Rotini Scarf

 This scarf is called the Rotini Scarf. It's so fun to wear, and easy & relaxing to make. Great for any beginner - or a pro who wants something simple & meditative. It's all garter stitch!

 I used nearly 3 keins of Noro Silk Garden which comes in lots of tempting color combos.

Here's the pattern. I was given a xeroxed copy so I don't know if there's an original source.
(The pattern looked confusing to me just reading it, but once you start, it becomes obvious).
Needles: size 8 or 9
Yarn: worsted weight or DK - 200-300 yards depending on length wanted

Pattern:
Cast on 20
*knit 8, then turn
knit 8, then turn
knit 6, then turn
knit 6, then turn
knit 4, then turn
knit 4, then turn
knit 20*
Repeat from * to * until desired length.
When ready to finish, work the pattern until the last knit 4,
then bind off 10
knit 10
bind off.

(Just now copying it I see that I didn't do the end part correctly - I waited until the last row of 20 and then just bound off the whole thing. Since I'm such a basic knitter, I have no idea what the difference would be!).
Okay, Happy Knitting! There's still more winter in store for a lot of us.
xo

Sylvester the Birthday Mouse

 it was a total surprise to open a package from my brother and his wife and to find this amazing knitted mouse! the pattern is a free one from Fuzzy Mitten who sells patterns for all kinds of adorable knitted toys. i love that they made the mouse together - cathy doing the knitting, and michael putting the pieces together and adding the features. it's funny because i can See a bit of my brother in the expression. i guess that's how it is with things we make.

 this mouse just seemed like a Sylvester to me. he is 3.5" tall.
we had a little bit of sun for my birthday so i took him out in the yard to check out my favorite primroses.

he smelled the purple flowers,

then visited a family of hedgehogs. they had a lot to tell him about his new neighborhood.

 

he sought some advice from FatBird about the meaning of life.

 

           then climbed a tree to get some perspective on it all.

 still tired from his move from northern CA, it was back inside for an afternoon nap.
all in all, he was happy with his new digs, and it was a pretty good day!
xo

toasty mousie

the temps are frigid here in seattle, with light snow, but Miss Mouse is warm & toasty with her new knitted hat, scarf and fluffy blanket,

as well as a little woolen bird to hold.
stay warm everyone! xo