Llama Magic

Shepherd's Harvest (a sheep and wool festival in Lake Elmo, MN) was great! Last year we were plagued with nasty, cold thunderstorms that hammered and shook metal buildings. The weather couldn't have been more cooperative and was absolutely gorgeous-- and people were out in droves.


Stylish "poodle" cuts.
Every animal I saw was happily chomping or crooning away. Llama magic, indeed! Munching llamas are completely adorable. Their expressions constantly change, and there's a circular motion to their chewing. Very funny, playful-- and no spitting occured!

There was roving, top, processed yarn, knitted items, patterns, notions, and lots of food for sale. I guess I couldn't be bothered with the rest. (or... I was too busy talking and buying!) You'll just have to live with the llama pics. Shepherd's Harvest was truly great this year.

Squared

Lizard Ridge slowly progresses.... again. Three final row squares have been knit, three squares remain for the entire blanket.

Tulip or Alien?

A few weeks ago Renee said, "Oh! Look at all the tulips." when looking at the Lotus Blossom Tank's Lace. I thought this was quite lovely.

The following week Deepa couldn't stop seeing alien faces. Now all I see are alien heads swimming on waves. Thanks, my friend. Aliens. You know how I love em'.... (ahem. not a fan) Although, sock monkey lace would certainly take the prize.

Sock Monkeys scare me. As do clowns. I'm not afraid to admit it, either. If you ask why, I'll have to go on an enormous rant about my (recently deceased) evil Step-grandmother, and I can assure you that you don't want to hear it!

Ms. Walker calls the pattern 'Lotus Lace' in either her first or second treasury. Earlier I noticed that Deb thought the pattern looked like thistles. Then she found a little proof through Vogue Knitting Stitchionary Volume One, Knit and Purl.
Perhaps it's really just like clouds. Dear readers, what do you see?

LBT Progress report: the front is done, and I'm past the armhole shaping on the back. I should finish the tank in just a few days' time. I'm still loving the yarn. The pattern is pretty fabulous as is. I'm excited to try Japanese Short Rows to shape the straps/upper back. I've made a few modifications here and there-- but I'd recommend it. It's a great tank.

I've been thinking about knitting another next year-- using a different lace and eyelets just above for a ribbon.

Hrm

Anyone else notice the same when you saw the Summer 07 cover? It's certainly at least 10% different... the parameter for 'original' design has been met.

Thoughts?

Back in Print

Good news!

Maria Ehlbacher's Bavarian Stitch anthology Uberlieferte Strickmuster aus dem Steirischen Ennstal (Traditional Knitting Patterns from the Enns Valley of Styria) is back in print-- and for a smaller price than I paid from Northern European Ebay sellers!

Thanks to Holly for the update.

S'wanderful

Bohus! bohus, bohus, bohus.

Kimmet Croft didn't show at MN's Yarn Over this year. Last week I sent an email about a hat kit. You know, for the Swan pattern. No response. Anyone know if they're still in production?

So... I started looking through my stash. It's completely the wrong gauge, but should serve it's purpose: practice for a much, much larger project!

p.s. Connie, you're fabulous.

Little Project, Little Problem

This weekend I quickly whipped up a Miss Dashwood. Yep, pretty cute, I thought. Up until I realized that it barely fit Paco-- even with his wears folded back. If you couldn't tell, he's not a fan of this look. Can you see the "I'm cute enough as it is!" look in his eyes?

I realized that I mis-read (re: didn't read) the pattern and skipped over the rows of stockinette post-bobble action. I skipped on and started decreasing. Finally, a hat appeared that is much too large for Paco, and may actually fit a wee babe's head one day. Tonight I'll knit up the earflaps and ties. Perhaps a good blocking session would help as well.

Yarn from stash: Malabrigo, Amorosa (?) colorway.