Here’s a look at my Union Square Market Pullover. (I know, it’s exciting, isn’t it?) I’ve just started the neck flap, and it’s about 12″ long. You can see how the bottom hem is curling up, which worries me a little–I’m really hoping that will be fixed with blocking–but also worrying that it won’t.

The yarn–Rowan 4-ply Cashsoft–is lovely. Incredibly soft as it slides through my fingers, and I love the feel of the knitted fabric. Soft and cushy, though I am just a little worried about the wear-and-tear factor . . . but obviously, that’s not going to be a problem for a while. (I clearly need to actually finish making it before I can possibly wear it down or in or at all.)

And, oh yes, I’m still managing to avoid the necessary recalculations for the top. It’s amazing how good my procrastination skills can be!

Now, my adorable Christmas Tree hat, which you have probably noticed that I rather love. I’m starting another one, and writing down the pattern as I go, this time (more or less). This one–whose colors didn’t photograph terribly well, but I was in a rush–is knitted in the color “Forest,” also in Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock. I’d love to try this is a green Koigu KPPPM, but haven’t been able to find the right color online–I think that’s one I’d need to see in person, to pick out.

Annie made an interesting suggestion–knit it in white with little skiiers. And you know, thinking about it, the shape does rather work as well for a mountain as it does for a tree. I’m not a skiier myself (and wouldn’t know how to bead one, heaven knows!), but I DO think little green trees would be pretty cool. Hmm…. And then it would be more “seasonal” than strictly “holiday” and more wearable . . . Gee. Does Lorna’s Laces come in white? It does! And let’s see . . . little heart-shaped beads, upside down, would probably work as “trees.” Yep. This could work!

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Nothing like a picture from space to show the real scale of a big storm. (This picture from space courtesy of this site) As to the situation down on the Gulf–here are some blogs for you. Sciguy. Bobbysan. Interdictor. Kaye. Josh Britton. Gulfsails. Big Jim. Making Light. Eye of the Storm. Live Journal users.For some more “official” coverage: New Orlean’s Times-Picayune. Eyes on Katrina. Metroblogging. The Weather Channel. Round-up sites with lots of good links: here. Here. Here.

And, oh yes, gas has jumped 20-cents since Monday and is hovering around $2.70/gallon right now, depending on the station.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’m going to go make another donation to the Red Cross. Or maybe to the Humane Society. The Mercy Corps looks good, too. . . . If I can afford to buy more yarn for a hat, I can afford another $25 donation.

(Edited to add: I did just go make another donation to the Red Cross, and the good news is that it took several minutes, each page was so slow in loading . . . that means there are lots of other people doing the same thing. Disregarding all the looters in New Orleans, the only good thing about events like this is it usually brings out the humanity in people.)

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