New excuses to knit

(As if I needed one)

Over the weekend, I got to give away one knitted gift. It's always a little nerve-wracking when you give away something you put the time and effort into, but I gave Lisa her Brilliant shawl, hoping that she'd actually like it enough to wear it on her wedding day, as planned. And she was thrilled. She said it's the perfect size -- and it'll be perfect for keeping her warm in her strapless wedding dress. I was so happy.

Also over the weekend, I got news of a few more knitted-gift opportunities:

1) My sister-in-law, Suzanne, just got engaged. She and her husband-to-be are thinking about getting married in April or so, right before they move into their new house (which is currently just a big pile of dirt in the middle of a field). I spotted a gorgeous afghan in an old Jo Sharp book, and I was thinking it would make a good wedding/housewarming gift -- though it might be a bit ambitious, since Christmas is also coming...

2) Our friends, Dan and Amber, announced this weekend that they're expecting. It's quite ironic, really, since it was just Friday when I told a coworker how I was itchin' to knit baby blankets again, even though I didn't know anyone who was pregnant. They're due in April.

3) I talked to my mom yesterday, who told me that a close friend of the family (one who's so close, he's practically my brother), Dan, and his wife, Luanna, are expecting their third. Also in April.

It's time to get busy. I have baby blankets and booties and sweaters and hats and pretty wedding afghans to work on! Jerry talked me into trying the Baby Surprise Jacket (an Elizabeth Zimmerman pattern). And I'm excited for the baby blankets. We just have so much great baby yarn at the store -- I can't wait! :) But I need to start making lists. I also have a ton of other stuff on my to-knit list, so I'm going to have to get myself organized and get to work!

Oh, yes. And there's also:

4) I was reluctantly starting on that black lace shawl to go with my dress for Jay and Lisa's wedding. Now I really need to get it done -- and make it look good -- since I was just asked to get up and do a reading at the wedding. Now I have to look good!