In which Kat amazes, as usual

I was prepared to write a post about how there really hadn't been any new knitters at SnB this semester, but that was probably to be expected since we changed nights and I hadn't bothered to hang up the new posters (which I have leftover from several semesters ago- score!).


But then something remarkable happened. When I arrived at SnB last Wednesday, there were six new faces. Six. I was gobsmacked (British, informal. Get on my level). Of course, as fate would have it, I left the beginner materials at home and promptly had to run back for them (I walked once I had the needles in hand. The axe scene in Where the Red Fern Grows taught me to never run with anything remotely pointy). Four of the newcomers were experienced knitter/crocheters and Katherine II was teaching one of the new faces to crochet so I sat by Jordan IV (yes this really did happen, four Jordans in SnB's history) to teach her some knitting basics. 

We're getting big again!

The rest of the time I found myself being easily distracted by other group members


Kat is working on a slew of hand-beaded flowers for her sister's prom dress. Oh the patience she has. 

She's also wrote a pattern so her friend could replicate a pair of mitts. 

Purchased pair on right. 

Kat is taking a flat patterning course this semester (I hope I got that right. Sewing terms are foreign to me). She brought in her magical "body block" to show us. The intricacies of sewing are beyond me. 

I'm pretty sure she doesn't sleep. 

I've been working diligently on my stole and can proudly report that it is over halfway finished. It is now a bit too large to take a picture of the whole thing with any ease. Success! The pattern (Guernsey Wrap from Brooklyn Tweed) is quite addictive and I foresee the last half of this baby flying off the needles.

Will you just look at that texture!

In celebration, last night I spent two hours yarn shopping online. It should be no surprise that it took me this long, considering that online yarn purchasing involves pattern consultation, reading yarn reviews, texting future gift recipients about color preferences, and wondering if the color on the screen with look anything like the yarn in person. It's a miracle I ordered anything at all. 

Before I return to stole knitting, I have one last exciting bit of news to share. Christine Bowles stopped by SnB to talk about the Snuggles Project with us. Knitting security blankets for shelter animals in Kirksville- what a great idea! Each animal gets its own personal blanket. They can be either knit or crocheted in the following sizes:
14" x 14"- Small*
24" x 24"- Medium*
36"x 36"- Large

There was a great response to this idea at the meeting (I half expect Mary to show up with 10+ blankets next week). It's a great way to use up scrap yarn as any stitch/color combination is accepted. To donate a blanket to the Kirksville Animal Shelter, email Christine Bowles at crb6258@truman.edu

*indicates sizes that are especially needed