85 degrees, feels like Satan's lair

We sat on the deck today with two fans blowing in our direction hoping it would be comfortable enough to stay outside for two hours. Dorah came pretty close to cashing in her chips but she's a brave soul and stuck it out. After the rainy weather we've been experiencing lately, the sun was a welcome guest. We distracted ourselves with conversations about garden shares and how to prepare collard greens. 

Dorah finished her Changing Staircases Scarf/Shawl and the colors are stunning. My photo doesn't do it justice. It was hard to get a good respresentation when it was so sunny.

Barbara K. turned in her completed Mistake Stitch Scarf which looks great with her shirt today!

Jan finished her Close to You Shawl and steam blocked it perfectly. I used to use the soaking method but I might give steaming a try. It certainly is quicker and looks just as nice as a tedious bath method.

She also handed in two hats for the inventory. This one is the Bewind, knitted in a bulky weight yarn.

And this is the Lazy Traveler Beanie. Both these patterns are free on Ravelry.

Carole showed up with a new purse....THAT SHE MADE HERSELF!!! It's adorable and made with cork fabric.

It has all kinds of zippered compartments and flaps.

And a pocket on the back. If I didn't like Carole so much I'd hate her. ROFL!!!

Barbara K. started the Ex's and O's Hat for her granddaughter using that lovely pink yarn on a black background. You know someone REALLY loves you if they knit something for you with black yarn!!!

Jan reached the half way point on her Easy Scarf and needed a little reassurance that she is knitting in the correct direction. I have made this and was knitting the wrong way at this part of the pattern so I know how she felt.

Carole worked on the Raven Beanie which has a stitch that looks a lot like the Mistake Stitch Scarf.

And here is Dorah's Easy Scarf and she is at the exact same spot in the pattern as Jan. The sun washed out the colors but the yarn is a beautiful variegated of berries and greens.

Carole brought along her variation of the Hitchhiker Scarf by Martina Behm. Someone on Ravelry decided to make a row of eyelets to break up the solid field of garter stitches to give it more of a lacy look so Carole tried it out and it looks great.

I am past the halfway mark on the Carol's Clever Little Shawl and have finally memorized the pattern. The opposite end will have the same kind of "keyhole" opening just before the end so it can be slipped into the slot and the scarf will stay around the shoulders without having to knot or pin it.

Only 4 or 6 more points to go (it depends on if I want to make the small version or the large version) and then I can block it. I'm going to try Jan's steaming method since this yarn has some acrylic blended with the wool.

I'm going to fix myself a tall, cold glass of iced tea and congratulate myself for being outside for two hours. Have a great week and keep those needles clicking!