Taking a break - from guest blogger Kelly Lightbeam

Oh, Leaves of Grass, how I love you!  Unfortunately, I have been overindulgent in my love affair with this project, knitting up to four hours a day.  This has left me with some damage to the ulnar nerve in my right hand.  With numb fingers, and a sense of regret, I realize that I have to stop knitting lace and take a break.  I am, however, extremely happy with the progress I have made up to this point. I am a third of the way through the fourth chart, and being something of a slow knitter, I feel a huge sense of accomplishment, having gotten so far. 

During my hiatus from LoG, I will be doing some comfort knitting.  We are all still healing from the recent loss in our family, and I heartfully appreciate all the thoughtful comments that have been left for me.  That said, I am doing really well!  Everything has settled down now, and I want to knit something soothing for my husband's Aunt, who is having a very hard time adjusting to life without her daughter.  My thoughts lie along the lines of a prayer shawl, and I bought some "Be Sweet" Bamboo yarn today (so soft!).  It is a very beautiful green color, and if anyone has any pattern suggestions, I'd love to hear them!  At this point, I'm considering knitting the Ginkgo Shawl, but I haven't cast on yet, so it's certainly not set in stone.

I'll be back to knitting more Leaves of Grass by the end of next week, but until then, I'm sending all my love!  I will check in to see how the rest of you are faring on this wonderful pattern, and hope you are all doing well.

XOXO,
Kelly Lightbeam



   

Starting over ~ by guest blogger Kelly Lightbeam

You know, when things are crazy in your life, your knitting sometimes reflects it.  Jumping into this project was the best idea I've had in a while.  That said, I've kind of had some not-so-awesome things happen in between casting on and noticing that something was amiss.  We've had a houseguest, a death in the family, and my 4 year old caught something that has made her more sick than she's ever been in her life.  Somehow, amidst the chaos, I missed the increase after the first chart.  It also might be due to the fact that I'm working off a tablet instead of a printout, but whatever.  I am now the proud owner of a Leaves of Grass hat!


I'm definitely seeing the silver lining of this mistake, because the original yarn was hard on my hands, making them stiff and sore after a short time knitting.  I have decided to switch to a Zephyr laceweight wool-silk blend.  I am choosing a beautiful shade of copper, and will be right there with Kelli and Lori Ann when we all find Celtic shawl pins!
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Here's my new yarn...(Really just an excuse to add a photo to see what's going on with the blogger)



Much love to all, I'll do my best to catch up with everyone!
Kelly Lightbeam

I'm jumping in! From guest blogger Kelly Lightbeam

OK, I have to be honest when I say that I haven't had a lot of knitting mojo for the last few months.  I've been picking up my niebling here and there when I'm frustrated and need escape into blissfulness.  When I was invited to join this knitalong, I was hesitant only because I have not been fully present in the last few KALs. 

Now that it's New Year's Day however, I'm rip roaring and ready to go!  How could I let this pass me by, anyway?  A circular shawl, from my favorite designer, to be knitted with good friends???  I went stash diving and came up with this delicious aran weight shetland heather yarn in a rusty apple olive color.  You kind of have to see it in person to appreciate it completely!  I'm hoping that 1700yds will be enough, or I'll have to go begging.

 

Happy New Year everyone!  I hope the new year brings nothing but happiness to all of you ;)

Kelly Lightbeam