Deck knitting day!

We had a small group of knitters today. But the weather was perfect for sitting on the deck, having a lively discussion about current events, good places for hiking with family, and all things knitting.

Barbara B made delicious sourdough chocolate chip cookies. She uses the best tasting chips in her recipes too!

 

Maureen finished her Close to You Shawl with the pretty little picot bind off. It's a simple touch that adds so much to the overall design.

She decided to make a reversible striped scarf called Magic Stripe Hot Pad or Scarf. It's one of those patterns that boggles the mind because the stripes are vertical on one side and horizontal on the other. It is achieved by knitting one row twice, first with one color and then the other, slipping stitches and sliding the work to the end of the needle before you turn the work. It sounds complicated but really isn't. Just make sure you aren't distracted while knitting.

Barbara is working on the diagonal baby blanket for her former neighbor's grandbaby. 

The colors are so cheerful!

I am working on the Frost Ridge Beanie by Benjamin Matthews. I am supposed to knit 42 rounds before I begin decreasing to close the crown but I'm at 31 rounds now and it looks like if I knit to 42 the hat would fit the jolly green giant. As it turns out, I am using a size 7 needle and the pattern called for a size 6. Oops! No biggy! I'll just start the decrease section now and it will be fine. Next time I'll double check the pattern a few times before I start.

Tina just started the Dexter Vest, a cute V-neck pullover vest that starts at the lower front hem and is knitted up and over the shoulders to the bottom back hem. Then it's folded at what would be the shoulder seams and the sides are hand sewn. It's a quick and easy project with nice results.

Next Tuesday we Chicks will be celebrating 20 years sharing our passion for knitting and serving  our community. I am in awe of these ladies  and their dedication to helping others. I'm so proud that we have been able to keep my dream going for all this time. Check back next week to see all the good food we'll be sharing. And keep those needles clicking!