I didn’t mean to be gone for so long, but . . . I guess I needed a break from the huge world wide web more than I realized.  I haven’t been slacking or taking it easy though.  There has been afghan square knitting for Knit Michigan, preparing a new design, preparing for new classes at the store, and an unexpected but much appreciated design submission acceptance.  That is just the knitting part of my life.  I’ve also been drinking studying wine and experimenting with dinner forced upon my captive audience discovering new recipes for my husband and I to try.

It is hard to believe that the time for Knit Michigan is almost here again.  This year I volunteered to knit one of 25 squares that have become a blanket.  A blanket that will be raffled off to raise money for this great cause.  The afghan is always a work of art and I’m honored to be a part of it this year. If you are interested in purchasing a raffle ticket ($5 US), email me for details or leave a comment.

My square was a simple one and yet a very fun knit.  Details: Square #18, The Great American Afghan Book
Yarn: Marks & Kattens Bomull, 1 skein
Needle: US8 (5.0mm)

As a marathoner, a chemo cap was part of the entrance fee.  These are just a few of the caps turned in.  From ribbed cotton to fuzzy fun fur over 180 caps were knitted, crocheted, and sewn.

Throughout the day, we knit.  Imagine that.  By the afternoon it was time to putting our knitting skills to work. Who could knit the most rows …

… while wearing gloves….

… blindfolded …

… and using only one hand.  The last one was an interesting sight to watch.  Holding a needle between knees, under a leg, or tucked under an arm and then jabbing at it with your other stick – not an easy feat!  Possible, but definitely not easy.

There is so much that I didn’t get on film – the spinners, the daytime and evening classes, the marketplace.  At least not on film well.  The flash didn’t always work and some pics are a little dark.

All in all, it was a fun day.  Good company and a good cause.  I’m looking forward to next year!

Like any extended stay away from my home, I came prepared with much knitting.  In actuality I only knit on the Evening shawl.  My biggest progress came from finishing the first color section and starting the second.  Instead of red, orange, and yellow, I will now be knitting lots of green and gray.

I was also reminded of how large my circle of knitting friends has become.  I met and knitted with people I know from blogging (like Amy), from knit nights (like Beth and Crystal), and friends of friends (like Sonya).  It is the people that always make events like this truly successful.

Of course, my participation had a lot of help from you. Without you, I wouldn’t have raised nearly the money that I did.  Thank you!!

All of you that sponsored me where put into a virtual hat and with the use of a random number generator two names were pulled out.

Jessica from Common Threads and Lucy from Knitting Sheep.  As promised, soft squishy yarn will soon be winging it’s way to you. 

As soon as I renew my blogger’s pledge about always being prepared with a digital camera and have my blogger’s license reinstated, I’ll post the photos from the event. 

However, today will fix that balance.  Fifteen hours of knitting.  Now, my only dilemma is what to bring?  Lady E? Opulent evening shawl?  More cotton for caps?  Hmmm, all of the above and then some?  Yup, I’m going with all of the above.  I would hate to run out of projects.  Am I the only knitter who overestimates the amount one can accomplish in an hour of knitting?

The final total for my Knit Michigan fund raising is $595!!  I exceeded my goal with a little help from my co-workers and family and a lot of help from you fine friends.  Thank you! Don’t forget, tomorrow I’ll draw names for some wonderful pressies.

Now I’m off to pack enough yarn for five pairs a pair of socks.

 

By four o’clock I was casted on and well underway. Less than twenty-four hours later, I casted off a perfect fitting hat. Bonus, is that I have enough yarn to make two.

Needles: Size US 6 (4.00mm)

Yarn: Patagonia Nature Cotton – Color #212, less than one skein

Pattern: My own. Simple 1×1 rib. If you are interested, I’ll write it up. Not much to it, really.

Time: One day!!

It’s not to late to donate.  Not only will you be entered in my drawing, your contribution might be the one to make a lasting difference.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I will be knitting all day to raise money for four Michigan charities.  Each, in their own way, provides support to cancer victims, research for cancer prevention and improved treatment methods.  100% of all donations will go directly to the charities.  Not one dime is kept for the event’s administration. 

Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institue, Genesys Regional Medical Center, Gilda’s Club, and University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

My goal is to raise $500 in sponsorship donations.  If you would like to support my time, let me know in the comments or by email.  For every $5 you contribute, your name will be entered into a drawing.  On Feb 4th, two winners will be drawn at random.

I would like to mention that Amy is a fellow knit marathoner (is that a word?).  She is hosting her own fund-raising contest.  If you feel like doubling your chances at yarn goodness and want to support others in the fight against cancer, head on over to her place.

Today, I want to focus on cancer.  Cancer is ugly.  Cancer is scary. Cancer is painful.  It doesn’t matter if it is breast, skin, or bone.  It is ugly, scary, and painful. No mincing words.  It is what it is.

I have signed up for Knit Michigan.  This event is being held to raise funds for four Michigan charities in an effort to fund research, aid, and comfort against cancer and for it’s victims.   They are the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institue, Genesys Regional Medical Center, Gilda’s Club, and University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

Here’s where you come in.  I have agreed to participate in an all day knitting marathon. Yes, I know, my pinky finger was hardly twisted to get that level of commitment from me.  However, I need financial sponsers for my time.  My goal is $250. I’d like to think that with your help, I could exceed that amount.  Actually, I’d like to say that I reached $500.

There is even something in it for you.  For every $5.00 that you donate to any of the four charities, your name will go into a hat.  On Feb 4th, I will draw at least two random winners.  The prizes will be determined by the winners interests.  Knitters and crocheters will walk away with squishy, colorful yarn. Weavers will win thin, squishy, colorful yarn. Spinners can look forward to squishy, colorful roving.  Quilters will receive squishy, colorful fat quarters. (Jade, are you impressed that I even knew what fat quarters were?).  Everybody else can expect squishy, colorful something.

Here’s how you get your name in the drawing: 

1) Email or leave me a comment that you would like to sponser me in my fight against cancer.  I’ll respond with my snail mail address. 

2) Mail a check written out to one of the four charities.  Or I can send a Paypal invoice.

It’s that easy.  One dollar, one stitch, one caring person at a time.