It Can't Be This Cold Forever......Right??

  Dear Old Man Winter,  our relationship needs a break.  A spring break, to be more precise.  In a few weeks time we will be heading for palm trees, beaches, sunshine, and drinks with tiny umbrella's in them.  In my day dreams of warm weather, I also dream of warm weather clothing. This lead to trips to the fabric store, which lead to fabric purchases, which now leads me to think I may have gotten a bit ambitious.  I would love to try and sew some new clothing for spring break.  While my color choices are nowhere near bright and tropical, the material is light and airy.  Linens, lightweight cotton, and light knits are what you are looking at dear reader.

    I am going to take this one fabric at a time and see how far I get.  I think I have plenty of time, but also things get pretty busy around here once March hits.  My first thought is to go with something I know and love.  The Hemlock Tee from Grainline Studios is a great pattern for knits. I have already used this pattern and have had great success.  I keep the sleeves short and lengthen it just a little.  I am on the tall side at 5'9".  I think the semi-sheer stripe fabric will be a great choice.  It will allow room for tank tops underneath and will give a nice flow with the material. The other knit is the solid grey.  That is going to be a skirt, however I have not yet decided on what look I want.  Something comfortable for sure!

So, now that I have a place to start, it is time to sewing.   While tomorrow may snow, I'll think of the sun.  Be well and craft on!!

The Closing Ceremony

Please excuse the bad picture, I know I look a little orange.

   I am coming to the party a little late. I missed the deadline for finished projects during the Olypmic games. Which of course was the goal.  Today, the only thing that remained was the binding off.  With a little time this afternoon, I was able to complete all tasks and have a functioning and fantastic cowl.  Huzzah for finished projects!!

 The cowl pattern was lots of fun. The constant having to change up the yarn made for an engaging knit.  I like all the different options the pattern gives you. If you did not catch my last post on the Ravellenic games, the pattern is Inspira Cowl and can be found on Ravelry.  

  The original pattern is for a very large cowl.  I scaled mine back a bit and was able to use one skein of yarn for each color.  The variegated yarn is Liberty Wool and plain gray is Cascade 220 Superwash.  The combination of yarns are very soft and warm.  I like the pop of the yellow and the subtle of the greys. This was a nice way to work in some bright colors, while I also think this works well for a very neutral palette.

   Next on list is to finish up another knit in progress and also start my spring sewing.  I think I may have been a bit overzealous at thinking I could sew my spring break wardrobe.  Stay tuned for that update!

Knit And Ski, But Not At The Same Time!

 
  Knitting work continues on as the Olympics are still going strong.  The games, this year, have been full of surprises and so has my knitting project.  For some reason, in my head, the colors were going to turn out one way, but reality is another thing.  It is all good, I like what I see.  That is how life is, it may not turn out how you like it, but then you may actually enjoy what is in front of you.  It are these little philosophizes that make knitting an even more enjoyable experience.   Speaking of experiences.....

 I have not been cross country skiing in YEARS!!  This past weekend was the perfect time to get out and play.  The trails were fantastic.  Some challenging hills, and some beautiful scenery.  While I am not ready for the biathlon, it was a great work out and many laughs and enjoyable moments were had.  I am realizing it is the end of February and spring is coming. The body is starting to really crave things like fresh air. (must be cabin fever) My brain has turned to thoughts of warm weather projects.  That, however, is a different post.

 

Cabin Fever

 Cold and snow continues to be a major part of life around these parts.  No longer could we sit inside and watch the world go by.  It was time to get out and play.  Time explore our great lake and see what life was like on the outside.

   Walking out onto the frozen lake was an an adventure on its own. There was lots of slipping and sliding on our walk.  The blue colors of the ice were incredible.  It felt good to breath in the fresh air.  Sometimes in really is the little things that make a big difference.
 

 I hope that where ever you are, you are able to get out and explore.  Breath deep and take a moment for yourself.

Let The Knitting Games Begin

   Let the knitting games begin!  Yes, I have a sweater on the needles, but it is almost finished. The wonderful knitting site Ravelry has announced it is holding The Ravellenic Winter Games 2014.  What is this crazy and knit-tastic thing you might be wondering?  Well, dear reader, it is a challenge to start and finish one or more projects during the winter games.  People from all over the world are participating and it is very exciting to see what is being created. The goal is to expand your knitting or crocheting horizons. 

  For me, I get stuck in the world of stockinette stitches.  Time to try something new.  Also, there is a strong need to do some stash busting. HELLO, our yarn shop is having a 20% off sale and I would love to try some new yarns out there.  Of course one must make room for more yarn.  So, what project is this leading up too?  Inspira Cowl by graphica.

 How cool is that cowl?  Very sassy! While I  will not be making mine a large as the one from the pattern, I hope to have a fun piece of neckware when finished. What this particular pattern offers is chance to learn a new pattern.  So long boring stitches!  The yarn I am going to be using is Liberty Wool and Cascade 220 Superwash that have been in the stash for about a year.  Yikes!

  Casting on will start tonight during the opening ceremonies. What truly is fun is sharing this challenge with others and being inspired by all the knitting talent. It is enough to keep me motivated through the remaining winter months and maybe get out and show off what has been created.  So get out there and create something or challenge yourself.  After all, if those athletes we cheer on can do triple axles, ride half pipes, and ski jump, surly we can try something just a little different.

Quiet Moments

Lately it has been crazy around here. We have been having lots of fun with parties,celebrations and even a vegan potluck (which was so fun and yummy). 

Today I am appreciating the quiet moments.  I am enjoying the sound of knitting needles. I am pouring over cookbooks, learning new things.  I feel a recharging in these quiet moments. I love and cherish them immensely.

The goal this whole week is enjoy the fun crazy stuff, but also embrace the quiet.