Quick Snippets

I'm not going to put a lot of delait into each item of this post.  Just wanted to get a few things out there since it's been a couple months since I last posted.

I'll start with the crafting content first.

I finished Yume.  I'm OK with how it turned out.  It has a bit too much fabric in the underarm area.  Sizing it was a bit of an issue.  I did do a gauge swatch and chose a size.  As I knit the yoke, it just seemed too large, so I ripped it out and went down a size.  After I split for the sleeves, I had a feeling it was still too big, but I just kept going.  In hindsight, I should have listened to that voice and ripped out a little.

This is lovely pattern and I may make it again.  I'll just have to try it on as I go.

Below is an old photo of Astri, but I'm slowly making progress on it.  There are just a million ends to deal with.

I made a lion for my grandson using a Toft kit.  The main was a bit of a challenge to get it to look right, but in the end I think he's a rather handsome lion.

I cast on Nila by Natashja Hornby.  I'm using Purl Soho Linen Quill in Lilac. It is a challenging knit, definitely not something for TV viewing.  As a result my progress is slow.  But I'm sure I'll love the end result.  Hoping to have this done by the beginning of September to take on a cruise Ed and I have planned for our anniversary.

I have also been dyeing some yarn using the tincture dyes I learned about from my LYS.  Someday these will go into a blanket.

I also bought myself an e-spinner.  As I'll explain below, I wanted a spinning wheel that is more portable and doesn't require pedaling.  I'm still practicing with it.  I purchased this from the Woolery and they sent along a large bag of roving to use for practice.  Once I feel I have the hang of it, I'll try on of the braids I have in my stash.

Now the life updates.

My husband's birthday is at the end of May.  None of the kids were able to join us, so I made him a steak dinner and a strawberry pie.  The kids were all in town the following weekend, so we celebrated then with smoked ribs and red velvet cake.

In June I took my brother, grandson, and daugther on a train ride.  The boys loved it. I don't think my grandson actually realized he was riding on a train.  But he did get excited when he saw the engines and cars.

On Father's Day we went with our daughter, son-in-law, and grandson to Seneca Lake to take their new (used) pontoon boat out for a ride.  It was fun to be out on the water.  Jameson loved being captain.

In the final bit of life news, I had surgery on my right foot on June 25 to remove a calcification on the back of my heel.  I'm going to be in a splint/cast for a month and then a walking boot for another month.  Use of my right foot is very limited.  No driving.  Totally non-weightbearing right now.  Since my Lendrum spinning wheel is a single tredle wheel, I can't easily use it, which is why I bought the e-spinner.

Well, that's about it for today.  Take care.