Snow

I don't mind the snow.  Really, I don't. 

But there comes a day each year when I say, "Ok, that's enough."  That day usually happens sometime in February.  I'm ready to hand in my boots and coat for a garden rake. 

That day has come and gone for me this year.  I'm ready for spring. I'm thinking ... tulips and daffidols. Chirping birds.  Blossoming apple trees.  Bees humming. Warm sunshine.

And this is what we woke up to today ~~

I guess I wear my boots awhile longer this year

The Morning After

Yesterday the word of the day was snow.  It snowed all day long without stopping for even a few moments.  This morning, I woke up to this ~  and it was a picture perfect morning!

And now, a few hours later, the snow is starting again - gently falling as is my world is in a snow globe. 

This is the time of the year when I love to knit.  It is so relaxing to hear the needles clicking and gliding in rythym while sitting next to the fire and sipping hot chocolate.

And here is the result of my snow day ~~  This fun and warm scarf in none other than winter white!

This scarf is worked with very large size 14 (US) double pointed needles.  I found working with them a bit clumbsy at first, but got used to them quickly.  This scarf is a very quick knit and forms it's own shape with no raw edges.   I don't think that gauge and sizing is important on this scarf as it can be modified and worked in what ever yarns are on hand.  I used 2 strands of Bernat Softee Chunky yarn.  The entire scarf took about one 100 gram ball.  I used 2 balls at one time and have a  half ball of each left over. This measures 87 inches long and 2.25 inches wide.  

I think I will try mixing some yarns together to see how it turns out.  It only took about 2 hours of knitting time altogether, so it is a fun, quick knit!  You still have time to whip some up for Chirstmas gifts and impress your friends.

Here is the pattern for those of you who would like to give it try ~

Materials:
Size 14 (US) Double Pointed Knitting Needles
160 yards of chunky yarn (80 yards of each using 2 strands)
Cable holder or 5th double pointed needle
Yarn Darning Needle
Stitch Marker

Guide:
K = Knit
CF4 = Cable Front 4 stitches

Making Cables:  CF4 – Cable 4 stitches - Slip first 2 knit stitches onto double pointed needle or cable
holder and hold in front of work. Knit next 2 stitches from left hand needle then knit the 2 stitches directly from the double pointed needle.

Cast on 12 stitches evenly on 3 double pointed needle (4 on each needle) holding 2 strands of yarn together.
Connect making sure there are no twisted stitches. Add your stitch marker to right hand needle.

Round 1: K
Round 2: K
Round 3: K
Round 4:  K4, CF4, K4
Round 5: K
Round 6: K
Round 7: K
Round 8: K
Round 9: K
Round 10: K

Repeat Rounds 4 - 10 to desired length
Then do 3 more rounds of K  and bind off

Weave in loose ends and add fringe if desired

Stay Warm and Happy Holidays!

Snow

Yes, it is snowing and blowing and cold.

I just put a pot of beef stew on to simmer all day and then knit a bit by the fire.   The perfect day!

Snowing ~~ AGAIN....

I don't mind snow. Really, I don't. It makes everything so clean and pretty.

Typically, I enjoy it until one day in February I wake up and say, "OK, enough. It can go away at any time now."

It seems that day in February is coming sooner and sooner each year. In fact, it is still January and I said it already! But this is what we woke up to here in Central NY





Don't forget to visit me on etsy, shophandmade and artfire!

Snow Covered Berries ~

My newest bowl arrives just in time to celebrate winter as Central New York woke up to over a foot of snow yesterday morning.

Yes, I did say over a foot...

Here is a picture taken Sunday morning and the same area taken on Monday morning ~~












And here are a couple shots just to give you a reference for the depth:















But this one is my favorite.. one of the old apple trees:
























And so I dedicate my newest bowl to snow. I love how it clings to every tiny branch and blankets nature for the winter. The design on my bowl reminds me of a forgotton berry bush sprinkled with the white stuff deep in the woods. I hope you will enjoy it as well!



Available for purchase at valeriesgallery.etsy.com.

Sunday ~~ Family Update

It has been a hectic week here at the Kessler homestead!

I have been putting in extra hours at my day job with end of year billing reconciliations and 2009 expense projections. Daryl has been working 10 hour days plus Saturdays, so that alone has been taking much of our time.

But we have found time to work on the room that will transform into our office / library. This is the room that we have used as a storage room for the past 5 years and measures 17 x 15 feet with 8.5 feet ceilings (large to say the least). Daryl spent the last few months reinforcing some structural work and this past week making sure the studs are 16 on center and leveling the ceiling. Next step.. Putting the insulation up.


I woke up to flurries this morning, so the insulation is pretty important!



Erin called and told me she has applied for a correspondent position with a child magazine of National Geographic... Keep your fingers crossed for her!

My grandson called to tell me he loved me and that I was beautiful (he was definately prompted for that one!) Sara and Kris are busily working on getting the barn completed for their new sheep.

Jason is going to visit at Christmas from North Dakota. He seems to be doing well. (Honey.. if you are reading this blog.. call home more often!)

Katie is wrapping up her first semester at community college. So far she has 4 B's and 1 D. She worked frantically to get some extra credit work in on time to move that D a bit north this week.

My niece, Lisa called and we had a great chat! She is working in Seattle WA and was home in Michigan to be in her friends wedding. She and her roommate just got a new puppy.

I had a table at a small craft fair yesterday. Sales were minimal, but I made a lot of friends and connections. I have decided that I just can't compete with resellers and need to target art fairs and festivals rather than craft fairs.

So now, dear family... you are up to date!

Now I am off to clean and do the grocery shopping. Take care!