May?

It’s hard to believe it’s already mid-May. Barton and I have already gone on vacation, and I purchased quite a bit of lovely, happy yarn from Knit. I’ve got a lot of fiber-related projects going on. I’m on the HPKCHC Slytherin quidditch team, so I’m organizing the making of wrist warmers for the house with my fellow beater, Rosa. Quidditch is much more team oriented this term, and I’m really enjoying it. I’m also participating in the Yarn Bowl Challenge between Yarn Haven, and Serendipity Needleworks of Tuscaloosa, AL. So far, I’ve only completed 2 hats, but I’ve set myself a goal of 30. In other charity knitting endeavors, I’m making a chicken jumper to donate to the Little Hen Rescue for a member of MA. The entire jumper is k1p1 ribbing with some decreases for shaping. It’s going to look great when it’s finished, but it’s a pain to knit. I detest ribbing. I tolerate it fairly well for a cuff or something, but this much ribbing is tedious.

I have made some progress on my UFO-reduction goal, but not as much as I would have liked. The knitting needle bag is complete and fabulous, and I have finished knitting the Shem Creek shrug. It will need some fabric paneling sewn to it to make it big enough to fit my broad shoulders. I don’t know what I was thinking when I cast on. She even says in the pattern notes that she made it for her incredibly tiny daughter, and that normal sized people would likely need to add at least 1 extra lace repeat. Oh well. It is very pretty. I still adore the yarn, and the lace pattern really opened up with blocking.

I have done a little sewing this month. I pieced together my Cape May Tote, and gained a lot of confidence with my machine. I think I’m about ready to attempt my wall hanging. I might go fabric shopping next weekend. We should have some really decent sales going on with Memorial Day just around the corner. Mamaw gave me several quilt tops to finish, too, so once I do the wall hanging, I can attempt some larger scale quilting. Two of the tops are heirloom pieces that my great great grandmother made out of scrap material and flour sacks. This will be outstanding when finished. I think I’ll display them in the guest room, and keep them away from sleepy animals. They’ve suffered a little damage from pests and time, but I think I’ll be able to fix them . I want to take them to the quilt shop in town and ask for tips.

I would also like to start the Mousey cross stitch soon. Barton and I went home to visit my parents last weekend, and I found some pictures of her as a kitten and as she was a bit older, but still in good health. It’s nice to remember her that way. I think this will be a fun project. I have all the pieces, I just need to get started.

I played around on my piano this past weekend, too. It’s getting tuned this Wednesday; I’m so excited. I’m playing through some beginner books. It’s all very familiar, but my hands aren’t used to the motions anymore. I had a lot of fun with it, though, and the cats are starting to get used to it and accept it. Oreo even peaked inside the piano under the keyboard and watched the hammers go for a while Sunday. She talked to it like only she can. It was adorable.

All in all, life is good, and I’m staying busy. I can’t complain.