July 1
Greetings! Is it really July already? We've had the craziest weather week where one minute it would rain and the next the sun would come out. It's been cool as well, in the mid 60's during the day but warmer temperatures are expected.
My Hufflepuff scarf is zooming right along and I started another shawlette in this lovely green light worsted weight merino from MadelineTosh, it's a dream to work with! This is similar to the tangerine shawlette I did as it starts at one end, gets increased to the widest point in the center, and then the decreases bring it to the opposite point... while adding the lace boarder as you go. I especially like this one though as the lace edge is done on both sides. A very enjoyable knit thus far...
I made some time to strawberry pick. I almost decided against it as we don't eat jam anymore, and I can only give so much away! Even though last year I made it with honey... we rarely eat bread so..... but I just couldn't not pick! It's one of those annual traditions that, for me, mark this time of year. So I went and had a lovely time. I picked 4 quarts and gave two away. When I was leaving I asked about raspberries and they'd just started picking them that day. I just had enough time to pick a quart and a half and after picking the strawberries, standing upright felt great :D And really, they're my favorite berry. I also visited a local farmer's market where I had a nice visit with a local woman who makes THE BEST cuticle salve I've ever used. Because I work with my hands so much, I make sure to religiously moisturize them before bed. I'm okay at putting lotion on during the day but let's face it... our hands are in and out of water so much that bed time is really the time (for me) to do it. For years I tried different cuticle creams and nothing did the trick until I found this! I thought I'd pick up three to sell to anyone who's interested, the cost isn't much and mine has lasted over a year. I keep it in a little wooden bowl (in the open air) on my night stand and rub it in to my cuticles before I read. It's made with beeswax, sunflower, avocado oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter, aloe butter & vitamin E. Just drop me a line if you're interested....
I continue to be busy balancing bags for the site as well as custom orders, which I'm working on steadily and enjoying very much.
I hope you all enjoy the 4th! Lot's of towns will have their little parades and as always, we look forward to our used book sale at the town hall..... and of course I'm sure we'll all find time to knit :)
Be safe, have fun, breath well and knit on good women!
Warmly,
Martha.
