The 125th annual Mesa County Fair is coming up in July.  I have been thinking entries for the fair and have decided on one or two. First is the blue sweater that I worked so hard on for almost a year. Second is the shawl that I have mentioned in a previous post.  I have been debating about what crochet projects I'm going to enter and I think one of them may be the Geisha Jacket that I altered to suit my body type.  I am also considering the crocheted socks and maybe the crochet hook roll I made.  It is always fun trying to decide on entries.  This year will be a celebration for the fair, considering that it is the 125th fair.  I'm hoping to have many more blue ribbons this year.

I have a new pair of socks done. These were cuff-down. and they are shorty ankle socks.

They are laying on one of my kniitng bags.

This was an interesting experiment with a Craftsy yarn purchase.  The yarn is Gedifra Morelia in Powder.  The pattern is based on KUAS's dummy clap shawl.  I changed the number of cast-on stitches and did some basic edging in garter stitch. I made this to go with a sleeveless outfit that I'm hoping to go dancing in later this year.  I wanted something to cover my shoulders and arms.

I used 4 skeins of Gedifra Morelia in powder on US size 19 (15 mm). I bound off loosely with my largest wooden crochet hook which is a size 15 (which is about a 10 mm).

This is my pattern:

Cast on 20 st.
R1-4 K
R5 K3, P14, K3 (WS)
R6 K (RS)

Repeat last 2 rows until 3 rows from desired length
Last 3 Rows: K

Bind off: K2, slip1st st off over 2nd st, k1, slip previous stitch over last st, drop next st off left-hand needle and ch 1 with crochet hook, bind off next 3 st, drop st, ch 1, bind off 4 st, drop st, ch 1, bind off 3 st, drop st, ch1, bind off 3.  Work the dropped stitches down to the cast-on edge.

http://www.favecrafts.com/ml/1 is an excellent source for ideas and patterns.  I have made a few of the things they have featured in their newsletters.

AllFreeKnitting.com is giving away a Boye Yardage Counter. I entered and you can too.

I have several new projects. First, I'm working on a pair of top-down knit socks. Second is a pair of toe-up crocheted socks. Third is a knit shawl. This all gives me something to do while I'm at the hospital with my husband.

Life can be so complicated sometimes.  I'm glad I know how to knit and crochet.  Both arts are a wonderful way to let go of the stresses of worry and fear. I am also thankful that my husband is cooperating (FINALLY!) with the hospital staff as they try to help him get back on his feet.

For anyone out there who is wondering where I have been for the last week or so, I have been at the hospital every day with my husband.  Red has been having trouble with some blockages in his left leg.  Hopefully, yesterday's surgery will take care of the problem. Otherwise, we will have a whole new set of problems.  I will get back on the ball when he is home and I have less stress.