life

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I'm alone in my house this afternoon for the first time in 10 weeks.
This feels weird.
This feels wonderful!
Last week, my sister and I road tripped to Orlando Florida to see my mother and my other sister who lives there.  We had been self isolating in our homes for 8 weeks so felt that it was safe.  It took us 16 hours only stopping for gas (wearing gloves while pumping) and the occasional bathroom stop.  
The drive was well worth it.  
Still self isolating while at my moms house with the only time out going to Trader Joes and Whole Foods.  We went as a pack (3 sisters) delegating only one sister to retrieve the items (while wearing masks and gloves, of course).  
My mom is doing well.  Well, when I say well I mean the same.  She has spent over the last year in her living room in a hospital bed with vascular dementia.  However, she is so darn sweet it makes our hearts big.  We don't take for granted the time when we get to see her, touch her and hear her sweet voice.  
On the road trip to Florida, I started the Missoni Accomplished sweater.  That's the one up there on the left.  It looked a little small, so I wet blocked it and sure enough my suspicion was correct.  It was a little small.  My gauge was off and I couldn't remember if when you have more stitches do you get a tighter fit or a looser fit.  After consulting my friend Kim, it was confirmed... a tighter fit.
So, I cast on the larger size and I am hoping it will fit.  I know, my stitches look terrible.  I am trying something new (YIPPEE!) and knitting the color work in both continental and english.  Two handed knitting... something I have never attempted.  It felt great regardless of the job I was doing.  I'm hoping this will block out some of the imperfections.
I'm knitting from my stash.  
I miss Classic Elite.  
I really enjoyed their yarn.

Happy Long weekend friends!  

miromesnil

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My latest knit slid off the needles last week, and I am in love.
I don't think I have made myself a knit that I haven't had to layer in quite a while.  Well, at least since Turtle Dove.  And this unlayered knit feels like silk against my skin.
I think it could be the combination of the yarn and the knit.  The drape truly feels dreamy.
Miromesnil offers several different possibilities: long or short, fitted or oversized, pleated at the front or/and at the back, with fitted or bishop sleeves, long or 3/4", and with flat or tightening finishing ribs.  SO many possibilities.
I think my version is mid-length, oversized with long bishop sleeves with a rib.
Increases and German short rows shape the yoke and give a beautiful stitch look.
Although I don't mind the tubulars bind off, I did not do it here as written in the pattern as I could not get the tightness I wanted.

Pattern:  Miromesnil
Size: M
Yarn:  Modus Operandi Fingering 3 skeins, olive  Modus Operandi Lace 3 skeins olive
Needle Size:  US 7 and US 8

tag your essential worker

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I am so slow to show this gorgeous yarn that has been keeping my mailbox happy these last few months.  If you are like me, mail is an exciting thing especially in these times.  

*I look at the mail in the mailbox.  
*I wonder if I should just let it sit there.  
*I come back to the mail donned with my gloves and paper bag.  
*I throw all the mail into the bag.  
*I stare at the mail and wonder if I can really wait to open those beautiful blue boxes.  I can't.  
*I wipe down the blue box.  
*I grab my scissors to cut the tape.  
*I open the box.  (Tissue is covering the yarn so I still can't see it.)
*I remove my gloves.  
*I wash my hands and my scissors.  
ALL the while with anticipation as to what the contents are.  

These are weird times.  And this is the excitement of the days the blue box arrives.  

This company is so wonderful and is giving away 1000 crates to our heroes working as essential workers during this time.  Do you know a doctor, nurse, postal worker, teacher or other essential worker that may need a special treat during this time?  You can tag them here on Instagram or here on Facebook and Knitcrate will message them with a code to collect their free crate.  
This was April's Knitcrate.  2 skeins of a fun yarn sporting a little sparkle.  I DO love a little sparkle.  Not sure what I will make with it, but the Diamond colorway will definitely make it onto my needles soon.  
March had me ooooing and ahhhhing over this yumminess in it's Crate.   100% baby alpaca yarn,  super lightweight and incredibly dreamy.  I received colorway Ancient Pines and the knit pattern is the Decumani Hat and Cowl.  A unisex pattern perfect for a project on the go.   
February's membership knitcrate contained to skeins of Audine Wools Shine Sport.  350 yards 80% Superwash merino, 20% Tencel in Sky colorway.  Another duet this time as a Hat and Handwarmers.
I'm sure those handwarmers will be a summer travel project.  If we ever get to leave the house.

As always, if you are interested in ordering a Knitcrate use the code FKW20 to receive 20% off of your first Knitcrate!  The code works on all crates and truly does make a happy mail day!  The extra effort opening the box is well worth it!