Time has a famous way of rushing past like sand through a sieve. Do you ever get that feeling? On busy days, something as simple as a mug of coffee, a favourite-song-break or a lunch date can be all you need to feel level-headed again. Let’s keep those little breaths of fresh air a-coming!

After a week of racing from A-B, I had the time yesterday to enjoy a luxurious morning off. While sipping a cup of jo with breakfast, I became utterly transfixed with the view of my backyard garden. How bizarre that snow was! Here’s an Instagram video I posted of the huge snowflakes that floated down from the skies.  (Pretty strange to believe that this was my view of Vancouver’s stunning Wreck Beach only four days ago!)

Some time off yesterday meant time to bake.. and time to blog. I’ve been aching to fill you in on some of the things I’ve been up to! Before posting another recipe, there is a fuzzy handmade knit I’ve been snuggling up to all winter long you deserve to know a little more about…

Today’s wooly item is a cozy project that took me the better part of a year to complete. But no need to fret on your part, my pure laziness was to blame for stretching things out so long, and I’m sure you’ll do a lot better than me. It really should take a normal scarf-maker an average of a couple weeks to finish this guy! The pattern is easy and makes for a long, wide, snaky scarf that you can wear as a elegant wrap, or a loopy bundle around your neck. Both options are equally toasty and luxurious.

So here it is: The Infinity Cowl.

At this point, I’m sure you’ve noticed the sparkly musical instrument that I’m holding in the photography above. That shiny silver sliver is one of the most precious items in my life. I am a professional flutist, and recently had some fresh headshots taken for online publicity and personal development. I conveniently donned my snuggly alpaca cowl for some shots so decided to share them with you on today’s post!

Do you have any infinity cowls? I love them. They blanket the lucky wearer in infinite bundles of coziness. I tend to reach for this cowl when I’m racing out the door to a rehearsal, performance or lesson and need something big and wooly to keep my neck bundled against the harsh Vancouver winter air! Keeping me warm on the daily hustle!

The Infinity Cowl

Supplies:

3 skeins of Cascade Misti Alpaca Hand Painted Yarn
(4 ply worsted weight. 218 yards)
Size 6 bamboo knitting needles

Directions: 

1: Cast on 38 stitches

2. Row 1: Knit 4, knit 1 purl 1. Repeat for 30 stitches. Knit 4.

3. Row 2: Purl 4, purl 1 knit 1. Repeat for 30 stitches. Purl 4.

4. Row 3: Repeat above two rows until scarf reaches desired length.

Note: The pattern for this scarf should show a nice even border of stockinette stitch, followed by 30 stitches of the seed stitch. The stockinette stitch will leave a smooth line of plain knit followed but the lovely textured pattern of the seed stitch. While working at the seed stitch, remember that you will always be knitting the “purl” stitches and purling the “knits.” While knitting, look carefully at your stitches so that you keep track of which type of stitch you’re on. You will always stitch the opposite kind. This will help avoid mistakes!

Curious about the photoshoot? A couple weeks ago I had the privilege to spend a Sunday afternoon with the gorgeous, hilarious and talented Vancouver photographer Katie Cross. She helped me pin down some stunning photographs that I’ll be able to use for years to come. Did you like the photography today? My artistic friend Amanda borrowed my camera and took the forest photos above one sunny day when we were on a walk together. The shots of me were all taken by the fabulous Katie!

I had such a great day with Katie Cross on the banks of English Bay (albeit a freezing day).  I can’t wait to publish a personal website in the months ahead. These photographs will be front and centre! If you’re curious about seeing more, you are welcome to look through this slide show.

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If you’d like to find out more about Katie, feel free to check out her fabulous photography website. 

I hope you have a wonderful week ahead! Do you have any exciting plans for the weekend? I am hoping to get up to the island for my day off. All these forest photos are making me pine for the woods again..

PS: These hibiscus madelines infused with ale look divine. Perfect for spring baking…

PPS: This squirrel feeder needs to be made ASAP. lol.

Love,

Blue Owl