A Quiet Oasis

Hm, seems I've been slipping when it comes to my once a week rule... Sorry everyone, I'll try to keep the pace up! I'm excited to show this particular project, since it's a longer-term one that I had been planning for months.

On vacation last year, I stopped in a yarn shop and picked up a copy of Interweave Crochet on a whim. It had a lovely pattern called the Oasis Shell (link here), which I knew I had to try. I love lace guys, It's so pretty.

Look at that lace! And you know the best part?

It continues all up the back! Seriously, it's so nice. And the body of the top is also pretty cool. It's Tunisian crochet, turned inside out for an interesting texture a little bit reminiscent of the wrong side of knitted stockinette. If you're looking to try Tunisian crochet, this would be a good pattern: lots of practice for the simple stitch! I'd recommend this pattern to anyone looking for a summery lacy top!

Slow Going

It grows! Slowly but surely, this shawl is getting longer. If you're into instant gratification, I would not recommend going the route of lacework in super-fine thread, but it is turning out quite nicely so far. We're at inch 32 of 60 so there's still a way to go, but I'm confident I'll make it there eventually!

A Friend Indeed

Well, it's sure been a busy week here! I just started work in a new summer program, and it has been intense catching up on ongoing projects and figuring out what to do next. It's really interesting work, and I'm excited to be a part of it, but at the same time I'm stressed, nervous, and exhausted from doing so much new stuff. I feel like I need to cuddle with a puppy for two hours and then sleep for two days!
There might not be a basket of puppies waiting for me at home (sadly), but I do have a cheerleader of sorts. This little guy has been with me in good times and bad, always willing to stick up for me and encourage me to do my best. And its name is Dumpling Kitty.

...No, this is not a joke. Dumpling Kitty believes in you wholeheartedly. It doesn't just think you can do it: it knows you can! And if you need to talk through a tough problem, pet something soft, or have someone hold your hand during a difficult experience, Dumpling Kitty will happily lend an ear (or paw).
In all seriousness, I crocheted this cat (the pattern is actually called "dumpling kitty") a while ago, and my friends and I started to personify it as a joke. But somehow, it developed a pure, caring personality as we goofed about. We started to pass in around to whoever was having a tough time, and it accumulated all the collective caring of each person who used it and passed it on. Dumpling Kitty said something that we didn't quite know how to put into words: that we cared, we were there for each other, and together we could make it through the hard times and celebrate the good. I highly recommend that you make a Dumpling Kitty of your own. It doesn't have to be this pattern (or a cat at all), but the care with which it's made and the kindness in which it's given will show through. And on tough, stressful days, remember this: Dumpling Kitty believes in you.

To the Library!

No craft today, I just wanted to send some love to public libraries. I look a lot of things up online, but I wouldn't know about half the crafts I do if it weren't for my local libraries. Browsing the craft section (745 in the Dewey Decimal System -- yes I have this memorized) unearthed books about all sorts of crafts, mainstream and obscure alike. They let me read about and try new crafts as I pleased, without having to commit to buying the books first. I could explore freely without worrying if I was going to like it: if I didn't, I'd just return the book sooner and let someone else try! If there's a library nearby in your town/city, and I sincerely hope there is, please check out their craft section! I've been doing the same, and I currently have books checked out on: beaded jewelry, rug hooking, stamp carving, leatherworking, quilting, weaving, and silk painting. And that's not even counting the books I've read and returned this month! Seriously, go explore your public library. You might find something surprising there!