Happy 4th of July Weekend!!!

I've been making some progress on Northwest Sunset Vest for SFCKAL (Sweaters From Camp). I've joined the shoulders using "3-needle bindoff" technique and cut the steeks. Next "knit-up" stitches for the bands. I decided to do traditional steeks (I didn't secure the steek stitches before cutting) since the vest was knit with 100% Shetland Wool and by nature tend to grab on to one another becasue the wool hairs are fuzzy, wiry, and sticky. I haven't cut the armhole steeks yet.I do fear that I will run out of the dark green wool. Actually, its definite I will run out.

Oh dear, I see a mistake. Do you see it? Look at the picture, on the left, fourth repeat from the bottom, the center motif. Do you see it now? I never noticed it before now. I see the duplicate stitch in my future.

I'm also not looking forward to picking up the stitches for the bands since I will be picking them up in the dark green rows and it is hard to see plus I knit the vest on size 2 needles so the stitches are small.

My next project is AS's Mara Cardigan. Take a look at WendyKnits for some excellent photos of her Mara along with some useful tips. I found her steeking technique for the bands very interesting and plan to give it a try on my Northwest Sunset Vest.

I hope those of you in the U.S. have a wonderful 4th of July.

Back From Nantucket

I'm back after being gone a couple of weeks. I brought several knitting projects but did not knit a stitch. While on Nantucket I got to see our home that is being renovated and I am excited about the changes taking place. Part of the time on the island I stayed with a very dear friend Nancy Chase. She is a native Nantucketer and a renowned ivory carver who is full of stories. Her life is told on an embroidered narrative piece by Susan Boardman.

Oh, I did visit my favorite yarn shop on Nantucket. It's called Sheep to Shore.

Waiting for me back in Maryland was the recognizable plastic bags from Jamieson & Smith. The wool will be used for AS's Marina.
I save the zippered bags you get when you purchase pillows, sheets, bedspreads, etc. They make excellent organizers for knit projects and keeps the wool dust free. I also received a Jamieson & Smith shade card with 300+ fringes of wool in an array of amazing colors.
I downloaded the final installment of FLAK (Follow the Leader Aran KnitAlong) Part 8 - The End. I picked up the stitches for the neckband. After that I will work on the front bands and then I will be done.

Nantucket Island

Tomorrow I will be leaving for Nantucket Island. We have a second home there that is currently under renovation. I'll be back in 2 weeks. My knitting buddy Vanessa will be there. I'm looking forward to seeing her. Now the question for the day... What knitting project should I bring?