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Name: Kaitlyn

Date: Dec 26

Current Location: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maryland

Hey all!

I thought this was going to get posted sooner, but life got in the way. Sorry about that! As an apology, have ALL of the photos of everything I’ve made and been working on since November.

Since I don’t have enough to do, I decided to add Bobbin Lace to my repertoire of handicrafts. I went to an open house at The Textile Museum at George Washington University a few months ago, and they had loads of resources for spinning, lace making, weaving, knitting, and crocheting. I was in heaven! But I’ve been working on the basics of bobbin lace, which I’ve been interested in since I saw a Youtube video about Spanish women on the coast of Galicia who’ve done it for generations. Bobbin lace has been woven across Europe for centuries, predominantly in Italy, France, and Belgium. I love the art because it’s functionally weaving on a smaller scale, and it doesn’t require a massive loom. I’ve made a bunch of small sample pieces, and I’m looking forward to building on my skills to make larger items.

Vavstuga was incredible, as always. I’m planning to apply for their two-month weaving intensive next year and dedicate myself to 8 weeks of developing into a proper weaver.

While in Massachusetts, I made a long-overdue pilgrimage to Webs, the largest yarn store in America, which was just a wonderful as I’d always imagined! I came back with an incredible haul of yarn, notions, and A LOOM!!! I finally pushed the button and bought myself an inkle loom! I’ve just started working on it the last few days, and I’m very pleased at how my first band is coming out.

New Hampshire was fun, and I got to see my brother’s new house. I also finally got to deliver my Tree of Life afghan to its intended recipients!

I also had a work trip up in New York City, and took a brief pause to duck into Knitty City again and grab some yarn for yet another project! …I have a problem. Please send help 😭

Current Projects:

Whippoorwill Shawl from Carina Spencer

Haven’t even looked at this one for weeks as I’ve been desperately knitting my fingers off to get holidays gifts completed in time.

Birka Band (link: http://ladyelewys.carpevinumpdx.com/2020/08/27/tablet-weaving-for-the-absolute-beginner-birka-6/)

A free pattern courtesy of Elewys of Finchingfeld, and my first ever band on my inkle loom!

Finished Projects

Dish Towels, Tablecloths, Napkins

I had an absolute blast in Massachusetts at Vavstuga working on a whole pile of stuff. I ended up with two tablecloths, four matching napkins each, and 3 dishtowels (plus buttons!)

Ear Warmers and Hats

It’s that time of year, and I’m (still!) frantically trying to finish everyone’s gifts. There are definitely some that are going in the mail late 😬. Not everyone has gotten their gifts yet, but I’ll share the ones that have already been delivered.

Up Next:

I’m leaving for a two-month sojourn across Central and South America in January and February. I’m already plotting the yarn stores I’m going to visit and what projects I’ll be taking with me!

Happy Holidays, and see you all next time! ❤

Name: Kaitlyn

Date: Nov 12

Current Location: World Culture Festival and Kensington, MD

Hey all!

So this post is later than I’d planned, as my life was insanely busy in October. After I returned from my sister’s wedding, I had approximately 3 hours to nap (after 16-straight hours of travel and a good 30 hours awake) before we kicked things off with the World Culture Festival, which my belly dance school was performing in. It was so much fun, but also very stressful and time consuming. I enjoyed it, but I don’t know if I would do it again. It was also on the National Mall and there were fancy, important dignitaries there, which meant we had to go through Secret Service/National Park security, which meant I couldn’t bring any knitting or crochet with me to work on during the hours of waiting. 😭  The injustice of it all!

The next night, we also performed at Art All Night – a citywide celebration of art in different neighborhoods. There were dancers, singers, musicians, and all kinds of visual art exhibitions across the city. We performed our fall caravan piece rather than the WCF number, and it was in a high school gym rather than the national mall, but still a lot of fun! The audience was very appreciative, and seemed to enjoy our mini belly dance classes in between numbers.

I spent two weeks in October cat-sitting for friends, and I think I successfully turned the two kittens into yarn fanatics. They were very intrigued by watching crafting Youtube videos with me, and supervising my knitting in the evenings.

Also, check out this signed copy of ‘No Idle Hands: The Social History of American Knitting’! The author lived locally to me for a good chunk of her life and signed the library’s copy ages ago.

