Katch-up

We've had gorgeous weather here for the past few days and it's been as hot as 32 degrees, so I've tried to sit outside and enjoy it before the June rains come. However, see previous posts to understand that I have some inconsiderate neighbours. I've been using my iPod a whole lot more to block out their noises and I am trying to use the opportunity to practice tolerance. I'll let you know how successful I am.

Sitting in a lawn chair tanning my legs makes me feel more like crocheting than knitting. You too?
So, I started to crochet the Farmer's Market Bag from the June Knit.1 magazine, except I didn't use the yarn or the hook size they suggested. I used a spool of cotton I found at the thrift store, bought for 99 cents. I've found similar cones to be over $20! I figured this yarn that looks like kitchen twine and a 5mm and 6.5mm hook would make it bigger than the pattern, but it's smaller. (No I didn't make a test swatch - it's a bag! Who needs gauge?) He's the first day's progress:


This is what I see when I sit in the backyard - my neighbour's sweet dog, Sandy. He's so lanky but gentle and he's just the goofiest.. if they ever decided they didn't want him (which they won't) I'd take him in a heartbeat. But don't tell JP, he wants to ensure our next dog is smaller and doesn't shed. Sandy can spend an hour sitting like this, watching me and my two dogs. Occasionally he whimpers to let us know he's there I guess.

And this is the sky Thursday. The clouds look like a painter dragged her brush across the canvas. Isn't it interesting? The clouds look like jellyfish. Of course by the time I ran and got my camera, the clouds weren't in as good of formation as they were.

And here's the bag/purse today which I'll finish shortly - especially since JP had to leave for a work road trip. I've just got half a strap to complete and then I'll need to sew the strap to the bag.The bag/purse is not as big as I wanted it to be (see above) , so I think I'll make another one, I certainly have a big enough cone of cotton to do so. The fishnet part goes pretty fast. I will find some funky fabric to line this one and use it as a purse. The good thing with this natural colour is that I could make it and then dye it to suit my needs - maybe a bright blue? Or a soft green like in the magazine?
Yesterday, we picked up our wedding rings. His was custom made, but from an existing style. My wedding band was made to fit snugly next to my engagement ring. After the ceremony we'll return to have them soldered together. His is larger and heavier - but mine cost more. I know, I know... they had to make a mold for mine. But still.

Wedding plans are coming along smoothly I think. 32 more days to go! I do have a list of calls and things to do this week, but it's not going too badly. That's the good part with having a very small event I guess. And I've been watching some of those bride/wedding shows and am glad I'm not insane like the TV people!

JP is on his way to Kelowna, Penticton and Vernon for work this week. It's a gorgeous sunny day and because he has so much work stuff to carry, he rented a mini-van. He doesn't want to go. But I am envious that he is because I love the interior of BC. I suppose if we had put a little more thought and conversation into it, I would have put the dogs in a kennel and taken a week's vacation - of course, I could have kept working since I'm not that far away and his laptop has an Air Card. The van is a nice comfy way to go. Well, maybe next time. Maybe this summer we'll rent the van again and take the kid up there. That could be fun too.