Vitamin D

I haven't actually been crafting that much these last few weeks. Finals and papers kind of prohibit that. I am studying outside, though, and soaking up some Vitamin D. It is 75 degrees here in Greenville! I can't remember having a December this warm. I could really enjoy having a seventy degree winter, but we've already had several cold weeks. 

I'm sitting underneath this stunning old magnolia that grows outside my dorm, studying chemistry, or rather, taking a study break. 

Below is the view from my window. The porch roof of my dormitory collects rainwater, which means that many of the little birds come to drink and splash around. 

Here is a dried hydrangea from my grandmother's garden.

This is a pair of hand warmers I knit this fall from the remaining yarn from the In Threes Baby Cardigan in that lovely blue and beige variegated. The yarn was purchased at the yarn shop, Unwind, in Rhode Island. 

What's the weather like in your town? What are you making? Please leave a comment below! Merry Christmas!

Rhode Island architecture and seaside

I wanted to post these pictures as soon as I saw how well they turned out!

I took these pictures when we went on the Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island.

We walked around a few of the old mansions on Bellevue. The details are stunning!

I also loved getting to see houses and a church that were built anywhere from the early 1700s to the mid 1900s. It was amazing to see so many different eras and styles together on one street.

Rhode Island is absolutely beautiful! I loved my entire trip, especially getting to spend time with my aunt, uncle, and cousins. I would visit (in the summer) again in a heartbeat. The little towns, like Wickford, were complete with quaint shops, friendly people, and even a yarn store (which was closed due to July 4th). The other yarn store I did get to visit, Unwind, has a collection of beautiful tonal and variegated yarns (and others) and I look forward to visiting there again.

Seaside Knitting

I am visiting my aunt, uncle, and cousins in Rhode Island. We’re enjoying the gorgeous seaside and parks. I also got to visit a lovely yarn shop called Unwind (http://www.unwindri.com/). There, we found a skein of Berroco Vintage, a multi with sand, brown, and two different shades of gray-blue. I’m almost finished a “In Threes Baby Cardigan” by Kelly Herdrich. The pattern is simple and quick because it uses a worsted weight yarn. I almost completed the smallest size baby sweater (minus three rows) and ran out, so I’ll pick up another skein in a few days. It also went by quickly because I’m using a multi, so I get to watch the colors change. I’m on the lookout for seaside-themed buttons, either anchors or boats. I highly recommend this pattern! I’ll probably be knitting another one this week. It only took me one day!

I cranked out a baby hat with a sock yarn that’s a cotton and nylon blend. I’m working on a second hat, which is fun, because the self-striping is working out differently for the second hat.

I also finished another seaside colored hat, made from a 100% bamboo yarn in an aqua/green color from the baby hat pattern in "Last-Minute Knitted Gifts."

I’m happily knitting along at the RI seaside, enjoying the cool breeze, but mostly keeping out of the icy water after the token swim.

We've gone kayaking and horseback riding, both things I haven't done before. I had a blast! Getting off the horse after our trail ride was a bit interesting. I was hanging on to the pommel, sliding down, and my feet just kept going. I didn't realize how huge my horse was! Standing on the ground, I think his shoulder was taller than my head.

What are your favorite seaside or summer projects? Are there any particular “vacation knitting” patterns that you love? Please post your thoughts in the comments below. Happy Knitting!