Lace addict/ Spanx

Thanks to my blog pal, Sue from NJ, http://craftitagain.blogspot.com/ ( who just happens to have a Mini and a spoiled canine like me) I have become addicted to lace. Yes -Even after I had to painfully frog 2 nights worth yesterday because for some stupid reason I took the first life line out thinking everything was ok. On further examining it in the sunlight yesterday it was obvious an even row was skipped so it was half and half front and back . No housework was done yesterday as that Forest Canopy Shawl kept calling me . At midnight I was still counting and celebrating every time a finished row was correct. My problem solving and counting skills are slowly improving . Knitting lace is much like doing a Sudoku puzzle that gives my aging brain daily exercise.



This is very hard to believe considering my frustration and observation levels are not strong.. It is a miracle I can even knit as my coordination and patience are lacking. I was never a crafty person. When I first started knitting 2 years ago it took me months to actually see the difference between a knit and purl . DH can't believe how far along my knitting progress and how dedicated ( obsessed) I have become.

Shhh Today he is fishing so as soon as he leaves I plan to plop in the sun and get back to the lace shawl.( no cleaning or yard work done for another day)



Dress for my daughter's wedding
( This is Not me!- found at Dillard's web site)

Good news ..I lost one more pound at Weight Watcher this week ! Only 5 more to go and I will be back to my goal. Lace may be postponed temporally to take a walk today. A dress was picked out for my daughter's wedding .(Damn -it costs 40$ less at Dillard's than what I paid locally) It is tight around the middle but the next size was too big. 5 pounds should make it fit .If not -I wear this which I bought on EBay . The owner of the bridal shop was raving about them and how comfortable they are but make you look 5 pounds thinner. Oprah endorse them here. Have till August 16 to get rid of the middle. Unfortunately - knitting only exercises the brain not the gut!

Forest Canopy Shawl/ more animal shots

Imagine if digital cameras were around when my kids were babies in the 80's. I would have so many more photos of them. Back then you had to go back and forth to the photo developing places and crossing your fingers to see if they turned out. Instead now I take a million pictures of my animal babies.

Molly doing her yoga poise-

Stinky doing a little lounging



basking in sun on Sunday

To get ready for the Slow Bee Mystery KAl this was started this weekend.


Forest Canopy Shawl pattern was purchased here http://knittingasfastasican.com/forest-canopy-shoulder-shawl/
The directions are very clear and this is perfect for beginning lace.
This is the yarn being used for the Canopy Shawl. Not exactly the best choice of using the boucle as the nubs of it make it easy to miss or pick up an extra stitch. I have been saving this yarn in my stash since I started knitting 2 years ago for some thing special.

Here is my progress so far. .

It is very very slow as I need to count after each row to make sure that a stitch is not missed or added. Lifelines are being used but painfully so. Reading the knitting has not clicked yet. Last night while reading a helpful Ravelry forum one post said said t the center decreases should line up . So far the center stitch that is knit btl along with having a marker is really the only thing that stands out .