Random Updates

Lots going on here – work (fabulous!), dyeing, knitting, etc, etc, etc.  The last few weeks have been busy.  I have many random updates, but I’ll start with the knitting/crocheting.

I finished two projects today!  The Tilted Duster – just in time for Easter, as I promised myself. 

I finished this afternoon, so I haven’t wet blocked it yet.  It wouldn’t have dried in time – tomorrow night it will get the full treatment.  I think the mohair will really bloom, making it even softer and fuzzier.  Hmmm – its already a treat to wear.  I just love it, especially how well the shawl pin closure worked.

The second FO is a little purse for my niece, who turned 2 today. 
Its a simple crocheted bag with a scalloped edge and single crochet strap, in Sugar ‘n Cream cotton.  It matches the little dress I picked up for her!

I am stopping myself from starting something else.  I have a serious urge to finish up long-on-hold projects lately.  My next to finish projects are the Melody shawl and the Reptilian Lace socks.

I did, however, have a long awaited stash enhancement this morning.  Michael’s had a great coupon for use this morning only – 30% off your whole purchase.  I took advantage of it and picked up this:
Soy Wool Stripes in Natural Earth and Natural Garden for a Lady Eleanor Shawl.   I love the way the two colors compliment each other – they’ll add a great depth to the entrelac pattern in the shawl.   NOT casting on yet!

On a completely unrelated note (I said random, didn’t I?), we have good news on the kitty front – we finally found a great vet.  We’ve been here in CT for almost 3 years, had difficulty finding a vet and then had serious misgivings about the vet we ended up with.  Our choices were somewhat limited by our feeling strongly about going to a cats only vet, who needed to be local.  We started the process of switching about a year ago, only to put it off after only taking Tigger in to see the new vet.  Today we took Maggie and Jasmine in to the new vet but saw a different doctor.  She was wonderful – right up there with the great vet we had in Syracuse.  We are so thrilled.  Maggie was wholly uncooperative from start to finish.  The vet was nothing but patient and gentle with her.  We had a great talk about our feelings around treatment of serious issues and found that we are on exactly the same page.  She was very respectful of our choices for our guys.  What a relief!  If you are in the Hartford area, I’d be happy to pass along her name.

As far as the new job – I don’t remember the last time I was this happy at work.  Its going great!  Every day I’m excited to go to work.  The next couple of weeks will be busy with more training, along with my first experience at grant writing.  I’m really looking forward to it – a whole new learning process.  Very exciting!

Lastly, a Painted Sheep update.  I have been dyeing, most recently 15 skeins of sock yarn (Painted Sock, my sport weight).  I hope to have them listed by Thursday of next week.  There’s a couple of new colorways in this batch.  Next weekend I’ll dye up more sock yarn (Painted Sock Too), merino/tencel roving and another big pile of BFL rovings.  I’ll again have a booth at the Nutmeg Spinning Guild on April 5.  Mark your calendars now for June – the first week of June means the opening day of Coventry Regional Farmer’s Market (I’ll be doing the opening day event and the fiber festival in September) and another Guild meeting.  Also, there’s a brand new online shop opening on Monday – who carries yarn and roving from The Painted Sheep!  I’ll make an official announcement, including links, on Monday.  Lots of opportunities to stock up!

I’m off to prepare Creme Brulee French Toast and finish up making Grammy’s bread for our Easter and birthday celebration tomorrow.  Have a very Happy Easter!