Which comes first, the tile or the granite? Yikes, hopefully I can answer that question at the end of the day.  Downstairs the tile came first.  Unfortunately I can’t show you a picture because I forgot to take one of the sample board and I don’t have the product yet.  That tile goes really well with Indian Parana seen below.

I thought I would use Indian Parana in the master bath too, but I’ve changed my mind.  The tile is really at issue – we have several choices that we like, but only for the floors. I have no idea what to put on the wall.  For the upstairs bath, I am fairly certain we’ll use this choice – I think it’s Venetian something or other.

The kitchen is still set to have St. Helena and the study will likely be Uba Tuba.  So many choices!  The granite is gorgeous. You really must see it in person (and in large slabs!) to understand the depth of color.

For the last few weeks we’ve been finalizing the interior decor.  We have now purchased all of the cabinet hardware as seen here. The leaf motif hardware goes with the off-white beadboard cabinets in the upstairs laundry and bath.  The stainless look cups and pulls are for the kitchen.  The downstairs bath and laundry are the same style as the kitchen, but in oil rubbed bronze.

This is the tile in the upstairs bath and laundry. It’s relatively boring. The tile for downstairs is much prettier, but we don’t have any of that on site yet. The grout will be much lighter in color than the shadows in this photo and this room is going to get repainted. The green is just too cold with the warm off-white cabinets.

Last but not least, the door hardware has arrived.  Downstairs door handles are oil rubbed bronze, upstairs are brushed nickel. 

It seems I’m getting behind on posting what I’m working on.  Here’s an update:

Pattern: modified from Bulky Yarn Watch Cap from Knitting Pattern-a-Day Calendar, November 6, 2006
Yarn: Colinette Point 5
Needle: Size 10

The Colinette makes a very thick, stiff hat knit at this gauge. I think that’s okay because I want the hat to be warm and to block the wind.  Because of the thickness I made two modifications: the brim does not fold back and only the brim is ribbed.  This is the first hat I’ve knit. I like how it fits and I like how light weight the wool feels, but I do find that the wind can still blow in around my ears.  Next time around I’ll choose a lighter weight yarn so I can turn up the bottom and get a snugger fit around my ears.

Then I started these socks using feather and fan with a little bit of ribbing in between. I’ve seen many pictures of feather and fan with brightly variegated yarn and liked it, but I’m not sure about these yet. They are growing on me a bit.

The day after I started the Feather and Fan socks, I realized I really should be making my mom another pair of socks.  That way she can give the first pair a break once in a while.   I’m using the Dublin Bay pattern to add just a little bit of detail.

The house is coming along, but I tell you – this finishing business seems to take forever. The majority of the cabinets are installed.  The appliances are just sitting in place; they still need to be wired and bolted in.  Over the weekend we installed a handful of doors and continued installing trim.  The trim is going to take forever.  Once it’s all in place, it still has to be filled, sanded, and painted. 

Next steps: finalize the granite countertop choices, faucets, and cabinet hardware.  Full size pictures in the photo gallery!

at least for me.  I can’t call it quits on socks after just one year! I know this because I have a lot of sock yarn in my stash and because after finishing these most recent socks I have been itching to get another pair started.  It’s all I think about. I’m trying to wrap up other projects that have been lingering, but the socks keep calling my name.

Pattern: Gentleman’s Plain Winter Sock from Knitting Vintage Socks
Yarn: Regia Brasil Sock in Horizonte 5480
Needle: 2.75mm Addi Turbo

This is the first Nancy Bush pattern I’ve knit. I look forward to many more!

In December I also knit two pairs of Fetching fingerless gloves.  This is a quick, fun pattern. I absolutely loved knitting with the Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted.  It’s so soft and cushy.

Pattern: Fetching from Knitty
Yarn: Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted
Needle: size 6 Bamboo

I’m not usually into resolutions, but this year was so hectic that it reinforces my desire to simplify and focus on the things that are important. 

• simplify
• be healthier
• be happier
• consume less
• give more