I'd like to say the last few weeks were spent busily crafting away. Unfortunately, work and family and apathy took up most of my time. That said, I did manage to do a few things. Here is the run-down.
Sometime back, I purchased a KnitPicks dish towel kit. It consists of four fiber colors. I now have two complete. The green was the most recent accomplishment. It isn't incredibly difficult, just sort of time consuming. I didn't block this one and I'm not sure the point. If these get used, it isn't like they are going to be blocked each time they go through the wash.
I made a few small "things." A "grumpy octopus" travel sleeve for a friend's birthday. Super quick even though, he looks a bit more drunk than grumpy. I used my small DPNs for a pin cushion for another friend. (As an aside, you really should head over to her blog and check out all the super cool and creative things she has going on. I'm in total envy of her artistic-ness and how she's able to make time to do this and everything else!) I kind of like this one. The only reason I used DPNs was because I didn't have straights in the small size. Thankfully, not many stitches to try to keep from falling off the end. I made a small headband, too, though, this is an example of the type of yarn making a difference. I used acrylic yarn I had leftover from something else. Between learning to use DPNs for circular knitting and the yarn, it wasn't the best of results. Not bad; just not the best.
I finally finished the sweater for my oldest. It is a little big, but this should mean it lasts her through the next school year, too. I think it took me over a month just to get the buttons and pockets attached. Inexcusable!
I had a request from my Mother-in-Law (MIL) to make her Chatsworth Cowl for Christmas. I had it done and finally blocked it this week. Blocking round items is exactly the purpose of a foam roller, right??? I do love how the lace turned out. This looks so much nicer than the one I made for myself. It helped I knew I would have plenty of yarn leftover. The first time I made it, I was so afraid I'd run out.
I made a couple hats this week, too. The first was from a book and used some leftover yarn from a sweater. I made this toddler size and really should have made child. I forgot my "little" one has a big head. I think it still turned out cute.
I made a men's hat, too, from a tweed I had in my stash. After my husband adamantly told me he didn't want / need a hat, I decided I'll give it to FIL for Christmas. If it's warn even once, it's worth it. (I had to use Peek-a-boo Bear as a model and...his head is a tad small.)
I'm sort of futzing around at this point. I need to think Christmas gifts, but not clue what to make. I have less teachers this year, but don't want to make the same thing as last year. Sadly, I really need to finish some WIPs and bust through my stash. I keep thinking, we will move in a few years and I really don't want to pack all of this up. I feel the itch to buy stuff, though, so trying really hard to keep it all in check. Stupid job. I'm sure if I didn't have to actually show up and do *gasp* work, I'd totally have more time to do crafty "stuff."
