Oops... I knit a sleeve

I was being so good, working on the two scarves that were on my Holz and Stein 16" 3s. But this is our vacation week, and what I really wanted to spend it doing was knitting on Zauberflote while sitting on the couch with the kitties, listening to a good book. So on Saturday I slipped Marie's scarf onto some Hiya needles, and cut a steek.

(Well, actually, I knit a few repeats onto the Hiya needles. I am making *some* progress there, though not as much as I should have... see??)

This morning I finished the cuff on Zauberflote's first sleeve. 

I didn't like the instructions for the sleeve-- it seemed like it would be too short. Also, they wanted you to do the first few rows of the up-side-down pattern, and then the garter chart. Since the garter chart and the first few rows are the same design, this repetition seemed odd to me. 

I decided to knit straight until I liked the length (using Abalone for guidance), and then knit the next section in garter.

I don't think it turned out too badly... and I don't mind a deeper cuff than suggested. I'm wondering what I'll do for the front bands and collar, though, since the sleeve cuff is not what it is supposed to be. I think I'll probably use the garter chart, so they'll match the bottom band.

I've just knit the first few rows of the second sleeve, and am taking a lunch break. I think it quite likely I may finish Zauberflote this week!

I've also made some progress on the Perfect Woman Scarf-- it has grown since the last photo!

Certainly won't be done by this weekend, but it is coming along.

The kitties have been at their usual posts: Gino next to me on the couch, and Penny a siren on the bed, luring un-suspecting passers-by in for snuggle sessions.

They are excellent helpers.

Progress on Two Fronts

Lots of progress happening 'round here!

Kitty progress:

Annie has just visited me, and she actually got to snuggle with Penny! Pen sat on Annie's lap for at least half an hour. Considering in the past there have just been walk-bys as Penny decides if the visitors are safe (and this only after several hours or days of a visit) I consider this excellent progress.

And I have photographic proof of this, even!!

Look how happy they both are!!

Then Annie got to at least see Gino when he wasn't under my bed... yesterday morning, Gino, Pen and I had a lovely three-way snuggle. Gino was sitting on my lap when Annie got up, and he didn't immediately bolt! So I called her in, and she peeked 'round the door, and got to see his magnificence before she tried to walk in and he ran under the bed. So that's good progress for him as well, since up to now he's not even wanted any not-Helen-people to see him!

I'm also hoping to make good knitting progress today. I'm hoping to finish the Not A Scarf socks for Marie, the Cherry Me shawl, and Jen's Backup Mitts.

Not A Scarf Socks-- lacking a Toe and about 4 rounds.

Cherry Me. I've got about a golf-ball sized ball left... I think I should be able to finish another set of leaves before binding off.

Backup Mitts. Jen's Birthday is Tuesday! Need the top of one mitt and both thumbs.

Having finished at least two of the three projects, I'll probably give myself permission to start something new, which will quite likely be the Leftie I've been wanting to make since Christmas!

Or I may keep knitting on the Sheeps! sweater, and/or one of the scarves I need to finish before I can start Zauberflote's sleeves. Either way, it'll be a lovely, knit-full day!

He ALWAYS Does This!

Gino and I will be on the couch snuggling. Then I'll need to get up to put the kettle on, cake another skein, or use the toilet.

As soon as I get up:

Gino steals my spot.

Then, a minute later when I return:

He's settled in.

At least he doesn't mind shifting a bit, because a minute later, we're back in position and ready to go:

Snuggled next to my knee.

Lots of knitting projects going on. I've finished the body of Zauberflote, but both good needles of the size and length needed for the arms are in use, so I've got to finish a scarf before I can move on with that. There are, of course, many other projects I'm also working on!

Life is good.