Mea Culpa

Hi all. So sorry for my lengthy absence. I've thought of posting often, but alas haven't gotten around to it. On a happy note, I have been happily hooking and hooking more than usual. It's certainly a tonic for these cold, snowy days. A two week or more stint of fog in January was difficult, but made more enjoyable with hook in hand. 

Will you join me this year to complete #17in2017? As I did last year, I will endeavour to complete that many fibre projects in the calendar. I dare say I've already got a few to report. Let's see what I can share. 

Ah yes, first I must admit to thinking that I didn't have any blue wool in my stash. I decided that one of my storage spots was beyond embarrassing in its messiness, so I pulled everything out two days ago and re-organized. As you can see, I have some blue to use (gulp). Especially considering one of the drawers beneath this space is also full of blue. 

I certainly know people with far more than this, so I'm not thinking I have more than enough. Oh no, that thought never enters my mind. I have grand plans for dyeing in April!! 

I finished a piece to celebrate Canada's 150th bday:

I also finished this WIP in February, a design that I started a while back (brain won't tell me when!): 

And I've completed a bunch of wee little pieces, but I won't bother mentioning those. One other landscape piece is hooked, but requires whipping so I'll share that at a later time. Plus one other piece is almost finished being hooked. Yippee!

I'm hoping to be more diligent with my blogging, but feel free to follow me on Instagram, my handle is @burningthemidlifeoil. I'm also on Twitter at @hookdonlife, though admittedly I don't tweet as much as I post on IG. Finally, you can look at some of my past work at burningthemidlifeoil.com. 

Chat soon!

Christmas in the Making

Ah yes, the making for Christmas has begun! And it's about flippin' time... it's amazing how the end of November creeps up on me. 

So far I've made a Christmas runner and wreath for the door. For myself. Hhhhmmm, that's a problem. 

Now on to gifts.... wish this mitten would magically duplicate itself. It took quite a few hours but this thrummed mitten is delicious to wear I have to say (pattern and materials by Fleece Artist), because yes it's important for me to try it on repeatedly during the making process. I might even wear it around the house beacuse it's that yummy. I'll likely be making both myself and Smidge a pair as well, in the next century or two. For now though this pair, once it becomes a pair (#%#&$), will be gifted to a special family member who for now shall remain nameless because who knows if she'll read this? :)

And finally, I'm still hooking when I can carve out a few minutes. I have to say it's rather fun to do a summer scene in November. Just zone out and focus on the piece, and POOF you're right there and not really in the midst of damp, dull November. Dang, there you are November, back in your grey splendourishness. Somehow this pic didn't capture my swimmer, but you'll see more of this rug next time (designed by Deanne Fitzpatrick). I've challenged myself to use nothing but leftover strips to hook this one - I've made it so far! 

I'm also prepping materials for Smidgie's upcoming Gingerbread Party. She's invited seven friends and we'll be making Christmas crafts, playing games and decorating/eating gingerbread. Yes, I'm a lunatic. It's on the 11th - you can sit at your own comfortable, calm and cheerful home and chuckle endlessly. 

Enjoy your Christmas in the making!

New Chapter

My work life has taken an abrupt turn, as I made a decision to resign from my full-time position to give my health a break. I was suffering from very frequent migraine headaches and just couldn't handle the pressure to be at the office, sitting in front of a computer screen for 40+ hours a week. Perhaps a radical decision, but so far (3 weeks into it) I am happy, more balanced and have been mostly migraine-free!!! 

So you may think that this has opened the floodgates of creativity and productivity. To a certain extent, yes. I did get a pair of jeans hemmed that had been waiting for 5 months. I know what you're thinking... "Wahoo"! I've done a few other little bits and pieces in the Making Room, but nothing substantial because I still have my school work to do, and this particular course (my last in this journey) is a whopper. 

I have assembled a list of making to-do's, which is a list of WIPs that need to be finished:

• finish whipping the 2nd mermaid rug
• whip landscape rug
• whip 01/16 rug (the January Journal rug has been completed)
• finish hooking Bunny Warhol
• finish K's quilt top
• finish K's sweater before it's too small to wear (already a possibility)

Then I will launch into the copious new ideas that I have brewing!