Mango, so you don't want to sit by your pool, sipping a margarita while knitting an afghan? :-) I'll include a link to an afghan pattern book. This book has 67 different patterns, all made with yarn from the Plymouth Yarn Company. Naturally, other yarns could be substituted... Just click on any individual photo and you'll get a popup of a larger photo, and it will also show what yarn was used, how many balls/skeins you will need, and what size needles are used. In this book there are some patterns for afghans that are made in strips, others made in squares, and most are made "in one piece." As others have said, it would be great to knit something to give to a shelter or hospital. When I first found this book on that very web page, I wanted to buy it but it was out of stock. So, I checked Amazon and got a brand new book for a lot less than what's shown on that web site. You can find this on eBay, too. There are plenty of web sites where you can download free patterns, such as Knit Picks and lots of other yarn company web sites. Even though you say there are other family members who knit baby things, every hospital and shelter could use little baby booties, caps, etc. And everyone needs at least one cozy knitted scarf, for when they travel to a colder clime. Here is a link that might be useful: 67 Knitted Afghans

What a breath of fresh air your granddaughter is, Sharon! See site below for quite a few free knit patterns that may interest her... scroll about halfway down the page to the link "Guide To Knitting Patterns For Dolls And Toys" under the heading "Other Free Patterns." There are lots of other links that may interest her at that site. Also, the two books on knitting at this site may be available at your public library. They are Canadian-published books by Bonnie Gosse and Jill Allerton - A First Book of Knitting for Children, and Knitting for Children. Here is a link that might be useful: Free Knitting Patterns at About.com

Okay, these holes are not from bugs, or washing machines or, granite counters. They are caused by the little, sharp, protrusions on the brass zipper made by the holes cut in the zipper pull and folded outward. Some persons have a more pronounced belly (of course, I'm not one of them). When we lean against something with our favorite shirt out, regardless of the material of the shirt or the counter, our stomach presses the sharp zipper pull into our nice shirt and grinds it into the granite or even formica, and voila, the mysterious holes. When your shirt is tucked in, the shirt is behind the zipper and the zipper placket is completely smooth, so no problem. Persons who are not leaning against the counter with their shirt out, will not have this problem. I suspect taller or shorter persons will not have zipper destruction either.So it seems like if one is a short person doing the dishes, your shirt is going to be ruined.Housework or lab work in the nude would be the answer.

Vicky, as long time Aran and Intarsia knitter. I can appreciate the work and time that goes into knitting projects like these. Pat your self on the back....well done, both are beautiful. I made my last sweater a year ago. It was for my Son-on-law, who has always made a point to wear a sweater I made for him, in my presence, at least once. My Daughter said he wears then for good till they show wear, then for work. He owns and runs a roofing company. I don't know how many relatives I've knitted for, to never see the piece again. Mt needles and yarn are still packed from our move, hopefully I'll start feeling better and I'll get the yen to pick them up again soon. I;ve had people approach me when they see me knitting and ask if I would knit something for them. if they paid me. In all honesty, a person would find it hard to charge enough to cover the materials, time and effort.