My Knitted Scarf

My second knitted project was from Ravelry  The Baktus Scarf.  Pammy Sue picked it out.  We began together, on the same day.  I used two skeins and a wee bit more, of Debbie Bliss cotton/angora.  It was so soft and wonderful to work with.  I will certainly be using it again.  I can see why it is so popular!  Pammy Sue and I began on the same day. Coaching each other via texts.  It was just straight knitting, with a YO for the increases, and K2 together for decrease.  I didn't have any trouble with this one.  But I did have a bump or two.  These were not so visible though once I blocked it.  Also a first for me!  I used an old raft to block the scarf.  It was very long, and this worked out perfectly.

 When it was dry, it looked great.  I tried it on several different ways.  I put it on my wicker dress form that displays my wedding dress.  So pretend you don't see the dress in this picture.

The widest part is in the middle and can be worn around the neck as a sort of cowl for more warmth and coverage.

Or it can be folded over and worn sort of ascot style.

I have a pretty light brown leather jacket that this would look great tucked inside.  If only we would get some cold weather to wear it!  I enjoyed making this, even though Pammy Sue bailed out on me.  She didn't like how hers was looking, and wants to try it again in some different yarn.  I didn't learn any new stitches, or techniques with this one, but it was good practice for my knitting form.  And I discovered a very comfortable way to hold the yarn in my right hand, with the tension on my right index finger, and lessening the motion in my wrists and hands to do the stitch.  This made for a much more relaxed experience. 
In addition to the knitting, I have been making baby hats for my friend Taci to take with her when she goes to her home in Brazil.  These will go to babies in need. 

My favorite is the one on the left with the yellow flower.

The minty green has a wee flower too.  A Pom Pom for the blue one.  And a white and yellow trim on the other one.  I will make up a couple more and then get these sent off to Taci in Oregon.  If you would like to make a few as well, just go to visit Taci in the above link for the information.
The weather here as been like early summer!  We have had a good week or so of days in the 90's.  Most days have been hovering in the mid 80's.  I have been spending a lot of time outdoors.  The plants and trees are all confused.  The orange trees are in full bloom, an entire month too early!

The oranges are huge and so juicy!  Fresh squeezed orange juice every morning is a favorite! 

The heavenly scent of the blossoms really gets your attention and begs you to come outside.  It is most lovely at dawn, and then again in the evening air.  With our windows all open at night, it fills the house with that beautiful aroma that reminds us that Spring is on the way! 
Other plants are coming alive too.  The Bird Of Paradise are gloriously in bloom.

Geraniums are looking happy and about ready to burst with flowers. 

As are the pretty nasturtium.

That piece of iron you see is a magazine stand that I was no longer using.  I put it out in the flower bed for the vines to climb. 
My hens have completed their molt, and are showing off their feathered finery, strutting about the grove for all to admire them in their new Spring plumage.

 

I open the gate to their large run, and let them have the entire run of the orange grove when I collect eggs around noon or so.They are laying like it is Spring!

Although the calendar says February, Mother Nature thinks it is late March.  I do love winter though.  I am hoping for more rain and cold.  We so need it. 

I am trying to get all caught up with everyone.  I am still working on it. See you soon.

XO  Kris