imjustlori | Entries tagged with quilting

Nowhere near as organized as one might hope, but here's what I've got going NOW. Because I need to see it all, and prioritize. All things that have been finished will not be discussed.

The Boy's quilt needs sandwiching and quilting.
The latest "blocks of the month" in the quilting shop's class need to be finished (one week! there's a deadline!)
The punis needs to be spun and the singles plied (5 to go!)
The hand dyed needs to be spun and plied (the other half is finished, and I see long draw in my future!)
I have a sampling of a new yarn for a company to complete (also in a week! another deadline!)
And there's a cowl I started as an "easy project" when I need the fingers moving so the mind stays focused at work.

As I finish the above, I'd like to...
Make some spring/summer stitchmarkers. The Etsy shop needs an infusion.
Knit on my lime green top. It's of a weight to be worn NOW, but I'd like to get some more inches on it before I tuck it away again for cooler weather knitting.
I'm four knit squares from having all the pieces I need for my OLDEST knitting project, a rather large blanket. I'd love to get that completed this year too.
There's a quilt I'd like to finish for ME.
There's a partially complete quilt sampler from last year I'd like to call DONE.
There's a bajillion other things I want to do.

So it looks like today is for a sampling and some blocks of the month. If I get the sampling started (I'm making colorwork mitts) and the blocks done except for the applique, I'll pin that other quilt so I can get some quilting done. I'm just going to stitch along the seams on that one, so once I start, it shouldn't take long to finish.

Things! I did things!

Quilting

Mystery Quilt: pieced the first of two borders! Easier than expected. I'll get the next one on soon enough.

The Boy's Quilt: (ignored) I need to clean my floor, move furniture, and get this sandwiched.

My Quilt: (ignored) With the need to think of my son's quilt's finishing, I think this one will sit a little longer.

The jelly roll quilt: (ignored until the Mystery Quilt is done) Still waiting for something to be completed.

Knitting

The (new) socks: Sock2 Body is moving along, slowly, but moving along.

MSFB Spats: still making the first one right again, but this dark weather is making the tinking tough.

Birthday tank top: Still waiting for the armholes.

LIME GREEN TANK: Nope.

Orange top: Picked it up, finished the majority of the second panel of cool bits, and am starting the shoulders.

Cross Stitch (move along, move along...)

Yellowstone Lodge: (ignored)

Spinning

Blue-green gradient: Based on the compression of the green portion, I've got more work ahead of me than I thought. Still chugging on it, though.

3#Fiber: (ignored) I'm going to start the test-spinning to reach a DK or Worsted eventually...I want a true 3-ply, I think. Must plan on how to arrange the singles while I spin it all up.

"Fluff and Stuff" bag: ignored. But we're getting closer. I'm in a real "get the WIPs done" frame of mind.

A day late, but there's a good reason for that. :-)

Quilting

Mystery Quilt: (ignored) pieced the center of the top. Starting to think about the fiddly piecing that has to happen, though, and might wrap this one up soon. Still thinking about this, and want to get it moving again before the end of the month.

The Boy's Quilt: (ignored) I need to clean my floor, move furniture, and get this sandwiched.

My Quilt: (ignored) With the no need to think of my son's quilt's piecing, I think this one will sit a little longer.

The jelly roll quilt: (ignored until the Mystery Quilt is done) I've showed the fabric to everyone who would hold still long enough to look. I'm pondering background colors now.

Knitting

Baktus: Done! Ends woven in! And I love love love it.

SURPRISE old project! Back in 2010 for my birthday I bought yarn for a tank top. I have knit on it in the summers since, and Went ahead and pulled it out once again. This time, I've completed the body, pinned the bits together, tried it on, and I love it. So all that needs is the finishing work--I'm sewing up the sides, then completing the neckline and armholes. The reason the update is late is that I wanted to get it cast off before posting.

LIME GREEN TANK: (ignored) Not done for trip. New deadline: SSK in July.

Orange top: I changed patterns, and cast this one on. I've selected a fingering-weight pattern, but am using a DK weight yarn (slightly thicker), so I'll be fudging a little as I go. However, I love the fabric I'm making, so I'll make this work.

