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Today the weather is starting to warm up here in San Antonio. Things are starting to look much more spring like, and I am wanting to work with cotton or linen again.

Did you know it is possible to knit with cotton or linen? Whoever would have thought? However it’s best to knit with blends of these two fibers if you’re knitting by hand, as the fiber tends to be rigid unless wet, and they both have a decent tensile strength so unless you soften the fiber some it can snap needles, even the more durable aluminum ones.

That is why cotton and linen is traditionally crocheted, but as I said if you’re more in the mood to knit; give it a go, and solider bravely on!

Today’s a busy day at Allied Crafts! I am working on several different projects, and gathering inspiration for my next free pattern.

Erick, June Bug, Sasha, R2, Freckle, and Ned have been doing alright the past few days. Erick has been having sore muscles lately and he is still recovering from an injury to his foot that happened years ago; we treat it as we are able, but the process of healing is ongoing. Thank you for any prayers you can offer for his continued healing.

I’m a little behind the season in my projects, however I’m working on something that might save me some digging through store shelves and sales bins. I’m not sure what it is yet, but it uses Peaches and Cream cotton in worsted weight, because that’s what I had in my stash. Right now, I’m just playing with the yarn, looking at patterns and trying different shapes and styles for the object-to-be.

This may also be the end of an era. I am considering switching from glasses to contacts. We’ll see what my optometrist says.

R2 is feeling grumpy, and Sasha can’t relax with him in that mood, so I kenneled the dogs, and made sure the other pets were provided for, and now I am crocheting in the club room so R2 can have some alone time.

Erick likes to scream whenever he’s mad at me, “just because you’re not living the life you imagined at six doesn’t mean you’re worthless!” Funny thing is, I mostly am; except the Croft is a yard, the home is an apartment in the city—but still a home—and Erick has marry me. That’s not so bad, he’s right. We could do a lot worse than that for ourselves, and God willing we won’t.

So, as a young woman in college—which is the time of my life Erick and I met, I changed the “o” in Croft to the “a” in Craft and have been knitting and crocheting ever since. That’s all it took to turn my life around. It’s been an incredible journey! I made new friends and some not-so-much friends and even met a few people who down right despised me for “what I was doing to _______________ (insert name/object/being/place here)!!”

However, my art is my crafts, my crafts are my art, and my relationship with God is personal; which in my opinion is how it should be. And that’s the way it has been for years now, decades even.

When I was younger, I used to dream of leaving something lasting behind—a legacy built on love and understanding; to which people used to scream at me from moving cars and throw drinks or other detritus at me, “add faith!!”

But I don’t feel I need to run through the streets like some kind of crazy person screaming “Jesus saves! Jesus is All! Jesus Heals!” Others are welcome to if they want. But, Jesus and I have a much quieter, simpler relationship and we like it that way.

In my opinion that is the essence and purpose of any spirituality, and that is the Path I walk.

I don’t like Masses. They’re too crowded. Churches are okay, but I would rather be out in God’s Creation. I’m a very personal, private person when it comes to my relationship with Jesus. And so, now that I have proclaimed myself. I will be silent until Sasha or June Bug misbehaves again.

Erick, the pets and I are doing well despite our failings and shortcomings. We continue to grow and improve each day even in the e most minute of ways. I will be celebrating birthdays at the end of the month, and am excited about that.

Another thing I am excited about is Valentine’s 💝 Day. I can’t wait to see what Erick has planned for us! February has started out on a very positive note for the most part.

I stopped reading this since I first picked it up at the Inauguration of Mr. Trump. I have restarted it, and am enjoying it immensely these days.

I’m still working on my projects from last year, but am making steady progress; slow progress, but steady. However I’m currently focusing more on my blogs than my ministry work.

June Bug and Sasha are starting to be best friends. I am dreading the day when they start teaming up for mischief and adventure and at the same time looking forward to seeing them in just such a friendship.

R2 and Freckle continue their separate lives happily and have no real problems with each other.

And Ned is still in torpor while San Antonio endures more cold temperatures.

I’m working on the same projects that I started last year; however, I have finished a baby hat, and an infinity scarf that I added three button holes to help keep track of it.

I am also exploring color work in knitting further; as well as teaching myself more about textured knitting. Currently I am teaching myself the toe-up technique in sock knitting.

I walked up to the clubhouse at my apartment community because Sasha was being too clingy and distracting me.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my pets, but every now and again I need to get away from them if only for my mental health.

The weather has been frigid! I love it! And my manly man Erick has been running around in short sleeves without a jacket or coat (lol)! I don’t know how he does it?!

I’m working on this scrappy sock toe-up, magic loop. It’s a really fun knit. I don’t know what heel I will put in it. I’m thinking an afterthought heel. There is a similar pattern that’s found in “The Sock Project” by Summer Lee. Check it out.

Today there’s a break in the weather that I plan to take advantage of to buy some milk for my family.

Erick and I seem to have stabilized our relationship. Thank God! I am so happy! Yesterday I went uptown and spent my Christmas money. I really like the things I got with it. And next month, I have a visit from my sister.

I thank God for my family and friends, and my pets. They are what make life worth living.

It’s 2026! Everything is new and beginning to wake up in Southern Texas. Erick and I spent a deferential time at his parents home on Christmas and New Year’s. It always seems we enjoy more attention when we’re on our best behavior over the holidays, and we get more and better presents too. Whatever is going right, I hope it is a trend for years to come.

The pets have been healthy and happy ever since the holidays started. The weather has been more autumnal than wintering, which suits me just fine. My one and only complaint is that it isn’t the autumnal temperatures I like best. I like it to be about ten to twenty degrees cooler than it is currently so I can wear my sweaters. Anything else just isn’t as much fun 🤩

In the meantime, Erick and I have phenomenal sourdough treats from our local bakery, Something Sourdough. If you’re ever in central northeastern San Antonio, check them out. There’s something there for nearly every price range.