My Makes · My Neighborhood

Alpaca wrap is finished + Autumn vistas

The Kodiak wrap is now finished and ready for a nice trek out in the woods! I began this project in the summer and progressed slowly, as I found early on that I needed about double the yarn that the pattern prescribed. The yarn is three shades of Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca, in black,… Continue reading Alpaca wrap is finished + Autumn vistas

My Makes · My Neighborhood

New tasseled shawl; Autumn views of my neighborhood

Just checking in with some photos of my recent walks in my neighborhood, plus a new shawl. The folk village is one of my favorite local walks in autumn. Every year the rice crop fades from vivid green to a stunning gold hue before it's harvested, and it makes for a wonderful photo op. The… Continue reading New tasseled shawl; Autumn views of my neighborhood

My Makes · My Neighborhood

Mini update: Ukrainian crochet lace + my neighborhood

A few weeks ago I posted about some Ukrainian artists on Etsy that I love, and since then, I have found a few more. I'm working on a beautiful leaves mandala/doily pattern by Mykolayiv, Ukrainian designer Crochet Lace By Lara, whose patterns are stunningly detailed and nostalgic. Many of them would be pretty stretched into… Continue reading Mini update: Ukrainian crochet lace + my neighborhood

Free Patterns · My Makes

New market bag + more spring views

The Hummingbird market bag is ready for spring shopping. I made this lovely bag using a free pattern from Swedish designer Pysselofix (she has an Instagram account and blog). The pattern starts with a six-point star and ends with two handles and a tasseled drawstring. I used Paintbox Cotton DK in Vanilla Cream, and a… Continue reading New market bag + more spring views

My Makes · My Neighborhood

“New Life” crocheted mandala is finished

The "New Life" mandala is done, just in time for Spring. This is a lovely pattern by The Guy With the Hook, designed to use an entire 1000m gradient yarn cake. I made mine with YarnArt Flowers and a 3.00mm hook. It is just big enough to trim my kitchen table (below, you can see… Continue reading “New Life” crocheted mandala is finished

My Makes · My Neighborhood

One Fine Spring Sunday + “New Life” mandala progress

Just a few photos and words to catch you up on one of my current WIPs, the "New Life" mandala. As of today, I've zipped ahead to round 34, and well into the green section of the YarnArt gradient cake (see photos below). I also have a few shots of today's walk around my neighborhood's… Continue reading One Fine Spring Sunday + “New Life” mandala progress

Free Patterns · My Makes

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

My Neighborhood

Part 2: Spring blossoming on campus w/video

I couldn’t resist sharing a few more photos and video of the height of Spring. The lilacs are out now, too, so that means I’d better hurry and get my yearly bunch before they’re gone. Video shows the petals dropping and giving the landscape its soft-focus appearance. I heard the call of pheasants today, too,… Continue reading Part 2: Spring blossoming on campus w/video