Friday, March 12, 2010

THE PROOF

Well - I made it thru a difficult week at work but it's FINALLY FRIDAY !  I felt so liberated when I left work -  headed straight for the LYS and knit night with friends.  I thought I was too tired but Jody encouraged me to go and I'm actually glad I did - I finished the back of my Rowan Colorscapes jacket.  The yarn is lovely - the colorways were designed by Kaffe Fassett and it shows - brillant colors - a little out of my comfort zone but unbelievably dramatic.  This would be a fast finish if I just devoted any attention to it but I'm all about what catches my attention at the moment and then poof - I'm off to something else.  So I got the front cast on and I'll try to be a little more attentive to this beauty.

While I'm showing knitting - here is a photo of the yarn I mentioned in my last post - I found the simple capelet pattern and yarn at the yarn shop in St Augustine.  It is easy mindless knitting and enjoyable to watch the color changes - the mohair stranded along with the striping wool gives a lovely halo and it is just the effect I was looking for - so I'm glad that my impulse purchase is turning out so well.  It will always remind me of the bittersweet day I spent in St Augustine and how special my connections are to that place.

Another fun purchase I received in the mail last week is some Spud and Chloe - that is a charming spin off company from Blue Sky Alpaca - one of my fave yarn companies.  They put out this cute pencil bag for accessories and knitting notions with their darling logo on it.  Here are 2 skeins of their "Fine" yarn which is a fingering weight in Clementine and I got a skein of their "sweater" which is a worsted weight cotton/wool blend and also a design by them called Tea Party Cardi - which uses the sweater weight yarn - I wanted to see it in person and swatch it up before I ordered the yarn for the cardi - I don't care for cotton yarn however I love Blue Sky's cotton and this proves to be even nicer with the addition of the wool.

and now to the proof - I do still stitch - I really really do - I just don't get much done - Here is a darling piece I got from the Attic - it is the class piece that the BBD gals did for Jean's retreat in November.  It is an adorable thread pocket with a tiny hornbook charm - on the back you can affix the LHN "schoolgirl lessons" piece which is stitched in one color of Belle Soie.  OK granted - some of my stitching idols (and you all know who you are) could have stitched up this little piece in a week but I just work on it when I feel like it so this is all I have done.  Cute huh?
                                                                                            
Last but certainly not least is an updated progress shot of the SL "Hart" sampler I am doing for my folks anniversary.  I have mostly been working (or not working) on the filling in.  There is tons of fill in work on this sampler and now I am somewhat worried that I don't have enough of the maroon silk for the outer border so I am probably going to continue trying to fill the 4 sides to see if it holds out.  Compared to my last WIP photo of this piece I can see progress so I guess I am pleased enough to show you the progress.

So - no rug hooking updates for this post.  I am however looking so forward to another rug workshop down in Sebring Fl - it is held at a family owned inn on Lake Jackson and is a beautiful place - so lovely so picturesque on the lake - the landscaping is gorgeous.  It is something I look forward to doing with my mom every year.  We have a wonderful teacher with whom we've had great sucess in previous years.  Mom is doing a small Not Forgotten Farm design and I am doing a 24" X 24" design by Bea Brock - the same designer as my Angel Sampler -however this piece is more like an oversized quilt block - I'll show you what I end up with after the workshop.  I did not give my teacher much direction about the color plan so it will be a surprise - I love surprises don't you?

I am so moved by the comments so many people made in regards to the passing of my dear cousin.  I had some new commenters to my blog and I appreciate so much your kindness and I hope you will all come back and visit me.  I read and enjoy all of your messages.  No matter what your chosen handwork - be sure and make time to enjoy it and to stop and smell the roses along the way.

13 comments:

Stef said...

The Hart sampler is stunning, your parents are going to really treasure such a beautiful gift from you!! Your rug class sounds like a wonderful time to spend with your Mom. Can't wait to hear more about it - with lots of pictures!!!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

What great colors on the first sweater you showed us and the capelet colors are great too and so different from the first. Your cross stitch wips are wonderful, especially that anniversary sampler - stunning. The hooking class with your mom sounds like another fun event!

Nancy said...

What a beautiful sweater - I love Kaffe Fasset colors! I am always intrigued by your projects Melody. They are always interesting and always beautiful!

Margaret said...

What a lovely post with so much to drool over! lol! I love your sweater, and the capelet too! Your LHN piece is coming along nicely, and your Where the Hart is -- stunning!!! Did you buy the kit from Marsha? She will send you more fiber for free if you run out. I hope you don't though. I always love seeing what you're up to. Looking forward to seeing your new rug piece!

Laurie in Iowa said...

Wow... so much eye candy... it's all wonderful. The Hart sampler is going to be one gorgeous sampler. I'm sure your parents will cherish it.

Deb said...

I don't know where to start - that sweater yarn is wonderful! I just love the colors in it. He always has great yard and fabrics. And the capelet is wonderful too! Both are going to be wonderful when they're finished. I can see your progress on the Anniversary Sampler - that one is stunning. Your parents are going to love it. I hope that you make it around with the thread that you have.

And the rug hooking class sounds like it's going to be a great time with your mom. I finished up my last rug class this week and I'm really sad!! Still not done with my rug yet, but I learned so much and finally sprang for a real hooking frame. I think that I'm hooked (no pun intended)! LOL

Jackie's Stitches said...

I'm looking forward to seeing the caplet. It's knitting up great. You know I just love the Rowan sweater too!

Great progress on the gift sampler for your parents. They are going to just love it!

The rug hooking camp sounds like it's in a beautiful setting. I know you're going to have fun and I really look forward to seeing what you'll be working on. Enjoy!

Nicole said...

Your knitting and stitching are beautiful!! I really love that sampler! It's so cool!!

Sherry said...

What beautiful colors in the capelet! The first sweater has such happy colors. Your stitching is just beautiful! I love it all.

Rugs and Pugs said...

Mel ~
Your knitting and stitching is beautiful.
Have fun at the hook-in and take lots of pictures to share with us, please!
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Siobhán said...

Your knitting is wonderful, Melody! I love your progress on The Hart Sampler--it's SO pretty. Your parents will love it. I like the LHN, too!

Michelle said...

Hart Sampler is gorgeous. And I love the new yarn you got (cute logo on the bag too!). The knitting your doing is droolworthy. What fun you've been up to!!

Bethany said...

It has been too long since going to your blog and what a surprise when viewing everything you have been up to. You are such a beautiful stitcher, knitter and hooker. I love everything you are doing. I told mom she had to drop in and see your A&E rug, you know how she loves them. She was so impressed with all of your talents. I for one want to grow up and be just like you. Keep up the great work and I can't wait to see them all finished...... Hugs....