Also getting some love this week is the sock yarn blanket. It's an inbetween-project that gets attention when I need a little something, like a palate-cleanser. I'm debating whether or not I'll re-start the lime green socks, or move to this other sock yarn I have...either way, I need to get some socks started. Because all I've got beyond that is summer tops, and they'll get too big to travel, eventually.

Cross Stitch

Yellowstone Lodge: (ignored)

Spinning

Market Spinning: (ignored) I still need to measure it and tag it for sale.

NEW Market Spinning: (ignored) called Wisteria, it's a lovely white with hints of purple. I'm thinking it will be my usual fingering weight when complete, probably in July.

Selfish sock yarn: (ignored) no movement. But I found it!

3#Fiber: (ignored) Spindle-spun fiber washed and set. It's a lovely...laceweight? Okay then. That bit will not be for sale, and I'm going to start the test-spinning to reach a DK or Worsted weight this month.

Two weeks! I was away on business--the one that pays for these hobbies--and so there was no update last week. Sadly, there was not but so much progress either. But some progress nonetheless!

Quilting

Mystery Quilt: (ignored) pieced the center of the top. Starting to think about the fiddly piecing that has to happen, though, and might wrap this one up soon.

Surprise Quilt not on the list! The long twin quilt top WAS completed before the end of May. It has turned out better than I ever expected, and I'm now going to try to complete it in time for the County Fair. I doubt it would win, but I want to see it hanging in that building.

My Quilt: (ignored) With the no need to think of my son's quilt's piecing, I think this one will sit a little longer.

The jelly roll quilt: (ignored until the Mystery Quilt is done) I've showed the fabric to everyone who would hold still long enough to look. I'm pondering background colors now.

Knitting

Spring Socks: Done! I left Chicago with four rounds and a bindoff left, but finished it at home the next day. They are now happily in my sock drawer, and I'm thinking about what pair to work on next. I have three pair in various states of unfinished, and I think I'll take care of those first.

Baktus: Progress continues. I'm now at the point where the rows are getting shorter faster, and that's making it move even faster. The locking stitchmarker tells me I'm a good foot past the last time I talked about it.

LIME GREEN TANK: (ignored) Not done for trip. New deadline: SSK in July.

Orange top: (ignored) Still avoiding the maths. The swatch is not to what the pattern wants. Which means maths. I already knew i had maths to do, so this is no real surprise. I also have to get around to measuring ME, so the maths make sense.

Cross Stitch

It did go with me, and I used the scissors I brought to cut a few things, but didn't work on it. However, before I left, I did a little bit. Not enough anyone could tell, but I did put in about 20-30 stitches.

Spinning

Market Spinning: Plied and set. I still need to measure it and tag it for sale.

NEW Market Spinning: called Wisteria, it's a lovely white with hints of purple. I'm thinking it will be my usual fingering weight when complete, probably in July.

Selfish sock yarn: (ignored) no movement. Well, mainly because I can't FIND it.

3#Fiber: Spindle-spun fiber washed and set. It's a lovely...laceweight? Okay then. That bit will not be for sale, and I'm going to start the test-spinning to reach a DK or Worsted weight this month. I hope. I should finish the selfish sock yarn first, if I can find it.

There's squares of bees, of the universe, of construction, of pirate maps, and of wee fish. The wee fish are leftover from his tummy-time quilt, which no longer shows the fish--they all washed off years ago. They will eventually wash off of this quilt too.

Ladies and gents, that quilt will fit an extra-long twin, with over a foot overhang on each side as well. I know, because I've draped it on a certain bed in a certain Boy's room. He's declared it perfect as-is, and wants me to lay it on his bed (again) this weekend, so he can nap on it.

Now to see about finishing it. I have all the parts for the quilt sandwich--I just need to find a space large enough to stretch out the backing and tape it down. The top is about two inches too big in each direction to use the living room, without moving furniture.

One way in which I distract myself in times of stress is to craft. This week was stressful. So craft I have.

