Pumpkin Sunrise

Oh the knitting, or should I say all the non-knitting that has been going on.  I continue to improve with how long I can sit without back pain, and I continue to knit more each day.  However, it is not up to my previous standards.  I'm still slow going. What is also an issue, is I've chosen some BIG projects that show little progress except for the hat.  When I have fast short projects on the needles, I wish for epic knits that take many skeins and hours.  So now I have all the epic knits and I'm wishing for a 200 yard project.  Sometimes I amaze myself at how I'm fickle I am with my knitting.  The Night Sky top is chugging along.  I love the endless stockinette and the feel of a cotton blend in my hands.  Right now this is the knit that I'm most obsessed about and spend the most time on. Ah, the cloverleaf shawl  sometimes it gets some loving but it's not often enough and when I do work on it the progress is hard to see.  I need to put marker clips

I started a blanket for my son for his chilly apartment.  I dug deep and unearthed some wool-ease skeins that are perfect for machine washing and drying.  I bought these three mega skeins for $2.50 each many years ago making the blanket a total of $7.50!!  (love a bargain) I started the peace cowl with the yarn my daughter and son in law gave me for Mother's day.  I do love the non-thinking process of this four row repeat pattern and I do feel the peace. Lastly a photo of the shawl/scarf in lace weight wool.  This is oh-so-very-soft. I have been nursing a sore back since Monday morning, the good news is that I'm recovering quickly, the bad news is that it's challenging to do any knitting since sitting is the worst.  Each day I feel better so I'm hopeful that I'll be good to go by Friday.  Fingers crossed. What are you knitting or crafting these days?

I'm enchanted with the true colors shawl .  I find myself sitting down and knitting, getting lost in a sea of thoughts -- just one more row -- just one more color -- Everyone should have a knitting project that becomes an obsession!  I will be sad when this knit is finished. I have been thinking of casting on another one though... The clover leaf shawl is my pick up and go knitting project.  The bag is tiny and portable and fits in my handbag.  I have the pattern memorized and can quickly see where I am so I can knit away.  I love having a lace knitting project in the summer months, light and airy in my lap.  This one is a great knit that I'm enjoying. I'm currently reading The Chilbury Ladies' Choir and The Beautiful Mystery.  Both are great reads! Joining Ginny

I'm down to two projects on my needles, how is this possible?  My schedule hasn't allowed me the time to think about something new.  Once Friday arrives, I see a crack of light shining some hope of beginning a new project. I love being busy because my worries diminish - I don't have time to conjure up some crazy thing to 'what if' over.  But - being busy cuts into my knitting creativity! Also, I am obsessed with trying to finish my book, The Brothers Karamazov , I could knit and read at the same time, but this book demands my full attention.  So does my knitting! The Dusk at Elk River Shawl is ready for the next knitting section - love this project and the shimmery yarn! As promised, my Cloverleaf shawl has a new project page.  I am so much happier with this design, I know I made the right decision frogging the Holey shawl .  I feel so much better.

I've just realized that all of my knitting projects are big knitting projects, does this mean that I should cast on a small project?  Hmm.  I wonder.  My Holey shawl is a fun knit.  I already have the pattern memorized, which is truly one of the wonderful facets of knitting. I'm on the second sleeve of my sister's cardigan !  Drum roll, trumpets blaring, all the fanfare that a sweater close to being done deserves.  I love knitting this sweater and especially for the bestest sister I could ever have in the whole wide world!  Yep.  She reads this blog and she knows how special she is. I predict this sweater will be done in a week.  Phew. I haven't been knitting much on my last project, Dusk at Elk River Shawl .  However, last night I did about six rows and am nearing to the lacy portion of the pattern.  I'm excited to get to the intricate part and I also think I need switch over to some longer knitting needles. I started The Brothers Karamazov  yeste

Last fall my husband requested a thin purple scarf while we were exploring a fiber festival.  You know me, I was thrilled to have a quest and a project to plan.  I found some lace weight yarn ( jaggerspun ) and already knew I would create a simple block pattern, alternating purls and knits. While knitting with two strands held together on size three needles, I found the project "rustic".  I kept hoping that blocking would soften the fabric and make the stitches even.  Well my oh my!!  The blocking did wonders! Doesn't it always?? I love the way the stitches pop and how the scarf turned out exactly as I imagined.  Ravelry notes are here .

I completed this lovely green beauty before the beach, and then forgot to share it all with you!  I loved how the scarf turned out.  Simple, easy and a somewhat quick knit.  Ravelry notes are here .

