Almost December

It's almost December!  and I am behind on gift ideas.  One friend mentioned fingerless mittens, which would be great to make for her, but I am struggling to complete a sweater for Sprout, as well as a quilt for him (the quilt, before January sometime).  I have all these craft-related urges, but not a lot of time and energy. 

But!  I'm still looking forward to it.  Our dog is much more perky now that the weather is cold, and enjoys padding around the yard more.  Fluffy dogs have a rough time in the heat, especially our Aggressive Shedder.  It's like she can throw her fur.

Slowing down, revving up

I've been slowing down a bit recently.  I did get strips of blocks sewn up for Sprout's quilt, but I still have to sew the strips together to have the quilt top ready.  I'm contemplating trying out a wool batting for this one, but I may just stick with the cotton/bamboo stuff I picked up on sale. 

I've been having so many to-do lists, and feeling pulled in so many directions, that this today made me laugh.  Maybe at some point.

Anyone out there doing NaNoWriMo this year?  I've had to pass, but would love to hear how it is going for you.

November 20

Perhaps you should suspend your inhibitions for the day, Taurus, and let your dreams guide you. For instance, you might imagine that the need to make any choices has vanished. Or you might grant yourself a vacation from daily chores. It would certainly be a relief. Who knows? You might conjure up some reality from the stuff of your dreams.

Quote from Emerson

This one really resonated with me today.  I tend to second-guess myself a lot, partly because I try to see other people's perspectives so often.

Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Autumn is for crafting

Things have been happening!  Crafty things!  ...and at some point, I may have photographic proof of those things.

1.  Finally finished tow-up socks for myself that I started, what, three years ago?  And I love them.

2. Made Sprout a hat that at first he did not like, now loves, and it is super-cute with self-striping yarn.

3. Working on cutting up fabric for my first quilt!  Which is intended, of course, for Sprout.  I did not resist the lure of the Scamper for Birch Fabrics line.   It will be a very simple quilt, but I hope the adorable prints and the love will speak for themselves. 

I am already thinking about bigger and different quilts - getting ahead of myself as usual - and I am working (slowly) on finishing a Winter pullover for Sprout.  With penguins on the yoke.  I hope it works out!

Strangely accurate?

September 26

Have you been going crazy with all the demands placed on you? Don't despair. Reflect on all that's been going on. Think about where you want to make changes. Once you've come to a decision, don't hesitate to implement it. This is easier than waiting for one big opportunity and doing it all at once. That chance may never come. The step-by-step approach can bring satisfying results. 



Interesting horoscope for today.  This one is from thefreedictionary.com, one of my favorite websites.  I have been feeling strangely overwhelmed, but it's hard to put my finger on one source.  Maybe it's a cumulative effect.  Maybe my everything would like a real, long vacation, which I have not had in many years.  Not sure.

Last night I was all ready to start reading Eaarth for a small reading group, and/or set up my sewing machine, and/or play a bit of WoW, and/or work on house things.  Instead I knitted a few rounds on a sock, and fell asleep.  

Maybe this evening?  I'd like to start getting some practice on sewing.  

No photos! but ideas

While some tiny hats have been knitted for a very dear person, I have also been semi-voraciously reading up on "simple" quilt patterns.  And boy howdy, do people have VASTLY different attitudes about what is attractive, and what is "easy"!  But I've been getting some good ideas on simple block quilts (or patterns based on simple block assemblies) to try out. 

I also have gotten some fabric.  I will reveal some in later photos, but it's funny to see which fabrics and collections just make me weak in the knees - and which leave me cold.  Funny old world, eh?

Cooler weather is upon us (in the mornings at least) - my crafty juices are rising, as the tree sap will be starting to fall soon, I'm sure.  We're getting together a bit of a craft area in the basement, and I purchased a small cutting mat and rotary cutter for fabric today.  And thread, and a few pins.  Now to tackle that sewing machine guide.

Incoming, and inspiration

I have bitten the bullet (in a totally non-painful manner) and ordered a sewing machine - it is due to arrive today.  It's a pretty basic machine, not super-fancy or super-expensive, but it has good reviews and allows users to drop the feed dogs to attempt some free-motion quilting. 

Autumn is usually a season of renewed crafting love - when I want to can food and knit sweaters and hats, and, now, make piles of quilts.

I'd like to be more bold in using colors in quilting than I have so far with knitting.  Posts like Kristen's on her home are inspiring to me.  I love the color, I love it!  And yet I am wearing black-on-black-on-black at work again today.  Maybe I can branch out a little.  Maybe the Autumn colors will inspire me.