Sweet Baby Gray

 

 

Ok...  Gray.  Gray yarn.  Mixed feelings about gray yarn. 

 

I have to say that when I was purchasing a different yarn a while back I saw this gray yarn and I was intrigued by it, mainly due to it's name:  Whisker. 

 

"Whisker" may for some bring grandfatherly images to mind.  It did for me too at first.  But then it said sweet, velvet bunny noses and soft kitty cat whiskers.  Isn't it funny how the very name of a yarn can change the way you see it?

 

However, I did not buy 'Whisker'.  But then I needed to start a baby blanket for a little girl and when I asked what colors baby's room will be I was told gray and yellow. 

 

Whisker it is then!

 

Now to make this lump of gray take on that soft, adorable, (and now feminine) feel of sweet bunny noses and butterfly light whiskers.

 

I'll let you know.

 

In the mean time I have to say just how much I have LOVED this crazy weather we've been having.  I don't know if we've ever had so much rain or cooler temps than this for this time of year.  But I'm glad. 

 

It makes it so much nicer to wander outside to visit the flowers.

 

I adore Queen Anne's Lace.  I think because it's something my grandmother showed me to love long, long ago. 

 

Happy Day to you!

xoxo

 



The Summer Scene at the Hearth Room

 

 

 

 

Birds and blooms, playtime and puzzles, swimming and summer food eaten outdoors are some of my favorite things. 

 

Just add some evening patio crochet and I'm all set. 

 

Since I did not take the time to plant seeds this spring, I'm thrilled that the birds helped out with the sunflowers and zinnias that are popping up all over!

 

The kids are really enjoying some reading and puzzle time outside, too.  There is something special about the warm, summer nights.  I think we feel like we're getting away with something by staying up past our bedtimes while it's still light outside!

 

Woody is getting loads of exercise and is showing off his handsome lack of aging.

 

Everyone gets to have their favorite pancakes on slow weekend mornings.  Peach and strawberry pancakes topped with confectioners sugar and chocolate filled crepes (ok, they're only once in a GREAT while...). 

 

Grilled chicken atop healthy greens and roasted sweet potato fries.  Yum.

 

Seriously, peel and cut up those sweet potatoes.  Toss them with olive oil and garlic, sea salt, or whatever grabs you.  Roast them for 30 or 40 minutes.  Instant happiness.

 

Summery, beachy colored yarn taking on the shape of a triangle for a new blanket. 

I'm hooked.

 

xoxo

 

 

 

 



Landscape Changes

 

The Hearth Room was surrounded by severely overgrown vegetation, which was mostly removed during the first year here.

Time was spent putting in a 1st year garden, (ugh)... and planting some little pots of color here and there. 

 



But actual landscaping took a little longer than I had planned.  If you know me, you know  I'm kind of an all or nothin' kind of girl.  I like to do things BIG and do them well.  So as Sweet P. was small and her primary goal in life was to be attached to me, I didn't worry so much about my barren landscape.  I complained about it.  I groaned about it.  I sighed a lot and found that sitting on any patio around this house was a great source of agony for my normally engaging, eager-to-achieve brain. 

 

So this summer I am learning to be patient and much kinder to myself and decided to take some baby steps and get in there and do it, (hopefully well...), even if it's not BIG.  Since Sweet P. is no longer permanently attached, but instead runs ahead most of the time, I figured here's my chance.  And hey, with Young Man being almost the same size as me I realized I may just have a Planting Partner, too.  And I did. 

 

A couple before and afters:

 



 

 

Still waiting on fairies to move in. 

 



 

 

 



 

 

Even the blue milk crate looks so much better with all the landscaping!  I'm telling you, deep down, anything functional that stands out like that milk crate does makes me crazy like a cat with a clothespin on it's tail.  But unless I want to have to remember to move it every week in time for the milk man's visit, it will remain outstanding in it's own way. 

 

This pretty phlox is a nice splash of color, but it's located in another area that I haven't taken pictures of yet, so maybe more to come.  I certainly don't have lush, mature, colorful flower beds yet, but I am enjoying the freshness of the new, cleaner look.  I especially like the softness provided by those left over pavers I repurposed.  

 



All in a day's work, with a little elbow grease, some good mud boots, and a bit of help. 

 

Thanks, kids.

 



 

 Now let's get back to some serious play while I ponder what's next.



Spring Snow

 

 

Do you see what I see? 

 

This is starting to get silly.

 

I had to pick Young Man up from the soccer field and rush home to make hot cocoa... Who knew?  I guess he should have taken snow pants and a sled instead of shin guards.

 

Those poor kids were so cold they said they couldn't even "text", lol. 

 

It's supposed to be 70 degrees Sunday.  I bet we'll have a blizzard!

 

xoxo

 

 



Collecting Seeds

 

 

 

Even with the changing season, colors are still beautiful.  We are enjoying what is probably the last of the vivid colored flowers around the Hearth Room, but we're also loving the subdued hues of the passing blooms.

 

We are gathering seeds here for next years plantings:   Zinnias, marigolds, sunflowers, and dill so far. 

 

This little bucket of old zinnia blooms is showing it's last bits of gorgeous, soft colors.  I think a blanket crocheted up in these soft colors might be pretty comfy.

