Thrifty Decor For Spring

We had another snow storm yesterday - about 15 centimeters. But the days are longer, the sun is stronger, and the ground will soon be bare. In the meantime, there's no reason why we can't celebrate spring inside.
Oprah once mentioned that she used lemons in a bowl as a practical, simple centrepiece. That's a good idea but you have to eat an awful lot of lemon in order to keep rotating through that bowl so as not to waste the aging fruit.
As a knitter, I feel we are a pragmatic and creative group. We learn to assess a project in terms of cost, time, use, and value of the finished item. See also: http://www.elliphantom.com/
A knitter's nonperishable centrepiece can be replenished and refreshed from yarn stash and, in the interim, be a constant, highly visible resource for inspiration and planning.

Finnie's Cookie Sweater

I love the blue doors of France, especially in the countryside villages like Ronce les Bain. There are so many shades of blue on the doors and shutters and window boxes - pale baby blue, sky blue, royal blue, periwinkle, turquoise, cornflower. Blue doors and hollyhocks everywhere.
So here's a blue sweater for Finnie of France.
Pattern: Cookie Sweater
Source: Rowan's Miss Bea's Rainy Day book of patterns by Louisa Harding
Yarn: Zara Plus by Filatura Di Crosa
Color: 32

What Makes A Snowy Sunday Celtic?

We woke this morning to a pretty scene - steady, but softly falling snow that clung to every tree branch. Lucy and I trudged through the streets until we were layered in white. It was the perfect backdrop to a morning of research on traditional European mitten designs, making Scottish oatcakes, and finishing a neck scarf called the Crofter's Cowl!

Cable Trellis Mittens

My first pair of cable mittens.
Pattern: Cable Trellis Mittens
Source: Vogue Knitting Mittens and Gloves
Yarn: Tanis Fiber Arts Green Label (Tanis is a clever Canadian gal who dyes lovely yarns)
Colour: Royal Flush
Needles: 3.25 mm and 3.50 mm. double pointed

The Yarn Whisperer

I've had this sock yarn tucked away for over a year. Adam and Isabelle ordered it for me last Christmas. From time to time, I have taken it out and started a pattern only to frog it back. The yarn was designed to knit up in thin stripes that didn't do enough justice to the pretty combination of colours. And here's the thing that sock knitters know and why Movita jokes and calls me the yarn whisperer: It's not enough to knit a sock. The colour and the texture of the yarn should marry brilliantly with the style of the pattern to highlight both. And sometimes it takes either a lot of trial runs or a sudden flash of inspiration.
Inside every ball of yarn is just the right sock waiting to get out!
Pattern: Show-Off Stranded Socks
Designer: Anne Campbell
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Multi
Colorway: Glenwood
Needles: 2.25 mm. circular

A Bowlful of Blue for You Know Who

Finnie, of course.
It came in the mail yesterday from Jimmy Bean. And it is going to be turned into a simple rolled neck pullover to brighten any damp, grey days next winter in France. I also very much like Isabelle's idea of using yarns with some blend or variegation in color and would like to do a little sweater, as well, in a more subtle color combination. But, first, I have to get this marvelous turquoise out of my system.
Yarn: Zara Plus
Company: Filatura di Crosa
Weight: Aran

Another Storm Coming

Yesterday and today have been brilliantly sunny and comfortably cold - great days for walking outdoors and for seeing the rooms inside brighten with the sunlight. Unfortunately, these days have been rare lately. Most have been grimly grey and dreary.

The tenth winter storm for the season is due to arrive tomorrow afternoon, bringing 10-15 cm. of fresh snow. By now, you know the routine - another storm forecast, another pair of colourful socks cast on!



Pattern: BFF Socks, designed by the talented Cookie A.
Yarn: Regia 4-fadig
Colorway: 2808
Needles: 2.25 mm