Spring has sprung!

At last the recent snowfall has retreated and I do believe spring is here.  Sadly my little pine trees did not make it, although where there is green there may be hope--never say die!

The last snowfall--I believe we are now done with winter.

Jim and I went to the Twins game on Friday.  It was cold, but we had a great time...and the Twins won!  We took the train to the ballpark and it was a nice ride.  I think about the hours I spent riding trains in Europe and it brings back fond memories.  My little cap kept my noggin warm.  It is the one I made for Stitch and Pitch in 2009 and then was published last year in 60 Quick Knits from America's Yarn Shops as a child's hat.

It was a treat to see real grass!  It was a record cold day for a game.

We managed to find snow in the stands.

Toward the last innings the clouds cleared and there was a beautiful blue sky.

MiniD and bunny.

Little bunny found a spot in the wood pile.

Found on my run.  The seed pod is a lovely brown and the seeds are green.  I love the color combination.

The bands and collar are removed.  I will secure and cut off the bottom band extensions.  The quality of the photo is not up to par, as I took it with my phone.  Time to charge the better camera!

Soaking the yarn to relax it and allow it to bloom.

Outside of knitting and spinning, I have been busy with Grey Wolf NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training).  Our last development weekend was this month.  The staff is on target with their presentations and it is fun to watch them fine tune their processionals and songs.

Yesterday was a beautiful day for Easter.  Ben came up at lunchtime.  I am blessed to have a wonderful family.  Jim and Ben took a bike ride and I went for a long walk.  It is now time to run with the weather getting warmer.  I need to get used to the heat and train for the Philmont trek.

Classes at Amazing Threads are going well and I enjoy the students.  There is always something to learn!  Tonight is the Monkey Jacobus class, our third session.  The Dacite class went well.  Everyone chose the Kenzie yarn in lovely colors.  It will be fun to watch their progress.  Samples in the works are Fjord wrist warmers, Pigment, illusion circle, Koigu beaded hat, and double knitting.  I am particularly excited to meet Sally Melville this weekend.  I hope she brings the Little Black Vest, as I will have that as an upcoming class.  Next on the agenda is to get a class or two at Anoka Fiber Works.  I have an idea for a polymer clay project and I have to work up a successful sample--make it work!

Finish line and Podium

I made it to the finish line late last night! My Lopi is now done. I dug out the buttons I bought in Germany two years ago and sewed them on, blocked it, and now I'm waiting for my podium ceremony on Ravelry. As usual, I was worried about the fit, but once again Lopi pulled through and blocked nicely. I didn't care for the seed stitch border (having to sew it on). I went down a needle size to make it look neater. I'll take a better photo later.
15.08.08--I got my message today from Bobicus Maximus. I'm on the podium for the WIPSwrestling.

SMASHING!

My Kori vest vault squares are helping me pin the Lopi cardigan WIP! I thought I'd have it done last night, but it didn't go as planned...just like the French in the men's 4 x 100 relay. That cardigan's goin' down today--au revoir! (Insert primal scream here.)
The other projects will probably be tackled during the track and field events.

Easter snow

Nothing says Spring like a fresh coat of snow! I WILL wear the outfit I planned tomorrow! I may have to wear my heavy coat, though.
As you can see, the body and sleeves are now joined. Naturally I don't like it--not the pattern, just the Lopi looks awful until it's blocked. I'll worry about that after I add the collar and bands. I'm sweating that because I'll probably have just enough of the with none to spare--I HOPE!
I'm baking a cake today to take over to Mom's tomorrow. I'll use half the lamb mold and make a sheet cake to put it on for a baaa-relief effect (PUN INTENDED!!). That's the plan, anyway.
Once I finish the cardigan, then I'll move on to the red cardigan. Then I'll start the one from Swallowtails. I've been sooo good about not buying any new yarn lately. It feels good to get projects finished that've been in the works for so long.

Let's take a SIP (sleeve in progress)

I think I finally have the sleeve going well...I took a few dips in the frog pond over the past couple of days. Transitioning the Fair Isle motif into the sleeve increases is challenging for my picky knitting nature. Anyway, I think it's going well.
We had a full house last night. It was the Sections Spaghetti Dinner for the varsity swimmers. It was fun and they surely ate a lot! We had lots of parent help, too.
Also, a disaster was averted last night--Jim leaned against the hutch and we heard a crash, but I heard that Mr. Morris caught the large platter and only one small plate had a little chip. Whew! That was close. I'm just thankful that it didn't come down on anyone's head!!