Pausing

 I sat in my sunroom (however it is not a sunroom until afternoon and it’s overcast and snow is forecast) to drink my coffee I watched the squirrels in the trees. They have a nest in the spruce tree. They were not posing for my camera I wondered do they enjoy the Christmas lights or do they grumble that the lights keep them awake at night. I’m a night owl and always up until midnight so if the lights bother them they might have packed up and moved years ago. I think they enjoy the lights. Coffee finished I went downstairs to machine quilt and emptied my bobbin as it was winding I saw this rabbit in my shrubs and juncos and blue jays and the busy little squirrels in and under the trees. It’s always good to pause and take in nature. Back to machine quilting. —Ann—

First check off the list…..

 

The tree is decorated!! On to the Santas but first dust the shelves then remember where all the little display enhancements are……drink my coffee first……preparations……..—Ann—

Off the needles!!

 

Finished. This is the fastest I have ever knit an adult size sweater but when I’m using #10 needles it does go fast. I washed it twice because the first time it didn’t shrink in length the way my swatch did which was a scant half inch of a 4 inch swatch. So I threw it in the dryer for 5 minutes then 5 more minutes. The sleeves are still too long but I can fold up the cuffs. Maybe next time it’s washed it will shrink a little more. Always guessing with what the yarn will do. —Ann—

Temporarily off the needles

 I purchased this yarn in Ireland last summer, a worsted weight called Soft Donegal by Studio Donegal. Hubby was off hunting last weekend what should I do??  Cozy up and knit of course….the same pattern as the pink sweater https://straythreads-straythreads.blogspot.com/2025/03/ also a Donegal tweed that I purchased in the south of Ireland the summer before that I knit 3 times before I loved it. I knit this on #10 needles in a 14 gauge that means big stitches so it knit fast. Hubby left on Friday and came home Monday and I was well into my 3rd ball of yarn. Don’t think I’ll have it done for Thanksgiving but will definitely finish it while we are still eating leftovers. Happy Thanksgiving.  —Ann—

Blissful sewing

A morning of blissful sewing! An appointment was changed to the afternoon I was as giddy as a schoolgirl hearing the announcement that it was a snow day.  There was snow on the ground but as I sewed I listened to the rhythm of the dripping snow melt from the roof. I thought this would be quick to sew, I did start it back in September and it would have been if I had cut all the strips the same size but I found leftover strips to use and then life happens with lots of distractions.

I’m calling this quilt Racoons in the sweet corn. The racoons are circling the patch a few have eaten their fill or are going to share the news with their friends and relatives.  —Ann—

Off the needles

These sweaters are finally finished a couple false starts on the sleeves because I’m numerically challenged. Why is it so hard to knit 4 sleeves the same? I have no idea but sometimes it’s hard to knit two sleeves the same circumference and length.  They are finished in time for birthdays. It is hard to believe my two little 4 pound peanut sized granddaughters are 5 years old.  —Ann—

Bigger slippers

 

I knit some bigger slippers for the little girls……so far so good they actually fit me before felting and then I over felted them and they were too small so knit another pair actually knit two pairs.  I had to order more yarn oh darn!! The weather has changed felted wool slippers feel pretty good.  —Ann—