Making headway with Snail Hollow Shawl. Infact, I'm on the last section. Not sure if you can see in the picture but am picking up stitches on the straight side to do the edging. Then I'll need to tuck in tails where all the color changes happened. I've mentioned before how difficult I find these colors to work with on the eyes. Trying to pick up stitches is a chore. I'm only part way through that process. But, since my last picture I've completed two more sections, so I'm getting there. This pattern has been problematic. Both my daughter and I feel it's poorly written, as do a few folks over on Ravelry that made it. The designer is Erika Flory. I probably would shy away from purchasing another of her designs. Not because I don't like the look; but because the pattern isn't well written. Too many opportunities to guess at what should or shouldn't be.
Yes both are about WWII. Add them to your list to read folks.
I mentioned in my previous post I had been doing lots of yard work which is why I hadn't been knitting, so thought I'd share a few more pictures of the flowers in my yard. Cone flowers in the back ground, and an old fashion Flocks in the center. Sadly most of these flowers are now done and I'm losing the color in my yard. Black eye Susans provide lots of contrast to the Cone Flowers. I took these pictures over the last couple of weeks at the peak of the color.Stella d'Oro generally bloom before the rest of the lillies, but, if you don't cut them back, they will bloom a bit later, just not as many blooms. I love the yellow.Hope you're all enjoying the end of summer. It's gone too fast for my liking, and soon fall will be upon us. I never look forward to fall as I know winter follows it. I am not a fan of winter, cold, snow or ice.
Those are pretty flowers! That wine does sound really good! We've cut back a lot on wine drinking but might have to put that on a list to check out if we can get it at our local wine store as we don't have a membership for Costco :) Those books sound interesting. I am taking a break from reading books from WW2. Not that they aren't important to read, but opening up to different genres here :)
ReplyDeletebetty
I occassionly read something other than WWII, so many choices. I probably should cut down on my wine, but we have a love love relationship, lol.
DeleteChianti wine (produced in the Chianti region of central Tuscany) has a reputation of an excellent italian wine: dry, red, sweet with floral scent.
ReplyDeleteThe flowers in your yard have amazing colours!
We like dry. About the only time I use sweet wine is to cook with. We had some good Chianti's when we were in Tuscany several years ago.
DeleteThank you for the book reviews, yep, I added them to my list. :-)
ReplyDeleteAlso for the wine.
Thank you for sharing your flowers.
Carla
Hope you enjoy the books as much as I did. Let me know...and the wine.
DeleteYour coneflowers and daylilies look lovely. I like Stella D'Oro and have a row of them with Happy Returns which, as the name suggests, reblooms faithfully ( especially given a bit of water when it's as dry as it is this year.)
ReplyDeleteHappy returns is also yellow.
I didn't know that's what the name Stella D'Oro meant, thanks! I wished they bloomed as much the 2nd time, but enjoy that they do bloom a 2nd time. My mother always said yellow was a happy color and it was her favorite color.
DeleteI enjoy fictional historic novels. The non-fiction I'm reading now is the Churchill Sisters. Interesting subject for me (Churchill).
ReplyDeletePretty flowers.
I too like non-fiction and historic novels based on facts. I've read a few books and think Churchill was quite a character. Not sure if I meant him if I would have liked him. But, am going to check on the book you're reading. Might need to put that on my list..
DeleteI used to have purple coneflowers too mixed with daisies in a large garden that hubby decided should be grass instead. I'm thinking of expanding some areas that are hard to mow into perennial gardens to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteLovely flowers!
Cone flowers would be a good choice...they don't really require any work and help to attract the butterflies and beas.
DeleteSandy, I hear you on the dark colors. I'm tend to avoid them. I like to 'trick' folks into thinking I'm a very good hooker. I use variegated yarn..as I crochet it makes the most amazing 'patterns'. LOL I NEED to get back to my sweater vest. We had such horribly hot weather in July and first 1/2 of August I put it aside. Last 7 days and moving forward only have highs in mid 80's. I had lovely early morning trek today 64 degrees
ReplyDeleteHugs Cecilia
I know what you mean, using variegated yarn is fun and it's always amazing to see how it turns out. You'll be needing that sweater vest too soon I fear. Seems like we're expecting an early fall from the forecasts. Glad you had a good morning trek, 64 is colder than I like; but enjoy it while you can.
DeleteI have never listened to an audio book. Some day. Perhaps. I have been in the garden too - and need to do more. Much more.
ReplyDeleteSpring is very nearly here. You dread winter and I dread summer.
Too bad we can't change spots so you could have double winter and I double summer, lol. The yard work is becoming a royal pain; but it all needs to be done.
DeleteWe like heavy red wines like Cabernet, but generally haven’t cared for Chianti.I’m with you on dreading winter. It’s been a bummer to see it get dark so early now.
ReplyDeletePinot Noir is our primary red wine, as we don't like heavier ones as well. Definately not a Burgundy or Merlot; but some Cabs aren't too thick/heavy. Yeah I hate the getting dark earlier as well, makes you less energetic.
DeleteBeautiful garden flowers!
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteThe flowers are lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you, many are wanning now though which makes me sad.
