The Next Blanket

 I finally finished the next blanket tonight.  Tomorrow it will get washed, dried and bagged.  

Blankets on My Mind

 I am currently working on three different blankets at different stages of completion.  The closest one to being finished is one that came with 3 different sized 8 inch blocks.  One would think that 8inch blocks would be a standard size, but not in this case. So I made three 36 inch strips and am in the process of sewing them together.  Then I will add a broader. 

The second blanket is by my computer.  I work on this one when I am working with students.  I also have a scarf that is almost finished that I work on while taking classes.  

The third blanket is going to be a modified log cabin block blanket.  I started the center with 2 patterned blocks.  I will just add more yarn on each side turning it as I go. I started this tonight while watching television.  I do not have to keep track of anything. The first color addition is almost done,   When this blanket is done I might have a basket back.  

Hopefully I will finish at least one blanket this weekend.  

The First Blanket of 2021

 This is the first block blanket that I completed this year.  I crafted six out of the nine blocks. Seed the blocks together.  Added a three round crocheted broader.  Washed and blocked it today.  Considering that our humidity was about 1% for most of the day, I did expect it to dry faster than it did.  I did make it reversible with one Tree of Life block face up on each side.   

One Blanket Down

 I finally finished knitting one blanket. It will get washed and blocked tomorrow.  I am a third of the way through the next blanket in the basket. I have 2 inches to finish knitting on the first strip. Then I will start the next strip. This is the first of two blankets with 3 different size 8 inch blocks.  Yes, I have another one of those too. We as knitters either have to standardize what an 8 inch block actually is or all use the same rulers. My take on an 8 inch block is 8 inches wide by 8 inches in length. On the next 2 blankets I have six different sized  8 inch blocks.  So I will be knitting a lot of strips. Sewing them together.  Then adding Crocheted boarders.  

I also started spring cleaning today.  I started in the kitchen.  I cleaned for 1 1/2 hours and napped for 3 hours.  I am sincerely hoping that this is still the surgery recovery process. If it’s not I might have to admit that I am not 30 anymore.  

I need to get a good nights sleep.  Tomorrow we will be hunting down tree killing mistletoe and removing it.  Since we have a dumpster bag we will also get some junk out of the garage. The word of the day tomorrow is Zenning.  

Just Another Night in.....

 It’s never good when arthritis pain wakes me up at night.  I must learn to sleep through throbbing pain in my joints.  I really need the sleep. Just waiting for the aspirin to kick in.  I have in been knitting less than last year.  I am really trying.  I really hate arthritis. 

Not All Eight Inches Squares Are the Same.

 I spent most of the day battling a migraine that started at 1:30 am and lasted until after 3pm. I only got 2 loads of laundry washed and dried, but not folded  I also made dinner using a new pan for indoor grilling. The chicken came out great.

 I did come to a decision on the blankets. If all the blocks in a project are different sizes, yes it’s very hard to get a bunch of people to knit the same size 8 inch square. You would be surprised at the difference in all the 8 inch squares.  So if the squares are really off I will use one or two squares per stripe. I will then knit each stripe 36 inches long and the sew the stripes together. Add an edging and I will have a finished blanket.  No redoing any squares. This will be a real time saver. 

I am going to try to get to sleep early.  I have a lot to do tomorrow.  

The Mission is Finishing a Whole Lot of Blankets.

 Ok, this started out really simple. I found a basket with four unfinished blankets, I decided to finish them all so I could have the basket back. Well nothing is simple around the Karobonik household. Today I found two more bags with at least four more blankets that were in progress. Time to finish a whole lot of blankets, I found a new way to Zen the house  

I used to knit a lot of baby blankets, when Eric was with us. There used to be a lot of aides who were either pregnant or had a family member who or was pregnant, so I was always needing baby blankets to give as gifts. After we lost Eric, I put all these projects aside. Well I need the space now. So the only solution is to finish knitting the baby blankets up and turning them into lap blankets. I will try to donate them to the Assisted Living for Seniors where John’s dad use to live. I will also try to give them a few shawls, I think I have more than enough for myself.  After all how many shawls do I really need?  

On to blanket assembly and knitting.  I will share finished blankets here.  

Ahead of Schedule

 I decided in the beginning of January that 100 knitting projects was a reasonable amount of knitting for 2021.  About one project for every 3 or 4 days. I am trying not to over use my hands.  At the same time I am trying to finish my UFO’s and do a major stash down.  At the same time making sure I have at least 5 dozen hats for the Flowing Wells School District Clothing Bank.  I have a lot of knitting wishes for the year. 

To that end I choose a basket with three partially finished blankets this week.  I finished the fourth missing square for the first blanket tonight. I will sew together the blanket tomorrow.  Then add the edging by picking out the 3 main colors and adding a Crocheted boarder. Then it will be washed, bagged and labeled.  I have started a box for a local nursing home for the blankets and shawls.  

