knitting .... toys .... practice .... etc.

While I was doing some house sitting - and kitty watching .... I brought along knitting.

I'm 1/2 way thru this pattern.   It is Ilwaco Shawlette, Kelli Slack Designs pattern.   c.2015.  I am using Lilliput Yarn, Sasha.  80% Superwash Merino / 20% Nylon.  

I had a new row counter - was very useful for practicing a new pattern.   And, I lost track of where I was in the pattern.   Had to pull off the knitting and start over.

Then, I noticed the littermates - they were circling and playing, and chasing their kitty toy from one room to the next.

 Yep - my row counter.   Row 16.  

London wants to know if I need that back.

She watched me knit for a long time and eventually nodded off.

My first try in the back -- I did make it thru 2 'leaf' motifs in the pattern.   I think, once done with the current shawlette, I can launch into this one.   It is Leafy Lisa Shawlette by Kelli Slack Designs.  yes - have the pattern and the yarn!

 Above: knitting spool found at a local antique mall.   Too charming to leave it behind.   Below:  wooden knitting spool made in Canada.  Bought it at Stitches Midwest, day 2 -- it is spectacular, a lot of fun using chunky yarns.     The other spools I own are for medium sized yarns.

Below:  My GF gifted me this awesome Vera Bradley tin.   It has a tray inside, and GF added a magnetic strip.   Eventually, will load it with needlework tools / notions.

 Meanwhile, tossed in my crochet hooks so you could see the size.  Probably had been a tin for pencils,  pens, or something like that.

 Speaking of crochet - I picked up the (above) kitchen pot holder at the antique mall.   I would really like to make one - some day.   It is in good shape & hanging in my sewing room.   I suppose it could be used in the kitchen .... naw .... too pretty ....

Lastly, found this lovely book at Mitsuwa's book store.   The patterns are diagrammed well and the step by step photos a bonus.   maybe I'll figure it out, maybe not!

Enjoy the day.

Thank you!

Thank you Judy Whitman!    Thank you Norden Crafts for hosting special pattern giveaways on a daily basis.   I was fortunate to have won this lovely JBW Designs pattern, Wreath Ornaments II by Judy Whitman.  It was sent to House of Stitches [local LNS] and I am really happy to have it in hand.    To participate in the giveaways, visit the Norden Crafts FB Page - link HERE.

  Today, I was surprised.   Our two kitties seem to be tolerating each other.   Jasper [left] and Honey Bunny [right] napping.   And, neither snarling at each other.     I didn't think they'd ever get along.   Simon [kitty not in photos] managed to break another pyrex baking dish - shattered everywhere.   Simon gets into everything!

And for the child in all of us, Build-a-Bear toys in Happy Meals!    Enjoy the day - stay warm, chilly outside.

week-end went too quickly ....

Jasper keeping my sewing machine seat warm ....

I won a giveaway & the box of goodies arrived [photos to follow in another post].

Last night, DH and I went into Chicago, listening to the hockey game

on the radio ..... went to the

[tee shirt -- gotta have one!]

City Winery [couple blocks from Harpo Studio].

We went to the 2nd, 10pm show

for Margo Timmins, Cowboy Junkies.

I could listen to their music all night!   Anyhow, got so

swept up in her voice, the band, their

sound - and forgot to snap a photo while they were performing.  First song --- Sweet Jane.

They performed a couple songs from Kennedy Suite, their Nomad series,

and song, West of Rome [I think that was the title], song from their

first album, song name escapes me [the album before Trinity Session], and of course

Trinty Session album songs.   Walking after Midnight just rocked.   

Nice venue, great sound, perfect seats.

Wine, rose, was ok [I'm spoiled by Oliver Winery].   

Didn't have much traffic to deal with.

Finally a sunny/windy day --- took Tori's stuffed toys

OK, my toys, too --- outside.

Once back inside - all fresh!!! Now to arrange in the

doll beds and top of wardrobe.   Such a fun task to

end the week-end.

Lafayette Lacemakers is having a Carrickmacross Lace Class

following their next meeting.

So, I obtained a couple second hand books - which arrived - and I enjoyed going thru ...

Nellie O Cleirigh

Doris Campbell Preston

Think I'll do better with some hands-on instruction.   

Keeping my fingers crossed Mother Nature cooperates.  Looking forward to the class.

I had made a few bracelets & of course my Mom's broke.

Guess I need more beading instruction!!!!   This time I added double jump rings.

Fixed my Mom's bracelet - and mailed it ... what a week-end.

Time goes quickly.