Kninja Knitter

This Monday (yesterday) really got away from me! I was getting ready for bed last night when I realized I’d forgotten to post my weekly update. And I was too tired to do anything about it then, so it’s a Tardy Tuesday for me. The rain was somewhat intense at points yesterday (hence the start of the title) – I was on a call when a crack of thunder made me jump. Anyway, here’s what’s been happening lately!

Stitched or Still-in-Progress

I shared the finished photo of my ZK shawl last week, and then I blocked it and managed to grab a nice beauty shot over the weekend when it was bright and sunny. So this is something of a duplicate FO report, but it looks so pretty! And you can’t see that silly second yarn because the ends get tucked in nicely.

My next photo is of another finished object, though I technically hadn’t finished it for my #MarkItMonday photos. But I started the final bind-off graft (tubular bind-off) on Sunday night. It only took about an hour on Monday morning then to finish the work. It’s blocking now, so there’s sure to be a glamour shot to come – possibly next week.

I also managed to finish the fingerless mitts I’d cast on the week before. These could come in very handy this winter!

The vanilla sock I cast on last week saw a bit of attention, and I’m loving the colors so much!!

Cast-on Conversations

Because I finished a shawl and then the mitts, I wanted one or two semi-mindless projects to work on. And of course, the Down Cellar Studio Pigskin Party helps me make decisions! I started off with one of the DCS host’s designs, a shawl that has very basic stitch patterns throughout; I’m using yarn I bought at the Zombie Knitpocalypse retreat since I’d considered making this shawl in July but then never did.

And then I also cast on a two-color cowl after winding more of the yarn I bought at ZK! I’ve made a modification to the pattern – as written, the maker casts on stitches and binds off with an I-cord bind-off at the end, after which the two ends are joined. I used the Stitch Saver provisional cast-on, and when I get to the other end, I’m considering working an I-cord bind-off that will actually join the two ends at the same time. The design is intended to have stark contrast between the MC and CC, but I opted for something a little different just because of the options I had to choose from. I’m still loving the result!

And lastly, I cast on another sock – though this is another secret test knit. I’ll share more when I’m allowed. Now that the light sweater is done, I also want to get back into the cable knit sweater project!

Environment Evolution

Last week I had shared that I was debating my options about what to do on Saturday because my Buckeyes had a bye week. Well, I opted to split my time between a DoorDash shift and the following!

While the weather is still manageable (Saturday was gorgeous!), I turned my attention to my yard for a bit. I’ve borrowed a couple tools from the Tool Library, though only one got serious use. Because I haven’t had the capacity to manage my landscaping, I had entrusted that work to my neighbor. Sadly, he did the bare minimum, choosing only to mow the lawn except for a couple bigger tasks I had to pay extra for. In those years, that meant that plants have taken over parts of my property where they’re not desired. And outside of my office, several trees had grown, along with a lot of prickly weeds, alongside a rose bush that was part of the original landscaping when I bought the house.

Although my sore shoulder protested fiercely a few times, I made use of a cordless reciprocating saw to cut down most of these trees. Granted, I now have a pile of branches and some trunk bits to deal with, but the progress warms my heart. I can now see outside from my office – and even with the thunderstorm yesterday, it didn’t feel like nighttime as I was working. Huzzah! More work to come, but I’m reveling in the changes thus far.

I’ve also set a tentative date to rent a dumpster to clear out the basement. This weekend I had to move some things around down there in preparation for a water meter replacement, and the conditions down there are just tragic. I won’t be sharing any pictures of that project because it’s far too embarrassing, but I’m determined to finally address the problem rather than let it go another year.

I’m also starting my mental preparations for the next All Day Declutter on October 4, hosted by the Take Your House Back course leaders, Cas, Dana & Dawn. I had already shared here that my bedroom will be the focus for the day-long purge fest. And then another YouTuber of the minimalist persuasion (Robyn at Minimalist Home) is hosting a Closet Challenge over three days during the week leading up to the ADD. Clothing is the major headache in my bedroom, and it’s my biggest struggle in terms of letting go. So stay tuned as that adventure unfolds!

Grandson Glimpses

And speaking of adventures, I’ve had some interesting exchanges with my grandson’s mother. I’ve been FaceTiming pretty regularly with the munchkin. Last Thursday, she texted to request a call because the kiddo was getting out of hand, being the toddler that he is. At one point, she had declared she wouldn’t play with him because he was being too aggressive, throwing things at her. He had a meltdown and in the midst of crying asked, “Where’s Grandma?”

I don’t want to jinx anything here, but it’s possible that my grandson will be closer to home very soon. Stay tuned for news on that front.

Knit on. 🧶