Sprung!?!?

Transitional Seasons (Spring and Autumn) generally give rise to a bit of anticipation and apprehension of what is to follow; the warm lushness of Summer and the bitter cold of Winter.

The Winter weather of 2012/13 was slow to release it's grip on us, though, there were brief periods of what was perceived as warmth (after month upon month of below freezing temperatures, 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit does feel quite deliciously warm). April offered us quite a mixture of weather conditions, ranging from snow to sleet to rain, and during a few days; all three.



About mid-April, despite the prolonged snows, there were definite signs that Winter would soon be over. A browse through the kitchen garden revealed that the chives had sprouted, and continue to grow...



...despite the arrival of a shovelable amount of snow on the 18th. The snow cover acted as an insulating layer, protecting the young sprouts from the chilling temperatures that followed.



Prior to the arrival of the snows of the 18th, I trudged about the yard desperately seeking additional signs that we would soon be enjoying the attributes of Spring. I was quite taken with a tiny patch along the gazebo where three seasons blended - Autumn's browns, Winter's whites, and Spring's greens.



After a brief quick warm up, it has been delightful to observe that additional plants have sprung up. Among the early arrivals, the Tulips showed themselves rather rapidly, and it was thrilling to see that there are buds nearly ready to bloom.



I hope the time to pack away the Winter gear (snow shovels, snowshoes, sleds, etc.) has finally arrived, and that the Spring/Summer tools (rakes, hoes, hiking boots, etc.) will be the norm through May into the Summer months.

Cochddu cardigan

~~ continues ~~

To date the major components of the cardigan are nearly completed.

At present I'm knitting the right front panel. Both panels had been knitted simultaneously up through the bind-off for the armholes. From this point to the finale of the panels, I figured it would be less confusing (for me) to knit the remaining portions separately. I'd had some reservations about the pocket liners until I'd slowed the pace a bit and followed the directions as written. It was a far easier process to add the liners onto the front panels than I'd expected - this being my first experience with adding pockets to a sweater. To thwart the curling of the liners once added onto the panels, I temporarily pinned them into position along the sides and bottom. This has proven to be an affirmative action as it keeps them in position while continuing to knit the front panels, as well as, preventing the stitches at the opening of the pockets from loosing their tension.



With this Spring's weather being a carryover of Winter's, I've remained focused on a few of the fibre projects, though, I'm anxiously awaiting the warming and time when I can finally prep and plant the vegetable and herb gardens.

destination: Owatonna

for the Minnesota Alpaca Expo.

This was my first time attending, and I'm definitely planning on being there again in 2014. I know little; to nothing about Alpacas, and this is an excellent introductory learning opportunity.

It was quite exciting to observe one of the Halter Class Competitions, and interesting to learn what qualities the judges utilize in determining the winners.


A walkabout was a definite must, to do further exploring, chat with the exhibitors, and a wee bit of shopping.


My plans were to spend the majority of today exploring and learning about Alpacas. Time at the Expo, however, became limited due to other obligations that presented themselves.

