Lettuces, life and a new hat…

Don’t wait for someone to bring you flowers, plant your own garden and decorate your own soul – Luther Burbank.This quote seemed fitting as I was pottering in the garden this afternoon,  contemplating life, planting out lettuces and harvesting greens for a salad to have with dinner.Maybe it’s that spring is only now really making her presence felt, the winter has seemed to drag on so loooong. Maybe it’s that I’ve just had another birthday, or maybe it’s just that there’s so much going on in our life at the moment that there doesn’t seem to be enough hours or days or weeks to fit everything in – but whatever the reason I’m feeling a little unsettled just now. Maybe I could solve the unrest simply by spending more time in my garden. Meditatively weeding, planting and harvesting… as you can see it’s blooming into life after the cold and wet of winter. It has grown into a veritable forest of greenery and daily we are rewarded with it’s bounty.This week I  finished a hat (for me), which had languished much longer on the needles than it should have.Many mistakes were made and it was repeatedly banished to the naughty box only to be pulled out a few days later, frogged back and re-knit. The wool is so soft, I love the colour and as you can see, it is a very pretty pattern. I really love the way it turned out.  However for me, who needed to concentrate to keep track of where I was at, it was not a pattern for mindless knitting when tired, with disruptions or even in front of tv… You can find the pattern here (don’t be put off by me it’s a lovely pattern, truly!).

I’m very glad it’s now done, which might be a sign that I should finish some of the other half finished projects I have lying around! Next time I think I’ll stick to crochet – so if you have a good suggestion for a crochet hat please let me know, as Ive promised Maia a new (winter!?) hat. I’d better get a move on if it’s to be finished before our temperatures move permanently into double digits! xo ~ J

 

Some coloring and lavender crochet mittens

Mixing up the weekend crafting…

First a little coloring in and then finishing off these crochet mittens, which I think Ill give to one of the children’s teachers for an end of year gift. You can find the free crochet pattern here.

What are you working on? Jxox

In my sketchbook

Well my navy blue crochet top is officially in the naughty spot. It’s been a bit hit and miss, love the color and the yarn, but the pattern has been a bit less intuitive than I like… earlier in the week while crocheting in front of the TV I messed up and didn’t realise for quite a few rows (read nights) so had a major unravel to get back to where the mistake was. Then last night when I was admiring my handiwork (most of both sides now finished) I realised I’ve used a bigger hook on this section than I began the garment with. Gah.  Unravel? Continue and pretend I didn’t notice? Ignore it for a few days/weeks/months??  I’ll report back soon.

So I thought I’d share something that I do enjoy working on at present, my sketch book…I have always loved to draw… it is when I feel most at peace with myself.

Here are some of my favourite pages… I could spend all day, every day drawing. I wish I did! The last one Ill share with you is this one;A very important message dear friends!And before I go, a few more shots of that beautiful spring blossom 🙂 You’re welcome! I feel better already. Now I’m off to find a little crochet project I can work on and complete quickly… xxooxx ~ Janette

 

Weekend crochet…

Hello! Just thought I would stop by and share my Sunday morning crochet with you.Not to mention my beautiful new crochet hook wrap (thank you Nola)……. nor the perfectly in bloom miniature Cattleya orchid. I’m very proud of its beauty and abundance of blooms. I could pretend this is due to my wonderful care and attention, but alas I neglected it for a year until last week when I noticed it was in bud and brought it in from the cold to show on our dining room table. And a few freesias, which smell divine and are popping up all over – giving me hope that spring is indeed here.

A few quiet moments and a cup of tea. Bliss!Just so you are under no illusions that I am alone, here’s wider view of my table this morning – the children are entertaining themselves creating a miniature theater in the sun 🙂I hope you have a happy Sunday! J xox

Colourful…

I had to stop when I rode past the gardens on my bike today… the flowers were just glorious! 

They were an almost shocking contrast to the bare branches of the surrounding trees…

I love the color of spring 🙂

How Ive missed you red, pink, purple, yellow and orange…

I must bring the children back for a photo on that park bench!

What’s blooming in your world? xx

Magnificent Magnolias

The weather has warmed up considerably in the past few days, and with it so to has my enthusiasm for spending time out of doors.

There are signs of spring everywhere, but not least in the magnificent magnolias which are blooming in our street. My heart lifts every time I see them. Usually as I rush by, this way or that… to school, to work, to gym, to violin,  to swimming and (somewhat exhausted) home again.

Today I went out walking not once but twice – with my camera in tow – to enjoy the spring air and to photograph these amazing blooms to share with you.

In the morning…

And the evening…

As the sun set went down they seemed to get only more beautiful.The evenings are getting longer, tonight it was just bright enough for a quick ‘scoot’ around the neighbourhood after dinner.

“Hurry up Mum!”,“No time for any more photos!” xx