break' from crocheting pineapples!!! :D

The last pineapples! I've reached the round where I finish each pineapple individually.... *sigh* A bit tedious, but so close to being DONE! :D I'm more than ready to move on to another project.... Now that I'm hanging out in Ravelry, there are so many cool things to think about making! I started pulling out skeins of yarn from here and there and realized that I have at least 3 pair of socks to make, and earwarmers, and fingerless gloves. AND I've discovered Lion Wool at Walmart (our only shopping choice where I live!) that would felt nicely.... :D

And then there's all that lovely fabric for more mini quilts....

And then there's all those brightly colored beads to weave....

And then, winter is coming and it's nearly time to dig out the winter duds and see what's wearable and what needs to just GO AWAY!

So many projects!

It's high time I updated and maintained this blog!

I've made it to the final round of pineapples on the Monster Tablecloth!!! Here's the pattern pic--I'll post my finished pic when it's actually FINISHED! :D



Just for fun, I dug out knitting needles last nite and cranked out a baseball cap earrwarmer. Naturally, despite the bag of needles I own, I didn't have the right circular needles for this project--but I made it. I've got a whole bunch of handmade alpaca yarn that feels so good to use....


I finally got my invite to Ravelry.com! Waaahooo! I'm now in the company of some excellent knitters and crocheters! :)