Quilting

Mystery Quilt: pieced the center of the top. I'm still over this piece, and have been ignoring the fiddly piecing that has to happen.

Surprise Quilt not on the list! I've picked up the piecing for my son's quilt. If I keep this up, I'll have a long twin quilt top completed before the end of the month. He still loves it (he picked out the fabrics back before Kindergarten) and I'm aiming to have it complete and on his bed by the time school starts in the fall.

My Quilt: (ignored) With the no need to think of my son's quilt's piecing, I think this one will sit a little longer.

The jelly roll quilt: I've showed the fabric to everyone who would hold still long enough to look. I'm pondering background colors now.

Knitting

Spring Socks: Motoring to the cuff!

Baktus: Not zooming, but there is progress. I have a locking stitchmarker on the fabric so I can see how far I get since the last time I moved it.

LIME GREEN TANK: So very not going to be completed for my trip. However, it has been worked on this week, and I think I'll have the main body halfway done before my trip. So there's that.

Orange top: (ignored) The swatch is not to what the pattern wants. Which means maths. I already knew i had maths to do, so this is no real surprise. I also have to get around to measuring ME, so the maths make sense.

Cross Stitch

(ignored) No movement. Sigh. But I've been eyeing it more. That's something. I think it might be a travel project, for when I'm back in the room after being in the office all day.

Spinning

Market Spinning: Still in not-quite-done singles. My goal was to be plying today, and I may still reach that, as long as the spinning is ALL I do this evening. But the Boy's quilt has a siren song...we'll see what happens.

Selfish sock yarn: (ignored) no movement. Well, beyond shifting the spinning wheel from here to there. And then it came off the wheel, and is now sitting there, scolding me.

3#Fiber: (ignored) Still need to wash and whack the spindle-spun fiber, but I'm out of Soak, so until I pop over to the bra shop in town, it sits. (I am planning to get over that way tomorrow, I hope, so it will happen). And that's all there is to that.

You know how deadlines are never truly the end of something? Yeah, I'm climbing out from under that now. But I can see the other side, know I'm on it, and this weekend is Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival! I'll be there on Saturday, and the Boy is going with me. I figure he'll keep me from getting too crazy. And my list is short this year. But what have I been doing up until now?

Quilting

Mystery Quilt: Final applique block done. Snowball strips done. I'm ready for tomorrow's "here how it all goes together" and the purchase of the backing fabric.

My Quilt: No movement. August 2 block will happen after my homework for the Mystery quilt is complete--again. I've fallen out of love with that snowman sampler, but dammit, I'm going to finish it and have something DONE.

Knitting

Spring Socks: Second one I'm on the gusset! I hope to clear the heel over the next week.

Baktus: This is the project I'd wanted to do for the SSK KAL, and couldn't. I finally ordered the yarn from the dyer of the fiber, and it's a perfect match to the blues in the Koi Pond. I cast it on immediately, and because it's the simplest thing I have on the needles, it's moving the most. And I love it way too much.

LIME GREEN TANK: Very not done. Especially because the Baktus yarn came in. But it is still moving...I'd love to get at least one pattern repeat done a day (and thus have the body done by the 17th), but I doubt that will happen. Still, I want to finish it before I travel for work again, and while I can still wear it.

Cross Stitch

No movement. Sigh. I did move this project from my craft area to my office, but it's still in the ziploc. Work deadline is past, and I'm in the process of desk clearing.

Spinning

NEW SPINNING: The farmer's Market started, and I didn't want to take the fiber I'd spun on all last season, so I grabbed something new. It's soft, it has some sparkle, and it's got some purple. It's also over 7 ounces--and I need product for the market--I sold yarn last weekend! So I'm trying to spin a little every day to get something done.

Selfish sock yarn: no movement. Well, beyond shifting the spinning wheel from here to there. And then it came off the wheel, and is now sitting there, scolding me.

