Knitted Shawl · Knitting · yarn

I Keep Crafting


Hello my blogging friends! Can you believe that it is just about mid October already? The days, weeks, seasons, keep going by and I am still crafting and doing things at home. While home is my happy place, I won’t lie; I miss going out, doing things, and going places. But I continue to stay home to protect myself, my husband and my mother. I wish I could blog more, but, sadly I still have not found my routine. My daily schedule has been altered drastically and I am still trying to find my way. So I do what I can when I can and fill my days and evenings with crafting when possible. So just what have I been up to? Well, a couple of weeks ago I finished 3 shawls during a week. The first shawl, The Mermaids Garden Shawl by Soft Yarn Designs, was finished, but I finally got around to blocking it.

It is quite large and a very interesting shape. I am not sure how I will wear it yet. I guess I will figure that out when I get to wear it. But I love how it turned out. It blocked so nice and drapes very nice.

The yarn is from AJHC Wools; Basic Sock in colors Min and Blushing Bride. So pretty 🙂 This pattern is available on Raverly.

The next shawl I knitted up is the Inspire Create Repeat shawl by JL Creations. It is knitted with Blue Sky Alpacas Sport weight yarn. I have become a fingering weight snob, so I was not sure how this shawl was going to turn out.

It knitted well. The yarn is soft. And I loved the patterns.

It blocked really well and I was able to add a considerable amount to the length, which is what I wanted. Once it blocked, I threw it on and was able to get it to lay the way I wanted on the first try. That is definitely a plus for me. This pattern is available on Ravelry.

The last shawl I finished that week, is the Sharon Show shawl by Casapinka. I wrote about my progress in previous posts. I LOVED knitting this shawl. I learned a few new stitches and the pattern was well written. I was, however, disappointed that the last section was pushed out a week. To me it seemed like it was not ready for release and was rather written while on vacation. While this is not a drastic thing, I based my schedule of other projects around finishing this one. And I must say that the crazy cat stories and talking from the view of the cat in the facebook group was a bit weird for me. So I am not sure that I would do another one of her MKAL’s. But I did finish it right after the last section came out and blocked it right away.

The blocking process was perfect; it stretched out those stitches and opened them up nicely and now the edges don’t roll in.

The yarn used is Miss Babs Caroline and it is so soft, having 10% cashmere in it. It drapes so nicely, too. This was my first time using Miss Babs yarn, and it won’t be my last. If fact I ordered some for a cowl I want to make. It is a different yarn in DK, but I can’t wait to get it and try it out.

If you are looking to knit up a fun shawl in lots of different stitches, I definitely recommend this one. It knitted up pretty quick and was fun. The pattern is available on Ravelry.

So that is what I have knitted lately. Tomorrow I will share what I have been cross stitching. What have you been up to?

Books I am reading · cross stitch · Fairies · Knitted Shawl · Knitting · Passione Ricamo · Uncategorized

Stitching Keeps Me Sane


Wow! 2 posts in one week! That must be a record for me. Instead of making lengthy posts once a month or so, I am going to try to post more frequently. Unless I don’t have anything to share.

This morning I finished Clue #3 of the Sharon Show Shawl by Casapinka.

Clue 3

This clue has been my favorite so far. I am loving all of the different textures. This is my first time knitting a Casapinka pattern, and I have been quite pleased with the directions, the patterns and that I can watch tv while knitting. But I have mostly found myself doing a lot of thinking while knitting. Let’s just say that I have thought out a lot of different things. I feel better about some things and still concerned about other. But being able to think things out is good for the soul.

A few nights ago I pulled out a cross stitch project that needs some love. I haven’t stitched on it very much because of all the knitting. But the block on the right side was empty when I pulled it out.

Passione Ricamo 20 year anniversary piece

Sorry that the picture is a little dark. I thought I had taken a better picture. Anyway, I have started stitching the last block in this row. This is the 20 Year Anniversary piece from Passione Ricamo. I am stitching on 16ct Aida Nantucket Sky from Fabrics by Stephanie. I am hoping I can get this one finished this go around. I am itching to start a new cross stitch project, but so far I have resisted. It does feel good to finish things up. Including this one, I have 6 WIP’s left. There is another one that has maybe 25 stitches in. I’m not counting that one. And another that has been started, but I didn’t like working on the fabric, so it is still in the air as to whether I will continue with that one or not.

That leaves me to a reading goal I have set for myself. I have read a couple of books during this lockdown time. Then I decided that I want to read a series I have put off for a while.

Women’s Murder Club Series

I have been collecting these books for quite some time, and a few weeks ago I decided now is the time to start reading them. I finished book 2 today. My goal is to finish them all by the end of the year. I’m not a fast reader as I usually only read at lunch time or when I am out waiting for an appointment. Not that I go out to any appointments now, so I have lunch time. But I am going to try to read more. I know I am missing book 13 and a few more have been added to the series. I have read quite a few of James Patterson’s books and I really like the short chapters. It does make it easier to get through. “Just one more chapter” LOL.

That is what I am up to. Have you made any recent goals for yourself?