Projects!

     What a wonderful last couple of months I've had...many challenges, but blessings along the way, as well. I have acquired new work, secular, so-to-speak...that is, not fiber related in any way...though I will admit to spinning on my drop spindle whilst I wait for work. Shhhh...don't tell anyone!
Also, Hal, my DH, has been dealing with some pretty severe health issues which, by nature, bring additional challenges for the rest of the family. The good news is, he is now somewhat stabilized and since I can work from home, I don't have to worry about leaving him alone and I can also schedule around his doctor appointments...another blessing.
And, finally, there are the projects! The first and most interesting of these I'd like to share is this one:

This lovely bedspread is 80 years old...it was crocheted by a woman and her granddaughter has asked me to repair it. It has been such an honor. Can you imagine all the work and years it must have taken to create this piece? All the torn seams have been repaired at this point and all that is left to do is re-crochet various squares that have come undone over the years...a labor of love, I assure you!

Next, I am knitting with my handspun. This will be a shawl knitted in a wool/silk blend I spun up on my wheel. The lighting in this picture does not show the true color of it. This fiber is really a pinkish grey....

It's a fir cone shawl, a pattern I adore and have wanted to knit up for some time. It is a Shetland pattern, isn't it? Some of you may know. At any rate, it has been very enjoyable! A pattern may emerge from it, depending on what I do with the edgings and whether or not I am happy with the result. 

You know how much I love shawls! And, you know, I really want one for the cooler weather just round the corner. I want it to be wool and warm and I really don't care about making anything to be patterned or sold in any way, just something I can enjoy. The color here is pretty close, though I think the blues are a good deal brighter. I love Plymouth Mushishi...lots of yards and beautiful color changes.  This is now my reward for getting my work done during the day...I get to play with this project every evening until it is finished! I leave you with a mouth-watering picture:0) Go and get some for yourself and do what I'm doing...a decide as you go shawl...you never know, it could be the best thing you ever knitted!