So Close I Can Taste It

The Marilyn sweater for my coworker is almost done -- almost, I tell you! The other night I finished sewing up the sleeve hems and weaving in all the ends on the inside, and then I knit on the collar. Tonight it's all about the button bands and, if I'm really speedy, the ruffles. It's exciting that this big purple blob that's been on the needles so long is finally resembling a sweater:

I've told my coworker that she'd have it by Monday. Truth be told, I expect to be done by tomorrow or maybe Friday at the latest, but I really want to do a photo shoot over the weekend when J is home and give a good wet blocking. I've tried it on and it's definitely the right size -- just enough ease, which is specifically what she requested.

Meanwhile, I've been working on another knitted item for a coworker, this time the baby blanket for a soon-to-be new dad.

It's a little hard to see the detail of the log cabin action in this shot, but it's coming along nicely. I started it Saturday and have only knit on it seriously the past couple of days, and it's already about 15" by 18" and I'm on my third ball of the recycled yarn. Granted, I started with the smaller balls and left the two largest ones for last, plus there's still a piece of sweater I can unravel if necessary. The plan is to keep knitting basically until I'm out of yarn, which I think should get me a pretty nice sized blanket.

Now on the the random catching up:

• I've signed up for the Sock-a-Month 3 KAL, since I usually wind up knitting at least one pair of socks a month anyway. This'll be good motivation to knit my Sockret Pal's socks to start off with and then keep J's feet toasty (I'd like to do his red socks for Valentine's Day, if I can).
• Today I wore my new Jaywalkers to work, which was kind of funny, as they pretty much matched my sweater. Wish I'd thought to take a picture; you'll just have to trust me that I was well coordinated.
• Although I was just sick last week, I seem to be either relapsing or coming down with another cold, so send out some good, healthy thoughts for me.

Finally, I took a look at the calendar today and realized that the Knit & Crochet Festival is just around the corner and the deadline for advance (read: cheaper so there's more money to spend on diet-approved yarn) registration is a week away. I'd like to send in my registration form as soon as possible, but wanted to see when everyone else is planning to go. So, Pittsburgh-area knitbloggers, are you planning to go? If so, what day? I'm more inclined to go on Saturday, since Sundays usually wind up being errand/laundry days here chez Knit/Wit, but I'd love to meet up with as many of you as possible. Leave me a comment and let me know what your plans are!