Evolutions

Finishing/Starting

I've heard this rumor that in some parts of the country it's actually spring...still holding out for some consistency in that department. I still feel a little 'winter-y' in that I've been holed up knitting and dabbling with some art. I wish I had a little more to share for all the time I've spent not blogging!

My one big knit has been something that I've wanted to accomplish for a really long time. I can't even remember how many times I've started and failed at this particular scarf. Whether it was my (very short) attention span, the match of yarn to scarf...for whatever reason, it finally came together--and I'm so excited to be able to wrap this around my neck!!



Pattern: Juno Regina (I used the paid version)
Yarn: Tosh Merino Light colorway: Bloomsbury

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Next up are a couple of funny little drawings in a new moleskine...just some pen and watercolor...subject matter--well, let's just say it's wishful thinking. To say I'm follicularly challenged is an understatement. The hair on my head is about the same quantity and consistency of...a baby chick?

I think that's it for me today...my house is calling for a bit of a clean up before the weekend hits!

Any big spring projects on your plate?

Lucky March!

Oooh! My favorite holiday is right around the corner and I'm really hoping this is the year I catch a Leprechaun! :)  Just in case it counts for extra lucky points, I gave this little spot on the web a spry green makeover...(not a leprechaun trap...just an enticer!)

Oh, I'm just being silly. I really just wanted to announce the winners of my little, teeny giveaway!
Heart Print goes to: Ginny
Monster Collage Originals go to: Marcia

Thanks for playing along! Speaking of March being my favorite, lucky and so on...you just never know when the mood might strike me to put on a little "Lucky Leprechaun" giveaway. *I wish there were a little wiggly-eye brow icon*

In the past I've asked you what the biggest thing you've ever 'won' is...so today I'm going to ask you if you're a regular giveaway enter-er or if you usually pass them up?

 

On The Needles: Advice for Beginners + a teeny little give away

I always cringe when I hear of people saying they'll never learn to knit or it's boring...most times I learn that said people are learning to knit starting with a scarf...Yikes!! I say--if asked--start with a hat!!I recommend learning to knit on a hat for a few reasons--

• A scarf is a very boring knit and I don't think there is a better way to lose interest
• Rarely do beginning knitters have a pretty gauge or fluency...therefore a scarf might look a little wonky
• A scarf would have to have an interesting pattern to really learn more than just knit/purl
• You can learn the same stitches as a scarf, you'll learn more skills faster, you'll have a more instant gratification and chances are it will look better!

One of my favorite, easy, go-to hat patterns is the Rikke hat originating out of Happy Knits in Portland. You'll learn a new cast on (which isn't totally necessary to the beauty of the hat-if that sort of thing scares you), you incorporate the knit stitch, the purl stitch, knitting in the round, circular needles, double pointed needles (or alternate small circumference knitting methods) and you'll have a great hat that fits any head wonderfully!

I've made quite a few of this particular hat--

 

The are all made from my 'go-to' superwash merino yarn; Madelinetosh dk. Colorways from top: Cove, Cedar, Currant.

So there you go--if you are thinking of learning to knit I also say--join Ravelry! A better internet knitting resource you won't find.

 

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GIVEAWAY CLOSED---Thanks for playing along!
Now, stepping off my soapbox, how about a giveaway? I have one more heart print that I'd love to send to someone. This one:

I also have two original "monster" collages up for grabs:

These two belong together, I think-so I'm giving them away as one.

So...how am I going to give these things away? Hmmmm....just leave a comment about your favorite vegetable and I will pick a winner on Wednesday, February 29th by 9:00 pm PST.