The knitting has been going well. Last Saturday I finished the V-neck vest for my husband:
He tried it on and it fits perfectly. I was really worried, about lots of things. Doing the three-needle bind off to join the shoulders was pretty hard, but I did it. It used to be so seasy, but this was pretty hard. I did not, however, have to ask for help, not yet. Someday there may be a time, but it will wait. Picking up the stitches for the V-neck and knitting it was hard too, really tricky, but I did it. Knitting the armhole ribbing was fairly easy. Sewing the two underarm seams, I had to get creative. Oddly enough, the part that almost defeated me was pinning it together evenly; I almost had to ask for help, but figured it out by pinning it together (at least to start) by using my mouth, while my hand held the two pieces together. Epiphany! I got it. Sewing it together with a little crochet hook in my crochet hook holder was a piece of cake. After all the finishing that I learned that I could do, I can see how it can be done and done well. It gives me a little glow of satisfaction.
The catnip mouse was knit on Sunday:
The scraps of yarn left over from the vest help my afghan:
On the Wings of the Ocean Breeze gained an inch and a half -- there's a lot of stitches in that thing! Yikes!
Yesterday I did a few more inches on the Haiku garter stitch scarf. I knit it while listening to The Roadhouse podcast. Easy knitting + good music for an hour = good times.
It was 46˚ and sunny here in Rockport today, nice. January thaw, you rule!
Hi Beth, I hadn't checked your blog for a few days, and what a treat! So many interesting topics. I had a great read. I also enjoyed your entry on needles. I am not so obsessed with my needles. I have lots of old aluminum needles and am building a collection of wooden needles. Maybe I will treat myself to some interesting needles for my up coming B-day.keep on with your blog it adds a UNIQUE twist to my knitting. Rhoda
Posted by: Rhoda Thombs | January 25, 2012 at 03:03 PM
Love the vest Beth. I wish my husband would wear more knits. I finally made him socks and he hasn't worn them yet:-( He simply doesn't know what he's missing. I am teaching a new knitter how to knit. So much fun to see her so excited. She has 4 more friends on the line. Yeah!!!
Keep knitting and blogging. I check every single day to see what you're up to. I really enjoy your topics and always have. Kelley
Posted by: Kelley Splaine | January 25, 2012 at 05:03 PM
Thanks for reading, Rhoda! I'm glad you like the blog. I hope you get interesting needles for your birthday :
How exciting to teach a new knitter, Kelley! Thanks for reading the blog :)
Posted by: Beth Collins | January 25, 2012 at 10:15 PM
Beth, your amazing. You've been able to accomplish so much. I love watching your progress and am inspired by you.
Posted by: brandi | January 26, 2012 at 05:30 AM
Thanks, brandi! I make a lot of progress only because I have nothing else to do :) But I am glad it inspires you!
Posted by: Beth Collins | January 26, 2012 at 07:42 AM
Hi Beth,
I always love reading your blog and seeing the wonderful things your making. I've gone afghan crazy at the moment, so I especially love the one you are making. It has so many great colors and textures. It's also at that great point where you can actually keep warm under it while your working on it. You are an inspiration.
Posted by: Sarah Otley | January 28, 2012 at 12:34 PM
Thanks Sarah! Good luck with your afghans. Mine is made of scraps of whatever I'm using to knit with, and it is a wide variety of textures and colors!
Posted by: Beth Collins | January 28, 2012 at 01:36 PM