brought to you by the color orange (and a little turquoise)
I woke up on day three of my three-day weekend with a killer sore throat. I already had a cold this Winter, so I'm not sure what the purpose of that was, but it was annoying. So I've been laying about, and between naps, did a little knitting. I'm powering my way through that to-do list, and started on my sweater. Originally, this yarn (Berroco Ultra Alpaca) was going to be an Assemblage sweater, which I love and still want to make, but because this yarn is alpaca, and therefore very soft, when I knit the patterned cuff you couldn't see much of a pattern. So I think it will be much better suited for the Diminishing Rib Cardigan in the latest Interweave Knits.
This is the first time I've knit a top-down sweater, but I think it might be my new favorite thing-no seams, try it on as you go, and easily adjust to fit! I also learned a new cast-on for this, the tubular cast-on. It was a little tricky, and I admit, it took about four attempts to get it right, but it makes sense now, and it does make for a nice edge. If you try it out here are my tips: 1. Use straight needle to cast on, and then transfer to your cable needles if you're using them, the cable created all kinds of problems for me, and 2. It will look like a big mess at first, but just give it a few rows, and it will work itself out.
Also in orange, the shot cotton scarves I mentioned last time:
I might be a little obsessed with this fabric, although I don't think I can do it justice in a photograph.
One last bit of orange (and white) for your amusement, someone found the catnip stash and had herself a little party:
Later we found her looking for pop tarts (the last paragraph of that news story cracked me up).
And now on to the turquoise. I painted my picture frame, which will eventually be an inspiration board, but it needs some help.
It's a little darker than I hoped, and also a little flat. I'd like it to be more the color of my tray, but I'm not sure what to do to get it there. Maybe a watered down greenish glaze? And a clear, glossy coat of paint? Any ideas?
And thanks for all the little pep talks about my bookcases on Apartment Therapy. I'm not letting the haters get me down, and really, the nice comments you left for me here more than made up for the snarky ones over there!
I agree that the picture frame needs some help. I won’t tell you what I would do with it. Sorry, but that’s just me!(Ha Ha).
I just saw that pattern last night at my knitting group and instantly wanted to make it!! I can’t wait to see yours.
Maybe spray the frame with a glossy finish? Then it will look kind of lacquered?
That’s one smart kitty. I don’t have any good advice about the frame – but, I love it the way it is. And, congratulations on knitting fearlessly. You are much braver than I. ~Kelly
unDeniably Domestic
That’s one smart kitty. I don’t have any good advice about the frame – but, I like it the way it is. And, congratulations on knitting fearlessly. You are much braver than I. ~Kelly
unDeniably Domestic
I have just discovered shot cotton and can understand your obsession. I have enough fabric to make two of those scarves…but I can tell I will need MORE! It’s lovely!
I can’t wait to see your progress on the sweater…top down is awesome! Alpaca is my favorite yarn. I have no tips for the frame-I like it maybe distress it some?
I am enjoying following along with your studio re-do. I am trying to re-organize my studio, but so far it is slow going. Thanks for the inspiration and the proof that it can be done.
As for your frame, you could get a pearlized glaze and add a slight green tint to it. That would tone it down and gloss it up a bit. Another option would be Rub n’ Buff in a silvery tone. I don’t know if they make a greenish tone, but basically it is a metallic paste that you can rub on with your fingers in just the spots you want it, and then buff of the excess. Add a bit of spray sealer and your done.
Good Luck.
I’m impressed that for someone with chickens, I see few, if any, chickeny doodads about. I recently was interviewed and was a tad embarrassed that one of their published comments was about how chickens seemed to be my decorating motif! Still, I think a colorful hen pillow or a pin cushion in the shape of a hen (I just bought a vintage one off of ebay – with pins!) would be nice : )
Lovin’ the colors and your dooped up cat.
I love love love love the mirror! The color is PERFECT!
not a mirror, Picture frame… I was thinking of a mirror i have that looks like that…