Moving on

It is with pure elation that I report that I am knitting something other than the Lewis pullover or Leyburn socks.

It is an Opus Spicatum in madelinetosh tosh vintage, colors "Earl Grey" & "Antler" that I cast on for last night. I tried to cast on this hat earlier this year, only to discover that the sky blue color I had chosen to pair with the Earl Grey didn't contrast it enough. I bought the ball of Antler during Craftsy's winter sale, so it hasn't quite come "into the black" on my Excel Spreadsheet for Yarn Destashing yet, but after this hat, I only have to use 2 more skeins and I'll be set!

On Curating

I think that we that practice the ages-old art of making all take a step back from time to time and think about how curious modern life is. In particular, the cycle of consumption that we feel caught in as part of American society. I think about it every time the now oft-used word "curated" is applied to commodities. When did a word that was generally used to mean collecting objects for museums and archives begin being applied to being a consumer of some taste and means? I feel that it's a linguistic trace of some things that are wrong. Granted, people that use words like "curate" to describe choosily obtaining personal possessions usually have nice things that perhaps I also would like to have, but it's just another sneaky way of suggesting that your shopping habits are short hand for personality.
Unfortunately, I think sites like Pinterest (as much as I love it) are a breeding ground for this sort of mentality. You pick the right clothes, home décor, appliances and you're the right kind of person.


A & I have talked a lot lately about the unique satisfaction of making your own things. We've started wishing we could make our own everything. Being good worker bees means we only have so much time to make, so we are forced to rely on outside sources for many things, but we're trying to be more conscious about it. It's a work in progress.

 

Speaking of works in progress, I picked up the back hem stitches of Lewis this morning. I'm hoping to finish the hem today and begin a sleeve.

Random Catch-up List

Thing in no particular order:




1. We got a new dog. After spending months looking around and unsuccessfully applying to various rescues, Finny finally got a brother last Wednesday. We think he is half-Sheltie, half- either Scottish or West Highland Terrier. His name is Ringo and he is has been a wonderful addition to our family already!




2. I finished the front of Lewis this past week and seamed it up. I'm currently working on knitting the hems. I still need to knit the sleeves and neck trim. We are planning on going camping next weekend and I really want to have it finished by then.




3. Leyburn feels like it will never be finished. Having a new dog has meant having less free time when I used to work on a few rows.




4. I actually considered casting on another project last week due to my boredom with Leyburn and Lewis. Knitting non-monogamy breeds non-monogamy.




5. The urge to buy yarn was strong the last few weeks, but I channeled those dollars into other areas. I finally bought some Soak after using Eucalan for so long. (I like Eucalan but Soak smells so much better.) I picked up some magazines from the Interweave clearance section. Having lovely tools, notions, and patterns makes knitting so much more fun. Not all purchases should be about the yarn!


6. I realized that whenever I think about garments I want to knit, they're always warm-weather garments. I think because I'm usually uncomfortable in warm sweaters.


7. I have started a little garden. So far there are only herbs and some lettuce, but I'm sure it will quickly balloon out of control as I realize that I am not an unfit plant parent doomed to kill all in my presence. I am consulting my mother frequently to help with this matter.


More later. xoxo