I just grabbed the last of the evening light to capture this week’s picture for yarn along with Ginny. Sharing what I’ve been knitting and reading during the week is great motivation to keep me making time for these favourite hobbies.
I’ve been trading off on working on my elephant for the little boy who arrived a couple weeks ago. I finally got some bamboo needles which made a huge difference in my level of frustration. I also started on one of the sweaters I mentioned last week – the Wonder Years sweater for my daughter’s upcoming birthday. She chose the colours and spied me trying to work on it covertly this week – she feigned ignorance in her sweet way but I think she approved. I so enjoyed switching from the smaller work of the knitted toy to the sweater – and now I am ready to switch back to the elephant for another change of pace.
My most exciting knitting news, though, is the splurge I made this week. After the comments many of your offered last week I decided to treat myself to the Royal ball winder. I was happy to find it locally so I could get to winding right away. And I must admit, winding yarn cakes is sooo much fun. Everyone got in on it and all the kids had to have a few turns. I had been thinking about it for so long and now I have one just in time for the sweaters on my to-knit list.
I’ve still been reading The Distant Hours and although I haven’t made much progress I’m quite intrigued. I’ve also been peeking through Patchwork Style. I got brave and cut strips for a small person’s quilt and am looking at construction advice. There are so many great patterns in this book – I love patchwork.
Thanks for stopping by! For more yarn along posts visit here.
I really love the yarn you’re using for the little elephant. Such subtle color variation- love it!
We are hoping for a ball winder here as well in the near future. I can already imagine the fun that will be had by my boys.
The elephant progress looks great!
Happy winding!
It’s nice to have two project to switch between isn’t it? I love bamboo needles. Right now I am using metal since that is what I had in the size I needed, but oh my, are they different.
The elephant looks interesting, especially in green color.
Love that yarn on your elephant!! So pretty! And the ball winder, LOVE!! Nice to know you like the Distant Hours so far, as I am a fan of Kate Morton!
And I have to agree with being able to switch between projects (I have 3 going on at the same time :)), it keeps my ADD with wanting new projects in check!! Happy Wednesday Rachel!
Rachel I love the yarn you are knitting the elephant with! I don’t know if I’ve mentioned that already, but it’s so yummy, looks so soft. And those “balls” of yarn in the background…you lucky girl you! I’m so excited for you.
That elephant is shaping up nicely.
And I agree, a ball-winder = yarn happiness.
Aw, I love the little elephant, too sweet.
I’ve just joined for my first yarn along, loving it already!
love that wonder years sweater!
I want a ball winder as badly as I want a house Rachel. I think that says something about my passions, doesn’t it? The little elephant is darling! Can’t wait to see it done!
I agree that the Yarn Along is a great motivator to both read and knit. I would do them both regardless, but the desire to show something new gives me that extra needed push to keep at them. I really can’t wait to see the little elephant when he’s done!
What a great colourful photo! Congrats on the new ball winder. I really need to find one. I like the Wonder Years sweater too. Thanks for the link. I’m following you now too!
I really like the colors of the sweater! Your daughter has excellent taste. It is good to see someone else taking their time reading a book 🙂
Your elephant is looking so good Rachel! I have the pattern, and I should really try it. Have a fantastic week!
The elephant is looking gorgeous. Looks like the sweater is coming along nicely too. Have fun with the ball winder. I looks like the equivalent of a fun toy for mamas! Can’t wait to see what you come up with for the patchwork. I love patchwork too. Jacinta
Oooh. The Wonder Year’s sweater. Man, I loved the show. I can almost picture Winnie Cooper wearing it. Think I’ll have to bookmark that one for my tiniest lady.
Cute sweater and great color choices!
Ah…and another book to add to my growing “to-read” list!
The sweater pattern you’re working on is adorable! I hope your daughter loves it once she gets it for real! I’d love to make a quilt but I’m afraid it’s much too big of a project for me. I hope you post updates as you work on yours. Maybe that will give me some inspiration and confidence!
Look at that elephant! So cute… xo
[…] station set up on the corner of the couch…knitting bags, a basket of skeins due for the yarn winder, my book, laptop and mason jar of red raspberry leaf iced […]