It’s the dreaded “tax day” today in the US. Ours are done and dusted and it’s a huge relief to get it off my to-do list every year. I totally stress about it every year (and we have a pretty simple tax return.) Today’s weather is damp and gray. We had more rain yesterday afternoon and I am welcoming every single drop as a prescription against wildfires. We heard about a wildfire in Naples, FL (my hubby’s hometown) on the news last night and I texted dear friends who we believed to be too close to the fire and we were right. They’ve got their bags packed and by the door in case they’re told to evacuate. This is a photo from their deck … the smoke from that fire is way too close.

I’m sending them thoughts for strong winds and lots of rain to protect their beautiful home. And I”m feeling incredibly grateful for our safety today.

I just wanted to update my progress on my WIPs since it’s Wednesday and all. LOL. Over the weekend and earlier this week, I’ve been working away on my three WIPs. I am committed to getting them finished in a reasonable time frame. I know I have a sweater to knit for my daughter and another one that I’ve committed as a donation to a silent auction at the Maine Arts Academy 10th Anniversary Celebration coming up on May 2. I also have a list of things I want to make … I will never be bored or lack a list of to-be-knitted items.

Yesterday I really worked away at my Vanilla Sweater for my college roommate. I believe I am close to being able to split the hem and finish the body. We chatted last night about lengths and she has measured a couple of sweaters she loves and I’ll knit a total of 13 inches for the length including the hem. Sleeves will be 15-16″. Now I can finish! It’s exciting when I get to this point and this sweater is so great for knitting while socializing because there’s really nothing to count. It’s just knit, knit, knit. Wonderful. And don’t you love the newest point protectors/stitch stoppers that I found at Les Laines Biscotte in Quebec City? A unicorn and Piglet! I’ve officially flipped for these little tools.

I also worked on my Hansel Hap Half and I have to say I am loving this pattern, It uses just enough brain power to pull me in completely and yet it’s not difficult. I’ve used all of the tools available for me – stitch markers at each lace pattern repeat on the border and spit splicing ten or so stitches before the end of the row before the color change (although I seldom remember this before I finish the row!) I am very happy with my color palette, too. If I had my druthers, I’d probably just work on this because it’s very satisfying right now. BUT …

I also have my Escher Socks (here showing you the inside). I’ve finished the first sock to the toe but I’m saving the heel and will knit both heels when I have finished both socks. I started the second sock and got the ribbing done. I’ve decided to try using a 9″ circular needle and I grabbed a US2 9″ circ by Knit Pro because we were out of the Chiao Goo at the store. I didn’t like it at all because the “circle” was just a little bit too tight. I bought a Chiao Goo US1 (oops meant to get a US2) in Quebec and I compared the two needles before I returned the Knit Pro …

As you can see, there is a reason why! The Knit Pro tip is quite a bit longer when you’re considering the 9″ circle is finite. So, I’ll wait for the 9″ Chiao Goo to come in before moving along (or knit with my DPNs until then.) Anyway, the socks are quite pretty and I am excited to get them moving along so I can wear them and so I can start another pair.

In other news, my son broke his ankle/leg playing soccer this past weekend. He said he heard a pop and had a goose egg on his ankle, just above the ankle bone, almost immediately. He went to the doctor on Monday and it’s fractured so he’s off his feet and the soccer pitch for a bit. He’s lucky to have Doctor Gus always at his side.

It’s going to be a busy day today so I’ll sign off here. Hope tax day treats you well. Wishing you peace!

Gone knitting.