I finished my flower for the Flowerswap! Introducing…

my very good friend, who will remain nameless on account of being quite internet shy-

(and sweetie, you don’t need to worry about being recognized, because when Nate came home and saw the picture on the monitor, he thought it was me).

Isn’t she lovely? And how ’bout that pin disguised as a hairclip? (It isn’t quite as humongous as it appears). My Flowerswap partner lives in Hawaii, and while the flower itself isn’t overly tropical, I felt that I’d show it to you in such a way that would maintain the spirit of where it’s headed! Quite frankly, I wish that I was heading there this week as well. But even though I am not, I’ve caught the flower knitting bug. This one came together very quickly. I want some. In fact, I want many, to wear in my hair. Not Hawaiian style, as my beautiful friend displays, but on the back of my head, under the bun that seems to now permanently reside there. Also, I think these flowers would be an excellent birthday present alternative to the Best Friend Dolls that always seem to take an entire week to complete. Yes, I think I’m going to keep an eye out for good flower yarns now.

I know, there was more to the title of this entry than just flowers. I’ve been working on Lauralund again. The front is blocking under my piano right now. I don’t have a picture of that for you, mainly because it looks identical to the photo I showed you recently of blocking the back. I’ve begun the first sleeve, having no clue how this is going to turn out. It is completely made up, other than imitating the basic construction of the original Klaralund. The sizing, the stitch patterns, the yarn weight… I am not experienced enough to be doing this. I take comfort in the fact that it is a simply constructed sweater, but I’ve never knit a sweater for ME before. Adds to the excitement I guess.

Finally, the stomach flu. Yes, Abby has it. I’m guessing it’s only a matter of time before it works its way around the household. Right now, I am feeling very grateful that 85 pound, adolescent golden retrievers don’t catch human stomach bugs. I just don’t think I could handle that.