We started this weekend kind of slow, but then something happened and we started cranking out projects.
Backing up a bit, I keep forgetting to share photos of the Honey Cowl I knit for my friend Lori’s birthday. Last year I knit her a ruffled scarf. I think this one of the very first gifts I ever knit for someone outside my immediate family. The scarf went missing on a trip shortly after I gave it to her. Lori stressed about how to break the news to me, and ended up doing it somewhat abruptly at dinner one night with friends. I will admit that I didn’t take it particularly well. I think I cried something along the lines of, “Why are you telling me this???!!!!” followed by, “Do you have any idea how hard it was to endure those super long purl rows?” Lori doesn’t knit. She doesn’t know about purling of course, but in the moment I couldn’t think straight. Later, I regretted not handling the news more gracefully. Telling a friend that you’ve lost the ruffled scarf she knit you is surely quite painful, possibly more painful than purling very long ruffled rows. I decided to knit her something new to make up for the awfulness of it all. I had over a skein left of the yarn I had knit the scarf with, and decided that the simple Honey Cowl would make good use of it, and be less likely to be misplaced/lost/stolen. (We recently concluded that the ruffled scarf must have been stolen. It was just too fabulous.) The cowl is lovely, but hopefully not theft worthy. But Lori? If you lose it, this time I won’t lose my cool. I’ll just knit you something else, but in a different color. I’ve seen enough of that yarn.
Moving on to projects. First off, I bought a new address book. It’s simple and perfect for me. There aren’t any writing prompts, which I love. That leaves plenty of room to include extra information such as birthdays, names of my friends’ children, and other important tidbits. I bought my previous address book as a teenager and it has seen better days. I spent some time over the weekend copying down names and information from the old book and various other places. It’s a pretty soothing activity.
It snowed off and on all weekend, but the snow didn’t stick. The kids were disappointed by that, but I thought it was pretty great. I worked on knitting and cross stitching when I could, and Jonny grouted the tile around the downstairs bathtub (!!!!!!!) I got a few photos of the hat that I knit for Gabriel a week or two ago. I really like the way the pattern I improvised worked out (I basically combined a couple of patterns–details on Ravelry.) Jonny, Seth, and Keats all want new hats just like it now too. I realized after I finished this hat, that Gabe actually has quite a few handknit hats, while the others do not. Oops! I guess I just like knitting hats for Gabe.
The biggest and best project that was accomplished this weekend was by the amazing Jonny. We’ve had track lighting that we really didn’t like in our kitchen for the past ten years. The light was distributed poorly and the fixture itself was just ugly. It completely stopped working a couple of months ago, and while Jonny quickly installed a new fixture to aim light at the sink and stove, the rest of the kitchen has been pretty dark ever since. This weekend he decided it was time to remedy that and install some recessed lighting. In order for that to happen, the attic had to be emptied to make room for Jonny to work. Our house was a complete disaster as the kids spread everything all over the house. It was very chaotic all weekend long, and Jonny and I exchanged lots of pained glances. But, it’s over now, the kitchen has lights, and everything is back where it belongs. Phew.
p.s. Thanks for sharing all the excitement over that house with us. We’ve been having so much fun talking about it. In fact, when I took that photo of Jonny spackling the ceiling, we were in the midst of discussing it. I was suggesting that we make a list of pros and cons. I feel that there are some pretty major cons. Jonny was arguing that there aren’t any cons….
Olivia says
That is such a beautiful cowl. I keep coming back to look at it. Madeline Tosh is so beautiful.
Karen says
Hi, new reader here from Heather’s Beauty that Moves. Love your blog! 🙂
question about the honey cowl, what’s your yarn, is it MT? and is that the longer or shorter version of the pattern? Thanks!
Karen
Ginny says
Thanks!! Yes, it’s MT–here’s a link to my Ravelry notes: http://ravel.me/GinnySheller/6erpj
I made an in between size.
Karen says
THANKS! you seem so nice. 🙂
Debbi says
That scarf is beautiful. I love the color. I looked at that yarn online and didn’t find that color. What is the name? Thanks!
Ginny says
it’s called Dahlia!
Joy says
The cowl is beautiful. I really love that color! Gabe’s hat is pretty great too. I have one child with probably twice as many hats as any of the others. She misplaces things ALL.THE.TIME. They usually turn back up (except the one she left at the Museum of Science in London. I have a feeling that one is definitely a goner.) The cross stitch looks very sweet. I recently got a cross stitch kit for Elizabeth hoping she might become interested. I was very into cross stitch in middle and high school so maybe she will.
Maria Fitz says
The only con to that house is that it’s too awesome.
Love that 3rd picture of you.
