Encouraging Signs

One week in and my seeds have started to sprout! Even though I have a basic understanding of the science that causes plants to grow, every time something I planted from seed begins to appear I can't help but feel like it's a little bit of magic.

The ones in this picture are, I think, snapdragons. I am reminded why I should have labeled the containers: all sprouts look exactly the same at this point. But, I think that the snaps, lettuce, and possibly broccoli have pushed their little green heads up. The last two are even more surprising because earlier this week I accidentally knocked the tray these were in to the floor of the laundry room, completely spilling and jumbling up the contents. So I have no idea what is lettuce and what is broccoli at the moment. Ah well, I'll just let them grow and expect it will become evident which is which in the relatively near future.

GardenGate 2009

Spring-like temperatures have arrived here in central Indiana and my gardening projects are off to a great start! On Thursday, FH and I hit the local Lowe's to pick up some supplies.

On the agenda for this year are my old standbys: lettuce and peppers, both with seeds saved from last season. Since we're in a warmer climate now I decided to experiment a bit and sowed some of the lettuce indoors, some of it outside directly into a container of potting soil. The peppers will start indoors, of course, and I've started some extras in hopes that I can trade with co-workers and neighbors for a tomato or some compost.

We stopped by the Indianapolis Winter Farmers Market on Saturday morning to see what the Slow Foods heirloom seed sale had to offer. We were a little late so choices were somewhat limited but we picked up a packet of broccoli and a packet of pickling cucumber seeds to try.

In addition to veggies, this year I'm going to try for some flowers. I posted more about this on my other blog, but I am attempting to grow flowers for my June wedding (I am insane enough to be doing my own bouquets, boutonnieres, and a couple of assorted arrangments ... though we are not doing floral centerpieces.) I've got some calla lilies, ranunculus, anemones, sweet peas, and snap dragons in the works. Frankly I will be satisfied if they grow at all, so no worries if they don't bloom mid-June, but it would be so awesomely satisfying if I could use them for the wedding. I'm doing everything I can to weigh the odds in my favor (choosing a selection of flowers with bloom times from mid-May to early July so that an exceptionally cool or warm season won't screw me, staggering start times so that I have waves of developing plants), we will see.

Waiting for them all to grow is the worst!!! :P I am so impatient.

Clara's sweater

Hot off the needles is the Inca-Dincadoo Cotton Baby Cardigan from Luxury Yarn One Skein Wonders. I made this one from Manos del Uruguay cotton (somewhere between one and two skeins, though I lost track because it broke a couple times while I was winding it.) This is a simple piece to work up and does not even require purling. It is knit in garter stitch, all in one piece from the back hem up and over to the front hem. Once it's knit you just fold it in half and sew up the sides/arms. My camera batteries died before I could get a close-up of the buttons but they have adorable little drawings of boys and girls on them.

This piece will go in the mail next week for little Clara Grace, the latest in a long line of babies born to friends. I think this sweater is going to be perfect for momma's little girl!

Edited because, while Knitting Little Luxuries is a great book it is not the book this pattern came from. Oops!

Christmas reveal!

Well, Christmas is long past but I am finally posting pics of the lone Christmas knitting project: the Dummy Clap shawl, featured on the knitting blog Knitting Up A Storm. This was a gift for my future mother in law. I made mine from 4 skeins of Berger du Nord Charmant, a 50/50 wool/silk blend.

Christmas Knitting Sneak Preview

Just a little preview of what's to come ... the lone hand-knit Christmas gift this year! I'm not telling who it's for yet ...

Happenings

Well, a lot has come to pass since last I blogged. I have actually started up a few new knitting projects but, alas, they are intended as gifts so I can't really so them to you. I must admit most of my DIY energy these days is devoted to wedding projects ... if you're so inclined feel free to meet me over at my other blog: Owen-Harmon Wedding

In any case, hopefully I'll have something new to show here once the holidays are over (in a few short weeks ... eek!!) Till then ...

My First Political Rally

Today I went to see Barack Obama! Fabulous Fiance and I set out for the American Legion Mall in downtown Indy at around 10 this morning. After waiting in the security line for about 45 minutes (I can now check off "frisked by a Secret Service Agent" from my life to-do list) we found our place in the audience, about 60 yards away from the podium where Obama would speak. I can't say that he revealed any new or incredible insights about the upcoming election but it was an inspiring experience to be a part of the audience. It is sort of exciting to be living in such a significant state this election ... there's a chance Indiana could go "Blue" for the first time in many years. (It's also sort of annoying, seeing as there are about 20 political commercials every hour on tv right now.)

Whatever your beliefs or party affiliation remember to vote!