Hackers, Yarn Tangles and Old Eyes...

Hi all -Hey just a quick apology.  Apparently my long neglected little blog got hacked and so there was a bogus post up which also showed up on facebook.  I think all is well now, but am hoping that didn't cause anyone a problem!

And... as long as I am throwing up a post, here is pic of one of my latest projects.  Just finished up this shawl last week.  Believe it or not, it is actually for me! My BFF pointed out I seem to rarely make stuff for myself and you know what?  I realize she is right!  So, that made this extra fun!  I even splurged and bought the "nice" yarn for this one which was a silk and merino wool blend.  Very cool and feels great.  Although... if I plan to do too much of that in the future well then monogirl needs to get herself a yarn ball winder because for whatever reason, the nice stuff comes in hanks, not skeins, and a hank needs to be wound into a ball before you can use it.  This is not a quick easy process.... just ask my husband cause he was the designated yarn ball winder and knot untangler and even though he is quiet talented at both.... a yarn ball winder would make both of our lives easier I am thinking.  I have this one on my Christmas list.   Of course then one also needs a yarn swift... like this...and OK that is getting kinda pricey.  Of course now I am thinking the husband probably wishes I would not get those things which would probably lead to not buying the expensive yarns.... I could see his thinking on that. ha!

Anyway, this was an easy pattern and made a beautiful shawl.  I got both the yarn, and the free pattern from Expression Fiber Arts.  She has nice stuff.  The free pattern is here if you are interested.

I also finished up a blanket project the week prior for a gift.  Loving the blanket and its hard to give away cause I'd be happy to cuddle up in it, but a picture will have to wait until said gift is with said recipient.

After 2 big projects that took some time and effort monogirl's head needed a break and so for a quick easy project she is now doing a little cross stitch Christmas ornament.  Of course these days my 50 year old eyes need a little assistance apparently so I broke out my new lighted magnifier thingy... I saw this on one of the crochet boards and FB and figured it would help when stitching dark yarns (cause it is impossible to see the stitches!).  Who knew it would be necessary for multiple projects, cause I do not remember needing these tools when I last stitched... like um years ago.  Of course it's not a boost to Monogirl's ego that the ornament kit appears to be for children... and says complete in 30 minutes and Monogirl is on her 3rd evening to work on it.... Maybe it's because I need an even better lighted magnifying thingy like this one.... Since I like the wear around your neck version, this would be even better by Monogirl's chair right?

Well I am off for today.  Again - sorry for the bogus post but glad it gave us a reason to visit again!
Blessings!