Man...that was a rough few days. Do you ever get one of those viruses that hits you all of the sudden and when you finally emerge from the bathroom 36 hours later (and seven pounds lighter, I might add), you feel like youve been beaten by a large bear? Yeah...that was my last few days. I'm nearly back to normal now though and am in full wip swing!

I finally finished my neices blanket--did I mention? Probably. I'm going to mention it again because, darn, I love it.

Pattern: Center from A Gatherin of Lace (the feather and fan circular shawl) I knitted for a while in stockinette instead of feather and fan then added a simple garter stitch ruffle around the edge.
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine in Orchid
Needles: Pesky size 5's, I believe. I can knit with tiny needles and big needles but for some reason, those size fives make my hands cramp.
Size: Kind of smallish--about 29 inches across. My niece is due in late May/early June, so I didnt want anything to heavy--I'm envisioning this being used in the car seat or to cover her while she sleeps away in her swing.
Verdict: Totally love it. This was the same yarn I used to make Munch's coming home blankie and it was so perfectly soft (and machine washable), I knew it was perfect for my new niece. I still have enough left over to make one more blankie and if I have another girl at some point, I'll happily use this yarn again.

I am leaving to visit my parents and attend my sisters baby shower on Friday and in the pre-trip haze, I've cast on a few new projects. I knew I needed something to work on during the trip and just couldnt decide so it looks like I will have several things to chose from:

the Dove Shawl by Sharon Miller.

I know, it seems crazy to knit a lace project while traveling, right? I was thinking it would be minimal yarn packing though and, besides, this pattern just can't be beat for simplicity. The whole shawl? Its basically the same row, over and over again with a few increases worked in every once in a while. And kidsilk haze? I've had a ton of it sitting in my stash for a while and I just couldnt ignore it any longer...and...as if I needed another reason: the color. Its impossible to photograph but it is that perfect spring green color--a color I am so anxious to see around this time of year.

The Simple Knitted Bodice is also in contention to go as a traveling companion:

Its not exactly small but stockinette in the round? Perfect for late nights chatting with the folks...

I wont be back here until next wednesday night, so you probably won't hear from me until late next week. In the meantime, go obsessively plan your gardens like I am! I have all my seed orders out at seedsavers and have all my beds planned out--when I get back from my trip, I'll be starting seeds and getting everything all ready! yay spring!