Monday, August 23, 2010

summer flies

Indeed it does.

summer flies
Pattern: Summer Flies, by Holly Griffin-Weidner and Donna Griffin
Yarn: OrangeFlower merino/bamboo sock, raspberry, ~3/4 skein (330 yds.)
Needles: Clover US 6 bamboo circs

summer flies

notes:
The pattern was a delight to knit, and it involved enough elements that I never got bored with it.  The knotted openwork section required concentration. The picot bind-off was new to me and took a while to do, but the end result is fluttery and lovely.

I really like the butterfly details:
summer flies

I think Beatrix Potter would approve. It looked awfully small as I was knitting it, and I had to fight the urge to embiggen it.  Good choice, as it blocked out to the perfect size. Plus I had plenty of yarn for a change.
summer flies

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urban oasis

When we moved into our new place, the deck off the back door looked like a trash heap, littered with an old mop, a bottle of bleach, an electric juicer (still in its box), dead plants, etc. I had high hopes for the space, though Paul thought it was a lost cause.

Voila!
urban oasis

It doesn't receive a ton of light, but enough for my plants.

There isn't a ton of room back there, but it's spacious enough for this bistro set (where I've been drinking my morning coffee), plus we have the cute Restoration Hardware chair and a grill, as well (not pictured).

urban oasis


Getting used to the lack of outdoor living space was one of the hardest parts about adjusting to Chicago for me.  Seven years later, I've made myself a little green place outside, and it's delightful!  Our neighbors couldn't believe the transformation, and described its former state as a wasteland. In fact, they were inspired to clean up their area, too, and plant a windowbox. Not too shabby for what's essentially a gussied-up fire escape.
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kitty-cat weirdness

Capricha in one of her trademark poses:
Capricha with Winnie the Pooh


She loves to stand on top of Winnie the Pooh and slowly knead him with her front paws while she goes into an ecstatic trance.  We call it "giving Pooh the business." What an odd girl!
Capricha with Winnie the Pooh

15 comments:

Stephermay said...

The shawl is gorgeous!

Katie M. said...

I love the shawl! It turned out soooo pretty ... I must start one right. now. Also, way to go on the porch/fire escape clean up! It looks awesome. As for cats, Alice never ceases to entertain me with her weirdness. At least Pooh doesn't seem too unhappy with his treatment ...

barefootrooster said...

bee-yoo-ti-ful shawl, magical backyard escape, and man. i love weird/cute pet-in-action shots. all of this makes monday a little easier.

Anonymous said...

What a happy post! I love the deck; it looks like such a peaceful space. The shawl is lovely! And your kitty is so funny; my Anjanka likes to knead like that on fuzzy, fleacy blankets. We always say she's "making biscuits." Kitties are so silly!

Mia said...

I love the shawl. And the color is perfect!!!!

And nice that you were able to transform the back porch. Do you have space for a large pot or two that might overwinter? And how far away is the neighbor's window box? Close enough to reach? Maybe if they get more sun, they will let you plant a few herbs in it if you share.

I would have issues with no green space too. Okay not having to mow would be nice. But to give up my herb garden would be hard.

And has anyone ever figured out what goes on in the mind of a cat? Only they do and I sometimes wonder if they know.......

Chris said...

The shawl is gorgeous!!

And I LOVE your green space. I really wish I had a little patio - I wouldn't care how tiny it was!

Kitties. They be weird.

Rose said...

Beautiful shawl and space. The cat thing is a little odd, but then, cats get to do what they want don't they?

nicole said...

Poor Pooh! Still, I laughed out loud.

The shawl is ab-so-lutely gorgeous, and making me rethink my whole "neutral" thing. I bet it looks amazing on you.

And what a transformation on your little green space! There must be a TLC show in there somewhere: perhaps "Firescape Flip", "From Dump to Deck", or "Green Escape"?

Sherando said...

What a lovely shawl! Well done, you! Also, love the outdoor space--it truly does look like the perfect place to curl up with a hot cup of coffee and a good book.

sula said...

That's a great pink, esp. in that lovely shawl! I am grateful for the "small outdoor space" reno inspiration. Mine is currently housing an old dresser I need to refinish (against condo policies, I might add! Good thing the landscaping partially obscures our view). And thanks for the crazy cat shots! Hilarious.

Nat at Made in Home said...

What a lovely shawl, beautiful colour. That green space does not seem that small, and it looks so cosy! great work.

Caffeine Girl said...

You have been busy! I can't believe how quickly you flew through the shawl. It is just beautiful.

I love your little deck. What a perfect place for morning coffee.

As for the cat: LOL!

Martha said...

I just had to comment on the cat behavior - one of ours does that, too, and I always thought he was the only one! He has a stuffed bear that he kneads, licks, and moves around the apartment. But he'd never let us get a photo; he does it when he thinks we're not looking.

Also - the shawl is gorgeous! I love to knit shawls, but I hadn't seen that pattern before. Thanks for highlighting it!

Gigi said...

Truly beautiful shawl!
And your deck is looking so lovely, cool and inviting. After spending so much of this hot summer dragging around a water hose and trying to maintain a 1/2 acre yard, the idea of a small deck sounds heavenly to me ;-)!
Blessings,
G

elizabeth said...

That is a gorgeous shawl, and a free pattern! Definitely going in my queue! I even know what yarn I'll use! Thanks!