As you can see, I finished a few projects and I am thrilled to have them completed and out of my knitting bag.  The gloves  are tucked away for when the fall cool weather arrives-just think I have something new to wear! This scarf was truly a labor of love.  The knitting was a bit fiddly because of the sleek yarn.  The entire time I was knitting, I was thinking and worrying about whether I would have enough yarn.  Oh my, what a waste of time.  Once again, the magic of blocking cured all of the worries!!  This knit blocked out beautifully and you know, I have one other skein in a light gray and might subject myself to more knitting torture to have another scarf :)

I do love winter, honest!  But somehow over the weekend, we were gifted with fifty degrees and when I walked with only a fleece jacket it felt good.  Yesterday I had all my hair cut off, well how about seven inches?  I usually do drastic hairdos at the end of February.  I chuckled to myself because I went in for a wee trim.  Anyways, shampooing has become a breeze and I'm thrilled with my impulse decision. I've noticed also how my knitting shades change towards a more spring-like theme.  My socks are just so cheerful and bright.  Same with the purple scarf-reminds me of my lilac bush.  So for now, I will snuggle into the end of winter.  The winds are blowing, I am cold while standing outside but the reality is we are slowly waving goodbye to a favorite season of mine.  All too soon, trees will be budding, flowers will bloom and all the woolen knits will be tucked away for deep fall.  Savoring each season as it enters and exits is a delight.  Being in the moment is a gi

You would imagine that my knitting is from a pattern in this book, but it is not.  I have been starting and ripping out some lace designs for the past few days, I believe I am happy with what I am knitting now.  It's a 12 row lace repeat that is easily memorized from Barbara Walker's book (not shown) with a garter stitch edging.  Simple, easy, and knitting with oh so divine silkpaca yarn that my sister gifted me last year. As we near the holidays I am motivated to explore my collection of yarns, to use what is at hand.  There is a list growing of projects I'd like to cast on, yarns I want to "knit doodle" with, and now that we are nearing the big holiday, there were will be spans of time to be in my happy place. The book is a present from my sister.  She knows what I like to knit and I have been thrilled to flip through the book, trying not to drool over could be would be lace projects!  I like that the lace designs are in different weights of yarn. (I a

You guessed it!  I am over the moon with happiness.  I'm thrilled that this simple yet elegant scarf is completed and off the needles. AND I'm happy that it did soften up.  I only hand washed it so I think it would have been much softer if I was brave enough to toss into the washer. I think this is the perfect knit for a beginner who wants to do some beading.  The instructions are very simple and really there's nothing to memorize.  Now personally, I think I love the way the linen feels after the washing, however I did not enjoy the knitting of pre-washed linen. I had fun taking the photos outside on a beautiful day.  Ravelry notes are here

These days have been quiet and calm.  Snow lays on the ground and there is a possibility of more snow this weekend.  I've been knitting and finished two projects.  While knitting my mind wanders to new projects that I'd love to start, another sweater, another shawl.  Yet I still have a sweater and shawl on the needles.  Ideally I like to stay under four projects on the needles.  Over four and I lose my mind.  Four is the perfect variety for me.  Do you have a maximum number?  Just wondering. I'm  still trying to get used to buying groceries for four people, that is a work in progress.  When they leave I think I'll have perfected the skill, only to then revert back to buying and cooking for two people.  I must say that the fingerless mitts are so wonderful in person.  The yarn is cascade 220 superwash and it is the softest wool EVER.      I hope you all have a lovely weekend :)

It is official, I have finished one, count it-ONE-knitted gift!  I feel so very accomplished.  We will not go into how many more I would love to do for the year.  If I begin to think I have to make all of the gifts this year then I feel stressed.  So one project at a time. This scarf was my own creation.  I casted on 36 stitches on size 7 needles.  I then knitted the double moss stitch until I ran out of yarn.  I am guessing I had about 400 yards of this beautiful alpaca sport weight yarn that I purchased at the Endless Mountain Fiber Festival two years ago.  Stash yarn knitting at its finest! Double Moss Stitch: Row 1 (rs):  K2, P2 across. Row 2 and 4 (ws):  knit the knits and purl the purls in whatever order they appear. Row 3: P2, K2 across.

