pets

My sister sent these lovely books to me.  And I set them near my desk - keeping them close to pick up and read a few more pages ... guess who thought they were perfect stools?  Yep, Mr Katt.    I had the window open and he decided the books made perfect chair for peering out.   What a hoot.   (this time he didn't topple over DD's bear).

 Meanwhile, while Jasper (above) and Honey (below) were sitting near the other windows, they fell sound asleep once the sun set.  What a lovely day - nice to see sunshine and keep fingers crossed for Spring.

Wondering how the class is going?

Knitting for beginners:  Feather and Fan Lace

  Increase, decrease, slip, yarn over, make one:

Knitting for beginners:  a simple cable

I never imagined being able to get consistent rows!  

After some practice ... it is easier.

          

This is some fantastic yarn I purchased in Philadelphia at Rosie's Yarn Cellar.

 O -- O-Wool facebook --or-- web site

 there is a lovely scarf pattern on their blog.

This is the next knitting lesson:  

 creating a hat on circular needle and double pointed needles.    Followed by a scarf with cable, open areas, and a little bit of everything we have learned!

knitting

   I like this wool yarn.   I have been practicing the double moss knitting stitch.    

Photo above is lesson two - knitting- ribbing, adding stripes of color and double moss.  DD has a nice looking sample, too.     Practice practice practice.

Photo below - first knitting lesson.  
Wobbly and uneven and twisted - gotta start someplace1

knitting lesson one, pin loom

After spending a day at the AIC last week, got together with GFs and made a couple squares on my pin loom - zoom loom.  Weaving a perfect thing to do at the end of the day!  Found the pretty pastel yarn fun to weave.

Look at this little Hallmark dish.   Marjolein Bastin products are so pretty.   My MIL was cleaning out a closet and thought I might like it and find use for it.    It actually holds a ball of crochet cotton well.  Guessing it is for rings and bracelets - but, kind of pretty on the desk with all my crafty items out.

Interesting to pick up knitting needles and fumbling with them to create the stitches.   DD & I have signed up for lessons.   Our instructor, Heidi, said she has been knitting since age 8 - and the sweater she wore was awesome!!!!    Gave it a good try.

After a couple hours, they seemed more comfortable in hand - tension pretty awful and there are those twisted stitches.   

We have some homework to complete before the next lesson.   DD had pink yarn and had a nice sample tonight,    and,     really -- is it cold enough???   Could use a break from winter right about now.

Beautiful craft books

I have been delighted with recent publications.  First, Crochet w/Beads - which includes a DVD - is by GF Candice Sexton.  How much fun!

This book, Floral Blocks to Crochet was a giveaway via Goodreads by SMP Craft.   

 
 Look at the fun blocks!    oodles of ideas - colors, shapes.    Fun crochet.   I find their web site and facebook page full of ideas!

This lovely book, from the Japanese Book store combines crochet AND tatting ....

and, this publication embellishes dolls +doll clothing.   this volume with tatting, needlework, etc.   Such a fun publication.

inspiration for a winter night.