Passing through

A lot of changes over the last few months on a lot of fronts.

And yet a lot of things remain the same.

First things first.

In May, I decided that I needed the pitter patter of little feet around the house.

I think they like it here.

More later!

Goodbye my sweet girl

My sweet kitty crossed the rainbow bridge this morning. It was a two week whirlwind of vet visits and medications, but ultimately there was nothing I could do.

This little cat was a lot of things in my world over the last 15 years, the quiet second to her bigger brother, the touch-me-not-cat, the type-A "who are these people and did you ask me about this first" overseer, and best of all a cuddler. She was an only cat for a precious nine months and I think loved every minute despite the "work" involved in watching my every move.

Word of the Day: Progress!

Had a couple of days off from work and dedicated half of the time playing at the yarnshop and the other half straightening up the yard.

Still more to be done, but have been largely sidelined by a stupid injury that has limited not only my physical labor around the house, but use of my hands. Hoping that another chiropractor visit or two will put things back together.

Crafty stuff has been limited:

The fair isle/steeking project just won't finish

My Grandmother's birthday rapidly approaches
so the potholder frenzy is coming to an end

Spinning is (slowly) making an appearance in my everyday
(or, every other day) life

Stash culling......
is underway

More soon!

Visions of projects dancing in my head

This weekend was a "guild weekend", so my attention was focused on all things crafty: embroidery, knitting, crochet, spinning and weaving. Saturday, I learned a few smocking basics. Sunday included a quick trip to an alpaca event "on the way" to my tapestry weaving get-together.

I have been thinking about using a tapestry design instead of my freeform attempt last time. While I loved doing the freeform project, I really want to focus on technique. So I decided to do a sampler from Kristen Glasbrook's Tapestry Weaving. Yarn is bought and I am ready to go!

And last but not least, here my knitting/crochet projects as of today. From top left, my steeking class project (homework completed!), Autumn Vines Beret from Never Not Knitting, and two potholders for my grandmother.

Needless to say, house projects have come to a standstill. I really need to get those back underway - christmas is still in my living room and I also want to do another cull of the stash.

Someday....

Confession Time: Read Instructions First

Soooo, I am fascinated by this whole steeking thing. I mean, you knit something in the round, grab a pair of scissors, and whammo! A cardigan that you don't have to seam.....right? And then there is that whole craziness about actually cutting your knitting and it not meaning that a really bad thing happened.

Imagine the thrill when the LYS had a class on, you guessed it, steeking! I quickly handed over my check to the teacher and a few weeks later, actually read the class description after seeing the class sample.

Class level: Intermediate. You must know how to knit in the round on DPN’s, Cast-on, Knit, Purl, increase, decrease and you worked at least one project in stranded color knitting. 

Catch that last part?

 Ever see a stranded color knitting project on this blog?

Yeah, there's a reason for that. Though I guess "worked" really doesn't mean completed, does it?

So after a crazy couple of weeks/months of tired eyes and hand pain, I embark on this adventure!

Hey, at least it isn't skydiving.

Although, there's an idea!

Random

At work, I happened to look down at my stack 'o bags and thought I'd do a project check.....Guess how many projects I had in my office?

Anyone? Anyone?

Apparently I am trying to save myself from ever being without something to do. Not that I actually have an opportunity to work on these at lunch lately. 

But for the record, the correct answer is four.

FOUR!!!!

From top right, scribble lace (now frogged), fetching in Rowan Cashsoft, Spindle of merino/silk, and yet another test pot holder (now complete!). All have come home, but I still find myself toting a project or two back and forth from the house to the office. Ever hopeful I guess.

I have a few other house projects clamoring for attention (like a collapsed shelf that had most of my clothes on it!), but soon, very soon, I need to get back into the studio and sort through current WIPs, wanna-be projects, and just general stash. Until then, I am just thinking about all the things that I want to do!

Goodbye 2010

I know, it is already 2011, but I spent my day helping my friends at the LYS packing (and inventorying) the shop in order to move over the next few days. The new shop is going to be great! But now, I am so tired, I can barely move, much less think straight. So I am going to make this short. 

Christmas eve found me much like last year, whipping up cat toys at the last minute. The princess loved hers.

Christmas morning found me the recipient of this from my grandmother:

Pretty ain't it? She informed me that she loved this type of potholder, but all of them are now dead and she would greatly appreciate it if I would knit her a few for her birthday in March. 

Except it is actually crochet. 

Which I really don't do. 

So thanks to Ravelry I found a free pattern and armed with my "Chicks with Sticks" learn to crochet book, a fancy addi hook and some sugar 'n cream, off I go.

Only one problem.

Oops. A 4" potholder can't be a good thing. So now to do some experimenting.

Victory!

2010 recap and 2011 intentions and goals to follow!