More SP8 goodness

The big package I received from my SP8 last month included two smaller packages that she indicated were to be opened later, one in July and one in August.

Well, it's the first day of July (I missed my "rabbit rabbit" opportunity, though, 'cause Sylvia woke up around 3 a.m., and Jan and I had a half-asleep conversation about it)! I agonized for a few minutes over whether to open "New skill" or "New technique" first and opted for the latter. (I should take this opportunity to point out that, though I am very tempted to open the other package, I will be good and wait until August.)

The "new technique" my SP8 sent me is a shawl pattern! It's Field of Flowers from Fiber Trends--and it's definitely a new technique for me. My SP8's timing is great, because lately I've been thinking about giving lace knitting a try but haven't been sure about where to begin. And now I have everything I need to get started, because she also included three balls of a beautiful brown-green yarn. It doesn't have any labels, so I'm hoping my SP8 tells me about it. (Hint! Hint!)

Here's a close-up picture of the yarn. The green is a sort of asparagus-fern color, and the brown has a bit of an orange cast to it. Earthy colors--just what I like. I am really looking forward to working with this, but I have to admit to feeling slightly intimidated by the pattern. It calls for a crocheted provisional cast on and a grafted edging, both of which I've never done before. I've seen them in lots of patterns and thought, "This looks tricky...I think I'll learn how to do this later" and then found something else to knit. I guess "later" is now! Good thing I have access to a very knowledgeable--and helpful--group of knitters to help me when I get stuck!

Thanks, SP8!