3#Fiber: I'm still playing with the singles on the spindle. And I'm learning the limits to what I can put on this spindle--it's a lot heavier than it was when I started, but I still have about a yard of fiber to spin from the bit I tore off to play with. I'd like to cram it all on there, then sort out the plying. It would be great to ply it over the weekend, maybe from an Andean bracelet, if I can make it work. I tend to put so much twist in that the bracelet tangles, but this is some "hearty" fiber, so it might be okay. This is still my plan, but for this weekend instead of last weekend.

This weekend was for doing All The Things. While Saturday was a busy morning, Sunday was packed with the MS Walk and another soccer game. Overall, the crafting quotient was low.

Quilting

Mystery Quilt: Finished my homework, except for the yo-yos. But because my snowman is smirking, I think that's okay. He don't need no yo-yos. *grin* We got this week's portion of the project, and it should be the last of it. The good part is there's only a little applique. The bad part is the piecing entails sixty-four 1" squares. That I have to cut. Wheee. So I've already started on the square that has the applique...but hope to cut the squares for the other parts over the weekend. And keep them in a baggie--they're too small to leave lying around.

My Quilt: No movement. August 2 block will happen after my homework for the Mystery quilt is complete--again.

Knitting

Test Knit: Nothing since talking to the designer. I hold out hope that she'll sort out the issue, and maybe start using a decent program for designing.

Spring Socks: Second one am still motoring towards the heel. I think I knit all of eight rounds on this.

SSK Socks: Frogged. not yet re-cast on.

Garter Shawl: Used up almost all of the main color doing the main portion of the shawl, and am now knitting on the edging. What leftovers I have I think will become a headband, as I need a few more and these colors look great on me. I maintain that once it's finished, I can use the bag that project is in to hold the tank. And that's why it's motoring on as fast as it is. I'm almost-monogamous, and the end-product shows it.

I *want* to cast on the LIME GREEN tank, but I'm making myself wait until after I finish the Spring Socks. Or at least get past the heel. Maybe I'll wind on one skein of the yarn...

Cross Stitch

No movement. Sigh. I think I need to move this project from my craft area to my office, so it's in front of me and I'll remember I should work on it. I'd love to have it done (and possibly framed) before my wedding anniversary. There. A deadline. Now let's see what happens.

Spinning

Selfish sock yarn: no movement. Well, beyond shifting the spinning wheel from here to there. With the warmer weather it's looking more appealing than a massive knit item draped on my lap, so I expect progress this coming week.

3#Fiber: I'm still playing with the singles on the spindle. And I'm learning the limits to what I can put on this spindle--it's a lot heavier than it was when I started, but I still have about a yard of fiber to spin from the bit I tore off to play with. I'd like to cram it all on there, then sort out the plying. It would be great to ply it over the weekend, maybe from an Andean bracelet, if I can make it work. I tend to put so much twist in that the bracelet tangles, but this is some "hearty" fiber, so it might be okay.

This weekend was not for doing anything I should have been doing. It was the end of spring break! I even had off Monday. And did little I should have, and instead lazed and lounged around. It was wonderful.

Quilting

Mystery Quilt: Did not finish my homework. And I'm running out of week. Aiiieee!

My Quilt: No movement. August 2 block will happen after my homework for the Mystery quilt is complete.

Knitting

Test Knit: Nothing since talking to the designer. I hold out hope that she'll sort out the issue, and maybe start using a decent program for designing.

Spring Socks: Second one am still motoring towards the heel.

SSK Socks: Frogged. not yet re-cast on.

Golightly: picked up yarn I needed, and finished them. Giggled the whole way.

Hanging Mitered Towel: Couldn't stop with the cotton, and it makes such a cute set with the Golightly...this just needs a button and it's done.

Instead of starting the tank, I started a garter-stitch shawl that I wound up before I went on vacation. It's, um, about 1/3 or so done. Not quite halfway. And I'm enjoying the heck out of it. Once it's finished, I can use the bag that project is in to hold the tank. See? A reason for my left turn of about 800 yards of yarn.

I *want* to cast on the LIME GREEN tank, but I'm making myself wait until after I finish the Spring Socks. Or at least get past the heel. Maybe I'll wind on one skein of the yarn...

Cross Stitch

No movement. Sigh.

