The Miracle of the Knitting Loom

I've been knitting. It tickles me to say that, because I'm not a knitter. My Nan taught me how to knit more than once, and I made a scarf a long time ago, but I just never reached the point of being comfortable with it.

Remembering how much I enjoyed spool knitting when I was little (mine was made with an actual spool and nails, but Lion Brand Yarn has an adorable modern version), I asked for a set of knitting looms for my birthday this year. Lo and behold, they're fun! And easy! And addicting! I can't say the same for pom-pom making (seems like they were a whole lot easier to make when I was a kid) but in any event, I've knitted up a scarf and a hat and trimmed them with big, goofy pom poms.





























All hail the knitting loom! And, of course, Hank the Kitten. I've noticed a disappointing trend lately of bloggers apologizing for cat photos. As far as I'm concerned, cat photos are like cheese and chocolate--you can never have too much.

Our pets lean to the left

Every member of our family believes that healthcare should be a fundamental right for all citizens, not just a privilege for the few who can afford it. Our Savannah is modeling one of ten bandanas I sewed last night for a local fundraiser.


















And Violet, our "Democat," offers her endorsement as well.

It's all about the cats.

This post was going to be about a new afghan I've started, but Sunshine (Violet's sister) was determined to steal the show.

Therapy

What with the gloomy weather and a school decision weighing heavily on my mind, I've been down in the dumps. Today provided just what I needed...some warm sunshine and young pansies outside and new Mod Sampler quilt blocks inside.


















And a sweet little kitty always helps too.


















So do pep talks from loved ones. Thanks, Mom and Gina.

Spending too much time on Facebook

Projects I've been dabbling with:

1. Crocheted table runner
2. Crocheted washcloth
3. Embroidered owl towel
4. Embroidered camping towel
5. Snuggie for Karen
6. Pillow for Gina

Projects I've finished and photographed for the blog: none.

How about a kitty picture instead? These are the sweet sisters Sunshine and Violet.

In loving memory

My sweet Sula passed away this morning. We were together for almost 18 years. Olivia says I'll see him in Heaven, but until then I'm going to miss my little man dearly.

Soy Afghan

I finished this afghan last week. (Actually I finished putting it together in June but didn't get around to weaving in the ends and blocking it until the last minute. My mother was a hero and helped me with the ends. There must have been thousands!) Violet was hoping we'd keep it...















...but it was a birthday gift for Gina.














The silky soy yarn from Bernat was a joy to crochet. The pattern is "Garden of Flowers" from Afghans for All Seasons, Book 2.

The old man is snoring

As in "It's raining, it's pouring...." Today is the first rainy day we've had in months. At school drop-off this morning, the sidewalks were filled with colorful umbrellas and stiff, new raincoats. Here at home, it's a nice day for a cozy nap.

Crumbs

A little of this (minus Miss Violet)...














And a little of that...














Makes some of these...














Blocks for a crumb quilt! I never would have believed that the scraps from my various projects (from 1930s reproduction fabrics to Amy Butler to bright batiks) would come together in such a pleasing fashion. These colorful crumb blocks are making me very happy! Here's a tutorial, and here's a gorgeous example.

Naughty Kitties

I made this oven mitt from the pattern in Denyse Schmidt Quilts. It features Michael Miller's "Bad Kitty."














As you can see from the scratched bench in the photo background, my kitties are similarly naughty. Here's one of the culprits, looking awfully pleased with herself.