I have finished my second Fusion. This one is for my Mother. She is an incredible woman that has always been self-sacrificing, loving, and available. She is the Senior Pastor of the Tabernacle of Worship Church and also has a non-profit organization called Hilltop Light Ministries. She has done humanitarian work in North America, South America, Africa, and the latest - India. She has a huge heart that always has room to love. Growing up, there was always a stranger that was living with us, because she found out they didn't have a place to live. While she was born Patrica Ann Cain, when she went to Malawi, Africa and started doing AIDS relief work and started a grass-roots orphanage, she was renamed Kwacha. The name is derived from a nationalist slogan alluding to a 'new dawn of freedom' from the word for 'dawn' in some Bantu languages. She has indeed brought liberation to those she has helped. Kwacha "I Love You. No one could be blessed with a better Mother than you."
As one of her presents, I have made a matching shrug. This one is out of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran. Instead of using the silk Ella Rae yarn like the one I made for myself, this wool/cashmere blend will get a little more use in Vermont, with it's fickle weather. As you might see in the photo, it's a little snug on me. My Mom and I are close in size, but she has smaller arms, so I made it one size down from the one I made. I think it'll be a perfect fit!
I'm also finishing up the last of the Three Tams from Knitty. She really liked the one I made for my Sister, so this one is for her. Another FO to come soon.
Happy Birthday to my new guy! He is the big 4-0!
In knitterly knews, I have re-finished my shrug. I really like the organic feel of the raw silk and the redone neckline with the additional picked up stitches. Here are some pics taking my Ella Rae Shrug out to Pacific Beach.
Details:
Ella Rae Shrug from Ella Rae Book #7
Size - Medium
Yarn - Ella Rae Shibu
Needles - Knit Pick Options size 5, Clover Bamboo size 6
Modifications - I went down two needle sizes to achieve a snugger medium and knit the sleeves a little bit longer than the 10 cms called for in the pattern. I did a 3-needle bind of for the back seam.
I think this piece will get a lot of use. Even though I'm in sunny San Diego, the ocean can give off a strong breeze. Who wants to cover up an entire outfit? Fusion is the perfect balance.
