Happy Chuseok (추석)! Roughly translated as "Autumn eve," Chuseok is a major harvest festival and a three-day holiday in both North and South Korea. It's celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar on the full moon (at the Autumn equinox). Westerners understand Chuseok as "Korean Thanksgiving," and although its… Continue reading Happy Chuseok! Plus, WIP cardigan progress
Quick WIP update – cardi and infinity scarf
Just a quick craft diary entry today. I finally stitched together the ends of my latest scarf, made with Scheepjes Wanderlust gradient yarn. It has settled into a beautiful infinity scarf, which I plan to gift to a dear friend who is moving abroad. The Mama Bear cardigan is coming along nicely, too. The yak… Continue reading Quick WIP update – cardi and infinity scarf
New WIP with yak yarn; Forest mushrooms
Two completely unrelated tidbits to share today. The first is a new hooded cardigan project, using beautiful Tibetan yak yarn that I've been saving since January. The pattern is by Mon Petit Violin. PHOTOS: Cardigan yoke is finished; now on to the rest. I'm using DK-weight 100% yak yarn in lavender, and a 4.5mm hook.… Continue reading New WIP with yak yarn; Forest mushrooms
Late summer bits and bobs
Just a couple of craft updates as the summer is winding down. I did keep a promise to myself to try out Tunisian crochet, which I had been meaning to do for some time. I learned three stitches this summer, as well as practiced color-changes, so I'm ready to make a small first-time project soon.… Continue reading Late summer bits and bobs
Riot granny scarf debut + free pattern link
The finishing touches have been added to my granny square scarf, a free pattern by Wool Thread Paint, made with King Cole Riot yarn in shade "Waterways." The pattern was fast-moving and the frequent color changes made it fun to work on. I used a 4mm hook throughout, and it took just under three skeins… Continue reading Riot granny scarf debut + free pattern link
Aug. 15: Love for Korea and the Humble Granny Square
Today is Korean Liberation Day, a major holiday celebrating Korea's 1945 emancipation from the Japanese empire. We're in holiday mode and the Korean taegukgi (태극기, national flag) is flying high. A much more humble observance underway for us crafters is the yearly commemoration of the granny square, a familiar, homespun classic that's found on countless… Continue reading Aug. 15: Love for Korea and the Humble Granny Square
Afternoon trip to Gyeongsan’s Bangokji reservoir
My second summer "staycation" in Korea has included a number of local day trips that have increased my appreciation for the area I live in. I've always thought of Gyeongsan as a booming college town, but it also encompasses a lot of farmland and charming pockets of "boondocks" countryside and small bodies of water to… Continue reading Afternoon trip to Gyeongsan’s Bangokji reservoir
Orléans blanket is finished! Plus, market bag free pattern
Finally, I can share the finished Orléans crocheted blanket, which was a joy to make, although I did take many long breaks in between sewing the components. The blanket pattern is designed by Priscilla Hewitt and is made to resemble the texture of matelassé. It's a pretty big blanket, with 48 octagons and 36 squares,… Continue reading Orléans blanket is finished! Plus, market bag free pattern
Octagon blanket is nearly finished & bonus! :) Peach pie
We are deep into monsoon season here in South Korea. I think last time I wrote, I described a torrential rain; we had a heat wave after that, and now thunderstorms have returned. Peaches are in season now, and for awhile I've been imagining a wonderful peach tart, so I made one this evening, with… Continue reading Octagon blanket is nearly finished & bonus! 🙂 Peach pie
WIP updates & Busan sea view
Korea is deep into the mid-summer monsoon season, with heavy rains, heat, humidity, spectacular cloud formations, and glaring sun when it does shine. I just returned from a quick trip to Busan, Korea's second-largest city, at the southernmost tip of the peninsula. I lived in Busan for three years when I first began working in… Continue reading WIP updates & Busan sea view
