:Crochet:

Since The Last Time …

Nicky13 Comments

we chatted, I’ve thought of you often and want to express my gratitude in ways words can’t seem to express how much I appreciate your thoughts, prayers and well-wishes.   I was overwhelmed by your kindness via the responses to my last post.  I received every single one of them plus all the text messages, emails, and Ravelry private messages.  I can’t thank you enough.  ❤

My surgery went well — can’t believe I was “under” for an hour and forty five minutes — and I’m recovering nicely.   Last week was a blur of sleep, pills, a visit to the Dr and more sleep.  So much for all my plans to craft ALL DE THINGZ!!!  I didn’t realise how immobile I would be my first week out but that didn’t stop me from wanting to get some things done.   😉     There’s still discomfort but I want to start getting around this week since I’m back to work next Monday (June 9th).

Since the last time we chatted, I:

spent a lot of time propped up here

Sweet Spot

 either sleeping or watching BBC English series like Lark Rise to Candleford on my kindle.

 spent time being my own Florence Nightingale with these

Nightingale tools

 watched my garden grow and unlike Mary Queen of Scot (Mistress Mary Quite Contrary), I’m very happy with what’s happening in my garden.  The basil is even bigger now and I can’t wait to harvest peppers.

Herbology Inspiration -- May 2014

made a makeshift drying space and hung my lemongrass to dry.  Can’t wait to have some lemongrass tea!

Lemongrass drying

dyed yarn using some random food colouring in my stash for my Ravelry Harry Potter Knitting and Crochet House Cup assignment.  I guess my inner Slytherin is calling!  The yarn base is merino so the dye job shows up beautifully.

Herbology -- May 2014

Made more swatches for my Flax Sweater.  Oye vey!  So far, I’ve used 3 yarn options and made 5 swatches!  I’m going to wear the “what’s it not” out of this sweater when it’s done.  I might even sleep in it after all the gauge issues I’ve been having.   The final yarn choice is Cascade 220 in Magenta and Pacific.

More Flax Swatches

was finally able to crochet three more rounds on my Mood blanket last night.  If I stick to my schedule, I’ll be able to finish all the rounds that I’ve fallen behind with by the end of the week.  Wanna see the adds?

Mood Blanket

welcomed my newest baby cousin Zoe J. into the world.  She came on May 22nd and her mom is my cousin Ann.  I can’t wait to meet her. ❤

source

 

That’s what I’ve been up to.  What about you?   Can’t wait to visit you all and see. 🙂

W.I.P. Wednesday: WIPs of Every Kind

Nicky6 Comments

I didn’t think I’d have anything to show this week but not so great news at the Dr’s made me do it — ain’t that something?

We all know the therapeutic advantages of having a hobby and we know of knitting specifically.  (For those who don’t know, see two of my favourites here and here).  Yesterday’s visit to the Dr revealed that I need to have more surgery on my arm that I had minor surgery on in October.   The cyst keeps recurring so now he’s referred me to a surgeon.  I have that appt next week Tuesday … just awesome … not.   I felt kinda crappy after that visit but I’d started a sock on the subway on my way to the Dr. and honestly, working on it made me feel better.  I took a sick day today to get all the things I need to do re the surgery out of the way.  Dealing with that made me frustrated at the circumstances but it is what it is and having hobbies that I enjoy really made a difference in how I feel today.  They’re not diversions, but healthy opportunities for me to work through the frustration of having to deal with this situation while doing something relaxing and productive.

Wanna see?

On the knitting front, yesterday, I started this sock on the train.  The stares from knitters and non-knitters alike were funny.  One lady didn’t know needles with that small a circumference existed and she was amazed socks could be done one something other than dpns (double pointed needles).

Sick Day

I’m using a 9 inch circular since dpns (double pointed needles) still scare the heebie jeebies out of me.  I’m going to finish this pair.  I CAN. I WILL. I MUST!!!!!   I’m almost finished the leg portion then it’s time for the heel.

In commemoration of Earth Day 2014 (April 22, 2014), I hauled out the cartons my craft shelves came in so I could start cutting them up to make covers for the storage bins.  I call this W.I.P. — “Receive, Recycle, Re-use”.

Receive, Recycle, Reuse

I can’t wait to see if my vision for them will match what actually happens.  😀  Rather than tossing them and purchasing pre-made covers, it makes sense to use this resource and turn them into something pretty and more importantly useful.

In gardening news, my jalapeno pepper trees are looking beautiful.  All my plants are right now.  Even if I don’t get fruit from them, just having them grow is reward enough!  I see some transplanting happening this coming weekend.   😀

Jalapeno Update

And for the W.I.P.  I know you’re most interested in — my crochet  Mood Blanket — I’m going to go with the majority.  The results of the poll say that I should continue with the large granny square blanket but eliminate the white separators and only do one round per color.  Now it’s time to catch up!!!!

With all this going on, who has time to stay sad … right?  😀

Hope you’re each having a wonderful crafty week! 😀