In the midst of our blizzard, the Castoffs met at Julie’s house. The streets were awful, traffic was sliding around and I wondered how many would make the trip. When I got to Julie’s house, Mary was there reconsidering her decision. Since she lives down on Flathead Lake, she was looking at a LOOONG drive in slippery weather.
As more and more of us showed up, however, she reassessed her weenie reluctance and stayed. Turns out that we all showed up! (Except Michele who had an appointment) Complaining about the condition of the streets, but Hey! This is Montana! Suck it up!
We had a wonderful time catching up on new and old projects. Leslie wore her fabulous sweater. It’s so professional-looking that we were stunned and amazed. Of course, we all wanted one.
This is the most beautiful sweater! And the color is a great neutral.
Here’s a closeup of some of the detail stitching.
Leslie was knitting a gold net tutu for her granddaughter Mira. It inspired grandmother envy in many of the Castoffs.
TUTU!
It was knit from straps of fabric that unfold after it’s knit. I had seen scarves knit from this but never anything else.
Francy is nearly finished with the hooded sweater for her grandson, Samuel. I love the variegated sleeves.
Samuel’s cool sweater!
Julie finished one hat and is starting on another for the Loud at the Library Fundraiser later this month. She was blocking the first one and I loved her blocking board. I’ll admit that I’m deficient in having a desire (or of knowing how) to block finished garments.
One blocked hat.
She was concentrating very hard on the second hat – I believe it’s cabled. I’d concentrate, too.
Hmmm, knit one, slip two on a cable in front…
Deb is knitting and ripping out the same front of her sweater – sounds like a familiar story to a lot of us. The back is stunning and I know the rest of it will be too.
This is a very intricate pattern that would drive me mad.
Speaking of ripping out…I knit most of a fingerless mitt and then realized that my needles were a size too big. That meant that I had a chance of running out of yarn at – oh, say the top of the second mitt. I went home after the meeting and ripped out the mitt to adjust it. Curses!
Soon to be ripped out mitt.
Mary is knitting another sun top for her granddaughter Aurora. This one will have longer shoulder straps. Mary is leaving for Denver in a couple of weeks so we won’t see her for a while. Send photos of all the things you knit, Mary! Oh, wait. She’ll be with grandchildren so probably not a lot of knitting will be going on.
Cute little cotton blend top.
Carol is learning to knit in the continental style. Several of the other Castoffs do it this way – they say it’s easier on their wrists since there’s no ‘throwing’ of the yarn over the needle. I guess I’ll stick to my regular method for a while. Old dogs, you know.
Ooh, the Continental!
Marylane is working on a sweater vest – sorry I only got a partial photo, ML. I did get a good shot of our happy knitters, glad to be inside on such an inclement day.
Happy knitters: Leslie, Deb, Linda and Francy.
We’re expecting a big thaw soon. Stay warm and dry, Castoffs and keep those needles blazing! We’ll be at Carol’s house next time.
