A Finish, A Start, and Work

The second Robson has been cast off and worn a few times. I have to say that I love this pattern. The fabric it makes is so squishy and feels great against my neck, especially on days like today when the temperature is 1 degree above 0.

I'm really excited about the 1 Year of Stitches, an embroidery stitch-along coordinated by  Sara Barnes of Brown Paper Bag. You just hoop a piece of fabric into the hoop size of your choice and embroider at least one stitch a day. Any type of stitching, thread, or fabric is allowed. You're supposed to take a photo  every day, but that's hard to do with such short days here.

Here's mine so far:

 It's not too late to join. You can find all the information here.

I went back to work on Wednesday, and I cannot believe it was only a three-day week. It's Saturday morning and I am exhausted! I really do enjoy my job. High school students are great and my co-workers could not be more supportive. But you say "teen" and I say "crisis." A few of our students are going through terrible times, and I spent more time feeling like a social worker than a teacher. We need more community supports for families! As much as I want to fix everything, I don't have that much power.

And the "best" news of all: Over winter break, the state added more required paperwork for special ed teachers. Really? My new saying is: "Why do I have to deal with students? They just get in the way of paperwork!"

Still, I don't want to end on a downer. I am lucky to work in a great high school that is known for its quality teaching. Moreover, I still genuinely enjoy hanging out with teen-agers. They are smart and funny and provocative. You have to count your blessings, right?

Let the Startitis Begin!

I finally finished my Robson scarf, though I haven't taken any FO photos yet. The important thing is that I'm working on something else: the Toboggan Run Hat by Jaala Spiro of Knit Circus. I'm making it in the same colorway as the sample: Birds of a Feather.

Gorgeous as it is, this pattern is probably not for everyone because it's miles and miles of seed stitch, which I know that some people cannot stand. I don't mind it and I love the look it. It is especially scrumptious in Jaala's worsted-weight yarn, which is as soft as it is beautiful.

I also (finally!) finished Middlemarch, which I thoroughly enjoyed. One reason I'd wanted to re-read it was so I could read a recent book, My Life in Middlemarch by New Yorker writer Rebecca Mead, a blend of commentary on the novel, George Eliot biographical information, and reflection by Mead. It's a bit slow-going at the start.

The Association of Small Bombs by Karan Mahajan turned up on a lot of Best Books of 2016 lists this month. It's about a fictional bombing in Dehli. The author follows the parents of two brother who died in the blast and the bomb-maker himself after the tragedy. It's not always easy to read, but it is very well-done.

I'm joining with Ginny for the year's last Yarn Along.

The Long Haul

I'm have nothing new to share this week. My Robson is coming along, but slowly. Winter break starts tomorrow so I hope to do some binge-watching with my daughter, so I should be able to finish it up painlessly.

The fabric that Sequence Knitting makes is really unusual and pretty. I finally got a close-up that gives you an idea:

I also expect to finish Middlemarch before the next Yarn Along. I'm on page 680 out of 800. This is truly an amazing book -- and still relevant, about 150 years later. It's a very socially conscious novel that examines wealth inequality, personal debt, and class issues. But that makes it sound very academic. The characters are complex and fascinating, and the plot keeps you turning the pages.

I'm linking up with Ginny to Yarn Along.

Makings

This week, "making" fits both my knitting an my reading.

I am working a few rows a day on my Robson scarf. I like it better as it grows. And I love anything in raspberry pink! It would be growing faster if I weren't also working daily on the Project Peace cowl. But, hey, what's the rush? There's a lot of winter left!

I was able to get my hands on the latest issue of Making magazine. Why is this so hard to get? It's such a lovely publication. There is a really interesting article in this issue about homesteading. It's one of those things that I love to read about but know that I don't have the dedication to do.

Don't forget to check in with Ginny for Yarn Along today. And look at her previous post, too. She has some amazing gift ideas for children and adults a like!

On the Needles and the Nightstand

Well, we have come to that time of year when I have to rely on some flash photos, so excuse the less-than-attractive photo ...

I have a feeling that I could use this photo every week for a while:

I have started on my second Robson. It is quite different from the first, but I like it. These scarves take two full skeins of sock yarns, so they are not exactly quick knits -- but the final product is worth it!

I'm working my way through the classic Victorian novel Middlemarch by George Eliot. It took me a bit of effort to get into it, but I am thoroughly enjoying it now.

I'll be joining up with Ginny to Yarn Along.

Crafty Weekend

It was a good weekend to putter around the house because winter temperatures arrived abruptly. On Thursday, the highs were in the 70's; but on Friday, the high was about 35 degrees. Not enough time to acclimate!

I'm almost done with my Robson scarf, from the Sequence Knitting book. This picture doesn't do it justice. The colors are much more subtle than they look here. I had some issues with dropped stitches, as you can see from the little stitch holder at the left. Once I get everything woven in, it is going to be an awesome scarf.

I found some time to work on embroidery:

I did get out a few times. Friday night we had fish fry for my husband's birthday with my parents. Saturday night, some friends who just visited Italy had an Italian-themed party, complete with a slide show and an Italian trivia game. And I met up with my drawing group at a local art museum:

In between, I tried to get organized for our Thanksgiving travels. We're celebrating in Washington, D.C, with my parents and brothers. Both my kids will be there, so I'm pretty excited. Plus, only two work days this week!

Hope your weekend was what you wanted!