Knitted socks, not me...

That has been my montra.  I will not ever, no never knit a sock.  Too much work for such a small item, and then to have to make two exactly alike? ridiculous.  Well, that was how I thought until I saw this photograph.  I am crazy in love with these knitted socks that paraded down the Prada runway. The first time I gazed at this photo I got so excited as I really really want a pair. It would be a double bonus if I could make them for myself. I just adore the cable!  It is so classy. Somewhere out there in 'knitting pattern land' there must be a cable down the middle sock pattern available right?  So I'm on a quest to find it, any suggestions?

Happy 4th!

Hubby and Son are finally back from football camp and they seem glad of it. (There is no place like home) We are enjoying this lovely three-day weekend.  We’ve bb’qd and sat out in the sunshine.

I was very appreciative that they went and picked up my new Old hutch. (Such manly men) It in now in place and I’ve been busy filling it up with lots of yarn stash.  I'm in awe of the fact that it has had many incarnations.  It has chips and dents and stains and scents that only add to its charm. It recently sat in a cute little shop where it displayed candles and lots of must-have home goods. Before that?  I can only imagine that it was used by people who loved it as much as I do. 

I decided to pull out a ufo, my log cabin throw, that has been in need of some attention and it seems to me to be the perfect 4^th of July knitting.  Enjoy your holiday!

Granny square throw progress...

A quick update on the progress I've made crocheting a GST.  It seems like its taking forever, but I’ve got 20 squares made up and I believe that will be plenty.  I’m in the process of sewing them together and then I’ll decide if I want to make it a bit longer. Unfortunately for me, I’ve had a mini setback on the edging.  Somehow, I managed to separate the knitting from the needles (ouch) and since I didn’t see the need for a lifeline (i.e. stubberness=trouble), it unraveled itself and I couldn’t figure out what row was what. So, I have had the honor of unraveling it completely (rip).  As soon as I can get over being mad at the situation, I will start again, with a lifeline in tow. 

My boys are away at yet another football camp.  It was a lot more fun for me the first time they were away.  I’m kinda over ‘alone time’. I now think it is a bit over rated.  I’ve spent time with the needles n hook, I’ve cleaned up here and there.  I’ve eaten what I want when I want (no big meal planning or prep) and I’ve watched enough chick-flicks to last me thru the summer.

The most fun thing that I’ve done was a Find.  Yes, I was out and about doing a little shopping and I found a great hutch to use for my knitting stash.  I’m excited to get it home and get my yarns out of the closet and up on shelves, where I can see it, and dream of what it will become.

Summertime project

Hurray for summer camp. Yes, the boys are off to football camp for the weekend.  So here I am, just me and kitty Cleo, for the whole weekend.  It has been quite awhile since I’ve had the house to myself, Heaven!  Plans? Why yes.  Watch my favorite movies, knitting, crochet, tea on the patio, make up a pot of homemade soup, whip up a healthy salad, hang out in my pj’s till noon.  Bliss!
Right now I’m loving Granny stripes, just gotta have em. I’ve been contemplating ordering some beautiful yarn (I know, I need more yarn like I need a...) No one can ever have too much yarn, right?   Well that is what I keep telling myself. I’m gushing over Stylecraft  Special DK, a yarn that appears to only be available in the UK, and costs about as much to ship as the cost of the yarn itself.  I’m still trying to justify the purchase as I really want to make up a multi colored blanket using the granny stripe pattern written by Lucy over at Attic24.  So cute! In the meantime, I’ve whipped up a little runner to cover the top of my bookcase.  It was a quick project, it gave me the opportunity to practice making granny stripes and the reward is getting to see it in place within a few hours. I used Lousa Harding Nautical cotton.  I like the texture of this yarn, soft and springy. And yes, that is my beautiful birds nest in the middle of the display that I won from sweet Vicki over at 2 bags full. I just love it and I get so many complements on how adorable it is.

I know, there isn’t a picture in my new frame yet, I’m working on it!

Sunny in Seattle?

I’m home from my weekend trip to Seattle.  So much happened in such a short time.  Plane rides, a graduation, visits with family, great food, sightseeing, the food, did I mention the food?  We were blessed with gorgeous weather as it was sunny and warm and I really enjoyed every minute of it. We checked into the Deca hotel Friday evening and discovered that it has really nice rooms and I liked that the stairs are so easily accessible for coming and going from floor to floor.  Saturday morning we grabbed a quick breakfast down the street at the Potage Bay Café before heading over to Washington University for the Graduation. With 4000+ graduates, you can imagine the crowds and the time it took for all the students to walk across the stage.

  

We were patient and enjoyed our moment to jump up, scream and applaud our Graduate! The special event for me was the family dinner we enjoyed at Cutters restaurant later that evening. My niece was the center of attention for her accomplishment, and yes we are all so very proud of her. The food there is fantastic and the view is spectacular!  It was so much fun to laugh and reminisce with the fam. After a good nights sleep we were up early on Sunday morning for a ferry ride over to Brisbane Island to have a cup of coffee.  Take a boat ride to go have a cup of coffee?  Heaven and yes, that was so much fun!  There is nothing like seeing a City like Seattle from the water.  It is such an interesting perspective.  The fact that the water was calm and the air crisp and clear made for an enjoyable crossing. After a day of walking around the city we headed back to the airport.

Once there, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed my visit to Butter London located at concourse C at SeaTac airport.  Earlier in the week I was viewing knittyblog and read a favorable write up on Butter London and thought it would be fun to check it out. So, since I was right there, I went in to have a look around at their salon and nail/hand care products.  I chose the 15-minute hand massage and oh my, I’m so glad that I did.  It was just what I needed!  After packing, unpacking and then packing again my hands and wrists were in need of some attention.  If you happen to be in the neighborhood, it is well worth a walk-in. What a great weekend.

I had taken some knitting with me and thought I’d make a bunch of progress and found that I only got in a couple of rows.  The few minutes of down time I had I spent with my eyes closed. Now that I’m back, I’m reminded that travel is fun, but there is truly no place like home.  I love my own bed!

Tub O' Color

Oh my, a wonderful package arrived today.  My much anticipated Rico creative cotton yarn is finally here.

I ordered it from over the pond after seeing Lucy at Attic24 post a picture of here tub.

I’ve got seven lovely colors that will become my next project.  I plan to put some thought into what I will make while sitting around in airports today.

As I’m off for a quick trip to Seattle. My niece graduates from college on Saturday..  I’m hoping for sunny weather (is that too much to ask?) and I’m looking forward to spending time with family.  Have a wonderful weekend.

♥ I Heart Dana Point, California

I heart faces photo across America was a really fun experience.  It was a nice day, I met some really nice people, and the bonus, my daughter was there too.

Doing something together with my daughter is always nice, but doing something together that we both love, is even better.  She has been studying photography for the past couple of years now and I caught the bug to pick up a camera again after seeing her photographs.  

I think she is amazing and equally amazing are her photographs.  She chose to shoot film, so it will be a bit before I see her perspective of this beautiful harbor.  I tell ya, there is something to photograph at every turn.  The boats, the people, the water, are all ever changing and equally captivating.  Goes on the record as one of the best days, ever!