Almost there

Vacation is close! I have one more day to work. I could have taken this whole week, but it will be good to get in the office and take care of a few last minute details that came up over the holiday weekend.

I have been loving spinning my Grafton batt into a nice deep blue (mostly) laceweight yarn (above) and I started spinning one of the September study group fibers. Yak is a lovely, soft, you just want to curl up in a nest of it fiber that is not as easy to spin as it is to fondle. ; ) The staple length is short, about 1 inch on my fiber, and that makes it a challenge for me to spin. I am using my akha spindle (finally cleared of the lumpy, bumpy but it's my first handspun  cotton I spun for my TdF challenge) and I think it is working well. The spindle is feather light and I can use it as a drop spindle or spin horizontally, holding and twisting the spindle in my hand until I have some twist in the fiber. Then I can use the drop spindle method to add more twist. I have been using both methods, trying to see which works better for me. It's a fun challenge and the yak and spindle will be joining me in Montauk for vacation spinning.

The Leaf and Picot Cardigan is nearing completion. I know I've said that before, but really! I have sewn in one sleeve and sewn the sleeve closed. I have just started to sew in the other sleeve. The sleeve that is sewn in actually fits! I have one sleeve to insert, then both sweater side seams and one more sleeve seam to go. I can see the finish line .....

I really don't have enough projects on the needles. I am sure I don't. That is why I swatched for a new sweater. This one will be for eldest son and I am trying my own design. Hopefully it will work. (gulp) I have chosen ( with eldest sons input) two cables, to be placed on the left side of the chest and towards the center. The rest of the sweater, a pullover, will be stockinette. We plan on an inch or so of ribbing at the bottom and sleeves and a roll collar neckline. The yarn is Louet Riverstone worsted in Champagne. I think it will be a good vacation knit, being worsted weight and mostly stockinette. We eat in a lot of dim places and spend a lot of time in the expedition (named Elvira) in less than ideal lighting. I have a lace project for when concentration and good lighting is desirable and available.

It is a rainy day here in Maryland, but I am thankful that it is not worse, and that the liklihood of Katia visiting Montauk is lessening. Not gone, but lessening. ; )