Brookie & Kara stopped over last night to hang with us for the evening!  She is growing like a little weed, so expressive and sweet.  Kara has been sewing up some adorable blankies made from one yard of fabric, sew it up and ziz zag around.  So simple and great for summer, light and soft.  I love the fabric combo she chose.Brandon turned 10 years old yesterday!  I can not believe it!  I should have gotten him a haircut for his birthday, but he would have hated his gift.  He loves his long shaggy hair.  Darren’s birthday is also this week, Friday he turns 7!  My babies are grown up.  We love when Brooklyn comes to visit.I have a project I can not wait to cast on, but I am looking for the perfect yarn.

Pattern (and Photo) are by Kirsten Johnstone – Hane

I would like the knit the sweater with two sleeves and one ruffle.  Hope to cast on soooon…

I picked up a project that has been laying dormant for about 8 months.  I had made an error and set it aside, there it has been waiting for me to rip back and begin again.  It is  a beautiful shawl called Echo Flowers, a very popular free pattern written by  Jenny Johnson Johnen.  Do you have that issue too?  If I make an error I get discouraged, such a quitter!  I am so happy I picked it back up, I pulled out about 9 rows and I am back on track.  The Madelinetosh Prairie Terra is so bright and cheerful for spring and summer.

We have a ton of projects around our house (yay for Kevin.)  Our mudroom is a total catch-all for bats, balls, cleats, sweatshirts and lots of mud.  We decided to make a bench with room underneath for baskets to catch all the paraphernalia.    Pinterest is a very dangerous place that I enjoy hanging out.  I find so many projects for Kev to keep busy with.  This is our mudroom before:  (or during)

This is today’s progress to date.  I still need to paint everything and pick out a color for walls above the paneling.  I’m thinking of going with a light blue and then accenting with navy and gold.  Not sure yet.  The trim and paneling color is powder sand (I just love the name.)

I have a new favorite drink, next to coffee that is.  Sweet mint tea.  I’ve been drinking it by the gallon.  I simmer a large amount of mint in a pot with regular tea bags for a couple hours, then add a bit of powdered sweet iced tea mix.  (I know it is not specific, but you get the idea)  The combo is perfection and so refreshing!The weather has been beyond beautiful this week, even yesterdays rain was welcomed.  I completed my planting for the front yard (I’m hoping for no late frosts :)  Pink begonias & yellow lantana were purchased at Cabin Hill Nursery in Ellington CT.

Is almost over and it has been a whirlwind!  I am finally back to knitting and loving every minute I can spare for a few stitches.  We enjoyed a few days in Pennsylvania during school vacation.  The blooming trees and green grass were invigorating!  I am also pleased to announce that “we” (okay Ry) mowed the lawn yesterday and I drank an iced coffee!  YAY!  Summer is coming!I am making progress on my test knit and  love the yarn and pattern – the shoulder construction is perfection.Enjoy the sunshine!

We are praying for the victims, families, friends and loved ones involved in the tragic Boston bombings today.  I found this photo I took one year ago on Boylston St.

We had an awesome weekend working around our house, planting, mulching, and hanging out.  I know it is early, but I planted lettuce, beets, brussel sprouts, peas, & cabbage.  I had so much fun digging in the dirt.  I needed strait rows, and had no string…but plenty of yarn.  Malabrigo comes in handy so often :)  You never know the wonderful uses of all that stash!Darren was my little helper, I love how excited he gets over each worm he finds. 

This morning we did have a frost, I just went outside before the sun hit the plants and watered them.  So far, so good!  If we are going to have a real heavy frost I will cover the plants with sheets.

I had some knitting time as well, and have made progress on my test knit.  Updates soon!

It has been awhile since I have had any real quality knitting time.  I remember when my boys were little people would tell me that it only gets busier.  I didn’t really believe it then, but now I get it! 

I am super excited to begin a new project though.  A knitwear designer Alicia Plummer asked me to test knit her newest design.  A cardigan, knit in sport weight yarn.  I love Alicia’s fabulous designs and was very excited to be asked to test knit!

I have four-six weeks to complete the sweater, so I need to get crankin’!

I just happened to have some beautiful Plucky Knitter yarn on hand in Primo Sport weight.  The color is called Route 2, and is stunning.  If you have never knit with Plucky yarn – you need to:)  Sign up for Plucky knitter blog updates to be notified of shop updates and buying opportunities.   Sometimes it may take a few weeks to receive your order, but worth the wait!

It has been a full month at the Zahner household, but we are back and blogging after a 2 week hiatus.  Kevin and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary this month,  I am so thankful for my wonderful husband.  We are excited to have a new little nephew Cameron James, along with our little Brooklyn, these babies are bringing so much joy to our families.

I began knitting Honey by Amy Miller and during the past few months I have been picking at it.  I only need to finish the bottom of the body and the sleeves.  I think this will make the perfect spring pullover.  I just need to finish it!

I am knitting with a discontinued yarn that I had in my stash.  It is knit on size 4 needles but really moves quickly because of the top down construction.  I highly recommend this well written pattern.

Thanks for your patience with our blogging lapse!  Babies and boys will do that to you!