I used to have a knitting blog. Actually I had two. Things happened that made me not want to knit. People didn’t appreciate what I made for them, moths ate into my hand-knitted socks, people were unkind to me, and I suddenly had a whole bunch of lap dogs. So, I didn’t knit for a long time.
The dogs became calmer, I have a different set of people in my life, and I’m in a much better mental space nowadays. Hooray!
Since I’m back to knitting and crafting again, I’m collecting those posts, for those of you who are into fiber and not into horses, cows, chickens, and my musings.
More Painting, but Mostly Indoors
The guys finished trimming out the shipping containers today. There were a few clouds in the sky, which helped. Vlassic and Lee approved. I, too, painted. Kathleen set up a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Foundation today, sponsored by our personal … Continue reading “More Painting, but Mostly Indoors”
Too Hot to Paint but It Happened
I felt bad for my kid today. He is a very hard worker, not doing what he thought he’d be doing at this point in his life, but learning a lot. But wow it’s hot right now. And he’s been … Continue reading “Too Hot to Paint but It Happened”
Things You Find when Looking for Something Else
My spouse is trying his hand at book binding. He needed a needle he could thread dental floss through to sew the binding in. So, I went through my unorganized craft stuff to find something. I found a needlepoint needle, … Continue reading “Things You Find when Looking for Something Else”
Finished a Shawl, Finally
And it came out great! This shawl is what I was working on before I started making all those baby blankets. I started on January 15 and was almost finished in February when I sat the project aside. I knew … Continue reading “Finished a Shawl, Finally”
Mojo Sinking
Wondering if Jim Morrison was singing about mojo rising. Mine is sinking. But I had the energy to look up that song. Mr Mojo Risin is an anagram (A word, phrase, or name formed by rearranging the letters of another) … Continue reading “Mojo Sinking”
Cat Butts, by Request
That’s right. Cat butts. Really, cat assholes. My friend Dorothy sent me a photo of some coasters that look like the back view of a cat. Could I make those? I figured I could. So, I looked for a pattern … Continue reading “Cat Butts, by Request”
Sculpture! Birds! Nature Surprises! Beauty?
Today I got to have all the funs, to celebrate an actual day off, and have some emotional recharge. And of course I had to do some deep thinking. I’m on a roll with wonder and wondering. You may remember … Continue reading “Sculpture! Birds! Nature Surprises! Beauty?”
A Shiny Baby Blanket
I finally finished this special project, which is a blanket for my friend Mandi’s upcoming surprise baby. It took a long time, because I used small needles and only have about an hour of knitting time per day. I recommend … Continue reading “A Shiny Baby Blanket”
Baby Blanket Bonanza
Yeppers, I’m making more baby blankets. It’s rewarding to me. And relaxing. I found some fun yarn to use for the next two. It has both long color changes and sequins! Woo. The yarn is weird in that it doesn’t … Continue reading “Baby Blanket Bonanza”
Normal Horse Activity
This is exciting! Sara and I rode our horses around our pastures and it was uneventful! Woo! I promised I’d just write about horses for a while. So yep. Aragorn and Apache were good guys and checked out lots of … Continue reading “Normal Horse Activity”
I’ll Just Show My Knitting
After the most disturbing evening of television watching EVER last night, I hope the poor shawl I’m working on won’t forever be linked with the dismal 2022 Winter Olympics. It’s not the shawl’s fault I was holding it in disbelief … Continue reading “I’ll Just Show My Knitting”
Knittin’ and Readin’ and Regerts
Today it is windy as all heck. All my chairs, all the barrels in the horse area, and everything else that isn’t tied down has blown to new and interesting locations. Lee and I had tried to put together a … Continue reading “Knittin’ and Readin’ and Regerts”
Yes, You Can Mix Knitting and Crochet
Now, if you are a fan of Franklin Habit, you’ll know this. But in case you’ve never heard of such a thing, it is perfectly acceptable to mix in a bit of crochet with your knitting or vice versa. See … Continue reading “Yes, You Can Mix Knitting and Crochet”
Let’s Knit Stuff
Knitting has always been my go-to centering activity (after actually meditating, of course). I’ve been knitting up a storm the past month or two, which explains the lack of book report posts! I’ve finished one thing and almost finished another … Continue reading “Let’s Knit Stuff”
Empathy for Those in Chronic Pain
