by Kat | Feb 19, 2016 | General, In This Moment
Reading: A Malmö Midwinter: An Inspector Anita Sundström Novella by Torquil MacLeod – it should be a quick read. Should being the operative word. But, I have been falling asleep almost immediately upon getting into bed. This might frustrate me, however, since Insomnia has been on an apparent vacation, I will take the sleep while I can get it!
Knitting (and spinning): I cast on Hop Brook by Bonnie Sennott with some handspun Dorset Down. I am about half way through and I carded the remainder of the fiber to spin this weekend. I am also in the home stretch for Kirsten Kapur’s Mystery Socks – just the toes to go and I will be done!
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by Kat | Feb 18, 2016 | General
I read the best blog post today and it really made me stop and think.
- What makes a person a risk taker?
- Why are they different?
- How do you become one?
I would not ever classify myself as a risk taker. I have no desire to engage in dangerous activities. I guarantee you will never find me jumping out of airplanes, swimming across the deepest oceans, or climbing Mt. Everest.
But, I really like challenges, change, and being different.
I am not afraid to fail either.
And that, to me, seems to set the risk taker apart from everyone else – they are different, perhaps, because they are not afraid to fail.
This post struck such a chord with me because this week I began a new job – one that I am extremely excited about. A job that is completely different from anything I have ever done before, but one filled with things I love to do the most. I am sure I will share much more about where this job goes and how it grows, but for now I am adrift in the Sea of Unknown and I could not be more excited.
by Kat | Feb 17, 2016 | General
The lure to knit another sweater remains strong especially when I look at this thread. So many lovely sweaters there! I am trying to entertain myself with socks, but I momentarily fell off the Sock Train and started knitting a beachy Hop Brook with my handspun Dorset Down. Unfortunately, neither one is keeping me from wanting another sweater, especially a grellow one…
I did some hand stitching on some hand-woven fabric, I should have photos this week to share, that is if the Eternal Greyness of Days ever ends.
But, I am so happy to have these gorgeous orchids blooming away in my living room. They are a lovely sentinel of color in a very dreary winter.
And, maybe a mid-week Chinese food pick me up is in order today. A bit of hot mustard is the best cure-all and I know for a fact I could use a healthy dose!
Have a great Wednesday, Gentle Reader. Friday will be here before we know it!
by Kat | Feb 16, 2016 | General, Making
Our regularly scheduled Ten on Tuesday is on hiatus this week while our illustrious leader, Carole, is off on vacation this week.
However, since yesterday was a holiday, you get the Tuesday Edition of Make it Monday!
Last week, I finished the warp from before Christmas. I ended up with just under 50 inches of cloth. What to do with such an odd length – too short for a scarf. However, after being inspired by this gorgeous cowl, I thought I could incorporate some of those techniques into a small table scarf that will be perfect for Friday night Happy Hour!
I am happy to report that I have gotten over my fear of cutting my woven cloth! I trust that my setting of the fabric will prevent anything from instantly unraveling. I had some left over yarn from weaving that I will use to stitch decoratively down the center panel and around the edges.
This project will be perfect for catching up on the most recent episode of Downton Abbey!
Happy Tuesday everyone!
by Kat | Feb 15, 2016 | General
These became…
This, which went well with…
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by Kat | Feb 12, 2016 | General
This weekend, the ultimate of Hallmark Holidays is upon us. But, don’t let that damper your enthusiasm for spending quality time with the one you love. These roses which Steve got for me last week are still in perfect condition, which absolutely surprises me. Once again, Trader Joe’s for the win!
Hope your weekend is overflowing with love!
by Kat | Feb 11, 2016 | General, Making
I am still working through the warp from before Christmas, and I have this lovely skein of yarn I spun from ITW. It is 75/25 BFL and Tussah Silk from their December 2014 Luxe Club, colorway ‘Flounce’.
I started weaving late yesterday and I hope to finish the remaining yarn today.
And finish the laundry.
I find pairing the fun with the mundane works well, don’t you?
by Kat | Feb 10, 2016 | General
Thank you Trader Joe’s for having the most beautiful harbingers of spring and at the most reasonable price.
Regularly scheduled knitting has resumed since the
Bang Out has been completed.
The only problem is, I really just want to bang out another sweater…
Really,
really bad.
I am going to try to distract myself with some weaving today. I really hope that works.
by Kat | Feb 9, 2016 | General, Words
Carole sure knows how to relieve the Winter Doldrums with this week’s 10 on Tuesday:
You’ve been kidnapped! List the 10 TV show characters you would want to help you.
Well, you know this is bound to be loads of fun!
Also, bonus in that if you are still working feverishly to #bangoutasweater queue up any of these and you will be finished in no time!
Here is my Come Save Me and Quick list:
- Harry Pearce and his MI-5 Team – I am pretty sure they can get anyone out of anything!
- Detective Inspector Alec Hardy and Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller – are both excellent at solving difficult crimes, even ones that happen in their own homes!
- Kurt Wallander – and he can bring something to drink! Although I loved the BBC version also!
- Vera – because Ann Cleeves…
- Sherlock, yes please!
- Foyle would make complete sense out of everything!
- Luther, in case you need to walk the fine line between legal and not…
- Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison for her dogged determination
- DCI Banks for his stubborn tenacity
- George Gently, because sometimes old school is the best!
Anyone on this list would get the job done! Also, if you are looking for a recommendation for viewing this list is it!
Happy Tuesday everyone!
by Kat | Feb 8, 2016 | General, Making
Last week Monday saw the kick off (or cast on) to the #bangoutasweater knit along with Kay and Anne and Friday afternoon saw me bind off a complete sweater.
Yes, that is right, in 35 hours a sweater was born.
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