Thursday, June 16, 2016

Cool Days...for now.

Happy Thursday!

It's been a rather quiet week here.  The weather has been cool and off and on showers.  I like it like this, not so hot and quite comfortable for knitting.  :-). My headache is still there, but not as bad as before.  Right now the plan is to go to the lake tomorrow evening, but last week it changed, so I'm not counting on anything. Ha!

Tonight we're having a potluck for about 15 people here at our house so I've probably been a bit busier than I should have been.  I decided to sit down for a few minutes and try to get a post up and show you what I've been up to this week.

I finished my second sock about an hour ago.  These are called "Petty Harbour" and are a free pattern on Ravelry.  The yarn is from Knit Picks Stroll Fingering in the Northern Lights hand painted color way.  It was so nice to knit with.  It's my third pair of socks with stroll and I think it's my new favorite sock yarn.  I hope it wears well too.  It is a blend of merino/nylon.  The pattern is on the leg and down the top of the foot.  With the color, it's harder to see the pattern but I like it.
Here's a closer view.  The toe is plain with a Kitchener stitch close.  Can you tell I have long toes?  I like making socks to actually fit my feet.  I was able to make the toes a bit longer and they fit perfectly.  They are so comfy and I think I'll be keeping these. Yippee!  The first pair that may actually stay with me.
I immediately cast on for another pair.  I'm debating which pattern to make, the "Hermione Socks" or the "Monkey Socks".  They both begin with the same cuff so I have a little while to decide.  This is also Stroll Fingering from Knit Picks in the Seashell Tonal color way.
A little better look at the actual colors.  Such sweet tones of pink.  It reminds me of cotton candy.
The "Lala's Simple Shawl" has grown just a bit.  I love this pattern and I'm thinking of a Christmas gift or two made from this pattern.
Did you see the cute little stitch marker in the picture above.  It's a crown!  Quite appropriate for a Queen don't you think?  I found these cute little charms at Hobby Lobby and since I only had a couple of progress keepers, I splurged and made a few new ones.  Piper likes it too.  :-). The 40% off coupon was quite handy and I made eight progress keepers for only $2.99. Not bad.
And speaking of Piper.... Mandy sent me this picture yesterday.  They were out for a walk by the Cheasapeake Bay and she too this picture.  Isn't she just the cutest?  Papa said she was missing her babies!  I don't know if she just forgot them at home or why the stroller is empty.
Today this one came with the caption that "her babies are big now!"  I just adore this little girl and miss her more than I can say.  This has been the longest stretch of her little life that I haven't physically been with her.  It's been over 6 months!  Gosh I miss her and her Mommy and Daddy.  I'm not sure when I'll be able to go see them.
Next week is supposed to warm up quite a bit.  The upper 80's again and prime lake time.  We'll have to see what happens around here.  It's been two weeks since I've been at the trailer.  As much as I miss it there, I'm trying to count my blessings and enjoy my home.  I'm rereading Debbie Macombers Blossom Street series this summer and enjoying them very much.  What are you reading?

I still have lots of mittens to make, but my mitten supplies are at the trailer!  I hadn't planned to be away for more than a day or two last time I left.  That'll teach me.  Whenever I come home I need to bring all of my knitting supplies home with me.  I'll try to get started on those again this weekend if I can get my mitten mojo back.  :-)

Well, I've got to run and get the dishes out and get everything ready for this evening.  Only an hour or so before they all arrive.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend and are enjoying your summer, or winter, wherever you may be.

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age." Titus 2:11-12

Blessings always,
Betsy









14 comments:

  1. I love your socks, Betsy. That yarn combines all of my favorite colors. I enjoyed seeing Piper in your post today. She is getting so big. She doesn't look too much like a baby anymore, which is both happy and sad for a grandmother, I am sure. She seems like such a sweet little girl. I hope you will see her and Mandy again soon. Have a wonderful time with your potluck gathering!

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  2. Wow! Those socks are gorgeous! I'm glad you're keeping them.. you need maybe 6 more pair for yourself. :-) Piper is getting cuter by the day. Maybe Mandy can fly both of them to see you since your can't fly right now? Love your crown stitch markers. I think I need to make some more before I begin my sock knitting project. I miss you.. hope you can come back to Portland and stay longer next time. Hope you get to go to the lake. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  3. Lovely socks...and that shawl is gorgeous! What a little cutie pie you have there with her little stroller. Those are very clever markers you made. I was looking at charms that were on sale the other day and wondering what they would be good for and now I know!

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  4. They are indeed beautiful socks and I love the pinks of the yarn for the next pair. The shawl is a real delight and would be an amazing gift. Piper is certainly growing, it is never easy when they live away I miss mine dreadfully. Hope you have a nice gathering with you friends and that you manage to get to the lake. Take care.

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  5. Your socks are so pretty. Love that color way. I am sorry you are still having to deal with a headache. I will keep you in my prayers sweet friend. Hang in there, you will be back at the lake before you know it. :) Love the shawl, it's so pretty. I always enjoy seeing pictures of sweet Miss Piper, she is always so happy and smiling. Blessings to you always sweet friend. :)

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  6. Those socks make me want to learn how to knit - they're fabulous! I have a gift certificate for knitting lessons and I'm looking forward to learning, but those socks look difficult.
    Love the colors of your yarn for both the socks and shawl.

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  7. Hope you had a wonderful pot luck at your house Betsy. Il ove that series and I should read them all again because they are so great. Piper is indeed looking so cute and so much older!
    Hope you make it out to the trailer.
    Hugs,
    MEredith

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  8. The socks are great! Even with a headache, you manage to do so much. Sure hope you were able to get out to the lake and get back to that mitten making. :) That Piper sure is a cute one. Take care!

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  9. P.S. I absolutely LOVED the Blossom Street series

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  10. I have to say that that is one darling little girl. I can see why you miss her so.
    Congrats on socks that fit. There is nothing better!
    I love the shawl, too. Looks like relaxing knit.

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  11. I love your socks! And the progress keeper! I am going to cast on another pair today and although Hermione's is on my list I think I want to try Cherry Hearts tutorial. I found my last sock yarn but ordered more yesterday. Thanks for the info about Stroll. I've not tried it before but I do like their yarns. Have fun tonight! Hope your headache goes away and you are back to normal!

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  12. Hope the potluck went well. What is your favorite pot luck dish? I love to bring that salad that has broccoli and sunflowers seeds and shredded cheese and dressing. Oh and some bacon

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  13. Hi Betsy! Your socks are beautiful to me, too, and I also like the color of the new pair you are starting. I have only knit rectangular shawls in garter stitch, but I admire the pattern you are knitting for your shawl. I am still crocheting on the pattern that Teresa used for two of her shawls and she has since completed another shawl from a different pattern! I.a.m.s.o.s.l.o.w.... :) It is always fun to see Piper and how she is sprouting up! I'm glad your headache is diminishing!!! xx

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  14. Ah Betsy yes that little girl is enough to cheer anyone's heart. I pray God will find a way so you can all catch up. Maybe now holidays are here they can visit you..God can work miracles.
    Thanks for sharing,
    Hugs, Shaz in Oz.x

    {Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

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