Yes, I'm here, and inspired by Kathy

Kathy, your post about sending in your Masters Level 1 work got me going again. And I haven't sent you my cap yet, because I decided to make at least one more, so it would be more worth your while to take them in! Anyway, I finished my 16th swatch two days ago, as well as most of the questions, having determined to make the most of the long weekend to just work hard on them. I figured that it would only take me about 45 minutes to knit a swatch if I could focus on it and not get distracted. Now I'm at the point of weaving in all the ends, blocking them, and writing the blocking essay. I hope to have mine sent in by the end of the month. And I've started carrying my knitting with me everywhere, so I can knit while in line at the post office or grocery store, or at stoplights (Elizabeth Zimmerman did it...). That way, I'll get the chemo caps done. Choc, did you start your swatches, as you hoped?

I went to the Yarn Expo here in Anchorage two weekends ago, which was great. Lots of classes were offered - I took a lace class, offered by Donna Druchunas, author of the new book "Arctic Lace" book about the Oomingmak cooperative, quiviut, and the Native knitters (mostly Yupik). It was very informative, and I'm looking forward to knitting some lace scarves and things. I highly recommend "Arctic Lace". It has patterns, as well as a section on designing your own lace patterns. I also took spindle spinning, and a class on making your own needles from dowels of different sizes and woods, which was very easy - you start by sharpening the ends in a pencil sharpener! And decorating the tops of the pairs of straight needles was a fun and creative activity!

Kathy, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you, that all your Masters Level 1 work will be accepted the first time around ('cause it's apparently hard to do). I hope you'll post something about your results, as I'm sure it will be enlightening. I will post again when I send mine in.
Good knitting,
Linda