listing...fair isle knitting

Okay, I like to make lists. I have even revisited listography this summer. So it made perfectly good sense to begin a list at the beginning of the summer upon which I jotted down several things I hoped to accomplish during the summer. Intentionality precedes the process of making it happen I am discovering.

*Knit a Fair Isle Garment

My first attempt at Fair Isle knitting was the Baa-ble hat by Donna Smith. Since I had mastered English and Continental knitting a while back, my main focus was concentrating on having the floats become like second nature to me. I loved everything about knitting up this hat. This is a free pattern on Ravelry with modifications I found here after reading about the original hat pattern's larger sizing. And pom poms add such fun don't you think? Or maybe that is because the charm is in the fun of making them! 

Back in July a local yarn shop held a sale on all their yarns which enabled me to save big on the yarn for knitting a cardigan I had anticipated knitting since last year. It too is a free Ravelry pattern, the Ellen by Amy Christoffers. I only chose five colors to do the actual color work pattern, and I am pleased with the results. 

All I can say is I have found a new love...my daily knitting time is never enough, but then isn't that true of everything we love, being satisfied yet wanting more?

an august yarn along

Good Morning Wednesday!
 Knitting and reading, comforting activity for all seasons, sharing with all here.

I am so pleased with the Piper's Journey Shawl I knitted with Quince & Co Chickadee Yarn. I love its hushed green color, I love its calm drape, I love its gently curved design, and I love its baby softness. Could I say it more plainly? I love this shawl! And I am longingly anticipating cooler weather to wear it. And with the hotter than normal temperatures this August, it is good to dream of those days arriving soon.  I am still managing to keep most of my potted plants living, alas not thriving though, they need nothing less than rain from God's clouds to do that.

As for my end of summer reading,

Always, several books scattered from nightstand, to pool bag, from kitchen counter and beyond. I want to highlight two entirely different books in particular. My swimming partner mentioned a book by Kate Morton that she had loved reading. She loaned me her copy hoping  I would get pulled into The Secret Keeper and  find myself on the path of guessing  how the many twists of this novel would end. If you like a book with a mesmerizing story line that will draw you in with its many twists, I would suggest this book. The next book I want to highlight is a heart breaker for sure, but written so empowered with the marvelous grace and surrounding mercy of God.  It is a book that has left a dent in my spirit because of its depth and the truth of what Christ Jesus has paid for our lives, sinful, lost lives. Glenda had a very sad, tragic childhood yet God saved  her and redeemed her; the story she tells holds no bitterness for wrongs done to her and will leave you awed.

August day*book

  Day*book: a diary, a journal

Outside my window:
   Summer is screaming, muggy days of sunshine with occasional  t-storms in the evening, black-eyed-susans covering a side patch giving pleasure when viewed from an upstairs window.

I am thinking:
   To consciously breathe deep and enjoy these days of August; routine will be starting up soon enough.

I am thankful:
    For air-conditioning! ... and since I am presently sitting in my sewing room I am reminded how thankful I am for this room...and prayer, where would we be without that amazing provision given to us by our loving Heavenly Father?

One of my favorite things to do at the present:
       Fair Isle knitting, it is perfectly addicting!

                                                       Baa-ble Hat by Donna Smith(free pattern on Ravelry)

I am creating:

   My second fair isle knitted garment, a cardigan.

I am sewing:
    Completing an UFO from two years ago, a blue batiste nightgown.

I am watching:
   Youtube videos from time to time on a variety subjects.

I am wearing:
   White jean capris, a lightweight white sleeveless tee, and a gray and white striped shirt... and because I am at home, bare feet. This attire is unusual for me in that I prefer dresses and skirts on summer days.

I am reading:
   Rainbow Cottage  by Grace Livingstone Hill
    Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

I am listening:
    To a CD of Amy Shreve beautifully singing hymns as she plays her harp.

I am hoping:
    To finalize some hotel reservations for upcoming trips, out of town weddings.

I am learning:
   To walk by faith and not by sight. This takes daily prayer and focusing on His will; like I said, I am learning.

In the Kitchen:
    Boiled beets and washed beet greens for sauteing... I love beets, actually crave them at times. And since beets promote good gallbladder and liver health, having them as part of a regular diet is extremely beneficial.

In the schoolroom:
   Discendo discimus  which translates," While teaching we learn"
We are applying our minds to Latin studies once again, daily doses. Ask if Charlotte is happy...no,  perhaps asking her is not the best choice.  But, it is so good for me that we are intentionally setting aside time to review Latin.

Joining in with The Simple Woman's Daybook.