March 18

Greetings! As you can see much of our snow has melted! But we're all a bit skeptical because we've lived here long enough to know all too well how just when we think Spring is here, it isn't. But... let's hope it is! Paul was at the mountain (snowboarding) with business associates yesterday, and I took my bike out of the shed! I couldn't stand it... I had to get some sunshine on my face :) Even though the road is muddy... but it was great to be on a ride. The mallards are back at the pond (!) but we haven't seen the geese yet... usually we hear them first and we love that! I was hoping to have some sugaring pictures for you all, and Paul and I even furthered our usual walk up to the neighbors (with camera)but he wasn't boiling! I guess it's been too warm at night so he's been letting it gather a bit before another boil. Missing an hour of sleep was well worth the added light, and isn't it wonderful to have these longer days? Paul just looked at me and said, "It's 6:15 already?" Clearly we aren't used to it yet!
One of my favorite podcasts (The Knitmore Girls) talked about a new romance novel written by a knitter :) They gave it two thumbs up so I picked it up this week and am really enjoying it. Of course the only time I seem to read is when I crawl into bed at night which means (it's very late) and I'm good for 5-10 pages before I find my self staring at the same word. But really... to have a fun romance with knitting so easily a part of the story is definitely great fun.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/How-to-Knit-a-Love-Song/Rachael-Herron/e/9780061841293/

I stopped into Northeast Fiber Arts to see their new summer yarns (and my friend, Betsy) and ohhhh luscious colors and textures! I'm still working on the Collared Cardigan which I'm thoroughly enjoying... and so much so that I'd love to do another in cotton. I was looking at all to lovely soft pinks, lavenders, soft yellows and blues and what did I choose? Ha... cocoa and cream! As single colors they're each beautiful, but together... even better. So my thought is to do the cardigan in stripes... maybe... 1.5" wide? But first, to finish the WIP. My socks are moving right along as well and I'm ready to decrease for the toe, but I've been waiting for a chunk of time to do that as once I start, I want to finish... uninterrupted.

Seems I couldn't resist another new sock yarn either :) This talented seller can be found on Etsy! Great yarns, wonderful colors too... and so so smoochy!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DyeabolicalYarns
Speaking of sock knitting... it prompted me to come up with something to house my WIP socks. I played a bit over the weekend and to my delight, came up with this cute little bag I'm calling the Sock Satchel.
Details as they'll read on the About The Bags Page:

Sock Satchel

Made specifically for two at a time socks, this adorable satchel has a double thick interior pocket that's divided into two sections to house two working balls of yarn. As they fit snugly inside, you're free to knit without having to untangle. The working socks fit nicely cinched inside when not being worked on. Parachute cording insures years of use and a cord lock holds it firm. Cording ends are knotted together making a loop that can fit easily over your wrist, or simply to grab and go! Sock Satchel measures 12" from side seam to side seam, has a 4.5" base and is 9" tall.

Look for them tonight! And I love making them.... and had a great time putting them together.... cute as a button! And wonderfully practical :)

Have a great week good women! And we'll continue, like always, through the ups and downs of our lives, and seasons... to knit on.

Martha.