Oh, knitting, I guess.
Did you know there is a feature on your Ravelry projects page called “Challenge”. Here you are able to set an annual project goal.
As the mega ambitious gal that I am…
OK, as the middle of the road kinda gal that I am, I typical set the bar at a conservative 12. That always seems reasonable; a project a month. But at this writing, I have 20 and that is very unusual.
But why keep all of my knitting deliciousness to myself. Let’s look a few of them.
This first pattern is the Wee Meadow Cardigan by Taiga Hilliard. (links will take you to my project page.)
This designer creates the sweetest patterns for children. Knit in Green Mountain Spinnery Weekend Wool, this project was fast and fun. There is a simple lace pattern at the bottom hem, but the rustic nature of the yarn makes it hard to see. PS. I don’t care! 5 stars all around!
Another fun and easy knit was the Yume by Isabell Kraemer. I dove so deep into my yarn stash for this one that I honestly can’t recall where I got it. The pattern was a joy to knit! I finished this just before my birthday, so naturally, my tiara was at the ready. Is that a Hello Kitty Cupcake shaped lunch box? Why yes…yes it is! Jelly?
Here I am modeling it over my Hello Kitty pajamas.
Isabell Kraemer designs some of the most knittable patterns. Have you tried any?
Finally, the Felix Cardigan by Amy Christoffers.
If you know me, you know I love the Felix patterns. I knit two pullovers that get plenty of wear between me and my mom (IYKYK!). The cardigan was equally enjoyable. The photo doesn’t do the yarn justice. It is a soft wool in a deep purple with neutral colored flecks. I found beautiful wood buttons on Etsy. Look at them! If you haven’t knit a Felix, what are you waiting for??? Consider this your official invitation. You’ll thank me later.
Public Service Announcement: Paying for Air?
I interrupt this post to bring you a Public Service Announcement. The local Mobil gas station is now accepting all forms of payment for…AIR. That’s right, folks! You can charge 3 solid minutes of air to your credit, debit, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.
I get it. I really do. I have to deliberately put quarters into my pocket when I leave the house for the gas station and admittedly, most people have Apple or Google Pay on their smart device, But at the end of the day, we are paying for air. I don’t know…am I nuts? I guess I can use the quarters for other things.
Here is the latest from the dog pound.
I’m guessing this is about as much of me as you can bear, so here is the latest from the pups. Shunning both her crate and the recliner, my girl Melody has taken to sleeping on—gasp—my pillow!
Sending you love and wishing you well in your day!
xoxo
ReginaMary
In my ears: Smoke On the Water by Deep Purple (to match the color of the Felix Cardigan!)
In my cup: A glass of Villa Pillo, a yummy Tuscan wine that costs about $14.00 at our local wine store The Bottle Shop in Rhinebeck. If you are in town, check them out! Just don’t buy all of the Italian reds, please?
The zinnias in the photo are from my garden. Happiest flowers on the planet. The golden retriever wine stopper was a gift from a friend. Sadly, it doesn’t get a lot of use…I rarely have left over wine. HEY-OH!!
Saint of the Day: St. Monica. Saint Monica was an early Christian saint born in North Africa in 331 AD. She spent decades praying and weeping for the conversion of her pagan husband and her rebellious son, Augustine. Her immense patience and faith finally paid off when both her husband and Augustine converted to Christianity before she died. Please read more of this remarkable woman here: St. Monica. I have a deep love for St. Monica and was so fortunate to be able to visit her tomb on my honeymoon. Walking into the room in the Basilica of St. Augustine was a very moving experience for me. I felt like St. Monica was there waiting for me to sit down and tell her about my boys.
If you are here for the knitting, thank you so much for stopping by. Below is a little chitter chatter about my friend Monica.
Know that I appreciate you taking the time to read my posts. I love our exchanges and you lift me up with your comments.
With love,
Regina
Friends in High Places:
For as long as I can remember, I have been captivated by the lives of the saints. Their endurance and faith in times of trial inspires me. Their stories of great love and sacrifice convict me. I spend time with them in prayer daily and over the years, came to consider them friends. This is the case with St. Monica.
St. Monica has been a friend to me for over 30 years. She has walked with me through all the ups and downs of motherhood. I have learned much from this woman and you might think that after 3 decades of her guidance, there is nothing left for her to teach me.
She taught me that it is not enough to pray for my children. Looking outwardly at a situation was only factoring in half of the equation. Yes, asking God to move in people’s heart is what we are called to do, but doing so without complete and total faith in his ability to do so leaves the equation unbalanced.
I remember as a child, my daddy always reminded me to pray for myself. At the time, I didn’t understand what he meant.
I thought:
But change has to begin with us first. St. Monica helped change my disposition in prayer. Praying from a place of absolute confidence in God’s divine providence allows us to live a joy-filled life. She echoes the wisdom of so many who came after her:
St. Francis de Sales preached on “Holy Abandonment.”
St. Padre Pio famously advised, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry!”
Saint Faustina taught us to pray, “Jesus, I trust in You.”
Saint Joseph, the quiet guardian of the Holy Family, faced sudden dangers and extreme uncertainty with silent strength and complete obedience.
Spend some time in conversation with your favorite saint today. If you don’t have one, maybe start with your namesake? Here is a great resource where you can search for saints by name, or by patronage: Saints & Angels
God can transform the driest of bones (Ezekiel 37), imagine what he can do with us? The saints and our Guardian Angels are her to walk this journey with us, ready to share their faith, their struggles and their triumphs with us. Take five minutes today and talk with your favorite saints. Ask them to bring your cares to the Lord. Have coffee together and call them “friend”.
St. Monica, pray for us!
Cosmicknitter 