Dear Ellen,
I thought our spam was getting a bit tame, so thought I’d try out the above title for this post. Actually, it’s quite accurate…three quick bits for you and our readers.
First, why didn’t I think of it before?? I started using a 000 circular needle for my lifeline on Fichu, Gesundheit and it is fantastic! So easy to slide in and easy to pick up the stitches if I have to use it. Don’t ask why I know this.
Second, while I’m making good progress on moving preparations, it sure is lonely with Dale gone. In case you didn’t recall, he left earlier this week to meet friends Alan and Kathleen in 
Bermuda to help them sail their boat Crackerjack to Newport, RI. Crackerjack came in 5th in class and 12th overall on the run to Bermuda (Newport-Bermuda Race 2009) and the race crew is enjoying the beaches. After a day of re-stowing everything and drying out sails after some hairy weather, Dale, Alan, Kathleen and another guy got back underway earlier today. Here’s exactly where he is as I make this post.
Finally, I cast on my Sargasso Sea Shell the night before Dale left for his sailing adventure in the Atlantic. He won’t be anywhere near the Sargasso Seas, but it’s also an expression for being in the doldrums…no air. And you need air for sailing. I want him home quickly and safely, so knitting this while he’s gone is a bit of a good luck charm. Also, Vanessa often recommends breathing deeply as air is good for us too. Big needles, big yarn (the silk, cotton, rayon from Estes Park!) and lots more progress since this was taken. I’ll be done before he arrives home for sure.
Love, Jan
Jan and Ellen are identical twins who have always had an innate fashion sense. Crafting is an integral part of their lives and they stay stitched together sharing their love of knitting, family and community.
June 29th, 2009 at 6:48 am
Love the 000 needle lifeline suggestion, such an elegant solution for those of us who inevitably need one and hate putting the stitches back on a needle from wobbly dental floss while already agitated from messing up. Brilliant!
yrs,
Lace Challenged in CT
June 30th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
So how can the rest of us track Dale? You post these cool maps, but no clues.
I imagine the Sea Shell will be fun after the lace, but boy did that fichu turn out sweet. (I cheated and read ahead.)