I'm a published writer!

Truly I am! I wrote an article on the adventures of my knitting group in the big city of Atlanta and yarn stores. Look for it on www.thesmartknitter.com and tell me what you think. I also will have a short story in Lela Nargi's "Knitting Through It", a knitting anthology about how yarn has helped you. Again, the Athens Area Parent magazine has accepted an article on seasonally challenged birthday parties for children. The last two will be in print in the fall while the first one will be in next month's newsletter.

Once I get a date on Lela's book, I'll hold a contest to raffle off a copy of the book.

Pax.

Knitters Tea Swap 3

I just got my box from my swap partner, Jessica in Oregon. It was so fun doing this. I highly recommend it to any knitter/tea drinker. Use this group and don't accept imitations!

First Shawl Design--Graduated Drop Stitch Shawl

I took the plunge and free-designed my first shawl. It's not as big as I wanted but I ran out of yarn. Below is the pattern. I used a total of four skeins of Joann's Sensations yarn (two Sophisticates Collection "Fever" in Purple (a boucle type with beads) and 2 Sophisticates Collections "Fantasy" (a shiny ribbon) in Multi. I apologize if you can't read it--if you can't let me know.

It's a very simple pattern using garter and yarn overs. The increases are only in "Fever" so it's increases in blocks. I'll post a picture!

Size 13 circulars with 32 inch cord. It is not knit in the round so you turn after each row.

Cast on 1 stitch using "Fever"
Next Row: Knit in front and back of stitch (2 stitches on needle)
Row 2: Knit into front and back of first stitch, knit 1 (3 stitches on needle)
Row 3: Knit into front and back of first stitch, Knit into front and back of second stich, knit 1 (5 Stitches)
Row 4: Knit into front and back of first stitch, K3, Knit front and back of second to last stitch, K1

Continue on for two inches.
At the beginning of next row, switch to Fantasy.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: K1 YO2 (wrap the yarn twice around the needle while knitting)
Row 3: Knit and drop extra YO stitches off.
Row 4: Knit

Switch to Fever:
Row 1: Knit Increase into 1st and 2nd to last stitches for two inches
Then switch again to Fantasy and follow drop stitch pattern until you reach the desired length/width.

Bind off in Fever.

I'm in the Knitter's Tea Swap 3

I am so psyched. I can't wait to start shopping for my new buddy!

My knitting group will visiting Main Street Yarns in Watkinsville, GA on 5/15. MSY is in a new location and I have a coupon for 20% off sock yarn. I just love visiting that store and the owner, Ruth, is wonderful at helping out if you need it.

Our last field trip was to Mockingbird Hilltop Alpaca and Goat Farm in Braselton, GA. I blew my budget and bought two huge hanks of undyed sock weight angora. Upon the recommendation of a fellow knitter from the Knitter's Review (Great Forum), I'll try my klutz hand at dyeing with Wilton.

OTN: A new tote for niece, that blasted infernal afghan block I'm still doing for charity, a travel chemo cap, and a shawl that I'm designing myself!