It’s been a rather painful couple of weeks for me. Since my ungraceful exit off Apache, I’ve been healing in some ways and getting worse in others. What does an “older” person expect, anyway? The funniest injury I found turned … Continue reading “Empathy for Those in Chronic Pain”
Square Simplicity
It was suggested that I make a giant Grandma’s Favorite dishcloth pattern as a baby blanket. It’s also been suggested that babies no longer use blankets. So, it is also a “tummy time mat” or whatever modern babies use. I … Continue reading “Square Simplicity”
Hexagonal Rainbow Stripy Glory
Hooray! My mistaken “invention” is finished! It’s perky, trippy, stripy, and glorious. If I were a baby, I’d want it for my floor mat, and I’d want to gum those wormy fringes. I had so much fun watching the stripes … Continue reading “Hexagonal Rainbow Stripy Glory”
Sunset and Dining in the Rockies
I ended up spending the entire day yesterday with my patient friend, Cathy. I crammed a week’s worth of fun into that one day! I also crammed more than a week’s worth of exercise points in, but I feel absolutely … Continue reading “Sunset and Dining in the Rockies”
Under the Weather in Chilly Weather
I have no idea why, but I felt awful today. I was sleepy, fuzzy headed, and stuffy. It made being all brilliant and with-it difficult. Of course, times being as they are, I was sure I had a coronavirus. I … Continue reading “Under the Weather in Chilly Weather”
Knitting Report: Regrouping and Planning
I spent a lot of time knitting for the past couple of days, as well as talking about knitting while my friend Kathy was here. It’s really a rare treat to have someone around who is an expert knitter to … Continue reading “Knitting Report: Regrouping and Planning”
Happy Reunion
Today’s highlight was a visit from a high school friend, Kathy Herzog Evans. I’m so glad these interesting people keep reappearing in my life! It was so kind of her to drive over to see me from where she lives. … Continue reading “Happy Reunion”
Why is This Baby So Happy?
Baby Suna and her mom were really happy the day Suna climbed up onto the dresser to look at herself in the mirror. Suna was around 9 months old, a bit young for climbing. But, mirrors have always enticed her. … Continue reading “Why is This Baby So Happy?”
The Other Horse Gets a Turn
I’ve been concentrating a lot on Apache lately, but that doesn’t mean I have forgotten Drew! He won’t let me forget him, anyway, since every time he sees me, he comes up to see what’s going on. That’s really a … Continue reading “The Other Horse Gets a Turn”
Progress, Despite Heat
It’s the time of year that we can’t get much done outdoors, but Lee and I are getting a few things accomplished (mostly Lee). His pond project has made it to the “proof of concept” phase, in which he connected … Continue reading “Progress, Despite Heat”
Lazy Day, with Lego
Today I ended up not doing much after riding Apache in the morning. Partly that’s because I got a shingles vaccine yesterday, and I was tired (fell asleep for a while after lunch). And then my evening activities with Kathleen … Continue reading “Lazy Day, with Lego”
Very Brief Knitting Update
I thought it would be a good idea to briefly share how my current shawl is going. I’m really enjoying the border, because it’s simple as heck. It does amuse me that I still occasionally mess up, which just goes … Continue reading “Very Brief Knitting Update”
Solace at the Sea, and Travel Planning
Even though I had meetings that went until almost 6 pm yesterday, Lee and I vowed to have at least a little fun at the beach. And the late afternoon is a wonderful time to go out and enjoy the … Continue reading “Solace at the Sea, and Travel Planning”
Knitting My Way to Calabash
In addition to all that reading, I’ve been knitting the last few days. Today, after playing on the beach and hot tubbing (it was finally empty), Lee and I decided to explore the area north of us. I brought my … Continue reading “Knitting My Way to Calabash”
Practically Finishing a Knitted Object!
I’ve been diligently knitting away on the Tangerine Eyelet Wrap that’s half entrelac and half lace. It took longer, because I doubled the lace part. Today I finally bound off! I am glad I’m done, because toward the end there, … Continue reading “Practically Finishing a Knitted Object!”
What Did I Want to Do When I Grew Up?
Hello from the road to South Carolina. I love road trips. You can sure think a lot. You can also knit a lot. I’ve actually arrived at the end of the pattern I’m making, but because I’m using different yarn … Continue reading “What Did I Want to Do When I Grew Up?”
Got Knitting All Ready for Upcoming Storms!
It’s always good to be prepared, isn’t it? And I was once a Girl Scout after all, with all the badges except ones about cooking and house keeping. That may explain why I’m so thrilled we will soon have someone … Continue reading “Got Knitting All Ready for Upcoming Storms!”
