Perfect weather for an afternoon on the deck

We couldn't have asked for a nicer day to sit outside. Gentle breezes kept us cool as the sound of a small waterfall kept us tranquil. We traded recipe stories (Barbara B. thinks we should write a cookbook) and got a little riled up about current events even though one of the mission statements is to not discuss politics. Sometimes it's just unavoidable. But we centered ourselves back to knitting.

Maureen finished this sweet cardigan called Olive You Baby Sweater which will be gifted to a friend. She chose the most adorable ladybug buttons to highlight the asymmetrical closure. 

That's going to be one lucky baby to get such a nice gift.

Janna had a whole collection of FO's to drop off today. The cowls on either side of the hats are both knitted using a slipped stitch technique to accomplish the intricate patterns. The one on the right is the Arona Cowl and on the left is Step Zeppelin. The two hats on top are both Helix Hats. The bottom hat is a combination of slipped stitches and Fair Isle technique.

Barbara K. finished the Helix Hat she worked on last week. And further along you'll see the next one she started. She's hooked!

Maureen's Close to You Shawl is finished too. 

You can see the pretty lace edging silhouetted in the sunlight.

Barbara B. dyed her own yarn for the Gefion pullover sweater using gel food coloring for cake icing. She did a fabulous job and she inspired me to give it a go. I'm waiting for the bare yarn to be delivered, then she's going to come over and we'll have a painting party.

 

Dorah has come a long way on her shawl and the gradient yarn is showing off nicely with this pattern.

Margaret had to frog a few rows but she's back on track with a hat she designed.

Janna started another baby hat just like the two pictured here. She's trying hard to use up all that yellow yarn but I think Rumplestiltskin comes at night and spins more to add to the stash.😉

Here is Barbara K's latest Helix Hat. She's working through all those leftover yarns and putting them to good use.

My version of the Musselburgh Hat is almost to the halfway mark and then I'll switch to a solid color yarn to knit the remainder of the hat. Once finished, the solid portion will be pushed inside the striped portion and the hat will be reversible with a solid cuff on the printed side and a printed cuff on the solid side. I can't wait to see it completed. Unlike the original Musselburgh pattern, both this hat and Carole's (next picture) are knitted with three different striped and patterned sock yarns using the Helix method of striping.

Carole is making the same hat but she hasn't decided if she's going to make it reversible. She doesn't have to make up her mind until she gets to the bottom edge where she will either keep going or knit a ribbed cuff and call it a day.

Maureen's Helix hat uses worsted weight yarn so it won't take her forever and a day to complete like Carole's and mine which are size 2 needles and sock weight yarns.

This sweet face is staring holes through me right now so if I know what's good for me, I'll feed Fozzie before he resorts to chewing on electrical cords.

Have a great week and keep those needles clicking!