Quietish

Cian and I found something to occupy us while we were waiting to pick up Jamie today. Luna helped.

I think she’s still under there, actually.

I discovered that neither of my tree-designated sets of lights work and while I was doing that I was also disturbed by a tag I found on there with a warning about how handling them exposes the handler to lead, so I chucked them back in the box. Do all strings of lights’ cords contain lead, I wonder? If they don’t, I’ll go buy some new ones. If they do, then I think we’ll be doing construction-paper garland this year.

Not that decorating for Christmas is even something I usually enjoy. I think the tree and the kids’ enthusiasm is mostly a convenient distraction at the moment.

I’m still in a massive funk, mostly for reasons unknown although I admit there are a few irrational ones and some I don’t even really have the energy to talk about just now. I’m still gladly accepting chocolate, hugs, gifts, phone calls, and people who aren’t shy about inviting themselves over to sit on my couch. Justin’s out of town until I think the 6th? So yeah. Just me, the kids, and The Crazy.

Here is what I’ve done in the last coupla days. I could make many, many more hats and probably not run out of yarn. The stuff just won’t go away!

And something fun: I received a lovely gift from fellow Crafty Witch Jenn today in the form of a crocheted baby dragon (pictured below) and a beaded dealthy hallows sign which unfortunately for you and fortunately for me is on my neck so I don’t have a picture. Hee!

Jamie’s class had a “Thanksgiving Feast” yesterday, which was totally cute. Jamie, of course, ate nothing but the cookies, popcorn, and apples but I just was so overwhelmed by The Cute that I was just comfortably amused.

To round it all off, they sang a few Thanksgivingish songs. It was so stinkin’ cute.

I’m sure only about 4.5 people really care, but I couldn’t not post it ya know?

My girl hobbit leveled up became a year older yesterday. Today she brought Pokéball themed cupcakes to school, made by Grandma and Mommy.

I would show you a gorgeous photo of the new 6-year-old, but I am realizing that I need to put something cute on her and take one. Mental note made.

Also? SPS.

Figured I might as well, since I am here.

Thanksgiving this week. I think I’ll just have cake. And perhaps some mashed potatoes. Mmmm.

2 hats: Yesterday - Today

Leftover Ultra Alpaca from the stockings. Made like my other turned-brim hat.

Improvised hat using some alpaca from Gourmet Yarn held with some Cascade 220. I like this one so much I may need to do it again and write it up.

I’m a bit more cheerful this evening, but I’m still accepting hugs, chocolate, and other gifts ;)

It’s a weird day today, but I think that will turn out to be a good thing.

Jamie has a field trip, which meant I had to drop her off early today. I hope this means I can get some more things done. I have things heaping up and while they are not huge things, well, I get overwhelmed easily. So yeah. The promise of a little extra uninterrupted time has lifted my mood already.

I’m pleasantly surprised because as recently as last night while on my walk (dude, I really need to do a Rivendell update) I contemplated shutting down all of my various internet haunts and hiding at home with my yarn, guitar, and old German textbook. This is a typical urge for me when I am feeling the previously-mentioned overwhelmedness on top of even mild general depression. I feel alright though, because I am at least aware of The Crazy.

I’m also feeling happier because I finished my Crafty Witch Project ™ contribution last night. (Note: It is probably not a good sign that I’m viewing most of my knitting WIPs as burdens. I must explore this thought later.)

Tyrolean Stockings by Ann Budd from Interweave Knits Fall 2007, knit shorter than written, in Berroco Ultra Alpaca in “Cardinal”

I also recently did a quick crocheted beanie out of Berroco Comfort.

(Late SPS, lol.)

The Quick Hat will probably be the theme of my knitting and crochet for the next month or 2. I am needing lots of instant gratification. And hugs too, really.

Again from a pattern by ofenjen. This about sums up the extent of my crafty productivity since my last post, except for the socks I’m making for the Crafty Witch project that I’ve yet to photograph or post about.

Zip, clatter, zoom, whoosh. I’m off again. Justin’s been out of town and the kids and I are headed to Norman tonight for my guitar lesson (Susan’s keeping an eye on the kids for a bit) and then Sit n Stitch.

PS, there is an adorable kitten hanging on the landing outside my door and it’s very adorable. It has a collar though, so yeah. Go away kitty!

Hi. Anyone still here?

I’ve been in such a funk lately, but I’m hopeful it’s lifting. I’ve wanted to do nothing but hide under my desk for weeks. Wrockstock did a lot to help me cheer up, but then I fell ill on the drive home. Now I’m feeling pretty good if not a bit congested and gross.

Today there was crafting! Well, part of yesterday and then this morning. Behold, my first attempt at paper piecing:

Mom-in-law dropped off a shopping bag full of scraps from one of her quilter friends this weekend, so there was pah-lenty to work with. Then Jen posted her most recent block pattern and I went to work. I’m so happy.

If you haven’t seen Jen’s stuff before, please consider checking out the hp_paperpiecing LJ group.

Anywho.. I’ve got a few fun things in the works so here’s hoping I stay on this side of the desk for awhile.