I thought I’d drag the Flower Basket Shawl out to show you all how I’m doing with it. It’s slow going because I’m only working on it in spare moments here and there. But I’m making some steady progress.
I’m trying really hard to have faith in the magic of blocking at this point. In its current state it looks hideous. Here it is, in all it’s blobby glory.
This is how much yarn I have left in the first ball.
And this is the second skein that has yet to be wound into a center pull ball. I really hate winding yarn. So I’ve been putting it off until the last possible moment.
I’ve memorized the pattern so I’ve been able to take this project with me when I’m out and about. In fact, I’ve even been seen at my weekly knitting group working on it.
It’s an incredibly relaxing project. I’ve been going to it whenever I’ve felt overly stressed by such things like the possible estrangement of a longtime friend or the illness of my beloved elderly cat, Onyx.
She’s holding steady now, but she did give me quite a scare last month. I won’t go into the gory details, but suffice to say that she has the inevitable health issues of a 19-year-old feline. I know she’s had a wonderful 19 years with me and hopefully she’ll have awhile longer, but that really doesn’t make any of this easier.
Like that commercial says, life comes at you fast. So it’s nice to have a comforting project like the Flower Basket Shawl to turn to.
September 6th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
The shawl looks great.
Hopefully, there will be no more scares. (I know, to God’s ears…)
September 6th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Oh that looks great. You do such beautiful work (petty the luna moth here).
Onyx is so sweet – she looks good for 19!
Just remember I am only a phone call away.
September 6th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
Sweet hugs to Onyx…and Mom!
((((Hugs))))
September 6th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
I’m sorry to hear that Onyx was having problems. :-(
The shawl looks great! Gorgeous yarn, too.
September 6th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Wow, 19! That’s amazing! I’ll have to tell Hannah she could live that long if she’ll just acquiesce to being an indoor kitty (our street has fast drivers!)
The shawl looks just fine to me – that is your handspun, isn’t it? Incredible.
September 6th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
How wonderful that knitting such a gorgeous shawl is helping you to manage life. It does come at us fast. Too fast, sometimes. The shawl is truly a lovely knit, and Onyx……..what can I say? Sweetest face in the world in the photo. Another adorable feline photo. Hang in there, Kiddo.
September 6th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
I guess a trip to Florida would be a bit much??? I love winding yarn into yarncakes. I’d do it for you.
Onyx looks so sweet. We do fall madly and desperately in love with our furkids, don’t we?
September 6th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Onyx is a beautiful and wise-looking cat, and you can tell her I said so. After 19 years I’m sure she knows when she’s being complimented. And after 19 years the most you can do is be there for her and make her comfortable when she needs it. :)
I’m so dippy; I love all cats so much. If I weren’t married to a guy who strictly forbids it, I’d be that crazy cat lady in town that has 7 cats (not the one who hoards hundreds of them and can’t feed or clean up after them). I’ve often thought of becoming a veterinarian, but I’m pretty sure I couldn’t handle being unable to save all the animals or having to tell someone their pet didn’t make it. Hell, I can’t even watch those animal hospital shows on TV.
September 6th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
Aw, what a sweet looking girl. I’ll bet she’s appreciated every minute. :)
September 6th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
sorry onyx is having health issues – she sure looks very loved! i also tend to look towards my knitting when i’m needing some comforting….sorry missed you guys tonight – patrice and i will try to make it next week
September 6th, 2007 at 11:58 pm
The shawl is looking good – not hideous! I really love the color of the yarn – just too pretty. I’m glad Onyx is feeling better – she’s a cutie. It is so hard when they get older, but I’m sure she’s happy and loved – and what else can a cat ask for? Hope your situation with your friend resolves too!
September 7th, 2007 at 12:42 am
The shawl will be wonderful – the color is lovely and I’m sure once you block it you’ll be so happy with it!! I’m glad Onyx is better – she’s beautiful. And I hope the friend thing works out – I know how that feels and it’s a difficult thing to work through.
September 7th, 2007 at 2:19 am
Lovely picture of Onyx. My childhood cat lived to be 20.
Flower Basket will turn out beautifully!
September 7th, 2007 at 2:29 am
Awww what a great pic of Onyx.
