Pumpkin Sunrise

  How are you and how was your weekend?  All of the photos are in reverse order because Blogger wants to vex me so.  We were crazy enough to take walks this weekend because the sun was out but holy cow was it 'brisk'. I put Frodo's little coat on under his harness. He doesn't like wearing it but I believe he was thankful for the added warmth. Isn't he just dapper?? Gosh, I love him so. Because of the mini deep freeze I'm going to make my husband a pair of mittens, of course inspired by the Bernie meme. There were a few patterns trending on Ravelry and I've chosen one. I'll take some pics later this week - I am not following the brown colors though - I'm going with a burnt yellowish green as the base. I also balled up six skeins of wool for my next sweater cast on. Stay tuned for that as well. I wore my sweater that I finished last week and it is WARM. I believe traditional wool is warmer than super-wash wool. It felt extra toasty warm during the day

  I know some of you are wishing for spring, my husband is wishing for summer! I, on the other hand, am in my winter glory. I love everything about winter. I sleep better, knit better and enjoy the days fully. Soon enough I will be yearning for some light jacket wearing but for now I am in my element.  The above photo is my art journal spread. I try to create one a week and then journal. The journalling is private but the layout is not. I used Tombow markers to create the dark gray background then used a white pen.  Yesterday I had three inches cut off the length of my hair. It was a long time coming. I kept the length for the wedding updo. Shoulder length is the best length for my hair and I am loving the cut. The sun was out and I almost was grumpy from the squinting. I caught myself and stopped the grump. Sunshine is limited in the winter! On the way home, I drove in silence just enjoying the light playing on the hills, trees and roadside buildings. I managed to pull out the noteboo

  I finished a sweater ! Overall I loved knitting this color work yoke pullover. The directions were clear and the color work addictive. As I was knitting this project, I worried that the sweater would not fit since it was looking small in my lap. Of course, I didn't do gauge either but to be honest I tend to knit exactly what is called for in stockinette stitch. I was using regular wool (not super wash) and knew I would not gain some growth after soaking and blocking. I was pleasantly surprised that the fit was just fine. However the length was a little short. Blocking fixed that so all is well. Unfortunately the wool bled during its soaking and tinged the white wool a wee bit. I don't think it's noticeable but golly, I was dismayed seeing the brown in the water. I highly recommend the pattern !  Ravelry notes

  How was your weekend? I had a blissful uneventful one which is the best kind of weekend to have. No stress is a blessing.  During the week my husband and I were walking daily, but this weekend ended that streak because the weather wasn't cooperating. My husband likes non-windy days and we both like non-rainy days. I cannot remember which day (they all blend together, ha ha) but on our return home from a walk we were caught in sleet, which is by far better than rain.  I read a bit and knitted a lot. Sunday was the usual chores around the house.  How was your weekend? Another sunrise!

  In another universe I would be telling you I finished the second sleeve last night.  However, I was shy two rows before the cast off and I just had to quit for the evening. If I am tired, errors abound! So today after the dishwasher repairman comes to look at my one year old dishwasher (yes, so true), I will be blissfully finishing the sweater then soaking and blocking. Phew!  While I still have a shawl and a hat on my needles, I'm thinking of the next cast on project. I know that Kat  has cast on a heartwarmer cowl  which I have made twice before ( one for me and one was a gift ). My sister gifted me some lovely yarn during the holidays that will make a perfect cowl for me since this winter that seems to be what I wear the most.  There was someone else in our blog community that mentioned they were knitting this cowl pattern but I cannot remember who - please let me know in the comments! I've been squeezing in more reading time during the day. The holidays and the wedding g

  Good morning! My, oh, my has my knitting been scant this past week. Today is the day to FOCUS and get that second sleeve off of the needles! I am loving this sweater so much and cannot wait to wear it. What are you working on this week?

  How was your weekend? My weekend was calm, steady and relaxing. We've had a string of sunny days and so we've walked every day no matter the temperature. It's been nice to get out and breathe some fresh air. Have you noticed how the days are staying a lighter a little bit longer? January is a wonderful month, I worked more on this shawl  over the weekend, in a few rows I'll be doing the next section which will be a different color.  I did a little watercolor sketch on Saturday. I'd like this to be a daily habit, something to work on in this new year. Frodo needed extra snuggles on that day probably because he was cold? I'm not sure. He's been sitting with us more often instead of sleeping under the ottoman. This is my challenge, how do I paint at the kitchen table when he wants a warm body to sleep next to on the sofa? I know this is a mini-phase and I do love his company so I'm going with it for now. When he is always under the ottoman, I wonder why h