For Ashlyn

Ok....so sometime last year (yes it's been that long), Ashlyn said....."Would you make me another blanket.  I love the one you made me when I was little and I still use it, but I'm taller now."  How could I resist such a plea. 

So I struggled with pattern, but not really colours because she does love blue and green.  I found the Ella Rae Seasons yarn, which is mostly acrylic (a must for a college student) and very soft.  Once I played with the pattern a bit and figured out the gauge and size I wanted, I was off.  I did have to take a break to finish a time sensitive project, but got right back to it.

So, Happy Birthday Ashlyn....21 looks great on you!!

Completing this makes 2 of the 7 I would like to knit this year.

Contest

Ok....Hey everyone...allfreeknitting.com is having a contest to name this pattern....jump on over to get your title in...they're choosing a winner on May 20th to get some yarn....

Magnolia in Bloom

Ok....so when I'm working from Mum's, I work at the dining room table.....which has a view out the front door....which lines up perfectly with the Magnolia tree.  It's a white magnolia and when I arrived it was a stick.  By the time I left, it was in full bloom and smelled wonderful.  This is what I saw during my time working from that spot.

 

Side note:  The first picture was on a day it snowed and sleeted. 

PS.....The last is a bloom from the purple magnolia, which I wish I could see bloom in full.

 

 

 

 

 

Cozy

Ok....so I'm on the throw/afghan/blanket making kick.  At first I thought, "I think I'll make one a month".....well, you know what happened to that idea.  I'm now going to make 6 or 7 this year.  I still think it's pushing it because there are so many other things I want to work on, but there you have it. 

Here is the first....a graduation present for Meghan.  You can find the pattern here from my pattern page.  Was fun to knit and came out beautiful, soft and cozy.  Knit with James C Brett Marble Chunky.  I first saw Reyna using this yarn for charity projects and since I needed to use acrylic for this project, I thought I'd give it a go.  I will be using it for most of this year's throws since they also have to be acrylic.  Also got to shoot it in front of Mum's blooming magnolia...

 

Ontario thaw

Ok....the ice is gone...let spring begin.  The colors of the lake were beautiful and I love how many of the roads just end at the lake.

 

Did a couple of drive-bys of the farm down the road...the lambs and kids were out playing and the shetland ponys each had a colt.

It's been a bit since I've visited this area (east of Toronto along the lake).  Usually I'm here during the summer or fall when all is green, ripe or being harvested.  This year, I got to see all the gorgeous apple trees bare.  Beautiful sight. 

 

Some beautiful days and sunsets......and yet, perfect for a bon-fire and some marshmellow roasting.

Yard Work - The Result

Ok.....after....here you go Kathy....thanks to Mum, who loved every moment and worked very hard.

Yard Work

Ok....before....purchased, in the trunk...with all the work ahead.

Funny

Ok....I can't help it.  This is funny...sort of spinning related.....right?  Thank you, Ashlyn.

The Pears Around Town

Ok....if you live here you know...the Bradford Pears have been blooming for about a month.  I love how beautiful the entire city is when in bloom.  Seriously....the entire city.  It's like everyone got the memo about planting these lovely spring bloomers.  They are everywhere. 

 

 

 

Weaving Class

Ok...I like to take pictures...a lot of pictures, but sometimes, I have no idea what's up...because I just forget.  I like having pictures of the students in the classes I've taught, but usually forget.  I guess I'm just too caught up in the moment. 

I recently taught a toe up sock class at Ewe & Company in Kingston Springs, TN and....forgot.  Great class...no pictures. 

However, this time...this one time, I remembered.  I taught a beginners weaving class at Haus of Yarn Sunday and here are just a few shots.  I think they did a great job.  Fun class.

More Jan

Ok, another for the books.  Love it!!

Spinning Jan

Ok....so I've been spinning Jan again...Daily Fibers that is.  What a joy to return to this gorgeous handpainted fiber.  This is Olive Garden...spun bulky.  Ah.......