It’s not all boots, all the time. But, come on — how cute!

Berry Stitched

Pebbled & Primped

Up next… some actual knitting content!

Oops – tomorrow turned into a couple extra days there didn’t it?

Well, I promised you some more accessory suggestions didn’t I? First up is the Plucky Curacao Cowl from Thea Colman (a.k.a. Babycocktails). Using just two skeins of Plucky Merino SW Worsted…. well, let me let Thea explain:

“The cowl is knitted as a long ribbed piece and sewn into a simple smocked design at the end. The detailed design is a nice balance to the soft and chunky cabled edges of the cowl, and I love how it looks in the yarn, which is the perfect weight and softness for neck wrapping.”

One can never have too many cowls I say. They are endlessly versatile, make great gifts, are quick projects and a great way to use up a skein or two of special yarn.

I’m saving her other lovely pattern for another post. They’re both so special they each deserve their own post.

Photo courtesy Caro Sheridan

Photo courtesy Caro Sheridan

Photo courtesy Caro Sheridan

Shot In The Dark – Primo!

Don’t even get me started on the cast-on-itis I’ve had (apparently I suffer this common knitting malady on a regular basis. It’s like clockwork).

After casting on for so many different projects that I now need to complete them (complete. frog. potato. potatoe.) so I can free up some knitting needles (sizes 5, 6, 7 and 8, I’m talking to you), I’m this close to being done with Wandering the Moor. (Lace and I. We have a bit of a complicated – not quite a love hate, but close – relationship). It’s a pretty quick knit, or would be if I didn’t keep messing up on row 15. Four times. We had to go our separate ways for a couple of days, the shawl and I. But, now, we’ve reached an tentative truce and things seem to be coming along swimmingly.

There has been lot’s of gardening, farmer’s market shopping and cooking going on as well. Mr. Plucky got it in his head that I needed to make him a brisket (BTW~ Smitten Kitchen, if you haven’t seen the SK website, you must. Now. Go ahead, I’ll wait), and, with all the gardening work he’s been doing it was my solemn duty to oblige. I find he works much better when tempted with food. Especially beef.

The brisket recipe calls for one (two if you can handle the heat) chilpotle pepper in adobo sauce. My question is, what to do with the rest of the can? Any recipes out there you can recommend? Should I freeze them? Seems such a shame to have to throw the rest of the can away.

Shelbie’s succulents

Fresh cut bouquet from the farmer’s market. Don’t you just love spring?

That Jill, she just gets me. Each time I run to her with an idea (Jill, I was thinking I need something with a little black dress theme – but you know, with a plucky look. Oh, and I’d really love to have a pop of raspberry pink in the design. Sound good to you?). And every time she hits a home run. Every.Single.Time. I just love working with Jill and know you will be too! So, if you’re in need of graphic design, ad’s or whatever get in touch with her, you’ll be so glad you did.

Check out her adorable knitting/crochet cards and gift tags. They are a riot!

Texture. Raveled.

Oscar, where have you and your brilliant pseudo-shampoo been all my life?

Pursuit of Love and Love In A Cold Climate

Smack under the category of ‘not so much’ is this nasty sight. Alas, February in Michigan, what are you going to do?

First snow of the season – that’s always exciting.  Love snow in December. Snow in March, that an entirely different beast. But for now, it’s pretty and I love it!

Won’t be seeing open water for long!

How cute are those little holly berries?

Have some extra help at the studio today…….  Say hi to Mary and Amber! Couldn’t have done it without them. Could Not.