New Baby

As many if you know this past year we purchased our first sheep.  We picked natural colored sheep as they are unusual.  We have a mix of Columbia and Rambouillet.  I have been anxiously awaiting a new lamb.  The original breeding date had the ewe due March 2.  We were finally blessed about a week ago with a new ram lamb.  He was born about 20 pounds.  His mom is doing great!  At this point he doesn't have a name but he likely will. 

Return to Cross Stitch

I took lessons from  needlework shop owner when I was in college 30 years ago.  I found it challenging and stressful. I think it was made difficult due to poor college dorm lighting, poor posture working on the project and a lack of videos that we now have on You Tube.   I completed one small fingertip towel and gifted it to my mom.  My mom had given me her floss stash and I still have it.  I have been able to use some of the floss in punch needle and cross stitch both. 

Recently I have started watching floss tube You Tube videos about cross stitch and I have the cross stitch bug!  I have completed a piece that I did modify a bit from the original pattern.  I feel like the patterns are a jumping off point.  It is a Lizzie Kate pattern in the winter smalls collection #189.  Now I just need to decide if I want to make it into a pillow, an ornament or frame it. 

I encourage you to check out cross stitch and the online community of flosstubers.  

Punch Needle Crafting

This year I have started some new crafts.  One of the new crafts is punch needle needlework.  I purchased my first pattern from The Woolen Needle Shop in Williamsburg, IA.  I purchased the lap stand that I punch on from The Woolery online.   It was punched with three strands and the punch I purchased at The Woolen Needle as well.  

The pattern name is Winter Blanket #675 from Threads that Bind.  I used a kit that included Valdani 3 strands floss color 196, Weeks Dye Works #1103, DMC 310, 3033, 904, 817, 844 and miscellaneous for the pennies on the blanket. 

I am very happy with the result.  I plan to add a wool border and frame the piece.  

 

What I am Reading

This is all of the books I have read so far in 2018.  There will be a new release in this series in April.  I am currently reading The Adjustment.  Suzanne Young is the author and I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series The Complication.  

2018 Here I Come

Well I have decided to come clean with my knitting works in progress.  I have hopes to get back on track enjoying my hobbies and freeing myself of what I "should" be working in in my spare time. 

You are looking at from top right My Granny Stripe Blanket in worsted weight.  I am hoping to finish this blanket this year.  In the blue project bag at the bottom is my Timber Cardigan, which I dearly love!  In  the middle of the photo are two(yes, two) sock knitting projects.  One is a vanilla sock knit from a sparkle sock blank from Fibernymph Dyeworks.  The other is a modified sock pattern the Evergreen Socks that can be obtained through Ravelry.  There is a poncho project-that I am considering frogging in a turquoise blue with white, black and gray colorwork.  Lastly my mitered square blanket I cast on 64 stitches which makes about a 4 inch square.  These projects and their progress(or lack of ) can be found on Ravelry.  I am Angellac.  This looks to be an exciting knitting year!!

Balance

I have picked my word for 2018 and it is BALANCE. 
I am hoping to find a better balance with home life, work life, how I spend my leisure time and a new balance as both of my adult children are off in college.  I have started to change some things already.  Regarding work I have been exploring more methods of obtaining continuing education hours.  I have often attended night courses after a full days work.  That leaves the farm work left to my spouse (he is willing, thank goodness).  I am hoping to key into classes I really want too take even if it involves travel or webinars etc.
I am planning to continue with farm pursuits- as I still enjoy produce from the garden and fruit trees. I may slow down on the canning and food preservation in favor of smaller quantities and bigger diversity of produce. I have purchased a couple of new cookbooks hoping to gain inspiration cooking for two.  I also enjoy animal husbandry so the goats and sheep still have a solid stake on my attention. 
As far as hobbies, I am ashamed to admit I have read very little over the past year.  I have purchased several books- some paperbacks and some downloaded ebooks- still reading little more than two books last year.   That is crazy, given that I like to read.  I am hoping to give up a little knitting time to put reading back on this year's agenda.  I also am fascinated with punch needle and rug hooking.  I have ordered very basic supplies and an educational cd(as well as watched a few You Tube videos on the topic).  Fiber arts will remain an important aspect of my spare time.  I have started to spin more wool.  I have committed to spinning 15 minutes a day for 2018.  I hope to rediscover my fiber stash making yarn that I can use later.  Any further crochet plans are on hold until I complete my granny stripe blanket.  It is already 75% complete.
Last year I felt both rushed and stressed with obligations trying to "make it all happen".  In part the stress of deadlines and goals was self imposed.  I will admit I can certainly be harder on myself than anyone else.  Things should level out a bit where the college kids are concerned.  I won't be planning anyone's senior year in high school, prom or graduation.  I can pass on some of that college responsibility to the proper young adults.
I hope to spend more Sunday dinners with my parents.  To message my mom less and call more.
I plan to go on more dates with my spouse of 24 years.  Cherish the quieter times sitting on the couch sharing a bowl of popcorn.  He makes the best popcorn.
And lastly, to look up and enjoy the view.
I hope you can find better balance in your life too. 

Changes

These photos may not look like much however, they tell the start of a tale.  On my walk the last few days there has been warmer than usual weather.  It has been calm with minimal wind and a lot of sunshine.  The weather forecasters are warning about an abrupt change in the weather- and I believe them.  Today has been mostly cloudy and quite a bit windier.  The temps are again way above normal for us at 68 right now.  Tomorrow the predicted high temperature is to be 38!  That is actually below average.  Funny how averages work.  I am, perhaps one last time, going for a walk outside.  I noticed these dandelions blooming and stopped to marvel at their fortitude to continue to bloom this late in the season.  Sudden weather changes have been interesting to me. 

I have taken today to reflect on the change of seasons, plan meals for this week, shop for groceries, and start moving furniture making room for the Christmas tree.  Decorating will commence very soon.  Looking forward to family arriving home and all the craziness that will ensue.

Hopefully this post will find you taking time to relax, reflect and planning to celebrate.