Yarn First, Pattern Later

Yarn-aholic. Indeed. 

Pick a pattern first, then choose a suitable yarn for the project. 

At least that's what yarn-aholics plan to do, and would suggest that someone else do. 

We just tend to go about that process backwards. 

It's an awkward journey in this direction, and though I know better - I'm addicted. 

I would tell you it's hereditary, but of that I cannot truly be certain. 

It's fluffy mounds of enchanting colour that can be tamed 

artistically into an array of useful shapes and items... 

This yarn was purchased last autumn in Ireland and I began knitting this past July. 

Deciding on the pattern was tough, but in the end I chose this pattern for the 

cables and the modern interest of the unusual shaping. 

The sweater is rather warm and cozy, big and draping. 

Great for cold nights and thawing out beside a fire, 

however not your most feminine and curve conscious sweater. 

The shape is so fun though! Like a flying fox! Don't you think?

I can't believe this Asymmetrical Woolly Wrap Sweater is finally finished, 

blocked and dried, and photographed :)

We were out with some cows, taking these photos. A wee nod to where we'd like to hang our hats. 

Out in the country, where a sweater like this would do me some good.

At the minute, just right to display some autumn knitting...

Pattern: Vogue Knitting, August 2013, #12 Asymmetric Pullover

Wool: Brown Aran Tweed, Donegal/Kilcarra Yarns, purchased in Co. Donegal, Ireland

Work-acation on Salt Spring

Vacation time from work was a lot of physical labour but I'm sure it was worth all the while for both my mom and our exercise. Especially since I sit and then sit some more all day at work...

What a view... Vancouver West to East

My mom is going to have a few bonfires!
I think we should get her some marshmallows and maybe a javelin for roasting them,
so she doesn't singe her eyebrows!

My sweetheart is a very hard working and strong man. 

I've got guns, but they just don't compare... I certainly have the motivation, enthusiasm, organization and an industrious nature to make up for that, but Jordan is all that, and he's tireless! 

We think we make a pretty awesome team. 

We hope our team effort will be put to good use for ourselves, soon!

If you didn't see this area earlier, its very tidy now.

The shed site is all tidied, too, as well as the surrounding area.

I wish I'd have taken before and after photos, but we were just so motivated and focused we forgot the camera until the last day and dug right in. 

These doors took a very, very long time to paint!
By brush, no spray paint for me...

The Playhouse got a little facelift with paint.
Next summer it'll get it's dutch door painted green and a new roof, too!

All these little details took quite some time to paint. 

The weather was entirely in our favour with sun and high temperatures 

allowing for lots of pressure washing and time for stain and paint to dry.

Learning to use the table saw...

Trying to take a photo of ourselves!

I also had the chance to seam a little of my new sweater, finish the last few chapters of my book and, of course, bake a cake for Jordan's birthday. But that was it. The rest was all work. 

Well... we did find some energy each night to play crib!

So the story behind this Electric Berry Cake is, I found a box of Neon food colouring when I went to tint the icing. I was so intrigued I had to use it! Maybe I shouldn't have, but whence came the name. 

Sweetapolita calls it Vanilla Blackberry-Mascarpone Cake for Two, instead. I doubled the cake part of the recipe, could have doubled the blackberries, and made everything else in the recipe's ratio, which worked out to be plenty. It was also enjoyed by more than two :)

Now we need a vacation from our vacation to mend all the aching muscles!