Yes, it is time for one of the most knitblog-worthy of occasions, the knitalong! This will not likely be a quick one, for we are knitting large items. How large? Well, if we get gauge, (and we'd better, or we'll need more yarn--seriously, we've been warned) they will be 50" square. We're knitting the Hue Shift Afghan. Can you believe it?
My sister took up knitting over a year ago, and she's made her way through a few projects. She finished her first major piece, (except for the ends--yes, I agreed to weave them in for her, and yes, you can judge away) so I asked her if she'd like to do a knitalong. She seemed a little wary, as people often think I am a much faster knitter than I actually am. Yes, it's true that I have more free time than she does, but she is a monogamous knitter, and besides, I thought she'd like the blanket. I sent her a bit of the pattern (don't worry, I bought her a copy of the pattern once she agreed) and asked if she felt like tackling it. She said she watched a Youtube video on knitting mitered squares and feels confident. As soon as that text came through, I asked which color set she liked (she said Rainbow is her favorite) and sent in an order.
I'm glad I asked, because I would have guessed Jewel, and I would have been wrong, but I'm not surprised she chose Rainbow, either. In fact the only one that would have left me scratching my head is Decor, as that is the least "her" of them. I am going with Pastel because, well, it is a little different than I would normally (Rainbow or Jewel) choose. Decor is my least favorite of the selections, but I don't dislike it. I just think the other color choices are better with this pattern.
While I waited for the yarn to arrive, I planned on sewing a project bag for her, but that didn't happen. You're shocked, right? Anyway, I baked a cake and decorated it up as best as I could and sent the cake and present over. It's a milestone birthday, and I wish I could have put on a big party for her, but that cannot be. I hope the cake and this present are a good way to celebrate the occasion. They say, "Go big, or go home." Well, why not both? We're going to be home for a while, yet. We might as well do something big.
