I can’t believe how beautiful the fall colors are becoming! The Castoffs met at Linda’s house on a crisp, pretty day during a two day break for the teacher types. We waited for Mary to get there with the treats – ravenous us – but we loved the rice crackers and cheese, chocolate covered pretzels, Riesling and Cupcake merlot.
While we dug in to the treats, Michelle told us her harrowing tale of a car accident while she and her husband were driving to Utah last week on a camping trip. We were so relieved to hear that she and Joel were unharmed, although their little Scamp trailer sustained some serious injury. It’s in Idaho Falls being repaired. Close call, Michelle!
Whew! So happy to see Michelle unharmed after her accdent.
Leslie, our lovely hand model, brought one of a pair of fingerless mittens that she made. The pattern calls for beads to be knitted into the cuff of the mittens and she swears that it is easy. I printed off the pattern (on Ravalry under Melody Fingerless Mittens – it’s a free pattern) and am gonna do it – after I finish at least one of the three projects that I’m working on now. Leslie says that she knitted the first mitt in about three hours. Very impressive!
Melody Fingerless Mitten in sock yarn with beads.
Linda made an announcement! She is taking back her maiden name and giving herself a middle name – Whitney – so it’s like having a new/old member in the Castoffs family. Now we just have to remember what her name is now…In the meantime, Linda is using lovely mohair to make a hat. Is this the newsboy pattern, Linda? I really must start writing things down. Didn’t have a pen…or paper on this day. But I did have two glasses of wine! That, I remember.
Linda Who? Oh, yeah.
Mary’s newsboy hat is coming along nicely – I noticed that she decided to take a little break from the second sock…well, this hat IS a Christmas present. Right, Mary? I love the pattern’s cables and the yarn is straight from the sheep (via Canada). Looks great.
Mary's Newsboy hat.
A closeup of the cable stitch on the Newsboy hat.
Marylane wore her sweater that she knitted last year (she took it off before I snapped a photo of it) – I love it! She is knitting HER Newsboy hat. Boy, is this a popular pattern or what?
Yet another Newsboy hat. Can't wait to see all of them together.
Francy is still working on Grace’s Christmas sweater and it’s so cute. I’m not sure what merited this look from Marylane, but I thought it was funny. Well, Marylane, you need to have at least one photo to complain to me about! The other one is great, though.
ML isn't real sure about something...
I’m about halfway through my shawl and it’s going to be so fluffy and warm! I love it. It’s bothering my asthma a little – must be all those Scottish fibers flying around.
I love this...wheeze...fluffy yarn!
Julie was a little late, but we were glad to see her. Michelle had to retell part of her car accident story. Julie is almost finished with the mauve baby blanket. So pretty!
Julie, Julie, Julie.
When I left, Leslie was advising Linda about paint color and wall art arrangement. Leslie is so talented with the visual arts. She sent us all an idea about a Christmas charity project to knit involving Noro yarn and a log-cabin patterned shawl. From the responses that I read from the Castoffs, it sounds like a GO. More info to follow…
Next time, we meet at Deb’s. Deb wasn’t at the meeting, but I think she had offered beforehand…I hope. So, Deb! Let me know if we’re all wrong. Until then, keep those needles blazing, Castoffs, and have a beautiful fall week.
