This and That

Most of my recent knitting is still top secret but I have a pair of small FOs to show.
Clay's Motorcycle Cowl-finally finished and blocked. I'm still hoping for a photo shoot on the bike but took some photos just in case.

Gratuitous Pedro photo just cause.....

A barely finished in time to photograph in daylight birthday gift for my friend Clare.
Pattern: Mineco
Needles: US 8
Yarn: Red Heart Eco Cotton

I really like the way it turned out. I'm normally NOT a cotton girl but I was so intrigued by the recycled (truly/post-consumer) yarn that I had to give it a go. It was a very nice, economical and eco friendly gift project. I love the texture of it and the drape (not sure if that is only in reference to garments).

I made my own gift bag again and my sewing is ehrr.. improving. Maybe someday I will take a class, and get an ironing board and..no probably not..we'll see.

Weekend Ramblings

We had a lovely three day weekend with cooperative, sunny weather. The dogs got to get out and about as did we.

We saw a lot of wildlife including a Red-tailed Hawk that perched very close to us and eyed the dogs with great apprehension. I was so mesmerized watching I forgot to take pictures.

Quite a bit of cooking and knitting was enjoyed.

Swimming and Fetching

Uh oh! I smell a new hobby on the horizon.

I made my maiden voyage to Fabric Depot. They were having a sale! It's reputation is well deserved. It was overwhelming, full of budget busting perils and really fun!

Happy Valentine's Day!

One of the many things my husband and I share is a love of plants. We both garden outdoors and each had scads of houseplants when we met.

Philodendrons fill our breakfast nook.

I'm partial to the smaller, more delicate and unusual specimens.
Orchids, ferns, succulents.

Particularly those that bloom.

Morgan has a penchant for the big and bold foliage.

Together we have quite the conservatory.

Have a fantastic three day weekend with loved ones!

Queen of Beads

I couldn't help myself. I absolutely had to sign up for the Rockin' Sock Club again this year. I decided that to justify the expense to myself I needed to make a more concerted effort to actually knit the kits as they arrived rather than fondling them lovingly and adding to the stash.
Luckily for me the first kit of the year was beautiful and also constructed in a cuff down manner, mostly familiar to me and without frustration.
I did learn a new cast on (tubular) and knit for the first time with beads (love it!).

Pattern: Queen of Beads by Sivia Harding for BMFA 2009 World Sock Domination Tour
Yarn: BMFA Lightweight Socks that Rock in 'My Blue Heaven'
Needles: US 1, 2.25 mm
Size: Large with minor mods, decreased foot after gusset to 32 sts.

Best Friends Forever

We make friends throughout our lives. It is reassuring to know that it's still possible in my thirties to make a new best friend. Someone special enough to make me giggle and think the term BFF ( best friends forever) is cute (and applicable).
When D and I met, it was clear we were kindred spirits, long lost sisters and probable partners in all sorts of future mischief and fun.
When D became pregnant with her first and her feet started to swell, I realized who I was knitting these socks for. So happy almost birthday mama to be D.

Pattern: BFF by Cookie A.
Yarn: BMFA Socks that Rock-Mediumweight in 'Farmhouse'
and Koigu KPPPM for toes and heel
Needles: US 1.5, 2.5 mm