Lazy days

Started a new project..a sweater for me..a rare thing indeed.  I am knitting along with a friend which really helps keep the pressure to complete on.  So far a sleeve and 3/4. Not bad considering Hurricane Arthur paid us a call..took down trees, bridge and roads..power for 48 hours..
We were prepared, tub full, candles ready, ice in fridge, dogs inside.  It was scary and very isolating.  Other friends have been without power for a week..it is getting old for them.  One came by for a soak I. The tub , I threw in a clean towel & wash cloth...now summer in all it's glory is upon us.  Cool breezes, sun and bird calls.  Enjoying it .  Heat that is too high is not my cup of tea.

March 28 and it is still...SNOWING...

I am digging around in my yarn stash to find something to use to create my newest project only to be interrupted by Kevin saying look honey...dreaded words at this time of the year...sure enough it is SNOWING....enough already...
On a more cheery note I am hosting a workshop next month on making/knitting a folding purse.  Found the pattern on Ravelry, new stitch so should be fun for all.  Using lambs Pride Worsted Tormented Teal..lovely blues...
Tomorrow it should be sunny and bright before the storm on Sunday..20 cen of snow..hope not
Ahh well this summer I will be recalling these cool days with ....no, no I won't...let summer come

SNOW in March...

What a storm...winter wonderland redux...I am still waiting for my first crocus or snowdrop to appear ...it is beautiful with falling flakes and the wind swirling , making patterns in the air...come August I will think back on the coolness with longing..
My little sock monkey is almost done just need to assemble it. I think I will put pipe cleaners in his arms & legs vs filling...he will bend but in truth the arms & legs have too small an opening to fill with stuffing.  The rosebud hat leaves are knit now I just have to apply between the rosebuds...
At the moment I am caught up in reading a series of books, the Seven Realms Series by Cinda Williams Chima..really enjoying the world she created and the people that inhabit it..plus it is easier to stay warm reading under a blanket.. My time is full..

Spring is lurking around corners..or should missy lurching...

"Another morning waking up to a cold grey sky from which snow fell...happily the sky became blue and sunny..the cold remained..I am sitting here reading but I am bundled up in layers of clothing..my ratty old blue cashmere sweater, a Global( second hand clothing store) keeps me warm...I am in good company,
http://blog.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace/of-all-the-treasures-in-the-royal-ceremonial-dress-collection-william-iiis-vest-is-one-of-the-most-intriguing/


William 111 wore red silk undies to stay warm...those castles and palaces were drafts..
I am happy to be reading a new series, 4 books, a fantasy world of magic and adventure..The Demon King is book 1 by Cinda Williams Chima..
Knitting you ask, oh I am still knitting.  Worked on my sock yarn monkey..looks more like a bear..learned a new knitting stich, a loopy one to create hair..will post a picture upon completion ..

http://www.thepluckyknitter.com/blog/

Some wonderful patterns, the Crew Sweater makes my fingers itch..the colors of the yarn are beautiful and the buttons add the perfect touch of whimsy ..

The March Hare and The Mad Hatter..or in my case a Rosebud Hat

TheyMarch is here and even more exciting March Break has started.  Funny after all the years of raising children and enjoying it for the relaxed family life to enjoy because I don't have to go into work is very different.  Both are seet just different.
Continuing to work on the baby hat...not sure it is working for me though..talked with Bryanne about rosebud placement, look at the picture, the buds stick out to straight, like little fingers pointing out my faults.

So too pointy

James Buxton's little fella...watching over the work..

Perhaps if I baste them side ways,creating  a flatter surface it will be more of what I am after.  Needless to say it is a work in progress.  Leaves still have to be knit and placed between the buds of May..

I am pleased with the colour, a very rich green, pink roses with 1 red one, perhaps I will let the single red rose, be my signature.  Time to start creating those leaves...

Joy of knitting & the terror of math

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/roots-of-unity/2014/02/26/knotted-needles-make-knitted-knots/
Is a link to a really interesting article in Scientific American on knitting and math.  I find these types of articles bolstering to my inner child's fear of math and my complete lack thereof..math gave me nightmares in school and can still make me break out in a cold sweat.  So to think knitting which I love can be part of helping show/ explain complex math is wonderful.  Education is a life long study...I just wish I could reach back to that child and reassure her that it will all turn out alright..

A whole new world of little creatures

A few years ago my daughter taught herself to crochet little creatures called amigurumi from Japan. I was very impressed and showed her work to everyone one I knew and sometimes to perfect strangers.  A mother's pr.ide knows no bounds. She urged me to try it and so I picked up the crochet hook once again and ventured into new craft territory. Now understand I have knit and crocheted for years with mixed results. The caps I crocheted were met with a rather subdued amount of success but my Christmas stockings were a huge success. So I started crocheting little strange creatures often with YouTube aiding in the learning process. One stitch done in a continuous circle. Before you know it I was asked to give lessons and now I am blogging all from one little hook and a daughter's gentle nudge
I plan to post pictures and ideas as they come. Perhaps this blog will morph into something of interest time will tell Onward and upward

May you live in interesting times

May you live in interesting times...the Chinese had it right, that is a curse...but it can also open new areas, vistas, and friendships...one just has to be open to finding a new way.  Crocheting has taken abit of a back burner since my thumb became sore from over crocheting.  Knitting has returned as a favorite.  I still enjoy creating toys, but socks and hats are fun too.  My solitary joys are creating new chances at friendships...I am now knitting with others and have learned I can't knit a pattern and talk. Attention is required for me .

Another day

There is some thing comforting about a bright SUNNY day in February, you are fooled into thinking that Spring is really around the corner...silly because once you venture out into that bright sunshiny day you discover it is COLD and will remain so for at least another lifetime or a month and a bit...knowing that warmth will be coming gives comfort, well cold comfort.  Worked at the Art Gallery today..I must admitt this show is awesome.  Each time I look at the different works I am struck at the talent of the many different artists working in clay in New Brunswick .  I know I will go back to take in more and gain new insights and hopefully will find some warmth in that cold sunshine

Gathering ye rosebuds...

I am busy creating 22 rosebuds from a lovely salmon pink cotton yarn by Patons Grace.knitting little strips that I will roll up to form a rosebud...the purpose you ask, why to create a wreath around the brim of a jewel green Egyptian cotton cap for a baby or  young child.  I have to admit working on a spring creation during the depths of winter is nice, beats knitting the woollies.
March Break is next week , a vacation!  This year is flying by and I have yet to accomplish that goals I set for myself.  My office or craft haven needs to be put in order, an order that will allow me the  freedom to be creative vs burdened by a mess that requires me to search for what I need.  I think I will concentrate on gathering my rosebuds and place them on the hat..

Engaging in a new world

Life passes at a funny pace, sometimes the speed of light and other times "slow as molasses going uphill in the winter time" as my 7th grade math teacher would say.  Something's remain constant, and crafting is one of them.  I still crochet but knitting has returned as a favourite...a little change can be a good thing...
I have been captivated by the Winter Olympics yet again after promising myself I wouldn't be sucked in...I am always amazed by the endurance of those that embrace winter sports..snow sends me scurrying indoors...and this winter we have had a lot of snow...spring is still a long way away...
I continue to seek new challenges to keep myself engaged in the new world that is being created by the internet, this blog being one of them...at the moment it is a bit overwhelming but I am counting on it be coming easier as time and entries continue