Another month is behind us, leaving us one closer to the end of 2022.
How did November go so soon? It feels like we were just decorating for Thanksgiving and planning the menus when the switch to Christmas happened. I've already seen neighborhood light shows creeping up around town. I'm in no rush to decorate myself, so I'm going to reflect on November a few days more.
. . .
. . .
November Reflections
At the beginning of the month, I was sure I'd be cooking my first Thanksgiving alone. My family's schedules ended up shifting, allowing us to enjoy it together at my parent's. That was a life-saver because I was not ready to cook a whole turkey on my own; I just had to make some sides. My sister delegated who would make what dishes so my mom and dad could focus on the bird and gravy. It made the afternoon much less stressful. Good job, sis.
Speaking of less stressful: my sister, mother and I attended Craft Vermont's Holiday Show the weekend before Thanksgiving. We went on Sunday, which was the last day of the event. It ended up being a great idea. I get really anxious with crowds, and on that day, there were hardly any. It was easy to wander booths and talk to the artisans without feeling rushed. I even won a door prize! The winners had a choice of a whole table of items, and I went for a gorgeous hank of bulky mohair merino in the color "Cayenne Red" from Yellow Dog Farm. I couldn't resist.
I got another item from Yellow Dog Farm: a drop spindle. Jim, the woodworker of the Yellow Dog Farm duo, was using one of them at their booth. Drop spindles are a less expensive way to spin fiber into yarn. I've been interested in trying one after seeing Alt Knots use one many months back. Most spinning wheels go for $500-1,000+ while a handmade drop spindle from them was $45. To me, it made sense to try a drop spindle first before I invest in equipment of that caliber.
Jim kindly showed me how to get started with the spindle he helped me pick by demonstrating the "Park and Draft" spinning technique. He even gave me some roving to practice with at home! I ended up using the whole bit that night, then promptly ordered more. It may be a new thing I do, guys; I'm pretty intrigued by it.
After the exciting visit with Yellow Dog Farm (my mother found two beautiful shawls spun and knit by Ellen there), my sister, mother and I wandered the rest of the show. We got shortbread from Bonnie Doon's Scottish Shortbread, hand salve from Farm Craft VT, and new gourd ornaments from Julia Emilio Painted Gourds. I also got a cute winter hat from Reign Vermont and a gorgeous Christmas table runner from Jeri Canfield. We clearly had a very successful time shopping. We also love this event, so we were pleased to know it was back after being postponed through the pandemic.
. . .
November Projects
When it comes to November's projects, I started Sockmas on time for November 25th, but things took a dramatic turn on Day Two. I ended up frogging my work and scrapping the pattern I picked to try something crocheted instead. Yes, I changed techniques completely... I'll catch you up to speed in a post soon...
Sockmas fiasco aside, I got a few things from my project list done last month. The most noteworthy project was the yarn cozies I knit and over-dyed. You can read their Finished Object Reveal post here. They turned out pretty good for an "I wonder if..." project.
Next item I completed was a simple tube sock slipper pattern from Ribblr. The author of the free pattern also has it on their website, which is called The Snugglery. It's a super, super simple pattern to knit; you knit flat and seam to form the tube. I ended up extending my slippers by 20 rows since they hit at a weird length with the original count, but other than that, it was a quick project for lazy day lounge socks. They're definitely ones to put on if you're expecting to be cuddled up most of the day because they like to slide off one's feet when walking (mine do, at least). Maybe a smaller needle size would remedy that for me.
My last project from November was a cupcake crochet hook holder. This was inspired by Alt Knots and the cake hook holder they made months back. I ended up editing a free pattern by Elisa's Crochet called "Fall Cupcake" for my holder. I basically skipped a few rounds of the pattern and started the magic ring with more stitches to form a hole at the center of the cupcake. It worked perfectly. My hooks sit nicely in the cupcake, making them look like a festive candle adorning it. You'll see it in an upcoming Finished Object Reveal. :)
December Plans
Projects
For My Knitting Needles:
"Bookish Christmas" Socks for Sockmas 2022: The goal is to finish these by December 16th, which is the last day of Sockmas.
Small Ornaments for Family: Since my family sort of reads my blog, this project involves knitted ornaments, which is enough detail without ruining the surprise. If the postal service finds my package soon, I'll be able to make them for Christmas. Otherwise, they'll be gifts for next year.
A Pattern of Interest: Easy Shawlette by Martina Behm. I have a bright, multi-colored yarn in my stash that I think would look nice in this pattern, paired with a solid bright pink or blue.
.....
For My Crochet Hook:
After-thought Mitten Thrumming: I put this activity under "crochet" because I'll mostly be using a small crochet hook to insert the thrums. I think it counts for this category.
A Pattern of Interest: Cuddle Up Oversized Sweater by Darling Dana Designs. I really want to get into making my own sweaters. I have another crochet sweater pattern saved and printed with what kind of yarn I'd like to use for it, and I have done the same with this one. I don't have the yarns currently in my stash, but when I'm ready to make them, I'll purchase what's needed.
.....
For My Sewing Table:
Face Wash Wrist Scrunchies: my sister showed me this product one day, and it's so simple yet genius. As the name suggests, face wash wrist scrunchies are oversized terrycloth scrunchies you wear on your wrists while washing your face. They keep water from running down your arms and getting all over the counters by absorbing the splashes. I know I could order them offline, but I have terrycloth remnants from my trendy ghost pillow and RIT dye. I can totally DIY some for her and possibly myself as well.
. . .
Shop Talk
I'm finally committing to a reopening date: February 1, 2023.
My best friend sent me a video on Instagram of a person doing 22 hard things in 2022. That person had decided to run 10 miles and prepare for a half marathon I think, which is an awesome goal to have. The video was of her doing the 10 miles, checking in along the way to say how she was feeling until the end, where she broke down in happy tears for doing what she'd set out to.
My bestie is now inspired to do 23 hard things in 2023. As am I. Two of my "hard things" for next year are opening my Etsy and participating in more craft fairs.... even as I type this, my mind is telling me, "You're not prepared for this! You don't have everything settled for a February start! How dare you do this to yourself!"
I need to just start. I argued with myself at the beginning of November the same way. Sure, my business cards may be the old style for some time, and my packaging not "pristine," but it can improve in motion. There's nothing that says that's not possible. With that in mind, I'll be making my To-Do list this December in order to achieve that planned day.
How will you be spending your December? Let me know in the comments!
Comments