I hope this long-overdue post finds you well. It has been many moons since my last check-in, written during the coldest, darkest month of the year. The "trial by fire" (better known as my previous semester in a new role) is behind me; a daunting-but-doable semester will commence in September. Until then, I'll spend the… Continue reading New blanket; spring flowers and craft update
Tag: dogs
Getting ready for the holidays; a peek back at fall
The holiday season is upon us, and I'm feathering my nest in preparation for the yearly visits from St. Nick and Old Man Winter. My favorite beef and barley soup simmers on the stove; pumpkin bread is in the oven. Candles are strategically placed, and handmade woolens are back in rotation. Five weeks have flown… Continue reading Getting ready for the holidays; a peek back at fall
Happy Halloween! New rhombus shawl for autumn
A bright, crisp autumn is underway in my corner of the world, and I've just finished a new shawl to wear. It's called the Rhombus Cross shawl, made with Alize Diva, a microfiber yarn that has a silky feel and a slew of pretty colorways to choose from. I settled on 234 Gold Brown and… Continue reading Happy Halloween! New rhombus shawl for autumn
Andong and Hahoe Folk Village
Today is our last day in Andong, and so far it’s been lovely. Situated in east-central South Korea, the city of Andong is in the province of North Gyeongsang (Gyeongsangbuk-do/경상북도), at the geographic and cultural heart of the country. Andong Overview Andong downtown https://youtube.com/shorts/s08qXXfmnXk?feature=share VIDEO: Our train chugs along through Gyeongsangbuk-do's farmland, on the way… Continue reading Andong and Hahoe Folk Village
Balloon dog + a peek at Rembrandt etchings
Balloon animals are purely delightful! They evoke memories of amusement parks and celebrations from childhood. Here's an amigurumi dog version that's hot off my hook, from a wonderful pattern by Knotmonster. I had so much fun making this figure that I'll certainly do a few more in the coming weeks. Sometimes frivolous, simple pleasures are in… Continue reading Balloon dog + a peek at Rembrandt etchings
Nammeji Lake sculpture festival is back
The bright, temperate days of Korean Autumn are upon us, and I take every spare moment to be outside enjoying my favorite month of the year. This past weekend, we took a leisurely walk around Nammeji Lake, just west of campus, where the annual sculpture festival is in progress, through October 29. I'm a huge… Continue reading Nammeji Lake sculpture festival is back
Red fig preserves recipe + random craft doings
I'm so glad to be back with you to share a few of my late Summer/early Autumn pleasures. It's been more than a month since my last post, and time just slipped by with my duties at work and the quotidian routine. This long weekend, South Korea is celebrating the Chuseok holiday, so I have… Continue reading Red fig preserves recipe + random craft doings
Tokyo cameo – Yanaka, Ueno
One of my favorite areas in Tokyo is the quiet, residential, historic enclave of Yanaka (谷中). Three years ago, I took a wonderful guided half-day tour here (see my post from Feb. 2020), and was fortunate to have the guide all to myself. That day, I was able to visit the extraordinary Nezu Shrine, the… Continue reading Tokyo cameo – Yanaka, Ueno
A quick hello – WIPs and ginkgo leaves
It’s already mid-November - my semester is a race to the finish. Only three weeks to go before final exams start! I’ve managed to make slow progress on some crafty items, including a gnome figure that still needs his beard and hat. The photo shows that he’s already got his suspenders and the cutest rainbow… Continue reading A quick hello – WIPs and ginkgo leaves
Crocheted Pumpkins (free pattern)
Just had to share some of the fruits (awww...) of my latest crochet efforts: crocheted pumpkins! 'Tis the time of year again for crocheted and knitted pumpkin patterns, and I really love this one - it is so easy to make, and the pattern is free (click here)! The pattern gives options to make a… Continue reading Crocheted Pumpkins (free pattern)
The Frill Seeker 