Project Time

After a week or so of feeling bad about the termination of my contract, I decided it was a good time to get moving on some of my projects.

The City Limits sweater is in the final phases of the sleeves.  I am working them together to make sure I have similar sleeves.  Last thing I want at this point is to knit a sleeve and then run out of yarn on the second sleeve.  I should have this finished next week.

Years ago a friend and I bought loads of Knit Picks Palette with the intention of making a very color shawl.  The shawl was never cast on and the balls have been sitting in a bin for years.  After some thought, I decided to use the wool for an Astri afghan.  Arne and Carlos's pattern calls for DK weight.  Palette is fingering so I just adjusted my hook size accordingly.  The final product might be smaller than called for in the pattern, but it will still be colorful and lovely.

Another project I have in the works is making vanilla extract.  This could not be easier.  I bought bottles from IKEA, cheap vodka from the liquor store and Grade A vanilla beans from Amazon.  Following the instructions on a YouTube video, I split open the beans longitudinally and then cut them in half crosswise.  After putting a couple beans in each bottle, I filled with vodka.  Since I had extra beans and vodka, and we don't drink vodka, I tossed the remaining beans in the vodka bottle.  I'll be set for years with vanilla extract, even after gifting the pretty little bottles to my siblings and children.

Since I am not working, Ed has been giving me tasks to do.  (Funny how he seemed to avoid doing all of the tasks I asked him to do when I was working and he wasn't.)  He mentioned the other day that he hasn't had crepes to eat in a long time.  So the other morning I made a batch for our breakfast.  Honestly it was a nice treat.

Speaking of nice treat, Squeaks is happy that my daughter's cat has finally moved out.   Kristin and Nala moved out last weekend.  Actually Kristin moved out last weekend and she came back Tuesday evening to get Nala.  Squeaks is still suspicious that Nala is hiding somewhere.  I don't know how long a cat's memory lasts, at least when it isn't food related.  I'm guessing Nala's scent is still lingering in the house.

 

More Unnamed Shawl Pictures

Here are a couple more photos of the as of yet unnamed shawl.  

I sent this off to a friend as a late Christmas, early birthday present.  I asked her to let me know if any name comes to mind when she first puts it on.  Maybe I'll get inspiration for a name from her.  My hope is that she uses this when she needs a little hug.  Hugs are hard to come by these day, especially for her.  She is a widow and her two grown sons live out of state.  Despite having one of her three brothers live nearby, she is the sole caregiver for her 89 year old father.  Her days are filled with working and then taking care of him, and then if time permits, her own basic needs.

Plans for the mini-wedding are coming along.  After trips to IKEA, Hobby Lobby and Joann's, I think I have what I need for decorations.  Well, this is once my order from Amazon arrives today.

Ed and I have discovered that our little kitty is a television addict.  She will often sit in front of the TV with us in the evening.  Her favorite show is Nature on PBS.  We have to watch her though.  She'll jump up on the television stand and swipe at the creatures on the screen.  Last thing we need is to have our television knocked over by the cat.

Time now to do a little knitting and reading.  Have a wonderful day!