Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. ~ Thomas Edison

You may remember a few weeks ago, I had an impulse purchase of two skeins of Malabrigo Caracol. This week I decided to make a Rainbow Twist, thinking it would be a quick knit that was warm and cozy for this chilly time of year here. My first obstacle, I didn’t own any size US 17 needles. No problem that was easily fixed. Next, I decided I didn’t like it on that size so I started over on smaller needles. I ultimately ended up on a US 13 which is producing a smaller width than I wanted (see photo below). I’m probably going to rip this out and start over, but I can’t decide if I should go with the a 15 or the original 17 the pattern called. I guess I could have done a swatch and washed it, but that seems so silly for a cowl. Bulky cowls are basically big swatches. Of course, that probably would have saved me some time. This yarn has some thick and thin parts that I was unsure about on the size 17, but the cables could counter act that. The easiest solution would be to make one on size 15 and use the other skein to make one on size 17 and see which one I prefer.

Update on other wips:

• Frank in Pairs: I’ve completed 10 stripes thus far. I’m going to try for four more on the first half.
• Dewberry Dancer: Continuing slow and steady on this one. I’ve completed row 44 on section two.
• Project Peace: I have the first four row repeat completed!

Tomorrow, the British Hubby and I plan to hike. This will be our very first hike in our 52 hike challenge. To commemorate the occasion, I made my very first pot of potato leek soup. We slightly altered this recipe by adding a splash of cream and some cooked chicken. It will be a nice hearty meal for our chilly hike.

Gracie was attempting to help with the gift wrapping. Or maybe she’s trying to be a re-gifted?

More details to come on the 52 hike challenge. Stay tuned!