Cassia Tunic

Spring is here so it was time to put the sweaters aside and work on a little spring project. This is the Cassia Dress knit to a tunic length. Although the pattern calls for DK weight I used a heavy worsted from Malabrigo (pattern notes here). As I was knitting I thought this is going to be to heavy and warm but the short sleeves and tunic length keep it cool enough to be the perfect spring top.
This is a fairly simple pattern and the result is very cute and comfy. I think I might make the dress version for the summer (perhaps in a cotton?). This pattern was also a chance for me to learn a new knitting skill, the EZ sewn cast off. A really easy cast off method that gives a stretchy edge but one that I'd never even heard off. I love learning new things.
I think this will be my last knitting project for a while. Reason one: I don't have enough yarn to really make much. Reason two: I have a ton of fabric so I'm going to devote my free time to sewing. Yes, that's the plan, but we will see if I can steer clear of the yarn store long enough to get a few sewing projects done.

Warm

Things are warming up around here. It's warm enough for walking around barefoot, leaving our windows open and playing in water. This sunny weather means flowers are blooming, seeds are sprouting and sun hats are a must. I'm feeling the itch to make some warm weather outfits for my girl (and maybe for me too). The seasons have officially changed and I'm so ready.

Playful Strips

I recently decided I need some practice with my color work in knitting. I'm not good at it and I tend to avoid patterns that require it. I'm a fan of Alana's work over there on Never Not Knitting so I decided to try her Playful Strips Cardigan for April.
I found picking 5 colors that went well together a little bit of a challenge but in the end the tan, maroon, baby blue and chocolate brown all looked nice together. I used Lana Gatto's Wool Gatto (not my favorite but it was on special at the wool shop so I thought I'd try it). The sportweight also makes it a great lightweight spring sweater. I was so lucky to find these matching vintage buttons in my mom's sewing bin. I love vintage buttons.
The color work was not as challenging as I was expecting. It was just slow going with all the color changes and weaving in ends. The picot edging also added to the duration of this project. But the reality is that Alana has written a clear, fun pattern that gives a very polished and pretty result.
I think I will make this sweater again in the fall. I've already been planning what colors to use in my head. April clearly likes this sweater (although I think most of the appeal is in undoing the buttons) and I do too.

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Inspired by SouleMama

Avatar Grove

Avatar Grove is an amazing old-growth forest located in Port Renfrew. The collection of giant red cedars and Douglas firs are what bring people to this unmarked public grove. It also boasts Canada's gnarliest tree.
It was a little bit of an interesting drive just getting there. We had to drive over many one lane bridges some with very little keeping your car from plummeting over the edge. Once there it is up to you to do some bush whacking if you want to see anything of interest. First, however, you must lower yourself into the grove using a rope that someone has kindly attached. Then there is a lot of climbing over falling trees (and these are not small trees), ducking under trees, crawling through thick mud and pushing your way through bushes. Yes, it is a true wild forest.
It was beautiful. We only encountered one other group while on our hike out. It was peaceful. We listened to the river flowing by us, the birds in the trees and the wondrous rustle as the wind blew through that magnificent forest. Avatar Grove is an unprotected forest, it is not part of any provincial or regional park. It was once flagged to be logged, the flags are still there, but no cutting permit has been issued so for the moment it is still there. I hope for my daughter and her children, that no one ever cuts there. Old growth forests are precious and essential to our natural world. The Ancient Forest Alliance has been fighting to protect this forest. You can learn more about how you can help and directions for visiting the site on their website.

Botanical Beach

The real reason for visiting Port Renfrew was so that we could visit Botanical Beach at low tide. Botanical Beach has beautiful tide pools that are only really appreciated at low tide. We were fortunate that we happened to be visiting on a weekend when low tide wasn't in the wee hours of the morning.
The hike into the beach is short and peaceful. Jon and I were marveling at the other-world feeling the trees along the trail lent. Jon said it reminded him of a Tolkien book. We also got to see some wildlife along the way. Some squirrels, birds and one beautiful bald eagle. While on the beach we also got to watch a crow go through the process of flying up and dropping urchins trying to get in for some lunch. It was fascinating to watch.
The pools themselves were lovely. The array of seaweed, mussels, barnacles, urchins, anemones, fish, and crabs was amazing. Nature never ceases to amaze. There was a challenge in getting to some of the deeper pools as all the rocks were slick with seaweed but it was worth the slow going and carefully maneuvering.  It was so special to have this sneak peek at what is living in our coastal waters.

Up the Coast

For a Christmas gift my thoughtful parents gave us a trip up the island to Port Renfrew. It was so lovely to get away as a family and truly enjoy each others company and the beautiful island we live on. So we piled in our car this Easter weekend and headed up the coast.
Our first stop was at French Beach. April was in heaven. She loves to collect rocks and she just wandered along the beach collecting as many rocks as she could fit in her little hands. It was windy but not cold so we could stay for a while.
Finally we arrived in Port Renfrew. The highway into Port Renfrew is narrow and winding and we all had had enough of being car-bound. Our lodge was right on the beach. The weather was warm enough that we could walk barefoot in the sand. There is something so funny about walking in the sand and splashing the wake of the waves while staring up at snow covered mountains.
April hasn't had much barefoot time outdoors simply because it's been so cold. I think she found the sensation freeing. She could have spent all afternoon on the beach. She collected shells and rocks. She felt the seaweed in her hands and dug her toes and fingers into the cool sand. Well we all did some of that. I just sat in the sand, buried my toes in it and took deep breaths of the fresh salt air. It was rejuvenating after what felt like a very long winter.
We had several more adventures in Port Renfrew but those deserve their own posts so stay tuned for those.