Knitting Season

(bag and yarn by Kate Davies Designs)

I have made the most of it. 

{New to me stitches and techniques in this MKAL by Lyrical Knits. Really fun and clever}. 

 

{this one deserves it's own post when it's completely finished}

A few projects to get done in the next month before 

the page turns to gardening season.

But first of course, it will be shearing season. 

Kid Knits

For the girls.

For the boys.

Papa's tractor! (sort of?)

For the seven year old that came to me with his own design.

For one of the three year olds that hates to wear mittens,

but loves dinosaur hands.

With two more grands on the way, I am sure there will be many more kid knits in my future.

All that makes for a very happy Marme.

That Other Secret Project...

Pattern: Innisfree, Yarn: my handspun

Was for Tucker.

Given to this happy grandson of mine on his 1st Birthday last month.

Wonder if his parents know he had helped in it's construction over the summer?

My mother picked out the buttons. Perfect, I think. 'Little Mathew' the teddy was my son's best buddy as a child.

I finished Listening to A Shepherd's Life

a while back often while working on Tucker's Sweater. I enjoyed it so very much. How thrilled I was to be able to attend a book talk and signing by it's author just last week in D.C. James Rebanks' newest work is filled with lovely photos from the Lake District region he farms in the UK.

Such and interesting talk covering so many topics ranging from food systems
to preservation issues, politics
landscapes, language,

 and yes, sheep :)

***

Sharing with Yarn Along

That Shawl

A secret project made spectacular reveal draped across the shoulders of a beautiful brid

I had hoped Chelsie might be able to use it at some point late into the night of her outdoor reception if cool temperature happened upon us.

Much to my surprise she immerged from our home with her new husband, my son, as they were introduced for their First Dance with the shawl I had made to complement her wedding colors.

Then kept it on well into the night.

Oh my, what a party that was!

Made with a combo of two yarns held together, alpaca lace and kid mohair, and embellished with over two hundred gold Swarovski crystal cut beads the shawl is so soft and draped so lovely.

Truly a project of Love

***

Joining in with Yarn Along

Yarn Love

A few secret projects in the works,

And Carnie's yarn is beginning to take shape.

I am a bit more pleased about that than he is.

Sheep on the Mind

In all kinds of ways.

That's Leo of course. The most affectionate lamb in the land.

A quick knit to keep me occupied on a recent road trip,

along with listening to A Shepherd's Life by James Rebanks.

Pattern: Baa-ble. Yarn: oddments from the scrap basket. 

Wool, Wool Everywhere

Practicing, practicing spinning with some years-old roving,

so I will be rightly prepared when this beautiful fleece I brought back with me from Kentucky

is ready for the wheel.

Help from a friend and my mother last week. They both enjoyed playing with Freckles the Fleece

Getting a longtime WIP off the needles.

In between washing that fleece for the next step,

I wound up some cashmere I splurged on

The view out my crafty room is always nice no matter what the weather. 

and started a very special project.

It's cold and rainy here in the Shenandoah Valley on this first day of spring.

I really don't seem to mind.

Soon the outside gardens and barn will need much attention, and the wheel and needles will be still.

One last day by the fire surrounded by wool is quite nice.

~Joan

The Happy Side of Bitter Cold

Finished

The new shawl  came out so pretty.

That's what happens when one has beautiful yarn,

given to her by a beautiful friend. 

Happy Thanksgiving Week,

~Joan