Spinning

Selfish sock yarn is progressing to completed singles. I'm worried that I might be rushing it some, and the quality is shifting because of that.

3#Fiber: I'm still playing with the singles on the spindle. On Monday I sat down and broke the pounds into 4 ounce groupings, and made braids so the fiber is more manageable. Once I get done with the spindle stuff I'll ply that (I'm thinking a chain ply onto the wheel) and then start sampling for the weight I want for a sweater. I think the spindling is hurting my sock spinning--I'm spinning the new fiber a little thicker on purpose, and that "thicker" thought is leaking into the sock fiber. I'll have to watch that. But I can't wait to knit up what I've got on the spindle now, and see how it behaves when washed and blocked. Yay!

This weekend was overrun with a fiber event where I bought a tee's worth of LIME GREEN with pattern and a skein of sock yarn and two batts of fiber and a spindle and a mess of cards and another LARGE quantity of fiber, or I'd have played homebody and gotten more done. As it is, here's where the crafting is now:

Quilting

Mystery Quilt: Cut background squares, started sewing seams. The quilting group got together over the weekend, but we were three glasses into the wine when we finally started, so none of us got very far. *grin* I'll be finishing that this weekend, since the weekend after is when I need to have my homework done.

My Quilt: No movement. August 2 block will happen after my homework for the Mystery quilt is complete.

Knitting

Test Knit: talked to the designer in person, showed her what happened based on the chart, and she's going to revisit it. Yay movement!

Spring Socks: First one done, fits like a dream. Second one I've finished the toe already and am motoring towards the heel.

SSK Socks: Frogged. not yet re-cast on.

Golightly: this is what I picked up to take the place of the SSK socks. I've gotten one done, but the other...I ran out of yellow, and need to hit JoAnn's and pick up some more kitchen cotton in yellow before I can carry on. It's a quick knit, but the deadline's coming, so this has priority.

I *want* to cast on the LIME GREEN tank, but I'm making myself wait until after I finish the Spring Socks. Or at least get past the heel. Maybe I'll wind on one skein of the yarn...

Cross Stitch

No movement. Sigh.

Spinning

Not much movement on the selfish sock yarn.

However, I did purchase a new spindle, and OVER THREE POUNDS of fiber. Luscious, teal-purple-chartreuse fiber. With a bit of sparkle here and there. The seller told me that it was a bit of an experiment, and gave me the whole shebang for a great price (I'd helped her get set up at the Homespun Yarn Party). I'm playing with my new spindle, but the majority of that fiber? Can we say sweater? It's spinning up very tweedy, so this is going to be spectacular.

Quilting:

Mystery quilt: Still haven't even cut out the pieces. That's happening tonight, as Sunday the quilting gang is getting together and we're banging this thing out. I need to check my colored threads and make sure I have the colors I want for the applique.

My quilt: Hasn't moved. I'm still at the second August block, and it's still not happening until maybe this weekend. As it's just piecing and not applique, I might use it as a test-sewing on the new machine before playing with the mystery quilt.

However, I *did* use the new machine to applique EIGHT patches to my son's Cub Scout uniform. It's starting to get crowded on there. Wait, I might have a picture...yup. I added the red Wolf badge, the pocket patch (Summer Outdoor Award), and all those wee arrows under the wolf badge. This week he earned another one, so I'll be adding that one this weekend. *grin* This new sewing machine? Wow. My life as a scouting mom just got a LOT easier.

Knitting:

The clutch purse is DONE. And put away until I feel inspired to use it.

Test knit: no movement. No communication, either. I'm starting to wonder if the designer has abandoned it.

Vacation cowl: done. And I love it.

Spring socks: I knit past the heel on the first one, and set it aside to start the SSK socks

SSK Socks: I love the pattern, and the yarn, but I cast on too few stitches, and this thing won't go over my heel. After five inches of knitting with a light fingering. I'll have to rip all the way back and start over, and I want to, but for now the project has been set aside. I've selected another, faster, project for the KAL. More in it later.

Oh, and I finished a secret knitting project last night. More on that later.

