The Poplar Cowl

On a recent visit to Salem, Massachusetts, my friend and I popped into Circle of Stitches, a new yarn shop and knitting boutique on Wharf St. After a few minutes of browsing, my friend called me over to where the Poplar Cowl was on display. She asked if I would knit it for her. While she knows how to knit she is convinced she would not be able to knit this cowl. I said I would; she chose her colors, Fibre Company's Organik in magma, aquatic forest, and arctic tundra and off we went. Me, happy that I had a knitting project, and she with her thoughts of the cowl that would soon be hers.

Organik is a worsted weight single ply yarn made of organic merino, silk and baby alpaca. It was so nice to work with. The Poplar Cowl is a straight forward knit purl pattern that came together quickly. As with any pattern, you need to keep track of where you are in the pattern. Here is a close up of the pattern:

Working with Organik yarn on bamboo needles was so fun. I think I may need to make myself a cowl!

I finished this fun, little project by wrapping the cowl with tissue paper and twine. Who doesn't love to open presents?

Updated August 16, 2015 - I've made a Poplar Cowl for myself! When I learned that The Fibre Company is discontinuing this yarn, Organik, I knew I had to get some immediately. I chose, top to bottom, Highlands, Cumulus, and Night Sky. I am looking forward to cooler weather, not winter, so I can wear this. Winter can stay away as far as I am concerned.

Addicted to Cloth Napkins

I have a confession. I am addicted to cloth napkins.

There is something about using a cloth napkin that feels a bit decadent. But don't we all deserve a bit of decadence in our lives?

The first project of 2014 is this set of reversible napkins.

I just love the bee motif. The houndstooth pattern reminds me of the most wonderful settee my Aunt had.

Just is case you missed it in a previous post, below is another set of reversible napkins I made.

You deserve a bit of decadence in your life. Go get yourself some cloth napkins and use them, everyday!

"Don't save something for a special occasion. Everyday of your life is a special occasion."

                                  Thomas S. Monson

Spring Tulips

Last fall I rented a fixed focal length lens; 50mm, 1.4 to be exact. I loved how easy it was to get the photo I wanted. I wanted a 50 mm lens of my own. But it was cost prohibitive at the time. Fast forward a few months…..I have one! Look what I've captured. I just love this lens.

Closing Out 2013

The last project I completed in 2013 was The Fibre Company's Basalt Scarf. The pattern called for Road to China yarn. It is a blend of cashmere, camel, silk and baby alpaca. The softness and drapey-ness of this yarn is what drew me to this project. This scarf is knitted in garter stitch with an attached i-cord. i-cord is short for idiot cord because it is so easy to do. I did have to ask for help to get started on the i-cord. I just wasn't grasping what it was I was to do! I just kept staring at the directions with the hopes it would just click and off I would go.

The pattern  for the Basalt Scarf by Antonia Shankland
can be found on Ravelry

Taproot Gathering - Intuitive Lens

I recently attended the Taproot Gathering co-sponsored by Taproot and Squam Art Workshops. I was fortunate to spend the day with Thea Coughlin learning how to master my camera. Here are a few photos from the weekend.

I've been sewing...

Reversible napkins

Wide mouth zipper pouch. Pattern at noddlehead

Yoga mat bag. Pattern by Amy Butler. Fabric by Daisy Jane

The Weekender. Pattern by Amy Butler. Fabric by Kokka

Tote bag made with three fat quarters

The lining...

Round Bottom Storage Bucket. Pattern found at Film in the Fridge

I finally finished all the projects I had fabric for. The fabric had been ready and waiting for the round bottom storage bucket for a few months now! Now I need to find fabric for the patterns I already have as well as find patterns for the fabric I have; my stash.

Coming Soon.....Please check back!

Nigella Yoga Mat Bag, Pattern by Amy Butler
Fabric by Amy Butler

The Frenchie, Pattern by Amy Butler
Fabric by Amy Butler

Must Have Pillow, Pattern by Amy Butler
Fabric by Daisy Jane

Large Chelsea Tote, Pattern by Amy Butler
Fabric by Amy Butler