 

Happy Friday to you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Sunflower Dressing

 

Axle says, "Good morning, Lovely Friends!"

 

Young Man was interested in learning how to use the Hipstamatic App on the cell phone and we snapped a few pics of his kitty.  I really liked this one.  And after visiting the Wordless Wednesday post over at  Ted & Agnes last night, I was reminded of this sweet picture and thought I'd share.  Again, Axle proves to be another fan of the Ripple!

 

 

But this is really about Sunflowers.....  Or well, it's about a shawl that ended up draped among the sunflowers, lol.  I spotted this pattern on Lion Brand a couple of years ago.  It's called the Elspeth Shawl and I just loved the stripes of the varying stitches.  So when I came across this tweed yarn called Dill Heather, I knew I had a match.  I mean, you know I love fall and you know I get very excited as fall is approaching.  As soon as I feel that crispness in the early morning air I'm sold!  Now, I know I've got a ways to go yet.  The heat's not ALL done, but it's close...

 

So along with all my Rippling activity and Secret Edging, this happened to come together very quickly!  You should try one for yourself or a gift.  If you're not a fan of the fall colors like I am, this would look great in any color or combination.  I'm thinking of doing one in a different yarn color like Claret Heather or the Marine...Or the North Pole Heather for winter.  

 

I am waiting for a couple of buttons to arrive here at the Hearth Room, then this Elspeth will be complete.  In my attempt to take a  picture of this shawl, I had to get outside.  You know the Hearth Room isn't the greatest place for light.  So as I wandered around looking for the right place to drape the Elspeth, this Sunflower waved me over, saying, "Pick me, pick me!"  I think they did a great job modeling together.

 

The Ripple is growing, the Secret Edging is growing, (and dare I say), I have also been inspired by the lovely Jules over at Little Woolie  to make a Random Stripey Blanket.  I'll share that nifty bit later!  But right now I will tell you that I think it's name should be Candy Land.  Jules is doing a crochet along, so go check it out!

 

Hope you are having a lovely week!

 

 

 

 

 



Home Sweet Home

We've been out-and-about a bit lately, finishing up summer.  I'm thankful we are not having sweltering heat and dry, brown grass...   I love that things are still looking lush and green.  The flowers in the garden are blooming like crazy!  I've really enjoyed bringing them inside,( after careful inspection for shiny, black spiders, of course).  It seems that summer has flown by.  We've tried to incorporate some fun and relaxation into our random summer schedule, but somehow it just seems we've been busier than ever.  We've tried to take the kids on a few summer getaway type outings, but it honestly felt like everything cost too much and it was more work than rest.  Everyone ended up more tired than refreshed.   I'm so glad to be home.

I still have more squash than I know what to do with, so it's being hidden in peach muffins and everywhere else I can think to stash it!  I have pulled some of the plants out that were really wilted and looking done.  It was a happy celebration, actually.  I mean, I do love the whole Garden Growing thing and am Very grateful to have Garden Success, but there comes a time when enough is enough.  Those gorgeous squash plants took over a huge space and it's nice to clean up that area somewhat now. 

Looking forward to fall is similar to going into spring for me.  It's another time of clean up and renewal.  Time to prepare for cooler months ahead. Cleaning up the yard, preparing for a warmer house, and stocking the bookshelves for the school year ahead.  Boy, we have a lot going on! 

I'm looking into some new insulating type curtains for the Hearth Room, but something that still allows light in.  It's time to crochet more valances (that actually become valances!) and I really need to work on some pillow covers.  I have a lot of ideas and not as much time!  I do happen to have some pictures of what happened to all that blue yarn to show you!  Oh, and I've been working on that Ripple like crazy!  It's grown so much and I truly think I'm loving it now.  Not that I'd do the same wild color thing again.  You know, I need more structure and control, lol... 

So I have some updates to share and will be back real soon with those. 

Happy day to you!



Assorted Crochet

It seems I have  a number of projects on various hooks lately.  I normally stick to one delightfully yummy crochet obsession at a time, so this is a bit unusual.

I always have a huge list of wanna-do's, of course, but I tend to get really in to whatever I'm doing at the moment and can't wait to get it finished.  However, this lovely project happened to jump right into the middle of my well-thought-out plans...  It's a wrap that I've wanted to try for a long time and I just happened to find a scrummy yarn that Hubby bought for me last year...  Well, had to start it.

This is what held my current interest, though...  I decided to try an apron that was actually intended to be an apron, lol.  I chose a 'linen' yarn from my stash and really liked the rustic feel it had.  Then I ran out of yarn and will have to order some once it becomes available again.  So, while my interest is unabated, my lack of yarn leaves me stuck.

Hold on there, Little Star Stitch, I'll be back!

Of course, it's the big pile of blue yarn that I'm really working on just now anyway. You know, that little swap project I need to finish. I have all four done and just want to make a fifth one for a gift. Then I can add the details to all of them and share with you here!

Ahhh, some color!  After the brown yarn, the linen yarn, and the Hipstamatic setting, geesh! 

Thank goodness for flowers growing in bright, happy colors!  I think my next yarny creation might take a hint from the above!

See you soon with (hopefully) some 'after' shots!