So I'm actually back to “fiber arts” after I got into a funk last year & didn't do much ... so far, it's knitting mostly. I had 3 “prayer” projects due in May – a scarf & 2 pairs of finger-less “chemo” mittens. I am currently contemplating making a lace knit baby blanket – 2 patterns I'm looking at & I have the technical skills to do them, just not sure if I have the patience.
Our church gives each high school graduate a 'prayer scarf' as they head off to college, military, or whatever they're doing. The ladies of the church who knit/crochet each make one for a specific graduate. I did a crochet one for a girl in Vanna's Choice, color silver blue. I did not get a pic of the scarf with the fringe … it turned out really nice.
As for the chemo mitts, 2 of my niece's friends have breast cancer & started chemo the same week. She was really frustrated, felt like she needed to "do" something, not just offer verbal encouragement, etc. I offered some “chemo” mitts she could give them. A charity group in our area makes them to donate to chemo centers – I use their pattern. Evidently, the treatment rooms are really cold & keeping hands warm is a problem. My niece took me up on the offer, so I made two pairs of mitts - my niece wanted pink and I found a beautiful rose pink yarn (color "Rosewater"). I made them as 'prayer' mitts & my niece added her own prayers, once she got them. I provided a gift bag/card for the local pair & my niece delivered them in person. The other pair + card had to be mailed out of state.
After the last year, I find spending time outside is what soothes my ruffled soul feathers the most. If I'm not in the garden or mowing, I find sitting in the porch swing, watching the hummingbirds at the feeder, listening to podcasts & knitting to be very relaxing. I am trying NOT to buy more yarn – I am knitting up my small balls of leftovers from other projects. One knitted finger-less mitten is about 41 yards. So far, I have knitted 23 pairs of mittens! I'll give a few away to family members - some of them actually like the finger-less mittens a lot & will ask for another pair when they lose one or a pair wears out. Anything left over, I can donate. You will notice lots of 'tails' that need weaving in – my least favorite thing to do …. when I run out of yarn (happening soon), then I'll start on the tails.
The most recent mitts - not bagged up/organized yet.
Pairs 1 - 14.
