More Plants

The cute little Mason jar is part of the plant propagating kit Pook gave me for Christmas. The spider plant is one she started and shared with me. Ours is a family of dedicated gardener/horticulturists. Pook's grandpa hybridized a Camellia and named it after her grandma.

Taking a Break from Knitting

Over the past few months I've endulged in impulse to knit and knit and knit. It's time to take a break and shift to another mode of expression - sewing. Munchy joins in regardless of my activity. Please note the casual sense of ownership he displays while lounging on the newest sewing project, a quilted jacket for Spring. Last night he sat on each pattern piece as I pinned it in place. The project will certainly turn out well given his expert oversight!

Sitting on the Couch

This catalogue arrived today. The puppy on the cover is cute but nowhere as cute as Stella. Very soon Stella will be at home with Pook, Pook's husband & Lexi.

Version II

The first sweater was lovely and definitely for winter. This one has shorter sleeves and will be for spring. When Munchy decides he is done sitting on it, I'll be able to sew the seams. Until then I'll have to wait...

I love it when a plan comes together...

In this case, it's a sweater. The circular needles are being put to their first real test. Seamless caps are nice, but sweaters involve multiple pieces. The pattern is a Debbie Bliss creation worked in moss stitch. My version has short sleeves for wearing over a layering tee. All five pieces are joined on the circular needle just above the initial armhole decrease. So far the pattern has been flawless and easy to adapt. It is so tempting to proceed with the yoke. However, if I don't stop now and wait for tomorrow after work, I'll be up until very late working the last round!

All Hail Blue and Gold...

The California Golden Bears team I've cheered on for decades is running up and down the field at the Emerald Bowl in uniforms that look like rejects from Project Runway or Roller Derby costumes. How can a loyal Californian relate to Lycra with contrasting slashes? Yes, the Bears of old didn't win often; however, their appearance on the field generated a catch in the throat and a glowing sense of pride. My motto was, "At least our team can read." The university sends messages in the mail asking for donations from the alumni. I'll send mine along when the team on the field looks familiar.

Cold Weather Creations

At last, winter winds are blowing and I'm knitting up a storm. The Yarn Shoppe in Elk Grove is my favorite local source for yarn and needles. This year I endulged in a set of interchangeable circular needles. While pricey, the needles are worth every penny. The points are bamboo and the cord swivels so there's no tangling or twisting.
Lamb's Pride (85% wool/15% mohair) bulky was the go-to yarn for creating these Christmas presents last weekend. Each project took a 4 oz. skein. The yarn has a beautiful sheen and soft, feathery wisps of mohair. The color is Persian Peacock.