Quick Knitting Update
Yes, I’m still knitting, but I’ve been working a lot in my usual “spare” time, so it’s going slowly. I finished the first set of dishcloths for my podcast sponsor, but have run into one of my worst challenges: I … Continue reading “Quick Knitting Update”
Happy COVID Freedom Day to Me
Today’s a milestone that never could have happened before this year. It’s been two weeks since my second COVID vaccine, so my immunity has officially kicked in. I am free to move about the country now! I even gave myself … Continue reading “Happy COVID Freedom Day to Me”
Plans for Today Cancelled
I had so much confidence that I’d have few side effects from my second COVID vaccine. But, while it’s not as bad as last time, just a couple hour after I woke up I got the bone tiredness that’s common. … Continue reading “Plans for Today Cancelled”
Tired. It Happens.
Today was one of those do nothing but clean up and get stuff done days. For some reason, floor cleaning hurts my back, so I am zonked. But you need to dust and clean occasionally, right? I got some good … Continue reading “Tired. It Happens.”
Gifts to Myself
I now like birthdays a lot, because I just take a “me” day and do what I want to. If I want to work, I work, and if I want to goof off, I goof off. Today I did quite … Continue reading “Gifts to Myself”
Craft Therapy
Since ye olde pandemic set in, I’ve noticed many of my previously non-crafty friends jumping into the “craft therapy” club. I don’t blame them one bit, because there are so many reasons engaging in crafts can be soothing. I found … Continue reading “Craft Therapy”
Griping about the US Mail
I’m hearing a lot of complaints about the service people have been receiving from the US Postal Service. Now, of course, some of it is related to the weather issues of last week, when people where I live didn’t get … Continue reading “Griping about the US Mail”
The Big Blue Shawl Update
I started this shawl when I ran out of yarn for my other project, yarn which is still not here yet, thanks to a combination of me messing up the order and the weather. Who knows if I will EVER … Continue reading “The Big Blue Shawl Update”
Coping with Chaos!
In my bullet journal this morning is an entry saying: Blog without whining Suna All right then. Today Lee and I are camping in the bedroom, where it is warm. Penney has discovered the space heater and has freed up … Continue reading “Coping with Chaos!”
Knitting on Hold Due to Online Shopping Fail
Darn me. I thought I had ordered more yarn for the table runner I’m making for Lee, then wondered why it had not arrived. Sigh. The website I used had such a long and convoluted ordering process that I missed … Continue reading “Knitting on Hold Due to Online Shopping Fail”
Sometimes Bland Knitting is a Friend
Most of my life, I’ve done a lot of fancy knitting. But, lately, with all the other things weighing on my mind, simple stuff has been better. The past few things I’ve made would show that (I’ll share at the … Continue reading “Sometimes Bland Knitting is a Friend”
So Much Annoyance, You Just Gotta Laugh
Geez, folks, this week I’m being tested for something. Perhaps it’s, “Can Suna find humor in everything?” “Is there a reason to smile hiding in any annoyance?” I hope I pass the exam, because I’m really trying to find humor … Continue reading “So Much Annoyance, You Just Gotta Laugh”
Knitting Progress and a Memory
Someone surprised me by asking how my knitting project was coming along. Sure, I’ll share. I’m close to getting through two repeats of the lace pattern. I’m also awfully close to finishing the first skein of yarn, which means this … Continue reading “Knitting Progress and a Memory”
Check Your Gauge, the Knitting Mantra
Pretty much any knitting pattern that is not an amorphous blob is supposed to come out a certain size. To do that, you have to knit a certain number of stitches per inch or four centimeters. You frequently see this … Continue reading “Check Your Gauge, the Knitting Mantra”
Shawl for Comfort for Me and Recipient
Sometimes you can give and receive comfort at the same time. I showed you the beginning of my Transition shawl last week. I finished it this afternoon. Here’s the link to the project on Ravelry, if you want details. Since … Continue reading “Shawl for Comfort for Me and Recipient”
Comfort Walking and Knitting
Another crazy day in the US, but I’m feeling a little better, because I took my own advice and got outside more. It helped that the weather was a bit better. Even just taking a walk around the office brought … Continue reading “Comfort Walking and Knitting”
Cozy Transition Shawl
I’ve interrupted my planned cadence of knitting projects to finish with the leftover yarn from the afghan. I have a long-time friend who’s transitioning from male to female, and I wanted to make her something to feel cozy and loved … Continue reading “Cozy Transition Shawl”
When’s a Good Time to Finish a Warm Blanket?
I know! I know! The ideal time is when there’s a winter storm warning for later in the day, with a forecast of snow! I got the bulky-weight afghan I made for my relative long enough to cover them (I … Continue reading “When’s a Good Time to Finish a Warm Blanket?”
