Violet is near

Just finished a blanket for my grand niece who will be named Violet. It took me some time to knit (a few rows a day). My hands aren't cooperating - oh wait this is a no whining zone...
The pattern is NMCRS Basketweave Blanket pattern by Cathy Waldie. You can find the free pattern on Ravelry.com.

It's Been a while

I feel like I fell off the face of the earth for a while... I haven't blogged in so long or done anything creative in so long. I'm just getting back on board. Change of address, change of circumstances, relationships and the loss of my Dad have knocked me down but not out. I'll slowly get back up to speed and not stress out doing it. I get to look at the ocean every day and dipped my feet in today. Can't wait to start swimming again.





Just about finished with my second scarf to send off to SCARVES FROM THE HEART for this month's April event. The scarves requested were to be a simple lace. I used the pattern "One Row (Reversible) Lace Scarf" by turvid see the blog http://turvid.blogspot.com/ for the free pattern.

This the first I had done.

Finished some knitting

Finished a wee sweater for my coming great niece. My first sweater complete actually.

It is the Fantasy Naturale top down Baby Cardigan. I found the pattern on Ravelry of course.

Finished a bunny too - no photo yet.

I just started a sweater for myself - no kidding first ever knit object for myself.

The pattern is Miss Honeychurch by Cheryl Niamath. The pattern is published in the latest Knitty.com Summer 2009 Issue.

Bi-Fold ATC sent for May

I'm always running late on my ATC swap. This last month's theme was bi-fold. The wee girl on the front is me at I'm guessing 4 or 5 years old.

knitting yellow

working dilligently on the "sunkist cardi" in yellow merino 5 of course. I guess I'm about 40 percent along.

Project Spectrum more yellow

Continuing on creating and photographing all things, yellow, east facing, wood, etc.

Project Spectrum weekend

Finished the Amanda Hat that was one of my Project Spectrum knits. See more details on Ravelry. The day rounded off with lots of hail and rain but I had my knitting to console me :-)

Knitting for Grand Nephew

My niece Corinne gave birth to a boy just recently and I made a few things for him. I love making the blanket buddy bunny.

I haven't seen Z yet but am looking forward to it!

Project Spectrum

I am really enjoying Project Spectrum this year. Right now Compass point East, yellow, wood, spring, air... ahhhh...

I am currently knitting a hat using the Araucania Aysen which is a pretty blend of soft yellow, golds and other compatible colors (so soft)...

Giveaway at http://papermoonies.blogspot.com very cool site - colors, yummy art and did I say cool stuff? Go visit this extraordinary artist blog.

This is a mosaic of pictures from my yard for the Project Spectrum 2009 - East

colors, yellow, east sky picture of double rainbow. The snake is my pup's new buddy.

Went yarn feasting - umm shopping

I traveled to Wild & Woolly in Lexington, MA last week. I will be sending out to my follower winners hopefully this week. I am so darn slow to get things done in this beautiful weather :-)
LOVE W & W in Lexington - super selection and I lose track of time when I'm there...

Follower giveaway closed

Will Leslie, Aunt Kathy, Nat RedKnits, Mitzi and Redraveler please all send me your snail info so that I may send you a gift via USPS. You know I can't just choose 2 people - so not me...
Jan (Jant)

Do you follow blogs?

It's so sad to add a new feature (Followers) to your blog and see it empty... Okay so it's only been 10 minutes. From the first 5 persons who follow my blog, I will choose two (including the 1st person) to receive a gift. Make sure to link to this posting on your blog so I can see what you might like and get your particulars on where to send. Have a safe and happy weekend! Jant

Win A FAB Giveaway

The Spotted Sparrow BEAUTEOUS art/paper, etc... site is having a giveaway - go visit and see all the very lovely things there (tutorials, ideas, yummy things to buy and look at)...

Spring photos

Photos taken for future painting projects and for Project Spectrum 2009 "North"

More Green for Project Spectrum

For the "Project Spectrum 2009" group I have been knitting various green items that are helping me hold on til spring actually shows itself...

The diamond lace scarf of Rowan damask - so soft, approx 4 leaves so far knit in various material samples I received from Sage Gifts and Yarn. Also I finally knit a pair of "Fetching" fingerless gloves. The pattern is from Cheryl Niamath - found on Knitty.com

Planet Janet Knit along

I recently finished some smaller projects using green yarn of various materials. The drawstring bag was made for the "Planet Janet" knit along on Ravelry.com

The multicolor beads in the yarn make it fun.

Asian Theme ATC

I sent out my trade for the ATC theme this month. One is based on NE India. The verses are "Amazing Grace" in Garo. The stamp from a friend from ASSAM mailed from Guwahati. This card is 2.5 " x 3.5". The other cards are made from elements of a card received from China for New Year greetings and silk upholstery material (2 x 2 inch) that I love. The simple Chinese is "CAT" for my friend Cat. That card is 1x1 inch...

