The Woolen Rabbit

The Colors of November............

The mind that turns ever outward
Will have no end to craving.
Only the mind turned inward
Will find a still-point of peace.
Deng Ming Dao

With the vibrant colors of Autumn now past, we move into that in between period of November.  When I was younger this along with March were the 2 months that I loathed.  Usually cold and dreary months with not much to offer, but as I have aged, I have have actually come to enjoy November..........and it's soft subtle colors.

Come take a short walk with me and see the colors of my November............

The beautiful silvery taupe remnants in the fields of Baby breath and other flowers that surround our yard......

 

The grass that was once tall and green, now a beautiful shade of champagne beige is settling in for a long winter's nap.

and the soft tender chestnut brown leaves that will keep that grass covered while it sleeps...

 

Even Aestlight was tempted to nestle in amongst the warm soft gentle shades of November on her first outing.....

Taking a cue from my surroundings it is no wonder that these lovely fabrics from the Rouenneries line of The French General are what appeal to me right now....

 

...along with this soft taupe Bison/Cashmere yarn from Fibre~Isle.  See....there are lots of things to love about November if you look in the right places.....

Aestlight Shawl

Pattern: Aestlight
Yarn:  Woolen Rabbit Kashmir
Colorway:  "Rib Bit"
Needles:  US size size 6

This pretty shawl is one of the things that I made while I was away.  The pattern is Aestlight and is constructed in a manner that I have never done before.  It has you start where the garter stitch point is.....knit your all of your garter work and then basically flip it, pick up stitches and continue on with the open lace work.

I'm not entirely sure that I really enjoyed this process, but I am really pleased with how it turned out.  I made the smaller sized shawl which made for a fast knit, but it is still big enough to wrap around your neck and who doesn't like a little cashmere around their neck?

 

......and of course the flying shawl picture .....

Now if I can only find my notes for Wing of Moth to figure out where I left off....hmmmm

The Journey Of A Work In Progress..........

Pattern:  Carole/Claudia Picot Sock
Yarn:  Woolen Rabbit Kashmir ~ Cape Cod Blues
Needles:  Knit picks size 2.0mm

As I was knitting the last few rows of a second sock I started to think about the journey of a work in process..........that process that my dear friend Margene likes to talk about now and then.

When I started this particular process, I chose this pattern as I was heading to Rhinebeck and wanted to have a knit project that would be pretty mindless.....good knitting for chatting. :)  As I have mentioned before, I really love stockinette stitch..so it was all good.

As I cast on the first sock, the anticipation of a new project propels me.  The feel of the luxurious cashmere blended with merino and nylon.  The thrill of a new pair of socks soon to be realized.....I whip through that first sock.

Knowing what a procrastinator I can be, I immediately cast on for the second sock............but...........then the honeymoon stage is over and the lull sets in.  The boredom...you know what I mean.

The project that was once exciting has now become a chore.....that is until you hit the toe decreases.  Yes......you know exactly what I mean.  The finish line is in sight and you smile as you knit those decreases, as you know that these socks will soon be on your feet.  Then all at once...yay....they are finished!

I do love this process even though I really have to push myself during that boring lull, but when it's all said and done, I really do love the process.  It's what keeps me going. :)

As a foot note it is good to be connected again.  One thing I have taken away from all of my computer-less days is that I probably was spending waaaaaaaaaaaay too much time on the computer. As much of a drag as it has been not to be able to connect with my peeps, I am grateful for the time away.  It has helped to bring some important balance back into my life. :)

Popping In For A Quick Visit

Sadly my computer is still down, but thankfully Ken has been bringing his laptop home in the evening for me, so that I can feel somewhat connected to my peeps. :)

I have to admit that a lot gets done in a day when you are not distracted by a computer and email, ravelry, bloglines, facebook, etc........you get the picture. :)

One of the things that I am finally really getting around to working on are my
Wee Bunny Bags.....yay!

Just about a year ago I bit the bullet and bought a new sewing machine after 25 years of working on my old one.  The new machine is a Bernina 440QE and I have been having a BLAST getting to know her. 

Who knew a sewing machine could do SO much??

I have learned how to use an automatic buttonholer, walking feet, built in embroidery and free arm quilting with a BSR....whoo hooo!

I know that I will not have a computer until sometime next week so I will be busy working on Wee Bunny Bags.  Look for them in the shop later next week. :)

(I apologize for my lack of responding to comments....it's been so hard to keep up without a computer and I suck stink at typing on my Blackberry) 

Changing of Seasons..........

Spring was a time of swaggering declarations.
Reaching autumn one finds few absolutes.
Life is mystery and ambiguity.
Toward winter, that now seems agreeable and comfortable.
Deng Ming~Dao

I've missed you!  Summer has ushered autumn in which is now waning while I have been away and if you can believe it Old Man Winter has actually paid us a visit in the form of snow flurries and crazy cold temperatures as well...acck!  It's a wee bit early even for me!

 Do you not love those little bees sleeping in my lone sunflower?  Those bees stayed in that same spot for 3 days!  I thought for sure they must have died.  Dying a blissful death surrounded by the pollen they so love......but no......as soon as it finally warmed up they were on their merry way.  Go figure......I never knew they could hibernate like that.

September was a busy month getting ready for the fair and then working those 14 hour days.  It's always a fun time, but I am thankful when it comes to a close for another year.  It is exhilarating and exhausting all at the same time.

Unfortunately during my time away my computer died.  Yes......a sad death indeed.  Thankfully I regularly back up my files so when the new computer makes it's way to me I will be able get right back to work again.  It's wildly frustrating, but there's not much I can do about it, so I am plugging along with other things. :)

I have lots of things to show you!  New yarns, new color's and a few finished items, but for now I have to wait as I only have access to a computer for a few hours in the evening.  Ken is good about bringing his laptop home for us to use.

The new computer should be here some time next week, so until then..Bee Happy!!