Catch-Up

How did it get to be July 8 already? Being that it's summer, and the days are supposedly slower and more laid back, I think time's whizzing by. It's certainly not like me to be so long between blog posts!

I haven't been idle. Though several of my regular activities aren't happening due to recreational centers being refurbished, I continue to exercise (more frequent power walks), and spend much time in my sewing room. I'd take a picture of my room if I wouldn't die of embarrassment. When I look around the space, I count seven projects in the works! I have touched every one of them in the past week. 

Yarny projects still tend to be in the forefront of my mind and in my hands. That's been more so this week because I'm participating in the online "Oh That's Why" Knitting Summit. This is a free four-day online event where knitting and crochet experts give 15-20 minute talks on a variety of topics at the rate of eight presentations a day. I'm watching most of the video presentations played back at 1.5 or 1.75 speed, and taking notes. Thus far I've learned about reading a knitting chart, why it's important to check gauge so as to knit/crochet with the correct size needle/hook, and the physics of knitting. Today I'm looking forward to learning how to knit backwards instead of purling. The summit has been made available through Hortense of Knitting with Chopsticks. 

I especially enjoyed learning about the chain row counters made by Twice Sheared Sheep (Pocatello, Idaho). Here's a video of how it works. Are you familiar with it?

It's timely for me to begin using this row counter as I've been knitting my Summer Soul Top. I also bought a container of knit extension cords that will be useful. If you don't know, rather than push your project off onto a strand of yard while you use the knitting needles on another part of your project, you push your piece onto these temporary cords. I'm learning so much about knitting!

Though, round loom knitting is more in my comfort zone. I've begun working on another batch of Tiny Dolls. As you can see, only one is finished. Others are in various stages of completion needing stuffing, arms, hats, faces. I work on these when hubs and I watch TV in the evening. 

Planning ahead, I'm round loom knitting a Santa hat. Might these be appropriate for grandsons, in November? Of course making them involved a trip to Hobby Lobby for "I Love This Yarn" in red and white. I'm using a 41-peg loom and following Denise of Loomahat's YouTube Santa Hat video. 

And still there's diamond painting... another handwork project... a bias tape quilt... and... 

... my Pick a Color Challenge quilt, Yellow Smash (for want of a name). Painter's Palette "Banana" background fabric arrived Monday and has been washed in readiness for completing the quilt top.

I have a vision. It remains to be seen whether it will work out. 

I'll use the G > ⌃ ⌄ in the pieced backing. Do you know what it means? 

My friend Rondelle, who visited from Iowa a couple weekends ago, shared this picture with me of the Tiny Doll I gave her. She says they're her prayer partners! 

Linda