Saturday, September 3, 2011

At Last

I am finished with the Rustic Autumn Shawl so beautifully created by Knit Purl Gurl.  And I love it so much I am ready to cast on another one right away.  Just take a look at this.
 I used Universal Yarn Classic Shades in watermelon.  This is a 70% acrylic/30% wool combination yarn that is very soft and not so warm for Florida.  Knit Purl Gurl created her shawl with Noro, which I am in love with but did not have on hand when I decided to cast on.  Universal Yarns are very reasonable price wise and I have to say I am loving them more and more every time I use them,
 The pattern was very easy to understand and quick and fun to make.  I used a size 11 needle and did one less garter stitch row repeat to adjust for my larger needle size. 
 I think I might repeat the diagonal rib pattern one more time in my next shawl to make it a bit longer.  If you are newish to knitting you can just omit the diagonal rib pattern and just keep knitting away in garter stitch.  Let your beautiful yarn do the talking for you.
 Max is a bit bored with me right now.  We just went for a walk and now he is sad because his Dad has left for the weekend.  Okay, I am going to go out on a limb here, but does anyone else get a little excited when their husband or partner goes away for the weekend?  I love my husband to bits and I am so happy we have been married for almost 20 years, but.......it's sort of nice to get a break isn't it?  I get to plan my weekend and not have to check in.  I can knit and crochet until my hands are sore and I don't have to think about what he needs.  Now I still have two boys at home and of course Max, oh and my parents to deal with, but it is nice to have one less obligation, a great obligation, but still he is someone else to think about.
I have been on the computer trying to catch up with blogs and.........Christmas ideas.  Thus the horribly bored look above.  Don't scream at me, but it is September 3, already.  I have a few ideas for all of you.  The last few years I have been trying to have my presents take on more meaning.  Every other year I knit or crochet things, this year it is cowls.  I have a good head start on that already.  I have a few websites I think you all might be interested in for Christmas ideas.  Last year I sent baskets full of things  from womensbeanproject.com which is an amazing organization helping women break the chain of poverty.  These baskets were a big hit, so check them out.  I also found a beautiful bracelet in a store near my house that helps fund the free pharmacy in my county.  I loved the bracelet so much I went online to read more about it.  storybraceletsandmore.com, is a wonderful organization helping stay at home and single moms, it empowers them with income and flexibility without the worry of working away from home and providing daycare for their children.
My other favorite website is globalgoodspartners.org.  If you look under the bag category you will find the purse I have been using for 2 years.  It is in the corner of the main picture, It is red and leather and made with wool, by women in Peru.  It is a free trade organization so you are helping others while shopping.  What could be better than that?

Here is hoping you are all having a relaxing, wonderful weekend.  For those of you in need, I am keeping you close to my heart. 


15 comments:

Claudia said...

Beautiful shawl, Mer. Max needs his loving auntie! I'd get that boy to cheer up.

Great ideas for Christmas and I know every one of your readers will appreciate them.

xo
Claudia

Darcy said...

I love the colorway you chose to knit your lovely shawl and I hope your having a relaxing weekend:)(((Hugs)))Darcy

Unknown said...

Wait a sec... I'm I just realizing you have a GOLDEN. Now, I know why I love you and your blog so. Beside, all the KNITTING I can dream about doing one day. STUNNING and GREAT COLORS. Find a Labor of Love to work on this weekend.

kathy b said...

Hi came to you from Darcy,s blog.....
I adore my fireman but I love an occasional day of solitude
Love your max......
Your shawl is lovely

Karen said...

I'm always in awe of the things you create. The shawl is beautiful.

"Absolutely, Yes" in answer to the absent husband question. I adore mine, but it's nice to feel independent once in a while. I'm sure the guys feel the same way.

I'm off to check out the links you included!

Rose Red said...

It's a great idea to choose Christmas gifts that really help the makers of the gifts, as well as being beautiful and /or useful. I will be doing more of that I think.

I love having some time to myself, even if it is only a few hours! My trouble is that I plan too many things to do in the time available to me!

Rizzi said...

EVERY WOMAN FEELS THE SAME WAY, BUT SOME JUST WON'T SAY IT....YOUR SHAWL IS BEAUTIFUL, ALL THAT LOVELY WORK. I THINK A HUG AND A COOKIE WILL PUT A SMILE ON MAX. HAVE A NICE DAY. RIZZI

Grateful4Crochet said...

Your shawl is beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also I will be checking out those links, thanks for posting them, those types of ideas are great, and good to get started now

Susanne said...

Oh I love that shawl! I will be checking out those links as well. Thanks for sharing with us. I always enjoy your stopping by and your comments. Everyone has their troubles, but it is good to know that we are not alone and can be a comfort to each other. I love blogging, it helps to keep things more in perspective and sometimes others can pull us back from the brink with their kind words and prayers.

Teresa Kasner said...

My hubby and I are retired, so you can bet we don't spend much time apart. When I go to a meeting or out to lunch with my sisters I can see the happiness on his face at some alone time.. and same when he (rarely) goes to do something on his own. We need to do it more often.

Love the shawl! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Marjo said...

A beautiful scarf...so lovely...and beautiful colours ....

Marjo

Faeryfay said...

I love that gorgeous shawl! Lovely colours! My doggy gives me those looks quite frequently. I'm sure he thinks I am very boring!

Petunia Pill said...

Meredith, your shawl is scrumptious! I don't knit...yet...maybe that will be my 2012 resolution since crochet was my 2011 resolution! Max...ah, Max. Ever loyal, even if he thinks you're boring. Dudley just gets up in my face and complains when he wants me to leave my computer or crochet coma! He's a vocal boy, that one! Your links are so timely and wonderful...what a lovely being you are! And, the husband part. Well, after 27 years, I am MORE THAN A LITTLE HAPPY when he goes on a business trip. He just went off to Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago. I had cereal for dinner at 9 pm, I slept in the middle of the bed and I was totally selfish for the few days he was gone! My "baby" is 22 and while she lives here, she has relatively few needs and allows me to be as selfish as I want when my other half is away. God bless that child! And, albeit sadly, all parents have passed on so those responsibilities are now lifted...but with that comes the reality that they are merely memories now...and that sucks sometimes! Hugs to you this fine Sunday. Annette

Kristen said...

Beautiful shawl, Meredith! I hope you'll get a couple un-Florida-like days so you can wear it. Awesome holiday ideas--it's never too early to think about Christmas! And regarding having the house to yourself? YES.

tina said...

Gorgeous shawl----- crank up the a/c and parade around!!! As far as alone in the house time? Heavenly stuff, never enough of it. I don't think that makes those of us to covet it mean but just knowing that we're better with a little space from time to time. Thanks for the links, I'm off to explore them!