the painted iris

I've started a simple lace mohair scarf for my mother for Christmas. I did a few test swatches and settled on a garter stitch border of 4 rows by 3 stitches at each side. I chose a colorway of Crystal Palace Yarns Kid Merino called 'Painted Iris' to use. I love the name, and a beautiful yarn to match! It brings about romanticism of the iris works of VanGogh and Monet.

My only criticism of the project is that my aluminum needles are too slippery for the mohair, so I really have to stay alert. This may take a few weeks to complete as I currently have an attention span of only one repeat. I'm OK with that, I have until Christmas.

entry garden plantings

I picked up a few things at the local garden club plant sale this morning to add to the garden beds in the front. The beds upon moving in already were established with 'Goldmound' spirea, a Star Magnolia tree, and a Pyramidal Arborvitae. Last fall next to the door I added a Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis), 3 Anenome 'Queen Charlotte', 2 Liriope 'Variegata', and a Hosta 'Patriot'. Today I added 2 Coral Bells (Heuchera 'Plum Pudding') for color. You'll note that my neighbor has added the new mulch that was recommended by the townhome association this year. I have yet to get said mulch as it is only sold in bulk and I don't drive a pick-up. Please also note that these plantings have yet to be established, so they are still sparse. Don't judge me! (Just kidding :))


At the end of the garden near the driveway I planted an old fashioned purple Iris (Iris sp.), Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum), Roman Wormwood (Artemisia pontica), and 2 Lamb's Ears (Stachys byzantia). I also transplanted a Rudbeckia species that was there but certainly not flourishing.



I also planted a Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica) in the back garden bed. That garden is yet to be planned and established. It is currently a receptacle for run-off water from the roof and is pure clay. In fact the entry garden is mostly clay as well (another disadvantage to living in a developed subdivision) , so I added quite a bit of composted cow manure.

In addition to finishing the garden bed, I will also be adding some planters for color. More to come... (It's okay, you can be excited!)

the fiber addiction deepens

So, while I was out and about today getting some yarn for upcoming projects I also bought this:


Yes, I am going to try my hand at spinning. We'll see how this turns out. So far I have sections that resemble bailing twine and others that more closely mimic sewing thread. This should be interesting.