Picture Perfect

sock love

Earlier this week, the weather was picture perfect - warm air, blue skies and that feeling of spring whispering in my ear as I walked the neighborhood.  So far no signs of early blossoms - I could not find snowdrops or crocuses but then maybe next week they'll appear.  That's if I can find them through the snow we might be getting.  You read that correctly, snow.  There's a slim chance the snow will be a wintry mix. 

future sister sweater
Thanks for all the sweet comments you left about the shawl I posted about on Wednesday.  My knitting has been fantastic these days.  I've been browsing Ravelry for the next shawl to cast on.   There are so many options and I'm feeling fickle about committing. 

The toddler girl I babysit will be 2 years old in a few weeks and of course Easter is fast approaching so I'd love to knit her a cardigan but need to find and purchase some yarn.  I'm looking for less wool more cotton in worsted weight and minimal acrylic content so I can block it.  Any suggestions?

Frodo with plant fiber in his beard :)
 I'm certain that I'm allergic to many cat litters and have been trying different brands that are 'low dust' or 'dust free'.  Also the litter has to be unscented.  Who knew that this would be the challenge!  I've been battling a sinus infection and I suspect this litter issue is not helping me at all.  So yes, if you have some advice of brands that are tried and true I'd love to hear them!


All of the sewn chicks and the white bunny in last week's post were made by my sweet sister (she is the best!) She also made the rope basket in the above photo.  The Easter eggs that were crocheted where crafted by my step-mom and the felted eggs made my sister.  I'm lucky to be related to creative people.  The sewn floral rabbit I bought a long time ago from someone at work (30 years ago).


Our son is coming home for his spring break and our daughter and son in law are coming for a short visit this weekend.  My house will be filled once more!


Comments

  1. Juliann in WAMarch 2, 2018 at 9:05 AM

    Sounds like a lovely week d ahead for you. Enjoy

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  2. BonnyMarch 2, 2018 at 10:12 AM

    That sock yarn looks picture perfect to me! You've shared some lovely photos and I hope you all have a wonderful family weekend together!

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  3. faith76March 2, 2018 at 12:19 PM

    Have a fun filled weekend. Hopefully spring has sprung xxx

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  4. AnonymousMarch 2, 2018 at 1:46 PM

    We use Scoop Away (unscented), but it is getting harder to find. I think Target has it. I could not STAND the scented litters. I can't imagine what Giroux thought of the overwhelming scent.

    Your spring things are so pretty. You are right ... you are lucky to be crafty and have crafty family members.

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  5. mamasmercantileMarch 2, 2018 at 2:10 PM

    The weather seem to be causing chaos all over the world. My youngest Grandaughter Honey is coming up for 2, where on earth has the time gone. Your Spring decor is lovely I am going to get mine out over the weekend. You must be super excited to have family visiting over the weekend. Have a wonderful time.

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  6. chrisknitsMarch 2, 2018 at 2:34 PM

    I am getting ready to cast on Fallen Cloud. So pretty, and worsted weight so hopefully quick!

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  7. LindaMarch 2, 2018 at 4:10 PM

    I'm allergic to litter also (well dust from it). We use Arm N Hammer Unscented litter. If I'm cleaning the box, then I do okay. But when my husband cleans it - he tends to "sift" it and it goes out into the air and bothers me. We tried switching to scent free one time and our cat started throwing up!

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  8. DiannaMarch 2, 2018 at 4:19 PM

    Sorry to hear about the sinus infection you are battling. I know you are going to enjoy having the kids home this weekend! I'm looking forward to seeing what you choose to make for your little friend. :-)

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  9. StefanieMarch 2, 2018 at 6:20 PM

    I like the St. Patrick festiveness of your sock yarn. How cool to be part of a crafty family. I bet Holly will be very curious about your houseguests and she'll be spoiled by treats from them.

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  10. UnknownMarch 3, 2018 at 4:20 AM

    We've tried multiple cat litters in the past, but the only one I've used now for the last several years is 'Catsan Hygiene Litter'. I am not sure if it is sold in the US, or maybe it is under a different brand name but it is excellent. It is made of mineral granules, there is no scent, low dust, and it does a very good job of absorbing smells.

    That book looks interesting, is it any good? I could do with a cosy read as we are knee deep in snow here at the moment... the first serious snowfall in many years in this part of the UK. Hope you are enjoying your weekend. xx

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  11. JoséMarch 3, 2018 at 5:31 AM

    O, scented litter... yuk ! I can relate to you not liking it, made that mistake once.. my entire home smelled of cheap toilet-spray... At this moment I use Biokat Classic, but I have no idea if it's just European. My experience is that the cheaper the litter, the more dust; biological/ecological stuff may be dusty but not too disturbing to my nose; the smaller the litter, the more dust, so now I use the stuff with larger clumps ( thought there will always be some dust ). It may also help to move the litterbox, if that is possible. Mine is now living in my bathroom, so most of the dust stays there. Good luck with finding a fitting solution !

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  12. TannaMarch 3, 2018 at 7:29 AM

    We are supposed to have a beautiful sunny day today... then, back to the rain tomorrow! Ha! I do SAVOR these little reprieves! I have no help on the kitty litter or even the cotton blend. I was trying to find a cotton/alpaca/something bulky to try the Carbeth??? Maybe if you find a good one, they will have a bulky weight, too. ;)

    It will be nice to have your loves home for a time! Enjoy your weekend! blessings ~ tanna

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  13. Jeannie Gray KnitsMarch 3, 2018 at 11:39 AM

    Hope the weather doesn't treat you too badly. We had the wind from it yesterday & now there are trees down everywhere & half the state is without power. Luckily, ours came back on after only about 12 hours. Also hope you can find a non-allergenic kitty litter. Now I'm off to search your blog for felt Easter eggs because I don't remember seeing those.

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  14. kathy bMarch 3, 2018 at 4:22 PM

    Relish those family visits ! I think I will be so thrilled if and when they happen here. Im hoping!!!! As for worsted, I'm no help. As for cat litter, I really like SLIDE. I think its arm and hammer. The scooping is so easy with this litter and I dont notice it clouding over the boxes as I scoop. !!!

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  15. JaneMarch 3, 2018 at 9:02 PM

    And how are you finding the Marilynne Robinson book? I do admire her writing. Her books are so quiet and thoughtful but I find I need to be in the right frame of mind to sink into the words. I am allergic to cats so I am no help in anything kitty related. Enjoy your family time. It is simply the best.

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  16. Lisa-24-7March 4, 2018 at 11:06 AM

    Love your photos and your post. Thank you for sharing all the wonderful things happening in your knitting world - those socks just look lovely.

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  17. Caffeine GirlMarch 4, 2018 at 12:21 PM

    Good luck finding the right sweater yarn and kitty litter. I do think you're right to be thoughtful about the right yarn for a child. If it's not comfortable, durable, and washable, it won't get much wear!

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  18. Judy S.March 8, 2018 at 3:11 PM

    Did you find your sweater yarn? After watching one of my GK eat spaghetti in one of my handknits, I decided whatever the yarn, it has to be washable! Hope you had a great weekend with your son and enjoy the coming one as well. Thanks for the pattern links.

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