The maker's list has been a moderate success!
A success as several items have been satisfactory completed, but only moderate as several items have been added -- not all stash-related.
Pictured are some of the finished objects (FOs):
- Spring Forward socks - These were about 75% done at the start of this list. They were so much fun to knit, an easy to memorize pattern resulting in a simple lace with undulating curve. I used the Fish Lips Kiss Heel in these. I am not a complete convert, but following Patti's directions does yield an excellent and comfortable fit. (Ravelry Link)
- The Almost Lost Washcloth - A quick knit that took only two nights, one at the kids' 8th grade orchestra concert. My grandmother used to always knit up dish clothes, so I have a sentimental attachment and enjoy using them, at least as much as it is possible to enjoy the dishes. This one has a pleasing shape, and the pattern is also easily memorized. (Ravelry Link)
- Dog Under My Desk (DUMD) Zip and Go -- AKA my dog walking bag! Erin's bag patterns are fantastically detailed and photographed. As Eastern Pennsylvania is finally leaving jacket season, I needed something to hold my ginormous phone, poop bags (empty), and house key as many outfits lack pockets. I was able to cut this out of stash fabric one night and sew it up the next. Win! (Pattern Link)
- Ecclefechan Mitts by Kate Davies --Kate's designs are simply enchanting. Each new one delights and tempts me to cast on something new. The color work in these kept me motivated, but I struggled keeping the garter stitch from gaping so they languished on the side for awhile. In the end, every third stitch was decreased to tighten up the fit. (Ravelry Link)
- Appleton Dress -- This might be the first wear-able garment I have ever completed. No picture, but the pattern is easy to follow and the resulting dress earned a lot of compliments. (Pattern Link)
- Repair of strap on camera bag (not pictured)
March/April Edition
Similar to other crafters I know, I am a collector of craft inspiration. Some people, like family, may claim that I am a hoarder of craft goods. Everything is contained in a cupboard or two and a closet, not spilling about a room, so I don't really feel in danger of hoarding. I may, however, just have too much. I think that it would take me a few (two or three) years to knit up projects in the yarns I already have on hand. Some of those yarns aren't even earmarked for specific projects. The issue is compounded by the multitude of patterns purchased -- not all of them are matched to the yarn/material stash -- and could, in my mind anyway, justify additional purchases. Hmm, and what about the sewing?
While I generally have a focused approach in life, the multitude of gorgeous yarns and patterns on line makes my head spin and my fingers itch to reach for the credit card. I have also discovered sewing blogs, where seemingly normal people sew extraordinary things in beautiful fabrics that fit them perfectly. Oh, the possibilities I imagine! I had discounted the possibility until recently due to flashbacks of a distinctly unsuccessful experience in a high school home economics class.
Blogs have been some of my best enablers and inspirations, where all the wonderful crafty possibilities are paraded before my eyes while I sit comfortably in my living room. In another post, I will share some favorite blogs. For today though, I will mention only one, The Craft Sessions. I am not a long-time reader, but started reading regularly when a series called Stash Less caught my eye. This post in particular has been extremely enlightening to my crafting life (links to the whole series can be found here.)
I have tentatively mapped out my next crafting year, and have posted the current list. I won't finish everything by tomorrow (April 30), but I'm OK with that. I will bump some items forward to the May/June list and re-evaluate. Next list, coming soon! If you'd like to check out some knitting FOs, I am lindy126 on Ravelry.
In the famous words of Jerry Seinfeld, "It's a blog [show] about nothing." It's an on-line journal for my hand-made items (which I sometimes gift, but never sell) and random musings.
At the eleventh hour of blogs, I have decided to jump in and add my own craft pursuits. The reading will not be riveting as I work full-time as a teacher and have two very sporty fourteen year-olds, hence the blog's title. I can often be found sitting and knitting on the sidelines of various soccer, lacrosse and baseball games when not forced to huddle to keep out of the rain or cold. Knitting time is supplemented with the hours spent in carlines and doctor's waiting rooms. I try to sneak some knitting or sewing in each evening, but sometimes when tired just peruse others' craft blogs and marvel over the possibilities. So there will be a lot of works-in-progress and only occasionally a finished object. I am also trying to hone my repair skills as we have a very puppyish three-year old lab mix who loves the taste of lovely wool. Sadly there are apparently also some elusive moths in residence who enjoy the same.
Up for today, daughter's lacrosse game, son's soccer game, and a 5K run for each. In my hand-work world, I continue to plug away on Spring Forward socks and have just begun swatching for Braid Hills. I am notoriously bad about skipping the swatches, but I also generally only do small projects (mittens, hats, socks, etc). I do not mind ripping back and reworking, it's all a part of the process for me. This is the first sweater I am attempting in years though and as the yarn is dear, I want a good result. Fingers crossed.