Katerina says
The cowl is perfect and suits you vewry much. Good luck with the house, we are looking for some for us too …
Lisa says
Jonny is right about the house. I can’t stop thinking about it! I don’t know why, but I would want to roller skate in that kitchen. What fun that house would be.
Brigitte says
I have to confess I agree with commenter Kris above about that house. Probably my biggest sin is house envy, which is even worse because my house is,not bad. To make it worse we will,have to move soon and my husband wants something new and low maintenance, and I want some thing like you are looking at. Around here anything like that would be over a million dollars. Of course we are heading into retirement so my husband does have a point. But I need room for my four girls, sons in laws, and future grandchildren, to come and stay, right??
Lisa says
OH how I love your photography. Your pictures are just amazing.
Apseed says
I’m in love with this purple color. It’s fabulous!:)
lori says
hee hee, wish it were me too (lori). LOVE all your projects!
Kris says
Oh man, that house! That was the first post of yours that I actually had to click away from. I found myself so insanely jealous of all the old goodness in that house. Please tell me it has a terrible attic leak or there are raccoons and hobos living in the cellar, otherwise I will go mad!! Seriously, in pictures it is perfect.
Kelly says
Well if that picture of Jonny isn’t Keats all over I don’t know what is!
Beautiful cowl, the colour is stunning and looks really good on you too.
sharon says
LOL. You sound like a fab friend. Thank God for the good friends in life.
Lisa Eggers says
She will be happy with that beautiful new scarf for sure! It’s really beautiful. What a great color choice. I just recently started knitting and projects like this seem a million years away. Right now I’m working on a blanket for my baby son (hopefully I’ll finish while he’s still a baby!).
Ginny says
bookmark this cowl pattern, because it’s really easy. you could knit it!!
Lisa Eggers says
Really? Okay, I will! I’d be thrilled if I could make something like this! Thanks!
Christina // InThePineTree says
We are going to be redoing our kitchen this year… remind me again the kitchen cabinet color?! It’s exactly what I want. I am with you – white shows too much dirt with little hands around! 😉
Ginny says
I’ll have to look for the paint can! Remind me, if I forget to get back with you!
Christina says
Thanks 😉 I tried searching. I could swear I’d read you posting the color before.
And I agree with Jonny… there couldn’t possibly be *cons* with THE HOUSE! It’s so gorgeous! I can’t even imagine living in such a whimsical place… *swoon*.
Ginny says
Okay–found my paint can. The name of the color is Land of Liberty by Benjamin Moore. 🙂
Christina // InThePineTree says
Thank you my dear Ginny! I’m pinning this post to my ‘For the Home’ pinterest board so I don’t forget and have to bug you again!! 🙂
karen says
What cons??? Bigger house, wiggle room and some awesome wallpaper:) seriously I agree write a pro/con list. Also you could bid low and if its meant to be it will all fall into place.
tara says
I love that purple!! I don’t blame you for being sick of it though 🙂
Maggie says
Beautiful photos as always. Love the one with the cat up your leg. That house you looked at looks amazing! Perhaps a few cosmetic changes of wallpaper and such, I can’t wait to find out more about it, it’s the kind of house my dreams are made of. I’m interested to hear the cons side of the story! Mx
Emma Loock says
A friend just told me she washed and tumble dried a sweater I knit for her son… It shrunk badly, even though it was superwash yarn. Only cotton knits for them from now on! 🙂 I love that house too, and the tree in the yard (I am assuming) looks wonderful. We were passing though DC a week and a half ago, there was some snow on the ground and Melva and I thought of y’all, and how cold it must be to live there. Just a little envious. ♥Emma
Angelica says
There are no cons! 🙂
Deanne says
That honey cowl is divine, the colour is perfect (and I am not a purple kind of person), the honey cowl seems the perfect pattern to show it off.
And I too am a lover of your kitchen cabinets, I LOVE green and with the colour of you walls and the style of cabinets, oh my, I am keeping it all in mind for when we renovate our kitchen (hopefully lat this year).
Kim says
The honey cowl looks great, love the colour. I am in the process of knitting one, almost done.
Karrie says
Hi Ginny! Just found your blog and I love it. I love the kitty pictures. I am a new knitter and homeschool four with three littles. Thank you for sharing!
Taryn Kae Wilson @ Wooly Moss Roots says
Ginny,
Productive weekends getting lots of projects done is so satisfying.
Love seeing all you’ve been doing.
Love,
Taryn
Jess says
Love the Honey cowl! I’ve been wanting to make one myself but have been too busy with baby knits 🙂
Nadja says
Ah, Ginny…I know how it feels for knitting to get lost. On the last Yarn Along I shared how, of the 5 hats I knit for Christmas, the boys have all lost theirs, and Gemma just lost one I knit for her last year. I feel as though I never want to knit for the boys again! I have no idea where they could have gone and have checked everywhere I can think to look…
The cowl is fabulous!