One Last Day of Rest
One thing I’ve figured out in the past year is that I need more rest than I’d been getting. My mental health is so much better now that I’m allowing myself more downtime. I’m going to try to keep that … Continue reading “One Last Day of Rest”
Boom! Stats Galore!
Well, yesterday was a fun one for me on WordPress. Innocently enough, I’d posted the pattern for my Fireside Wrap on Ravelry (the popular fiber arts community website), thinking someone else might like to make one. I thought no more … Continue reading “Boom! Stats Galore!”
Bitmoji Overload
I didn’t know you could paste Bitmoji images directly from the keyboard into a WordPress blog. I guess you can. Now if I could only make the avatar actually look like me. Some people do great. Not me. Back to … Continue reading “Bitmoji Overload”
Bulky Yarn Time
On my quest to knit all requested items, I started my next project, which is in super-bulky yarn. It just looked so fun, and CC said he’d love an afghan from this. I saw yet another slip stitch pattern on … Continue reading “Bulky Yarn Time”
Honoring Simple Knits
Last night I finished the scarf I was making for Kathleen out of some yarn I’d never have bought, mainly because I don’t shop at Hobby Lobby (Yarn Bee Wildstreak Brights). It really makes up into a nice fabric, though, … Continue reading “Honoring Simple Knits”
Rejoice, Yes, Now
This morning, I started the day out doing a presentation highlighting the work our Agile team has done in the past two weeks (the usual presenter is already off for the holidays, so I was the stand-in. I had on … Continue reading “Rejoice, Yes, Now”
Return to Knitting?
Another happy story, for your Blogmas pleasure. I once knitted. A lot. Pretty much every day from high school to when I moved to the ranch, I knitted every day. It was a great way to keep my hands occupied. … Continue reading “Return to Knitting?”
Another Thanksgiving
Sure, weirdest Thanksgiving ever. But it’s an adventure. I’m making turkey and sides, but not dressing. I’m incapable of making small quantities of dressing. But it’s just me and Anita. Poor Declan can’t come, because there was an exposure at … Continue reading “Another Thanksgiving”
I Actually Knitted a Thing
It turns out I didn’t forget how to knit after all! I’ve had a hard time getting going since we’ve had all these lap dogs. All those precious toenails that I miss very much are hard on delicate projects. But, … Continue reading “I Actually Knitted a Thing”
Olypmic Park Dog Gymnastics
Today was the last day for my second batch of visitors, but we decided to go have lunch before they left. We went back to the restaurant in Park City where I met the nice server who saved my phone, … Continue reading “Olypmic Park Dog Gymnastics”
Laying Low
Sometimes you just want to stay cozy. It was really cold this morning. So Anita and I are watching movies. I am knitting. The knitting is less ugly than it was. It’s a table runner. It will block nicely. It’s … Continue reading “Laying Low”
And Now the Party Starts
Good news! Entertainment has arrived! I’d been expecting a package, so I went down and asked the sweet young man, who obviously just got back from his two-year mission, to look for it. No package. I thought, hmm, that money … Continue reading “And Now the Party Starts”
It Would Be Funny If It Weren’t So Sad: Divisiveness Over Pandemics and Crafts
I’ve written before about how human cultures cannot resist creating in-groups and out-groups, us vs. them, and all that. The Behave book I read recently had a whole chapter about it. It talked about how half the humans are “wired” … Continue reading “It Would Be Funny If It Weren’t So Sad: Divisiveness Over Pandemics and Crafts”
Crafty? Have I Moved On?
The UU Lent word for today is craft. Do you know me personally? Have you been to any of my houses? In that case, you know I’m pretty fond of crafting. It’s in my blood. I come from a long … Continue reading “Crafty? Have I Moved On?”
Life Is Complicated: Fiber Arts Department
I can see why so many people I know are staying away from online communities, even though they provide such great ways to stay in touch, make new friends, and feel less isolated. It just seems IMPOSSIBLE to create a … Continue reading “Life Is Complicated: Fiber Arts Department”
Arts? Crafts? All in the Family
One thing my genealogy forays didn’t turn up is the fact that I’m descended from a long line of artists, mostly fiber arts, but many other types as well. What got me thinking of this was looking around my Bobcat … Continue reading “Arts? Crafts? All in the Family”
On a Learning Spree, Part 1: Crafts
I’ve noticed something new about myself in the past few months. Coinciding with a general good mood and attitude towards life has been a giant uptick in curiosity. If there’s something I don’t know much about, I dive in and … Continue reading “On a Learning Spree, Part 1: Crafts”
The Hermits' Rest 