the ole bag bug

Just when One thinks it's safe to look at knitting bags again, the ole bag bug raises it's ugly head. That's exactly what happened to me.


I have had this longing for an Offhand Designs knitting bag for a couple of years and came so close several times to ordering one, only to back off when I couldn't settle on a style and/or a fabric selection (I mean, all Offhand Designs bags are delightful). Trust me, their bags are so beautifully detailed with such fabulous fabrics, it is a most difficult decision!




I finally chose the Zhivago Weekender Bag...Ariel (limited edition velvet). I was Glee Glee with excitement when I opened my delivery!!! The bag was everything I had expected and such a functional bag too.

Such beautiful fabrics and check out the space for those larger projects and that grand opening!

Another major (I think it's major) purchase was a "Be Sweet" hot pink knitting bag. What fun! What a beauty! This bag just makes one feel Happy with the large Be Sweet scripted on both sides and a bright cheerful red polka dot lining. Who couldn't love this one!

My one-of-a-kind Mielie product was hand made by Nosipho in South Africa and was handcrafted using recycled materials. Look here for more information on Be Sweet products and learn more about their organization.

Hey, Teach! destined for completion

Project: Hey, Teach!
Knitty-Spring 2008
Started: June 3, 2009
Finished: July 20, 2009
Yarn: Brown Sheep - Cotton Fleece (from stash)
Yarn Amount 3 skeins
Needles: #8

I made no modifications on the size 38 (m).

This project went on hold for some time only because of my unbridled, unruly project start ups. While Hey, Teach! waited patiently (in it's almost complete state) as I knit Sabine, The Textured Shawl and Tidal Wave Stole.

Yarn Thoughts...
This was my first project using the Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece and I must say, this yarn is great! It's 80 cotton/ 20 wool content makes for wonderful stitch definition and memory. There is no fading or pilling and a real deal $$ wise: plus it's easy to find. A real winner!

It's a Wrap....

This sweater is a real success story and a piece I will enjoy wearing well into the fall when the leaves begin falling.

Love....Love!

remember these??

Well, in case you don't....they are the Susie's Reading Mitts by Janelle Masters that I started on April 10th. The first mitt was completed on the 11th (yea, I finished it with little knitting time over a two day period), you could actually knit a mitt a day. They are just the sweetest little things and incredibly soft when knit with Blue Sky Alpaca Sport weight. Mine fit nicely close and snug over my hands and I'm very pleased with them. There is enough Petal Pink, color #516, Blue Sky in my stash to knit a cute little hat and think I have found just that right one, the Rose Hill Hat.

sugar cane has never been so yummy

Have you ever knit with Sugar Cane? Well, I have and I adore it! What's your opinion of the finished Sugar Cane Project?
This stole is a ILGA/LEJA handknit design, pattern Tidal Streams.
This lovely sugar cane yarn is Araucania Ruca Multi. I used 2.5 skeins of color #9, a beautiful mix of blue and green that flows beautifully thru out the project! I think this soft yarn is stunning when married with the ILGA LEJA design. My Tidal Streams was started on June 29th and finished on July 14.......seems I just couldn't put the knit down once started. I love the softness and sheen of the yarn and everything about the pattern.
Sugar Cane has never been is soooooooooo Yummy!

a cocoknit summer garment

Finally, a finished summer knit to show you! A seamless knit with eyelet detailing on the flared sleeves and back and who doesn't love an hour glass shape! These shots show the piece closed, but I equally like Sabine worn open and swinging for those times I feel a bit more "Free Spirited"!

Sabine is my second Cocoknits pattern to knit (Petra knit in Noro was the first). Their patterns are so well written and both of my selections were very simple and wearable designs. It would be most difficult to pick a favorite of the two, simply because I love them both! Anyhoo........I don't really have to choose and can enjoy one during those warm summer months and one for colder days.

You simply would not believe how soft and wearable the Knit One Crochet Too Babyboo fiber is. I knew I was liking this yarn during the knit process, but find it to be even more fabulous once soaked and blocked. Hard to imagine one being disappointed with this yarn.

This is me showing off the back eyelet detailing!

pinch me...........

.....'cause unless I'm dreaming, I have two summer sweaters blocking!

That's pretty exciting stuff around here, I mean to have two blockings (is that a real word?? don't think so) going at one time. Probably the best part of all this is that Sabine can be worn soon as the pins are removed....no finishing with this one.

Hey Teach! is yet another story. Once the knit is sewn together, the border will need to be knit up and down the front and around the neck and then finish off with these buttons. But still........I'm so darn close!

While these projects are doing their thing/drying, I think I should start that stole I have had my eye on for quite a while.

a day in the life of a mom, daughter & textured shawl

Today was one of those wonderful days that you want to re-live again real soon. Time spent with Mom is always good, but today we both were in an especially light and jolly mood while sharing many of our favorite "Daddy Stories" and family secrets of the past.

We decided to head North to have breakfast at Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Yum-Yum! We split plates of Sweet Potato Pancakes, Virginia Country Ham (I know, I know---but it was a Special Saturday), Eggs, their famous Blackberry Preserves and of course, Biscuits! Folks come from near and far just to enjoy a meal on the back porch of this quaint little restaurant.

The rhododendrons were in full bloom and the surrounding landscaping never looked more beautiful to me. Mabry Mill is a nearly century old gristmill that has been seen on countless calendars and postcards and in my opinion is the most picturesque spot on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway.

Mom and I pose for a shot in front of the Awesome Mill! Don't we look Happy?? I told you so! Of course I had to wear my Textured Shawl and LOVIN' IT!After a full day in Virginia, it was nice to relax in my garden with a good book (I Capture the Castle) and a glass of wine. Don't you adore my new cotton quilt (purchased at the Mabry Mill gift shop), the ruffles sewn around every square are way too sweet! Of course all this relaxation included my new cotton Textured Shawl....who cares if it was 80 degrees...nothing will mess up my perfect day !