Monday, April 27, 2009

Bits of Fun


My life hasn't been all heavy-duty emotional processing the last month, although at times, it's felt like it. I thought I'd share some of the other things I'm doing.

This vest is made of bulky, self-striping wool. It's a folksy, unfinished style that's different from what I usually make but kind of fun. I've had the pieces knitted for a couple of months and only just blocked and sewed it a couple of weeks ago. I felt foolish finishing a winter vest in April, but we had a couple of days in the forties the last two weeks, so I was able to wear it after all.


I've been planting. Lettuce, spinach, carrots, and beets have been planted outdoors. I'm starting squash, cucumbers, and basil in the house. It feels good to be growing vegies again. I haven't for a couple of years.



Here's a sketch I did yesterday, based on a Japanese lantern at the Botanic Garden. I'm not satisfied with the proportions, but I'm pleased with the details. So it goes.





16 comments:

Lauralew said...

I admire people who have the patience to knit. That vest is great! And glad you are growing veggies. I hope to get some started in a container soon.

Pat - Arkansas said...

Love the vest! Love the sketch! Admire you for planting veggies. There will be some good eats in a few months.

forsythia said...

I can't wait to hear more about your classes at the Chicago Botanic Garden. You've been on a trip this month!

fiwa said...

Your vest is beautiful Ruth. I love the blocky shape of it. Glad you're getting to wear it for a few times before summer hits. :)

jay said...

Well done on the vest! It looks very cheerful and I'm sure you'll have more chances to wear it before the hot weather begins!

I love the sketch, too. I particularly like the clever way you tilted it slightly to avoid that starchy and uninteresting 'pole in the middle of the frame' look. Well done! :)

Connie said...

You are so Creative!!!! Love the vest. Your sketches are coming along grandly!

Trish said...

I love your vest but I love your sketch even more. That is JUST WHAT I would sketch...details are my 'thing'! Hey girl...I have to take some time to 'back read' as I have not been about lately...at least in blogland. Looks like a lot has been going on....

Leann said...

You are so creative!!

Presbyterian Gal said...

You are springing out all over with great stuff!

Very cool vest.

Kathy said...

If you listen closely enough, you can hear the "oohing" and "aahing"! You are just one creative and artistic blossom!

Jan said...

Wow--creativity all over the place. Or maybe fruitfulness? Great vest. And a garden and art classes, too. Wow again.

Jeannelle said...

The vest is beautiful. Wear it during any season. Your drawing looks excellent to me. Enjoy the gardening, too!

Diane said...

love all this different kind of creative stuff! really ....

Cheryl said...

The vest is just perfect! I love the style, the colors, the detail of the button. Bravo!

And I'm so proud of your artistic endeavors. Envious too. Maybe I should try?

susan said...

eighties here.. ikes..but so pretty, and thankful for that inspiring ecclecity of yours? birds here are amazing.. so resonant of the creativity we are surrounded by.. listened to "Sound and Spirit" (NPR), on Sunday, about the loss of touch we have with hearing all the creativity humming around us... in nature; so, i bought a drawing book to go out and listen and process the sounds. (part of my post urban stress issue).
sounds like your jumpstart in some of your writings over lent is reminding me to try too, so thankya,
s
( this fifty or so days after easter... seems hoppin')

Barbara B. said...

Wow, that vest is so cool!