A bunch of us on Ravelry got together to make a wedding gift for Beeknitter, a Rav user we know and love.  Here’s how it turned out:

Beautiful Blues

It’s really cool how a bunch of knitters and crocheters from all over the world came together to make a blanket, and it turned out so well!!

for record-high heat. Eh, whatever.

I finished my cardigan! I decided to make it short-sleeved because something was screwy with my stitching on the sleeves, and I didn’t want to have to rip out the stitches that far to fix the problem. Lazy? Um, yes. But whatever, now I have a cute short-sleeved cardigan.

Dusty Blue Cardigan

Now I just need autumn to hurry up and get here so I can wear it!

True Blood season 2 episode 2 aired last night, and it was even better than episode one. I was really worried, at the start of this season, that I’d be angry at the show for diverging from the book plot lines, and I wouldn’t want to watch it any more. But I find that as I watch the show I don’t even worry too much about the books, and I just enjoy it as a separate entity. It’s amazing.

Here’s the scarf I’m making for the K/C-along:

Love Bites scarf, week 2 progress

Eric Northman makes a lovely scarf, doesn't he?

I am LOVING the way the colors in the Eric yarn blend together. It’s kind of a slow-and-steady progress sort of a scarf, because of the tiny hook and thin yarn. Plus, I’m still working primarily on my sweater, so I only pick this up a few days a week. It doesn’t bother me, though, because I’m kind of hoping to stretch out the scarf project through all 12 episodes of season 2. Not like I’ll be needing a scarf any time soon, anyway (or a sweater, for that matter, but whatev).

Speaking of Eric, he was awesome in this week’s episode, as per usual. I LOVE how he was upset about getting blood in his hair, and worried that Pam would be upset. I am really bummed that they cut his hair, though, b/c I think he looks less like a Viking as a result. Plus, (ok I know I said I wouldn’t mention the books, BUT) they’re not supposed to be able to cut their hair like that. Oh, well. The show still rocks, and so does my scarf!

I’m making myself a top-down cardigan, and loving it so far. The pattern is Chevron Lace Cardigan, and it is SO easy to understand, and fast-moving! I’m making it out of cheap acrylic yarn I had at the house. but I think I might make another one for myself later out of some nicer stuff. I really like this yarn for acrylic stuff (it’s Vanna’s Choice), but it’s not exactly fancy fiber. The great part about this pattern is you can make it so many different ways – long or short, alter sleeve length, number/size of buttons, etc. 

Here’s my progress so far. I’ve finished separating the sleeve sections, and right now it’s about the length of a short shrug:

My Dusty Blue Cardigan

I’m going to make it about hip-length, with 3/4 sleeves, I think. Then I’ll just add one button closure at the neckline.

I also got some yarny goodness in the mail today …

Colorful Yarn Creations yumminess

I’ve been playing with some of Squibstitcher’s lovely sock yarn lately, making a sweater/hat/bootie set for Zack and my Love Bites scarf for the True Blood-along.  So I’m itching to try some more fingering-weight projects. Unfortunately for me, Squibstitcher (aka Jen) has all her yarns on moratorium while she works her butt off to dye yarns for two clubs she has going right now. So that leaves me without my favorite sock yarn option.

So I did some Etsy searching, and I found Colorful Yarn Creations. Pamela has a TON of great selection in her store, and her prices are VERY reasonable. I got three gorgeous skeins of yarn for $32. Yep, that’s 1320 yards, people. Here they are, in all their glory:

Sk8r Girl

Sk8r Girl, a pink/black rockin’ combo that’s going to become a scarf for yours truly;

Paradise Sunset

Paradise Sunset, a gorgeous beachy-inspired colorway to be something or other for Zack; and finally,

Rustic

Rustic, a beautiful blend of blues and oranges/reds that will look amazing on Zack this fall.

Plus, it just keeps getting better. Pamela sent me two free surprise goodies:

Mini Handspun Skein

This mini skein of handspun in gorgeous greens and browns, and …

Sparkly Fiber ... OOH!

This beautiful fiber for spinning, in all my favorite colors (and it’s sparkly!). Now I REALLY need to learn how to use that drop spindle of mine!

So the next time you’re out shopping for yarn, my fellow addicts, give Pamela’s shop a try. Her stuff is just as lovely as any of the more expensive stuff I’ve seen, but you won’t have to break your budget to add to your stash!

True Blood season 2 starts tonight – woo hoo!

As if THAT weren’t cool enough, I’m also participating in a True Blood Knit/Crochet-along on Ravelry. We’re all making Gherkin’s Love Bites scarf, either the knit or crochet version.

I cheated and started my scarf early, because I want to devote my attention to watching the show when it comes on tonight. Here’s my somewhat-crappy webcam picture of my progress so far:

Love Bites, crochet version

I’m using Fresh from the Cauldron yarn in Eric Northman, which rocks. The colors are grey/silvery/burgundy/wine, and they are going to look GREAT on my neck this fall!