What I've been up to.

I have done a little knitting. I started the Feather and Fan sweater from Classic Elite Make It Modern booklet. Here's a shot of my progress.




In the rest of my life, there has been a flurry of activity.




This past weekend, A.K. and I had a little housewarming, since it was a year since we closed on our house. Actually, it was just a coincidence that the housewarming was on the anniversary of our closing. We are so bad at recognizing anniversaries, the only way we remember our own is it is only a few days after my birthday. (Our fifth was two weeks ago)

Anyway, the above photo is a before and after of our dining/living room. I know it's hard to see a difference except for paint color, but we ripped up the carpet, refinished the original oak floors, added a gas log fireplace, took out the radiator in front of the picture window and put a window seat with storage and cushions, took out the weird, built-in television hole and replaced it with custom bookcases on either side of the fireplace and right before the party, we just finished painting after smoothing the texture off the walls. That paint job signifies the end of a year-long renovation! I wish the photos look as dramatic as I feel about the room, but what can you do?

A.K. and his dad built a deck on the back of our house and A.K. made a great L-shaped bench to go with it. I'm pretty proud of us. If the weather in Seattle would just remain warm and sunny I could take beauty shots of the house. Maybe I'll be able to post some soon.

Motherlode

I tend to buy a good deal of yarn in May. I think it all started during my first Maryland Sheep and Wool festival, which always take place the first full weekend in May. Then, when I moved to Seattle, my favorite yarn store, Weaving Works, has it annual Mother's Day Sale.

And obviously, I bought yarn. But what is different this May is that I went to the sale with projects in mind. (Crazy, I know.)

First up, this lovely Manos Silk.



Which I have slated for this.



I originally had designated some Louet Gems in an eggplant that I was in love with. Until I started knitting it and realized I would not wear it.

I really love the pattern, so eventually I will have the sweater in my wardrobe.

But first, I need to knit this sweater ...



with this pile of Hempathy.



Mainly because I'm taking a trip to do some whale watching in July and this sweater is the perfect thing to wear when one goes whale watching, don't you think?