Emptyknitster

Brother Scott was going to go home with a new pair of socks at the conclusion of his visit but I just didn't have the sock knitting mojo. They're done now, in fact, I have another pair of Stashbusters on the needles! Pattern:Stashbuster Spirals Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks FX - Cadet colors           Patons Kroy Socks Jacquards - Denim           Patns Kroy Ragg Shade - Grey Brown Mari Needles: US Size 1

Earlier this spring I ran across this blog photo and fell in love with the entryway... I thought I could create something similar this summer. During one of our recent trips to California we went to the once a month flea market in Alameda. I saw an antique cabinet being loaded off a truck and immediately bought it knowing the cabinet would be the center to the arrangement. The California Dreamin' Gurl indulged me and promised to ship the cabinet to Montana. A few plates were my mom's but I've been looking for plates in the local thrift shops as well as during our trip to NorDakPurl's in June.  I'm happy with the result!

While The Pirate was visiting we had a nice discussion about his Christmas sweaters. Something is coming between him and every single one of his Christmas sweaters - the Pirate Sweater.  He loves the pattern, the fit, the hood the yarn, everything about his Pirate Sweater. I explained I LOVE knitting him sweaters but I also want them to be worn. We came to a mutual decision to knit another Pirate Sweater, Pirate Sweater II is dieing.  He would like to have it for the new school year. (Last winter he explained to his mom that he didn't want to wear any other sweater to school because it would call attention to him - he's known for his Pirate Sweater.) We went to the yarn shop and I said he could choose any yarn  he wanted. The Pirate chose a tweed (like Pirate Sweater I and II) but in ruby not green. I was proud The Pirate was stretching out of his comfort zone! It wasn't until we got home that his sister shared The Pirate choose ruby because there was only one skein o...

This summer has been a hot and dry. Several days ago we had a quarter of an inch of rain and the next morning there were dozens of dragonflies zooming around the front yard. Our house is "high and dry" so this was an unusual site. This morning when doing "the rounds" I saw a three inch dragonfly on the window screen... I've been watching chokecherries ripen along the road near our house for the last couple of weeks. The heat is creating a bountiful crop - I called the NorDakPurlGurl to see if she was interested in making some syrup or jam. Eight pounds later, she'll be making jam after our next visit!

Feeling at home in our backyard.

Christmas Sweater knitting has been slow going this summer, I  just finished my second of six... Pattern: Tiny Top Down #608 by Cabin Fever (with modifications) Yarn: Cascade 220 Colorway: Mallard and Cordovan Amount: 2 skeins of each Needle Size: US Size 5 and 6 The basic sweater line is from the Cabin Fever pattern but I added cuffs at the wrists and bottom. I love this sweater for my youngest Grandkiddo! Earlier I had started this sweater for Nephew Joe. At first, I was concerned about the contrast between the two colors. I realized it wasn't the two color combinations bothering me but the age appropriateness of the colors for an 8th grader. In my school world it just wasn't going to work - I am almost certain it would have turned into an "Auntie" sweater onlypulled out when I appeared....

Last weekend the brothers breezed into town for a quick visit. We enjoyed our adventures, playing games, catching up on family happenings, and meals together. All four cousins enjoyed their visit but the two little ones created quite a friendship.  Our time together quickly came to an end and we sadly had to say good bye until the next visit! Sam. Cameron, Joe, and Chloe