on the verge

the view from terrapin beach, a mile's walk from my house

Summer around these parts includes lots of trips to the ocean which is happily less than two hours away. Even though we are lucky to have several beautiful local beaches here on the island, there's just something so compelling about the vast expanse of sand and sea and the pounding waves only to be found at the shore. Plus there's the boardwalk fries, ice cream, fudge and salt water taffy. I am missing it already! Also love all the beach knitting that was achieved while we were there last week and now I am finding myself on the verge of finishing a couple of projects:

just the bind off & blocking left on the Shetland Trader MKAL shawl

hitofude cardigan

Can't wait to get started on a couple of new projects as soon as these are done. I've got the yarn already lined up for a Morning Mist tee. Simple stockinette with a cute lace detail on the back. Perfect beach knitting project.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend for those of you who celebrate. I just ordered my first grill and can't wait to try all of the yummy summer recipes that I've been collecting over the years. Grilled pineapples...chicken kebabs...flank steaks....! What is your favorite thing to cook on the grill? Would love any recipe suggestions/links you might have.

washi & such

Can't believe that another school year is coming to an end! Where does the time go? After next Tuesday, there will be lots of swimming, beachcombing and ice cream eating going on. Hopefully a couple of camping trips too. And summer knitting, of course. I've already gone through my stash and planned out some warm weather projects. However, right now my whole attention is centered around the first ever Shetland Trader MKAL:

clue one

clue two

So far so good and I am loving the combination of garter stitches and twisted stitches. The yarn is pretty dreamy to knit with. It's Jill Draper Makes Stuff Esopus in the leafy colorway. Also, did you notice my new creative catch-all/art journal?

I've had a ton of fun the last few weeks filling it with doodles, washi, photos, recipes and lists. It will also be a handy place to stick some of those yarn ball bands that have a way of piling up. It's quite exciting to come across a whole new-to-me crafty world outside of knitting. And one that is filled to the brim with cute stationary products! I am quickly amassing quite a stockpile of washi tape, stickers, markers and pens. Might have to move the hubby's clothes to the garage in order to make room for it all :)

So...are there any fun summer plans in store for you? I love having a blank slate for the next couple of months just waiting to be filled...or not. A lazy summer sounds pretty good right now, too.