soaking in the sun

The weather has been just beautiful here and very Spring-like, especially compared to the almost 100 degree weather we had been having, so we've been spending as much time as possible outside and away from the computer. I haven't missed it a bit. All I seem to want to do is to sit outside and knit between little spurts of puttering around in the garden. The whole family has enjoyed it.

Unfortunately, we have not yet found a new home for Beyond, the rooster. And although I still have some sentimental feelings for him, I am more than ready to let him go. He has become so brutal with the hens that we have had to separate one of them. Chi-chi (above) was hurt so badly by his talons that we didn't think she was going to make it. Thankfully, after many tears and prayers from the kids, (God is so gracious in answering children's prayers!) she's pulled through. Now we let her enjoy a little free grazing while the bully paces back and forth protesting vehemently. The poor dog wants so desperately to sniff her butt but intuitively knows better than to get too close or he might just lose a nose.

What I've been working on: the scarf that had such a difficult beginning, but is now coming along rather nicely. Imperfectly, but nicely. I am recognizing my stitches from one another and knitting the knits and purling the purls. Mostly.

An earlier practice project: another washcloth. I found some nice knit dishcloth patterns here but I was almost finished with this one when I somehow ended up knitting on the wrong side of the fabric...?? Two rows of purl bumps where nice stockinette v's ought to be just sent me over the edge. Suddenly the gaping holes, extra 14--yes, 14!!!--stitches I added along the way and uneven texture screams to be frogged. I took a picture for posterity but next time you see this yarn, it will be woven into something altogether different. I do think I'll keep up the washcloths, though. Once you've used a hand-knit cloth on your skin, the once-so-soft-terry feels like sandpaper. Seriously.

I'll tell you about my final project a little later, but here's a peek. I'm using this yarn that I was able to find locally. It may not be designer, but I think it is scrumptious. Light & airy, soft and very organic feeling. The colors are nice, too. I think it would be perfect for a baby blanket. Actually, I wish all my clothes were made out of this stuff. But, back to the project at hand: it's my first attempt at stripes, making my own pattern and using circular needles all in one. Maybe a bit too ambitious, but fun.

Well. It's time for me to get back outside. I already have a headache from staring at the screen and we only have 2 more days until it is back to summer-like heat in the 90s. Have fun!