Iris' Knit n Things

 I started the sweater in the fall of 2006, when the air was crisp and the pages of Vogue Knitting felt like possibility in my hand. The yarn was soft, the color just right—something I imagined wearing on a day that hadn’t happened yet. Back then, I believed projects always got finished. But life has a way of setting things down for me. The sweater had many lives before becoming whole. It moved from basket to box, from one home to another. It waited through busy seasons, through ordinary years, through moments when knitting felt like a luxury instead of comfort. I would find it sometimes, needle still sticking in the stitches, as if holding its breath. I’d promise, “soon”, tuck it away again. Twenty years is a long time to carry something unfinished. In 2024 my mother passed. I had taken care of her—sat beside her, tended to her, loved her through the slow, tender unraveling of time. When she was gone, the world shifted in a way I wasn’t prepared for, like a dropped stitch racing b...

There’s nothing I enjoy more than listening to a book, while I knit. It’s been so cold and Baxter really could use a warm sweater when he goes out doors. I am using yarn from my stash. Noro silk garden, color 2190. I love the colors. The pattern is free from Lion-brand.  I think he likes it, or is debating whether to leave.  I think he looks good in it. The pattern is easy and a quick knit. I will try another, however,  I will knit a little longer.  

 Here’s GogoDynomo ! I have her blocking.  She turned out lovely.  I love how she makes me look like an Aztec warrior when I wear her!

 I am stuck home due to snow and icy roads. So I crochet some slippers. I really love how warm and cozy these feel. On my next try, I think I use a harder, more supportive sole. Right now, these feel more like socks. This is my first winter in retirement, and I am so happy I do not have to be out in that cold.  For now, I’ll complete the other slipper and probably make a couple more as gifts. I also will prepare for an interview I have tomorrow, for a volunteer at a Hospice service.  It’s for an administrator. I figured something to do a couple of days a week.  For now I’ll wait and see what six more weeks of winter feels like with my new slippers! 

 Guess who graduated from Tampa University ? So happy for her. 

 I finally completed this project!  I used all kinds of scrappy yarns I’ve had in my scrap box. She’s become my meditation blanket . Currently , I am in a mission to complete every project I have started. The excuses were never having time, well now I have plenty of it. So far, I’ve completed four. Here’s another project I’ve been wanting to complete, a before and after of the two rocking chairs . So excited with the results. As you can see in the before pictures, I am also working on repairing the deck . Looking forward to seeing the end results. 

Meet Baxter, he's a puppy mill rescue. Was a stud for over 6 years. This guy is the most stoic Yorkie I have ever met. Now that I've retired in September, he has been keeping me company. Baxter enjoys riding in the basket on my bike. We can't wait until the family park is completed, as it will soon have a Dog Park as well as other great features. I've had him for a year now. He's a really sweet dog.       I am new to retirement, and I'll have to say, the first few weeks, it took some getting used to. The feeling that I can do whatever I want with my time, was really empowering. After a month, I started doing some volunteering in my community. I found this used bike, which was brand new for only $45. I've installed a basket and now Baxter sits inside and rides around with me.  I've started some projects around the house. Like repairing my deck, which needed painting and some of the wooden planks replaced.  Brioche stitch is now my new passion.   It...