Current Projects:

Whippoorwill Shawl from Carina Spencer

Took seven tries to get through the first twenty rows, but by jove, I’ve DONE IT! This one has been on my to-do list for a year or two, and I’m very excited to finally be getting on with it! I’ve had the yarn ready for ages, and it’s so soft and wonderful to work with! There will be some contracting color on the edges, and I have a beautiful leafy green that will look lovely with the grey I’m using for the main body.

Finished Projects

Ear Warmers

It’s that time of year, and I’m frantically trying to get presents done for folks. Two testers of two different ear warmers here, both from TL Yarn Crafts

Up Next:

I’m heading north to Massachusetts to spend a week at Vävstuga weaving school, then heading further north to spend Thanksgiving with family.

See you all next time! ❤

Name: Kaitlyn

Date: Sept 30

Current Location: Mt. Baker, Washington

Hey all!

It’s been a wild month. I’ve had a dozen rehearsals for the World Culture Festival, flew across the country for my sister’s wedding, and had three doctor’s appointments. I’m the proud owner of a new tooth (yay, root canals! 🙄), and am pleased to announce that I have no slipped discs of muscular atrophy in my back. I know you’re all thrilled to hear it.

Washington State is gorgeous. It’s fascinating how mountains and pine trees can look so incredibly different from one side of the country to the other. The White Mountains in New England have a much more relaxed vibe than the mountains out West do – the trees here look like a solid wall of pine rather than a mountain slope.

Check out my attempt at being cool and hip and making a video of my travels!

I did bring a knitting project with me on the trip! However, I managed to start, rip back, and re-start it no less than 7 times, and as a result, have accomplished exactly nothing! I’ll be working on that project next month, and you’ll get pictures of it then.

This month, I’ve also been frantically working on Christmas gifts, since I work so slowly that if I wait until November, nothing will get done. I’ve completed 1.75 gifts, and have…nine to go 😭

Current Projects:

Tunisian Holiday Sampler

Block stitch square! Not quite finished, but a simple and easy repeat that’s kept me occupied

My First Sweater

I’m nearly done with one sleeve! …and still have an entire other sleeve to go…

The Amma Blanket

The two finished squares remain finished, but I haven’t done any more yet.

Sea Glass Scarf

This one is nearly done! Just a few more repeats to go to make sure it’s appropriately long, comfy, and squishy!

Finished Projects

Sea Crossing Shawl

This is complete and has been gifted to its forever home! I’m thrilled at how it came out, although I nearly ran out of the gold yarn and had to cut two repeats out of the final pattern. I’m mostly annoyed since I actually swatched for this pattern and it should have worked out. The slipstitch colorwork border was a lot of fun, and a technique that I will definitely be using for future patterns!

Up Next:

I have the World Culture Festival this weekend, and I’ll be house- and cat-sitting in October for a friend. Stay tuned for many pictures of kittens with yarn!

See you all next time! ❤

Name: Kaitlyn

Date: Aug 13

Current Location: Portsmouth, NH

Hey all!

July was profoundly un-exciting, but I did get to spend the last two weeks in my old stomping grounds of Portsmouth, NH. It was nice to escape the heat and humidity of the mid-Atlantic and enjoy the lovely, comfortable New England summer. I spent most of my time wandering my old neighborhood, re-acquainting myself with the downtown area, and eating my weight in ice cream (as one does). It’s always interesting to see what’s changed and what’s stayed the same.

Best of all, I got to see some of my old friends who are still in the area, which made me incredibly happy. We still text and chat when we’re apart, but it’s not the same as getting to see people face to face!

I brought some of my knitting with me (of course!) and made good progress on my Sea Crossing Shawl (photos below).

Current Projects:

Tunisian Holiday Sampler

Check out this cool wave stitch! It’s not nearly as complicated as it looks, and gives such a neat effect!

My First Sweater

I’ve continued on down the sleeve, but have shifted my attention to other projects as they will be gifts for folks (and I’m on a deadline!)

The Amma Blanket

2 squares down, 18 to go!

Sea Crossing Shawl

I brought this shawl with me to Portsmouth, and I’ve made tremendous progress.

Sea Glass Scarf

I found this GORGEOUS yarn at Michael’s, and decided to let the colors shine with a simple textured pattern. I can’t wait to see how this scarf turns out!

Finished Projects

(avert thine eyes)

Up Next:

I’m staying put in DC for August, but will be heading to the Pacific Northwest in September for my sister’s wedding!

