Victory and Defeat

The best and the worst sometimes happen at the very same time. In case you, dear readers, are wondering whether Sivia (and the Norwegian Woods) have dropped off the face of the earth, never fear. The reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated, in the words of the immortal Mark Twain.

The good news: Norwegian Woods is now OUT! Sized for scarf or shawl, yarn requirements are 470 yards for the scarf, 900 for the shawl. Beads, if you choose to use them, are size 8/0 seed beads or the equivalent. You will need 179 (251) beads for this pattern, which really isn't many, so splurge on some really pretty ones. I used beautiful Toho 3x3 cubes that I got at Earth Faire. You can see all the details and purchase the pattern on my website, so go have a look.

Thanks to Shirley Su for modelling, Three Bags Full yarn shop for allowing the picture of their lovely store in the picture and for many, many other things I will not mention, and last but never least, my superb test knitters, Kat and Joanne.

Now, in case you have two skeins of sea silk (like the pictured scarf, in the periwinkle colorway) and are wondering whether you can squeeze a shawl out of your 800 meters of precious yarn, never fear. The shawl is designed for ease of modification: each of the three lace patterns can be repeated more OR fewer times and you will still be in perfect coordination with the next pattern. Keep in mind that your yarn and bead requirements will change... in this case, to accommodate a slightly slim yarn cache, but you could also easily upsize the shawl to a bigger width and length in this way.

Chances are, a KAL on my yahoo group will be starting sometime in the near future. You are welcome to check in with us at SiviaHardingKnits, where a Moonshadow Stole KAL is now in progress.

Now for the un-good news: My dear father is dying. He was moved into a hospice facility today where he lives, far away from where I live. I cannot travel to him at this time for multiple very good reasons, and this is very painful. My family, who are all gathered at his bedside, has forgiven me and continues to forgive me, for which I am so grateful. I have been preoccupied with all the things that happen to you when a dear family member is on the verge of passing - an enormous amount of prayer, emotion, and grief has been pouring out of me. I comfort myself with the knowledge that my dad will have a peaceful passing, surrounded by love and proof of his lifelong goodness. Really, who could ask for more?

I love you and always will, Dad. This one's for you.