Shamrocks

The original pattern for this is "Shamrock Bookmark" designed by Michelle Ryan and is available on Ravelry. This obviously is not a bookmark. I used a size 7 steel hook and size 10 thread. The result--a wall hanging. The thread came from my stash and there wasn't enough to do an edging. My husband and I had a good time last night cutting the backing and mat, mounting the fabric, and placing everything in the frame. I am pleased with the end product. It is now hanging on a dining room wall with an Irish Welcome Prayer and the family history.

On my needles now is a knited cabled coat in red. If I'm lucky, I'll finished it in time to wear at least once before warm weather settles in.

What I am reading:

Shades of Earl Grey (A Tea Shop Mysery), by Laura Childs

The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, from the podcast CraftLit.

Uncle Tom's Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe, from the podcast Forgotten Classics

North & South, by Elizabeth Gaskell, from Audible.com.

The Scarecrow of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, from Librivox.

Baby Socks

My how time flies! I have been crocheting and knitting a lot; reading and listening a lot; and walking a lot. That does not leave much time for writing. Therefore, I have added writing more to my list of “Things I Need to Do More”.

Pictured is a pair of baby socks made from KnitPicks’ Risata yarn in Sable, using size 0 double pointed needles. The pattern is adapted from Ann Budds’ “Better Than Booties Baby Socks” pattern. The pattern can be found on the Knitting Daily website. I used a 1x1 ribbing for the leg, knitted the pattern’s heel and toe shaping, and finished with a three needle bind off. These socks are quick and easy. I know of two baby girls who will be wearing these socks; one of them a granddaughter due in July.

New to my blog – Books I Am Reading/Listening. I have several books going. The only reason I can think of for reading more than one at a time must be from my undergrad days as an English Literature major. Many times I had more than one literature class a semester, and each class averaged six to seven books along with short stories and poetry. I had to quickly get in the habit of reading several things at once and this is a habit I never broke.

Without further delay – Books I Am Reading/Listening:
Gunpowder Green (A Tea Shop Mystery), by Laura Childs, an old fashioned hold in your hand book.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe, from the podcast Forgotten Classics
North & South, by Elizabeth Gaskell, from Audible.com
The Scarecrow of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, from Librivox

Happy Spring!