Whirlwind

What a crazy week I've had. The last time I posted I hinted at having a busy weekend and I did, and then a pretty rough week followed. Let me elaborate.....

Saturday I went to a sock workshop at Carodan Farm. The class was teaching the two-at-a-time-on-one-circular method. I've been thinking about learning this method ever since my first pair of socks when I could see SSS becoming a problem for me, the chronic non-finisher. The class went well, we made mini-socks with worsted weight yarn and I was able to finish my pair in the 3 hour class. Immediately following the class I got to meet Wendy and get my book signed. This was very exciting since I missed getting her to sign it at MDSW. I did get a pic with her, but forgot to upload it, so I will save it for next time. Besides that, there are enough pics in the post already.

On Sunday, Doug and I went kayaking with some friends. We took our kayaks to the James River State Park and did the 10 miler. We had a good time, neither of us got sunburned, and we got some good exercise. We bought the kayaks last year and have really enjoyed having them, although I think I'm ready to try some bigger rapids than the tiny-barely-class-one rapids that James yields.

Early Monday morning we had to go to Michigan for Doug's grandfather's funeral. I'm so thankful that we got to go up there in March to visit him. I don't want to dwell on it, but I will say that in the brief time I got to know him, and know about him I discovered he was a very talented man and made a huge impact on the community around him. He led a very fruitful and filling life and he will be missed very much by his family and friends. He was an artist, working primarily in welding and other metalcrafts and his work is displayed all over his region and has also been honored by the Smithsonian. This piece is one of his most recognizable:

That is a cross sculpture that is on display at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan. Look at the detail of the globe at the center of the cross. I wish I could show you pictures of all his work, but suffice it to say that he was extremely talented.
It was kind of nice to see all the family again, although the circumstances were pretty unfortunate. Funerals are so bittersweet.

Somewhere in the midst of all that, I received my package from my Dye-o-Rama pal.
Look at that perfect pink and brown box. That will definitely be some great storage place for knitting odds and ends. This is what was inside:
That is a journal, some yummy-smelling candles, and bee-yoo-tiful yarn that I can't wait to cast on with. Here's the closeup
I bet you are wondering if I actually do any knitting anymore. I admit that I really haven't done much lately, but the 23 hour round trip in the car did a little for my knitting progress. Exhibit 1: my Green Gable, done in the sparkly Blue Heron Yarn that I showed a couple of posts back. The lace portion is done, and I'm halfway done with the sleeves.
Exhibit 2: The first completed husband-sock. Yes, I did start this sock 2 months ago, but it's been a backseat project while I've worked on other things. I finished this on the ride up and it was the envy of a couple of members of the older generations of his family, who used to knit socks when it was a necessity, etc. That's it for the knitting progress. I hope to finish GG sometime soon, but I don't want to set any lofty goals this week. I need to unwind.
Hopefully sometime next week I will be able to unwind in my yarn room which will have new shelves. These pictures were taken before my DH actually finished installing all the boards. Now all that is left to finish is staining the wood. I'm going to have my own little yarn store in my house. I LOVE the way this is coming out. I can't wait to see it all finished!

Last but not least, my blue stash for June. Kind of measly, I guess blue isn't a color I use too frequently, which is strange because it's one of my favorites.
Happy Crafting till next time!