Four down, one to go....

...afghans, that is. You see, I have five nephews and decided years ago (what was I thinking??) that I would knit each one an afghan for their college graduation. At the time, I was really, really into knitting and didn't think twice of it. It started out well: the first afghan was finished on time; the second was finished in the car on the way to the graduation (thanks to a nine-hour car ride), the third was 6 months late and it has pretty much gone downhill from there.

This one, a cool, but tedious pattern is almost two years late. Of course, I had to pick the most complicated pattern for the tallest nephew.

And the last one? He graduated last year and I haven't even decided on a pattern yet....

Healing Power of Knitting

I’ve been knitter for years, but felting has slowly taken over to occupy my time. As much as I love felting, I have to admit that knitting is a more soothing and meditative process. I just spent the weekend in the hospital with a sick parent again. Fortunately, it was not too serious, but just required a lot of time. I spent the hours working on an afghan beside my Dad , watching the NCAA tournament, occassionally chatting and napping . Mom was also sick this weekend, but not enough to warrant a hospital visit.

Saturday was spent waiting nearly nine hours in the ER for a hospital room for Dad. A long time in a stressful, sterile environment—Mom was exhausted by the time we got home. But waiting for us at my parent’s foyer was the best gift with perfect timing. An envelope filled with handmade Easter cards (out of purple construction paper) and a hand knit prayer shawl. The fifth grade class at Notre Dame parish, where my family has gone for years, has kind of adopted my parents since they’ve been on the prayer list at church. They write handmade cards and Mom occasionally sends treats to the class and answers their letters. A group of girls in the class are learning how to knit and surprised Mom with a hand knit prayer shawl. The shawl is acrylic and made of garter stitch swatches, complete with dropped stitches and misaligned rows, but is one of the sweetest things I’ve seen. It’s hard to describe how much it lifted all our spirits after such as long day. Even thinking about it now makes me smile.

Coolest Mittens EVER

I saw this kit when I was perusing Morehouse Merinos' website and just knew I had to make it. Things that make me laugh are high on my list. I didn't have anyone in mind when I was knitting these, but I think they might be perfect for a cute little two year old I know who is lovin' the snow this year. I also think I may have to figure out how to make the pattern larger just so I can have my own. Just so I can see people's expressions on the train...