Summer Summary
I am the same as a lot of crafters out there. I value the short summer Saskatchewan gets so much that crafting takes a back seat. I still do a bit here and there on those rainy nights or sick days, but not nearly as much as I do in the winter. So, here I will do a quick summary of what I have done over the summer.
Biggest update - I took a knitting class! I really enjoyed it, not only because I was learning something new, something I have wanted to learn for awhile now. But because it gave me a chance, for 2 hours a week, to talk crafting with like-minded people. Wonderful! It was a 6 week course, 2 hours a week, with homework to do between classes. I would highly recommend The Wool Emporium’s classes to everyone. Small class sizes and very reasonably priced. The finished product was a child’s sweater. I decided to make it two colors, and it turned out great!
The sweater was made all in the round, no seams. It taught me how much I love circular needles and how much I don’t like double pointed needles! I also learned how much I do not like plastic needles. This all leads me to my first purchase after the class. The Boye Needlemaster Kit 200. I. Love. It. The kit can be made into a variety of different cable length circular needles, flexible straight needles, stitch holders, etc. Its amazing. All of the needles (sizes 2 to 15) are all aluminum. I can’t explain how much I love it! I have added a few things to my new knitting kit - stitch markers, two crochet needles (slipped stitches and kitchener stitch!), two yarn needles, one scissors, and one tape measure. You may wonder why I have a CASE tape measure, but it is very dear to me with a background story. Anyways, here is the kit that is so near to my heart:
So, once I got going on the knitting path, I made a few dishcloths to get my tension and stitches down. Then I got sick of that pretty fast! I did a bunch of yarn dyeing:
And then made some felted mittens (I forgot to take a picture! Ugh!). That got me hooked on the mittens. Then I found Kelley’s Mitten Class. And I got really addicted! Here are a few examples of what I have made:
I love mittens. I love the magic loop method! Its impressive how quickly you can rip through a mitten when the needles are metal and you are doing the magic loop method. Mittens for everyone!!
No, on to other crafting methods, I did a bit of sewing. I made a mug cozy, a quilt for my BFF’s wedding present (again, the only picture I have is a blurry cell phone shot. I suck), and a quilted kitchen floor mat. I only have one picture, here it is:
And last but not least, I finally finished a cross stitch project that I started a very long time ago. I love Mary Engelbriet. I loved this pattern, and it was actually a rug hooking kit that my sister had made. The rug hooking kit is very similar to a cross stitch pattern, so it was easy to work off of it. It is just took a very very long time! I have to get it framed yet, just waiting for a good Michaels sale.
Well, that is it for now. As for out of my crafting world, this summer has been a very important summer in my life. I work in a male dominated industry and it has always been a challenge for me, but it is one that I enjoy because I need to believe that what I am doing is making the path easier for females to come. This summer, I was promoted to the position that I got into this industry to get. It means that I am now the youngest, and only female, in this position in the city. This position was in my 5 year plan, and I got it considerably ahead of schedule! I am so proud of myself and what I have done to prove everyone wrong. I love my job and the challenges that every day brings. The only downfall - I am so determined to take on everything and do it all well, that I spend a lot of long hours in the office. Luckily, my boyfriend understands how much this means to me and is a fountain of support. And tells me what I don’t always want to hear - I need a break and they will be fine without me for a day or two! The long hours effect my valuable crafting time, but it is showing me how much I need that time to myself. The job is high-stress and its amazing what a few knit stitches can do for the stress levels! I also recently got a very good relaxation massage and I am slowly learning that I am more productive and efficient when I take steps to reduce my stress and take time for myself. This summer has helped me learn immense amounts about myself, my abilities, and my limits. And I am only 23! It is flattering/depressing how many “I thought you were older that you are!” comments I get! I don’t mind though. I need to be a strong person to deal with the industry that I deal with. :)
Anyways! If you have read through aaaallll of that, I am impressed!
<3
