Now is the season

I'm getting the knitting urge again.  My WIPs have been languishing for a while now - the last few weeks/months, I've not been that interested.  But with more of a chill in the air (and perhaps that added moisture which makes the weather feel more raw), I'm looking to pick some things up again.

I just recently found the Columbia Beret on Ravelry (non-Rav link here), which I'd like to knit up in a very warm yarn.  I have several skeins of Superyak which I've been hoarding, with the woolens-hoarding urge of a born New Englander.  I think that might work.  I've become more of a fan of the beret, although I prefer them not blocked over a dinner plate, but over a round object for maximum floppy slouchiness.

I also would like to knit a Heather hoodie (Rav link here, it's in the Fall 2009 issue of Knitscene).  I'm thinking of using Ecological Wool held double, as I did for my sister's Vine Lace Cardigan.  It came out so well.  I think something like this might be useful at work, where it is cooler in the Winter months, but the heat is still going.  I like the way it's modeled, with a long-sleeve fitted T-shirt underneath.  It's sporty and cute and warm.  Very nice.

And for a ridiculously adorable knit, I've become fascinated with knit toys and animals.  Boo the Bat is supercute, and I love bats to begin with.  (Rav link here, Mochimochiland link here.) 

I do know that I want to make more socks.  My Heartbreaker socks have been part of a heavy sock rotation.  They are soft, warm, machine-washable (cold water, low setting), -dryable (low heat), and I just love them.

Heartbreaker colorway, Yarn Lust's sportweight superwash sock yarn

I have a small stash of this yarn, just sitting there, looking so lovely, and thinking, "that could be on my feet keeping me warm!"

In non-knitting musings, we purchased a bird feeder a couple of months ago.  Even though we're living in a pretty urban area (and very close to about four major highways), I am still longing to live somewhere more rural, more surrounded by wildlife.  I've seen a cardinal or two, some mourning doves, and so we put out our little birdfeeder.  

Who is that on the roof, waiting for seed and grain?

What do we attract?  A flock of pigeons (~40), and about 10-20 house sparrows (an invasive species, argh!) every morning.  I'm hoping that the mourning doves I see around are at least getting something.

Just a few of the normal crowd.

These photos are from a month or two ago - now the lawn is a bit more ragged, with fallen leaves scattered around. 

I do get a few minutes of animal-watching every morning, but I am hoping someday to live somewhere where we can watch the woodpeckers, the finches, the chickadees, and so on.