Knitting at Sea

What could be better than a Caribbean cruise on a shiny new megaliner?

Answer: Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Especially if you live in Minnesota, and said cruise takes place during the 87th stupid freak snowstorm in your home state.

Of course, a cruise to me is primarily seven long days of stress-free knitting time, punctuated by trips to the various dining rooms, lounges, theatres, and the casino. Speaking of which, here's my open letter to the casino:

Dear Casino,

Why do you hate me so much? Why did you take all my money? What about the time I was playing blackjack and you turned a 16 into a 21? That was cold. And I won't even mention my many losses at Pai Gow poker, nor at the penny slot machines, whereat Kenny Rogers treated me worse and more stingily than, even, say, his sixth wife. Suffice it to say that when we meet again, I shall emerge the victor. Maybe. You know, if all the planets realign and black is white and white is black. Whatever -- see you at the slots tournament!

I had the most amazing time knitting on my balcony, working on an Alice Stamore gansey from her "Stillwater" book:


The blue yarn in the photo is Wendy Guernsey, which is a perfect and widely used substitute for the long-discontinued Scottish Fleet called for in Stamore gansey patterns (and which we sell at Yarnzilla, natch).

I did put my knitting away long enough to attend the Chocoholics Buffet:

Luckily for me, the buffet catered not only to chocoholics, but to members of Gummi Bears Anonymous, as well. Wow -- in retrospect that little plate I put together for myself is disgusting and horrible -- perhaps the casino was right to punish me so . . .

Also whilst at sea I made progress on a Clapotis (knit in a fabulous hand-dyed dk-weight cashmere from Axelle de Sauveterre -- available online and in-person at Yarnzilla) and a Jaywalker sock. And a Cotton Braid sweater.

Thank you, Norwegian Jewel, for a wonderful week of sun, relaxation, and knitting galore.