a level of recovery from some of the dings of 2020.
I was already moving back towards crafting outside of spinning and joining the Unraveled Wednesdays blog hop has really been helping me accomplish that. In addition to connecting with a new group of lovely crafters, the structure helps keep me on track with starting and finishing the craft goals on my Sigma 21 list (found here).
As per the list, my Sigma 1 entry is a crochet throw. I started this previously, was almost at the end but decided I wanted to make it wider. So what you’re seeing now is version 2.0 of this make. The pattern is pretty easy and I thought it would go faster since the yarn being used is bulky, but not such thing! LOL!
I’m really loving the texture on this and can’t wait to get this done, tasseled and on my bed. If I stay monogamous to it, I can finish it in another week, however, as a cheating crafter (LOL) I have other items I want to finish by the end of this month.
2020 was “interesting” aside from COVID. I was diagnosed with an ailment in 2019 that took almost all my time and energy in 2020. I honestly could not have made it through the year without a few special people in my life. Now that I’m crafting more, I want to do something for each of them. Just a small thing to show how much I really appreciate them being extra support when I needed it most. In light of that, I’m starting on my Hope Holders makes (also part of my Sigma 21 project list). First up are the hats. I’ve wound the yarn, stashed them all in one Hatopolooza basket and casting on my first one later today. The goal is to get the ones (4 of them) for the Executive team at my job done and mailed out by the end of the month. I’m not the fastest knitter, you could truly say that I’m one of the slowest, but I think I can get these done in the given time-frame.
Reading:
I’m done the Raybearer book and give it 5 stars! Even if you’re not a fan of the YA genre, this is a book you’d enjoy. I was told that the second book in the series drops in August, I can’t wait!!!
February is designated Black History Month in the US so in celebration of that, I’ll be reading books from only black authors this month. You can find more details on the origins of Black History month here.
First up is a book I received as a gift from one of my cousins from noted author Ta-Nehisi Coates — The Water Dancer. This is his debut novel, its gotten rave reviews so I’m really looking forward to delving into it.
That’s pretty much all from me from this end. Heading outside a bit later to check out the snow levels in my neighborhood. In my neck of the woods we got around 15 to 18 inches and there’s more on the way for Sunday. I’m a snow baby who’s working remotely so I’m loving it all.
Wherever you are, be well, stay warm and if you’re heading outside, for the sake of yourself and people like me, please wear a mask. ❤
Linking up with Kat and all the Unravelers today.
D'NALI 
Oh geez, I wanted to hug you so badly after reading this. Simultaneously, I was out of words! Hope you are improving health wise. As someone who had a hell of 2019 and was hoping to bounce back in 2020…I know the feeling. It had been too much. Let’s swim to the shore, shall we? We need to get out of the water. Catch some air. We are in this together! I am here for you, my friend! xoxo
wow the texture is stunning, it looks squishy!! I haven’t read that book but it’s one I’m interested in.
I really didn’t expect this level of texture, it’s really a lovely surprise.
That blanket is going to be an heirloom! I love the color, the texture, and can just about feel the warm hug it’s going to give. How smart of you to realize the size wasn’t quite right…and redo before you finished. I’m one of those knitters who may see or feel something isn’t quite right…and keep knitting away while I contemplate this dilemma. (See my post about the giant mitten!!!!) New to me titles to explore…thanks for sharing!
Re the blanket, I think so too, it’s been lovely to work and it really does feel like a big hug! LOLOL! Don’t give me any kudos yet, I was almost finished this baby before I decided on version 2.0. 😀
Beautiful throw indeed! Wow… I love the texture (and that color is just awesome!) Your spinning goals are so impressive… yikes! I want to spin for a sweater this year and need to get that spinning started! Maybe this weekend! 🙂
I liked Water Dancer, but not as much as I liked his other writing.
Thank you Kat! I’m really enjoying the make — the squish factor is incredible.
Re the spinning — I’m counting mini skeins too so it’ll be an easier goal to accomplish. I do want to at some point start spinning for a sweater, I got Abby Franquemont’s — Get More Spun: Spinning to Knit Large Projects — dvd to help me plan that. Looking forward to seeing your spin.
I’ll definitely give you my review of The Water Dancer when I’m done. 😀
Beautiful throw, Nicky! I like the way that the bulky yarn works up. And sorry to hear about the 2019 diagnosis. But I love that you are making a return to projects this year (it took me an entire year to learn how to do granny squares). 🙂 Fiber is such a great “life line.” I wish you success and joy on your your Sigma 21 projects. Great stash! And I really enjoy Coates non-fiction work and writing voice, must put his novel on the to-read list.
Thank you friend! The blanket is really working up well.
Thank you for your well wishes also, I really do appreciate it. I’m glad to be moving back to crafting again too, you’re right, it’s really been a life-line.
I’ll review the Coates book when I’m done. Happy weekend love. 😀
I’m on the waiting list for Raybearer at my library so am even more excited now! That blanket is going to be the best snuggling blanket- ever! Can’t wait to see how Hatopolooza comes together. In the meantime, we are mask-wearing-serious with a new batch of washable masks with disposable filters from Honeywell.All is good. ❤️
It’s YA and I think you’ll love it.
The blanket isn’t done and it’s already snuggly! Really a fun project.
Hatopolooza is on the way and going well. I’m excited to get the first done then move on to the second.
I cannot stress the importance of mask wearing. Controlling this out of control pandemic is a community effort and mask wearing is the least we can do for each other. ❤