Reaching Out

Hard to believe it is the middle of July but with the summer sunshine comes growth in the "Hot Tub Garden". Things are really "reaching out" on these sunny days.

We're growing some tomatoes, green peppers, cukes and herbs. We have a mama doe and her triplets hanging around the house so we're really happy to have our garden up on the deck.

I'm working on a project that has perked my interest in sheep breeds and fleece. I've always wanted to raise sheep but never quite got there-just like I always wanted to own my own knitting shop. As the years go by and I gain a bit of wisdom, I realize that what I really enjoy is the fiber & the process of knitting. I'm knitting with some NY State local yarn and am finding The Field Guide to Fleece (published by Storey Publishing)  to be very helpful.

Found myself to be very productive last week. I ventured to a great little yarn & fabric store and purchased some nice cotton to try my hand at making a project bag . My dear friend & I have been sharing handmade gifts for many years. I usually knit something but this year I decided to "reach out" and try my hand at a sewing project.  I gathered my sewing tools and got organized before I started my project.

I quickly realized that I need to work on more exact measurements if I want to bring quality into my sewing projects. The house seemed rather quiet for me to work so I decided a little jazz might help my creative energies.

Once I had the measurements figured out I started to make progress with my project. Yesterday I presented my friend with her birthday gift....my very first Project Bag.  And she loved it!!!

As I look back on the week it really was a week of reaching out and trying new projects, learning something new about fiber that I have cherished my entire life , and watching those tomato plants reach for the sun.

Red, White & Blue

 Here at Needle & Hand we're getting in the Fourth of July spirit. The day started with an early morning swim & then home for a healthy breakfast. As I sat on The Baitshop deck having my coffee I noticed the red, white & blue around me. Old Glory was waving at the front door ready to welcome the day. And hanging on the line next to my bathing suit was my handmade "Fourth of July" apron.
I have had this apron for well over 12 years. I purchased it in our hometown from the most amazing seamstress. Everything she made was perfect. She use to work in the local fabric & yarn store and I use to wonder if I could ever perfect my sewing skills to match hers. I'm no where near that but I continue to try.

After an early morning swim there is nothing more relaxing then a coffee on the deck in  my favorite chair-made locally  & painted by my better half.

 The weather is beautiful today -perfect for a canoe ride. Speaking of canoes...the Old Birch Bark canoe is decked out for the 4th.

 Wishing you all a Happy Fourth of July from those of us here at Needle & Hand....and yes, the knitting continues. Working on a "HAT" design. Merino wool and wooden needles are such a joy to work with.