See you all next time! ❤

Name: Kaitlyn

Date: June 28

Current Location: Bethesda, MD

Hey all!

June has quieted down, work-wise, and I’m settling into the slower summer grind. Lots of admin work to handle at this time of year, since I have very little time the rest of the year to get it taken care of.

I’ve had a couple of days to dedicate entirely to fibercrafts, which has improved my mood, and I’m planning to settle in over the holiday weekend and craft away for a few days. We’ve been having really gross weather the past month or so – mostly cold. It’s only just warmed up the last few days, and it’s been storming for most of them.

Current Projects:

Tunisian Holiday Sampler

Blew through the next few squares in this pattern. I haven’t ever done a sampler before, and I’m really enjoying the taste-testing aspect of all the different stitches.

My First Sweater (Flax Sweater by Tin Can Knits)

We have reached A SLEEVE!!

However, I dropped not one but TWO stitches, AND they’re behind my lifeline because they caught on themselves and didn’t unravel, so I didn’t notice the mistake until I’d already knit another dozen rows on top of it. I will be throwing myself on the mercy of my local yarn shop and begging for help to fix it.

The Amma Blanket

Well into my second square of the lovely Amma blanket, and still enjoying the pattern.

The Icelandic wool is incredibly scratchy, which I’m told will soften over time. I’ll likely save this one for the depths of winter to stay warm, and layer up underneath it.

Sea Crossing Shawl

My new project – the Sea Crossing Shawl from Valley Yarns. WEBS had a major sale, so I got the pattern and yarn for 50% off. Couldn’t resist! The yarn is buttery soft, and the pattern is an easy repeat, so this one is working up pretty quickly.

Finished Projects

Fancy Yellow Socks

The Flying Arrows sock pattern from Helen Waittes

Finally finished this! I’m torn, because I love the lace pattern here, but the sock itself is… not great. I’m thinking about re-using the lace pattern to make arm warmers or lacy gloves. Either way, there will be no second sock, lol.

Hat (no pattern by MY OWN!!)

I made a hat! I had so much lovely yarn left over from my advent calendar last year that I decided to make a hat to go with the cowl. This was my first foray into designing my own pattern, and it went…just ok. LOL

I’ll need to sort out some details before I start calling myself a designer, but I’m feeling optimistic!

Up Next:

I’ll be kicking around the city for the next month or so, then heading to NH in July/August, and possibly a trip to Seattle this fall!

See you all next time! ❤

Name: Kaitlyn

Date: May 26

Current Location: Bethesda, MD

Hey all!

As a professional grant writer, May is a bit of a disaster month for me. I’ve been buried in grants with every grant due within the space of a week, and most of my clients throwing last-minute requests at me. Good times! Working with multiple clients, I have, tragically, had little time to devote to my beloved fibercrafts.

HOWEVER, I still have some updates and news for all y’all lovely folks faithfully following my fiber journey.

Mostly, my big excitement is that I’m making my first stab at a knit pattern of my own creation! It’s not remotely complex, but I’m pretty pleased that I’m winging it and attempting to write it down. When I am a world-famous fiber artist, know that it all started here! 😂

For the upcoming summer, I’m doing more figurative rather than literal travel: over the last year, I’ve gotten back into belly dancing, and I’ve joined a local company! We’ll be performing at the end of the summer at a local festival as well as at a big international performance in downtown DC. I’m very excited to get a beautiful costume and perform on stage for the first time in over 10 years! (former competitive dancer, here <–)

I also attended the WEBS Spring Knitting Retreat, and got to take a stab at brioche and double-sided knitting. I love weekends where I get to hole up inside, eat snacks, and never leave my bed, LOL!

Current Projects:

Fancy Yellow Socks

The Flying Arrows sock pattern from Helen Waittes

I think I’ve probably griped about how poorly written this pattern is, but I’m nearly at the end and I just need to wing it as I complete the toe and kitchener stitch the end. The written instructions will absolutely not result in a toe of any form, so I’m getting a little experimental. Unlikely that this sock will ever have a mate, TBH.

Tunisian Holiday Sampler by TL Yarncrafts

Still ticking along with the next square: working corner-to-corner! This is a surprisingly fun stitch, very simple, and incredibly easy to remember.

My First Sweater

If I wanted to do a crop-top sweater, I’d be golden!

