"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers..."

"It would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November, wouldn't it? 

Look at these maple branches. 

Don't they give you a thrill -- several thrills? I'm going to decorate my room with them." 

~Anne of Green Gables

***

The sunshine was so beautiful through the leaves this morning I had to try to capture the splendor.

Here are some of my favorites.

 

 These geraniums really should be replaced with mums, but they're putting on such a brave show I can't bear to put them away yet!

 The view from my window - better than any painting!

 

 Last night as I was working on this lace gown for my cousin's baby girl I thought how knitting lace is a good picture lesson of faith & obedience. While following the directions that may not seem to make sense at the time, you're really trusting the designer. An odd assortment of K2 Yo K2tog etc. may not make much sense at the time once you start to see the results you realize that the designer DID know what they were talking about. Just like when the Lord asks you to do something that doesn't seem to make sense in our finite minds. He knows the beginning from the end. You can trust the Creator.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5+6

Enjoy this beautiful Autumnal weather!

selfies with chickens...

 I've seen some pretty funny selfies (especially on Pinterest).

Crazy cat ladies,

dog fanatics,

etc...

So, I thought...

How  hilarious would it be to take some with a chicken?!

Easier said than done, I can tell you!

I figured everyone could use a good laugh so

here are my favorite failures. ;)

The "In Your Face"

 This is about the best I could get...
The "Looking Affectionately at Prized Chicken" ;)

(On a sewing side note: I made this summer sundress from some old curtains I bought at a local vintage sale for $3.)

My personal favorite:
The "Please Don't Peck Me in the Eye".
Hee hee!
A special thanks to Freckles the Speckled Sussex.
Have a good weekend!
^_~

land girl cabled cardigan...

 Cables were a technique that I had convinced myself I'd never be able to do for the longest time.

(I can be such a chicken at times.)

Once I finally worked up the courage just to give them a try 

I was surprised how simple they really were!

(Well, provided you already know how to knit.)

This sweater is from my very favorite Debbie Bliss booklet "Land Girl".

I just love the 1940s English farm setting & styles.

You may remember my Land Girl Fairisle Yoke Sweater &

Robin's Egg Tweed Sweater which are also from this pattern booklet.

The yarn is Knit Picks' Palette in Clarity.

Isn't it just the most beautiful shade of pale aqua?

I'm partial to blue & I'm now particularly partial to this shade of blue! :)

The sleeves are a little bit squarish at the top 

which makes them nicely structured and VERY 40s.

^_^

recent knits...

I've heard that sweater weather is forecast for the end of this week.

It just happens to be my very favorite sort of weather. :D

I thought a post about some of my most recent knits would be appropriate!

***

This little number was made for a shower for a dear friend of mine.

This ballet style sweater is one of my favorites to make for little girls.

Naturally I had to make matching maryjane style booties since I had enough yarn left over!

Don't you just love this sweet bobble edging?!

***

Here is a recent make for myself.

The original pattern had a very low neckline so I added this rose yoke to make it more wearable.

When there's a chill in the air I can't hardly make myself put my needles down!

Even as I was waiting for these photos to upload I was clickin' away.

Here's what I've got on the needles now.

It's going to be a 40s style cardi for me. :D

Sorry for the spookiness of the pic.
It's just too dark in here I guess. :)
 I made a cowboy sweater from a vintage pattern for my nephew James' birthday.
I forgot to take a pic of it before I wrapped it.
Hopefully I can get some cute photos of him wearing it.
I'm making my nephew Jack one as well so that should make for some good photo-ops! :}

free indeed...

As I was baking these pies this morning for our 4th of July celebration later today

I was listening to some music on Pandora.

First, a little Sousa to get in the holiday spirit.

Then, some Country/Bluegrass Gospel.

(Nothing too howly mind you. Can't stand that!)

My thoughts began to center around "freedom".

I'm so thankful for our country.

I'm thankful for the freedoms that we have, at least for now, in America.

Freedom to worship our God.

Freedom to homeschool. 

***

I'm especially thankful that my true citizenship is NOT here on earth.

In the words of our dear Lord Jesus:

"So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

Freedom from sin.

Freedom from fear of death.

Freedom from self.

Free indeed!

***

Enjoy your 4th!