We've had a relatively cool, comfy, wonderful summer thus far. So we waited until last weekend with its 90F temps and 90+% humidity to build a deck. We've built 3 decks before but we had the help of a friend with a bit of construction experience. This time we were on our own. Turned out quite nice, I think, in spite of the buckets of sweat expended.
The view from the deck:
We're a little concerned that Lucy would jump over the fence with the higher deck level. She hasn't realized that this is a possibility yet, so I hope it stays that way. I think we'll get some hanging baskets to put on this side of the fence to help keep her back from it.
I finished the Cabaret Raglan but it was a little snug. Fits my mom quite nicely though.
Pattern: Cabaret Raglan from Interweave Knits
Yarn: Cotton Ease
I'd still like to get a summer sweater for me made this year, but nothing is screaming, "Knit Me!"
I worked on St. Brigid a bit, but then cast on for the February Lady sweater that's all the rage. I was thinking cotton, but I had some Cascade 220 Heathers in stash that is knitting up beautifully. I'm almost done with the raglan increases.
So now I'm sitting on the deck, working on a landscape architecture textbook index, sipping a diet caffeine-free Mountain Dew. Life is good.
Life is good. Nice evening over here that we also sat out for awhile while BBQing. New Orleans hot, Biloxi hot, St. Louis hot here not so hot. Life is good. Then there is new sock yarn I got at the store today. Again life is good.
Posted by: Kathy | July 22, 2008 at 09:35 PM
I made that pattern! I did use cotton ease too. Mine is purple.
Posted by: Jenni | July 22, 2008 at 10:28 PM
The cabaret raglan turned out wonderfully for your mom.
Congrats on the deck. We're making all sorts of plans like that, but not going to be doing it anytime soon over here.
Posted by: twig | July 22, 2008 at 11:41 PM
Life is good! Wow, great job on the deck. Well of course you have to wait until the hottest, muggiest day of the year to start an outdoor building project. It's like waiting for the first blustery cold day on fall to rake leaves...
February Lady in Cascade 220...Hmmm, I have that in my stash.
Thanks. Once again.
:)
Posted by: Brigitte | July 23, 2008 at 07:51 AM
Sonya- It looks great. Have you had the kayak out this year?
Posted by: Lorraine | July 23, 2008 at 09:13 AM
You finished Cabaret Raglan and a deck?! I feel like such a slacker. Glad to hear that you are now sitting and enjoying the outdoors while you knit.
Posted by: Debby | July 23, 2008 at 09:32 AM
That deck is very impressive!! You should be very proud and I hope you both enjoy it. :) Your new sweater is so pretty . . . . errrr, okay, your MOM'S new sweater is so pretty. I bet she loves it!
Posted by: Karen | July 23, 2008 at 10:34 AM
The cabaret raglan looks great, and I'm very impressed with the deck!
Posted by: Kat with a K | July 23, 2008 at 11:07 AM
It never fails that the weather will either turn really hot or pour when you have outdoor work to do. The deck looks lovely. Enjoy it!!!
Posted by: Mia | July 23, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Oh, the horror that is your life. The view you have to endure! I feel for you.
Hopefully Lucy won't realize the new dimensions but yes, pots might help.
That raglan looks really cute on your mom! I have nothing exciting on the needles either. There's an open cardigan Fiddlesticks pattern I picked up that I might start. Mostly I've been knitting socks.
Posted by: Carrie K | July 23, 2008 at 03:46 PM
How lovely to have a place like that to enjoy the outdoors. I've been working on our backyard quite a bit this year too. I just wish we had shade - man it's hot out.
Posted by: Michelle | July 24, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Your KNitting is Fantastic... I just LOVE Everything... The February Sweater is on my List of To Do's !!
Penny
Posted by: Penny | October 15, 2008 at 07:19 PM