Maplewing Shawl

So, I've been in a bit of a knitting funk lately. I have a bunch of design ideas bouncing around in my head, but I'm so A.D.D. right now that I'm having trouble getting them down on paper and even more trouble creating them in yarn form. I think I'm just putting too much pressure on myself, trying to get some designs done for various deadlines coming up.


Finally the other day I made myself put all my UFOs in my knitting basket and put down my knitting for a few days. I think it helped somewhat, as I don't feel quite so frustrated when I pick up my needles.


With the knitting hiatus, I don't have a whole lot to show for my efforts lately. I have, however, been knitting on my Maplewing Shawl. I haven't gotten a whole lot done though...only completed to row 14 out of a few hundred...gulp! I just can't seem to focus, but I'm hoping with some upcoming travel over the next few weeks that I'll break out of my rut and get back into my knitting groove!


Here's my progress so far...of course it looks like nothing more than a jumbled ruffle all crammed on that circular needle, but I assure you that it's turning out beautifully. I love the stitch definition of the Malabrigo Sock and it's so soft and squishy. I'm hoping to have the shawl done by Christmas, but with all the other things I want to get done by then and my current knitting state of mind, we'll see...

I got my own headline!

So, I'm finally getting around to blogging about something that happened over two months ago...yeah, it's been a crazy busy summer.

I once again entered a few things into the SE Alaska State Fair. Of course, every year I vow to plan ahead and have some really cool stuff entered. And then life totally overwhelms me and I end up scrambling at the very last minute to pull things together. Luckily, I had some decent FOs on hand to show off.

This year was apparently my year at the fair. And I even have a headline to show for it! Yep, that's right. You're following the blog of a local celebrity. ;)

Here's a close-up of what the article says:

Remember Lina? Well, the judges just loved that little sweater and I can't say that I blame them! Here it is being completely blotted out by all the ribbons...for those of you counting, that's a first place, class champ and judge's choice ribbon!

Next up is the Granny's A Square Afghan. It received first place and best in class!

And I don't have a picture of the final project, which won class champ, division champ and judge's choice. It's a felted purse that is a precursor (and, thus, sort of similar) to a design that I am currently submitting to a publication. Even though it's not the exact design, I just don't feel right posting it on here, just in case. But the judge did say that it was so great that it should be published, which was very encouraging!

It's such a beautiful autumn day here...blue bird sky, crisp air and a quiet calm that has not been felt since last winter. I love the stillness that comes with the mass exodus of summer people. All of us locals now have our town back! And what better way to celebrate the fall than with a little...okay, a lot....of knitting! So I'm going to wrap up in my granny afghan, gather up a project and knit my little heart out. With a view like this from my front window, one can't help but be happy!