Rejection, Bittersweet?

I am trying not to take this personally but my application to "Fair Isle Knitting with Ann Feitelson"and "Meg Swansen's Knitting Camp" have been rejected. One of my online friends made me realize there is a bright side. Since I will be saving a boat load by not traveling and attending knitting camp or the Fair Isle workshop I should treat myself to a shopping spree at Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival . A silver lining!!! Thank you Sandra. I like looking on the bright side and since I did not get into knitting camp this year I am guaranteed a spot in next years camp. Another sliver lining.

One of my other online friends sent me a pair of socks she made on her auto knitter. They really are nice and I am so impressed they were knit on a machine. Thank you Gay. I instantly wanted to purchase my own auto knitter but made myself stop and think about it first. I want to learn a lot more before I take the auto knitter plunge and wonder if I really need another obsession.The auto knitter's are excited about, and eagerly awaiting, Jacquie Grant's New Zealand Auto Knitter (NZAK). Vintage auto knitter's sell for big bucks on eBay.

I just went to the mailbox (I forgot to go yesterday) and was happy to finally receive my copy of Janet Szabo's new book Aran Sweater Design. I am going to resist looking at the book (too much) because I want to take it to Spain when we go in May. Flipping through it appears to be a very nicely done book. The pages are printed on shiny heavy stock paper that has such a nice feel. I like that.I am down to the bottom ribbing on my FLAK sweater. The last installment of the Follow the Leader Aran Knitalong will be finishing instructions. The end is in sight!

The Azaleas are blooming. We have a variety of colors. Next up will be the Rhododendrons. They are about to burst.