The challenges

On By CarynIn Craft

I finished crocheting my diagonal scrap blanket, and now just need to weave in the ends. The challenge is extracting the cats so I can actually do the work.

Photo description: two calico cats managing to be touching the same blanket, on which I need to work
Photo description: blanket separated from the cats to show all the ends that need to be woven in, done in scraps of white, gray, tan, and green acrylic yarn

I don’t mind weaving in ends, but this blanket sprouts cats as soon as I sit down, so it will take awhile.

Gate keepers

On By CarynIn Cats
Photo description: gray tabby on the windowsill inside, calico on the shelf outside the window cat flap looking at the gray tabby

So who is gate keeping whom here? Does Izzy the cat want in? Or does Thor the cat want out? Probably both, and they are stubbornly sitting there, but the looks on their faces was worth the picture.

Interchangeable shelf sitter

On By CarynIn Craft

Here is the completed highland-coo-in-a-honey-pot shelf sitter, complete with clear UV coat and chunk of mesquite wood to keep it grounded.

Photo description: interchangeable shelf sitter with the door and honey pot painted shades of teal, and the bird house base painted white and gray to coordinate with my actual house, all sitting on a metal bench near the door entry

This is a cute project offered by the local Hobby Hut. I will be looking for the next painting day!

Tension ring

On By CarynIn Craft, Life Hack

My youngest was wearing her yarn tension ring in such a way that her finger couldn’t bend, which caused pain issues after three hours of crocheting. So we modified the ring to make it smaller and I am encouraging her to wear it so the yarn runs along the back of her finger, and the ring doesn’t interfere with her knuckles. I have also been teaching her hand and wrist stretches to do periodically while she is crafting.

Photo description: yarn tension ring made of 14 gauge aluminum wire with two spirals worn on the index finger with chenille yarn running through the spirals to provide friction

It is a good idea to look at your ergonomics as you craft, especially if you have something you enjoy doing for long stretches of time. As with computer work, there should be scheduled breaks and stretching activities. This will help you enjoy your craft longer both each day and over the years.

Spinning while spinning

On By CarynIn Craft

So yes, I can spin yarn while using a stationary recumbent bicycle.

Photo description: simple drop spindle with Black Welsh wool spun into a single, recumbent stationary bicycle pedals in the background

As expected, it looks different than walking and spinning, I have the spindle off to one side so it can hang down, and the floor is closer, so I have to wind up more often, but it works and gives me something to distract myself from what my legs are doing.