Domestic Geek

As I just realized yesterday that we are already almost a week into October, there will be no Pink for October theme for me this year. Just as well, as it would probably stay up for most of the year like it has in years past. As you can probably tell, web design and coding (or blogging, for that matter) have not been my main interest lately. I remember when I used to change my theme every month for whatever occasion or season was appropriate. Dang, I miss those days, but my interests lie elsewhere for now. Maybe one day I'll be passionate about this again.

I guess I should just concentrate on actually finishing this design, eh?

It may be only October, but I need to make a couple of resolutions regarding my crafting.

I came to a grim realization the night before last. As Marcus came into my craft room to help me wind a skein of yarn, he looked around and said, "Geez, you've got a lot of yarn!" It made me really take a look at what I've got.

That's the thing that happens when I'm upset and/or depressed. I purchase stuff. I've been really down lately. I usually have something in mind to make right when I purchase it, but I'm looking at some of these skeins and have no clue as to why they were purchased.

I've bought umpteen skeins of sock yarn and have yet to actually make a sock.

So, the first resolution: as of right now, I'm putting myself on a yarn diet until I finish the following fifteen projects listed below:

1. Noni Green Market Bag


2. Interlacements Ruana


3. Rust Goes Green market bags (2 of them started)


4. Crocheted Sunhat


5. Crocheted popcorn garland


6. Felted blue square knitting bag


7. Knitted pumpkins


8. Dad's Clogs


9. Marcus' Dishcloth


10. Noni Medallion Bag


11. Boobie Socks


12. Mistake Rib Scarf


13. Eyelet hat


14. Clapotis


15. Harry Potter bookmark

Man, that seems like a lot, and I haven't even listed everything I have yarn for. No wonder the owner of one of my LYSs says she loves me. Too bad she's not going to be loving me for quite a while. Then let's not even talk about all the other craft supplies I have (quilting, cross-stitching, scrapbooking, painting, etc).

Well, with the crap going on at my job, I need to focus more on my creative side to stay sane and hopefully I'll get all of these items knocked off my list.

Second resolution: I will learn to use my embroidery machine.

I don't know what is keeping me from tackling this one. It's been over 9 months since I got it for Christmas from Marcus and I have yet to embroider anything. It's like since I can't get it perfect right off the bat, I'm afraid to do it or something. Lame.

Third Resolution: Organize my craft room again. I already wrote about how out of control it is in here.

Fourth Resolution: Figure out an awesome product to market and sell using my awesome crafting skills.

OK, that should be a good jump start on this chaos that I've created.

I am currently using Addi circular needles on my Green Market Bag and I love them! I just participated in an online swap and my partner mentioned in her questionnaire that she wanted to try the Addi crochet hooks. I didn't know such a thing existed, so I made a mental note that I should pick one up and give it a try myself. Turns out a friend uses them and loves them. She said the rubber (plastic?) grip is so much easier on her hands.

Well, when I went to Knit Knack in Arvada to see Robyn Chachula again, I decided to pick one up and give it a try. Since I'm going to be making a bunch of market bags, I decided to go with the H hook that I've been using for those.

Not impressed.

Now, it could be that I'm just so used to the feel of a Boye hook after 30+ years that it could just take some getting used to the feel. It doesn't have that indent where the thumb goes that I'm so used to having, so it feels awkward. It's also a lot shorter than my Boye hook.

I'll give it a couple of weeks before I decide if I love it or hate it. At $7 though, doubting I'm going to be a convert.

In just a few hours, I'm going to be taking a crocheted sock class from crochet designer and author, Robyn Chachula. I'm hoping it will be a good time. After the last few months I've had, I need it.

I'm hoping I'll have some good pics to post later. Must remember to take camera.

I was on Ravelry today and found this pattern for an awesome pair of Tux (the Linux Penguin) Mittens. How cool are these? I wish Marcus wore mittens (I'd make him a pair), but I think I'll just make them for me.