Tonight I pick up the second blanket from the basket. I decided not to make a whole bunch of squares, but instead make 3 strips. I am doing this because the three blocks that are finished are different sizes.  So as long as the strips are the same length, I should be golden.  This means less sewing too. That is the problem with having a blanket project made by so many different people.  The thing is that even though five other people worked on the  two blankets I an knitting the majority of the squares.  Note to self never ever do this again.  

I will also go stash diving tomorrow to find stash yarn that will go with the second blanket.  I am really hoping that I will not have to buy yarn to finish the second blanket.  I do have a lot of cotton yarn in my stash. Wish me luck. I am hoping to find dark blue and purple.  A turquoise blue, and medium blue and purple.  I already have the white, I just pulled a cone out.  

Well it’s time to call it a night.  

Toggling Knitting Projects.

 Right now I am toggling between three knitting projects. I have 2 in the den. I am knitting squares for a blanket and am knitting hats for the kids.  Hats are for when I don’t need to pay attention to what I am knitting.  The squares are a little more precise so they are worked on at other times.  I am still working on the long scarf when I am on zoom.  

For those keeping count I am on hat 18 for the year or 1.5 dozen hats.  

I see more knitting in the next few weeks while my foot heals.  My feet don’t like cold weather so the tendons are inflamed.  So that does limit my walking time.  I am doing the right exercises for my foot. I have been here before.   

A Needy House.

 Last year was my year of retooling. This year the house is being super needy. It’s only the middle of February.   We started out in January having the refrigerator dying on us.  That was replaced at the end of January, it took a long time to deliver due to COVID19.  

Then in quick secession the washing machine started leaking in two different areas.  The first repair took care of half of the leaking.  The second leak was from the back hoses, intake and out put.  After the third try the washing machine is finally fixed.  It wash just in time. Because I have been loosing weight and inches I don’t have a lot of outfits. I had just enough clothing to last through today.   So before breakfast the laundry was started.  By tomorrow morning everything will be dry.  

The the ceiling fan lights went out.  Thankfully John was able to fix it the same day.  Later that night the guest bathroom toilet decided to die.  The parts are on order.  Pre COVID19 it would have just been a quick trip to the hardware store, now it’s order the parts and wait.    

Honestly there are other things that need to be done around the house like repairing the chips caused by Eric’s wheelchair. Rooms that have not had a new coat of paint since 1994 and other paint touch ups.  It’s also time to replace the grouting in two bathrooms.  As I am feeling better or after we have our COVID19 vaccines and we can hire someone. It will get done in due time.  

Attacking Mistletoe

 Today we worked on getting some mistletoe out of a mesquite tree in our yard. It seemed like we took out a lot of tree. I have to admit that I have not been doing much mistletoe removal in the past couple of years. I have instead relied on the gardener, that was a huge mistake.  He has not done any mistletoe removal. He is supposed to be here this weekend, so I left all the branches we cut off for him to clean up.  It’s my passive aggressive way of say you did not do your job, so John and I had to.  So you get to pick up all the branches. 

I finished knitting my yellow shawl today. It is a little small for me and I think I am a bit to pale to pull it off. I will weave in the ends tomorrow and take a picture.  It will probably be sold.  Now to pick the next project.  

Household Repairs

 We have spent part of the last three days on household repair projects.  The first repair was repairing two of the backyard screens.  The second repair of the washing machine lead to the third repair or more accurately the replacement of the water valves for the washing machine water intake.  John made it as COVID19 safe as possible by opening the newly repaired screen door window in the laundry room. He then sealed off the room with plastic.  Then we left the fan running to create a constant flow of air out of the laundry room into the backyard.  Even though we were on the other side of the barrier we wore masks while the repair men were here.  

I am absolutely done with household repairs for the time being.  I was too tired to do much today. I was to tired to knit which should tell you exactly how tired I am.  I did manage to get one load of laundry finished, John did a great job hanging all the clothing.  

It’s time to call it a day.  

Over Achieving

 Today is January 28th.  I might need to rethink my knitting goals for the year.  I have already hit 11% completed. I am only knitting a few hours a day, no all day marathons in deference to my hands. Maybe it’s time to pull out a really if project to slow me down. 

Serial Knitting

 I have turned into a serial knitter. Well what does that mean?  It means I have one project for the kitchen table so I can keep copious notes on my rows.  I have hat knitting on the couch for television time.  I have a third project at my computer for zoom meetings and face time. What does this mean for you? Well you will get to see more finished projects.  What does that mean in general, more items will go to the kids clothing bank. What does it mean for my yarn stash, hopefully it will shrink this year.  

Keeping Busy, Well Sort Of

 Today I did some deep cleaning. I managed to fill two trash bags. The sad part of today’s deep clean is that it hardly made a dent. I also spent time unpacking deliveries and putting things away. Then only when I was tired did I get to the first thing on my to do list. Reorganizing my dresser.  I used up my morning knitting time and the took a long nap after lunch. 

I am still at the get tired fast stage of recovery.  I wish it would just resolve it self and I can have a full active day again. I am really bad at living life in the slow lane. I am even worse dealing with pain  yes I am back on the Tylenol.  I just have to remember that it is one step at a time. 

