God Bless Louis

Last night, Charleston Fire Department lost 9 men. One of them was a very dear friend....Louis Mulkey.That's Louis, pictured above, with his best friend, Robert. He was so vibrant, full of life. I sit here devastated and mourn the loss of a friend that I will miss dearly.

God bless all the heroes. Keep Louis, the 8 other Charleston Firefighters and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Sophie: A Gazillion Thanks

I was heading out the door, when my maillady came to greet me, holding this package from Sophie, my Knitters Tea Swap 3 partner. Oh well, the beach will just have to wait......

I opened the box to reveal all these tissue paper wrapped goodies with the cutest little notes attached to each one.... I quickly removed each item from the box. Besides all the culinary goodness, there were 7, yes, that's right, 7 little packages for me to open....

WOW! I couldn't believe my eyes. Sophie included a magazine for some light beach reading. There are scrumptious crackers and cookies and chocolate. And some English Breakfast Tea from Second Cup, which is "local Canadian answer to Starbucks". And some President's Choice, another local, English Breakfast Tea. Sophie's choices were fabulous, knowing what constraints that I had placed upon her when I admitted that I abhorred flavored teas! Sophie also included a small magnet from Lettuce Knit that she obtained at a local knit-in. It is already on the fridge. And the cutest, miniature porcelain teapot. And the most intriguing box that read "Tea for Two". This is what it said on the side of the box, "Enter into a world of grace and sophistication - the delightful tradition of afternoon tea. Inside Tea for Two, you'll find a pair of miniature tea balls, a saucer, a honey dipper and a 32-page book with easy recipes and tips for tea-time etiquette." How adorable is that?

But, the best and the truly NOT the very least, there are THREE skeins of yarn. Sophie had chosen some Fleece Artist 100% Merino for socks. And yarn from Hand Maiden - Sea Silk and Silk Maiden. Oh. My. God. Have I died and went to heaven? I have heard some great things about this yarn, but it wasn't until I had it in my hands did I understand what all the fuss is about! It is truly fabulous. And the color choices are superb. Wow! and Wow! again.....

Sophie, you are a master and I bow to your good taste. Truly, I have been spoiled. Thank you.....

The Estonian Garden Shawl


This is the most perfect something for a cool summer night - light and airy. This was the first time that I have ever used Euroflax and I couldn't have been more pleased. It blocked fabulously and I am sure will soften even more with subsequent washings.

Here it is draped in my garden:

And here, getting ready to be packed up and gifted:

Obligatory stats:
Pattern: Estonian Garden Shawl
Designer: Evelyn Clark
Yarn: Euroflax Fine/Sportweight
Yardage: 1,080 yd/4 skeins
Needles: Addi Turbo Lace size 5
Size: 80"x29"