Saturday, September 7, 2013

A slow week

Some weeks go by so fast you blink and they are gone, this week has been slow.  With Monday as a Holiday it kind of changed my momentum.  I have been slower, more quiet this week for some reason.  Because of that slowness, I swear not a lot has gotten done around here.  There has been gardening, want to peek.....


We have had a lot of rain lately so my flowers are flowering and the bees are buzzing.....


There has been knitting.  I am attempting to knit Bella from the book Essentially Feminine Knits by Lene Holme Samsoe.  I saw this pattern on Ravelry and almost fell out of my chair.  Then I realized I had the book, perfect. It will be a challenge for me, but if I take it slow and cross my fingers, maybe the knitting faeries will look down on me and help me along.


I have to follow an intricate lace chart for this pattern, which is something I have never done before.  It is being made with sport weight yarn on size 3 needles, yikes they are small.  I have to concentrate on every stitch and want to yell in total joy when I reach the end of the row with the correct stitch count.
 

There has been some crochet, yes another Elise Shawl, I think this is my new go to pattern.  It is easy and I don't have to think about it too much when I am crocheting.  It is good for a TV show, or when I know I will be disturbed a lot.  I have three friends with birthdays this month, they might all be getting one from me, probably late but it is the thought that counts.
 

This is where I sit and knit or crochet.   I'd love you to come and join me.  We can make some tea, put our feet up and chat about life.


The view out my dining room window, the light coming in my dirty windows caught my eye, it is so pretty and calm.
 

I brought out my grapevine pumpkin.  It is the only Autumn-ish thing I have out.  I love that it is sooooo big.
 

And there have been walks with my best buddy Max.   He is always there ready to go and have a little fun.


A quiet week but a good week.  How was your week?

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

Actually, your week sounds pretty good.

My week? Interesting. I'm making some changes in my life that I know have to be done, but it makes a little discomfort, if you know what I mean.

I think once I am in to the new routine, I will be much happier.

Love the pictures of Max. He looks like such a sweet guy.

Mrs. C said...

I'm drinking tea and indulging in some JanHagel from a Dutch bakery that I love! I wish I could say I was crocheting while I am indulging but I am actually working on a power point for school. I took a quick break to look at my blog roll before I become delirious! Nice pictures! Is your pool indoors? or is it screened in? Anyone here in NJ with a pool outdoors is only able to use it from May-Sept as long as the weather is good. Then it gets winterized and covered up for the rest of the year! Have a good weekend! :)

linda said...

You have a beautiful home Meredith and what a lovely view from your window and yes I would love to come and have a cup of tea with you, and you never know it may happen one day. That is a beautiful pattern, it looks very intricate, what a great challenge for you, I don't think that I would have the concentration to make it happen but I know you will can't wait to see it finished. Have a great weekend sending a special hug to Max. :)

Teresa Kasner said...

Hi my friend! Well, my week has been different - going from 2 quiet people in the house to 6 - 2 of whom are bubbly, raucous little boys! But I've been pleasantly surprised at how well everything is going. That sweater you're working on now is going to be aMAYzing! You're very talented. I'd love to sit and crochet with you and we could solve the worlds problems. Hug Max for me. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

deebriese said...

Hold on!! I will be over in 20 mins!

Vicki Boster said...

Meredith- your home is lovely and your knitting corner is so cozy. Your newest project is going to be magnificent--we will all be anxious to see it finished. The new shawl is gorgeous too!!

Love your sweet doggie!
Vicki

Suzan said...

Lovely wooden table!
Today as I was shaving Augie and putting all of his fur into a bag, I was thinking about you!! IF I ever get his fur made into yarn, could I pay you to crochet me a Elise Shawl?
I love the pattern and you do such lovely work.
Augie is a Portie, and has poodle like fur. I've been saving his fur for the last 5 years and need to get it processed!!

Joy said...

I so enjoy your posts Meredith - it's second best to being with you, and so, I might add, it would be so nice to actually join you on that comfy leather and have a good old chinwag!
I admire you so much for tackling that intricate cardigan pattern - such concentration and talent - so another Elise on the way must be a pleasant relief when the going gets tough!
Dear Max is so gorgeous - what a faithful friend he is, and I also enjoyed more glimpses into your lovely home and garden so thank you so much for sharing!
Warm hugs,
Joy xo

RURAL said...

Merideth, I am dropping by, lol, with the tangled ball of yarn, and hoping that you can explain to me the logistics of doing this. I'm obsessed with the beauty of your Elise shawl, and even went so far as to download the pattern...can you believe it?

But I can't sit still long enough yet, to figure it out.

One day, I will find someone to teach me, and then I will send you a photo of my finished shawl...you inspire me to no end.

Jen

Unknown said...

The week was pretty good. Why is it though that when you have a short week at work it seems longer then a normal week. Your flower beds look great. The rock border is so pretty. I love the arched window!! The purple you are using in your knitting is so beautiful. The pattern is so rich and delicate. This will be very pretty when you are done with it. We had rain today also. Not a lot, but we needed it. Hugs, Teresa

Tanna said...

