Images from the Week

Knitting the Doll ... continued ...

Here is the first part from yesterday -
 If you would like to join along - I am using size 4 needles and worsted weight yarn - a simple natural wool. 
Cast on 10 stitches. 
Knit into the front and back of each - so there are now 20 stitches. 
Purl and then Knit alternating rows (stockinette stitch) until the one leg measures 5 inches long. 
Break yarn after finishing a purl row.
On same needle that is holding the first leg, repeat as above for the second leg.
When the second leg measures 5" and you have ended on a purl row -
Next row, knit across all 40 stitches - this will form the body. 


***And here is the new part***


Continue knitting in the stockinette stitch for the body for 4 1/4" then decrease for the neck as follows starting on a right side row  - Knit 4, knit 2 together, across the row
Next row - purl
Next row - Knit 6, knit 2 together
Next row - purl
Now increase for the head -
Next row - Knit 1, Increase by Knitting and front and back to the end of the row   - now there are 44 stitches on your needle
I have 3 inches knit so far for the head and am still working straight but will be doing the decreases soon and will share that next.


Warm wishes,
Tonya

Knitting a Doll and Reading about Simplicity

Finished up knitting a pair of pants for the little doll and have cast on for a larger doll.  If you would like to join along - I am using size 4 needles and worsted weight yarn - a simple natural wool.
Cast on 10 stitches.
Knit into the front and back of each - so there are now 20 stitches.
Purl and then Knit alternating rows (stockinette stitch) until the one leg measures 5 inches long.
Break yarn after finishing a purl row.
On same needle that is holding the first leg, repeat as above for the second leg.
When the second leg measures 5" and you have ended on a purl row -
Next row, knit across all 40 stitches - this will form the body.
That is how far I am right now and will share more within the next few days.

With so many recommendations, I purchased a copy of Organized Simplicity and am truly impressed with its content.  While I have reduced clutter and thoughtfully consider new purchases, there are so many more  areas to consider on the journey of living simply.  I hope to share some of these in future posts.

Glass, Paper, Beans is a book I borrowed from the library yesterday.  It seems as though it will be quite interesting.  A quote from the back of the book, "Glass, Paper, Beans braids the myths, lore, and history of three staples of modern life- coffee, the glass it comes in, and a newspaper - and conjures an unseen world where trade, fetishization, manufacture, and the unknown hands behind that labor converge.  A classic work on the economics of everyday life."

My bedtime read with Sarah is now, The Tale of Despereaux  by Kate DiCamillo - hmm.. we seem to be reading lots of books with mice as the main characters lately.

Joining in with Ginny for the weekly yarn along.

Warm wishes,
Tonya

Rustic Branch Mug Holder

Mike came up with this after I requested a mug holder.   Just a birch branch with the back side sawed flat to hang against the wall.

Listening to the Super Bowl

With television, we listened to the super bowl at home, safe and sound as we choose not to have television.  Not exactly the outcome most of us had hoped for, although we did have one family member who was very happy.

Warm wishes,

Tonya

Rid Me of Myself

This is a doodle I made during last Sunday's church service.  It has stayed with me all week.   

Through each ordinary day, I constantly need to remind myself of this.  When thoughts of "I" start creeping in, when the laundry pile doesn't seem to be going down even after doing two loads, or the dishes have piled up on the counter after just washing a sink full, or Emmy slept for only 20 minutes - again - I sing out loud - "Lord, rid me of myself..." over and over again - 

these precious gifts He has given me.  

Knitting and Reading

This weekly rhythm is wonderful to keep me on track of my knitting projects and helps motivate me to finish them before I start another - at least most of the time:)

So I am joining in with Ginny again for the yarn along -

I finished the sweater for the little knit doll and have now cast on for some pants.  Started knitting up another vest, but this time using size 8 needles and worsted weight yarn.  It looks like it should fit a 2 - 3T.
Finally, I am knitting up another hat for a dear blog reader.

While I am still reading Jane Eyre, I have started on a sweet Gladys Taber book, Stillmeadow Daybook and I am reading a biography about Thomas Edison out loud to Abby and Isaac and anyone else within earshot.  I sure wish I had enjoyed learning when I was young as much as I do now - so much fun!  My hope is that our children also grow up with a life long love of learning.

If you have a moment, please share about your handwork projects and what you are reading and consider joining in with the yarn along.

Warm wishes,
Tonya