Cochddu cardigan

~~~ the preview ~~~

Securely hidden among the stash were 10 skeins of a lovely yarn of a bulk weight from Rowan of the "Purelife" line in the colourway "Black Welsh" (colour #00951). At the time of purchase I had absolutely no idea as to what I was going to do with the yarn, although, it would definitely become a sweater.

The search for a recipe hadn't been at the top of the list to find, but, I'd kept watch for potential prospects.

I knew for certain that:
the type of sweater being sought was that of a cardigan,
the pattern preferred was of a simple/clean design,
that it must also include pockets; along with a high collar,
and it must be a button up.

Sometime ago I'd happened upon a recipe on the Lion Brand website that was very very very close, that utilized a bulky weight yarn (Alpine Wool) that is titled "Father's Day Cardigan" (pattern number: L0144AD). I hemmed and hawed over it for a spell and finally decided to have a go at it using the Purelife yarn (a gorgeous 100% wool, in a deep luxuriously rich chocolat colour).

The back panel knitted up rather quickly, as did the sleeves (the sleeves were knitted at the same time in-order to eliminate the need for counting rows).



The front panels are currently on the needles, and are being knitted concurrently.

The first go-round with the front panels was a disaster. I reached the point of performing the knitting of the first button hole, and managed to mess it quite literally. Rather than achieving a smooth finish, there was a gaping hole. Dismayed with the appearance of the fabric, I frogged the lot, and began again. With the second knitting I relaxed the bind-off and cast-on of the button hole and am quite delighted with the results, thus far. I'm proceeding a tad-bit more slowly with these panels, as I tend to have the tiniest bit of trouble with achieving an even placement of button holes. Once these are completed the progress of the remaining elements of the sweater should move along quite quickly.

YAY!!!!...

...two more days 'til...Spring?????

basic beanies

As we patiently; and with hopefulness; await the eventual arrival of Spring, I thought it best to finally knit a few beanies for the warming, yet still on the cool side, temperatures when it's preferable to don some form of headgear, though, of a lighter weight than what is a necessity during the harsh coldness of Winter.

The recipe for all three beanies is from Patons and is titled "Patons Kroy Socks Basic Beanies". It's a wonderfully easy pattern, and each beany knitted up quite quickly, even for someone; such as myself; who's a slow knitter. Each was knitted using a sock weight yarn on sizes 3.25mm (US-3) and 3.75mm (US-5) circular needles. The cast-on was performed on a set of 5 DPN's of the size 3.25mm (US-3) followed by knitting the first round onto the circular needles. I did this as I find the cast-on I use is a wee bit troublesome with the circular needles. Despite my dislike of circulars, I must admit that I rather enjoyed working these beanies on the 16 inch circs.

The first beany was knitted using Patons Kroy Socks FX yarn, a lovely fibre consisting of 75% washable wool and 25% nylon, in the colourway "Clay Colors" (#57044). The recipe followed for this beany was for a regular fit.

The second beany was knitted using Mountain Colors Bearfoot yarn, an exceptionally delightful yarn, with fibre consisting of 60% superwash wool, 25% Mohair, and 15% Nylon, in the colourway of "Pheasant". As with the "Clay Colors" beany, I followed the recipe for a regular fit for the "Pheasant" beany.

This one proved to be a wee bit of a challenge to photograph. The above image doesn't capture the deep richness of the colourway, but, does show some of the luscious darker hues of bleu, green, brown, and rust.

The last beany was knitted using Patons Kroy Socks Ragg Shades yarn of the colourway "Blue Striped Ragg" (#55102). The fibre of this yarn consists of 75% washable wool and 25% nylon. This beany was knitted following the recipe for a slouchy fit.

I cannot explain why, but, I was quite intrigued by the "circle to square" pattern effect achieved at the top of each beany.

The co-ordinating scarves for each beany are still on the needles, with the exception of the "Clay Colors" scarf which is in need of having the tails woven in, along with an addition of a single crochet border along each side, and the fringe is yet to be measured and cut.

winter's whimsical wit

The Winter of 2012/2013 has presented ample opportunities for capturing images of the effects of various weather conditions, thus far. The month of February alone provided a range of moods, from storms of sleet to snow to periods of warmth and melting of the accumulated snow cover. During the course of the month, I periodically spent a wee bit of time trudging about the yard photographing some of the effects.

The below image (feathers capped) was captured on 10 February after a snow event. I was quite taken with the view of the Liatris spicata as they projected at an angle from the snow bank and were capped by a recent snowfall.



The snows that accumulated on the roof melted and formed icicles along the roofline that slowly dripped onto whatever was below. The following image (iced) was taken on 13 February of the effects of a dripping onto the long expired bloom stalks of the Hosta; encasing it in ice.



The fence near the garage didn't escape being utilized by the dripping icicles as a course for the water to wander it's way to the ground, iether. The below image (chained ice) was captured on 16 February.



A light dusting of snow shown the trail of a pinecone as the playful breezes tumbled it across the parking area on 19 February.



I'm now wondering what wonders March holds in store for us.

Accipiter cooperii

Over the course of the past year or so; the calls of a Cooper's Hawk was heard periodically here on the island. I'd seen the Hawk once, nigh on two years prior, when it dove through the screening of the gazebo (presumably in pursuit of prey) and had remained there 'til I'd opened the door and ushered it out. I'd missed seeing it's plunge through the screen.

I'm perplexed as to how the small birds that remain over the Winter manage to get into the gazebo and subsequently become trapped within. I frequently check the interior of the structure for any that may have wondered in and are unable to figure out how to exit, and then render assistance for their escape by opening the door and ushering them towards it and freedom. I'm assuming that the Hawk was at that time attracted to a small bird that had become trapped and decided to pursue a meal. Since that occurrence a goodly portion of the deteriorating screening has been removed to prevent further situations of this nature, that is, until the structure is replaced this coming Summer.

It has been quite a thrill to see the Hawk again, not once, but, twice this Winter.

The first sighting of the Hawk occurred during a zub-zero cold spell on 23 January. A step out-of-doors to a very quiet setting hinted that something was amiss. A scan of the landscape revealed nothing, and a survey of the trees rendered an answer to the nearly silent area. There perched on a branch high in the neighbor's tree was the cause for the nearby birds and squirrels to remain quiet and still, a Hawk!

I'd scrambled into the house to grab the camera and dashed out again with the hopes of capturing a respectable photograph of the Hawk. Admittedly, the photographs taken of it at that height didn't provide the clarity I'd hoped for, even with utilizing the zoom feature. A short time later the Hawk moved to a perch within a tree in the neighbor's yard on the other side of me. It's location was on a lower branch and offered a wonderful view of it silhouetted against the partially cloudy sky.



As quietly as possible and with a respectable distance, I walked around the tree with the hopes of acquiring a better photograph of the Hawk. I was quite startled and thrilled beyond description that it not only remained nestled on it's perch, but, also looked directly at me. It has amazing red coloured eyes. (click the image below)



I sure hope it wasn't attracted to the grey beanie that I was wearing and possibly mistaking it for a squirrel and lunch!!!

On 15 February the Hawk returned to the same tree.



Since then, I've occasionally heard it's calls, and am now hopeful that it may nest somewhere on the island.