Saturday, August 10, 2013

Catching Up


Well, it's been a while!  I've been unexpectedly busy for the last month or so.  I was suddenly offered a full-time research job at school for the summer (not 3 days after College for Kids ended), and have been so focused on that, I haven't been able to craft much.  We're almost done now, though-- my partner and I finished our presentation this Thursday, our mentor is on vacation for the rest of the summer, and there's just a week left of wrapping up loose ends (prettying up our code, pursuing a few last questions, that sort of thing).  So, with a little more free time now, I thought I'd share the little bit I have been up to.



The first doll court gown is partly finished-- the lining still needs to be sewn down, and I still need to figure out a partlet/hat/accessories.  I also want to redo the decoration on the bodice, because I don't like the way the twisted cord came out.  Also, I ran out of the fringe for around the bottom of the gown, so I need to figure out different trim there, too.




I've finally learned how to weave on a loom I've had for several years now, just sitting in the craft room closet.  I figured that since I was helping with the weaving class at College for Kids, I should probably set a good example for them and learn "real" weaving-- not just on a cardboard loom like they were doing.  I like it a lot-- my first project was a doll scarf that I let the kids help with (which probably explains why half of it is a little wonky).  I just finished my version of Gandalf's scarf from the Hobbit movies (like this one) as my second project.  I love the way the mithril sparklies turned out!  I'll post pictures of it after it's blocked.  I also wove an itty-bitty coat of arms tapestry on a DVD case.  It's going to be part of a backdrop for the doll garb (after I make that).
I had a fantastic trip to the Bristol Renaissance Faire with my friend Kali and her friend Shannon (who, as a fellow yarn- and ren-lover, Kali thought I would get along with).  My mom and I made my and my dad's outfits-- might post more about that later.  Even though I was irrationally sad I didn't spend more money, I had a great time (as always) and can't wait to go again next year.  And I met Edgeron!  *insert girly squeal here*  XD


I've also been doing a lot of charity crocheting.  I finished a couple hats for the Hat Box Foundation, and a couple baby blankets I'll probably give to the local women's shelter this Christmas.






Right now, I'm working on a blanket I inherited as part of a box of yarn a few years ago.  When I got it, there were 2 finished squares, one that was almost done, and 7 other flowers along with some of the yarn.  I put away the square that had a loopy edging for the center of another blanket (maybe with a granny outer part?) and finished the partial square.  Now, I'm making 7 other identical squares to assemble into a 3 x 3 blanket with some sort of ruffly edging using the contrast colors.  It's sort of slow going, though, since it uses a smaller hook than I've used since I hurt my arm, and I can't do more than a couple rounds before getting tired.  Oh well.

I think that's about everything I've been working on.  Hopefully, I'll be able to finish a few things for the shop before school starts in early September.

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