Happy 84th

Yesterday was my dad’s birthday. We had friends for dinner and it was late when they left.

The cake came from Jones Bakery in Caledonia. I snapped a quick photo before we cut it.

The Botanist Shawl is a leaf-shaped shawl inspired by the beauty of foliage and the subtle variations found in nature. 

Worked from tip to tip in garter stitch, it features delicate lace bands that evoke the veins and textures of leaves. The combination of relaxing garter stitch sections and engaging lace motifs creates a rhythmic knitting experience that is both meditative and rewarding. 

The shawl requires no finishing and can be worked in sport weight yarn, heavy fingering, or light DK, making it a versatile project for a wide variety of yarn choices. 

The instructions for the lace band are written out. No charts are needed.

This is a new pattern from Joji Locatelli. You can purchase the pattern on Ravelry. 

Your yarn options are unlimited. Just pick an appropriate needle size.

It’s a busy day at my house. They are putting in the water lines for the sprinkler system. The cleaning ladies are on their way. I had dad out of the house at 8:30 for a dentist appointment. Laundry is going. The dishwasher has run. I’m tired and I haven’t left for work yet.

Have a great day. I hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather.

Purple Moon

Isabell Kraemer has a new pattern that you can purchase on Ravelry.

Purple moon is worked seamlessly in rounds from the top down. First some short rows are worked to shape the neckline. Raglan increases are then worked to the final yoke depth, where sleeve stitches are put on hold. From this point the body is worked in rounds down to the ribbing. Then sleeve stitches are picked up again to work the sleeves in rounds top down to the cuffs. No finishing required. 

Two different yarn qualities are used for the stripes. Go with similar colors (as shown) or opt for a high contrast … possibilities are endless. 

Using a lace weight kid silk mohair blend in combination with the heavy fingering weight linen merino blend results in “airy” and “see through” stripes, making this tee a wonderful garment for spring and late summer.

Last night I received information on Heritage Days which is Saturday June 13. Wilson Street will be closed from 9am (which can mean just after 8am) until 1pm. I am told that our end might open earlier but there is no guarantee. We made the decision to close the store for the day. And then we decided to close on Friday June 12 and I’m going to have a weekend away. 

I spent 2.5 hours in the dentist chair this morning have fillings redone. It was supposed to be 2 but ended up 4. This was on top of the 45 minute drive to be there for 8am and then the 45 minute drive home. I’m wiped and it could be bed time soon. Back to work tomorrow.

Hello June

Our June 2026 Crazy Beautiful Color brings big summer energy! Tropical and cheerful pinks and teals layered over a sweet, citrusy, lemon-lime base.

What a beautiful day. This morning dad and I took Fred to the vets. It was a very easy treatment that I’m not going into because it was gross. He’s all good. I brought dad and Fred home and went to the store to pack boxes. They have been dropped at the UPS store and the good daughter that I am I brought home lunch. Now dad has gone off to a jobsite. Fred is not happy with us coming and going. He also isn’t happy that he isn’t at the office with the other dogs.

These are the Icelandscape Socks from Stephen West. You can purchase the pattern on Ravelry.

Gather a colorful palette of sock yarn and cast on these playful socks inspired by the beautiful landscape of Iceland. Begin with short row mountains knitted sideways around the leg. This flat garter stitch short row section is then seamed to for a tube. Stitches are picked up for the broken rib cuff and garter stitch heel flap. The gusset and foot are knitted in the round with a woven slip stitch motif and stockinette stitch for the sole. Knit these socks with four contrasting colors or make a stashbusting pair of Icelandscape Socks with your leftover sock yarn.

Photos © Stephen West

Inclinations Shawl

I cast off my Inclinations Shawl this morning. I like how the colours ended up blending. Now for the blocking and then better pictures.

I brought out my first Inclinations Shawl to get it finished.

The family arrived home around 1 today. They had a good time. The dogs love the cottage. Maybe not as much as dad.

My quiet time has come to an end.

Fred says hello

Everyone is having a good time at the cottage. There was a few hours of fishing before dinner last night. After dinner Fred was waiting for the family because he wanted to go again. Unfortunately they didn’t go out again because it was too windy. They went for a bit this morning but it was too windy and too cold. It stayed windy all day so no more fishing - hopefully tomorrow.

I was at work early this morning (I’m not sure why I didn’t sleep in when I was alone in the house) and got all my boxes packed. I went outside and planted my flower box on the shed. 

Save the date. Malabrigo Day will take place on Saturday October 24th.

I had a few different customers in today looking to knit tea cozies. This is a pattern from Churchmouse Yarns that you can purchase on Ravelry.

A little ‘sweater’ for your teapot keeps the water hotter while you brew and while you sip. The pretty ruffled version was designed for our LYS Tour several years ago while the plain fellow is a perennial favorite. Choose a traditional tweed or a modern self-striping yarn in a color that won’t show the drips. What a thoughtful gift. 

Besides being darn cute, a tea cozy is a very practical item. It’ll insulate your teapot so your water stays at the optimum steeping temperature longer. Then it’ll keep your brew warm ’til you’re ready for the next cup. 

Also included is the ‘How to Brew a Decent Cup of Tea’ tutorial. If you follow a few guidelines, you can easily serve up a satisfying cuppa, time after time.

The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn. Think Cascade 220, Malabrigo Rios or Noro Kureyon. Samples on Ravelry were also knit with DK or sportweight yarn including Rowan Felted Tweed and Hedgehog Fibres Merino DK. 

I had dinner on my way home from work then had a nap. Beth woke me up by mistake or I’d still be in bed. I’m up for a few and then back to sleep. It was cozy in my bed.

Outdoor sale

We are hoping to do an outdoor sale on Saturday June 20th. This is weather permitting.

I’ll have more details in a week or so. I can tell you that there will be great deals on yarn that we are clearing. We have yarn set aside especially for the sale.

We will have a table outside with books we are clearing. The books are $10 each CASH. All money collected from the books will be donated to CityKidz.

I was looking for pictures from past outdoor sales and came across these pictures of baby Jackson. Baby, baby Jackson.

He’s grown a bit.

The family is heading to the cottage. How long they stay will depend on the weather and the mosquitoes. I’m hoping they make it til Sunday so I have a few quiet days by myself.

Have a great day. I’m really early with today’s post. I was up early and got all my chores completed at home. I’ve been in the store for a while. Boxes are packed for Mr. UPS and I had time to write. Tonight I’m visiting Trish to have my hair cut and get to have whatever I want for dinner. Then I can watch whatever I want on TV. 🥳