Sunday, August 15, 2021

Hydrangeas In Winter....And A Little Knitting ❣



Hello lovely lovelies❣ Sunday has rolled around again. Actually, Sunday has blasted in with menacing skies and ferocious winds blustering everywhere. Goodness, it is wild and woolly here today. Thankfully my humble abode is still standing on its foundations, but there have been times when I thought we might be whisked high up yonder to disappear;  to be gobbled up by the storm clouds. Though,  I must confess, I do like a good squally storm; as long as I am safely cocooned inside my humble abode with a good fire crackling away. I love watching stormy skies where the clouds gust by at breakneck speed.

And, safely cocooned inside I am. Why, I have enjoyed a little knitting in front of a cosy fire. I haven't knitted for yonks. The last time I picked up my knitting needles was way back in 2018, when I knitted my purple, aran woolly. It certainly has been a very long time since I listened to the rhythmic clickety clack of my knitting needles. My beautiful friend, Trish, and I have decided that we will meet for a cuppa every week and whilst we chat and drink copious amounts of tea, we will knit. We are both knitting the same pattern, but in different colours. The pattern is a kimono-like jacket with a slather of cables. Love, love, love a knitted woolly smothered in cables. The wool I have chosen is a french blue with brown flecks scattered here and there. Such a pretty colour and so lovely and soft.

This week I have been quilting my flower garden quilt as well. It is coming along nicely. Hopefully when spring is dancing in pretty flowers, my little garden applique quilt will be dancing along as well in all its glory. Speaking of dancing flowers I pulled out the hydrangea fabric I purchased the other week.  A beautiful fabric with hydrangeas flourishing everywhere. Naughty I know, especially when I have my Flowers in My Hair, Flowers Everywhere quilt to stitch. But the fabric beckoned me and unable to resist I started covering octagon EPP shapes with the hydrangea fabric. I rather like the idea of a  cobblestone quilt with hydrangeas blooming allover. A simple quilt covered in hydrangeas. What's not to love about that. Besides, I could do with a little hydrangea loveliness right about now. Five months till the hydrangeas begin to bloom is just a little too far away for my liking. I need some hydrangeas.....now. =)  I also like the thought of perhaps mixing the octagon shapes with an eight-sided star as well. Gosh, my mind is always thinking, always designing. Sometimes I think my muddly brain will explode with all the ideas colliding around. But for now I will just pet my hydrangea octagon pretties. I will just play.

As we are in the car a lot driving to one place or another, I do like to have a hand stitching pretty on the go. Of course, I can knit and read a book, which I do a lot, but I wanted to throw an EPP project into the mix.  Too much choice is always a good thing.

A lovely quiet and stormy Sunday was enjoyed. Sitting by a fire knitting, was the perfect way to while away my afternoon. Knitting, drinking tea, while the clouds outside my window scurried by in the tempestuous sky, was indeed bliss.  Later this evening I will visit Kathy's place to see what all the other lovely ladies are up to. Thank you for stopping by my little stormy place. Hopefully when next we 'meet'  Old Man Sun will be high up in his sky, smiling down at me. May he smile down upon you this week, too❣


Until the next time............







53 comments:

  1. Hi Kim ! Love a good scary storm when inside, safe and dry ;)
    Beautiful pictures, lovely shades of blue, hydrangeas and knit !
    Your cardigan will be gorgeous !
    Have fun with all your crafts !
    Have a cozy week !
    Hug
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  2. The hydrangea hexies are lovely, can't wait to see what you do with them. Stars are a great idea. The sweater is going to be fantastic, love those cables, happy stitching!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love that sweater pattern. The yarn that you chose is so pretty. Your pretty fabric looks great in hexie form. I look forward to seeing them combined with stars. Wonderful idea! Stay warm and enjoy all of your pretty stitching.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love a hexie and that hydrangea fabric is gorgeous! Your blue yarn is really nice and looks lovely knitted into cables. You've reminded me I have a cable jumper to finish for my daughter before winter arrives!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sitting by the fire, enjoying some knitting is truly one of life's pleasures, Svetlana; especially when the weather outside is stormy and chilly. Kim Xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. One of the nicer things about winter storms is to be blessed with a cozy home. I hope your weather improves and is bright and sunny soon. Your new projects are lovely and will keep you happily busy. What a fun day you will spend knitting and chatting with your friend! Your pretty jumper will be finished in no time. Our hydrangeas are still blooming but are starting to fade a bit. Enjoy your EPP project. Yes, we need to have SEVERAL projects from which to choose!! Wishing you a lovely week, dear Kim! Zenda

