On the needles

Believe it or not, I've taken the leap from accessories (scarves, hats, handbags) to CLOTHING! (I know, you experienced knitters are wondering what the big deal is, but you've probably also forgotten how exciting your first solo bicycle ride without training wheels was - like I remember, but still....)

This is the start of a "Baby Surprise Jacket," that marvel of knitting engineering by Elizabeth Zimmerman. I'm knitting it for Brian, who has enthusiastically endorsed the color selection, out of Naturally Tussock Aran 10-ply that I purchased on eBay. This is my way of getting my feet wet; if successful, I also want to knit him a BSJ out of the brown Lincoln lamb locks I'm flicking and spinning as I have time.

This evening we're driving to Auburn, WA, so I hope get in a couple hours of knitting in the car before it gets too dark. It's grand to have something productive to do on road trips, and yet still be able to interact with one's companions! I have a feeling it will be too crowded to knit in our little Honda on our way back on Sunday; in addition to Rick, Brian and me the car will be holding my mom and step-dad and all their luggage - and my mom is not known for packing light. We took one trip with them and my sister (pre-Brian) in a Lincoln Continental with the trunk full, a luggage rack on top, suitcases and boxes wedged in around us, AND we had to hold boxes and platters of food in our laps! (We started eating in self-defense; it's one of those family experiences my mom will never live down....)

While in the Auburn area, I'll get to visit Franna Pitt's EverRanch. She's been holding my fleeces that didn't sell at Shepherds Extravaganza for me, and I'll get a "lamb fix" while there. I can hardly wait!

That's it until after a busy weekend away from . . .