Casting On

In the spirit of new things in a new year I have decided to make myself a sweater! This is very exciting for several reasons. Number one I have never followed a knitting pattern...aaaannnd to knit most anything other than a scarf or a pot holder, you kinda need to be able to read a pattern. So after much searching the interweb I found Stefani Japel's Boyfriend Sweater pattern.

So far everything is going smoothly. I have some circular bamboo knitting needles that are by far my favorite to use, they are much easier on my hands and wrists than straight ones. Although I am knitting a cardigan, and not a pull over, I am still using the circular needles making the weight much easier to control as it grows.

I have just taken off the stitches that will eventually make the sleeves, and am working on the back/body. I still am not quite sure how I am going to knit the sleeves...I understand the "magic loop" method in theory, but have never had cause to do it! After that I anticipate my next challenges being the knit ribbing and button holes, both skills also brand new to me.
I do love the purple color of the wool yarn that I chose, and no matter how this looks when I am done, I am gonna have me a warm cuddly sweater.

Today feels like: Purple

We have had the most lovely west coast sunsets recently. I don't know what kind of cold, cloudy, wintery weather we need to get the sky to be those colors...but I certainly couldn't resist snapping some shots.

Photography and documenting have been an increasing interest to me over the last few years. I talked a little about that in this post, and am excited to be finally printing some of my pics and working on a collage wall in our stairway. It still amazes me regularly what wonderful pictures can be taken with a simple point and shoot  camera or a cellphone (not really news, I know..)...but still very cool. 

So here's to foggy mornings, warm coffees and purple filled days.

Mehndi Monday

I love doing my mehndi on ceramic or wooden surfaces. Here are two plane white 4"x4" ceramic tiles that I have added my original henna design.

Getting back into the swing of things in this new year, and excited for some new projects I have in the works! Including some henna inspirations, knitting challenges and sewing adventures. Looking forward to a project filled, handmade year. Have a great Monday everyone.

Instagramin

I have finally joined the world and started instagraming! Check out my pics here. So far it has been super fun, the app is really simple to use on my new Nokia Lumia phone, aaaanndd it takes awesome pictures. I must admit that the camera has been my favorite part of my new toy.

I don't use many filters on photos I post on the blog, so playing with all the vintage and hipstimatic colors has been a blast. Be sure to follow along with my progress, and I want to see all your pics too. Happy photo taking!

Captured Moments

A Friday ritual. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment to pause, savor, and remember.

If you are inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

deGroot Violin circa 1982ish. Handcrafted by my amazingly talented father.
Since I have been little, I could spot one of my Dad's instruments amongst a sea of other violins. To me the varnish, the cut of the tiny edges, the delicate inlay, all combine to make more than a piece of wood that makes sound...but a unique work of art.

(This segment inspired by soulemama.com) 

Snow and Smuggling

Winter has officially set in round these parts. Though snow is not unheard of, it is not super common where we live...and his has been coooooooold. These days have been full of homemade soups, hot coffees and snuggy hats. There has also been a lot of knitting happening, as I have been working on my first Yarn Bombing project. More to come on that! 

Also the colder it gets, it seems that I want everyone and everything around me to be nestled in knitted comfort. It seems there are never enough hats or blankets or hot water bottle covers......

Challenge Accepted!

But there is new life around, with the introduction of some indoor plants recently. I felt like an intercontinental plant smuggler (I know...sounds exciting doesn't it)...as I sneaked these lovelies on my carry-on bag, flying from the east coast to the west. Technically I didn't do anything wrong, but it sure felt scandalous going through TSA.
The jade is abundant, and I am already finding all sorts of nooks of sunlight to keep my beauties happy. As I have stated previously, my thumb is not super green but I want to be a better gardener.... I think 2014 is going to be full of new life and very green indeed.
Have a wonderful Monday All.

Captured Moments

A Friday ritual. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment to pause, savor, and remember.

If you are inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

First snow. Blissful December All.

(This segment inspired by soulemama.com)