ZebraKnits

elevated

I went to Colorado and back over the last weekend tagging along on husband's business trip with no kids! I got a lot of knitting done in flight and on drive up to the gorgeous Rocky Mountains in Estes. It was wonderful to see all the glory of the mountains that we don't get see everyday and breathe some really fresh air.

 

I picked up some pine cones for my kids Fall gathering collection - these are really soft pine cones and not to spiky like the ones am used to. If it wasn't for the strong winds almost blowing me over, I'd have picked up more.

   

This guy came right at us wanting to cross the road among all the human Elk watchers. 

I haven't shown you my new hair style I got recently. I am starting locks and hopefully, my hair will continue to grow quickly as my head feels very cold being exposed. Bad timing (weatherwise although hats are useful) but I think am growing to like it!  FYI -I brought with me a couple sweaters thinking it will be much colder but it wasn't. I only wore my Cabled Jacket to the mountains because it was extremely windy!

  

More photos here. I'll show you the exciting knitting stuff as soon as I get photos. It's rainy, windy and cold here, just perfect for cozying up in and drinking a cup of hot tea and cocoa.  

totally silent

   

Totally speechless.

A good weekend is in order for everyone! Enjoy it.

when in a funky state

       

This morning I am forcing myself to break free of the funky cycle currently in and start afresh with a real knitting project. Hence all the yarn, books, ideas surrounding me this morning. I have about five and half hours to myself today to see this happen. Wish me luck. If you are going through a slow period in your crafting, I send you my well wishes too.

Click here for notes on the photos.

   

african log cabin and stars quilt

 

Yesterday when we woke up, it was like this outside - hot, humid, wet and drizzly. We spent the day inside, watching football, knitting and doing nothing much really.

As I was cuddled under this quilt while knitting, it occurred to me that I haven't shared about this quilt before. Apparently, this quilt was my 3rd in line since the first one "Malawi Quilt" and the 5th "African Mama" (both of which I shared a while ago here and here).

All the quilts except one, were done over 5 years ago, back in Africa. All quilts are made with 100% cotton African fabrics I've collected and stashed over the years. This particular quilt is made with fabric from Malawi (the print inside the log cabin) and Ghana (the printed star) and other solids from South Africa. 

 

Much of the detail of where I came up with the star over the log cabin is fuzzy right now although, I know I didn't get the pattern from the only two African quilt books I owned (and still own). I know the border was just my own inspiration as I spent a lot of time figuring out how to do it.

 

The quilting was machine done. Not perfect but it worked. At the time, I didn't have much quilting sense (like pre washing fabrics, stretching the fabrics when putting the three pieces together etc etc) hence the puffiness.

 

 We all enjoyed it yesterday, especially Little T.who declared loudly that "it's mine" when he saw his sister cuddle up under it. That made me feel good that these quilts were not a bad handmade investment at all, especially as the kids enjoy and appreciate them. It also inspired me again that I should quilt, maybe do a few quilts a year in between knitting OR maybe plan on a knitting sabbatical (if there is such a thing) and focus on sewing/quilting in the future. Right now, am tossing on the idea  and will see where it takes me.

If you are interested to see more of my quilts, you can view them here. Full view.

the new normal

Still here.

Still trying to figure out a new normal to family life and crafting, now that school is in (for Big T.} while little T. is trying hard to renegotiate his napping {he thinks he doesn't need naps anymore!}

Knitting has become quite monotonous around here, therefore, sorting out things in my head is in order. Just as Fall is calling.

Happy Thursday!

p.s. Thanks for all the lovely comments on Demi.