Update-A-Palooza!!

I wish I could say that crappy cropping

makes all the difference in this photo.

Truth is it is an accurate representation of a big mess 'o yarn.

Click if you want to see the gory details.

I'm trying to play catch up today, but catch up does not play fair. As soon as I think I'm getting somewhere, I remember ONE MORE THING that should have been on my to-do list. On the list: Blog update. Here goes:

Mystery Stole Update:

I have been fighting with my mystery stole. Mistakes, rip-backs, etc., plus I'm having a hard time visualizing how this will block. And my join looks like crap.

Finally, do you remember how at the beginning of this little dance number, someone on the MS3 board specifically said (Lord, I hope it wasn't Melanie) "Don't slip the first stitch of every row. It will make the blocking too tight."

(Insert whiny font here): But I always slip the first stitch of every row. It makes that nice little chain stitch on the edge . . .

So: Guess who is now worried about the edge of her shawl not being stretchy enough to withstand a vigorous blocking. (Excuse me while I apply fist to forehead, with vigor and conviction.)

I am currently 30 rows into Clue 6, and am in "head down knitting mode." No longer attempting to "read" my knitting or do the Vulcan mind meld with my knitting or even be friends with my knitting. I am just trying to get the dang thing done.

I'm not sure why I'm surprised that the honeymoon is over with this project. Any time I work on a project this size and/or difficulty, I go through a faze where I just want to put on my fuzzy slippers, drive up to the nearest Goodwill collection bin, and pitch the whole thing in without even slowing down. A drive-by abandonment of wayward knit goods.

But I am determined to finish MS3, and finish in a reasonably timely manner. I'll keep you posted -- and if (when! not if!) -- ummm - when I finish clue #6, I will post better photos.

Dyeing/ Spinning Update/ Questions for Readers:

Recent purchases: Cashmere from Sarah's yarn. I'm stocking up for Christmas presents. Buy 8 skeins and you get a price break!

400 yards each
Anyone out there have any ideas for scarf patterns

that take 400 yards? Let me know!

Bought some silk cocoons. Seemed like a good idea at the time . . .

Could someone please tell me what the heck to do with these?

I have already de-bugged them, which was pretty gross.

What now?

Dyed some yarn for the Padded Footlet pattern (In Interweave Press' Favorite Socks). Dark purple for the foot, screamin' green for the accent.

. . .and spun some wonderfully soft Blue Face Leicester (pronounced "lester" -- go figure) roving. I have about 225 yards, and will probably make a scarf with it:

Bailey was much help, as usual.

(Here he is stalking the elusive row counter, under cover of shawl.)

Tomorrow:

My next major knitting project is on its way from across the pond. Check back tomorrow for details!