Kninja Knitter

It’s not fun to start the week off being sick, but we don’t really get a choice with these things. I still managed to grab progress photos of my knitting projects in natural light before the rain blew in.

Stitched or Still-in-Progress

My only “finished object” last week was the single sock I test knit for Lisa K. Ross. Since I can’t share any photos, I’ll move on to my other WIPs.

I managed to complete four more full zigzags on the blanket, and there are four more to go in this strip. It’d be nice to be able to turn to start the next one in a few days.

I didn’t make as much progress this week on the tee as I had the week before, but I did manage to use up the first full skein in the body. That meant I had to wind another skein which is what delayed the progress. Maybe I can pick it up again. Designer Laura sent an email today looking for updates and input on the pattern, so the design should be released soon. Of course, Manos del Uruguay let her know that they’re discontinuing this yarn (Serena), sigh.

I’m about a quarter-inch away from starting the ribbing for the middle section of this hat. I had been considering switching up colors to work blocks so that the ribbed brim is one color and each end of the hat is a different color. But I’m also thinking about finishing up with this yarn. I’ll decide once I get there.

This toddler sweater is likely going to be my next true finished object. Last week I had nubby sleeves (see the yarn & needles stitch marker on the left), and once I put the effort in, it didn’t take long to finish the sleeves, join them to work the yoke, and then decrease stitches as I went. The collar is almost done now, and then a button band will be added. This should be done by the end of the week!

Cast-on Conversations

Last week I talked about knitting a sweater scarf, but the test knitting deadlines are my top priority. As soon as I get that sweater done, I’ll be swatching! But that doesn’t mean I haven’t started something new, lol.

I finished a sock, so I cast on another one. Lisa’s Single Sock Spectacular challenge is running until the end of the month, so I wanted to at least earn another entry! I’ll probably knit this one, then go back to the Dwight pattern to make a mate for my first. The Celtic Climbers design has left and right specific charts and instructions, so they’re mirrored socks. I still want to get a vanilla sock cast on for movie theater knitting, but the hat will work for now.

Now that we’re easing into May, summer is just around the corner. And that means we’re prepping for Camp Loopy, hosted by The Loopy Ewe. I don’t always participate, but I’m never disappointed when I do. I’ve knit some pretty spectacular projects for this challenge! I appreciate the 15% discount that Camp Week provides, too, to allow me to load up on the yarn I need for a specific project. The theme for camp this year is The Great Loopy Make Off, and the challenge for June is to make something involving the word bread or one or more of its components (e.g., wheat, rye, etc.). I’m opting to knit a pattern called Cowl, Not Bread – this is referencing the use of the brioche stitch in its design. It’s a nice and easy two-color cowl. I need to use at least 400 yards in the project, so I’ll review project pages to see if I need to make any adjustments (e.g., stitch count, length) to be sure I make that. Ideally I’ll use up all 440 yards in the two skeins!

This is a Year of Projects post. Officially the Group is in its 14th year, my first. If you would like to find out more about the Year of Projects Group on Ravelry, please check it out; it’s a very welcoming group!

Environment Evolution

After putting in so many hours clearing the floor space in my office, I turned my attention upward. One of the decluttering groups I’m a member of (Kindred Spirits, hosted by Dana K. White of A Slob Comes Clean) hosted an hour of body doubling one evening. I took that hour to work on decluttering the big bookcase in my office. This was the headboard shelving unit for my son’s loft bed, and I’m eager to get it out of the house. Its partner is upstairs and will be removed later this summer. First, I had to sift through all the books and other miscellaneous items that have lived here for years. In that one hour I made it through three complete shelves, choosing to keep less than one shelf-worth of items. They’ll soon be relocated to my bedroom. And on Friday I managed to empty the fourth shelf – nearly everything has been distributed between trash/recycling and donations, so all getting out of my house!

I also mentioned last week that my new front porch was in queue to be put in place! Thanks to the rainy weather at the beginning of the week, the scheduled changed slightly. But on Tuesday, they began to demolish the old concrete pad. On Wednesday, they put the framing in place so that on Thursday the gravel and then concrete were poured in. On Saturday I celebrated the removal of the caution tape by setting up my new mailbox! I was very anxious to get that done, so it’s not set in concrete. I’ll keep tabs on it – the post is buried about 18 inches into the ground.

Grandson Glimpses

During the week I also finally connected with my grandson! I called on FaceTime on Tuesday night after my DoorDash shift, and most of the time I watched him dance to The Wiggles on YouTube. 😆 He knows all the lyrics and actions, and he whispers the words while dancing along with the performers. He also gave the phone hugs every now and then. And during “Hush-a-bye Your Bear” he made the shushing motion on the image of my face on the phone. Creative kid, that’s for sure. I still don’t know when I’ll get to see him again in person…

I have more to share about the movies I’ve seen recently and such, but my body is ready to return to its resting state. I should be able to share more on Wednesday about that. Meanwhile, enjoy your week!

Knit on. 🧶