Fini

Ta-da! All done with a week to spare.

I did modify the pattern ending a bit. I skipped two rows of the stockinette chevron pattern, starting the garter stitch border early. This way, I only ended up with two extra rows added on the last color stripe, which made it only 1/2" longer. The boucle yarn obscured the stitch definition enough that the shortened chevron section didn't really read any differently than the other stripes and my desire for symmetry was almost satisfied. BTW, Trek, I really liked your suggestion and will make notes on the pattern for future reference. I was just too lazy to rip and re-do this time.

In an ironic twist of fate, I happened to run out of the main yarn just two rows from the end of the afghan. After much weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth, I weighed my options and decided to buy another skein. It's been percolating in the back of my head that some pillows to match the afghan might make a great Christmas gift for dear ol' Daddy, so I'll be able to use up the rest of the new skein later. Any pillow pattern ideas?

Now, the only remaining object with a deadline is the woven shawl for our Anniversary next Tuesday. Then I am done with projects with deadlines. I have a few WIPs/UFOs on my list to finish, then I'm casting on something fun for me before the crazy Christmas gift-making rush begins.

Do you realize there are only 7 weeks of summer left? I am totally wigging out! I'll never get through my summer project wish list. If only I'd used 3x5 cards . . .