Two skein wonder

Koigu/Claudia handpainted scarf
Originally uploaded by miminh3.

Last time I was in Ann Arbor, Knit A Round had a 20%off Koigu sale as well as a store pattern for a shawl made out of 5 skeins of Koigu.

I used the pattern for a smaller version which only requires 2 skeins and I changed yarn every two rows, alternating between Koigu KPPPM and Claudia handpainted fingering ('Jungle" colorway). Isn't it amazing that you can get such a large scarf with only two skeins? This is a present for a lady at work who commented on my knitting before. She wears a lot of greens and browns so I hope she likes these colors.

I'm not knitting holiday presents!

STR Ruby Slippers
Originally uploaded by miminh3.

That's right, I am knitting for ME ME ME.

ME ME ME Project 1: One of my resolutions is to knit a pair of socks per month so the November socks are this lovely pair made out of
Socks that rock Ruby Slippers (the pattern is Diagonal Rib Socks by Ann Budd on the Interweave website). I did not expect the yarn to stripe so evenly so that was a nice surprise. This is an old skein so it only had 325 yards - careless that I am, I knitted these cuff down but even with my large size 8 feet, I did not run out of yarn.

ME ME ME Project 2: While at the KR retreat, I cast on Sivia Harding's Diamond Fantasy Scarf with Handmaiden 2-ply cashmere. Cat Bordhi was wearing the "original" scarf (the one in the picture) at the retreat and it really motivated me to be a monogamous knitter for the first two weeks. I am only one repeat away from the end so I am hoping to have it done by the end of the year.

We exchanged Christmas presents with DH's parents during our Thanksgiving visit and I got (among other things) Knitting for Peace, 365 Knitting stitches a year and a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble (I see the Interweave Spring 07 books Lace Style and Favorite Socks in my future).

I am one happy knitter who's planning to buy some Phildar and Rowan yarns while in Paris over the holidays :)

The super-duper KR retreat

Fast knitters like Rosebyany have already finished their New Beginnings Project. Fast and perfectionist knitters like rho have already finished and then frogged their New Beginnings Project. Out-of-touch knitters like me get around to posting pictures one month after the retreat.

Picture numero uno: Clara aka Queen Bee on her throne giving audience during Show and Tell

Queen Bee on her throne
Originally uploaded by miminh3.

Picture #2: Everybody oohing-aahing in front of this freeform blanket (the colors were just gorgeous!)

KR retreat1
Originally uploaded by miminh3.

Picture #3: Forest Path stole - people were whispering with respect in front of this work of art.

KR retreat2
Originally uploaded by miminh3.

I met online friends as well as knitters who read the KR newsletter but do not post on the forums. We laughed a lot for Vi, I learned the Moebius cast-on and got to buy some lace merino from Spirit Trail. DH was his usual self (very shy) but also pretty sick so he did not meet anybody. Everyone thought I had an imaginary husband (well, even if he were imaginary, he drove me all the way to the retreat and back -- how many imaginary friends would do that for you?)