I am doing NaBloPoMo this month. 30 blog posts in 30 days. #nablopomo2022
At the beginning there was a post about a hat and I commented that I lost my favorite hat but that it eventually would show up again. And it did! I knew it had to be somewhere. I found it in between my daughter’s hats when I was looking for something else. The pattern was the Milanese Lace Topper. I used it before but the 2nd time around I actually blocked it and guess what? The rim does not roll up. Oh the revelation.
I am a friend of shortcuts, and sometimes they do work, sometimes they don’t. Beginning to actually block my knits definitely improved the outcome (no real surprise there). Also ironing like crazy when sewing something is another thing that I tried to skip in the past – not so much anymore. Sometimes people who know are actually right 😉
The hat was made with Malabrigo Yarn Rios and was a leftover from my Foxtrot Cardigan, another project I am very proud of, because it turned out how I imagined it would.
I do love knitting. Somehow I feel better if I can do something with my hands. It makes TV watching feel productive or sitting through a class. I still remember my history teacher in high school being mad at me because I was knitting a sweater in his class (he actually threw his keys at me missing on purpose). I had good grades though and was paying attention after all and used wood needles (which was quiet) so he gave in in the end. I actually fell like I can concentrate better.
As I am finishing up this post I am getting back to my latest project, the Aliso Creek Top. I so hope it turns out.
Tell me, do you have a favorite hobby? Are you currently working on anything?
Home here and there 
I have been working on sewing a dress for about eighteen months. There’s a step on the pattern I just don’t understand! Ha! I’ve been stuck on this same step and I keep going back to it as if it will suddenly make sense after I’ve been away from it for a week or two. I probably should just give up on it and use the fabric for another project.
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Oh, I do have these projects, too. I am getting better at letting an unsuccessful project go but it’s hard sometimes and I hate when I have a pattern that I can’t figure out. That’s why II love the patterns from Sew Liberated so much. I think I never came across a pattern that was better explained with pictures and everything. I consider myself still in the learning stages of sewing so this is always a plus in my book. My latest knitting project is made with yarn that I started using for something else this summer. I was already threw the first skein when I unraveled everything. I hope this turns out better.
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Hmmm. Favourite hobby is probably now writing/reading blogs?!
I do wish I had some handicraft skills, but every time I try I get frustrated and quit. I think my creativity starts and ends with writing!
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I would consider writing a handicraft in the wider sense. I like reading your blog so it’s a win for me, too 😉
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Oh yay, you’re a fellow knitter! I love it. I love knitting (and crocheting), too for the same reasons – it’s soothing to do something with your hands.
I have to admit though, I haven’t touched my knitting needles in months (I go through phases) and should definitely getting them out for the winter month again… I’ve been working on an (unfinished- duh!) shawl/wrap.
The cardigan is gorgeous btw (and yes, blocking does help!). I want to do a cardigan next.
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Hello fellow knitter! Seems like we have more in common than just being German 😉 I have those phases, too and more often than not I will pick things that I can let rest for weeks on end and pick up again without a problem
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I would call myself crafty but knitting I never really excelled in. But I do like the meditative motion of it. I totally agree that at times those shortcuts don’t work. The revelation I had when I started ironing my sewing… amazing. Things suddenly fit together and it was faster in the end to.
I do like to make jewelry but its been a while since I did so. I miss it.
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I think whatever gives you joy is good 🙂
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What a GREAT hobby! I don’t knit, but I can see how it would feel very satisfying, and also make watching TV feel more productive, somehow. That’s funny story about your high school history teacher-you were actually knitting in his class? You should have knit him a hat as a present (or maybe you did!)
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Maybe I should have made him a hat (I did not). I can’t recall ever giving my teachers a gift. Maybe things changed now but back then my class mates would have looked at me funny. I never thought about it but giving teachers gifts seams like a very American thing.
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I can see how knitting in class would be a good activity! It allows you to keep your hands busy while paying attention. I’m glad your teacher came around to your way of thinking. 🙂
My favorite hobby is reading!
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Oh, my, that hat and sweater are just lovely! You are so skilled! I am envious of people like you and San and NGS who have handcrafting skills. I loved counted cross stitch as a child, but how many cross stich projects can you do when you don’t actually like clutter in your home? Knitting or crocheting would be much better, given that I could create *useful* things, but… I cannot do either. Not for lack of wanting – I’ve started to learn both, multiple times, but it has never stuck. In lieu of that, I shall, instead, admire your projects.
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Don’t feel bad. I tried to teach a good friend to knit socks multiple times and she gave up in the end and my daughter tries but is not to keen on it. It’s not for everyone.
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