Way back machine malfunctions!

So, way back in March, I bought some of this lovely red Sweet Georgia Yarns' Trinity Worsted for an Adama Cowl.

Well, then it sat. And sat. Until May when I picked it up again for a travel project.

Finally, I finished it. This cowl is higher in the back of the neckline - basically like a sweetheart neckline? - but you can wear the high part in the front or in the back.

Just in time for June

While the yarn was luscious, it is a little tightly wrapped for this pattern. I think I'll make it again with a fuzzier yarn - something a little more soft. In the skein, the yarn is deceptively fuzzy . . .

And now that I have a bit more free time on my hands (***clears my throat, uhm, wedding!), I'm back to the neutrals I love so well. I've started an Islay cardigan from Gudrun Johnston in some pearl gray Imperial Yarn Tracie Too that I bought years ago in Maryland. 

So far, I'm loving the yarn's soft hand and the pattern's traditional style.

Knit on!

Oh, I was so mistaken . . .

There were far more than eight hexipuffs needed. Right now, I'm working on sets of particular colors to  finish up some sets of ten. Yeah, I'm getting a little tired of these but at least the end is in sight.

Outside of hexipuffs, I'm getting started on a Nordic Lights cowl using some lovely Ultra Alpaca.

I'm also working on some cute little items out of sock yarn leftovers for a contest at the Minnesota Knitters' Guild.

Outside of knitting, we were experimenting with a new summer drink - barley tea.

It's pretty simple - roasted barley (and roasted corn, too) steeped like tea,

and then drained and sweetened.

It doesn't have any caffeine but we can all do with less of that, right?

Until next month - Happy Spring!

Proof of life, er, Hexipuff

Yes, I'm still hexipuffing my way on a slow boat to China a Beekeeper's Quilt. About 10 more, I think.

In the meantime, I'm catching up on a favorite YouTube personality - Fangirl Musings. She's one funny social and media commentator. Not totally safe for all situations but very, very witty.

Oh, no. She did it again.

Yep - that last post was September - 2015! I obviously did not have that strong talk with myself about putting things off.

Since this blog has really just turned into a place to record my thoughts on knitting for myself - I thought I should refresh my memory of the last five months.

Christmas came and went with the traditional demand for last minute gifts. This Blue Leaf Headband knit in Malabrigo worsted weight took very little time.

Cozy ears at the bus stop!

I have a daughter who will be getting married soon so she requested a Christmas stocking for the lucky guy. I've made this pattern several times - it's the Cascade Yarns' Christmas stocking - but it's always different because you can pick and choose patterns.

Tangerines added in for scale.

I also made a quick Antler Hat for a certain gentleman of the family. Mr. Daisy always asks so nicely!

If only this model would smile.

I changed the button bands on my Tin Can Knits baby cardigan and added some green glass buttons instead. I think this looks much sleeker than the pink buttons I originally bought.

These cabled mitts were a quick present for a friend. I'm going to make them for myself as well.

I also finished up this Ribbon Candy Cowl. I was going to give it as a holiday gift but I let it go a little too long. Now, it's mine!

Unblocked and with ends yet to be sewn in.

And, finally, the good news! I think I'm about eight more hexipuffs for my Beekeeper's Quilt. Then, all that will be left is the sewing up!

Of course, I'm procrastinating by working on some Owl Mittens for my son. I'm hoping he'll still have some affection for Harry Potter by the time I"m finished!

Whew! That was an exhausting quick spin around my knitting bag! Here's hoping update more regularly! Here's to more regular updates.