Post-Thanksgiving Catching Up

Where did the last couple of weeks go?  Between the kids' activities, visitors from out of town, and medical appointments, I am just now getting the chance to catch my breath and and post about a few projects (old and new!):

My Retrograde blanket, although behind schedule, has made it into Section 5.  This photo doesn't show the most recent progress, but you can see that it is now big enough to keep me warm while crocheting 😀

In addition to Retrograde, I have been in the throes of a bout of 'cast-on-itis'...here are two new projects - the first is a Flax Light sweater for me in Debbie Bliss Rialto Luxury Sock (currently on clearance at Wool Warehouse:

Although my sweater isn't much to look at at the moment, I am in love with this colorway (Roskilde), and I think the finished product will look really cool!

Last, but not least, I knitted up this thick and cozy hat for myself yesterday.  The pattern is Romantique, by Julie Hart.  I chose some long-treasured bulky yarn from House of A La Mode...I think the resulting hat is the perfect combination of yarn and pattern, and I can't wait to wear it!

Lion Brand Love

My Retrograde CAL is moving right along.  I'm a little behind, but Section 4 is now complete 😀

I had originally planned to use Lion Brand Mandala in Valkyrie once the Pegasus cake was used up.  After working a couple of rounds with Valkyrie, I didn't like how it was looking and decided to use Sprite instead.  So far I am really loving it!

So, now I am on to Section 5, and the end of the CAL is in sight.  I am already thinking about making a second Retrograde...there are so many awesome colors of Mandala to choose from that I've got several possible color combinations floating around in my head! 

If you are interested in crocheting your own Retrograde, go visit Shelby to get all the info!

Retrograde

My Retrograde blanket by Shelby Shea's Stitches is moving right along!  I am really happy with how the colors (Lion Brand Mandala in Pegasus and Lion Brand Ice Cream Big Scoop in Cookies and Cream) are working together so far.  I am getting ready to change to a new skein of Mandala (in Valkyrie), so it will be interesting to see how that changes things up.

Here's my blanket after completing Section 2...

...and Section 3:

Section 4 was released earlier this week, and I am happy that I am more or less keeping up with a CAL (for once 😆).  Of course, now my Ubuntu is sitting on the coffee table waiting for my attention...hopefully this weekend!

Another CAL!

Because one major CAL is apparently not enough excitement for me 😂, I decided to join in on the Retrograde CAL by Shelby Shea, which calls for Lion Brand Yarns (Mandala and Ice Cream Big Scoop).  I imagine I could have found suitable substitutes, or even just used stash, but I really loved the look of the blanket in the original yarns, so I decided to hunt them down.
I don't have any Lion Brand retailers in my area, so as I often end up doing, I purchased my materials online...this time through Amazon.  The Ice Cream Big Scoop (in color Cookies and Cream) arrived just a few days later, as did one cake of Mandala (in color Pegasus).

Here's my work so far, after finishing the first section.  I love the two yarns together!  I am excited to see how it will look once the other two Mandala cakes (in Valkyrie and Pixie) are added.

Ubuntu Part 3

After being sidelined by a cold, etc. for a couple of weeks, I am back with an update on my version of the Ubuntu CAL by Dedri Uys.

My parents are here for an extended visit (5 weeks!) so I haven't been getting to as much crocheting or knitting as usual, but I finally finished Part 3 earlier this week.

I think the colors look great together, and I love blue as the main color!

Has anyone else caught Ubuntu fever?  How far along are you? I'd love to hear about yours!

A Taste of Home

I have a confession to make: I am not a cook.  I get by, and have a few dishes I like making (mostly because I want to be able to eat them!), but overall, I don't enjoy cooking.

Now, baking on the other hand...

Baking is really enjoyable for me...especially simple recipes that remind me of home, and especially this time of the year (apple crisp, anyone?).  So, when my husband found a good deal on nice, big blueberries at the grocery store a couple of days ago, I knew I wanted to bake up a batch of American-style blueberry muffins.

Not having a tried-and-true recipe for said muffins, I turned to my old friend, Allrecipes and found this one that has rave reviews.  I didn't change anything, and they definitely turned out 'to die for', with a delicious streusel topping!

Now I'm thinking I should have made a double batch... 

Crochet Therapy

This morning I took a few minutes to crochet the final round on my diamonds for Part 2 of the Scheepjes Ubuntu CAL.  Although it's only Tuesday, it's working up to be an especially crazy week, and a bit of yarn and a hook was just what I needed to calm my brain down.

Instead of buying one of the standard yarn packs for this pattern, I decided to check out what De Breibar had put together for alternate color packs...and I wasn't disappointed!

I decided to go with this one and have been really enjoying working with Scheepjes Colour Crafter Velvet!  At first I wasn't sure if the color variations in the yarn would make it difficult to see the texture in the design, but I am thrilled with how everything is turning out so far.

So, I am all caught up (just in time!) for the release of Part 3 of the CAL tomorrow.  I wonder what's coming next?

Italy or Bust

After spending all morning doing some last-minute packing, my oldest daughter Anja is heading out on a big adventure tonight:  virtually her entire school (students, teachers, staff) are travelling via buses to Lake Garda in northern Italy, where they will stay for several days sightseeing and generally just having an awesome time celebrating her school's 50th anniversary.

Although I am nervous that she's travelling so far away without us, she is really excited and I am excited for her.  My other two daughters are really going to miss her this week.  As soon as Anja left for the bus, Linnea started working on a 'Welcome Back' poster to hang in her room.

Now, what to do with what's left of my Saturday to help still these anxious mom feelings?  I think a bit of crocheting on my Ubuntu blanket is in order!

Welcome!

So, here I am.  I've been thinking about starting a blog for awhile now (even if no one ever reads it!), and today is the day.  My intention is to write some about my adventures in knitting, crocheting, and other crafts; some about raising kids; and some about my experiences as an expat in Germany.  The rest I guess I'll figure out as I go along.  Hope you enjoy :)