Reversible Cables

Using some left over yarn from a sweater, I thought I would try to do a scarf with reversible cables.

After searching Ravelry, I found a nice pattern called Braid Cable Reversible Hiking Scarf  by Jeanna Quinones.  I made it a bit longer than the pattern indicates, which requires more yarn, but I just kept knitting until I ran out.

This is the first time I did  a reversible cable, and it is actually quite easy.  The concept is that the pattern is done in rib (knit one, purl one) and when the cables are made, it is the same on the back as it is on the front.  Incredible... just like magic!

If you are a cable lover, most definitely give this technique a try!

Signs of Autumn

Summer is a short season here in upstate New York and each year it seems to slip by with greater speed than the year before.   Next weekend is Labor Day, marking the end of long days, hot nights, ice cream cones, BBQs and fireflies.

I spent the day yesterday cleaning up the garden, pulling the plants that stopped producing and not too much is left.  I had a rough year with tomatoes this year, with very little product.  And only a few cucumbers, but the beans and peas did well. And of course, the zucchini always does well.  How is it that I can pick all there is one day and go out the next and there is a 2 foot zucchini that wasn't there the day before? Zucchini must have some mighty powerful growing magic.

All that is left are the sweet peppers, some very scant tomato plants and the pumpkins.  The pumpkins.  Well, they pretty much took over the garden this year.  Well, actually, they took over the yard as well as the garden.  A few more weeks and they will be ready!

I will definately miss summer, but I love fall.  I love the crisp mornings and the way the sun changes it's angle.  There is a different light on things in the fall.  The colors explode and the smell of dried leaves fills the air. I love going for a walk and the sound of the leaves crunching with every step.  I love the colors, the smells, the sounds and and coolness.  Yes, we have signs of color already here. 

Of course fall marks the beginning of knitting season (although I do knit all year round).  But something about starting a project in the fall is different.  My thoughts begin to roam as I knit. I think about pot roast, stews and soups and baking again.  Apple pies and apple cider. When my kids were little, it was about getting back to school, getting organized, getting back on schedule.  I love autumn.

I got up early this morning, before the rest of the household and watched the sun burn off the fog.  As I sipped coffee and thought about the end of summer, I couldn't resist casting on this scarf with some gorgeous minimoochie yarn in bright autumn colors.  Every row is amazing as I watch the colors make the scarf come alive.  And every stitch makes me look forward to autumn even more!

Here is to hoping that everyone is enjoying fall knitting projects as much as I am.  Enjoy!!

A Spash of Color

This week I dug out some roving that I purchased last year and finally spun it up into delicious yarn.  I usually strive to have consistant thickness, but this time I let the roving speak and become what ever it wanted to become.  I ended up with 268 yards of fun, bright orange creamsicle, thick and thin yarn.  I don't know what type of wool this is, but I am guessing some mohair and some costswold based on the crimp.  But who cares?  It came out lovely and the color just makes me smile! 

I also knit up a couple of baby girl hats in sweet lavender and pink. I think there is something telling me that my son and his girlfriend will have a girl this time.. or perhaps just wishful thinking. We found out this week that a new baby will be joining our family sometime in December or January and I am really looking forward to this new baby! Keep your fingers crossed for a girl.. but boy oh boy.. boys can be fun too!

I am working through my original patterns... Remaking the items so I can retake photos, so I started with my hooded scarf. I absolutely love working this scarf and I think I finally got a half way decent photo this time. Remember... I am in upstate NewYork where the wind and snow can get the better of anyone. This is the perfect hood and scarf for our type of weather. 

New This Week ~

I've been a busy lady this past week ~

Here are the newest of new items available for purchase at my etsy shop:

Set of 4 nesting bowls that will brighten up any room in your home. They can also be used as an educational toy for toddlers to learn stacking, sorting and colors:








This softer than soft knit scarf makes a wonderful gift for women and teens. The colors remind me of a mixed berry sorbet! And it is just as soothing!



Here is a lovely felted coin purse made with a handmade button from thebuttonshop. This would make a lovely gift for the hard to buy for lady on your list!



Come visit my shop and see all the latest... and don't forget to comment on the entry below to win one of the newest line of felted bangles.

New Knit Scarf ~~ Cables with a Twist

Yes, I know... Cables ARE a twist!

I just finished making an incredibly light and fluffy scarf in which I made cables along each edge and I am so pleased with the result. These added cables create a scalloped edge and provide stability to the scarf itself. What a beautiful way to keep it from stretching or loosing shape. This technique is new to me and I am sure that I will be using it more often in the future.


Photographed with my grandmother's antique crocheted table cloth in the background, I think it is rather stunning!


This scarf is available for purchase in my etsy shop and would make a great gift for women and teens.

Red, White and Blue ~~~

Just feeling a bit patriotic on election day this year and showing my colors!











Hoping that everyone will get out and vote today!

Welcome Matilda to my Etsy Shop

After much shopping and deliberation, I finally plunked down my money and bought a manequin to display scarves.

She arrived today and I immediately named her Matilda who I will call Millie for short. So far she has done a fantastic job!

I spent all day re-photographing scarves I am happy with the results.








Now, I need to get those knitting needles going and create more scarves! I hope you will browse around in my etsy shop and enjoy what you see!