Exploring the Medium

So many thoughts and ideas have been crowding my brain recently, that I decided to take a rest from writing and see which thought would win the day.  I'm still waiting, in fact.  It's as if my mind is stormy, and while I am waiting for things to settle down in there, I thought I'd write about things that relax me.  Today's focus is yarn.

Carson Shawl, nearly complete

Above is my nearly completed Carson Shawl, by Romi Hill.  I say nearly completed, as I am six rows from the end, and have just run out of the brown.  By the way, isn't the edging lovely?

Edging, almost done!

I'm trying to decide if I switch over to the green yarn to finish it off (I've got enough of that) or bite the bullet and buy more brown to keep it consistent.  At $22.00 per skein, I think I will think about it some more...

In the meantime, I cast on another project, this one a gift (not saying for who yet!).

It starts in the center with a unique cast on.  It's mostly known as the Disappearing Loop Cast-On Method, and I found an excellent video on it by Laura Nelkin.  I like it better than the other method I was using. The center motif is supposed to be a lotus blossom.  I love that I was able to pull from my stash for this project!

In contrast to these projects, I also started something a little different.  I found this stuff at Walmart in the clearance bin, and just had to try it out:

 Currently, I'm turning it into a little crocheted basket...

It's early, but trust me, it will work out!

I don't have a pattern for the basket, I'm just trying to work it in however.  It will be a nearly indestructible thing by the time it's completed, and will hose off quite nicely!

But, knitting and crochet aren't the only things I'm doing these days.  I'm also teaching...

Here's the boy with his first completed skein!

My middle guy has been showing interest in spinning, so we took some time to work on his spinning skills.  I thought he acquitted himself nicely.  Using only a basic CD spindle, he turned out a nice little single, which he then plied using a plying bracelet.  Next stop, dyeing, but first we'll build a little on his length.

And now I will leave you with some prettiness...

This is just one of the profusion of roses we are enjoying in our front yard.  Between the roses, the magnolias, the agapanthus and the jasmine, we are absolutely filled with fragrance and color.  Now, off to enjoy some more of the outdoor loveliness!  Blessings!