A Knitting Companion

I have a new companion that will hopefully be putting the fire back into my needlework.  I think that's part of stalling out on the blog and the needlework.  I've been lonely.  I need a sewing circle of sorts.  This friend is not necessarily the woman I would have picked six months ago.  She is, however, exactly the kind of woman I need.  She knows cabling; I still haven't attempted it.  She inspires me.  I can chat with her about other things, while we work.  She's easy get to know.

I expect that I won't be falling asleep in my chair with my needlework in hand, with a new companion.  I want to complete pieces to show her my work.  I want to see her handiwork, too.  Here's to friendship.

Finishing a Vest

I haven't brought myself to finally finish the baby vest that I've been working on for ages.  The said baby is now a toddler. I just can't seem to wrap my mind around the v-neck.  I've pulled out the stitches, dealt with live stitches, and then stalled out.  I know that I'll get it down, but the weather may be too warm by the time I do.  Alas.

I messed up the pattern.  It was to be bands of a different stitch, but I read it as bands of seed stitch.  It's interesting, but not quite what I planned.  It will be a one of a kind, that may get worn once.  Perhaps another boy will get use out of it in the future.

Faltering on Christmas Stockings

Another season has come and gone without completion of the Christmas Stocking that I started years ago.  I have noticed that there are so few patterns available these days.  Most are quick and easy.  While this certainly appeals to people who no longer enjoy needlework, I wonder at those who do embroider.  There are other patterns available, and in use by embroiderers.  It is the Christmas stockings that are disappearing.  I have noticed a huge increase in fashion for Christmas.  No longer is it conventional to bring out the same decorations year after year.  Now, I see new decorations every year or every few years predominate.  Why spend months creating needle craft if disposability is the sentiment?  Why put effort on the timeless if there is a theme from year to year?

At the cottage vineyard, we celebrate the feast of the Nativity.  That doesn't change from year to year.  There is no fashionable turn.  Enduring - immutable: what can we embrace every year to honor the Incarnation of Our Lord?  It certainly makes all the months of effort seem worthwhile, instead of a silly diversion.

I'm making a toddler vest, a baby blanket and...

I'm being inspired to change my wardrobe.  Thank you to Leonor Fini, and her bold style.

Butt Knits

I'm making another Butt Knits diaper cover, but this one for the new baby. I like the pattern, and hope to improve my skills with it.

A New Approach

After several attempts, I've come around a new approach to the baby hat. I think I've got it. If so, it's an obvious and delightful idea for a pattern. I may have hit exactly what I've been looking for with my new number of casting on stitches. I'll assess as it goes along.

Time to shift into full gear with the new baby only two months away!

How hard can a baby hat be?

I've messed up again on the hat. I keep making the wrong stitches in places. I must stop knitting when I'm so very tired. I'll begin again.