A Bluebird Sky Day, YAY!!!

Good Morning Everyone!

I don't know about you, but I am very thankful the dreadful humidity has moved along. I'm actually wearing a sweater, shorts and Ugg boots, it's a bit chilly when you stop moving. I checked the temperature and bravely exited the house without a sweatshirt hoping the hike up the hill would warm me up. It did, it was absolutely perfect, NO BUGS, I reached the top just as the sun was through the trees. An extra bonus, I have a new owl friend that is hanging out, it's not Walter, I think it's the mama owl I saw the other morning, she's smaller. She was chirping so I think her owlet may have been close by, there were crows circling which is never a good sign. Bernie wasn't impressed and patiently waited for me to finish my conversation with her, yep, I talk to owls. I was surprised she was still perched in the same place as we made our way out, I guess she wanted to say, "Have a nice day!" And a nice day it will be, guess what??? ANDRA IS COMING TODAY!!!

I already texted her a few pictures from this morning's adventure and told her we'd be "working" on the porch, I AM SO EXCITED! As you know, my happy place is the porch, it brings me so much joy and is extra beautiful, my bridal wreath is in full bloom. My peonies and clematis are simply exploding, I was out in my yard pulling weeds yesterday, the ground was perfectly saturated making the weeding super easy, phew. I discovered a couple gorgeous light pink blooms bent over from the deluge of rain, I rescued them, they look beautiful on my kitchen table.

I finished my Audrey's Pullover, I get to unroll it from the towels today! It's going to be the perfect day to let her dry outside, 70 degrees with a sunny blue sky. I loved knitting this sweater, the details are simple but incredibly tailored. I am obsessed with the design of the neckline and how she incorporated the CDD at the V-neck section, it's stunning! I have found her patterns to be well written, her directions are spot on. Honestly, I don't require the level of detail she gives, but they are fantastic for knitters that are beginning the journey to sweater knitting. It is definitely a step up from accessory knitting and a well written pattern is the key when you take the plunge down the rabbit hole. Her newsletter is extremely informative, full of tips and is just fun to read, it's one of my favorites. Here's her website again elizabethsmithknits.com she evens gives you a free pattern when you sign up, BONUS!

Now the big decision, WHAT TO CAST ON NEXT???? It's horrible, it's almost as bad as trying to decide on what to make for dinner. Actually, it's not, I hate deciding dinner, the next sweater just overwhelms me, SO MANY CHOICES!! I really think Jenn Steingass' Thistlewood is going to make the cut. I am dying to knit up my Artyarns Cloud and Beaded, Sequined, Silk Mohair, can you blame me? I can envision the floral yoke and it's going to be stunning, I can't stand it! I may just have to do some winding after I finish this up...

I have been thinking about the next sweater as I continue working on the Quiltstar Shawl MKAL. I am having so much fun watching it take shape, it's such an interesting construction. I should have my square close to finished by the time Clue #3 drops tomorrow. I am learning a lot as I go, mainly to take my time to comprehend what she's telling me. She does the W&T's a little bit differently, which I discovered while helping Sue the other day. I had to reacquaint myself with W&T, I always substitute German short rows (which will not work for this). Luckily, Gabrielle included step by step directions on how to do them. She doesn't have you bring the yarn to the front then slip the stitch, wrap, slip back and turn. It's just a slip purlwise, wrap, turn and slip back, easy peasy. As always, as long as you're consistent, there's no wrong way.

I am heading to the porch to lay out my sweater, then I'll go wind my yarn, and then plant myself until Andra arrives. We will be meeting tomorrow evening, Wednesday 6-7:30 for Stitch and Bitch, I hope you can join in the fun. Make it a great day and I'll see you soon!

Katy