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love a rainy day to play, we may get a couple of those this week. Lovely hydrangea hexies!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Those hydrangea hexies bring sunshine to a cold and stormy day! What gorgeous cables on your new sweater! I’m still working on beginner cables but aspire to more complicated ones some day.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your knitting looks wonderful, Kim! And the hydrangea hexies, too. They look like the perfect way to bring a little spring color into your wintry world!

    ReplyDelete
  10. That cable knitting is amazing! That is way too challenging for me!
    Lovely hexie photos :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love the hydrangea hexies! Your knitting is gorgeous, and as always I love reading your prose. Again it brings a big smile to my face! I would sure love to see some storms here, I don't care how severe, but maybe after I get my roof fixed! What we are doing still is suffering through this blasted 100-104 degree weather. Hope you have a great week Kim!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh, your sweater will be so cozy!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love the new hexi project, so pretty. It fits you perfectly! Hugs and stay warm. We are still hot and humid here in NC. Patiently waiting for cooler weather…

    ReplyDelete
  14. Beautiful knitting and gorgeous hexies. I also love your adorable flowers. Have a blessed week ahead.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, lovely Maristella♡ May you have a blessed week, too♡ Kim Xx

      Delete
  15. What a lovely post! I’m glad I found you. Love your knitting pattern. Would you be willing to share the pattern name? T

    ReplyDelete
  16. Your sweater is going to be gorgeous! Who is the pattern designer? I, too, am looking forward to seeing what comes of those beautiful hydrangea hexies. It's always so much fun seeing what is being created on your side of the world!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Es estupendo sentirse a salvo del mal tiempo en casa calentita, con una bonita labor entre manos y en la mesa una taza de té o café o una tarta de manzana hecha en casa..... éso es lo que a mí me sugiere un domingo de mucho frío y viento..... de momento aquí tenemos 40º... 43º... un sol aplastante....
    preciosos los hexágonos de hortensias y tu chaqueta de lana se ve muy bonita, sabes hacer de todo.
    Un abrazo y BESICOS.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Your love of hydrangeas is really shining through, such gorgeous fabric to work with. And I love, love, love your knitting. Such a wonderful design, covered in cables, and a pretty colour. This is going to be a wonderfully smart jacket when completed.

    ReplyDelete
  19. That is a gorgeous cardigan you’re knitting and with your EPP project you’ll have hydrangeas all year round. Snuggle up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah Kim, knitting again. I'm remembering you helping me line a little dress I knitted for Rebecca mumble years ago. It went on to have another life with one of my sister's girls. I'm currently knitting a replacement hat for the one I left on a bus in Edinburgh! Once you start you can't drop a stitch.
      Your jacket looks like the aran cardigan I made even longer than mumble years ago that my sister kindly labelled my 'pick the mistake ' cardigan as she found one every time I wore it!!!

