Lots of Beginnnings
The best beginning was the one that began yesterday -- the beginning of summer vacation. I have plenty of work to do, but at least it's on my schedule. On my very first morning, I was able to join the Plein Air painting group at Donald County Park, where I painted an outcrop:
I think it needs a few finishing touches.
Later, I started in with some summer reading. I usually avoid popular fiction, but this has gotten so much publicity, I had to find out for myself if it's worth all the buzz.
If you've read it ... no spoilers, please.
I started a hat pattern, Hoopla, from PomPom magazine. I have a small collection of these beautiful magazines, but I haven't actually knit anything from them. Their patterns tend to be a bit complicated.
This hat, for example, has a Latvian Braid, something I've always wanted to learn. I did learn in a class a few years ago, but I've forgotten everything from that. It turns out that You Tube has some pretty good tutorials.
Wah-Lah! I did it! The pattern is from this issue:
And, I've found some time to hang around with one of my favorite girls:
Now, I just need some sunny weather for sun-dying cloth, and I'll be all set.
Hooray! You have made an impressive start in enjoying your vacation time. I admire your painting and knitting and ability...attention to detail is ever a challenge for me in life, but I am grateful to be able to try various creative pursuits and appreciate the productive talents of folks like you, Deborah! xx
ReplyDeleteHappy Summer Vacation!
ReplyDeleteAs always I love seeing your sketching. The closest I come to sketching anymore is to watch other people do it on You Tube. Lol.
I keep putting that book in my Audible cart and then taking it out. I'll be curious to know what you think about it.
That hat is beautiful. I did a Latvian braid on a cowl a while back and it was a real head scratcher but turned out to be very pretty.
Happy Summer Vacation! Your painting is lovely as is your hat start!
ReplyDeleteNo spoilers, but to tell you that I truly loved Where The Crawdads Sing (and I hope you do too!)
I love Pom Pom but I too have not knit much from them. The hat is gorgeous, I really must make an effort to make more from this wonderful magazine! Have a fabulous break.
ReplyDeleteOoh! Your hat is going to be lovely! Can't wait to hear what you think of the book. While I have it on my To Read list, I've been rebelling against its popularity. Perhaps I'll read it one day, when all the hoop-la has died down.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your summer vacation! Your hat looks great, I love the braiding on it. Cathy x
ReplyDeleteLove your painting! I've never painted plein air, but always wanted too. Maybe I should dig out the old water colours...
ReplyDeleteKitty is just too sweet.
love your plein air painting!! I live in a tiny town, I'd be painting by myself. However, my husband is doing pastels and maybe I can convince him to join me :) I want to read that book but waiting for an easier price point or drop on Kindle. As for your hat, beautiful! Congrats on making it to SUMMER VACATION!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHooray for summer vacation! Your painting is lovely. Your Latvian braid is a nice touch for a hat. I did them on some color work mittens but I'd have to find a tutorial in order to do them again.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy every minute of your summer break. The hat is going to be lovely - happy knitting.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing quite like summer vacation! :-) Enjoy! XO
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteYAY for summer vacation! I did a Latvian braid on a sock and loved it. I also read Crawdads and enjoyed - it's a good summer read.
ReplyDeleteToday was sunny in Lake Geneva! Hope the sun shone on you too!!!!I love your painting
ReplyDeleteOhhh what a sweet kitten, kiss kiss!! I thought about learning knitting via You Tube but have not been serious enough. You are indeed talented, I can't paint anything unless if painting like a 2 year old counts. :) Have a great week!!
ReplyDelete