The Project Done

It is the week of the Michigan Fiber Festival and now I am starting to feel the jitters of competition. I think that is why I really don't like to compete in this kind of thing. My stomach feels upset, and then I stop and think - what does it really matter? It will be worse on Friday when I drop it off at the competition. I must put it in my head that IT DOESN'T REALLY MATTER.

It has been fun to chronicle the process of this shawl, and I did enjoy making it. There is always a real rush with the completion of any of my knitting projects. Last night I finished a beaded stocking hat, made from a gorgeous purple 100% alpaca yarn (commercial). It went well and I stayed up until almost midnight to finish it. But I got to the point where I just wanted to get it done.

This morning I pulled out a scarf that I had started a bit ago, and I knitted on that. I am awaiting the next clue in the Ravelry Lace KAL. Maggie showed me her progress and it looks so nice. She is using a lace-weight yarn on fairly large needles; I am using a fingering-weight yarn on smaller needles. Mine will be a tighter knit finished item, hers will be light and airy. It is fun to compare the different results of the same project.

I am continuing with the work on my Allegan Cardigan from Clara Parkes book. I have my fingers crossed that I have enough yarn to finish it. I have more of Kar Kar's fleece to spin, but I am worried that the yarn won't turn out exactly the same. That always worries me with hand-spun yarn.

I am also continuing to spin the multi-sheep top that Steve and I had made last year. I am really interested to see what kind of a yarn it will produce. I have several bobbins full and ready to ply; I am still trying to decide whether it will be two- or three-ply.

My next post will be after the judging of my shawl is done. Fingers and toes crossed. Oh how I hate to compete...