      Delete
    2. Hi Kathie, yes I am knitting...again. It's been three years since I picked up my knitting needles. I don't remember the lining of Rebecca's little dress. But then my muddly mind is a little foggy. =) I might kick your sister to the kerb, if I were you. Just tell her you have knitted your own interpretation of the pattern. =) Hope you are travelling okay up there. I am guessing you are in lockdown. The upside is, you will have lots of time to finish that hat of yours...and then some. Take care, lovely Kathie. It has been a delight to have you visit my little place. Kim Xx

      Delete
  20. Oh my, knitting and reading a book at the same time?! You never cease to amaze me, Kim. Yep, I can LISTEN to a book-on-tape/CD and do almost anything but certainly not read.:) Lovely hexies and the ric rac line is absolutely so adorable - your mind works in the most creative and lovely ways. Enjoy the fire and stay warm. Iowa is definitely NOT your cup of tea; not when balmy days of winter means we hope it's above freezing. Have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Beautiful hydrangea hexies and beautiful place to stitch. Your knitting is wonderful, too ... ;) Pat

    ReplyDelete
  22. Off on some new projects already. The hexies look quite big which will make the quilt go much faster. And the sweater is delightful I haven't knit in many years, but loved to make cables and intricate designs. I hope your stormy weather has passed. After a very hot and humid week, we've had a delightful weekend with temps about 75F and mostly sunny. I got a lot done in the gardens. Of course, next week we're back to the 80's and humid, with the threat of storms each day which means we'll be lucky if it rain one day. So enjoy your new projects, I'm looking forward to the hydrangea hexies.
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  23. You are always such a delight to visit, Kim. Your fernery is such a lovely little spot and your flowers look quite happy. I just love the hexis you are working on. May I ask what size they are? I think they will look quite lovely in a cobblestone quilt. Have a wonderful week my dear.

    ReplyDelete
  24. The shawl cables certainly don’t look like they were knitted by someone who hasn’t knitted for yonks! Lovely stitches. Pretty blue hydrangea fabric. Wise to sew with that fabric until your hydrangea show their lovely faces in your garden. Dare I say they are blooming in my part of the world. Lucky you to be able to stitch and read on a drive, I can only sew/read when the car is parked as my equilibrium can get in a tizzy. Thank you for sharing your cozy abode and your sewing room reorganization from last week!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oh my Kim, the sweater you are knitting looks beautiful! sure looks like when it is done it will be a very warm and such pretty shade of blue, pretty specs of colors with it! Your hydrangea hexies look fabulous also. So nice you and your friend can get together and knit away while sharing your days together!!
    Have a great week ahead knitting and quilting!

    ReplyDelete
  26. The cardi pattern looks great - lovely and snuggly for cooler days. The hydrangea fabric is so lovely I would be loathe to cut into it lol! I do love a good storm. xx

    ReplyDelete
  27. Good to hear you are safe and well after the storm went through. Your knitting is beautiful, great wool. Love your hydrangea hexies, flowers and butterflies, what more could we want??

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi Kim

    Another beautiful hexagon quilt in the making. Your knitting is perfect, great pattern.
    Sending you sunny thoughts.
    Best wishes Kay c xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your sunny thoughts, lovely Kay. They have warmed my rather chilly day. Have a great week, lovely lady. Kim Xx

      Delete
  29. A beautiful pattern for your cardigan, I also like to knit cables and these are very beautiful. You have to pay close attention to it.
    The weather is also stormy with us, only we are not sitting by a fire, by the way, that would be great.
    The hydrangeas always bring a smile, so nice how you surround yourself with them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you do have to pay close attention to cables, don't you, because one little slip up with the cable going the wrong way can lead to a lot of frogging. But, cable knits are my very favourite form of knitting. I am supposing you are having hot, stormy days, Loes? Love summer storms. Hydrangeas and smiles, always go together.=) Thank you, lovely Loes, for delighting me with your sweet visit and beautiful words. Have a beautiful week. Kim Xx

      Delete
  30. Lovely and cosy I feel as if I'm right there with you, love the hydrangeas and love the knitting it's quite a while since I made myself a sweater too, I never seem to like the finished project and it invariably goes to a charity which is no bad thing I suppose. Have a cosy week. xx

