This, that, and the other.

For those who requested it, some photos of the shawl in progress:


As the plan now goes, there will be three graduated rings of beads in different shades of blue, in the hopes that it will then match more things. This is the smallest and darkest round of beads. I'm now on round seventy of a hundred and forty something. But since each round gets longer/bigger as you move outward, I'm more like a third done, than half.

For those considering trying lace, also please refer back to my great epics on basic lace tips, here and here. And a quick round-up of questions asked:

-Yes, I've used the Emily Ocker cast-on. And it is very clever. But my method, with the firm cast-on and the 'hat finish' later produces the same effect; the path of the yarn (the way the stitches interlock) is nearly identical. My method with a firm provisional cast on provides a solid, non-moving basis to start knitting on. Ocker's cast-on is very flexible and stretchy. Entirely up to personal prefrence, though I firmly believe that the solid provisional cast on is easier for beginners.

-When working center-out doilies, I suggest working the first five or ten rounds at a table, holding the entire project nearly flat. That keeps the needles from twisting around on you or flipping over.

-Doilies as blankets are a totally subjective thing. They certainly work, in that you can use a round or square doily pattern and thick yarn and needles and produce something that will function as a blanket. And I'm a big fan of round blankets for napping under or curling up on the couch with, because you don't have to waste time hunting for corners or long sides or whatever. But personally, I can't get past deliberately putting holes (eyelets) in something you're going to use as a blanket. So... up to you. It's your blankie.

-If anyone wants help choosing a first pattern, materials, etc, give me a yell. Happy to help. I'm a fan of crochet cotton, but mostly because it's dirt cheap, you can unravel it a thousand times, and no matter how badly you mangle those stitches, they won't break.




I got this in the mail yesterday.

The husbeast said "Is that Chinese?" I said "No, Japanese." He said "You're fucking crazy." But now I know how to knot my own frogs. Tee heehee.




And I would dearly love to blame this on the Goob, but I watched the husbeast do it with the Goober's stickers. Sekhmet's had stickers in her fur off and on since Sunday.



And for all you Goob fans, a video.