Lighthouse painting finished

I'm thinking maybe I'll do a portrait next... Not sure yet. I did enjoy this one as it went quicker than I'd thought it would (I'm usually pretty slow).

and of course more knitting

a new sweater for Ayla

Basic handwarmers in 3 rib stitches for looks and fit (a gift)

Diamond handwarmers for Dolly - pattern from Ravelry.

Yarn Harlot's Pattern for One Row Scarf also on Ravelry.

These are the two "Woman" themed ATCs I've sent out.

multi media tasking

Working with different mediums and subjects has health benefits for right brain me. I have been back to my painting classes with thanks to Auntie.

This is a seascape I'm working on day 2 - still aways to go.

Knitting Addiction

Yes I knit pretty much all the time and I carry it with me almost everywhere. I made a few of those cute Lion's brand Bunnies (100% cotton) for various wee grandnieces and nephews.

I don't sew on the faces but leave them blank - on this particular bunster you can see a slip knit mistake that happens to almost look like a nose. I wasn't about to go back and fix it - yikes...

I need to take more pictures of finished items and new yarn stash. For everything that is posted it is primarily found on Ravelry.com

Aqua ATC

Finally finished my aqua theme Artist Trading Card and sent it off today...

Yes those are lots of dots in 3 shades of aqua/turquoise. I used Martha Stewart's glitter. It is so fine and lovely to use.

ATC Rust/Brown Theme

September's theme for ATC-USA International was Rust or Brown. Since I couldn't decide, I did both. For brown I did "Love is Like Chocolate" - 5 layers of chocolately goodness.

For Rust I created "Russet" using the idea of the rusty oak leaves. The leaves are in 3 thicknesses: Sienna Ink, copper embossing and mini glass beads. Gee I should have made one for myself... :-)

I placed the cards in a wool orange/rust color mini purse that I knit, using an antique mother of pearl button to close it. The cards fit just right. I hope my swap partner likes them.

Disney ATC Swap

It is rather difficult to see here - the flowered column has been duplicated, cut and popped 3-D.

September is Rust/Brown Theme - I'd better get hoofing...

More knitting

3 Sisters Hat - Pattern on Ravelry.com - LOved it!!!

Branching Out Scarf finally done and blocked - hmmm who is it for?
Hermione Hat from Ravelry - Quick, Cut and Comfy!
Moultonboro Scarf improvised by me for Scarves from the Heart.
You may upload this free pdf pattern on Ravelry.com

June and July ATCs

My Teddy Bear ATC was fun. I'm not much of a "cute" person - but found this lovely bear and used some terry cloth plush for the border.

Sent out my Purple Theme ATC to Barb finally. Always late these days - Hhhhhhh. I love purple and enjoy the idea of color theme ATCs.

Basket O Berries Lace Scarf

I added a new scarf pattern to Ravelry.com especially made for Scarves from the Heart. I used Plymouth Fantasy Naturale (lovely to knit with). It is cotton and lightweight for mountain summers.

The pattern is of course free.

Materials: Plymouth Yarn Fantasy Naturale Solid color shown #6092 Hot Pink or Raspberry

Needles US size 11

CO 17 sts

Row 1: k2, yo, k2tog, (yo, k1, k2tog) x2, yo, ssk, k2, yo, k2tog, k1

Row 2: p5, k7, p5

Row 3: k5, p7, k5

Repeat these 3 rows for the pattern to the desired length.

Add knotted fringe to each end to finish the look.

This makes for a reversible, textural, squooshy light scarf. Lots of movement - reminded me of the raspberries I shake up in the colander for my breakfast.

On Ravelry? To Ravel the Pattern - click on the Tiltle link "Basket O Berries Lace Scarf"

Lace Addiction

How many of you out there are becoming addicted to knitting lace - any lace no mater how simple or the materials used. I made a couple of these simple lace scarves for "Scarves From the Heart".
Nice, soft and lightweight - quick and enjoyable to knit.

There is I'm sure a stitch name for this pattern - if there is I don't know what it is.




Here is a simple recipe for this scarf.
I use Classic Elite Princess Yarn (soft and yummy)
US Size 11 needles
CO 15 or 17 (odd number)
There is one pattern row: k1, *yo, k2tog* to end
Repeat this row until desired length; Loosely Bind off ... TA DA

Visit Ravelry for many great inspirations and super patterns free and for sale by wonderful designers.

I am also working on the Diamond Lace Scarf,

Wisp Mohair lace scarf design by Cheryl Niamath (see Knitty)

branching out lace scarf and waterfalls lace sacrf. See Knitty.com or my Ravelry Projects page for more info.