ValenTiki Takes A Day Off, New Camera Gets A New Home, A Better Camera Means A Better Photographer... EH, Not So Much, Really

After working V-Day two years in a row, ValenTiki is taking the day off.

In his place, we present for your approval this charming cherub, ValenTinyTot, from "Knit and Crochet for GIRL AND BOY BABIES", a 1950 pattern book from The Spool Cotton Company, a recent thrift shop acquisition. I know, I know... nowhere near as fierce as ValenTiki, and therefor lacking the proper fright value for Valentine's Day. But the hat is scary, right?
Unfortunately the 1949 booklet, "New Sock Fashions In Wool" from Fashions In Wool (see how that plays into the title?), did not have a picture of a sock framed in a heart. 69¢ each, not the 20¢ & 25¢ printed on the covers.

Not much knitting accomplished while at Mom's, but I did finish this new home for my new camera, which did not have a case among its included accessories. I cast on 29 stitches then knit into the back and front of each stitch. From there the pattern is k1, sl1wyif to the end of the row, on every row. Yes, this is double knitting, which in its simplest incarnation (this one) forms a simple tube. After a few inches, I split the stitches for front and back, but continued to work in the round for 5 more rounds. The back stayed in stockinette, while the front changed to 1x1 rib. I bound off the whole thing, then picked up stitches in the bind-off on the back. Doing this created a slight natural fold for the flap. The flap is 10 rows of double seed stitch, stitched to the sides of the pouch. Finally I added a small button center front for a more secure closure. The yarn is an unlabeled thrift shop find from 11/11/11.





I also had about a dozen false starts on a cushion cover for Mom, but just couldn't get anything going that we liked. The yarn is Chenille Thick & Quick in Peacock and I want to accent it with the last skein of the "Amethyst" Jewel from the entrelac cushion. I know the look I want, but not how to acheive it. At least it gives me something to fail at on my next trip up there. Probably the next several trips.

Mom would not be best pleased to find that I'd posted her plant in this condiditon, but I love the way Geranium leaves turn these wonderful, vibrant colors.



You know that line in the song Oklahoma "Sit alone and talk and watch a hawk / Making lazy circles in the sky."? Take out your camera and watch that hawk liven up. I've never been able to take a good picure of one, but I did get one I think has an interesting, almost abstract feeling. And because of the new camera I was even able to crop it and not lose a lot of definition!



Here is the Bluebird Of Hoppiness. I think he's been taking posing lessons from Vivianne's dog, Sebastian.