Day #8ie

Well I didn't do so well yesterday. The best laid plans of mice and men...... However, I did  finish the 40 bracelets that I was in the process of making for the ladies at my church. I delivered them today after service. Today was a pretty emotional one for me as it is the last day seeing my friends before I leave for Canada. There wasn't a dry eye in the place after everyone said their piece.
Now the packing begins in earnest. I brought 3 suitcases, a carry on and a huge purse down with me. I had to pay for 2 of my cases which cost me $230.00usd. I thought I might get away with taking only one back but it looks like it will be two. That will cost me $70.00usd. But I need my "stuff".Anyone ever here George Carlin talking about "stuff". It's pretty funny if you have "stuff" like I do.
Today I'm going to be doing a small piece of work I started when I first came down here. It a Christening Shawl. I'm making it for my niece Carly in hopes that she and her husband Scott might decide to have a baby soon. The pattern is The Sheelagh Shawl from Jamieson & Smith, Shetland Islands,  and the yarn, also from Jamieson & Smith, is 1 ply cobweb pure wool in white. The shade is called white but it is actually more natural. I don't have a liking for pure white. I find it too cold and stark. The shawl is knitted from the outside border in to the middle. I have made smaller shawls in the past but not one as intricate as this. The border is a 33 stitch- 48 row repeat times 40 for a total of 160 scallops. And that is just the border. So my plan for today is to do 2 repeats. It's quite the job keeping that fine a yarn on the needles. Lots of yarn overs. Keep you fingers crossed. In case you might wonder why I chose this pattern it's because my grandmother used to make those shawls and when I was a wee lass back in Scotland.  I was enthralled at the way she knitted and never looked at her work or had a pattern. It was all in her head. Totally amazing.
It's pretty hot and muggy today so I'll be having lots of showers.
I got up early this morning, 5 a.m., and roasted a chicken so I didn't have to have the stove going too much this afternoon. I did cheesy mashed potatoes and carrots. It was yummy. My mum would be proud. BTW it's my mum's 84th. birthday today. Many happy returns Betty. I love you.
Well crafty friends it's time to be getting at it so I'll say Cheerio for now.
Cheers.