Absinthe

I’ve started the Absinthe socks from Knitty. I’m making them out of a beautiful BFL sock yarn called Maple Leaf that my dear friend Karen gifted me.

I’m making them two at a time with magic loop. This is my first go with magic loop but I really like it. Karen sent me then link to a youtube video of Cat Bhordi demonstrating the Judy’s Magic Cast On which made it so easy to pick up. I think this may be my new favorite toe up cast on. These socks are knitting up much faster than I had anticipated which makes me not want to stop.

Earth Day Hijinx

Since today is Earth Day and it wasn’t raining, I went outside and played in the dirt. I’ve cleaned out my flower boxes so I can prepare for some fresh new plants. I trimmed my fruit tree/bush (not sure what kind of fruit it is) so that I can use part of the other flower box for some more goodies. My rose bush needed to be trimmed back too. I also swept and straightened up the car port which had been taken over by dried grass and leaves.

I already have 2 things popping up. My oregano, which I thought had been killed by my tomato plant last year, has came back.

My hosta is starting to sprout.

This is some sort of fruit tree/bush. It has what looks like an asian pear that grows on it in September. I’ve never dared to eat it since I’m not exactly sure what it is. It’s blooms are such a pretty color but most of them are already gone.

I’m planning on buying some plants at the Abingdon Farmer’s Market this weekend on my way to work. I’m hoping for a tomato plant, some herbs, and a few pretty things. My friend has started a pumpkin plant for me from the pumpkin I gave him last year from my plant. He also said that I can have my choice of a tomato or pepper plant. I’m leaning toward the tomato plant but I may change my mind.  I really love growing and eating my own food.  I just wish I had a larger yard so I could grow more but for now all I have is the flower boxes.

I usually put my tomato plants in the ground but this year I think I’m going to follow in my grandpa’s path and put them in 5 gallon buckets with wire cages. Last year’s tomato plant was a disaster and I don’t want that to happen again.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Earth Day!

Yard Pretties

Hello Spring & Tax Season Is Over!

Tax season is over! Hurray! Now I can return to my regularly scheduled life. So much has happened since the last post. I went to NYC and had so much fun. I knit another sweater. I’ve made a ton of toe up socks and I’m working on a beautiful cashmere lace scarf. I’ve had a few health issues and my hubby had surgery. Last week the items that I sent to Lark Books in August were returned to me and it was so good to see them again. Eco Books is due out in October and I cannot wait!

I have not been crafting much since the beginning of March (except for the scarf) and I’m ready and finally able to get back into the studio. Since I haven’t been able to use my studio since late October, it is a total wreck. I’ll have to clean it before I can get anything done. Today, I’m tearing down paper for new books. (Fingers crossed) I will have new items in the shop in the next two weeks.

So there you have it, my not so epic return to the blog world. I’ll be posting more as I get some things made and photographed.