Blog

Materials

-Yarn in two coordinating/matching/ contrasting colors of your choice

-1 pkg double pointed needles US size 6

-measuring tape

-tapestry or yarn needle

-scissors

Abbreviations

CO cast on

BO bind off

K knit

P purl

Kitr knit in the round

MC main color

CC contrasting color

Sts stitches

DPNS double pointed needles

R row

Gauge 24 x 24”=4”sq

Cowl

R1: With MC, CO 100 sts evenly over four of your five DPNS.

R2: begin k1, p1 ribbing; k 0.5(0.5, 1, 2)”, or until you are satisfied with the results

R3-27: Kitr for 4”.

R28: (MC) k3, (CC) k3;

R29: (MC) Kitr;

R30: (MC) k3, (CC) k3;

R31: (CC) k3, (MC) k3;

R32: (MC) Kitr;

R33: (CC) k3, (MC) k3;

R34-68: (CC) Kitr for 4”.

R69-74: (CC) k1, p1.

BO and enjoy ❤️

I took a break from housework and rode the bus to my local yarn shop. Once there, I browsed the shelves, and even sat on their couches and knitted for the greater part of my visit.

I was there most of the day. Erick picked me up after he got off work. We ran an errand, then got fast food, and went home to our pets and apartment.

Today, I stopped by the leasing office to admire the fireplace. I knitted about an hour there. Then I ran another errand and went home to our pets.

Now I am writing this between cleaning sessions and knitting what may actually end up a knitted skirt, rather than a sweater. We’ll see how much yarn I have.

The apartment is cold today. I love it! I’m wrapped up in three layers on top, and one layers on bottom. Survivalists always say to keep your core temperature at about the same temperature as your body. Since the body temperature averages around 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit, I think I am good enough in the layer temperature to keep safe. That’s what I love about crafting and about knitting in particular; if you don’t have a sweater, you can make one. Or a knitted skirt if you’re feeling fancy enough.

I’m finished with the prototype of the cowl pattern I made. Now I’ll draft it, and possibly publish it as a free pattern later next year. That deadline isn’t set in stone. I’m not sure if I will finish the pattern by next year or not; too many variables.

I’m still trying to navigate through the process of getting my pattern business going in the right direction; still trying to dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s. All this is still more of a learning experience than an actual job at the moment. I think I’m okay on the financial front, but I need to do more research into that. There is a demand and a market for this product; it is just very niche in my area. That’s okay. I’m willing to grow that niche.

I find knitting and crocheting and all the activities associated with them to be relaxing, restorative, and life affirming. They have helped me manage my anxiety and depression and stress levels when nothing else works. I think crafts that beneficial deserve a broader audience in the world.

Today I have been focusing on my health. I have been feeling run down lately, so I have been doing some gentle exercise and a few minutes of more strenuous exercise (Sasha does almost nothing slowly, and our walks are more chaos than peace; but she’s still young. She’ll calm down with age).

I did knit for a while. And soon I will need to do some housekeeping. Erick will be home shortly and will want my company (after he decompresses from work).

Neither of us have been feeling that well. So we may have to cancel Thanksgiving festivities. There’s always Christmas to look forward to.

I’m working on a color work pattern that I have designed?! I haven’t seen the design anywhere else online, except my webpages!

I’m pleased with it so far. I may publish this as my first color work pieces. I’m not sure what I will do with it.

The pets are happy and healthy. Ned is starting to get sleepier. R2 and Freckle are starting to be less active too. Only June Bug and Sasha are still playing and boisterous!

Autumn’s foliage has started to show in my neighborhood.

The cold weather hasn’t really happened here yet. We’ve had one or two cold snaps, but nothing that major.

I can’t decide which I am looking forward to more Thanksgiving or Christmas! It’s become our holiday tradition to visit Erick’s family at the holidays.

They are good people, as people go. However I can’t say I am excited to see the children. Children of all ages make me nervous and uncomfortable. I would rather be home with our pets.

I like the idea of children. Children are some of my favorite characters in literature, but in real life they are just too nonsensical and unpredictable. And most children don’t like me that much. I’m too “something” not all of them put it into words. But the nicest “compliment” I get from children is usually “you’re weird.”

And I guess I just proved myself wrong. There is nothing nonsensical or unpredictable about that assumption. I AM weird, and that’s the way I like it. Because what would the world be like without weirdoes?

I finished my autumn sweater over the weekend and delivered it to my ministry. Today was stay-at-home-and-do-housework day.

The pets were happy to have me home, but June Bug missed Erick while he was at work today. I did too. So did Sasha, R2, and Freckle. Ned was just happy to have food again. Erick is the heart and soul of the family.

Now that he will be coming home for dinner, things are better. I have been nursing sore muscles and various injuries (old and new). The world is a difficult place to live in for someone like me, but Erick is right. I don’t think of myself as powerful enough to change anything, especially not myself and I don’t understand why it’s me that always needs the complete overhaul.

At any rate, knitting and crocheting are in full swing; household responsibilities are being met; the pets are happy and healthy; my garden is growing; Erick seems more comfortable than ever. Things are going well.