    ReplyDelete
  31. So nice that you can sew patchwork with beautiful hydrangea fabric now that it is winter where you live. What a beautiful jacket you knit, and so nice to have a knitting meeting and drink tea with your friend every week. Your knit looks sophisticated with so much pattern knit. Enjoy a handicraft by the fireplace, time goes fast and summer will soon come to you.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Those blue hexagons are very pretty Kim. Your cardigan is coming along nicely. Is that an antique sewing basket I see in the second last photo? It is gorgeous. I would love to have one of those. Maybe one day I'll find one. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  33. Gosh your cable knitting is beautiful Kim & I love the yarn colour. What I wouldn't give to be able to knit like that instead of just dishcloths & tiny jerseys for tiny creatures. That hydrangea material really lends itself to those hexies - it looks stunning!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Oh my goodness!! Those cables look fantastic and I am sure the cardigan will be much loved and worn!
    I too love crocheting (and reading) in the car, and I always carry a project or two with me! Better to have more than none and spent the day idling instead of creating :)
    Wishing you a lovely day!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oh, how I love your hydrangeas, Kim! Especially those on the "laundry line" :) Though the "bouquet in the basket" is also exquisitely charming :)
    Can't wait seeing you in that heavenly blue kimono jacket!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hydrangeas, whether in fabric or in the garden, are always beautiful. Well...at least I think they are. Why, I think every ric rac laundry line should have some hydrangea pretties adorning it. =) Kim Xx

      Delete
  36. Oh my word! You are a master knitter, too!! Your pretty hexies all strung about made me smile. It’s going to be a beautiful hydrangea quilt! 💙

    ReplyDelete
  37. Enjoy knitting this beautiful cable pattern, and quilting pretty blue hexies! I hope that the weather is not too bad outside.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'm late to the party this week. I love the color and the pattern that you're knitting. It will be a beautiful finish. Hopefully your stormy weather has blown over? Or at least still snuggled up by the fire. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  39. Kim - lovely piece of knitting - the color is fabulous, and the design is so fashionable! Our temperatures have gotten dramatically cooler, and I could get into a fire and some tea right now!

    ReplyDelete
  40. That's another couple of lovely projects on your hands this past week, Kim! I love the blues. My last week was anything but blue, in spite of our week of rains from mostly Tropical Storm Fred. My first grandchild was born on the 17th - a precious little girl. Mama and baby are doing great, and I am in love!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Oh, I do like that jacket, lovely, lovely design! What a wonderful wool you have chosen, blue is my favourite color! You are inspiring me, again; with our autumn coming in not so distance future, may be I will take out my knitting needles :-)
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  42. Dearest Kim,
    I wonder what a masterpiece of yours you're going to give life to with your Hydrangeas hexagons!
    And you look so able in knitting too, you're truly a master in handcrafting, you've got something magic in your hands, my friend, you always amaze me!
    Enjoy the atmosphere of your cozy home and be blessed
    Xx Daniela at ~ My little old world ~

    ReplyDelete
  43. These braids are amazing ... so beautiful. The jacket will be wonderful. Great when you knit with a friend ... it's really fun.
    Do you know the hydrangeas bloom here with me in the most beautiful colors, I will think of you when I walk by and give them a caressing from you.
    Many greetings to you. Viola - Have a happy time.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I am enjoying knitting with my friend, Viola. There is always much laughter and many a cup of tea. I think wherever hydrangeas are in bloom they give much joy and delight. I cannot wait until my pretty hydrangeas smile at me in their shades of blues and pinks, in about four months time. But first, there are all the spring flowers that will dance on the flower stage first. So excited. Thank you for your beautiful visit, lovely Viola, and your beautiful words. Have a beautiful day. Kim Xx

    ReplyDelete
  45. Always a pleasure to visit your beautiful corner of the world, Kim.
    I love your pretty hexagons.
    What an uniquely constructed sweater. It looks like a shawl over the shoulders.

    ReplyDelete
  46. your knitting is really gorgeous. knitting is a great project to have when you are on the go!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Your knitting project is so pretty! I love cables too but rarely attempt them because I'm not that confident in my skills. The yarn colour is so 'me' too.
    And hydrangea hexxies - the blending of two very perfect things.

    ReplyDelete