Simple Cowl

Extra chunky yarn is great for quick projects. I literally knit this cowl in an hour. I used some lovely alpaca Illimani yarn.

For the cowl, I cast 22 stitches onto size 15US needles. I knit until I ran out of my 2 balls of yarn.

Each row, I knit 3 stitches on each side of the cowl. I did two cables (6 stitches each) and purled the 4 stitched in between the two cables.

If you're scared of cables - don't be! They are easy. Really.

Here's a video to get you started https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG3E1-pacI0

Self Portrait Tips

Decided to start 2015 off with some self-portraits.

My mother calls me the master of selfies. 

Here are some tips on how I do my self portraits

1) I stand in front of a window 

No matter the lighting, my pictures always turn out best when I'm standing in front of a window 

2) I have the camera looking down at me

My pictures typically turn out the most flattering when the camera is angled looking down at me

3) I take multiple pictures in the same position

I do this because sometimes I really love the angle and position I'm in - but I moved or the camera wasn't focussed right. Also, the lighting can change. So always take a few pictures in each position. 

4) I don't pose as if I'm taking a picture

When I take my self portraits, I try not to act like I'm posing for a picture. A natural look is often best. When I smile, I pretend I'm smiling at a person not a camera. 

5) I take hundreds of photos but only keep a few

I'm not afraid to snap hundred of pictures in a matter of 30 minutes. It's a pain to sort through them but every single picture is different -the more you have, the more chance you'll take a perfect portrait

2015

This is how my 2015 started - A morning alone

Psalms, coffee, sunshine

A perfect start to a brand new year.