twinset.us

Dear Ellen,

Oh, I so wish I had photos to share of the little lambies at one of the farms near us.  We went out hiking today on a converted railway — good hike and lots of lovely scenery, but we knew we had only covered about a tenth of the trail.  We went driving to see where the other trail heads were and in the process passed a farm with so much cute sproinginess going on one could hardly stand it.  I had hope to take a picture or two on our way back, but evidently food is in the barn and our return trip was around feeding time.

While walking around our own property, I found that nature is doing a bit of her own plying.  It’s a bit unfortunate though — these aggressive vines are killing a lot of the trees.  We go through the woods severing them from their root stock and freeing the trees from being strangled.  It is pretty impressive as an example of large gauge 2-ply though!

.

.

.

This week’s star avian visitor was a yellow-shafted northern flicker, who graced us with his presence as an exception to policy as this variety of woodpecker rarely goes to feeders.  He couldn’t resist the suet.

And I’ve been knitting away on Pipeliner’s Journey and Ann’s Big Heart.  On the former I am not getting the length I expected — no wonder, my garter stitch is evidently much tighter than gauge…and who checks gauge for shawls??  Oh well, easy to add some rows to make sure it’s long enough.  If it looks like I’ll run out of yarn, I’ll just order more.  If the dye lots don’t match, I’ll just use the new yarn for the border only. I finished the knitting and blocking of the latter.  Very pretty lace pattern and the shawl is easy to wear.  I’m debating doing a simple i-cord edging on the two fronts and around the collar.  I think that would finish it off nicely.  Then, despite the fact that it lies so easily around the neck, I’d add a large hook and eye closure.  If Ann wears this in a hospital bed, I think having it fastened would be convenient.

The three day weekend was gone in a flash.  At least I only have three work days this week — I’ll be picking Allen up at the airport on Friday and it’s the engagement party on Saturday!  Looking forward to seeing you then!

Love, Jan