What I Did on Spring Break...

First I want to say hello and apologize for the long lag-time between posts. Life just gets in the way sometimes! Before you look at my travel pictures, please take a moment to answer my poll questions. I am pondering my next group project (summer 2011) and would love your input. Thanks so much! Warning. There is no knitting at all in this post. I took knitting away with me and I knit, but I can't show it to you. This sign caught my eye in the NYC airport after we got through security. I couldn't help myself...and I had a spindle in my shoulder bag. So we went away for 10 days to Florida. We have been to Florida before, but never to the Keys and never to the Everglades, so we set off to see stuff we had not previously seen.

Moonrise in Key Largo A sleeping gator at a stop along the road to Flamingo.

One of many sunsets in Key Largo.

A Strangler Fig up near Everglade City.

A Snowy Egret on the way to Key West.

Another sunset in Key Largo...

Yet another sunset in Key Largo...

And yet another sunset...in Key Largo...

I think this is a young Red Shouldered Hawk, but I could be wrong so feel free to set me straight.

Ah yes. Another sunset in Key Largo...

Tiger Key, a bit off Everglade City by small motor boat. No one else was there!

Tarpons smiling.

The super moon (next to a radio tower.)

Nest Key, close to Key Largo by sail boat. No one else was here either!

Local veggies for dinner (from a farm stand in Key Largo we found biking around.)

The wonderful Key Largo Tuesday evening knitting group, at DJ's Diner.

Back row from left to right: Ginny, Suzette, Marcia

Front row from left to right: Linda, Norine, Bridget These are the nicest women! They just made me feel right at home. If you are ever in Key Largo on a Tuesday evening go and say hello!

Janet from Maine, who also knits! We talked about the Webs sale...

Ibis at a stop along the road to Flamingo.

Hiding Gators in Shark Valley.

Hen and chick in Key Key West.

Relaxing in Key Largo.

Great Egret at a stop on the road to Flamingo.

Great Blue Heron near Everglade City.

Giant lobster on Overseas Highway south of Key Largo.

Female Anhinga at a stop along the road to Flamingo.

Everglade City...

Catalina 22 in Key Largo.

Key Largo!

BK paddles through the Mangroves near Key Largo.

Brown Pelican south of Key Largo.

BK on a Sunfish off Key Largo.

Awake Gator near Everglade City.

OK, I think this a another Red Shouldered Hawk but tell me if I am wrong!

Thanks for looking! I will be back in a week or so with more about the Metamorphosis wrap up and thoughts about Summer 2011. Until then, knit on!

Metamorphosis: The collection!

Today I finally have some reasonable photographs of most of the Metamorphosis collection. The center of this project was our sweater, and here I have photos of BadKitten showing off the cardigan, knit by Jeri in the suggested BBToes yarn. Jeri used 6/0 crystal ab beads on the yoke and border of the bottom and sleeves. She used edging Chart D on both the sleeves and the bottom. BadKitten is going for casual and says the yarn feels wonderfully soft.

Jeri used four simple crystal buttons, which are a perfect match for the beads.
Jeri made this sweater to BadKittens measurements, and group members might recall that from our measurement tutorial. It fits her like a glove...
BK is ready to do her thing in this lovely cardigan. Note that Jeri made 3/4 sleeves on this version. The pattern allows for a sleeveless vest, 3/4 sleeves or long sleeves, at the knitters discretion.
What is missing here is the pullover version of the sweater, and my gorgeous purple version is just waiting for me to finish up the sleeve borders and block. I should have that ready for my next post.
Above is The Cocoon Scarf, which is another one of our Metamorphosis projects. This can be made in any size, from a dainty scarf to a large stole. My version was made using 2-ply merino lace weight hand dyed by my friend, Judith Gilbert. It reads as blue, but the color is a rich blend of blues, purples and browns.
Simple and easy to wear.
It is hard to see the stitch patterns here, but you can appreciate how delicate it is.
The next project from Metamorphosis that I want to share is The Chrysalis Shawl. This one is knit using 2/28 merino/silk from Colourmart, along with some 2.5mm silver-lined gray Ab triangle beads.
It is hard to capture the stitch patterns, beads and glow of the yarn in a picture.
It is a wisp of a shawl, and gossamer enough to use as a veil. It can be made as large as the knitter chooses.
Finally, I have some pictures of the Metamorphosis Shawl. This one is knit with 2-ply yarn that I spun myself, in a Shetland/silk blend. I used 6/0 crystal ab beads.
Maybe I will have some better light and do another round of photos in the near future, but I think this shows you each project. Please feel free to ask if you want more details. The Metamorphosis group is busy knitting, and all the project files have been posted. You are welcome to join if you want access to the patterns and our support. In a few months the patterns will be available at my Ravelry pattern store and at Jeri's Ravelry pattern store. Until then, join the group to get them!
Thanks for looking and I hope to be back soon with more pictures and fun. I am starting to think about a summer group and will try to include a poll in my next post, so I can get some ideas about projects from you! Until then, knit on!