It sounds like there’s espionage or James Bond involved or something. Actually, it worked like this.

I read Susan’s blog

I loved her Garden Variety patterns

She asked for test knitters.

I volunteered.

She sent me the pattern for Hydrangea the middle of June. After a few false starts, mostly on my part, I was off. I’m using Great Adirondack Soxie yarn in the Hydrangea colorway. I didn’t even realize that was the name of the yarn when I ordered it.

I knit happily along. Most mistakes are very tiny and I could keep going, but a couple of times I emailed Susan for the best way to make a change. The biggest mistake I found was mine. I didn’t look at the pattern closely enough to realize that there were triple decreases. Once I figured that out, it was smooth sailing.

There are a ton of beads in this project, but I personally think it’s well worth the effort. This week, I’ve been going outside in the early evenings to knit. Here’s my setup.

I make a copy of the pattern and just cross the row off with a pen when I finish it. For me, that’s the easiest way to keep track of where I am, especially when I’m working off of multiple charts. I have my crochet hook and this cute little dish for beads. The one thing that’s missing from the photo is the Diet Coke that’s never far away. And here’s the view.

Don’t hate me! I live in Minnesota and it’s covered with snow for the majority of the year! I could also show you the thistle that I pulled out of one of the flower beds. It was larger than my smallest kid. Or I could play you an audio of Kid 4 and Kid 5 fighting in the pool. Or I could show you the landscaping in the back that desperately needs weeding right now. Or I could show you more photos of Hydrangea!

This is probably my favorite shot.

I’m well into the second half right now. I’m going away with Honey for a few days in August, and I’d like to wear it, so I need to keep at it.

I didn’t get a photo of the completed half that I love, so this will have to do.

The release date for Hydrangea is on Monday, July 28. For more info, go to Susan’s post. You’re going to want to keep an eye on her because she’s got some gorgeous designs in the works.

Oh, and I have to give credit to my assistant. What would I do without my staff?