I’m cruising right along, and have made it through the yoke and armholes of my top-down sweater! Now I just have several miles of plain knitting to do until it’s as long as I want, and then I’ll go back and add the sleeves. Knock-on-wood this will be finished just in time for the 4^th of July! Perfect weather for wearing a wool sweater!

The Amma Blanket from Tinna

I’ve begun work on yet ANOTHER winter project, with the goal of having this one done by roughly Christmas. I’ve been planning this particular project for over a year, as the yarn I’m using is courtesy of my Iceland trip! I’m going with a blue-gray color palette in honor of the ice and glaciers of Iceland.

I’m slightly annoyed, as I actually did the entire square (more than twice the size of what’s pictured here), but I used the wrong hook size, and realized that I would run out of yarn long before I made it to the end, so I ripped the whole thing out and restarted using the proper hook size.

I’m not actually that annoyed, as, like all of Tinna’s patterns, this is super fun and a joy to work on! Here’s hoping it takes me less time to complete than my last blanket from her (over 2 YEARS of crochet on that one!).

Up Next:

No big changes for June or July – I’m plowing through work and hope to take a day or two for myself. I have some small trips around the DC area planned, and then I’ll be heading up to NH for a few weeks at the end of July.

See you all next time! ❤

Name: Kaitlyn

Date: April 23

Current Location: New York City, NY

Hey all!

Welp, it finally happened. I missed a post ☹️

I know you were all devastated when the entire month of March passed without a single peep from me, but rest easy, dear reader(s)! I have not forsaken you!

March was a rough month for me. I ended up in the hospital again, had a couple of major work projects weighing on me, and attended the funeral of a family friend. I also celebrated my birthday, which is always a rough time for me, although I actually had fun this year, so that was nice.

I did head back up to New York this past month, though for a decidedly less-fun adventure. Work trips, am I right? I spent a few days assisting at an event for a client, but I did manage to squeeze in a trip to Knitty City, a truly delightful local yarn shop on NYC’s west side.

I bought some beautiful rainbow sock yarn that I can’t wait to play with, and some spectacularly soft merino wool that I’m going to use for an ear warmer!

Completed Projects:

Tree of Life Afghan

It’s done! I’m really happy with how this one turned out, and I enjoyed working with a new technique to get the raised detailing to make the tree panels.

Not sure when this one will be off to its new home, but I hope the recipients like it!

Current Projects:

Fancy Yellow Socks

The Flying Arrows sock pattern from Helen Waittes

I was so sick of these that I haven’t been working on them much, but I’m creeping along towards the toe. Undecided if there will be a second sock.

Tunisian Holiday Sampler

I finally finished the square that I hated, and have completed several more!

I still have a few more to go, and several other colors to incorporate before this one is finished.

My First Sweater

I have officially CAST ON A SWEATER! I am LEVELLING UP as a knitter!

This is the Flax Sweater from Tin Can Knits. They are the same folks who provided my very first sock pattern, and they had such clear instructions and so many helpful videos, that I went back again to use their beginner sweater pattern.

I will admit that I have committed the cardinal sin of not swatching for this project, so I don’t actually know if this will end up fitting me. As it’s my very first sweater project, I’ll be honest: I don’t really care how it looks on me, so long as I get through it and it looks like a sweater at the end of it all.

Up Next:

Hanging out in the DMV for most of the summer, but might head north to visit my hometown when the summer weather hits truly disgusting levels in July/August.

See you all next time! ❤

Name: Kaitlyn

Date: February 25

Current Location: New York City, NY

Hey all!

I spent the beginning of the month in New York for a dear friend’s birthday, and then hung out in NYC for a couple of days on my way home. No yarn-specific adventures, unfortunately, although I did visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the fashion wing was closed, damn it!). There was, however, a fantastic exhibition of Japanese kimonos with some seriously impressive embroidery on display.

My other highlights include Central Park, which was lovely despite the cold, and I enjoyed getting to walk so much. I also visited THE STRAND!! 😍😍😍 SO MANY BOOKS! I feel as though I’ve failed, as I didn’t buy any knit, crochet, or yarn-specific items. I did buy two Spanish-language books to practice with, though.

Current Projects:

Tree of Life Afghan

FLASHBACK TO JANUARY: “Check out how large this one has gotten! I’m on the second tree panel, and I hope to have this one finished and squared away by the end of February so I can get started on a new afghan.”

…Yeah, that didn’t happen. Between travel and work this month, I’ve hardly made any progress on this one (2-3 rows, I think?). Maybe March will be better, lol!

