The Castoffs were supposed to meet at Michele’s house today, but Joel’s mother passed away and we met instead at Leslie’s. We are all so sorry about Joel’s mom, Michele, and we send our condolences and best wishes to you and your family.
It was good of Leslie to step in and we met on a very chilly day. This June is starting to get us all down – clouds, cool weather, rain – what’s going on? We want to play outside without coats!
Before I get started on this week’s get-together, I want to play catch-up. Two weeks ago, Julie took photos at the scheduled meeting at Leslie’s house. Marylane and I were at a retirement party and missed it – boohoo – so here are some of the shenanigans that the Castoffs got up to in our absence. Some of the photos are being withheld for a time when I can do a retrospective of the making of Marylane’s wrap – whenever we’re all together to present it to her! That may be in the fall because we are very busy people in the summer, and miss a lot of meetings.
Treats! An important part of each Castoffs meeting.
Leslie's wonderful finished shrug!
Knitters doing what we do best. Talking. And knitting...
Also, an update! Carol sent me a photo – from Alaska – of her completed golf club covers for her man, Mark. They turned out great and I know that he’s going to love them! I’m sure that he will play much better with these in his bag. Not that I know anything about his golf game.
Wow! Very professional, Carol!
I’m proud to announce that Leslie has begun a new project! Woo-hoo! It’s a wrap. No really, it’s a wrap. She’s using a lightweight sock yarn and smallish needles and the design is abstract and perfect for Leslie.
Leslie's wrap, yarn and pattern.
The yarn is tonal and goes together beautifully. You can see the asymmetrical design in the pattern picture. Can’t wait to see it further along.
Francy is knitting a shawl/wrap also in a feather design that reminded all of us of a scarf pattern that Leslie knit last year. It’s very pretty and will be light and warm.
Francy's shawl - lacy pattern.
Francy is also knitting a hat for her family reunion auction. It’s a great idea that Marylane’s family also does. Members of the family bid on items to pay for the next year’s reunion. Great idea!
What am I bid for this beautiful hand-knit hat?
Our newly-retired Mary was with us. Michele gave sock yarn and needles to our sock-phobic Mary as a retirement present and she looks a little puzzled as to what she is supposed to do with it. Well, Mary, you find a pattern (which someone brought to the meeting) and you knit socks. Very simple. I speak for all of us when I say that this is one project we don’t want to miss in the making. For years, Mary has been avoiding socks and now she is KNITTING SOCKS! Ha!
"I do WHAT?"
A lot of us had ongoing projects to work on: Marylane had her ribbed scarf that is growing longer and longer;
I really love this pattern. Marylane insists that it is simple. So does Michele.
I had my Kindle cover that is probably going to be my journal holder (since my Kindle is smaller and I ignored the instructions);
Kindle, schmindle. Who reads the instructions?
Joan is knitting her Bobcats scarf and it is coming along nicely;
Go, Cats!
Linda is back to working on her darling stuffed Elephant and brought a little leg out to show us (I know, I know, it looks like the nose);
Elephant leg!
And then there was Deb. Personally, I think Deb just came for the wine today. That’s okay, though, at one time or the other we all just come for the wine.
"Oh. Was I supposed to bring something to KNIT?"
Julie modeled a bedsock that she is making for her mom. Looking good, Jules.
Hey, Jules - don't get too attached to those socks!
I’ll leave you with a typical photo of our group – Leslie instructing and Mary looking the wrong way.
Jeez, where's the wine?
Next time we meet at Linda’s house. Until then, keep those needles blazing and pray for sunshine. Or, if you prefer, dance for sunshine.
