A few WIP updates; fire-polished beads

I’ve been faithfully making progress on all my (too many?) projects. Sometimes I need some “easy” things to work on in between the long-term ones, though. I’ve got another amigurumi going, this time for a little Cheshire Cat figure that is such fun to make. I’m using Bernat Softee Baby acrylic, because it has just the right shades of pink and purple for the body. I hope to be done with this cute cat before Christmas.

PHOTOS: A couple of new WIPS: I’m starting a reading wrap that will have pockets and fringe; I’m also making an amigurumi Cheshire Cat. The fire-polished beads are for my beaded lampshade, from Scarabeads in the Czech Republic.

The fire-polished beads for my lampshade cover came in my mail today, all the way from the Czech Republic. They are stunning; the photos don’t do them justice at all. The shipment took about 2 weeks longer than expected, but better late than never! I am looking forward to finishing my lampshade cover before Christmas, too, and I’ll try to get good photos (or video) that show off the beads.

PHOTOS: A couple of shots from my neighborhood, including a John Deere tractor right on campus. Weather has been warmer than usual for November. The gingko trees have carpeted the landscape in gold.

I’ve also started a beautiful pattern for a reader’s wrap with pockets and fringe. I’m using Berroco Ultra Alpaca, which is one of my favorite sweater yarns. Since I’ve been using such fine-gauge yarns for awhile, it’s a treat to use a thicker yarn as it makes the work go so much faster. When I finish the wrap, I’ll post photos and the link to the free pattern.

That’s about it for today! Thanks for stopping by. More finished objects coming soon, I promise.