Greetings, knitters and crocheters and anyone who has wandered on to minipurl's blogspot. This month I turned 39 again, just like Jack Benny. If you don't know who Jack Benny is, I have to tell you we are both kidding. I'm older than 39, but not ready for the old folks' home. I can still wrangle a classroom full of junior high students without breaking a sweat. I have to say, though, I'm glad birthdays come around only once a year. The birthday flowers are from my thoughtful son, D. Love them - they bring bright colors and hope that spring is on its way as you will also see later in the blog. Thanks, D! My husband, K, treated D and I to a terrific Italian dinner at Panighettis Eatery in Chico. Thanks, K. Happy Birthday to me.
Now onto the theme of this blog - stripes. As I said stripes aren't only for tigers .. or socks. Several years ago I came across a knitting pattern that used self-striping yarns to make scarves called "Angus - angular scarves." Here's the link and the cover photo: http://www.smallknits.com/free-patterns/angus-angular-scarf/
I made two of this red scarf, one for myself and one for my sister, C. Recently she asked me to knit another one for a friend, but I was unable to find the exact yarn.
This is the scarf I sent to my sister for her friend, K. It's knit in Deborah Norville Jeweltones. 57% Acrylic/40% Wool/3% Sequins. I ordered this yarn from JOANN.COM. The yarn is labeled a "2 - fine" weight, but seems heavier. I used size 8 needles. Self striping yarn produces such spectacular results, non knitters don't realize how easy it is to create.
This scarf is made with a bulky (5) yarn from Lion Brand. It's !00% Acrylic. I used a size 10 needle. I found this yarn at Michael's or Joann's. The striping is more subtle than the other scarves, but just as impressive. This is a very warm, soft scarf. A huge variety of self striping yarns can be found at yarn shops on the Internet in a variety of fibers and weights. I'm also knitting wash cloths for the Christmas Bazaar. I'm putting them together in little bundles and wrapping them with Chrismasy ribbon. The Internet has many, many free wash cloth patterns: Ravelry and Knitting Pattern Central are good places to start looking if you don't already have a stash of cloth patterns. Or, you could make up your own patterns!
I think most yarn lovers, also love cats and dogs that they can pet and enjoy the feel of the fur the same way we enjoy the feel of the yarn. I found this nifty basket at the thrift shop and before I could put yarn into it, my cat, Minipurl, climbed in and stayed a while, as I organized some of my novelty yarns. I like to keep them out so I don't forget what I have and because they just look beautiful.
I know it's still winter, but March arrives next week, so it's okay to start thinking it's early, early spring. The weather has been perfect for spring arrivals, a little rain and then a little sunshine.
The daffodils and crocus are the first bulbs to get all the way up. Tulips are on the way. Can't wait to see them, along with Irises and a varieties of Lilies. D planted them in the fall. These bulbs are perennials and with divide and grow again next spring. Mother Nature at her best. I'll have more to show off in the next blog.
The garden and back yard has a new guardian. A birthday present from my sister, C, a jewel of a salamander wind chime. He or she hangs on the edge of the patio roof bringing color and sparkle to a grey day as you can see by the sky in the background. Not only is there color, but tinkly sounds as the wind blows through the chimes. Thank you, C. She knows what I like.
Until next time, keep on knitting and crocheting - doing so creates inner peace.