It’s been a few months since I did a YOP (Year of Projects) post but I’m back to posting in this space. I figured today is as good a day as any to get started so here’s a bit of an update.
My uncle passed after a 5 year battle with his illness and although I knew it was coming, dealing with it was tougher for me than I anticipated it would be. He was in his 80’s and lived a good life but I’m guessing you all know how grief can be and how different it can feel with each loss. After his funeral, although I wasn’t posting, I spent time looking at my Sigma 21 list and working on my spinning goals. The hat in my last post still isn’t completed, I didn’t even have the bandwidth for that simple project. Spinning was what I needed craft-wise so I did a lot of it.
This project was started at the beginning of COVID quarantining. I powered through recently to finish the 3rd bobbin for my first 3 ply skein. The bobbins are still resting, I’m leaving all of my finished singles until Memorial Day weekend and make that weekend a plying one.
The other project that occupied my time was a mini batt series from the nuns of Inglenook Fibers. I have a fondness for the fiber work they do and love spinning their fiber. This series I spindle spun and these are also waiting to be plied.
I’ll give all the details on each of these projects when they become F.Os — fiber details, content, all of it.
The other thing that has been grounding me recently is tending to my garden and fixing up the balcony space I now have. On the very expensive East coast, getting an apartment with outdoor space is a huge deal because of the cost and the fact that most of them in my area do not come with outdoor space. To be able to have one now has been a joy (now that the weather’s allowing me to be outside š I’ve done a little decorating and am getting ready to move my crop of pepper, kale, basil, mint, tarragon and tomato seedlings outside in addition to some impatiens, dahlias, and petunias. On top of that, I’m repotting many of my indoor plants, most of which I bought while on lock-down in 2020, they have mostly outgrown the containers they came in so it’s time to give them new homes.
Here’s a look at my little balcony update:
To say that gardening has been therapeutic is an understatement. It’s going to be lovely sitting outside, enjoying the space, crafting, reading or just being.
That’s all from me today, here’s wishing you all a lovely week ahead! ā¤
D'NALI 
Spinning and gardening have such therapeutic properties they are ideal to keep you going during your grieving. They both hold opportunities of new beginnings, of vegetables to come that you will harvest and yarn to make a new garment or accessory. How pretty your balcony space is.
Your balcony is adorable! What a great place to sip some tea snd spin!
Your home spun looks amazing – I love the colour on those three bobbins – caramel! Your balcony looks lovely and I am sure will be balm for your soul as you process your uncle’s passing.
Your spun fiber all looks great. All so even looking too. Impressive. I am glad that gardening has been able to give you some comfort. Tending to living things while grieving is so good for a person. Your balcony looks like a lovely personal oasis to just “be”.
Loss is so hard, even when an expected part of life. Much love to you, friend.
That spinning is exquisite- absolutely exquisite. And Iām so glad you have an outside place full of plants! Herbs make me pretty darned happy and Iād bet you love them just as much! š
Losing someone is hard, even if expected. Grief is not a linear process, but one that changes day to day. I understand how difficult it can be to negotiate loss and not be able to knit.
Your spinning is stunning and your balcony is AWESOME! That’s a HUGE space that looks so welcoming. I’m happy your houseplants are happy.
Wishing you peace.
Nicky, I offer you my sympathies on the loss of your uncle. Having lost my brother at Christmas time (5 months now), I understand how losing someone to death can derail a person. Your spinning is all lovely, and that balcony looks so inviting. You make me want to get outside and do some flower planting. We’re supposed to be approaching the 90’s by the end of this week. Ack. That is just too hot in Indiana for May. But mornings in the 60’s should beckon me outside for reading or just waking up to birds’ songs early in the day.
What a fantastic balcony!! It is indeed going to be so much pleasure to just sit and breathe. Loving the golden color that will be your 3 ply yarn.
I’m so sorry to hear about your uncle. And, no matter how expected or what age, it can still be a shock and take time to come to terms with it. Sending you love and prayers.
Your spinning looks really good and your balcony looks amazing well done. It must be a joy to spend time in?