2012

It started a little while back, but I have been preoccupied driving back to Nebraska and mentally preparing myself for the final semester of grad school. 

Since I didn't blog for too much of 2011, it doesn't seem worth exploring all my craft accomplishments, so here are my goals for 2012:

• learn how to free motion quilt 
• finish all the quilt tops I have laying around 
• use up all my fabric (mainly so I don't have to move it...)
• Ohh, and I guess I should probably get a JOB after grad school...*

*If this list was in order of importance, this last line should would be moved to the top.

Knit cowl. Pattern on Ravelry. Basketweave Infinity Cowl by SuZan Bare. Natural dyed yarn; yellow=marigold and tan=black walnut.  Model: over tired/cold me.

Maybe and Also. Maybe craves my attention while Also rests peacefully, head nestled on hard plastic cone reinforced with duct tape. 

Pile o'homework.  Rivet-yawn-ing.

OMG. I love this thing.  I have been a Kindle hater for years.  I want to touch the paper...however, I got a kindle for Christmas, and always one to admit when I am wrong, I was wrong.  This little thing is amazing.  Good news: I am reading a lot more. Bad news: the book I plowed through in two days was called The Bigamist. 

Awwww...

The dogs are just too cute.  They are struggling to adjust to the winter weather, so they have been spending even more time than usual lounging around in bed.  Our upcoming journey to the desert will be a welcome dose of warmth for dogs and humans alike.  

On the craft front, instead of finishing Christmas gifts, I have gotten sucked into a new knitting project.  Ravelry is so addicting...And on the homework front, I am taking procrastination to new levels.  What happened to that over-achieving perfectionist? 

The Fiber Fun Addicts had a holiday gathering today, complete with a gift exchange.  I received some awesome cards from the talented Julie...check out her blog!

Maybe and Also wondering "why don't you just write that paper already?"

Maybe and Also wondering "its cold, do we have to get out of bed?"

Also is such an intelligent little thing. She managed to wrap herself up in the flannel sheets.  Why can't she master lay down or shake?

Oops.  I dropped a bag of flour on the dogs today. 

Latest knitting project - natural dyed yarns!!!  I am so glad the dogs don't have cat-like instincts when it comes to yarn.  Also just likes to admire my handiwork. 

The cards from Julie obstructing the paper that I pretty much have no choice but to write.

Holiday attire.  Goodwill was out of ugly sweaters, so we did what anyone would do, rocked ugly 80s dresses.  Maybe is thinking "you aren't leaving the house in that, right?"

Knitting: Poncho

The second it starts to get cold outside, I want to knit, I need to knit.  Additionally, my house is cold, and I need to stay warm.  I had some extra wool/silk blend yarn waiting around, and I decided to knit a poncho.  I am pretty much against all ponchos, but I am looking at this as a somewhat classier Snuggie (why did I capitalize that word?).  The difference is, I will probably wear this bad boy all over town, embracing my inner couch potato.

Multiple layers of frump.  But so cozy! 

Natural Dyes

I am in a wovens and non-wovens class right now.  So yes, I am knitting, crocheting, and weaving for class.  It is very refreshing.  We spent the first couple weeks dyeing yarn for future projects.  We used plants growing locally including marigolds, hydrangea, black eyed susans, some sort of false indigo, black walnuts, madder, and probably some other ones I am forgetting.  It was surprisingly easy to get a nice array of colors.  Maybe I do need a dye kitchen someday...