Ribbing Continued

I started the front of the Phildar ribbed shell last night at knitting group.  I had wanted to cast on at group because I had promised to show the technique I used for the 2×2 ribbed cast-on, not that I am all that competent since this was only the second time I did it.

It took me a while to do the cast on, it is not the fastest method but I still really like the way it looks, and then managed to knit 13 rows of ribbing.  I only have to 20 rows on the front before I can start the front pattern and the knitting will get more interesting.

Even so, it went fast.  Even after just knitting neck and armhole bands for Antea, the roughly 5 stitches I am getting per inch (in stockinette) on the Phildar Shell seems VERY FAST compared to the 8.5 stitches per inch of Antea.

Meanwhile the little bit of poison ivy I got digging up iris bulbs on Monday has turned into a full blown oozy burning red and inflammed mess that keeps soaking through my clothes and contaminating any other part of my body that gets touched.  I really haven’t been scratching, believe me it is the last thing on my mind!  I want to be wrapped up like a mummy and put in deep freeze somewhere. What a mess! Using my hands hurts but I could put up with that.  I desperately do not want to ooze contagion onto my beautiful sweater though — how horrible would that be?

I have been sorting through the projects-in-waiting, deciding what to do next even though I know I still have all those ends to weave in on Wine&Roses.  Knitting monogamy is really not my strong suit.  I am thinking of finally starting that pair of socks and so I pulled the double points out of their storage box.  I am not sure how small I will need, I usually go down a couple of sizes as I am a loosey-goosey knitter.  Perhaps I can wind the yarn up today, although I have to be careful not to ooze on it either.