FO : Twice As Nice

I had promising, high hopes for the new year.  I always do; what isn’t there to love about a fresh new year?  A clean slate, in a way.  Or a new canvas in which to paint new memories.

All of that was shattered when someone let the air out of my new tires, right here in front of my house.  I have no idea who did it (probably some stupid teenagers playing a prank,) but needless to say, it left me feeling slightly vulnerable and a little bit violated.  Top that off with an uncommonly stressful week at work.  All I can say is, this year had better get movin’ and improve, soon.

In good news, my husband starts a new job this Monday!  I’m so happy for him.  He will still be doing the same type of work, but in a better environment that is a little closer to home, and is a little more money.  I just hope that his mood is elevated and he’s not as stressed as he has been.  One of the worst things in the world is seeing the man you love suffer in some way, and there is nothing you can do but be supportive.

Happy Hubby!

John’s parents stayed for dinner last night, after helping us install the new light fixture they gave us for Christmas.  We celebrated with cheesecake and a bottle of ‘Life and Limb’.

But, while this has been a week of ups and downs, I’ve still managed to accomplish a few things in the newness of the year.

I'm still spinning

• Project : ‘The Crown Jewels’
• Fiber : ‘Creatively Dyed’, 50% merino / 50% tencel, 4 oz
• Ply : standard 2-ply
• Weight / Yardage : DK/Worsted, 140 yds

I was drawn to the color of this roving, and the shine, at the Fall Fiber Festival last year.  Chan talked me into buying it, even thought I was feeling cautious.  I was happy staying in my ‘spinning comfort zone’; merino, BFL, etc.  Never had I tried to attempt something like this.  I was afraid that it wouldn’t spin up well, that I wouldn’t have as much control over the fibers as I did with 100% wool.  Well, I can safely say ‘Thank you, CHAN!’  This was a true pleasure to spin.

Next, I have a knitting project that I kept putting off, but why I have no idea.  Cowls are so easy to knit; they take me one afternoon, or two evenings of tele, to make.  My mother’s hairdresser had requested one and I was more than happy to comply.  My mother has had the same hairdresser for years, ever since Amy B was right out of beauty school.  She’s seen me grow up, she styled my hair for my wedding.  She’s a great lady and I know that she’ll love the cowl.

Mmmm ... Manos del Uruguay

• Project : ‘Purple Seaweed Cowl’
• Pattern : ‘Seaweed Cowl’ by Elizabeth Blake
• Yarn : Manos del Uruguay, ‘Wool Clasica’

This is one of my all time favorite cowl patterns.  The ribbing is simply enough to memorize, and really give the yarn the texture that it needs, and compliments the yarn.  This yarn is warm and squishy, not to mention soft!

I hope that your year if off to a great start, and that you are enjoying your weekend!  What have you been crafting so far ?