Helloooooo out there!

Well, here I am. Finally jumping into the blogging fray. WooHoo!

It was a sobering day here today. One of those days that makes you realize that maybe, just maybe, you aren't as smart as you think you are. There we were at lunch. My husband and I sitting at the table with our sons, 7 and 3. I was trying to think of a name for my new blog. "It has to be hip, trendy and cool" says husband, "perhaps something with the name Rosemint (my graphic design and illustration studio)." Silly names ensued, ending with one of my terrible puns (it's a sickness; I can't help myself). Son #1 says more silly things. I try to explain why they aren't puns. Son #2 then says merry-go-round. I joke a little with him. Then he says "rosemary-go-round!" Ulp. I've been upstaged, outsmarted and out-punned by a three year old. A. Three. Year. Old.

*sigh*

I think I'll begin with some knitting content today, since it *is* Labor Day and I'm really not supposed to be working, right? Hee. I just finished a lace washcloth. Now, I have never really wanted to knit washcloths. I buy them, along with my socks (another story). But I am now duly chastened and singing the praises of knitted washcloths. It was a great little project and I learned a new cast-off, which I love. But most importantly, I think it will be a really perfect project to work on for the beginning lace class I'll be teaching at my lys. The first time I taught this class, I used the Diamond Fantasy Shawl by Sivia Harding. I love this shawl, but I think it's just too much for a beginning lace class, as it isn't likely that anyone will finish by the end of a two session class. (duh) Live and learn, eh? These little washcloths are just the perfect lace swatch size, they are quick (if you are paying attention, which I, sadly, was not), and they are usable. Most excellent. :)

So here was my progress yesterday morning before I fell asleep with my eyes open while knitting:

You may notice the funky little thing in the center. That's a modified "belly button" start, by Rosemarie, modified (I crochet it instead of knit it) by moi. It is the best way to start circular lace that I have ever seen. Translation: it is easy to do the first time you try it. I am lazy, you see.


Here's what it looks like up close and personal:











After you have gotten several rows in, or when you finish, you thread the tail of yarn through the stitches in the center thus:











cut the stitches of the "belly button":











and you have a hole in the center:











which you then pull closed:











And there you have it. :) This is cotton, so when I have woven in the ends, I will sew them down with some sewing thread and a sewing needle. I haven't found a way I like better to keep the ends from un-weaving themselves with use.

And now, behold the picot cast-off:











Is it not wonderful? I completely {heart} this cast-off.

Next entry: the cast-on for the soap sack. I need to get some purple thread to finish tacking down the ends on the washcloth before I block it.

So now I'm going to bend my own labor day rule and show a couple of new shawl and sweater pins:























They aren't up on my site yet, but they will be soon. And I'll also be having a one year anniversary sale soon. I still can't believe it's been that long!

And now for the burning question: shall I sell shawl pin kits?

Tune in tomorrow (or the next day) for the continuing saga!