A smaller-than-usual group of Castoffs met at Linda’s house. Some of us were in Arizona – Marylane, Mary, Joan – some of us had other commitments – Deb and Carol – but those of us who were there had a lot of fun and shared a lot of knitting. Linda had some AMAZING cheese spread that she made herself. Yes, she made cheese just for us. I looked to see if there was a goat tied up at the back door, but nope. She has a friend who is into cheese-making and Linda is joining her. I must say that the result was delicious. Thanks for sharing the cheese, Linda.
Before (in the jar) and after (Yum).
Linda also served us root chips and dip. That sounds stranger than it is. The chips were made from things other than traditional potatoes like squash and beets. Tasted very good and gave the table a burst of color. She had also baked brownie/cookies, and served us lovely wine. Ah, we certainly know how to knit.
Enjoying the fruits and roots of Linda's labor.
Michele showed up wearing the bulky vest that she was so uncertain about at our last meeting. It is beautiful and perfect for Michele. We’re so glad you decided to keep it for yourself, Michele. She left off the hood and, with the intricate pattern, it is just stunning.
Great front-crossover vest!
Michele is knitting her daughter Erica a skirt. Yup, a skirt. It is so pretty and will be adorable on Erica. She started at the bottom with a lace pattern and will continue up to the waist in a solid pattern. Another teacher at the middle school knitted one and Michele fell in love with the idea. I guess Erica fell in love with it too.
The bottom of Erica's skirt.
While Michele was knitting, something happened to her strand of yarn that required a quick fix. We all learned about a ‘spit split’ solution to join together two strands of yarn without tying them or knitting then together. What you do is moisten (sounds a little better than spitting on them) the ends and squish them together, then rub vigorously between your hands. You’re actually felting them together, thus the reason for spit. Julie suggested just dunking the ends in your glass of wine, but that only works if you aren’t knitting white baby booties. I suppose white wine is an option, however. Good thinking, Jules!
Successful spit split (say that three times fast - I dare you).
As you can see, there is only a slight bulge in the strand of yarn, which can be confidently knit as you would a normal piece of yarn. This only works, remember, if your yarn is wool. Synthetic yarns can be spit on repeatedly without a good result. Unless you just feel like it.
The Castoffs are putting together a basket for the “Loud in the Library” fundraiser at the end of March. Francy bought a great basket and we are slowly filling it with knitted items and knitting-related materials. Here is what it looks like so far. Of course, the items will be inside the basket when it is finished. Just thought I’d show you what we have.
Thank you for staging the photo, Leslie!
As you can see, we have several baby items as well as adult items. This is a great idea and it was quite successful last year. Bring your items to Francy. She’s taking over the organizing from Marylane.
We brought our Works in Progress except for Julie who needed to just sit and enjoy the company. We are always available for great entertainment value and we strive to achieve excellence in frivolity. Francy brought out her skinny scarf that she started before Christmas. It has a cool slanted pattern and multi-colored yarn.
Skinny skarf.
Linda brought out her shawl that she started…oh, a couple of years ago…but it’s still pretty. It must be one of those easier patterns that you can do in the midst of chaos. I have a couple of those, too.
Gee, I wonder what she's thinking about? Cheese dip for supper?
I brought my cable-full vest that I’m knitting from Cascade 200 yarn. I find the cables soothing and easy. Just as long as I turn the little counter to keep track of my rows. Not always easy to remember at a Castoffs meeting.
Looks gray, but it's really a sage green heather.
Leslie is awaiting to hear what gender her new grandchild (due in July) is. She has been knitting up a storm, but will add gender-appropriate colors to the garments when she knows it. We put them all together and made a picture of a baby without the baby. Very cute.
Attack of the invisible baby!
Next week we’ll be at Michele’s house. It could be the last time we see Erica for a while because she is getting well enough to think about going back home to Utah. Until then, Castoffs, have a wonderful week and keep those needles blazing!
