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

 

Hello winter

A weekend away; pizza nights; knitting socks and hats; pottery; painting in my sketchbook and winter growing – mushrooms and micro greens… 
Even though it’s dark and more than a little cold, I’ve been busy! What about you, what are you up to? Enjoy your weekend, Ill be busy… making! J xoxo

Early winter snaps and new socks

It was the Queen’s birthday weekend holiday today, and this afternoon we took a beautiful walk through the Hamilton gardens…

The air has a cold chill to it, but  the sun is still lovely and warm. A holiday on a Monday is a perfect start to the week, if only every Monday could be spent this way 🙂

And, in other news, I finished Carter’s new socks. He’s rather pleased with them… but convincing him to sit still for long enough to take a photo – that took about a week!

I’ve cast on another pair already!

Thank you for the lovely reassuring comments in the last post. Maia arrived home from camp on Friday, safe and sound. She had a lovely time! But oh was I glad to have her home 🙂

How did your week start? Jxx

An octopian air plant

I have many different varieties of Tillandsia (otherwise know as air plants) dotted around my house. This one is particularly beguiling I think, with its octopus like arms it looks like it would be most at home under the sea.

Instead it lives attached to a stick above my kitchen sink, hanging out with all the kitchen utensils. A perfect little spot for him, lots of light, nice and warm with occasional steam 🙂

I’d like to report that after running out of cotton, I finally finished my doily. It’s currently drying outside in the sun after a ‘no pins’ blocking. As soon as I get some photos I’ll be back to share it with you. How’s your weekend going? J xoxo

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

 

Slowly…

Like this tiny snail, I’m taking things more slowly this week. We’re still recovering from the bugs, but there’s only one more week left of the school term so looking forward to the break like a light at the end of the (winter) tunnel. Unlike this snail, I’m not cruising around outside much so you’re more likely to find me snuggled up in front of the fire 🙂