Yes, I Do Knit Yarn -- Not Just Buy It!

Well it took me a while, but they are finished. These were written for cuff-down, but I think toe-up is just as nice. It was an easy pattern to memorize -my first pattern I followed by chart so I learned something new and built up my confidence some. I would definitely do this one again!

I have blogged about these before and if you want specifcs here the Raverly link. The gal who wrote this pattern wrote the one for my Chickadee Cowl as well. You can see her great patterns and blog here. I also finished the second installment of The Seven Deadly S(p)ins with was anti-Wrath = Peace. I am in 5 yarn clubs now and I am really trying to do the projects and knit up the yarn before the next month arrives. Yikes!

Cowls Galore

First, my Blueberry Picking cowl is finished. Pretty happy with the colorway.


I had my other Chickadee Cowl I knit out for comparison and Shadow decided he needed to nap on it!

I have 4 socks OTN ...knitting ADD. Maybe all the smoke from our 840+ fires here in California is gettin' to me!

Berry Picking

First here's another close-up of the stitch pattern for another Chickadee Cowl. The yarn is from The Plucky Knitter (again) but in her new Bulky Merino. The colorway is more "me" and it's called Blueberry Picking. On a side note, I was also able to snag a spot in her Sock Club!

Speaking of berries, my July/August issue of "Everyday Food" came and I made this salad, which is now my new favorite summer recipe.
Mixed Berry Salad With Mint
Ingredients
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier
1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered if large
1 cup raspberries (4 ounces)
1 cup blackberries (4 ounces)
1 cup blueberries (5 ounces)
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
Directions
In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar and liqueur. Gently fold in strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and mint. Serve immediately (or cover and refrigerate, up to 4 hours).

ENJOY!

Where I Have Been

Been away -- June 1st was my sister's birthday and so we made the trip down south (1 1/2 hours) to spend the day with our whole family. I bowled 3 games and the next day I couldn't lift my arm! Getting old ain't for sissy's!

Then the following week was filled with work, laundry, and meetings. .The next 2 days were filled with cooking, cleaning, and decorating at my Mom's for my sister's tea-party bridal shower. The Ginger Honey Muffins and Lavender Cookies were a hit, along with the chocolate dipped strawberries, tea sandwiches, stuffed mushrooms and cupcakes! She loved it! Pretty bride-to be and me poring tea! (see the cupcakes?!)
I decided to spend Saturday night as well because I was pooped and then I could drive back up in the light Sunday AM traffic. When I came home I found these waiting for me:

I just found her yarn on someone's blog I can't remember, but the yarn is heavenly. I think they will be cowls when they grow up

TV Yarn Romantic Comedies 3

This is the final installment of this club -- I have really enjoyed the yarn and goodies! Not a well known movie, High Fidelity is one of my all-time favorites. John Cuscack, his sister Joan, and Jack Black is hysterical. If you have never seen this, you must!


And so how did she come up with the color for the movie. It takes place in Chicago and so, the Great Lakes, and she continued with a summer/water theme.
The calculator has a clip to attach you your knitting bag and I love my sea horse stitch marker.