Fancy Yellow Socks

The Flying Arrows sock pattern from Helen Waittes

These socks have ended up being the bane of my existence. The instructions for the heel are so convoluted, that I’ve done the heel section and ripped it back 3 times, and I’ve ended up just using the heel instructions for my first pair of socks I worked on last year. It also took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out that these are being knit inside out, and I had to adjust the heel to accommodate for that. I am now (*knock on wood*) through the heel bit, and moving on to the foot of the sock.

Tunisian Holiday Sampler [link https://tlycblog.com/tunisian-holiday-sampler-blanket-links/%5D

Working on a new square, but I’ve been dragging my feet because I really don’t like this particular stitch (smock stitch). It’s tedious and I’m not a huge fan of how it looks.

The good news is the squares aren’t too big, so once I’m done with this one, I can move along to another stitch and forget this one ever happened!

Up Next:

I’m headed back up to New York City at the end of March for work, but have no other major travel plans. I’m still trying to recover financially from my health issues last year, but I may get a few trips in this summer and in the fall.

I hope you’re all feeling the love this February!

See you all next time! ❤

Name: Kaitlyn

Date: January 31

Current Location: Bethesda, MD

Happy New Year, All!

January has been a hell of a ride, and not what I expected.

I always start the year with grand plans, goals, resolutions, and ambition. Usually this lasts for only a few months before life gets in the way and I resume my usual mediocrity, however this year I was stopped cold by COVID. Again.

Nearly one year to the day from my first infection, I got COVID again. We suspect our New Year’s outing. That really cut into my momentum, but it was a mild infection and I was soon on my feet again and ready to go!

I attended the WEBS Winter Knitting Retreat mid-month, which was the first knitting retreat I’ve ever attended. The classes were very fun and interesting, and I learned a number of new skills that I can’t wait to try. I also won a free cardigan pattern from one of the sponsors, along with the requisite yarn to make it. I can’t wait to get my hands on it!

The other major bonus from the retreat was the goody bag we got ahead of time – a free pattern, and a number of free skeins of yarn!

Mostly I found the retreat very inspiring. I’m planning to make my first attempt at a sweater this year – I’ve got the yarn for it, I just need to pick up large enough needles to get it cast on, and I’ll be good to go.

Current Projects:

Tree of Life Afghan

Check out how large this one has gotten! I’m on the second tree panel, and I hope to have this one finished and squared away by the end of February so I can get started on a new afghan.

Fancy Yellow Socks

The Flying Arrows sock pattern from Helen Waittes using the lovely yellow ducky yarn I got from my San Antonio trip.

I’d originally cast this on to work on during my Seattle trip as it’s small and easy to carry around, but that didn’t work out, so I’ve been knitting away at it during my usual evening hours watching tv.

Tunisian Holiday Sampler

This kit from TL Yarncrafts and Lionbrand is a few years old – it came out for the 2020 holiday season, if I recall correctly, but was in such high demand that it took me several months to get a hold of it as the yarn was continually out of stock. I finally snagged it mid-2021, and have only just gotten started on the first few squares starting in December.

This afghan has 20 squares working on 20 different Tunisian Crochet techniques, which are joined together to make one large, lovely, and festive afghan!

I’m really enjoying this one. The squares are large enough to give me practice on the different stitches and techniques, but don’t drag out so long as to bore me. I’m looking forward to stitching this one together to see the final result!

Up Next:

I’m going to visit a friend up in New York for her birthday, and I’m planning an extra day in the city to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art! Keep an eye out for photos of my trip next month!

I hope your year has gotten off to a roaring start!

See you all next time! ❤

Name: Kaitlyn

Date: December 28

Current Location: Bethesda, MD

Literally nothing in my life has gone to plan this year, so I’m not sure why I thought December would be any different.

Weather cancelled my trip to Seattle to see my family for the holidays, so I stayed home. Alone. Which sucked. But I also got to just kick my feet up, relax, and knit and crochet while I marathon-ed my way through Doctor Who, Witcher: Blood Origins, BBC’s Pride and Prejudice, and Anne of Green Gables. So, really, who’s the winner here?

Anyway, I just wanted to wish all of you a very happy new year! I hope you’re enjoying time with your families and friends, keeping warm (or cool, for my folks south of the equator!), and settling yourselves before the new year.

All my love and wishing you happiness in the new year!

See you all next time! ❤