Baby it's cold outside

Having lived in OH, I can't believe I grumble about the cold here in MD. I just don't want to go outside when it is so chilly. The wind just gets to your bones. So today, with the Ravens* on TV (YEAH!!), fireplace a blazing, Christmas decorations packed away, I whipped up these neckwarmers for the kids. O & V are not big fans of the scarf. I think this is a wonderful alternative. So easy to make.

Days like today are for made for knitting. This yarn is beautiful and fun to work with. Just beautiful, every stitch was making me pause and smile.

Tiennie Knits had this super easy pattern on Ravelry - Ribby Neckwarmer. I went through my stash and pulled what I could find. Two criteria for yarn for this project - washable and not itchy when next to skin. I started with Oliver's and cast on 100. Knit in ribben pattern up 5.5 inches. Viv is smaller (she is 3, and O: 6). For hers, I cast on 80 and knit up 4.25 inches.

I stamped their respective names on cotton tape and sewed inside. (Stamp ink is Versacraft - washable).

*I can't believe I love watching football. A wonderful influence from my son.

Summer knitting, please

Summer is here, not officially but with this humidity it is hot, hot, hot. My hope is to sew more lots and enjoy most minutes of it. We're working on re-doing on the cheap our office/sewing room to make it more inviting. We should be outside but rather, finding a project inside.

In the evenings, I find I am too tired to focus on sewing especially if it is starting a new project. So, I go to my knitting. I embarrassed to say that my current project has been on my needles for over a year. 1) it is wool and 2) fair isle technique. It is for my husband - that alone should be motivation enough. but, it's not.

I am craving some summery knitting. Since I'm on a craft buying freeze, I am off to the stash to see if I have some for: Que Sera from Knitty.

February Lady sweater

This sweater's been done for a bit but I am finally sharing.

To date, this February Lady sweater is being worn in spring. It's the first sweater I've made for myself that I have loved - from beginning to end. And now, I love wearing it. I need to remember what yarn I used. It was a pleasure making a sweater from top, down. I was cutting it close to my yarn allotment. I made a size S and lengthened the body some. Vintage buttons from stash.

YEAH to sweaters I love to wear and am proud, when complimented that I made it myself...really. Although we are suppose to be frost-free this Saturday, the weather has been chilly - more days to wear this sweater before putting it to bed for the summer.

Ray of light

Saw bits of the sun this weekend. Getting ready for spring, at least mentally.

Oh, by the way, here are pics of the Lace Ribbon Scarf I finished. It's a bit long but I like the rounds of wrapping or wearing a bit loosely.



Starting seeds indoors this week for: chives, lavender and parsley. I've had a chance to flip through Gayla Trail's new book - Grow Great Grub. LOVE it. She is that 'friend' who encourages me to keep at it with my gardening. I love her tips for growing in small spaces, her 'green' focus and that it doesn't take tons of money to get started. My kind of projects. The photos are delicious. Spring can not get here fast enough.

Spinning a yarn...

I had a chance to try out my new yarn ball winder, a gift from G. Love it...love him for many reasons including remembering. Close to home stretch on February Lady Sweater for me. I've started sleeves. I can't wait to wear it.

Sweet Helena, I mean Vivvy

Camera is back from the shop. Yeah! We have much catching up to do including this hooray.

Here are pics of Helena pattern I finally completed from Knitty. I am pleased with the color combo including the vintage buttons that POP. I started this sweater/jacket when Viv was tiny. Looks like it might be a jacket for early spring or next fall.