Granny Obsessed!

As is customary with my interests, I find something I like and then suddenly become enthralled. This is the case with granny squares. I succeeded with my first two attempts yesterday and today while getting V-day gifts for my secret pal at work I bought some cotton yarn to try out.

I have to say at first the cotton yarn frustrated me. Since I just recently managed to learn crocheting granny squares, I think the two new things together was daunting. But, I didn't give up. I ended up making two after work and a 3-hour Aikido practice this evening.

The cotton feels so incredibly soft but also has a bit more of a sturdy feel to it than the soft yarn I used for my mom's shawl project. I don't know how the costs compare, but I'd love to have something made out of this cotton yarn like socks or dishcloths.

Anyway, see below and you'll see the results of my efforts. The yarn colors are two different skeins of ombre I Love This Cotton yarn from Hobby Lobby. Ironically theses were meant for Christmas, but I love the colors. I'm very pleased!

Crochet....YES, I said Crochet!

Ok, if you took the time to read previous posts you know of my frustration with the art of crochet. For years I've admired those who deftly crochet any number of gorgeous projects. Of late, I've been intensely envious of my friend Amber who has taken up crochet and run with it. She's made hats and recently the cutest little birds. I've been wanting to try Amigurumi and here she's gone and done it! Color me pea green with envy. =)

In the last year, I have developed a growing interest in fiber arts. I've been watching youtube tutorials on how to knit, drop spindle yarn and crocheting. Crochet for me was confusing and frustrating, forcing me in my impatient youth to throw down the hook and yarn thinking I'd never return.

Never say never folks! Today I actually managed to crochet something! After watching several online tut's about making a granny square I finally attempted one myself. I will not post a pic until I've completed one, but I will say this as a bit of a teaser: it's looking like an actual granny square!

Yeah me!

Pics to come shortly.....I hope.

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TA-DA!

Knitting Projects now and future

Ok, so if you know me, you are aware that I've been knitting a prayer shawl for my mom. It's not one of those shawls you throw together in a matter of a week with a bulky weight yarn and larger needles. It's made with Caron's Simply Soft using size 9 needles.

In retrospect I think this was not the best choice. I say that in jest, somewhat, as the feel and look of the shawl is really nice. It's not filled with fancy stitches or lace, but is instead a step above the basic garter or stockinette stitch. I don't know if I love it, but I do love the colors.

When I get a chance, I'll take a pic and share it.

I hope my mom uses this shawl. It's a shawl I have made with the prayer constantly in my thoughts that it bring her healing. My mom is not in the best of health. She hasn't been for many years. My mom suffers from chronic asthma. Compounded with other health issue, it makes her daily life a struggle. For her, the simple act of getting out of a car and walking into a store is a trial.

As adults we not only have to watch ourselves age, which in and of itself is not fun. But, we also have to watch our parents age as well. It saddens me once in awhile to think of them as old, but one day they will be elderly, a definition that never seems to gel in my mind.

I look at my mom and dad and see two people that resemble my parents, but who are also very different. When I picture them in my mind, I always see them as they were when they were younger. Vibrant, fun-loving people who took us to Colorado to ride motorcycles and various other trips and outings.

I think of them as young but I know that this is the cycle of life. I know one day they won't be here.

So, in the smallest of ways, I tried to express to them my affection by knitting them things. For my dad a bulky knit cap to warm his head as he is out in the cold driving a truck 6 days out of 7. And, as mentioned before, for my mom a shawl to cover herself it warmth both from it and from me.

But I digress, as the title states there are also projects I want to try in the future. To name a few: a double knitted item yet to be determined, a new laptop sleeve, socks, mittens and eventually.....gasp.....gloves! Stay tuned. ;)

Knitting, Crafts and what not

I'm an avid reader of different craft blogs. I, in fact, love them. I also enjoy doing a few myself. From time to time I'm going to make a concerted effort to actually post some pics of projects I'm working on. These vary from sewing, knitting and screen printing among other things. Who knows what will capture my fancy these days!

Now I'm new to knitting, so don't expect gorgeous sweaters and such until, oh, maybe mid-year? I am kidding, obviously.

Why do I love knitting? Hard to say. Actually I find it odd that a passion for knitting emerged after quitting crochet in a fit of frustration. Without a video to guide me, I just didn't get crochet at all. Evidence of that confusion came in the form of some very sad looking trapezoids that were meant to be rectangles. Suffice it say, my personality is the type that once I feel frustrated, going to back to a thing takes some time.

Alas, after years away from yarn, I decided to attempt knitting. All I can say is thank God for web sites and YouTube! I learned at an exponential rate how to do, not only the basic knit and purl stitches, but also various other more advanced techniques. Then came the love and passion for knitting so many out there share. I find these video tutorials invaluable.

Being a creative in my professional career, my brain has always been more attuned to the visual and hands-on approach to things. For me reading is something I do for enjoyment not instruction. I can do it, but getting how to work a stitch for me is not cemented until I have needles in hand and practice while simultaneously watching a video. I can't explain it, but that's how my brain functions I suppose.

Among the many other things I am trying to learn at the young age of 40....haha....I am also sewing and screen printing. I bought myself a Yudu and two Print Gocco's last year. What fun! So, here I am a woman who works two jobs, takes Aikido two nights a week and is now trying to cram as much of these other extracurricular activities in as well.

I wonder if I might be overextending myself?

At least it'll be fun.

Cheers people!