January Happenings

I am doing my first KALs.  This is Focus Pocus from Knitpurlhunter. It is a

pair of socks, knit two at a time on circular needles.  The challenge for me was to read a chart.  I started out reading it wrong and did not get this mirror image pattern.  I kept staring at it thinking something was wrong, but then I think it looked right.  So on week 2 it was obvious that I had read the chart wrong so I ripped it all out and started over. Now it is correct and I am all caught up.

The wrap and turn heel is done and I am doing a twist stitch (kind of a cable without the cable needle) in the foot. This Thursday we get the final installment for the toe of the sock.  I have enjoyed this KAL because it has challenged me to read charts, learn the wrap and turn heel, and use this Twist stitch (which still feels very awkward).  The yarn  is CoBaSi by Hikoo.  It is a cotton, bamboo, silk blend.  The best part is that I am using the Skacal Sock Rocket 40" circular needles.  They are wonderful!  No fighting unruly cables!  I'm getting me some more!!
I am also doing a KAL through Jimmy Beans Wool.  This is a Downton Abby theme using Lorna Laces yarn.  I'm sorry to say this hasn't been quite as 'fulfilling ' as the sock one.  It will eventually be a shawl, but there is a lot more knitting and many lace patterns.  And I have yet to end up with the same number of stitches between the 9 markers, so I'm not as happy about the outcome so far.  We'll see... (sorry, no pictures.  Too busy ripping out...)

This last weekend was Common Thread Quilt Shoppe's 9th annual Sew In.  Wow!  Nine years!!!Who knew?  Had a great time, as usual!!  Got to sew with my 'peeps' Jackie and Jess.  Sat by Kandy, Barb and Kathy....an unruly bunch if ever there was one! But, oh so much fun!  We missed seeing Sally (who always get the prize for 'farthest away').  No excuses next year, Sally!

After hours and hours of sewing and yakking and eating, this was the end result!  Oops!  Kandy was the first to point it out to me....gleefully, I might add!  Oh well.

Today was Gourmet Group at my house.  Always a challenge to come up with a menu that is interesting, tasty, and can be prepared between 9:30 and noon.  And, because of the Sew-In on the weekend, I was running around town on Monday like a crazed gourmet, trying to find my ingredients and prepare the house for 7 (2 were gone) women in my kitchen with sharp knives (got them sharpened at the Sew-In). My 'theme' was Moroccan food and Middle Eastern markets are not a common sight in the Iowa City area.  The one I thought sounded the best was no longer in business...after I had traveled across town.  Pulled into the parking lot of one on Mormon Trek  and drove away again because it looked scary. Finally went to the one in Coralville across from the Post Office.  Very small, and a little scary but I persevered and found the Orange Blossom Water...sheesh!

We had a yummy meal and everyone seemed to enjoy it!  Now I don't have to think about it for another whole year! YAY!!!! 

On Sunday, Lauren returned to Beloit for spring semester.  Kind of a sad time...she really had a great vacation and didn't want to leave her Iowa friends.  But, she too persevered and went back.  The good news: Spring break is in about 8 weeks or less!

And hopefully that means WARMER WEATHER!! OMG! what's with all this arctic blast?  Stay warm everyone!!