Thanks for all the good thoughts and kind comments. Again, please forgive me this time for not answering individually. Still trying to get back on track and can't sit for a long time comfortably.
My procedure went well. They forgot to tell me not to eat, so I got to have it without sedation. FYI - I don't recommend being totally awake on the OR table. It's so reassuring to have the support staff discusses their weekends while you have a drill in your spine and the doctor is correcting their drug dosage math and instrument layout. At least my doc was on topic and I got to see the stuff from my disc which was so thoughtfully described by an onlooker as "ewww, looks like a booger". Not the A-team that morning, but my doctor is very good, so I held that thought. Seem to be recuperating well, but at this point only time will tell.
So, I had the first 72 hours post-op to spend "restfully" and got very good at knitting on my back and side. Bunny sweater is on the edging (no pics today - needs blocking), Klaralund is ready for seaming and Clapotis II is done and already worn.
I love how this turned out! I did choose to block it to make it a little wider and shorter since the yarn tended to pull long. It's incredibly light weight and yet cozy across my shoulders.
The Lavold Silky Wool doesn't have the bounce of the merino, but it's got it's own kind of beautiful drape. The yarn handled well and knitted up quickly and while the stitches are intentionally loose (this yarn calls for US 6 needles) they are reasonably consistent for this type of "natural" yarn and the ladders hold well.
When I feel better I will add a photo wearing it. Will also post final measurements in the Finished gallery soon. I followed the pattern and used 3.25 balls of the on US 7's.
Klaralund is in the final stages. Wow these 28" x 18" sleeves took forever! 
Actually, as you can see, I did alter the sleeves to add shaping at the wrists. I was terrified I wouldn't have enough yarn (have finished with about 1/2 ball remaining), and also didn't want the sleeves too big on my short body. But, I must admit I still have my fingers crossed as to how this will look on me. Think that's why it's been on my dining table for a day waiting for seaming? This photo is during my wet-block of the sleeves. Couldn't recommend it too highly for this pattern to get the exact measurements before seaming. It's not printed with a schematic, but it's pretty easy to make one. Then you can alter it as I did for your hips and wingspan.
For you experienced knitters this may be obvious, but I want to share my "discovery" -- use a quilter's ruler for blocking. I was using my other favorite find - a freebie paper tape measures from IKEA (I've got one in every knitting bag) - but it got wet and the first inch disintegrated (note to self, paper is water soluble). Grabbed this out of the closet to avoid trudging upstairs to find my sturdier tape measure. Wow! It's perfect for getting two pieces just right and exactly the same. Also helps when tugging the rows straight. Save your Micheal's or JoAnn coupon and get one of these babies!
I soaked the Noro Silk Garden (about which I've complained so much) for several hours in wool wash (the no-rinse kind) and it did loose some of the stray matter and soften nicely. I did a lot of manipulation with the blocking and it seems to have really improved the fabric too.
Here it is ready for seaming. Maybe tonight. That kind of position - sitting and leaning over - isn't very comfortable so I'll do in in stages. For those of you not familiar with the pattern, the sleeves go up and across the bodice and the bind-offs form the neckline. In this photo the back is folded to keep from falling off the table - it's the same as the other side laying flat. It's a cool design. We're supposed to have rain tomorrow so I know I'll kick myself if it's not done - this may be one of my last chances to wear it until next year. 
Sorry you're a bit out of your regular circulation, hope the recovery is quick as you like and goes well. Gosh, I must have skipped any mention that you'd not be blogging for awhile, you were missed!
The second Clapotis is beautiful, thanks for writing what the silky wool is like - that's what I'm using too (too bad it's going at a much slower rate!). And your Karalund is very, very beautiful - I guess that is what draws me to your blog, your beautiful knitting!
glad you are better-take care, Terry in SF
Posted by: terry | March 17, 2005 at 05:26 PM
OMG - I cannot believe you were awake! I'm really happy to hear that all went well and you are recuperating quickly. Clapotis is beautiful - very spring/summer! I can't wait to see Klaralund all seamed and on you!
Posted by: Jackie | March 17, 2005 at 07:07 PM
Oh my gosh, there's another stunning Clapotis for your collection. But see, I'm already going to copy your *first* one. It's getting a little ridiculous that now I want a white one, too.
Glad to hear your surgery went well. You should be getting lots more knitting time in the days ahead! Take care.
Posted by: Sara | March 17, 2005 at 07:16 PM
Welcome back! I am very glad to hear yousounding well and hope that you'll have an easy recovery. The knits are lovely, as per usual!
Posted by: Julia | March 18, 2005 at 04:38 AM
Glad you're back. I have missed your posts and seeing what you have been working on. Clapotis looks beautiful. I may have to make one in the Silky Wool. I love that yarn, so it would be a good excuse. Klaralund is coming along nicely too.
Posted by: Violet | March 18, 2005 at 06:51 AM
Lavold Silky Wool for Clappy--looks great. I actually like the fact that the scarf has more drape than bounce. I think it works a lot better.
Posted by: Colleen | March 18, 2005 at 07:05 AM
Awake for the procedure? Oy. I can't even begin to imagine. Hope you're really back on your feet shortly.
Clapotis is beautiful. I love how it looks in that yarn.
I can't wait to see Klaralund finished. Those quilting rulers are great. Thanks for suggesting another use for them. I have a couple tucked away for when I return to quilting, but now I can get some use out of it.
Welcome back. You were missed.
Posted by: Risa | March 18, 2005 at 07:46 AM
Glad you are feeling a little better and the operation is out of the way. I was cringing when I read about the "drill in the spine." Yikes!
Posted by: Moni | March 18, 2005 at 10:40 AM
wow, brave you! thank goodness you had a focused doc. that helped your nerves, i bet! i hope you're feeling better with each day that passes, nancy!
your clapotis II is just gorgeous. i'm glad to see it turned out so well with the silky wool. simply beautiful!
take care!
Posted by: michelle | March 18, 2005 at 10:41 AM
So glad you're back and feeling better!! I've been dying to see what you've been working on while recuperating. Clapotis II is gorgeous - perfect for spring and cool summer evenings. I've got my eye on some Silk Garden for one but I'm almost tempted to make a plain black one for evening now that I see your white one. I love the colorway you're using for Klaralund too - right up my alley.
Posted by: Vicki | March 18, 2005 at 10:51 AM
Wow! That is a beeyootiful Clapotis! It is incredibly elegant in the single color. I've already made up my mind to knit a second, and I'll be thinking of the Silky Wool.
Posted by: MJ | March 18, 2005 at 03:13 PM
Wow! That is a beeyootiful Clapotis! It is incredibly elegant in the single color. I've already made up my mind to knit a second, and I'll be thinking of the Silky Wool.
Posted by: MJ | March 18, 2005 at 03:13 PM
Glad you're feeling better - that surgery sounds really difficult! I absolutely love your second Clapotis and now can't decide which to copy first - your first wool one or this one. Which color did you use of the Silky Wool?
Hope you continue to get better!
Posted by: Marcela | March 18, 2005 at 05:23 PM
Your Clapotis is beautiful! The drapey yarn makes quite a different effect. It's great to have you back with us!
Posted by: Sally | March 18, 2005 at 10:59 PM
glad it all went well. everything looks fantastic! and man i'll have to remember that ikea tape measure thing. what a great idea to keep one with all your projects. i'm at ikea all the time.
Posted by: froggy | March 19, 2005 at 05:28 AM
Yea, you're back! Looks like you have been busy though. The solid Clap is really elegant. I love the drape. Happy healing.
Posted by: Julia | March 20, 2005 at 05:21 PM