". Arranged Words: July 2016

19 Jul 2016

Yellow Mitts, a Sketch, and a New Project

July 19, 2016

You may remember these mitts from a previous post. I had put these mitts away with only a thumb left to finish. Being mostly a blue colour fancier, they are the only yellow item of clothing I own.  I think they will look nice this fall with my brown coat. But I am not rushing the seasons. Originally these  Rosetta Mitts were knit, by me, in red. Since I love beautiful old stitch patterns, I felt compelled to bring these ones back to life.  If you haven't picked up a copy of my pattern yet, you can find the free pattern here.

From the Sketchbook...

 Unfortunately, my new sketchbook doesn't take water colour very well. I am still searching for an 
8 x 8 inch sketchbook since I prefer that size and one that can take a bit of water colour and ink. In the meantime, and although it goes against my grain, I've sent for a larger one that may work.

Who is she? Since I never met my paternal grandmother, Chrissie, and there only seems to be one extant picture of her in poor condition, I've sketched this in young Chrissie's honour.  
Although I was small when the road that we lived on was widened, I remember feeling my father's sorrow because his mother's flower garden had to go. I know that she loved flowers. 
On the needles...


A small lace scarf I started sometime ago. I know...it's not blue either.  It's difficult for me to knit with other colours because I really do want to knit everything in blue!  
It's another old stitch pattern and so easy to remember. It's called the Lava Lace Scarf.  Evelyn Clark is the designer. It's also a free pattern which you can find here.

Arrival...


The Making Magazine arrived today. I first saw it on Instagram, so I ordered a copy. As you can see, I am about to sit down with my tea and read it. I skimmed the pages and it looks wonderful! I am in no way affiliated with it, but thought I'd share because it's new and you may not have heard about it.  Here's the link.

'Til next time...Have a wonderful week...


13 Jul 2016

Beret, Doodles, Wild Flowers

July 13, 2016
 

After a good soaking, I tucked the beret inside a ten inch plate for blocking. Since it is hot outside, it should dry quickly. It will make a great light fall hat for someone (thinking gift) because it will be too big for me. But, of course, the design is perfect and it's designed to set back on the head.
I may knit another. If I do, I would use Malabrigo yarn. It was the recommended yarn and it's a bit firmer. I would also down size the number of stitches in the band to fit my head and perhaps add another row of leaves. However, I may be able to add a bit of light elastic to the band. Will it be deep enough for the way I like to wear berets it if I do? I'll know more when it dries.

The plate...George and Martha Washington
A few doodles. I wanted to try painting on ephemera.  Antique papers/envelopes would be nice. I am looking for some.
One of my first sketches. In the 19th century women took up fly fishing. What a great escape from the stuffy drawing rooms. I, too, like to fish, but have not fished for many years.  I like to be out there because it's so peaceful, liberating and beautiful on the river bank. I do wish I knew how to fly fish. My Dad had a wonderful bamboo fishing rod and he was a master fly fisherman.

 I bought this little beauty at an antique fair about 15 years ago. Although I've looked, I've never found another one of a lady fly fishing.
The glorious Wood Lilies are blooming in yellow, orange, and a red.  First time I've seen the red ones. They might be a cross mix. They are so airy and tall. I just love them! Sorry for the quality of the cell phone pics; the wind was blowing.  Hopefully, I'll be able to go out again with my big camera to better capture their beauty before they fade.

Did you notice...July seems to slipping away ever so fast.
Have a lovely week.
'Til next time. 

6 Jul 2016

Botanical Blues/ Watercolour Finish

July 6, 2016


 Almost every day I have a pen or pencil in hand. That means I have quite a few pictures to choose from for painting. Next up on the painting board a fairy. 

 "The Pretty Pair."

Progress on the Rustling Leaf Beret.  Tosh sock. Colourway well water. A row here and there adds up. I am so pleased to be able to knit again. 

Reading...

I've been searching for this book on Canadian Wild Flowers by Catherine Parr Traill for some time.  It's second hand, but is in good shape. There's another one I'd like to own, but haven't found it yet. For those of you who may not know, Catherine and her sister came to Canada from England in the 19th century.  Catherine wrote the Backwoods of Canada and she sister Susan Moodie wrote Roughing It in The Bush. ( They each wrote two books about pioneer life.)  If my memory serves me correctly, it was Susan who spent a winter alone in the bush with her children while her husband was off working. Can you imagine?

Thank goodness Catherine had the foresight to collect and record Ontario's wild flowers. Her niece Agnes Fitzgibbon illustrated her wild flower books. Catherine knew expansion would deplete much of the wood lands and she was, of course, way ahead for her time. I'd love to see Catherine's herbarium housed at the Canadian Museum of Nature.


Have a great week...