Gothic Window Pink Sweater

I thought I had the body done, but when I tried it on, I think I want it a couple inches longer. I'll work on the sleeves a while and think about it.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Since my knitting is slow going-my Bohus sweater, I'll show you another hobby of mine-my orchids. Now, I don't go all out with automatic lights, humidity and whatever, but just use a table in my south window.

This plant was a gift from my ex-daughter in law and my son to replace one she thought she had killed when she knocked it off the table, so it must be 7 years old and has been blooming almost continuously every since.
It has never had this many flowers all blooming at the same time. Frequent, regular fertilizer must be the trick.

I love the lady slipper orchid so have several in different colors. This is the first one that has bloomed a second time after I bought the plant in bloom.

Gothic Window

The short rows are done, the raglan shaping is done, it is divided for body and sleeves and I tried it on and it should fit. I'm still enjoying every stitch!

When I bought the kit I was wondering why this sweater was not in any of the publications I had seen, but at the opening weekend I learned this is one that has recreated especially for this exhibit in Minneapolis.

Turtles

Kelly Petkin talked about these delicious treats on her podcast and has a video showing how to make them on the KnitPicks website. I had to try them and not only are they easy-the hardest part is opening all the carmels-but they are as good as she said they were.

• Place pretzels on parchment paper on cookie sheet.
• Open carmels. Cut in half and place one half on each pretzel. (I used Werther chewy carmels.)
• Place in 350 degree oven for 6-7 minutes, until carmels are melted and bubbly just on the edges.
• Remove from oven and place in freezer until brittle-about 10 minutes.
• Melt 1 cup chocolate in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. (Kelly used milk chocolate-I used left over semi sweet chocolate chips.)
• Put chocolate in zip lock sandwich bag. Cut small corner off bag, and drizzle chocolate on turtles.

Enjoy!

Proud Teacher!

This makes a teacher proud! LeeAnn is with me with her Norwegian sweater nearly finished. It turned out beautifully! I must admit when she came to the first class and brought out her color choices I really questioned what they would look like-I have a very poor color concept. Anyway, hers was the hit of the class. Good work, LeeAnn!

Shawls Completed

Traditional Danish Tie Shawl
Pattern: Spin-Off Spring 2008
Yarn: Hand Spun from Nora Ahleen in Door County. Brown is merino, cream is mohair, both from her animals.
Needles: Size 8

Angel Lace Shawl
Pattern: Fiber Trends
Yarn: Brown Sheep Superwash
Made for Wrapped in Care a project of United/Childrens Hospitals in St Paul where they give shawls to mothers who have lost a baby. See www.theraineysisters.com for more information.