Back to reality

This week was back to work, after 3 months of recovery from surgery.  I must say, it is taking some getting used to.  I truly miss my
knitting time

and quilting time.

I had too easily become accustomed to being in "retirement" mode.  My DH now has the house back to himself as he is already retired.  I say that with tongue in cheek as he has retired from one job and become full time in another....that of constant handyman.  He continues to find so many projects around the house that need "fixin".  I would give anything to have his energy.  All my projects require sitting in one spot.  Soon summer will be here and I'll be off from work again, sitting in one spot or another, 

knitting at the beach,

(yes that's Eleanor, a woman after my own heart!)

quilting on the porch,

 reading in the courtyard,

 ....well you see the pattern here I'm sure. 

How Now Blue Cowl

I love the way this came out.  It was quick and easy.  Finished it in a couple of days while watching TV with DH.  I got the pattern from one of the Langworthy Library Knitters.  I also found it on another blog when I Googled it.   The original pattern’s instruction were to block when complete, but I liked the way the bottom was wavy, so I left it unblocked.  Click on the pic for the link to the original pattern.  The yarn I used was cotton/silk blend and has a wonderful drape and feel.  I plan on making a few for gifts to add to my stash.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day

    

Luckily I finished these on Valentine’s Day.  They made a perfect accessory to wear for a special day.   I couldn’t have matched these better to the flowers from my Valentine  if I tried!

They feel as yummy as they look.  I was going to save them to give as a present to someone, but decided to give them as a present to myself.  It’s been a while since  I gave myself a pair of my own socks.  No wonder everyone loves getting them.  They are a wonderful treat for the feet.

Oodles of Caps

 

The Caps for Good project is complete.  My church knitting group at Blessed Kateri dropped off all our hats to Eneri Knits in Exeter for shipment to the a central collection center.  I did truly enjoy using up all my leftover yarns for such a very special cause. 

 

We’re now working on prayer shawls, lap afghans, monk cloths, etc., for donation to area nursing homes.  I’m thinking of making lap quilts as a way of working down my fabric stash.  They too work up quickly and are another way to jump start my creative juices.  I’m still working on my promise quilt, but it really seems to be going fast.

The best news was I was able to get back to the Langworthy Library Knitting Circle.   I truly missed my friends  their stories and projects.  I feel renewed!!  Of course, now I’ve got more ideas for more knitting projects. 

Another “Promise Quilt” Completed

“Going Places”

This “Promise Quilt” took longer to finish than usual due to holiday projects that needed to be done in time for gift giving, not to mention the limit access I had to my sewing studio while I was in the wheel chair.  As you can see in the next picture, it got the seal of approval by my quilt  “inspector”!

I’ve already got the newest “Promise Quilt” ready to go.  It’ll be called “Spread Your Wings”.  The fabric, once chosen, usually  “speaks” to me and lets me know it’s name.  Hopefully it won’t take as long as this one did.  I’ve got a few others on deck waiting to come to life.  I may have to actually give up some knitting time (OH NO!!!!!) to get these quilting projects done.   So much to do…..so little time.  What will I do when I actually have to go back to work.  I really don’t have time to work.  But, alas, I have to go back in order to make money to support my habit!

Our Budding Pastry Chef

Our beautiful Dear Granddaughter decided to make some scrumptious desserts.  My mouth is watering!!! 

   

Go Pats!!

    

Finally got my special license plates!  They were ordered last year for my birthday (by my dear daughter), and they arrived this year for my birthday.  Just in time for the playoffs.  Great timing.   The delay in receiving the plates was due to the number that had to be pre-ordered before they would start making them.  They needed to have 1,000 orders.  Last year, when the Pats had a less than stellar year, orders weren’t coming in very well…..but this year, with the tremendous way they’ve been winning, everyone wants to be a fan.  As I said before, my plates were ordered last year…..which goes to show you that I love my Patriots no matter what and am proud to say it as well as display it on my car.