After dinner I did manage to get some knitting done. I finished charity hat number 5, then started charity hat number 6 for 2021. This leaves me at 5% of my knitting goal for this year completed.  I wonder if I will be able to exceed my knitting and weaving goal again this year.

Below is hat number 5. I am sure that someone will love wearing it. 

 

Totally Crazy

 Today was totally crazy. Our new fridge was supposed to be delivered today. The only problem was that it has not left California.  I don’t know why people are so geographically impaired. The delivery was supposed to be by 2:00p.m. After dinner we find out that we might get it by next week. I am really mad at the vendor. That added a lot of stress to my day.  

I almost finished one hat, I just have to weave in the end. I started hat number 3 for the year. Day 2 of no Tylenol.  I am just to tired to type any more.  Goodnight.  

An Extraordinary Day

 Today was an ordinary yet extraordinary day. It might not seem much to most people, to me it is a huge step. My body has been going through a lot of changes since the last retooling. Today was the first day in decades that I didn’t need any aspirin or Tylenol. For that I am extremely grateful. 

I did get some knitting done. We started cleaning out the fridge, tomorrow the new one is coming.  Not a moment too soon in my humble opinion.  The last repair is already starting to fail.  I know this because our frost free fridge is starting to frost up again.  We are getting the same fridge but a five year newer model.  

I had a very tired day so napping took priority over laundry. Tomorrow will be better   

I am exhausted so it is time to call it a night.  

Still More Recovery Time

 I went to the doctors yesterday.  The bottom line is that it will be about the end of May or early June before I am totally recovered.  Apparently I am very good at hiding how awful I feel.  In my defense I did have almost 30 years of practice.  With Eric unless I was to sick to move, I had to keep going with that wonderful mommy smile. Who knew it would backfire on me.  

On the bright side I am cleared to start driving again. However with the COVID19 numbers in Pima county so high we are staying home.  This in turn will give me more nap and rest time. Isn’t it great how things like this work out?

Today was a prime example.  By the time I got my knitting project set up, I was too tired to move and took a 2 hour nap. I was to tired to concentrate on a pattern so I worked on the hat I started yesterday while we watched television tonight.  I only added 5 inches of knitting. I am Decreasing the crown right now. It should be finished in a few days. I don’t think I’m up to knitting  hat a day right now.

Visible progress

 Today I made visible progress. I finished my first hat for 2021. This is the first finished knitting project I have completed in 3 1/2 months. My knitting is going very slowly it took me four days to finish this hat. I am happy to say even though my Knitting progress is slower, I am knitting again.  Yes this is the first half of the year for the flowing Wells school district clothing bank. 

Yes, I have other knitting projects that I am knitting for me too.  But they are bigger and more complex. 

Doing Better

 I am feeling better than I have in years. I have started knitting again and have to active works in progress. I almost got to 10,000 steps today with a total of 9,729 steps.  Not bad.  At lot was just picking up around the house and putting things away.  

Either Or

 It has come to the point in my recovery that I either have the energy to clean or to spin. Today was cleaning. Not heavy duty housecleaning, just straightening up and putting things away. I do consider this progress. I think it will take me a while to be back at full speed.

I hope everybody will join us and staying home for New Year’s Eve, it has been a family tradition since so last century. Make an hors d’oeuvre tray and other munchies. Chill some sparkling apple cider. You won’t have to deal with driving and walk back to bedroom is very short. Have a happy healthy new year.

About the Same

 I came to the conclusion today that recovering from some types of retooling is like a very bad arthritis flare up.  The thing that they all have in common is erratic sleep, energy and the weird time of day that my body craves caffeine.  Yes it is 10:15 pm and I am having my first chai of the day.  The odd thing about this is once the caffeine hits my system I will be sound asleep within 30 minutes. 

I am one of those weird people who can fall asleep after caffeine and sleep for hours.   I also find caffeine very calming.  Three quarters of the way through the cup I can feel the tension leaving my body.  The lack of caffeine headache is leaving too.  

Also did I mention how bored I am being a partial couch potato.  So looking forward to next year.  I am just counting the days.  I know it is going to be better.  We are also staying home for New Years Eve and having a party for 2.   Please join us in keeping the party small and in your bubble.  

Cravings

 Tonight was just a top off to a bad body day.  I was craving ice cream and chocolate pudding. Both of which are big no no’s on my post retooling diet. I am on a very low fat diet. It’s great for the scale, I have dropped  8 pounds down since the retooling and 13 since I got sick. This is very bad for my bad inclinations of eat yummy high fat food occasionally. I landed up settling for chai with soy nog and a few low fat cookies.  

Tomorrow I am going to be ordering more low fat vanilla soy milk. 

On the bright side I plyed 1 small skein of yarn on my favorite Golding Drop Spindle.  I also got 2 more ready for plying.  I returned 2 drop spindles to their homes. I also played with a very lightweight drop spindle to start spinning the 1st shearing of some baby alpaca, talk about a heavenly spin.  

Well it’s getting late and sleep is necessary for healing.  

To get your own Golding Drop Spindle go to www.goldingfibertools.com.  I have several and you can never go wrong with buy a Golding spindle. They make great gifts too.