I can’t wait to see the magic happen on that shawl!
September 7th, 2007 at 2:34 am
xoxo to your sweet pea and to you, Opal. Do whatever you need to make both you and her comfortable.
email me if you want to chat.
September 7th, 2007 at 4:14 am
Before you know it, FBS will be knitted and blocked, and we will be in awe of its glory. Keep you chin up!
=:8
September 7th, 2007 at 4:52 am
You know – I think you’ve just helped me realize what some of my ambivalence with lace is all about. Typically when I’m working on something, I look at it every few rows, admiring the pattern and the color(s) and how things are working out. It’s different with lace – well, with a lace shawl – because you *can’t* get that instant gratification rush. You’ve got to wait until it’s done and blocked.
Not like that’s a bad thing – just that it’s something I would have to work on, patience not being a large part of my natural temperment :)
September 7th, 2007 at 5:21 am
19 years is amazing, but you are right….that doesn’t make the inevitable any easier. I hope Onyx keeps on tickin’ for awhile yet.
September 7th, 2007 at 6:54 am
The lace looks good. It will be gorgeous once it’s blocked.
I hope things get better with the kitty. Mine will be 19 in a few months and it’s like living on borrowed time in some ways.
September 7th, 2007 at 7:07 am
It amazes me how you switch back and forth between lace projects. You are my Lace Idol.
September 7th, 2007 at 7:19 am
Onyx is such a sweetie and she loves her mom so much! Is this your handspun yarn you are knitting into a Flower Basket Shawl? It is a beautiful project and I admire your ability to memorize it, I did a good bit of unknitting when I made mine. Hopefully, that will improve the second time around.
September 7th, 2007 at 7:36 am
You know it’s going to be gorgeous when it’s done! I can’t wait to see it, that’s what I’m spinning for after I finish spinning my pink merino…if I can ever finish!
Hope that Onyx sticks around for as long as she can. Our cat Kit got to that age and was having so much trouble she was finally put down. We were sad but knew that she wouldn’t be in pain anymore.
September 7th, 2007 at 9:20 am
I love the color of the Flower Basket shawl…and yes, it will definitely block out beautifully (I’ve obviously never told you about my prognosticating powers, LOL!)
Onyx looks like such a sweetie, I wish I could give her some snuggles. It’s scary to face the loss of a loved one :(
September 7th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Oh, what a sweet picture of Onyx, relaxing on lace! I wish you a lot more time with her. The FBS looks wonderful. Your handspun is beautiful. Hope all resolves positively with your friend.
Big hugggggggssssssss to cats and crew.
Aloha,
Meredith
September 7th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
The Flower Basket Shawl looks wonderful in the handspun yarn. Really very pretty. I hope Onxy is feeling better. I know I would if I got to use your knitting for a bed! Give her lots of treats and kisses for me!
September 7th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
How can you hate winding yarn?!
September 8th, 2007 at 9:45 am
Oh, I am so sorry about your lovely cat. I know I can’t wish her any younger, but I do hope she is comfortable and contented.
I love that blue yarn, but I can’t say much about your flower basket hairnet yet :) I am sure it will be gorgeous when finished.
September 8th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
We have a 14-year old cat. I dread the time she’s no longer with us. She is Queen of the house for sure.
The yarn and shawl are lovely, and I especially loved seeing Onyx. Hugs to her… and you too.
September 8th, 2007 at 10:28 pm
I can so well imagine the worries you’re having with your beautiful Onyx. Our kitty is one year younger than yours and well, her age just begins to show – she’s got more problems breathing, her kidneys are not working properly anymore, she’s just way slower than before, all those signs that tell that she’s old, really old. I just wish you a lot more time with Onyx!
Your shawl is coming along beautifully – the yarn you’re using seems to be just the perfect one for it! And don’t worry, blocking *will* do its magic!
September 9th, 2007 at 2:18 am
Can’t wait to see the magic that will happen with the shawl! What yarn are you using–I went back a bit, but didn’t find it. Probably there, I just missed it.
Glad you joined the Clapotis along! I still haven’t posted an intro. I must do that.
September 10th, 2007 at 7:09 am
Onyx looks like a lover and a keeper. Hang in there.
Blessings (and strength!)