Cross Stitch:

No movement.

Spinning:

Did not spin much, but this coming week work is going to be nuts, and I won't have the brain to knit. I see myself finishing the selfish singles, at least. Still haven't weighed the fiber, but I'm definitely closer to done.

Hi! The focus was on spinning and prepping for that demo, and it shows.

Quilting:

Mystery quilt: Bit the bullet and replaced my sewing machine. It arrived yesterday, and I'm playing with the fancy-dance stitches. It turns out that the model is the same one my quilting friends have, so we're all learning together.

My quilt: I'm up to the second August block, and it's still not happening until maybe this weekend. As it's just piecing and not applique, I might use it as a test-sewing on the new machine before playing with the mystery quilt.

Knitting:

The clutch purse still has no hardware. It's all of two buttons! How come I've STILL not taken the fifteen minutes to do this!?! Huh?!?

Sweater is done! I didn't block it before I wore it, but I did wear it to the demo, and loved it.

Test knit: no movement. No communication, either.

Vacation cowl: almost done. As in, it's supposed to be 11 inches deep, and I'm less than 2 inches from that, and then the three rows of edging. I've been motoring along to get this one done, because there's other projects sitting here asking for attention, and I'm craving fewer things on the needles at the moment.

Spring socks: no movement.

NEW SOCKS: I want to knit some for the KAL on the SSK boards, because it'll give me more chances in the raffle at the SSK event. I've got a pattern, and need to take the 15 minutes to find yarn that I like for it (and hopefully fits the requirements for extra raffle tickets!). These aren't even cast on, but will need to be completed by the end of the month. I think I'll go find that yarn right now.

Cross Stitch:

No movement.

Spinning:

The Demo went great! The spindles worked, although they wobbled and showed their cheapness. Out of 12 students, I think I've created 2 dabblers, and 2 serious spinners. Only one student did not take her spindle home. I can live with those odds. :-)

Spun on the selfish spinning. I'm recharged and want to get this project to plying. I should start weighing the fiber left, so I can give better progress stats.

I've been away for a week and a half where I've not had time to do much crafting. But I want to keep up this momentum, so here we go. The spinning demo/class is this Saturday, so you can guess where my focus will be for the rest of the week.

Quilting:

Mystery quilt: Picked up the homework for March. It's a big, BIG section, with LOTS of applique. This might be the month I replace my sewing machine with something that can, oh, at least zig-zag.

My quilt: I'm up to the second August block, and it's not happening for at least a week. And I'm okay with that. :-)

Knitting:

The clutch purse still has no hardware. It's all of two buttons! How come I've not taken the fifteen minutes to do this!?! Huh?!?

Sweater is seamed. All it needs at the moment is a neckline, which has to be picked up. I WANT to do this, I would LOVE to finish this sweater.

Test knit missed her deadline, but that's okay. It's not as much a pattern as a rough draft that will grow up to be a pattern. I can get about four rows before I question something she's done. Currently it's waiting for me to send her yet another question about the chart she created.

Vacation cowl was worked on, and is moving along well. It's no-brainer knitting, and I need that. At the moment it's set aside, but travels with me to places and is worked on a little then.

I was worried the test knit would be unfinishable, so I'd grabbed a spring-colored sock yarn and accompanying pattern I've had for about two years. When I got to a halt on the test knit, I put it on holders, and used the same needles to cast on the sock. I'm only a little way into it, but I'm liking it and the pattern. I get the feeling I might change up the heel when I get to it (it's toe-up), but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Cross Stitch:

I rescued it from under my husband's laptop and put it in a safer spot. That's about it.

Spinning:

Pulled out the wheel and picked up the selfish spinning I'm working on.

Printed handouts for the demo/class ON SATURDAY

Need to firm up my lesson plan--realized I have a huge gap in the start about carding wool.

Started a dozen usable-but-not-pretty spindles. Made one start-to-finish to check the process and learn. Need to make eleven more fimo clay discs, and finish the spindles (this is tonight's project)

Started gathering together the equipment I want to take to the demo.

