Yarn Along #37

 

 

From Ginny

 ~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading?

(channelling Jack Nicholson:) I'M BAAACK!

Wow! I just realized this is my first yarn along this year. My last was on Dec 29th.... really?

So - here we go.....

progress updates:

I ended up putting a border around my friend's quilt afghan (and forgot to get a picture of it). She now has possession of it and says she loves it!

I finished Catherine's shrug (really need to get a picture of her in it!).

I am still working on Olivia's sweater. Trying to redo the pattern and make it the same size as the last one I did for her with bulkier yarn: not so fun. I was fine on the body; the sleeves: not so much. I have started, frogged, and re-started the same sleeve about 6 times (and did I mention this yarn is not fun to work with?) So, I put it aside and started 2 new projects:

background on these projects first: 

Some things you might already know: I love to crochet and I love to make afghans.

Some things you might not know: My mom started me on this yarn kick a verrry loooong time ago when I was much younger. I misplaced the love of yarn during high school and college. I found it again in the Azores with my husband's aunt (along with the very cool ability to crochet with thread.) Anyway, as much as my mom still loves yarn (you should see her stash) she is not a big fan of crocheting motif afghans. She prefers to knit; which is why all the grandchildren are outfitted in hats and mittens all winter.

So, back to the new projects:

My brother and his wife are the founders of a charity run in Pennsylvania for the benefit of Duchene Muscular Dystrophy. My two nephews (a cuter two you will never see!) were both diagnosed with DMD a few years ago. True to form, my brother turned his formidable concentration and work ethic to raising money for research to find a cure.

This year's run will be April 21st. They have had a raffle table to help raise money as well. My mom loved the last afghan I did and asked me if I would make an afghan for the raffle table. She supplies the yarn and I supply the work. Really? Free yarn and a way to help my brother? Of course I said "YES!"

I picked a couple patterns I wanted to do (one I had done before and liked, and one I just wanted to do) and Mom went out and got the yarn. I think she went overboard, I have enough yarn for about 5 afghans with what she brought me... we shall see what gets done between now and April 21.

After this was done, Mom found an afghan kit online that she fell in love with. I couldn't figure the pattern looking at the picture online so about a week later a box was delivered to me containing the kit.

The two afghans I have started for the charity run in April:

The one in the teal colors is from the kit. 2-ply yarn; every other row is using 2 colors alternating every 2 stitches: can anyone say "pain in the butt?" But, now that I have the 24 row pattern done once (with 4 more to go) it is going a little quicker. But, it is rather long and not very portable.

So, I started afghan #2 (the fall colors) which is extremely portable and great for waiting rooms. I have done this one twice before: in teals and greens for Catherine's room, and pinks and purples for C's best friend Mackenzie (aka daughter #5). I like that each color is also a different pattern; it has great texture. I need to have 48 squares for this bugger. I have started 20. It seems to be going well and rather quick.

Mom also got me some teal and black and country blue and white yarns to do some 'plaid' blankets. The pattern I have calls for double strands throughout and a size N (9mm) hook. Those should go pretty quick once I get more of these done.

Now: for reading:

My great friend is have her baby #6 any day now.

I am nesting for her.

I am cleaning and purging and generally driving everyone nuts around here. (but the basement looks great). My reading is reflecting this a little:

Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman - I have been hearing great things about this book. It is not in my library system. I got a gift card to the book store. I bought the book. I am enjoying the book. Absorbing a little at a time. (I think I like that it is not a library book so I can go a little slower than my normal speed read)

It's All Too Much by Peter Walsh - a great read in purging room by room. Not anything that I did not already know or have done in the past; but a great refresher and motivator right now.

How To Listen When God Is Speaking by Fr Mitch Pacwa - reading this one for our bible study on Mondays. One chapter a week. I am taking lots of notes.

Of course the ever present: Small Steps for Catholic Moms by Danielle Bean and Elizabeth Foss - highly recommend this one for all moms.

On the Kindle: Called to Life by Jacques Philippe. This is the second book I have read by him. I am enjoying it and the discussion (which I have not participated, just read other's comments) at Suscipio. You should go check that out.

And last but not least: The Divine Office for Dodos by Madeline Nugent. Lent starts next week (I know, how did that sneak up so fast!) I am being drawn to praying the Divine Office for Lent. I found this book and realized this is exactly what I needed! Hopefully I can absorb enough to at least pray 3 offices a day for Lent.... can I beg prayers?

I am sure there are more books strewn about the house that I am reading (including many readings for school), but those were the main ones.

Wow, that was a long one - I really must try to not miss a week, I realized that I have no conception of my progress on my projects since Dec.

Off to see what others are doing; see you at Ginny's.