*baby blanket

Some close-ups of the baby blanket that I finished at the beginning of November. I was a bit unhappy with the wool first, because it felt not as soft anymore when crocheting with it, but after I made the pictures I washed it with wool detergent and then it became nice and soft again and I really love the color combination. It's so pleasing when you start a project and look out for specific wool before, instead of taking leftovers that you have at home already which I usually do when I am making something for myself. But I wanted the blanket to become just as I have imagined it and it should be something special! I can't wait to see it in use! But we have to be a little patient still!

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*November happy list

I have noticed that I made only one happy list in 2024, at the beginning of June. It might say something about the difficulties of this year. Anyway, let's make a list before the year is over again. November has become one of my favorite months!

• a deep red morning sky

• making an Advent wreath

• mist in the oak forest

• scents of eucalyptus, sandalwood & frankincense

• flocks of goldfinches

• the warmth of the stove fire

• painting

• my kumquat tree is blooming

• candlelight & stillness

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*Fairy rings and other things

This was the most beautiful fairy ring that I have ever seen.

We had the first snow last week, but just a little bit in the evening when it was dark already and on the next morning only the tree tops in the distance where still white. When the fog is not too strong, the air becomes so clear and pleasant to breathe. This is what I love about winter, when you are finally able to breathe through. On the weekend we made another forest walk and I collected some spruce branches to make an Advent wreath the coming days. I don't know if I mentioned here already, but I'm joining this years Advent drawing challenge again, it has a new name now, it is called "LazyLines SlowTimes" and is hosted by Ema Malyauka. To be honest, I did not like the prompts at all when I read them the first time, but the good thing about those art challenges is, that you are totally free and after some sketching, I felt more content with them and now I am looking forward to sink into my painting bubble where the world around me dissolves.

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*A blanket for a winter baby

{Music: This beautiful life – Ocie Elliott + Go your way (Anne Briggs cover) – Chris Brain + Hulu Ukulele – Chris Haugen} 

In the midst of the mist

I started to crochet a blanket

for my sisters winter baby to come.

I finished it in the gentle evening light

under the birches and hope that it 

will bring joy and good use.

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*herbarium pieces

The biggest ceramic pieces I made so far. They came out nicely, but took up a lot space in the kiln.

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*tea set

I made the little jug, because I wanted to have something where I can allow to infuse my loose black tea leaves in exactly the amount of water I use to drink for my breakfast tea. And I love how it turned out! I already had it several times with me when I was outside with my needlework.

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*birds like leaves

When birds are flying like leaves from the trees 

and the days get shorter and shorter.

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*most of my prayers

Most of my prayers are wordless

and I have the pleadings of a child. 

My fingers are never still,

but my heart is.

I do not hear it pounding,

nor feel it in my chest.

When I sleep, I sleep soundless.

My partner is waking me in fear.

I was merely far far away,

where I fly without wings.

{Claudia Voglhuber}

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*white minimalist vase

White vase for minimalists in a natural white tone and unique design.

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*birds

More ceramic birds of all sorts.

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*Set of vases

 It's time to show my latest ceramics a bit closer. I just love how the light glaze turns out on the dark clay. My sister was here for a visit for some days and she brought me also a bunch of her handmade ceramics, we glazed them together and fired them later in the kiln. The results were very surprising in a good way. I wish time would not go by so quickly! The birches have lost almost all their leaves by now and most flowers in the garden beds have been frozen. Just some strong ones are still blooming, like the edible tagetes sorts. I'm getting curious when it will snow the first time this season. There is a chance for next week, we will see!

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*Between rose hips & fly agarics

{Music: Sparkle – Matteo De Grandis + Lick stick – Nursery + Sprout and Beans (instrumental) – Joanna Newsom}

The autumn season goes on with some quality time in nature and unloading new ceramic pieces from the kiln. After the heavy rains in September we are having an abundance of mushrooms in the forests. Especially so many pretty fly agarics that are usually rare for our area. 

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*walnut colored knitted hat

Another finished little piece of needlework, a walnut colored hat with bobble. I have worn a lot since I made it, I like hats where all my hair fits in, even if I have tied it into a bun. I have no proper pattern for this one, I just improvised and hoped that it will work out.

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*Reno top

It has been ages since I last crocheted a piece of clothing

 like this. For the pattern I used another one from "Paula strickt". I really love her designs! They are easy to follow and almost always work out for me. I used a really soft wool that does not itch and is comfortable to wear directly on the skin.

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*Light blue adult bonnet

In the meanwhile, almost all the leaves on our apricot tree have fallen off. The pattern of this bonnet is from tabymakes. It was really easy and fun to make. I added some extra rows to have more space for my hair.

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