This evening was the first night of my Fair Isle class -- I love the teacher because she doesn't emphasize form over function. Style is only important in terms of how comfortably it helps you get th job done. I never thought it would be so hard for me to knit English! But once I've trained myself to do something one way, I usually find it very difficult to do it a different way -- especially if I think the old was is more efficient. By the end of a couple of hours I felt like I had some basics I could practice with, but it's going to take a lot more effort to be comfortable with it. I think I am going to pick a small project -- maybe mittens? I've seen a book with folk mitten patterns in it out there somewhere. Usually I am more ambitious, but I have to admit that I am feeling a little intimidated by the prospect of knitting with two hands. Guess I'll be doing some practicing!

The best part of the evening were the beautiful birthday surprises from Julie: a needle case and the sweetest little felted sheep!

And here's a closeup of the sheep because he is just so wonderful!

Julie is a constant source of knitting and crafting inspiration for me -- I can't imagine a more perfect knitting buddy! I love the fabric she picked out for the needle case -- I have a vest that my mother made me when I was in high school made of almost exactly the same stuff (and I still love it and wear it with the scrunchie that goes with it). And I was just thinking that I needed another case for my straight needles. I also want to point out the card in the top picture -- hand stamped by Julie! These gifts were an extraordinary birthday surprise! Thanks again, Julie! (Repeat that phrase about 100 times for the right effect).

I also got to see Julie's Constant Companion bag up close -- so incredible! What is it about felting wool that makes it so irresistable?

I also picked up 2 size 2 circular needles tonight... can socks be far away? I think I am going to take the online CyberSocks class at SockKnitters. Last night after posting I suddenly needed to work on my sweater sleeve -- I'm about halfway done with it now. Maybe I'll get to do some blocking tomorrow night!