Back in DC! (and I have new hair!)

Name: Kaitlyn

Date: March 29

Current Location: Bethesda, MD

Sorry about the long delay between posts (I know all 3 of you were waiting with bated breath), but March has been an absolute disaster of a month.

First, my birthday. Not exactly a disaster, but not something I particularly enjoy, either. No matter how I try to celebrate or what fun activity I plan, something goes wrong. EVERY TIME. New plan: celebrate my birthday in July, haha!

Second, I’ve discovered I have partial vision loss in one of my eyes. It’s not super serious, and honestly my eyes are already starting to work around it, so there are long stretches where I barely notice, but the doctors don’t know what caused it, and I’m going to need a TON of tests to figure out what exactly is happening. As someone who doesn’t have health insurance, it’s been a stressful few weeks, to say the least. Fortunately, I was able to get an appointment at a local clinic that works on a sliding scale for those without insurance, so I’m hopeful that things will turn out ok!

This has all been on top of my day job, dealing with self-employment tax issues, traveling home from Iceland, trying to settle in and get back into a rhythm with my clients and work schedule, and dealing with emotional breakdowns over the terror that I might be going blind….. It’s just been a lot this month.

However, while I can still see, I plan to continue my fiber crafts (and travel, where I can). I’m waiting to hear from Fulbright if my scholarship to study Irish in the Gaeltacht this summer has been approved, or if I have to re-apply (Backstory: I applied in 2020 and was awarded the scholarship, but then the pandemic happened and I haven’t been able to go for the past 2 years).

I have also locked down a slot to do a week-long intensive Swedish weaving course this fall that will take me up to Massachusetts, and I will be attending a work conference in San Antonio, Texas in October, so I’m looking forward to my domestic jaunts later this year!

Here are some more photos from the later part of my trip to Iceland for your viewing pleasure. Highlights include Vik, the Skogafos waterfall, the black sand beaches, and the delicious dick waffles from the Icelandic Penis Museum:

Current project(s):

Wedding Shawl in Burnish from Purl Soho

Yarn: Cloudborn Superwash Merino in Ocean

Needles: Circular Knit, Size 5, 16”

Slowly but surely, progress continues! This is my go-to project in the evenings, where I’ll often do a few rows as I try to wind down before bed.

Ryelight Socks from Tincan Knits

My sock is growing, and I have reached THE HEEL!! Honestly, I’ve been dragging my feet on this one because I had to rip it out so many times just in the cuff and ankle section. I was so terribly afraid it would all go to shit once I tried to turn the heel, especially with how my luck has been this month. 😦 The good news is, the turn went successfully. The “pick up and knit” stitches that were “on hold”… not so much. Wish me luck as I head for the toe!

Up Next:

I’ll be in DC for a little while, but I’m trying out a weaving class that starts next month, which I am VERY excited about! Stay tuned for photos! I am also confident that I will have ONE SOCK! to show you next month (maybe two? Am I flying too close to the sun?).

See you next time!