Light Reading

Since January 1st, I have put in more time reading and less time knitting to spare the use of right arm. It seems to be working.  Less constant pain, but it's still there. The following is a list of the books read from January to present:

1) The Quilter's Apprentice (Jennifer Chiaverini)
2) The Violets of March (Sarah Jio)
3) Friendship Bread (Darien Gee)
4) Ice Run: An Alex McKnight Novel (Steve Hamilton)
5) A Cold Day In Paradise: An Alex McKnight Novel (Steve Hamilton)
6) Winter of the Wolf Moon: An Alex McKnight Novel (Steve Hamilton)
7) The Hunting Wind: An Alex McKnight Novel (Steve Hamilton)
8) North of Nowhere: An Alex McKnight Novel (Steve Hamilton)
9) Book Is the Sky: An Alex McKnight Novel (Steve Hamilton)
10) A Stolen Season: An Alex McKnight Novel (Steve Hamilton)
11) Misery Bay: An Alex McKnight Novel (Steve Hamilton)
12) The Forgotten Garden (Kate Morton)

As you can tell, I've become a fan of the Alex McKnight series by Steve Hamilton. Another will be released in the next couple of months. Definitely will read. Thanks to Stitches of Violet for posting this author on her blog. They have been great reads. I especially wanted to read Steve Hamiltons' novels as his story lines take place in the UP of Michigan.

I have started another book by Kate Morton. Her books are large reads, but enjoyable. Others are on the Kindle to be read. Some are classics.

To my reading, I've added scriptural from the Bible. I've read the gospel account of St. John and almost finished with St. Matthew. It is my goal to read all of the New Testament by years end.

More later.....

Snowbird

Spun Sugar - Baby Sweater

So I was asked a few months ago to knit a pink sweater for a friends granddaughter that made her appearance in January. Just a little late posting this, but better late than never.  I was in a quandry as what to knit as I did not want to do my traditional quick sweater. So I took in a few patterns and my friend liked the one with buttons best. So did I. This is the outcome of my knitting project with the pattern taken from the July 2005 Creative Knitting magazine:

 

Not the best picture, but taken with a cell phone at work after I gifted the sweater. I enjoyed making this sweater and gifting it for the new little girl. The grandmother cried.

Snowbird

Big Boo and the Rainbow Bridge

I thought I should post something about the passing of my best four-legged friend for over 18 years, Big Boo. He was the first present I ever received from my Hubby. Hubby did not like me being alone when he was not around. So Big Boo entered my life. He was a freebie. The first yellow kitten I picked-up, I kept -- Big Boo. He has been very sick over the last four months. So on February 16th at about 9:30 PM, Big Boo said goodbye to me and Hubby. He has made his way to the Rainbow Bridge as I was told by Big Boo's doctor -- Dr. Chris. Thank you Dr. Chris for taking such good care of Big Boo these last few months. I knew when I got up on the 16th that it was going to be a hard day for my little furry friend. I came home and he could hardly walk without falling over. I held him for a couple of hours while he slept. He woke up in convulsions. Hubby and I called Dr. Chris and made the trip to his office.  We stayed with Big Boo to the end and brought him home to lay him to rest. I am going to get two yellow roses to plant near Big Boo in his memory. I will always miss you Big Boo!!!

Phoebe's Sweater

Sorry that I have not posted a lot lately, but it's been a busy three or four months here. I did, however, manage to work in some knitting. My goal was to make my great niece, Phoebe, a sweater/coat. I chose the sweater/coat in the book Phoebe's Sweater. What else could I make for a great-niece with the same name as the book.

Here are some pictures of the sweater/coat in the blocking stage. It was gifted to Phoebe for Christmas.

Thanks to my nephew for helping with the pictures. I had to select a place to block the sweater/coat and my coffee table, with some improvised blocking materials, helped. Here are more pictures.

And another picture including the buttons and hood:

Another picture of a close-up of the hood and sleeve. Almost can see stitch definition:

And another picture with a close-up of the buttons:

And another shot of the buttons, hood and sleeve:

AND, FINALLY, PHOEBE SPORTING HER CHRISTMAS SWEATER/COAT FROM AUNT SNOWBIRD:

I made this a size 6 so she would have a couple of good years of use. Phoebe is four and 1/2 years old.

I hope Phoebe enjoys the sweater/coat and her book.

LOVE,

AUNT SNOWBIRD

Happy Birthday Little Sister!

Happy Birthday to my little sister on this your special day -- January 7, 2012. I hope you have a blessed and wonderful day my best friend!

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to my family and friends. May you enjoy many blessings during this holiday season!

Knitting Patterns

I've spent my time off working on knitting projects. One project, in particular, is for my great niece -- a sweater/coat. It's a design I've wanted to make for a while.  Needless to say, the pattern could have been written better. The sweater/coat part going up both front sides needed to carry the design going around the bottom of the sweater/coat.  If the design had been carried up the fronts, the stockinette stitching probably would not have had the tendency to curl on itself and less blocking would be needed. Otherwise, it is a quick knit and will be gifted. My right hand, arm and shoulder are doing okay with this project, but definitely feel the pain from the repetitive motion.

Besides knitting, I've been cleaning parts of my house. Let's say, I gave it a good try. I only do so much and have to stop. I tried doing more than I should and could hardly walk for two days. Lesson learned about the metal parts and pieces now in my lower back. So, from now on, I will do things in increments.

Thanksgiving was wonderful. I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday. It was a time to reflect on all our blessings. I never want to take my blessings for granted.

So happy for the Christmas season. It is one of my favorite times of year. I especially enjoy Christmas Eve church services. It puts everything in order for me. All else is accessory.

Snowbird