Maybe? Kind of? Mom always had a book. It didn’t matter in what room of the house she found herself, she always had something to read. I’ve followed that tradition most of my life. Now-a-days that necessitates have reading glasses in every room as well. That does mean that sometimes I get the characters mixed up between books…. Mom used to keep cheat sheets in the front of the really long and involved books, sort of a cast of characters, in case she didn’t get back to the story in a timely manner.
So what does this have to do with yarn you are asking. Well. This last week in particular I have found myself at home more than usual. I have become a serial crocheter (as well as reader). I have had somewhat of a stay-cay that involves napping, crocheting, reading, puzzle working, napping, crocheting, reading, puzzle working…repeat.
My goal has been to finish up on some WIPS (works in progress for you non-yarners), and reduce the height of my “books to read” stack. So, along with a book in every room, I have a WIP in every room.
I finished the CAL afghan that I have been working on since last May! Yay! Did that first, so I could wrap up in it when I was working on other things. And in that room, I have an audio book that I’ve been listening to: In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. Love his books. Bottom line: eat your fruits and veg!
Also in that room, I have been working on another afghan/throw call Blooming Crocuses. I am actually making it using the yarn that’s suggested in the pattern and that is not typical for me at all. But, I picked the pattern because of the colors in the yarn. I like working on this project spread out on a table rather that in my lap. The pattern looks like rows of shells so I’m not sure why the flower reference in the title except for the colors of course. I’m about 1/2 done with it at this point. Each repeat is 3 rows and takes about 50 minutes to crochet so, this might not get finished during my stay-cay.
The reading hours of my days have been most productive. I have so far moved four books from the “want to read” pile to the bookshelf and am well into the fifth. Where the Crawdads Sing, Half Broke Horses, Washington Black, City of Endless Night, and City of Thieves. And there are always beach reads…but I won’t list those.
Back to the yarn. Months ago I saw a booklet that had patterns for fidget mats. Useful they say for folks with dementia, who fidget a lot. I have had the idea of using the leftovers from the CAL afghan above to make some of these to take down to Fbg and offer to the folks in the memory care facility that is associated with the retirement center where Dad lived. I’ve made some parts and some mats so the next stage of the project is joining them together. If it works out, I plan to make some to take on each trip. The idea is that they have them on their laps and can fiddle with all the different bits as a calming activity.
The kitchen table is always a good place to work. Tuesday I started a shawl that has been calling to me for awhile. You make a series of motifs that are joined as you make them. I’m liking the table to lay them out as I hook each one to the others. The pattern is called The Lorelei Shawl and the designer is Kimberly McAlindin. Again, I am using the suggested yarn. It’s a Red Heart, so not pricy and it’s acrylic. Oh so soft.
And the last WIP is a cowl crocheted in the round using 5 different Tunisian stitches and a double ended hook. Whoop! This is another pattern I’ve been itching to make. And, it lends itself to recliner/sofa lounging. I like the fabric the Tunisian stitches make and the yarn I’m using is way cool. The pattern is called Strata Cowl and the designer is Esther Chandler. The yarn is 100% bamboo and comes from Theodora’s Pearls. It will be perfect for cool spring days.
And for the puzzle part of the stay-cay, this is what I’ve been working. It’s one of our Stave collection. So much fun!
I hope the weather gods are kind to everyone this weekend. In hope that we’ve had our last freeze of the season, I’ll be putting tomato plants in the ground. Stay warm and dry everyone!
Love the idea of a project for every room! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on where the crawdads sing and city of thieves!
I loved the book….except one part.
N
I love your stories. Here’s a book to read. What My Grandmother Told Me to Tell You. It is hysterically funny. Also, sounds like your doing a great job accomplishing your goals, and, yes, I’ve read some of the same books.
Nancy