A difficult question - a delicate answer

This could be a Six Word Saturday heading!


My DH is not usually known for diplomacy, he's too blunt and direct. But over 30 years of marriage has taught his a few things.

Background.

My first seamless sweater, knit in a bulky wool/acrylic blend - more of a test than anything as the yarn was not expensive and I'd never knit in the round before. And of course, I knit loose and forgot to continually check my guage, hence the bulky sweater. Which I made a nice scarf and toasty hat to match with the leftover yarn.

I tried to Shrink this sweater but since it has acrylic in it, it ain't changing shape at all.

My question to him this am.

"What do you think about this sweater"? (I had it on. I know it doesn't look good. Wouldn't you think I'd have learned something after 30 years?)

As soon as the words were out of my mouth I regretted them. I braced myself for the blunt "no".

What I got was " well, the arms are slightly different lengths and without shoulders it makes your shoulders look a bit droopy, and it has no waist so doesn't show yours, but - it's not bad"

He got a kiss.

And the sweater set....might just go to a worthy cause.

Illustration Friday - Sweater

Why do I always knit my sweaters so oversized???

Animal Wednesday - Mom's new dog

This is Scruffy - a three year old Shiz-poo from Small Dog Rescue. My cousin went to get a dog for herself - and saw Scruffy - fell in love and brought it home to my mom. Mom was uncertain for a day or so, but has gradually been falling in love. She adores being greeted at the door when she comes home, and feels that the pooch is "very smart".

I think it's just what she needs right now. I'm a bit worried about an 87 year old with a 3 year old dog but we'll cross that bridge if and when we need to. She's happy with the pup, it "loves" her and it's a distraction. Wonderful!

Happy - late in the day - Animal Wednesday

Animal Wednesday...on Sunday

My All Time Yearly Animal Event. Go Puppies!!!

The Power of Water and Wool

I've been teaching myself knitting for a few years. I've made a few items, most of which I felt were unwearable. The one that is wearable I made in a class and I didn't use wool that was (picture me saying this with my nose in the air) Up To My Standards. In other words, it was mostly acrylic but that's what they sold us for the class.

Last fall I started a new sweater with some lovely purply wool that I found. I've knitted and knitted and FINALLY finished it the other day of the snowstorm. Then I did a great thing. I followed instructions - probably for the first time in my life - and blocked the sweater. I wet it and got rid of the excess water, and blocked it on a blocking board using blocking pins.

O.....M.....G....

It actually came out looking like a sweater. I'm wearing it now, it's warm as all get up. It looks pretty good on. It's not too big and the sleeve don't hang funny.

So now I've gone back to the other purple-mohair sweater that I knit (which looked as if it would fit a monster with arms coming straight out from somewhere between it's shoulders and it's waist) and am blocking that. If it comes out wearable - then Hallelujah - miracles do happen.

You true knitters probably know all this already. I knew it but didn't believe it, but there really can be magic in the reaction between water and wool.

Day off work

Tuesday, Feb 2
I was sitting at my computer desk this afternoon - working away - when I looked out the window and saw this image. Do you see him? Easter Island type guy?


I ran out onto the porch and got a closer shot. Do you think I should apply for a miracle status - a tree with a face? Speaking of porches - this is the exit from my front porch. There is a nice pebble pathway under there somewhere, and one steps gently from the porch to the path and can stroll out to the front lawn. NOT!!!

Here is what it looks like in summer. Gorgeous, warm, green.

Yes, summertime is wonderful and gorgeous, but winter and snow agree with my atavistic cave desire. As long as I don't have to tromp around in it in work attire, I really love snowstorms and snow. I love the winter quiet, and hushed woods. I adore not having to do errands, and being able to sit and knit for hours while the snow falls. It soothes something in me - I feel warm and cozy (because I am - lucky person, me), lazy yet inspired. Lots of knitting got done today. Sweater blocked. A book finished. Easy dinner. Balm to a very busy year.

To me, summer wouldn't be half as much wonderful without winter. Deep dark cozy winter.

Animal Wednesday - and more snow pictures...what else is there to do???

I know that all of us in the Northeast have been whining about the snow. It's not that this is the snowiest winter that we've had - others have given us more snow - but it's that it just keeps coming with a storm every week! We usually go weeks between storms, but this winter it's days.

So....we do what we can to make silk purses out of sow's ears.

DH and I thought that this icicle looked like a snake with it's mouth open hanging from the roof. I kinda think it's a stretch, but like to encourage his enthusiasm for Animal Wednesday. So here is a cold, icy, snake of an icicle.



Penguins....that's what we should have around here!



And today is Groundhog day! Normally I detest groundhogs. At our old house, we had one who lived up in the orchard that we called Rizzio. He really didn't bother us - there was enough to eat in the orchard. But in this house, we are surrounded (somewhat) by other houses so the GH here eats my flowers and vegetables. So, we don't like him or his brethren.
But I just saw Puxataney Phil on the TV, they woke him up to see if he saw his shadow...and he really looked so cute. Sorta sleepy and "why did you wake me up, but it's OK" wriggley nose look. According to the yahoos who were all dressed up holding the sleepy animal, Phil didn't see his shadow - which means an early spring. BRING IT ON!!!


My back porch disappearance progression continued.

A few weeks ago.

Last weekThis morning

Icicles over my back stairs - watch out!

The back door tunnel - cool eh?

Happy Animal Wednesday to those of you who can actually SEE animals - around here they are under the snow somewhere.