Summer is coming!

I know the calendar says that summer doesn't start for over a month, but Summer Term starts on Monday.  I've had this week off from school and have thoroughly enjoyed doing nothing.  Well, nothing isn't exactly true, because I've been knitting.  Alot.  

The Buttons for my FLS

Last Friday I put the finishing touches on the sweater that made me want to learn to knit.  It's called the February Lady Sweater. Don't ask me why.  But the lace bottom and sleeves appealed to me and I wanted one, especially when I saw a friend's version made from a gorgeous variegated blue/purple cotton.  I had to have one.  She generously gave her blessing for me to make my own "one day."  Well, "one day" is here!

May 13, 2011 February Lady Completed

Trellis Shawl in Plum

I've also started some new projects because the knitting fever is upon me.  I pulled a UFO out of hibernation but found mistakes and re-started it.  It's a huge square shawl and I can't wait to see it completed.  The Trellis Shawl will be stunning!  Are you ready for this?  I'm using a yarn suggested by the designer! There's a first time for everything, I guess.  It's JaggerSpun Zephyr Wool-Silk in this gorgeous purple colorway.  I think it's the first time I'm knitting with a solid color all by itself.  I hate plain needlework, and to me, solid colors equal plain.  I think that's why I tended towards overdyed threads when I was stitching. I much prefer semi-solids to solids, which the overdyes provide.  This yarn, however, is irresistible to me.

Ocean Wave in Chung King Mansion

I even found a tank top that I couldn't resist.  It was in one of my One-Skein Wonders books, the Luxury Yarn edition.  I'm using a skein of Sanguine Gryphon Little Traveller in a blue/purple/black colorway called Chung King Mansion.  I have another skein of this yarn, but haven't found the right project for it yet.  I'm excited to wear my Ocean Wave Vest. 

Billie Holiday Feathered Cowl

I used more stash yarn to start a cowl.  I'm using the remainder of my Schaefer Laurel in the Billie Holiday colorway to make another Cabled Feather Cowl.  I've made this cowl twice before and absolutely love the pattern and the finished garment. My niece Breanna has one in a wool/silk blend and I have one in a bamboo/silk blend.  Since this one will match my FLS, I'm excited.  I plan to make it long enough to be a hood, so I can pull it over my head if need be.  

All these progress pictures were taken last night, and all three projects were started since last Friday. 

Also since last Friday, I've completed two pairs of Duffers, felted slippers.  They're not felted yet, but I'm hoping to do that this coming weekend when I'm at my brother's.  This is an uber-easy 19-row pattern that results in awesome wear-around-the-house slippers.  The ribbed bottom ensures they don't slide on smooth floors.  To date I've made seven pairs of them.  I have plans to make two more pairs.  When complete, Mom, Ian's girlfriend (Brigitte), my aunt, her daughter, my oldest niece, and Ian's girlfriend's daughters (also my nieces-Sierra & Micaela) will all have a pair.  Of course I kept a pair of purple ones for myself. I wear them all the time.

Some things have changed from my last post.  First, I switched around my classes for Summer Term because I found out there's a lab science that is all online!  I don't have to worry about spilling chemicals or scaring Kasey with Bunsen burners anymore.  It's a meteorology course, so we just use the instruments the bookstore provides to measure rain, temperature, etc. for the lab assignments.  Also, I decided not to take ASL in an accelerated format; I'm taking it in the Fall.  Instead, I've signed up for a Digital Design course.  I've registered for 10 credits but I will only take 9 at the most.  I'm waiting to hear from the school whether any classes are cancelled for low enrollment before I decide which class I'm going to drop.  Right now, the top on my list to go is the Digital Design.  It won't transfer to my 4-year school, anyway.  Unfortunately, one of the education courses is the one that looks like it'll be cancelled.  School should be making the call today.