Hi! I was going to wait until I took pictures, but since I decided that when I've had time, I've not had the light. So. Here we go!

Quilting:

February homework is done. The piecing was fairly simple, but it included a LOT of applique. Which I'm doing by hand. So it took longer than expected. But it's done.

I completed the first of the August blocks. Remember I was worried about being too small? I under-did it, and it's too large, so when I squared it up, I could tell that I'll lose my edge points in the final piecing. And I don't care. I'll learn from this, and on the next square, not go quite so crazy with scanting my quarter inches. The second August block won't happen until March because of work travel, but that's okay too.

Knitting:

The clutch purse has been felted, and just needs the hardware. I've been thinking about just sewing some buttons inside the sides that will hold the loops from the strap. Easy peasey. And not done yet.

Both surprise cowls have been blocked, are dry, and waiting to go with me to Chicago. I think they'll go to my past coworker. One is tighter to the neck and squooshy, the other is larger, drapier, and so so soft.

I also seamed a tank top that I'd finished the knitting for last year, and crocheted around the neck and armholes. It's cotton, and taking THREE DAYS to dry.

Sweater sleeve one is finished. Sweater sleeve two is at the same point where sleeve 1 was last time I posted. There's still seaming, and a neckband to knit, but it's moving fast now. At this rate, I'll have a sweater soon!

Picked up a test knit for a friend, using stash yarn. Has a deadline of end of the month, but she's still designing. So I see some flurry knitting coming my way soon.

Also started another cowl in preparation for vacation knitting. Am also adding a sock to that vacation/trip knitting, both projects also using stash yarn. Woo! Gonna use what I have! Yeah!

Um, and I bought some sock yarn. Called Inversibles, they're fraternal twin two color self-striping skeins, each the inverse of the other. Will make some fun funky socks. Eventually.

Cross Stitch:

Well, I did work on this, a little. But not enough to get excited about. Once I'm through with February, I should have time to pick it back up once in a while.

Spinning:

Did nothing here, but it's been on my mind, and I need to get back to it soon. Spring is coming, and I need product for the Farmer's Market. :-)

Also, I have a demo/class to give in early March. It would be nice to be comfortable with my wheels again, and have all those materials ready.

I haven't been knitting on my sweater. I got within two inches from the armscye shaping (that's the top of the arm) and I set it down, because I had to finish my quilting homework. It was hand sewing, and I knew if I had ANYTHING else going that I wanted to do, the anything would come first.

I finished the quilt homework yesterday. Cute hand-appliqued cup of cocoa with pom pom marshmallows. Adorable.

In the meantime I took a left turn. I picked up a knitting kit for a felted clutch purse a while ago, started it after Christmas, and ripped it out. I restarted it three days ago, and am now working my way through the optional shoulder strap (for which I think I don't have enough yarn, so it might not happen) and will be seaming up and felting the rest soon enough. Nevermind this project wasn't one on my list--I wanted to do it, and it'll be an end-product and not yarn stash when I'm done.

Oh, and I built a desk this week. IKEA. I LOVE IT, it's EXACTLY what I wanted, and took me three evenings with a little help lifting and clearing up the cardboard mess I made. Now to put everything in its proper home, and finish sorting through the crap that came off of the old desk. :-)

Oh, and I helped with a book report. This counts as crafting because...it was a sock puppet. Where were these cool book reports when I was a kid? We used one of my husband's socks, and the character my son chose to create was Amos the Mouse, from Ben and Me. (Ben Franklin and a mouse who had lots of good ideas--and has a funny, snarky sense of humor.) We added ears, and eyes, and a nose, and a tail; my child did some of the sewing, even! Oh, and whiskers. Voila! One hand puppet that loves nomming on fingers. We couldn't help it. I also had "Man or Muppet" in my head the whole time.

The knitting will pick up in a week or so--but come Saturday, I get my next quilting homework, and *have* to get it completed in the first two weeks. I will be away from a sewing machine for the majority of the second two weeks. Once that is complete, I'll go back to completing other things, including the tank top. In fact, the tank should be the next thing I pick up--I want to wear it sometime within those weeks.