Picking up the pieces... so to speak

Since I never made a sweater with a shawl collar before, I wasn't sure how this was going to work. I had 5 stitches from the top of the seed stitch button hole band on a holder. I transferred them back onto a needle and then picked up six more stitches along that cable edge. The instructions say to continue in seed stitch on these 11 stitches until piece measures long enough to reach the middle back. Then, the process is repeated on the other side until both seed stitch pieces reach the center back. These pieces are then grafted together and the collar is sewn onto the neck edge. Makes perfect sense to me. Phew! I think I can do this.

The photo below is an antique correspondence box. It was a gift from friends who are antique dealers. I keep my dp needles and other notions in this box.



The lid slides to the right. Last night while I was searching for size 7 dp's, I realized that my tools of the trade have outgrown the box. I couldn't fit another stitch holder in there if I tried. So, I think it's time for a needle organizer. That little box is so full of dp's and circ's. It's time. It's frustrating to have to dig through the mess to find something. Anyone have a good organizer they really like? I'm not sure exactly what to look for. (also..notice the cute photo of my husband and daughter dancing at her wedding... I just love that photo!)

I worked on the socks last night and picked up the heel stitches a la Grumperina's "pretty way". I have to admit to being skeptical about that. I didn't think that picking up just the front of the loop was going to make a sturdy enough connection but it does and it's... well... pretty. Thanks Grumperina! (I tried to add the link here for that little tutorial but blogger wouldn't let me for some reason) If you want it, email me.

I finished the Misty Garden scarf for my mother. It will go on the blocking board tonight. (Ok.. I don't really have a blocking board.. I have blocking towels.... but I'd LIKE to have a blocking board.) Santa can you hear me??? (why am I imagining Barbara Streisand in Yentl?)