Lacey Goodness . . .

Yup, I has lace!

Beginning of lace scarf

I wasn't sure how the colours would work out, but it's striping very nicely. The Cashsilk Fern Scarf  is a fairly straight-forward pattern with both written instructions and a chart.  Using stitch markers to separate the 16-stitch pattern repeats helps me catch potential mistakes early.

Detail of seed stitch border

Initially I used a seed stitch border for the first four rows before starting the lace pattern.  I also added an additional 5 stitches on either end to continue the seed stitch (in the hope of controlling the fabric's tendency to curl--hate the curl!).  I just hope there will be enough yardage to make the scarf long enough . . . 

Yummy Yarn

Yarns Plus Silken Twist in seascape

I bought this yummy silk-wool blend almost four years ago at Romni Wools in Toronto (Plan to visit family in TO over the summer, so hopefully there's a trip to Romni Wools in the near future).

Cashsilk Fern Scarf with yarn

At just over 400 yards, I'm hoping there is enough to make a reasonably long lace scarf for yours truly (I think the colours will compliment nicely with my turquoise winter jacket).  I was eyeing Cashsilk Fern Scarf, a pattern I'd added to my Rav fave list almost five years ago.

After reading comments from others who've made the scarf, I decided to add a moss stitch border along the ends and on either side.  That's an extra 10 stitches to the 66-stitch width.  I hope my scarf will still be long enough . . . 

Queen of Buttons

Yup, I feel like the queen of buttons.  Check out my stash:

Various assorted buttons

Yup, I haz buttons!  Lots of selection and that suits me just fine.  It gives me options when I need to use buttons for a project.

I've also got a stash of colourful ones which often work great for children's clothing or accessories.

Sorted colourful buttons

I've separated them into their various colours.  Me thinks I need to sort through the other buttons too.

Why was I looking through the button stash?  To find the perfect ones for my nephew's Baby Sophisticate.  The collar is complete and all the ends have been woven in.  I only need 4 buttons to finish it off.  I narrowed it down to a few possibilities:

Possible choices 

After "trying out" a few and consulting with my boys, I settled on two possibilities: plain wooden buttons and tarnished brass ones.

Wooden or brass?

I'm leaning towards the wooden ones 'cuz that's how I envisioned the finished sweater when I initially chose this colour for the project.  Decisions, decisions, decisions . . . 

Mother's Day

In honour of Mother's Day. . . . 

Hoping all the moms have a wonderful day, shared with loved ones. :)

Progress

One sleeve is complete.  Yay for me!

Detail of finished sleeve

And I've started work on the second sleeve.  Hard to see with the two circulars (my favorite method for working in the round--less likely to have ladders.  Guess everyone uses whatever method works for them).  A couple of inches left to go . . . (but don't hold your breath 'cuz I've been working in the yard this weekend).

In-progress second sleeve

Even managed to get myself out to knit night.  It's been a year--at least.  With the school semester done, I plan to get out more regularly 'cuz I usually get some knitting time in and it's nice to connect with like-minded crafters.

WIP

Time to start looking for another project.  I find that if there's a new yarn or project waiting for me, the incentive bolsters my odds of finishing that WIP.  ;)

Score!

Our local library held a book fair where books were a dollar a pound.  Many of the books had been donated from the local community. Hubby picked up quite a few cookbooks, and some novels from favorite authors.  

I found some items too.  Curious to try out some of the techniques in this how-to-watercolour book.

Instruction book on watercolour painting

I also found a couple of lovely gardening books, both of which were quite new.

Gardening books

The biggest score: knitting books!  Happy to have found a couple of knitting books.

Stitch dictionary and book on baby knits

There was a Harmony Guide stitch dictionary and one on vintage baby knits.  Hard to pass these up.  Excited to leaf through these this weekend.

Happy Birthday . . .

To me!

We celebrated the night before with a wonderful supper at a local restaurant, followed by cake and presents at home.

While presents are not necessary, I did receive something rather special from my family.

Pretty 18" doll with glasses

Meet the latest addition to my 18" doll collection.  A cute brunette with glasses and school uniform.  It's me in a box! ;)