Fair Isle Knitting

This Fall I may have the opportunity to teach a class on knitting a neck cowl using a Fair Isle design.  The fun part is trying out two-handed knitting, using two colors.  To prepare, I wanted to knit up a sample.  I'm just past the halfway mark and am finding this is a pretty fast knit, using worsted weight yarn and size 10 circular needles.  Choosing the color way is a fun part of the project.  The main color for this cowl is some left over yarn from another project, and it varies slightly in color from creams tans to slate.  I picked the contrast color, hoping it would be a nice combo.  I think a main color that did not have variation would be better, but this is OK.  It has a nice Norwegian look.

It's 90 degrees outside, and I'M KNITTING WITH WOOL?   What's wrong with this picture?  Quick, where did I lay down my my summer sock project?

Art in the park...

At Riverfest in Lander, I picked up a print of a painting I liked (for a gift) by a local artist.  I have a couple of her other prints framed and hanging on my wall.  This one is in an 8X10 mat.  It's titled "Horse with an Attitude," and the artist is Colleen Drury.  (It has plastic wrap on it, which makes for a photo that's not ideal.)

Later, at Global Arts, I saw a poster with a great saying on it...

The EARTH without

ART

is just "EH."

Knitting with Beads

I'm anxious to start a new project: Wristlets.  I like the pattern on the latest cover of Piecework.  The inspiration for these beaded cuffs dates back to 1896.  You have to string 418 beads on the yarn for just one cuff!  It also calls for size 00 needles.  Sound interesting? LOL.  Not sure if I'll do some modifications to the pattern or not...but I'm thinking I'll go up a size on the needles at the least. 

Next, I've been looking at my stash and trying to decide which yarn to use ...and which beads.  I think I'm finally ready to start with this grey/black sock yarn and silver beads.  They will be very wintery looking.

Filling up the weekend...

This weekend was all play.  Friday I took off on another 4-wheeling trip.  We went to Sheridan Creek, unloaded, then rode to Fish Lake for lunch.  On the way, we were treated to lots of Indian Paintbrush in bloom.  Many of the other spring flowers were gone, and the vibrant red of the Paintbrush demanded my attention. 

After lunch, we ventured to check out a trail we had not previously taken, in hopes that it would not be too rough or too steep.  It turned out to be very narrow, rough and steep in places, but not bad. It was on this trail that we saw this teepee structure.  Makes one wonder how long ago it was constructed...and by whom. 

During the last couple hours of our ride, I led the way into Pelham Lake. 

 When we got near the lake, we saw a couple of fisherman who had been fishing in a canoe.  They chatted with us and showed us their catch... making  my mouth water for fresh, pan-fried fish over a campfire!  They also pointed out an area full of water lilies in full bloom. 

Saturday I went with a friend to Riverfest in Lander.  Art, jewelry, fiber, woodworking vendors were set up in the park, and there was wonderful musical entertainment as well. The weather was perfect, and the afternoon was absolutely delightful.  Should have taken the camera.

Sunday afternoon was spent at the lake on the jet-ski.  Another beautiful day...

Please tell me I'm not the only one feeling the need to squeeze in some of these adventures before summer is over!

One down, one to go...

One sock is completed...now on to #2. 

Toe to toe

I'm making slow progress on the socks...but finally made it to the toe.  That usually goes pretty quickly.  Then, on to the next toe!

I'm making even slower progress on the cotton sweater-shawl.  That cotton has no GIVE!  So, I do a 4 row repeat and put it down.  After another couple more inches I can start the "sleeves." I'm anxious for that, because I'll have more room on the needles, and I think it will just go faster.  Here's hoping!!

The full moon this month may not be a Super Moon, but it nearly looked like one to me.  I decided to try taking a picture.  I held the camera as still as I could, but a tripod would have been the ticket.

All things wild

I continue to get pleasure from watching the wildlife that comes near the house.  The birds are entertaining...and this shot of the ring-necked dove sitting on top of the bird-feeder made me chuckle. 

A young rabbit, a new occupant, I believe, has been seeking safety near my wood pile.  First I saw him laying low and resting, thinking he would not be seen at all.

Then, he must have thought it best to get near the woodpile, just in case I got a little to close for his/her comfort.  Anyway, this young one posed nicely for this photo shoot. I find it amazing that his coloring is so wonderfully camouflaged to blend in with the wood, dirt, and grass.  

A wild-fire broke out in Sinks Canyon yesterday, and sent up a large, smokey plume in the afternoon.  By evening (when this was shot) flames could be seen from my house.  Hopefully, its wild nature will be contained and tamed very soon.