DeleteWonderful flowers.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Thank you Victor
DeleteI had not drunk Chianti in years, but recently someone gave me a bottle and I have to say it was delicious. We sipped on the patio with some good cheese and pâté and it was really a pleasant way to spend the afternoon! Our wine of choice for several months now has been Malbec, so if you have not tried it, give it a shot - or two!
ReplyDeleteWe do like a nice Malbec from time to time, but Pinot Noir is our go to the bulk of the time. Glad you enjoyed your afternoon on the patio with wine and cheese.
DeleteStopping by and waving back ~ Xo
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Thanks Carol
Deletewe like so many of the same things! Chianti isn't our fave but recently we found a smooth red we both enjoyed. I love historical books but can't read anything remotely /WW2 now because I sense our country going the route of nazis.
ReplyDeleteLeeAnna
LeeAnna, please don't use Anonymous when you post. Leave your name and url so I can return the favor of a blog visit. I understand and agree our situation with the far right folks is dangerously too similar to the route of The Nazis. I guess that's why I keep reading them.
DeleteI feel exactly the same about Fall. I hate to see it come because I know Winter will follow.
ReplyDeleteYour flowers are very pretty!
Thanks for the book suggestions.
We're kindered spirits!
DeleteYour flowers are beautiful! I see you really have talent with knitting!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ginny for your sweet comments.
DeleteThose dark colors are so difficult to work with for me too. It does look beautiful and will be so nice when finished. The flowers are lovely too. Like you, I dread the winter…and ours are mild. I despise the shorter days. Give me summer year round!
ReplyDeleteThank you, glad I'm not the only who thinks the dark colors are hard on older eyes. And nice to know I'm not alone with disliking winter and shorter days.
DeleteYes I'm not looking forward to summer being over either. Autumn is just a sign winter is on the way. Fortunately we don't get much snow, if any in this part of the UK, but the cold, wet dark days are quite depressing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog. I'm happy to follow you and would love it if you followed me too!
I'll hope back over and follow you. Nice to meet you, will add you to my blog list. Agree on the dark wet days being depressing.
DeleteSandy - beautiful flowers. I share in the "dismay" that summer is almost over. Other than my Russian Sage, most of my flowers are past their prime and in seed stage. Sigh. I appreciate the book recommendations. My daughter and I are reading the Call the Midwife series together, and the Pam Jenoff books might make a terrific follow-up. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment!
ReplyDeleteThank for the visit, will add you to my blog list. And I think I need to add Call the Midwife series to my reading list. I watched some of the series and really liked it, but don't remember where I left off to pick it up again.
DeleteShiraz is usually my choice for a red wine, but I live in a dry country so can only get some when I travel. :( I'm looking forward to winter here since it is our growing season in the desert. Currently getting pots on my balconies ready for planting ... bought a bunch of seed packets while I was in the States in May/June, so will start sowing come September. With crochet patterns I've also come across some that just made no sense -- sometimes I rewrite them in my own terms -- sometimes I just can't figure things out. It's definitely a skill to write patterns. Thanks for stopping by my corner of the world. Take care.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your plantings. Will add you to my blog list to make visiting easier. Rewriting patterns sounds like a good move. I've made notes on the shawl pattern incase I ever make it again.
DeleteI love the colors in your shawl! Thanks for visiting my blog. Looks like we have some interests in common — historical books, for one thing. I seldom write about them on my blog but I do read a lot of them. Also memoirs. Your flowers are beautiful! It’s hard to keep flowers going here because it’s so hot but I am enjoying my hibiscus and all the other bloggers showing off their blooms.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit Cynthia, will get you added to my blog list to make visiting easier. I like memoirs as well.
DeleteThanks
ReplyDeleteThanks, not sure why blogger duplicated your comment...something weird must have happened. lol
ReplyDeleteI love the colours of the shawl, but understand perfectly about how hard it would be to pick up the stitches.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, more books to add to the reading list.
God bless.
Thanks for the visit Jackie, am making progress; but slower than I would like.
DeleteSuch lovely flowers. Nicely done, Sandy. And congrats on almost wrapping up the snail hollow shawl.
ReplyDeleteThanks, it's a process.
DeleteA lot of my running friends (and reading friends) love audiobooks. I'm one of those people who likes to read the words on the page. i think it's because at my job I have people talking 'at me' all day long--it's nice not to listen to that.
ReplyDeleteThat makes sense Wendy. Gotta get your quiet when and where you can. I like listening to take my mind off of walking or doing household chores.
DeleteThank you for the name of the Stella D'Oro lily -- there was a bed with those in our complex garden and I wondered what they were called. Very different from the other day lillies that were there (and that we used to have in our gardens.) Hope you are doing well and ready for September.
ReplyDeleteMost welcome. Not really ready for September, I always hate to see the end of summer coming.
DeleteNothing like a good audiobook. I've circled back to my Agatha Raisin audiobooks again. Thanks for the wine rec. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit, totally agree on a good audio book.
DeleteYour flowers look so festive! I really like Black-eyed Susans...
ReplyDeleteMy planks still max out around 30 seconds. I will continue to take that as a win. :)
Good for you doing your planks, the fact that we do them is a win in my book also.
DeleteHi Sandy. I figured out the glitch in my comments! Thanks for your visits!
ReplyDelete