Can you believe it is August 3rd?  I can't, the summer has flown by for me.  Now if only the super hot sticky weather would fly by I would be in heaven.  This week for the yarn along I am reading Anne of the Island.   Anne Shirley is at college and enjoying her friends and is still not quite sure she likes/loves Gilbert. We all know they are destined to be together why is she the last to know?  I am loving the series and the happy attitude of Anne.   For knitting, I am working on my featherweight cardigan .  I am now on the body and am loving every single stitch of stockinette!  I can watch tv or talk or do both!  My daughter has picked up her knitting (GASP) and I am able to help her without stopping my knitting.  I would love to be knitting some complex lace shawl but it is all working out with the demands of my family.  My other project is the moss road scarf  which is a gift for my father in law.  I pick this up when I am not working on the sweater. Joining Ginny at Small Th

Why is it I always want to take a photo when it is early in the morning or late in the afternoon?  Both times are not the greatest times for lighting.  So anyways, this is the scarf I am making for my father in law's birthday.  My in-laws live in Ontario, Canada and we will be visiting them sometime this fall.   They used to visit us every fall but now that they are getting older they have decided the drive is just too long for them.  I agree!  It is a very very long drive for me :)  So when we do make the trip we will be bringing with us their birthday presents, their anniversary gift and of course their Christmas gifts. My plans are to knit this scarf and to make my mother in law a shawl for her birthday.  I believe I have plenty of time which will make the knitting enjoyable.  I really dislike knitting under pressure or a close deadline.  Knitting is relaxing for me and I like to savor the process.  Are you knitting any gifts for anyone lately?

For the record, my window is not dirty it is the steam from morning fog......at least that is what I believe;)  The buttercup yellow scarf is complete!  I used every single inch of that yarn.  Blocking it was a little wonky I think because it is cotton and just doesn't have the springiness of wool.  I really look forward to cooler temperatures so I can wear it!  I think it will go great with my wardrobe.

This week I have been knitting two projects and thinking about a third.  My first project is the buttercup yellow scarf .  I am nearly done with this knit.  I think once it is washed and blocked it is going to look great and that is what motivates me to finish it.  I am also enjoying working with 100% cotton yarn . It has a very nice feel. My second project is this cardigan .  I am following the featherweight cardigan pattern the second time around.  I enjoyed making it before that I knew I would make another sweater!  Here is the ravelry project page .   I finished Anne of Green Gables  and you know I loved it.  It is my third or forth time reading it.  There were so many events that I forgot happened and it was like revisiting a friend I haven't seen in years.  I am a sucker for romance and just love the end when Gilbert and Anne become friends and he won't let go of her hand during a handshake.....~sigh~  How sweet!!   I was only going to read one Anne book but

I am amazed that it is yet another yarn along.  This week I am reading two books.  The first one is an oldie but a goodie-- Anne of Green Gables .  I know a few others out there are reading it and it made me pick it up and revisit an old friend.  I simply adored this book as a pre-teen.  I have read it many times and it is such fun to re-read it again.  I think it has been over five years since I have read it.  To off set the happy care free Anne, I am also reading Dark Places.   As you can gather by the title, it is a thriller, which was highly recommended by my son.  We tend to have similar interests in books.  So let's see if that trend still holds.  He gave the book a "ten".......not much gets a "ten" on his scale, he is quite a harsh book critic. For knitting this week I have been focusing on two projects.  The first one is the buttercup yellow scarf  which has been around a couple of weeks now.  Still plugging away on that one.  My other project is wurm

Good morning to you!  I am still so happy to be back home that I am giddy.  I love any vacation but I secretly count down the days when I will be back home.  I am a homebody through and through.  I think I get it from my dad since he does not travel anywhere. This week I have finished the composition shawl  while at the beach.  I just unpinned it this morning, so I do not have pictures of it on Ravelry yet.  I am also working on the buttercup yellow scarf , it is mindless and super easy which is perfect for people that are half paying attention ;) For reading I am still on Dirty Life.  I am almost done with it.  It is a pretty good memoir of a farmer's life. I enjoy her fresh honesty and hard work.  I am definitely going to shop at the farmer's market more often this summer because of this book.  We already started a little vegetable garden as well.  As I mentioned before, I do not think I could do any livestock.....that is too intense for me! I am joining Ginny at Small T

What a crazy morning!  Uploading pictures on blogger was just not working!  Thank goodness for the help forum because I think I have figured out how to do it.  Anyways, good morning to all of you.  My knitting this week has been coming along quite nicely.  I am almost done with the Composition Shawl , it should be done today or tomorrow.  Remember this  scarf.  That is what I am going to focus on when my shawl is complete.  I am also seriously considering making the feather weight sweater again with the Madelinetosh lace in colorway wren.  I am definitely going down a needle size and maybe a sweater size.  Still thinking about that. I did finish Mennonite in a Little Black Dress and I loved it!  It is a good read and I recommend the book.  I thought it was a bit slow in the beginning but it picked up and kept me very entertained.  I am also reading Dirty Life.  I started it a while ago and then I set it aside.  So now I have picked it up and want to finish it :)  I like it except I