I was in my studio this morning and just loved the way the sun looked on my blue walls. I probably should have tidied this shelf before I took a picture of it but I don't think it would have had quite the same feel if I had (and the sun would have moved anyway). I kind of like the clutter that collects here: there are bits and pieces from past and current projects (especially on the pin board above), jars of buttons and pincushions at the ready, miscellaneous items that really belong in other rooms (like the earring jar) and even a papyrus scroll left over from a Egyptology course I took at university (we had to write our names in hieroglyphics - my friend Kim and I got papyrus from a stall in the mall and then got fancy with paint and gold pens).

What was I doing in my studio? Oh right. I was working on this.


The top for my scrap scarf. The backing is going to be some pink flannel I ordered but it hasn't arrived yet. Since sewing time with Abby can be iffy I decided to take advantage of the time I got (she's always more manageable on weekend afternoons) and start the project before I had all the materials. As soon as it arrives I'll throw it in the wash and then just sew it on. I still need to do the outer layer for the muff but I only have so much space for laying things out (I don't tempt fate by putting things on the floor).

I also finished the swatch for Rob's sweater. I'd expected to have to go down a needle size but it looks like I'll actually be using the needles called for in the pattern for once. It also looks like I'm going to have to order a longer circular because I don't think the 24" is going to cut it for the sweater body (especially once the sleeves are attached). But sweaters do have sleeves so I'm going to start knitting with those and by the time they are done the new circular should be here (how I long for a local yarn shop).


I laughed when I stat down at my desk this afternoon (after the swatch was washed and laid out to dry) and saw the rest of the yarn cake sitting by my screen. I'm apparently too lazy to put away my swatching needles until I know which ones I'm going to be using.


Notice the new package of 2 mm dpns - I can finally knit socks again.

I got needles in the mail today.  Some, such as the ones pictured above, are for our sweaters, and the others are for my Lace Tank. The needles above are 12 and 8 mm Surina needles that I ordered from Dream Weaver Yarns. They feel just as beautiful as they look and I’m excited about finally swatching for our sweaters.
 
While I’ve got you here ... this is what we’re eating for dinner tonight:
 
Peanut’s Summer Salad
 
1/2 English cucumber cut into small wedges
2 Roma tomatoes cut into small wedges
2 cups cold cooked whole wheat macaroni
 
Sauce:
3/4 - 1 cup of whole fat plain yogurt
juice and zest of half a lemon (or to taste)
1 tsp dried dill weed (or to taste)
 
Put vegetables and pasta in a large bowl. Combine sauce ingredients in a small bowl and stir until smooth.  Pour sauce over salad and toss to coat. Serves at least two.
 
I invented it this evening to use up some of the stuff in our fridge. It’s really nice and tangy. Fresh dill would be nicer than dried but I didn’t have any. I think it would be good with shell pasta - they pick up more sauce. Dried soy beans or other salad crunchies might be nice too.
 
Off to swatching.