Crochet? Why Not?

Everyone who knows me a little bit also knows that the last person to need a new and unique hobby, is me. I am also a prolific knitter and crochet only under duress (when the edges of something fancy demand it). I had a terrible time learning it as a child and was not interested in the frustration. I could never get the gauge right. Imagine my trepidation when my niece wanted to learn over spring break. And then imagine my surprise when I was able to make a quick swatch using THIS video almost instantly.

My niece is six, and so I decided to focus on the chain stitch first. We kept attaching it to the swatch when it got too long and dangling. 

This girl has so much grit! After I showed here with my hands on hers a few minutes, she was ready to do it herself. But she was very tense, which slowed things down considerably. I think we sat together at least 30-45 minutes before her first break. 

It’s too early to see if the hobby will stick for her, but I may have started a hat…

We were also delighted to visit the baby farm animals on our visit. My brother and sister-in-law had recently welcomed four Saanen goat kids and one Nubian goat kid. We were happy to cuddle them and sample incredible dairy products. 

The Farmer may also have a new hobby goal??

In spite of a freak blizzard during our stay, it looks like spring weather is starting to return this coming week as I go back to school. Enjoy!

Fifth Birthday Love

A number of years ago, my mother handed me a stack of mail that I had received for my 5th birthday. I was so overwhelmed by the loving and sweet words from friends and relatives that I made a vow to do better remembering and cherishing the people important to me. (My follow-through is underwhelming; apologies to all who should be honored better by me.)

As it turns out, I also received a Knitting Nancy from my Godmother that year, thus launching my knitting career. The Knitting Nancy has enjoyed cameos on this blog here and here.

Coincidentally, I became aware of two new picture books featuring knitting this year. In addition, a nephew and a niece turn FIVE today, and both love to work with their hands. So I had decided to make a crafty/reading birthday for them. I hope it is a special, filled with great people and memories as mine was!

For my niece, I got "A Hat For Mrs. Goldman," pom pom makers, and some fun yarn. The little girl in the book assists Mrs. Goldman's hat-knitting by making the pom poms for the top of each hat. There is more to the story, but I won't ruin it for those of you wanting to read it yourselves.

I gave the gift early, during our family vacation, and we learned how to make pom poms on a sunny afternoon. I wasn't sure if she was that thrilled with it after making one.



But a few days after vacation, I got this picture in a text! She was making a bunch for her cat at home!

"Argyle Fox" is a book about a playful boy fox who has trouble having fun on a windy day. He solves his problem with a craft project that includes knitting. Again, I won't give any spoilers! To go with this book, my nephew also received his own Knitting Nancy and lots of yarn scraps from my collection.

Here we are trying to master this fine art! Notice I found a zoom feature in my photo editing to check out the detail of the hands at work.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dear new 5-year-olds! Here's to books, and crafts, and lots of loving from your Auntie E and Unc!

Needle Felting: Poking Fiber is Fun!

This summer my nephew and niece, "The Crafty Cousins," both got the Klutz Needle Felting Kit as a vacation treat. 

My godson took a particularly enthusiastic shine to fashioning all the animals in the kit.

Here he is showing off most of his felted critter zoo!

After he was finished, he asked what color owls he should make:

Well, that's easy: purple and green, of course! I am so excited that my nieces and nephews are developing an interest in the fiber arts. They will certainly become famous on this proud Auntie's blog if they keep it up!

Speaking of children crafting with felt: I was doing some cleaning and ran across this old kit that I made when I was a child! I was shocked that I basically finished the project, because I was never very good at completing anything that wasn't required. Having said that, check out my version of Grandma's hair on the right...

In other news, some wild apple trees in the garden area are getting ready to treat us to applesauce, jelly, and dried fruit slices. My mouth is already watering!

Of course you are wondering about the turkeys. They are growing nicely and their feathers are starting to come in everywhere. For some odd reason they are very tame. They like to sit in my hand and take a little nap if I let them. Very peaceful. The one I am holding is a bully, though. It takes every opportunity to peck the other turkey's beak or feet. 

Well, summer is most unfortunately over for me. Last week I spent a lot of time preparing for Orchestra Camp. The students come tomorrow for four long and fun days, followed by a three day weekend and then back to business on August 10. It's going to be a good year!