My sanity has been saved this past week by three different sweater projects, a shawl, and two pairs of socks.
You see, the genetic saga continues. I spoke with the geneticist, and she feels my results warrant further thought.
Yes, indeed.
While the results are no longer straight forward, she feels that my personal medical record, combined with a family history of the disease, indicates that there IS likely a genetic component, even if it is one not yet classified by the scientific community. In fact, she is working on a research study examining potential new markers for breast cancer. My unique situation evidently makes me a good candidate for the study. Tomorrow I meet with her to discuss the details on the study. It may never answer questions on my own medical story, but knowledge is power, and hopefully my case can help find answers for others.
In the meantime, I've been knitting!
All my fiber friends know that the approach of October means Rhinebeck, the New York Sheep and Wool Festival. Unfortunately, I won't be able to go this year, but I was thrilled to discover that I've actually managed to knit up some of my great finds from last year.
First up - cashmere. One should always begin with cashmere, don't you think?
This is laceweight cashmere knit into Little Leaves by Susanna IC.
Can't you just see the luscious softness? I still need to block it so that the leaves pop and I'm hoping to stretch a few extra inches. I am in love with the gentle arc of this design and would only add to the length. It makes an elegant little shawl, and a fabulous scarf to wear all winter.
Next up is a pair of socks that have been in process since sometime last year. The yarn is Socks that Rock Mediumweight -scored at Rhinebeck - and the pattern is my own!
I called these Slipped Socks for the slip stitch pattern that creates the illusion of cables.
The pattern is available here on Ravelry.
While we're talking socks, I want to show off my Waffle Socks. 
These have actually been done for almost 2 years! Crazy, right? That's how long I've intended to write up the pattern. It is finally done and here on Ravelry. Peter was psyched to see this little project completed because it meant he finally got the men's pair and has been happily wearing them to protect against the chilly floors every morning. The yarn was not a Rhinebeck score, but Cascade Eco wool from the shop.
Onto the sweaters! These are not Rhinebeck projects, but ones I've been meaning to knit for ages. Again, that time thing ruins the most brilliant plans.
Can't show you the first one. It is a vest for Peter and hopefully will result in a pattern to be posted soon.
The other 2 projects are for me!!
The Hourglass Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts (probably my favorite knitting book.)
I'm using Silky Wool that dear sister was kind enough to trade me. I was desperate for enough of this color to make the sweater, but it disappeared from the shop before I could get my hands on it. Sister to the rescue! Thanks, Bec!
My current knitting love is reserved for Pas de Valse by Marnie MacLean.
I'm using Malabrigo Sock yarn in red - of course - and I'm sure you can imagine how that feels to knit. Mmmmmm... .
People often ask me, since the close of the shop, whether I still knit. As you can see, the answer is most definitely, YES!!