I'm embarrassed to share that I don't have any quiltmaking efforts to post about. That's because I haven't been sewing. Other crafts have my attention.
While lamenting that I've gotten nowhere learning to knit a garment, I've made progress on my crocheted Summer Cardigan. The front and one side are finished; in the works is the other side. Then, just two sleeves to go.
One recent morning, while perusing Instagram, I came across a new-to-me knitter, Julia Piro @juliapiroknits of Denmark. She offers an inexpensive ($9) Summer Soul Top beginner pattern for a knitter who's "new to garment making." Me! A detailed YouTube video accompanies the pattern. Whoopee!
So off I went, making another yarn purchase. This time yarn came from Hobbii, a company in Copenhagen, Denmark. I bought Friends Cotton Silk blend yarn, just as Julia used. I also bought two different lengths of size 3.5 mm circular needles.
Julia offers a free download: Knitting Project Planner - just what I needed to walk myself through the process.
Being a good student, I started by making a swatch. Though it feels like a waste of time (several hours) and yarn, I want my first garment to fit. To make the swatch, I dutifully cast on 34 stitches, knitted four rows of ribbing, switched needle size and continued knitting a 6½" long swatch. Then I washed (using Quilt Soak), blocked and allowed the swatch to dry overnight.
You might imagine my shriek of delight - "Yes!" - when I used my new Chiaogoo needle sizer/gauge-checker to learn my swatch came out exactly the right size! Yippee! A big self-pat on the back! You can bet I'll start knitting the project soon... like today!
The other attraction demanding attention is diamond painting. I haven't touched this ocean sunset picture for at least six months. Now, in just a half-dozen hours, I'm nearing a complete finish. Only the lower right 2" X 4" area needs to be diamond-painted. Since I have a frame waiting, this finish will feel really good. Soon! (Don't know what diamond painting/diamond art is? AI offers a great description.)
Speaking of "soon," for those who may be curious... Twistee Treat still isn't open, though their recent Instagram post states "we're hopeful it will be open by the end of May."
My golf cart drive through the parking lot last Saturday - on my way to Central Florida MQG's monthly Sew-In at the public library - seems like it's ready for patrons. Landscaping is finished, and the building exterior looks good.
However drive-up food signage is missing.
Peeks through the windows reveal that ice cream serving equipment isn't yet in place.
No doubt hiring employees and training them takes time.
I think people who can crochet are so clever, it's not a skill I have. Best wishes for your new knitting project too.
ReplyDeleteYou crochet looks great (still resisting here). And must.have.ice.cream!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your knitting swatch success ...and being such a dutiful student. Now you can proceed with confidence! What a great feeling it will be to finish that particular diamond painting project after all you've been through with the manufacturer. Tenacity pays off again!!!
ReplyDeleteGood job on the crocheting! I wish we had a Twistee treat, that’s an adorable building!😻❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks for your compliment about my crocheting. It’s odd that crochet comes fairly easily to me, but knitting is proving to be my nemesis. However, in all fairness, I’ve knitted before. It’s just that I’ve never attempted a garment. That puts knitting in a whole new light.
DeleteI wish you had a Twistee Treat in Texas too! You’ll have to keep it in mind whenever you travel to Florida. Good stuff! Linda
I think it is great that you've got many different projects underway. I hope the ice cream is as good as you expect it to be!
ReplyDeleteThe number of projects you tackle is amazing Linda. I know that diamond painting has been a hassle fro the get go so I'm sure you'll be happy to have that one done. I also didn't know you were a stalker...the image of you cruising the drive through and peeking through windows makes me laugh.
ReplyDeleteI love reading about other projects from my quilty friends, so bring 'em on! Congrats on the perfect size on your sample -- and now we get to watch this take shape. I assume the Twistee Treat is an ice cream place, based on everything you've said (and the shape of the building), but I haven't seen them out West at all. I will look forward to your review!
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