Meryl says
That yarn color is amazing! So far I’ve only made short honey cowls, but now I want to make a long one and selfishly keep it just for me!
Mandy says
I LOVE that cowl!!! It is so beautiful. Prayers for your family as you contemplate “that house.” 🙂
Brittany says
So happy that I stumbled upon your blog. Such a beautiful place!!! I am a momma to 2 boys right now and am hoping to homeschool in the future! I was homeschooled myself 🙂 I’m your newest followerd – happy to be here. Feels like HOME! Seriously. XO
heathermama hawkes says
the cowl looks lovely. personally i think that a lost gift is at least one someone wore. i have been making and making things and no one wears them. they are all “saved for a special occasion” except there never are special occasions so all that work just sits in someones drawer. 😛
the kitchen ceiling looks amazing! wow
Briana (justamouse) says
I agree with Johnny, there are NO cons!
We moved our 7 kids from a 1000 sqft house with an open floor plan, to a gorgeous 1880 Victorian that is sprawling and has nooks and crannies and it’s been the best thing for our family.
What you will come to love is the formality of the house. You live in it very differently…with more order? Because it’s an orderly house..which is hard to explain, but it works so well for the kids and you as Chief Executive Officer of all things household. There is a place for everything and everything has a place and out comes order, and from that comes wonder and an ease of life. I say it all the time to Dh, but those old architects, they *knew* how families lived and built the spaces for them.
Also, treat yourself to Thomas Howard’s HALLOWED BE THIS HOUSE, it’s just been rereleased by Ignatius Press and it will help you transition.
Briana (justamouse) says
sorry I spelled Jonny’s name wrong! *facepalm*
Ginny says
Briana, everyone spells his name wrong–even family. Also, everyone spells my name wrong. We’re used to it!
Sheila says
I would have reacted the same way with the scarf…….makes me feel good to hear I am not alone. ;). Question for you……would you do Sage green kitchen cabinets again? I am charmed with them….we are going to build a smaller house this summer….I am leaning toward the sage green cabinets, but since this is possibly our final move, I am a little nervous if I will still be charmed 30 years from now. 🙂
Ginny says
I was nervous about the color, but white just shows too much dirt! I haven’t gotten tired of them yet, and I am the girl who painted all interior walls the same shade of beige because I just like neutrals! So, I would say go for it if you like the retro green look. You can always repaint someday if you start to hate it.
Erin says
Ginny,
I painted my cabinets that color last summer when I saw how good yours looked with the amber colored counter tops ( which I also have ). I have loved my kitchen ever since!
AnneMarie says
Ginny, please tell us about your cross-stitch pattern. It looks wonderful!
Ginny says
It’s an old photo copied pattern of my mom’s!
Fräulein Rucksack says
Oh, your a good (knitting) friend to your friend! I have that cowl on the needles but shorter, but now that I see the long version, hmm.
Heather says
Definitely must have been stolen 😉 We arrived in Arlington this weekend to the flurries. My kiddos were so excited, but are disappointed that it didn’t stick.
Lisa G. says
What in interesting stitch on that scarf! And the variegated yarn shows it up very well.
Ruthie Shepherd says
LOVE Gabriel’s new hat!! Love that address book too. I’m keeping that one in mind. 😉 Have a great week Ginny!
Ann Voskamp says
I love everything about this post.
Olivia says
That Honey cowl is beautiful. I have this on my lists of things to make, but is way behind a couple shawls and sweaters. Beautiful yarn, but I know what you mean about being done with it. Congratulations in your projects…what a cozy weekend to work inside and feel like something got accomplished!
Lori says
I LOVE THIS SCARF!! https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/536960_10200225917508180_1141186820_n.jpg
Thanks Ginny!
Ginny says
Ooooh a photo!! Thank you for sharing it, Lori! You are so very welcome!
Lori says
Hey, I thought it was for me ! My name is lori.! LOL it always gets me when I see my name or hear it and it isn’t me they are talking about. I have even worked with other Lori’s and it was still hard not to answer someone calling my name , knowing it was not me they wanted. LOL
Your honey cowl is very pretty!! I have started one with MissBabs Big Silk hand-painted merino & silk worsted. The color is liberty. A blueish teal. Can’t wait to finish it!
Rene' says
We just (finally) hung a new light in our kitchen too. Hmmm and I know exactly what you mean about writing addresses. I spend the weekend writing thank you notes for wedding gifts. It’s incredibly satisfying.:) Have a great week.
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