Our seasons aren't quite what they used to be, here in New England. June of 2021 was the wettest on record in my region, and quite cool. We had a couple of stretches of days in the 90s in May. I'm never sure when summer ends and fall begins, now. With weather consistently in the… Continue reading 2021: year of the mushroom
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One year of knitting: my pandemic panacea
If you'd rather skip my write-up and go straight for the good stuff, scroll down. We mostly just want to see the pictures, right? Also, I'm still not certain about the past tense of the word "knit" and at this point, I'm too afraid to ask. As I mentioned in my last blog post several… Continue reading One year of knitting: my pandemic panacea
How I learned to love slow knitting
When I first started knitting and crocheting, and for many years afterward, quick projects were delicious to me. I enjoyed the feeling of satisfaction and relief when I completed a project. I like finishing things. I don't like putting them down, or waiting, or being patient. And I most certainly do not like boredom. But… Continue reading How I learned to love slow knitting
Here’s what my CFS feels like
I am sometimes asked what having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS) is like. It's a question I appreciate, because the illness sounds like what the name says it is: "chronic fatigue." It's actually a complex illness affecting the immune system and neurological system that has many, many symptoms. If all you have is "chronic… Continue reading Here’s what my CFS feels like
This is not the greatest finger paint recipe in the world—this is just a tribute
If you were excited about the prospect of this entire post being a craft-related parallel to Tenacious D's "Tribute," then I'm sorry to disappoint you. So, finger paint. I've found a lot of finger paint recipes online, most of which instruct you to mix cornstarch and water. Some are just cornstarch mixed with water and… Continue reading This is not the greatest finger paint recipe in the world—this is just a tribute
Life during the pandemic, plus local resources
Here I am, back into blogging. All it took was a global pandemic, having a child, and a reduction in my free time. Not in that exact order. Pardon the typos and less-than-refined writing---these posts will be unedited and unplanned (and uncensored...*gasp*). Right now, I could be doing the dishes that my toddler won't let… Continue reading Life during the pandemic, plus local resources
The “wanton-eyed” crocheter: from Irish lace to pussy hats
To those familiar with the craft—and those who can at least spot a doily on grandma’s loveseat—crochet doesn’t typically evoke visions of immodesty, subversion, or the struggles of women in the workplace. There was a time in history, however, when the act of crocheting became bound up with the entrepreneurial dreams of impoverished women, as… Continue reading The “wanton-eyed” crocheter: from Irish lace to pussy hats
Lesson 2: Solve One Problem at a Time
Survival stories are my jam these days. I can't really relate to most movie-worthy feats of extreme physical and mental endurance, but survival stories have messages that are helpful when my chronic illness makes it hard to get through a whole grocery shopping trip, or I've woken up feeling sick for the hundredth time this… Continue reading Lesson 2: Solve One Problem at a Time
What can knitters and crocheters do about synthetic fiber pollution?
This year I am phasing out my stash of acrylic yarn, and here's why: our oceans are becoming polluted with tiny synthetic microfibers, and it's bad news for marine life. I don't enjoy being a Debbie Downer, so I promise you that I will end this on a positive note. Here's the gist of the problem,… Continue reading What can knitters and crocheters do about synthetic fiber pollution?
7 eco-friendly crochet patterns
Making your own home goods, clothing, and accessories can be even more satisfying when you know it's reducing your footprint on the Earth. What makes a something "eco-friendly"? It's a rather broad term, and is probably applied in places where it shouldn't be. There's no universal definition. I tend to think of eco-friendly crochet patterns as ones that… Continue reading 7 eco-friendly crochet patterns
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