I think this one month break is the longest I’ve been away from this blog. Short story is that I’ve been dealing with an issue that’s just been taking up so much of my time and energy, that I’ve been unable to do the stuff I love the way I know how. There’s not much more to share right now so until then … let’s set the issue aside and go to the “new stuff” and maybe an update on an old one.
I’ve been plugging away on my Duotone cowl and really should be saying that it’s done, but even that happy spring project got set aside these past few weeks. I’m almost done with the second section; that’s not bad progress all things considering. With the Harry Potter Knit and Crochet House Cup back in full swing, I’m giving myself until the end of the month to finish it, kitchener it together then block and have the F.O. for you.
I think all die hard crafters feel this way — when we go some time without doing what we love, we get more crazed! Am I right or am I right? So this weekend, I decided to jump back into the saddle and have some “soul food”.
My Sunday intake of “soul food” meant reading my Bible, classic literature (that Jean Rhys woman I love to hate), vintage crochet books and starting a shawl pattern that my IG buddies Kokomire and Elisa were convinced I could do. I didn’t believe them but I tried anyway … and as my uncle would say … holy mackerel! I actually was able to follow the video then work solely from the crochet chart as there are no written instructions. Can I just brag here a little and say that I’ve never used charts only for knitting or crochet? Since Sunday, I’ve been doing what I need to during the day and counting down the hours before I can get to this project. The rows are already getting long but I’m going to finish it! I have to. Even my mom is waiting for the F.O. photos!
So far, I’ve gotten to this point:
I would have gotten further but I keep stopping to stoke it and shake my head in wonder at the fact that I followed charted crochet instructions and made this! I tell you … Elizabeth Zimmerman was right when she said — “Really, all you need to become a good knitter are wool, needles, hands, and slightly below-average intelligence. Of course superior intelligence, such as yours and mine, is an advantage.” I would add crocheter to that quote as well. 😀
Is it just me or do you feel the same way? When you take a break from crafting and you finally get back to it, don’t you just want to:
So that’s what I did … or at least am trying to do. On Saturday, I added candle making to my repertoire. Not just melt and pour wax stuff. LOLOL! Actually working out ratios, measuring, melting, adding fragrance, then letting the mixture set so I could end up with a usable candle.
As the sun went down yesterday, it felt good to walk through the apt and smell the fragrance of a candle burning that I made.
I think I’m definitely out of my craft slump.
How have you been since I’ve been gone?
D'NALI 
Yay for blog updates! That shawl is sooo beautiful wow!!!!!!
Love the color too and so glad you are crafting all things.
I love the way you honor yourself and nurture yourself!!
May I add soapmaking to the list you should try or making body butters!!!
I need to get back to that myself!!
You’re another one of my enabler’s extraordinaire Amina! 😀 Thank you for your gracious words.
I’ll be adding soap-making to my resume before the summer’s out. I actually have melt & pour solutions and lots of soap molds but I haven’t tried it yet. I really want to make it from scratch though. Will post as soon as I do!
That crochet shawl looks lovely. Can’t wait to see it when it’s done.
Haven’t been able to consistently knit in a while. Been getting it in a few rows at a time here & there, but no real progress so far. I really need a vacation so I can spend some time focused on nothing but that.
The candle looks great. I want to start on doing some sewing before this new machine I bought starts to rust out, LOL
Thanks friend. My sewing machine probably has the same complaint but I’m getting ready to give it some action before the summer’s done. If you have the time, a knit/crafty staycation is the ticket. I’ve had quite a few over the years and love doing so! Text me if you do, maybe we could knit in the park one day. 😀
That might just happen. I need any excuse to destash yarn. Even if it means restashing later at the next event, lol
😀
Love, love, love that crochet! The upswing from a craft slump is way too much fun. Craft everything, all the time 😉
Thank you so much Nicole! 😀 I’m with you — craft everything all the time! 😉
I detest when ‘life’ gets I my creative way, it really does make my crazy.
I love making candles, although I haven’t done it in awhile, you might have just inspired me to pull out my supplies 😉
And your crochet? Stunning, stunning, stunning. Now I want to learn crochet!
LOLOLOL! We’re all enablers — the whole lot of us. Thank you so much for the crochet love. It’s so easy and a real confidence booster. Now I want to “make all the crochet lace!!!!” 😀
I’ll be checking your blog for your candle making escapades. 😀
I know what you mean about taking breaks and then wanting to be fully back in the crafty mode! I love that crochet… yay for charts!! And yes, Andi is right about getting those candles out for sale!!
Okay … y’all are like my personal cheerleading squad! I’m taking all the notes and suggestions … yep … I’m listening! 😀
that shawl is stunning! i think charts feel much more natural than written instructions once you get used to them… you will be so glad you took the plunge. hooray for slump-busting!
That slump really needed to be busted. I was driving my own self crazy!!! 😀
The plunge with this chart has made me so open to knitting charts now. It’s so easy to glance and work. For the last two nights, I’ve been able to watch TV and work on this shawl. Win, Win!!!
OMG! I just love everything about that shawl! Color, pattern, everything!!
Thank you so much lady! It’s really a joy to work on. 😀
oh my goodness that shawl is beautiful! I, too, am glad to hear you emerged from the crafting slump. curious to know the scent of the candle
Thank you Syd, I’m enjoying working on it so much. 😀
The candle scent I used was called Sunkissed Leaves. It’s light and very springlike.
Yay for coming out of the crafting slump. I know what you mean about wanting to craft all of the things. I am doing my best to make sure I don’t get overwhelmed. What scent is the candle?
You’re a better woman than me Ash. I’m just going to accept that there are a ton of crafts which interest me and I give myself permission to be diverted on occasion. LOLOL!
The name of the candle scent is Sunkissed Leaves — it’s a pleaser for our neck of the woods. You could light that at home year round. Let me know when you’re going to PA again. 😉
October! 😀
Happy to hear that you got your craft groove back. Boy, did you get it back as that shawl is a stunner, love.
Great choice in reads. I can see where they would have provided you with some much needed soul food.
Candle making…sure hope you sell them as I know there are many of us in need of them. 😉
Thanks so much friend! I’m enjoying it immensely. It’s such a pleasure to be back doing the things I love.
Re candle selling — check! Taking your thoughts under advisement. 😉