Spinning, a FO, and Valentines!

I’ve decided to play with my new collage app by making a collage of what’s on my needles (and in this case spindle as well!) every week to a) motivate myself, and b) record my progress. So, here an overview of what I’ve worked on this week:

Here is a closer look at something I just finished today—this adorable little bonnet from Jane Austin Knits 2014. I feel in love with this as soon as I saw it, and knew that it would have to be made for a certain little girl I love to knit for. I think I might have to make another one…

Something new I’ve tried this week is plying on the fly. Normally when you spin, you make something called a single which you then have to wind off your spindle, and ply together with another single or in a chain with itself to make yarn. Well, I’m learning to spin a length of single and then ply it up right then and there. It took me awhile to get my fingers around it, and yesterday I discovered a lump that didn’t ply properly, but overall I’m petty tickled with my efforts! I have some lovely rovings that I hope I feel confident enough to tackle this holiday…

Finally, after having to rip the pattern part out and a spectacular error with the heel that I don’t even want to discuss, here is a closer look at my finally working for me Smaug sock:

I’ve got another sock pattern from Jane Austin Knits 2014 that I’m itching to cast on, but I told myself I couldn’t cast on until I had finished one of my other pairs of socks. It so hard to be good sometimes…

Yesterday was the best Valentine's Day I've ever had at Sakeji. Not only was my 'rotic' and treat binge with Beth a lot of fun, but it was really neat to see the kids get really into making and giving valentines. I didn't do anything special for it this year; I cheated and bought a box of Pixar valentines before coming back, but I really enjoyed feeling like we were a) celebrating something and b) enjoying it! Here's a look at my 'loot'-

Parting shot: Just cause, and because I wish I could call this man...