New Stuff

Makings

Meet Ann. She's a big girl, measuring 36" tall. I used a McCall's pattern, but was NOT happy with the hair in the instructions. You were to make a 'wig' and lay yarn on top that had been wrapped around a piece of cardboard, then stitch around the edges. I tried. It was ugly, completely uneven. I used instructions from a doll making book that used pins stuck in at the top and bottom of the head, wrapping the yarn evenly around each one, then hand stitching in place. For the loopy fringe, I used a long 5 inch strip of cardboard with a notch cut out of one end, and wrapped yarn around, machine stitching down the center of the notch, then whip stitched the center to the edge of the head. So much better. I guess they thought it was 'easier' to do it the other way, but it was horrid.

Miscellaneous

 Yes, it has been a long time since I posted. Not going to apologize for that. Life happens! Even with both shots, I contracted COVID in August. Luckily, it was not too hard, just a few days of brain fog and losing smell and taste. And waking up in the middle of the night with a fever. I'm fully recovered but still think a little brain fog remains. I have trouble recalling words that should be natural, and sometimes it takes a day or two to remember that word.  It's frustrating.

I went with the knit group ladies to Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival in September. We had a GREAT time! Newborn lambs, sheep dog trials, fleece judging and auction, Make It With Wool fashion show and fantastic food. Came back armed with several projects. Kit for a colorwork yak cowl (finished except kitchenering the ends together), a colorwork hat kit (finished), two coordinating sock yarns for a shawl (Starting with a Granny - a Virus variant - finished), a kit for colorwork mitts (finished). There are still two kits remaining - a colorblock cowl (3 Color Cashmere Cowl) and another colorwork hat that will be absolutely vibrant.

In the meantime, I have other projects to work on:

• Handquilting Grandma Ettling's embroidered blocks quilt - in the frame
• Wool dress from stupidly small yarn
• Socks, of course
• Sweaters for the girlies - waiting for yarn delivery