I've still been playing catch up this week... ready for things to get back to normal and to have some good knitting time. Your projects look BEAUTIFUL. Can't wait to see more. =) blessings ~ tanna

Jennifer Hays said...

Your house looks really pretty. I'm glad you've had a bit slower week, that's always nice. I'm looking forward to one this coming week, after a busy week with my daughter's birthday and her party to plan. It was fun but tiring.

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Your home is so beautiful....elegant just like you!

Max cracks me up with that sad look staring at the pool...he's so adorable. Hugs to him.

Sounds like you've had loads of fun knitting...you can knit lace! I have faith in you.

Hugs and blessings sweet friend

Pradeepa said...

You have a beautiful house and a lovely garden. I love the view from your knitting/crohet corner. If I had a place like that to sit and crochet I am pretty sure my entire waking hours would be spent there.

moonstruckcreations said...

Sometimes it is just so good to have a slow week.

I love your crafting corner, I sit on a brown leather chair to do all my crafting too!

Wouldn't it be nice to meet up for a cuppa and a craft time together? What a shame we are so many thousand of miles away!

Helenxx

Babajeza said...

Lovely projects. My schedule is very tight but I hope to have a slow week nontheless. :-)

kathy b said...

Aww Max. So soulful. Your pumpkin is awesome.
I have many fall Halloween items but I make myself wait until 0ct 1. st

I had a very slow work week. None. :)
I helped out at the shelter an extra day.
I worked out every day. I didn't want to every day but I did.
And I made good dinners for My family.

IT was slow here too

Astri said...

Everything looks calm and relaxing...the rocks along the garden are such a nice element.

OK, I'll pack my crochet bag and some rose-hip tea and I am on my way. :-)

Olga Poltava said...

Hi Meredith, I love your garden photos. The flowers are so pretty and lush. We are still having hot days and my plants are not doing so well.
Your new Elise Shawl is coming along lovely. That deep color is gorgeous. I like to crochet while watching a movie, but only if a pattern is simple and doesn't involve stitch counting. It's amazing how the hands can do one work, and the mind is focused on something else.
Have a wonderful week!

Taci simmons said...

Oh my dear friend Meredith I just love your new shawl, the color, the pattern... It's going to be gorgeous. And Max is just so very adorable. Nice pictures of your garden :)

Sue Pinner said...

Hi lots of DIY here for us...inside and out and the weather is beginning to change so hoping to get it all finished soon.
Love the dark plum yarn..fabulous colour.
Your garden is looking very tidy..want to come sort mine out....all the weeds seem to be taking over agin..gggrrrrrr!
Have fun hugs x

Ladybird Diaries said...

Sometimes, a slow week is just what we need! Your week sounds lovely.
M x

kathyinozarks said...

what a lovely post Meredith-enjoyed all the photos-pretty flowers, and loved seeing where you knit and crochet.
my week is still not stress free-working on that though
Have an awesome new week ahead Kathy

Betsy said...

A beautiful post Meredith. I love the calm happiness radiating from it. I also like your sheep sitting by your knitting/crochet place. You are amazing to be undertaking such a complicated pattern. Lace still terrifies me and I understand your joy at the end of a correct row. I feel the same! I'm not terribly fond of charts either. Just sayin'
Your dining table looks perfect for a nice chat over tea and cake. We MUST have cake! I so wish you lived up here close to us "girls"
Blessings,
Betsy

elns said...

Your "slow" week looks amazing, just like your "dirty" windows. Good thing I have low expectations of myself or I'd start to feel bad, ha! Just kidding. I love the way this post rolled out along with the photos. Your projects seem to be coming along in a lovely way. The textures of the lace and crochet look lovely.

Rose Red said...

Wow, your garden looks fabulous. I wish I could work out how to do mass planting that looks so good! Which reminds me, I must get out and water the garden this afternoon. Sounds like you had a lovely relaxing week. Couple of new projects, perfect. I am still slogging along sewing up crochet squares for my nephew's wedding blanket. Never will I be so pleased to see a project finished!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for popping over to Chslky's ... Your week looks just about perfect to me. Loving your crochet.

Faeryfay said...

I just love that Bella pattern! Gorgeous!! You can do it!
I just love Max. Every photo you post of him makes me smile:)
Cheers, Fay

Unknown said...

Bless Max he is so sweet. Love your plum wool its going to look so warm and rich. You have a beautiful home and your flowers look so pretty. Enjoy the rest of your week, dee x

Susanne Tyree said...

Max looks like he is thinking, "She has those knitting needles out again!" Love him, he is such a sweet looking dog. Your flowers look so pretty. I have envied everyone who has flowers to brag about this spring and summer. There is zip in my yard, oh well, maybe next year I will feel like doing something to brighten the place up.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

gaia said...

Such a lovely adn calm post; exactly what I needed after a long night on duty! Have a lovely day.GAia.

honeycat said...

Ahh handsome Max. How do you keep him out of the pool? My Charlie boy would be permanently in the pool if we had one.
A beautiful peaceful spot to crochet also.
Melanie x