We woke this morning to sub-zero temperatures and a woodstove that had burned out overnight. Happily, the sun is shining and it should be somewhere in the twenties by midday. About time. My down coat, a bulky and graceless, but terribly warm entity, is almost permanently affixed to my torso. A simple wool coat has not cut it this winter, much to my chagrin as I adore my green plaid coat that brings a happy smile to my face whenever I wear it. But this creature requires walks everyday:

And this creature has taken up winter sports with a vengence:

So a warm coat is essential.

Somehow winter and my carefully laid plans got away from me. January and February were not the months of busy industry that I had envisioned and suddenly March was upon us. I suppose Mother Nature is kindly offering up a few more weeks of dedicated indoor work before the ground appears and gardening calls. I suppose I should appreciate that.

Last week, I decided to sell my spinning wheel. I don't love spinning, much as I wanted to, and I didn't dedicate the time to learning this craft as completely as I would need to make the yarn I would want to knit. I did find a great use for my bulky overspun yarn when I made the first faux shearling collar. So, I've spent the last seven days since I knew my wheel was heading out the door to a more appreciative home spinning every ounce of fiber in my house.

Because with this I can make this:

And this.

The pillow is something I love and I plan to share the pattern. However, I purchased some commercial bulky yarn to see if the loops looked as wild and textural when knit up and found myself terribly disappointed with the outcome. In any case, these products will be making their way to my Etsy shop in the next few days now that the sun is out and the light is lovely for photography work.

And It's March....