The Call of Crochet…

Crochet Afghan - In Progress

Crochet Afghan - In Progress

Crochet Scarf - In Progress

Crochet Afghan - In Progress

…is much like the siren’s song for Virginia. These are four projects that have been in the works for various lengths of time, and when she’s not rotating among them, she’s busy plotting new ones. I think it’s good to take advantage of when inspiration strikes – even if it strikes more often than not. (More photos of these projects can be seen on Flickr.)

And, albeit a couple of weeks late, happy new year! Thanks for hanging in there. I wasn’t going to have any blog resolutions that dealt with quantity and frequency, but I do intend to keep sharing (when there’s good, scratchcrafty stuff to share – which I hope is often).

34 and counting

Instead of dwelling on the past today (thinking about the nearly 20% of the past 365 days spent in a hospital room), we celebrated by doing what we love to do. We drank coffee, ate waffles, worked on some projects (of the scratchcraft variety), had lunch out, did a little shopping, watched a movie, worked on some more projects (of the household variety), and toasted to normal—to many more years to put under our belts (with homebrewed beer, of course). All in all, it was a perfect day.

One of my gifts included some exciting new bundles of wool (much better than a box of chocolates… although, I wouldn’t have turned that down, either).

Bundles of Wool

So, to a new year. And, with New Years right around the corner, health and happiness to you all.

Of Mittens, Socks and… Weaving!

I promised I’d post some yarn-related projects. So, without further ado, here are some that Virginia has recently completed.

These are Finnish Mittens from Folk Mittens. The pattern is by Marcia Lewandowski. Virginia knit these using Misty Alpaca’s worsted-weight yarn. One of the things that I like about these mittens is that she knit them for me. I like my hands to be warm, and these certainly do the trick.

Finnish Mittens

Also off the needles is another pair of socks. These are made using Trekking, and are based on the Waffle Rib pattern in Charlene Schurch’s book Sensational Knitted Socks.

Waffle Socks (28 of 52)

I knew it was only a matter of time before the weaving bug bit Virginia. It finally did with Mr. Kringle visiting early, bringing a 24-inch rigid heddle loom. No sooner had the box been opened and loom assembled, that a “test” project was started.

Virginia's Foray into Weaving

This colorful weave was created with some Fleece Artist superwash merino. Given the speed with which this project started and finished, I’d say there’s bound to be more to share in the very near future. And, I must say, the bug has rebitten me, and I feel myself being pulled away from the felting fun I’ve been having.

Felted Lineup

Yikes! It’s been a little while since my last post. We have been busy making stuff, and I will be sharing some of the goodies that have come to be these last couple of weeks (including some excellent mittens and a few pairs of socks). I thought I’d check in, though, and share with you a little of what I’ve been doing with some of my unspun fiber (oh, spinners out there, do not begrudge me this happy pastime).

Winter 2009 Felted Lineup

This is a small lineup of some of the creatures that have developed from some of the clouds of roving laying about the house. We’ve got some alpaca/mohair/merino blends, some polwarth, and I believe the dark brown bear is california variegated mutant. All fibers that would make excellent yarn (and they will, too, one day), but for now I am using them for other purposes (it’s hard when owls are cuter than yarn, and, honestly, more fun to watch take shape).

In addition, I can’t help but share a photo of the tool involved in the process.

Finishing Touches

It does an excellent job illustrating the fact that this Thursday I’ll be having my 3-month checkup, complete with bone marrow biopsy. I’m also hoping that, with the help of some premeds, I’ll be feeling as fuzzy as Mr. Bear. We’ll be getting results in the next couple of weeks. Keep your fingers (and toes) crossed the results are still quite resoundingly normal.

ScratchCraft (in time for the holidays)

ScraftchCraftiness for Sale!

Looking for something different to give during this holiday season? Something not mass-produced, but unique and crafted with care? Look no further! Virginia and I have put together a sampling of goods that we have made.

ScraftchCraftiness for Sale!

You’ll find everything from hand knits to paper goods, ornaments to napkins. You’ll find something for any one, any age. Plus, you’ll know that what you are buying has been carefully crafted by us, using quality materials.

Click here to visit our shop.