This pattern was featured in Sew Stylish: Gifts to Make, Holiday 2007. This tomato is my first attempt. Notice the vine stitch embroidery around the base. I now have three stitches in my repertoire! These little lovelies are so addictive!
I checked out the Sew Stylish website to see if the pin cushion pattern just might be offered via the Internet, but no such luck. There were some other free patterns featured, however. There is a "Back Friendly Pillow" pattern. There is also a video tutorial on how to knit a furry scarf! There are other free patterns listed as well. If you are interested, you should definitely check it out!
A Christmas Cactus that I received as a gift last year at this time decided to bloom! What a wonderful way to christen the holiday season. I was astounded by how well the plant has made it through the year. However, after a little research on the ideal conditions for this plant, I realized that I had given this little beauty everything it needed without even knowing it.
The scientific name for Christmas cactus is Zygocactus. This is a plant that is native to the jungles in South America. It requires a lot of light right before and during the holiday blooming period. During the summer just take it outdoors, and put it in a semi-shady spot. I kept mine on the back porch. As fall approaches, gradually give it more light. You can bring it indoors or just move it in your garden.
I think that how you water the plant is key. During the year, you should water thoroughly when the top half of the soil in the pot feels dry. During the summer, keep the soil moist. When fall arrives, water the plant only well enough to prevent wilting; and, don't water at all in October. You can begin watering again in November. The watering of my plant occurred by accident. Since we had had drought here in the northeast, the forgotten plant which was sitting on a patio table did not get watered in September and October. Then a couple of weeks ago we receive our first bout of rain. Within the next week, I notice that the plant was about to burst!
After your cactus completes blooming, let it rest by withholding water for six weeks. When new growth appears, re-pot and top-dress with fresh soil. Resume watering to keep soil fairly moist.
I am particularly fond of JAWOLL Cotton Jacquard by Lang. It knits up great on size 2 needles. This is imperative for me, as I just can't go any smaller in needle size due to muscle strain in my hands. Also, as an added treat, there is a little thimble of reinforcing yarn tucked away within each skein! If you use the reinforcing thread on heels and toes, it makes your socks extra-strong but not too bulky. And, it matches your yarn perfectly!
I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Mattie and this is a new blog for me. I decided to switch over from a knitting blog I had for some time, Nature Knits. During my hey day, I was an avid spinner and knitter. I dyed my own yarn, accumulated a huge stash of raw fiber and yarn, and blogged pretty regularly. However, about 1 1/2 years ago, I developed a bad case of repetitive stress injury in my hands and wrists. I compounded the problem with tennis stress and too much computer at work. There came a time when I just had to stop. So, I quit knitting for about a year (I did sneak out some socks though). I still love tennis but, as my doctor advised, I "stick with players my own level". That eliminated my 13 year old son who hit the balls too hard to me in the first place! My hands and wrists are better, but I have learned to STOP when the pain starts and I follow some of the suggestions in an older Knitty article by Bonnie Marie Burns.
One thing that has really spurred on my interest is the crafty revolution. I love to look at all the blogs and follow the tutorials. I have also found that doing different things (like knitting, sewing, crocheting, etc...) does not stress out my muscles as much. So, here I am. Poking along. Trying new things.
With the holiday gift giving season approaching, I have decided to make this a "Handmade Holiday". I am going to try and either make most of my gifts myself, or buy handmade items. Luckily, inspiration on the web and in local shops is plentiful.
Since there has not been a winter frost, the geraniums are still in bloom. I know this won't last for long. On my "to do" list is digging up the scented geraniums and lemon verbena out of the herb garden. Hopefully, they will "winter over" on my kitchen windowsill! What plants do you bring inside for the winter?
