Snowman Gear

Hello gentle readers. Last Thursday nine inches of snow fell on our neighborhood. Other parts of the city had less but the moisture was most welcome. Saturday, under bright blue skies, the days began to warm to the forties and then low fifties by Monday and Tuesday. As I walked, I watched the snow melt and listened to the enthusiastic voices of birds. There was a little Spring in the air. Today the temperature dropped and the forecast is for wintry mix. Such is February that feels like March. A pair of white breasted nuthatches climbs up and down the birch on this gray day. They crack open safflower seeds by poking them into the bark and working away with their beaks. Four cardinals perch in the ornamental pear on the parkway. 

Here we are on Unraveled Wednesday with Kat and company. I finished this scarf from spindle spun BFL with a little bit of Falkland for interest and length. Knitting with handspun is a delight. The yarn has a little extra bounce and energy. The pattern was a perfect match for the variegated quality of the handspun. It's not a long long scarf but it is a nice addition to my "snowman" gear. 

Here's the snowman story. A few weeks ago I was out walking and met my neighbor walking his children home from school. The fifth grader told me I looked like a snowman. Evidently her teacher instructed the class to think and dress like a snowman. That is, they needed to wear hats, mittens, and scarves in order to go out for recess. I can just imagine the teacher doing everything in her power to get kids out for even a few minutes of fresh air. My colorful walking gear, including colorwork mittens, cowl, hat, striped scarf in mismatched colors reminded her of her teacher's request. Her Dad was slightly embarrassed but I just laughed and remarked "I like to be warm and I like to wear the things I knit." I always wondered if I was entertaining the neighborhood and now I know. 

The infamous gray sweater is drying on the blocking mat. It may require some tweaking. Time will tell. I cast on a child's hat to donate but decided it was too scratchy and ripped it out. In the meantime, I have very little on my needles so I looked through the "up next" stash bin and pulled out a bag of fingering weight leftovers. I cast on a pair of scrappy socks and am using the clasp-weft join to create stripes. I am ready for a smaller project. 

I'm listening to The Master Butcher's Singing Club by Louise Erdrich.  This novel focuses on the culture of German immigrants in North Dakota. I chose this book because I finished The Night Watchman featuring a character modeled after one of Erdrich's grandfathers. Erdrich also has some German American heritage and I was curious to read her story about that culture. She narrates the audiobook so subtle nuances come through in her voice. I am enjoying it.

A Booklover's Guide To New York by Cleo Le-Tan is a reference/guidebook and was a birthday gift from my daughter. The book details literary points of interest, museums with literary connections, and independent bookstores in NYC. It is a beautiful book, illustrated with photos and drawings. Last time Kate and I were in NYC for a day, we visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art and then used the book to find a nearby independent bookstore, The Corner Bookstore. It is a delightful little bookshop. Even if you aren't visiting the city, the book is great armchair traveling. I've enjoyed dipping into it this winter. 

Here's hoping our days for snowman gear are waning. Next Wednesday will be March 1. Until then, I wish you a good week. 

Last Thursday morning

Ravelry Links

Scrappy Socks

Handspun Scarf - Ribbie Taiyo Scarf pattern