wistful thinking

these project bags are thinking spring. are you? they'll be landing in space today. the perfect place to put that new seasonal accessory that you are about to cast-on.

truffle shuffle

for a few delightfully sweet days, it seemed like spring was right around the corner. but overnight, winter snapped back and showed that it still the season in charge. while sad for the sprouting buds, it is perfect timing for one of the newest yarns at fibre space. victorian bulky is a lovely thick and thin yarn dyed by chickadee fave neighborhood fiber co.

it look less than one skein and less than two hours to put together this cuddly cowl. the pattern, neck truffle, is a free ravelry download. it is a simple stitch pattern that shows off the texture and color of the yarn. the piece is pulled together with some perfect ribbon from hanah silk.

stop in at fibre space to see the sample for yourself and to pick up some supplies to make your own late-winter neck and shoulder warmer.

action shots

here are those large project bags stuffed full of yarn and sitting in the sunny corner of a comfy couch. exactly what they were intended for! they'll cuddle your presently incomplete cabled sweater so that it can be carried to any sunny spot that you choose.

livin' large

project bags of the large/drawstring/internal pocket variety have already hit the shelves at fibre space. go check 'em out!

pretty little project bags

thrift store score!

take a gander at the gorgeous given-away items that this chickadee snatched up on a recent treasure hunt. a cute little container, a hand crocheted 5' x 4' blanket and lots of linens! this isn't even the entire haul. hooray for thrift stores! hooray for giving! hooray for getting!

groundhog day!

well, technically the day after. but since it is groundhog day, can't it be groundhog day again? sure! let's hope that old rascal punxy phil isn't pulling any fast ones on us. spring in six weeks would be sublime.

in the meantime, here are some hand crafted creations inspired by that crazy critter with a penchant for predicting the weather. punxsutawney's finest marmot must have seen a few of these and decided that they were too cute to run and hide from.

cute groundhog amigurumi
by moonscreations

groundhog day button set
by sugarcookie

bandit groundhog
by viola studio

sweater scrap groundhog 2011
by zfla

all you need is warmth

this chickadee stumbled upon a heartfelt happening yesterday in dc, just off dupont circle. a small group with a grateful conscious gathered at the gandhi statue on 21st and massachussets ave to remember the life and celebrate the legacy of the peaceful leader....and to warm him up a bit!

they placed pom-pon garland at the base of the monument and laid crochet chains around his feet. he got a scarf for his neck and a hat to keep his head cozy. there was a sweet serenade by a few flautists and soft greetings and giggles from those who gathered.

there was also a spot to make a donation of hand knitted items to help those who are left out in the cold this winter. here's hoping that they made their way to cover cold hands and heads and keep out at least some of the chill.

for more information or to stay in the loop for next year, visit the gandhiwarmer page.

and to read a nice write-up on the event, click over to the 42.

how does your garden grow?

with super chunky yarn and great big needles, the modern garden cardigan grows faster than you can say 'sugar snap.' the pattern, another lovely one from designer veera välimäki, is worked from bottom hem to collar all in one piece. sleeves are first worked separately and then added along to the body. the shaping of the sweater comes from the curved lines of the leaves.

no increasing or decreasing. no seams. no sweat. a quick and happy knit that will call fibre space home for a while. it was knit as a shop sample to show off some spectacular yarn. mirasol ushya is perfect for this project and all sorts of other winter accessories. it is a big and bulky yarn that somehow manages to stay lightweight and still be warm.

more to adore

a little bird told me that fibre space has a nice little stash of spaciously-sized chickadee project bags. 13" x 14". lined. with pockets! and a drawstring up top to keep that unruly yarn from rolling away.