Finally Casting On! ~ Guest Blogger Sue

Finally getting around to casting on for my Stonecrop. I am using Brooklyn Tweed Loft in Soot. I love this yarn, having used it last year to knit Ludlow. It is nice and organic and tweedy, and I like the stitch definition. Softens up with blocking to a very pleasing knitted piece. 

I am so happy to be knitting lace again. I have always loved Jared's mix of lace with tweedy yarn. I really like working with charts, since it goes more quickly for me than written directions. I will definitely be making the longer version of this pattern. 

The only tip I have so far is that I am tying a knot in the tail of the provisional cast on yarn each time I complete a pattern repeat for the bottom border. Keeps me from having to write it down or count when I come back to it. Looking forward to seeing everyone's progress.  Thanks Melissa, for organizing everything!

Ludlow Progress ~ Guest Blogger Sue

I am starting the second repeat of my Ludlow.  This has been a slower knit than I had anticipated. I breeze along until I get to the Moss stitch section, which slows me down considerably! I have 8 skeins of Loft, and hope to have enough to finish. Really loving the pattern and stitch definition I am getting with the Loft.

I am finding a row counter to be especially helpful with this pattern. Also, I love the charts for the Diamond sections. I use a long Post-It note that I have taped together, and move it up a row at a time. I am then able to quickly glance at the chart, making sure I stay on the correct row! 

Have really enjoyed seeing everyone's projects so far! Happy Knitting, and stay warm!

Indecision ~ Guest Blogger Sue

To say I am indecisive, is putting it mildly. I was so thrilled when Melissa and Kelli announced the Floods Flock KAL! What a great idea! Yet, for someone like me, who has trouble making a choice, it can be agonizing.

Initially, I decided to knit Stonecrop. I hastily ordered some Loft in Sweatshirt from Loop, in Philadelphia. Great customer service, by the way. It was at my door in two days!  I wound the yarn and cast on with the zeal and glee that comes from a new project. But after knitting the bottom border, I wasn't thrilled with the fabric I was getting. Maybe I just like my lace to be a little lighter. Love the yarn, love the pattern, just not what my needles were producing. So, I stalled a little.

Then, Kelli posted her gorgeous Ludlow!! I was in love! I had originally thought that was the pattern I wanted to make, but had chosen Stonecrop since I love lace.  So, I ripped out what I had done, and immediately cast on for Ludlow! It's just the kind of knit I need right now. Back and forth, soothing knitting. I will also admit, I was not thrilled with having to keep track of two charts at once with Stonecrop. Probably for a time when my mind is not so scattered.

Absolutely loving this project so far! Also love all the other projects I have seen so far!

Better Late Than Never - Post by Guest Blogger Sue

Can't believe it's August!  I fully intended to start my Quill back in June, but have been so busy and distracted.  Having my middle daughter home from college, and my youngest out of school for the summer, has kept me away from my knitting. I thoroughly enjoy having a full house, and we have been filling our days with fun activities.

I am using Madelinetosh Merino Light, in the Posy color.  I have a ridiculous amount of TML, so thought I should de-stash for this KAL, as opposed to buying more yarn. (Although, always love an excuse to do that!)  I have admired the one color versions of this project, so am going to do that. I know I will have enough yarn to do the smaller size.

Hope everyone is having an enjoyable summer, wherever you are!

Finished at Last! - Guest Blogger Sue

Yay! Finally able to finish after receiving my yarn care package from bluesaddiction.  Many, many thanks to her! Bound off my last 17 stitches and blocked my shawl.

It was a little windy out, so it would not stay still for the picture!

The color is a little truer in this photo.

I really enjoyed meeting and knitting along with everyone! Can't wait for the next KAL!

All the shawls have been gorgeous!

Stalled - Guest Blogger Sue

Well, I thought for sure that I had enough yarn for the border chart and bind off! But, alas, NO!!! I started the edge chart with 22 grams. It was taking about 2 grams per row.  Since I am doing a stretchy bind off, I guess it just wasn't enough!

17 little stitches left to bind off, and that's all I have left! I did a search on Ravelry for everyone who had used TML in Celadon. Luckily, I found a very kind and generous knitter (why should I be surprised, that is how knitters are!) in Texas, who is going to send me a few yards! I really didn't want to have to buy a whole new skein just for 17 stitches!! Will update soon with finished photos. Hope everyone else is not running into any problems!

KAL Progress - Guest Blogger Sue

I have finished 11 repeats of the body chart, and have 22 grams of yarn left.  Wondering if I can squeeze in one more repeat before starting the edge chart.  I may just continue on to the edge chart since I don't want to run out!! Should have measured before the last repeat to see how much yarn it required!!

The spine measures 18" right now, so it should block out, with the edging, to a nice size. Getting anxious to finish!

Hope everyone is pleased with their shawl!  The finished ones are gorgeous!!

KAL Progress - Guest Blogger Sue

After much pondering over which color to use for my Shetland Triangle, I finally cast on yesterday!
I am happy I chose the Celadon. Thanks for everyone's input and opinions! :)  I have done the neck chart, and the first body chart.

I am working from the pattern in the book, which I prefer over the more recent version of the pattern sold on Ravelry.  The charts in the book show both sides of the shawl, not just half, and are more detailed.  If anyone is stuck, please send me a message on Ravelry. (purl3)  

I toyed with the idea of adding beads to this shawl, but after going to two bead stores, could not find any I liked in the right size!  My daughter she didn't think it needed any embellishment anyway, and I agree! (I think she already has her eye on it!)

Hope everyone is finding some knitting time this weekend!

May KAL - guest blogger Sue

Hi Everyone, I am so excited to be part of the Shetland Triangle KAL.  It is one of my favorite shawls to knit! I have made several, and will never tire of this pattern!  Am currently agonizing over which yarn to use for the KAL.  Any opinions are welcomed!

Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light (from left) - Tern, Oxblood, Celadon, and Magnolia Leaf

Sorry about the photo quality.  It was dark, so no natural light!

Can't wait to cast on!