Purple haze was in my brain...

Listening to:  (No, not Hendrix) Big Head Todd and the Monsters Bittersweet

I seem to be on a purple binge lately with projects.  It's not intentional.  This morning I finished the second purple thing in 2 days and picked up an 'in-progress' tote bag.  There was purple in that one too.  Not that I mind.  Here they are:

 Pattern:  Irish Hiking Mittens.  The pattern is free on Ravelry.
Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Wool.  I really do love this wool, especially for the price.
Needles: Metal doublepoints size 6 (I think - whatever the pattern called for).

These were an easy knit, done during work breaks/lunch over 2 days.  A light steaming was all that I did to finish them.  Next time, I will make the thumbs just a couple of rounds longer - JUST fit my short stubby thumbs.

 Pattern:  Basic 60 stitch sock with a mock cable eyelet rib for the leg and plain foot.
Yarn: Blue Ridge Yarns Kaleidoscope in Chianti.  It striped more than I thought it would, but the cable rib broke it up somewhat.  This is a good thing.
Needles: Bamboo 1.5 doublepoints

Pretty straightforward.  These will go in the Christmas present pile.

Pattern:  Granny Squares from Classic Elite book "Snow Angels"
Yarn:  Fresco, color Persian Purple
Needles: Using crochet hook called for in pattern.

This design is unique in that it starts with crocheted granny squares (with little roses in the centers), then stitches are picked up and knitted to fill in on the sides and connect the squares.  The pattern is written rather clunky, fastening off after every round of petals, then working loops on the back for the next round. No way.  But I do like the way they are working out.  The yarn is sooooo soft, but the crochet hook tends to split it some.
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Yesterday was a trip to a pulmonary specialist, where I learned that I still have fluid in one lung, about 25% full.  So next week I will have it drained - an outpatient procedure during which I'll be awake and sitting.  Supposedly I will feel better almost immediately after the stuff is out.  Let's hope!

Tuesday evening was the aquatic toning class at the Y.  I love it - the instructor is a hoot.  I even let her convince me to stay for the class after - aquatic boot camp.  Woof.  I was worn OUT but felt great anyway.  I wish she taught it another night, I'd be there.

This weekend will probably be chicken butchering, at least a few of the roosters.  They are starting to get a little aggressive, and are a real pain to get back in the coop at the end of the day.  Even with a wing clipped they manage to fly over the fence with ease.  Grrr.