Tuesday, August 27, 2019

And so the next adventure begins!

As of today, I have officially launched my 10th year of teaching! I have learned so much, made so many mistakes, and while there is a part of me that feels terrible for the teacher I as the last three years, I'm also looking forward to this new chapter. A chapter where I will be supported and encouraged to grow as a teacher. A chapter where my educational philosophy lines up so much better with the school I'm working in. A chapter where I will have some margin space. A chapter where almost anything can happen!

In the week leading up to school, my main project was finishing up my Cityscape Tank. I ended up pulling out the whole upper back and half the upper front when I realized I was doing a decrease incorrectly. It doesn't show super well, but see that rather lumpy, messy line in the first picture, compared to the lovely smooth line in the second?

I re-knit the backs and fronts, joined the shoulders, then completed the edgings in time to wash and block in Friday so I could wear it on Saturday. I LOVE this top--I was afraid it wouldn't fit right or would be too narrow in the straps, but I won the gauge gamble! If I do make it again (sorely tempted), I will probably chance the straps just a bit to make them a tad wider, but this is an exciting new addition to my summer wardrobe!

Also, that finish meant that I not only made my 3k goal for Stash Dash, but I exceeded it and reached 5k for the first time ever! Of course that was in large part due to the spinning I did, but STILL! I'm pretty pleased with what I accomplished.

There were a few trunk shows at my delightful LYS Yarnia last week, so I popped in after inservice on Wednesday and Friday to be tempted. I've got serious plans to save up for a project's worth of Round Table Yarns delightful kettle dyed fingering. And yes, the fact that I'm a medieval lit nerd totally adds to the appeal! The dyer I meet on Friday, Chicken Coop Dyeworks was also delightful, and we found out that we had time in Africa in common. Much to my surprise I was gifted a set of her lovely Leghorn yarn so I could make the shawl pattern, Birds of a Feather, that I had discovered and decided I needed to make with my deep stash Kidsilk Haze.

I'm trying to remember how long I've had that Kidsilk Haze; it must be either pre-Zambia or an early trip home as I'm pretty sure I got it when the yarn store in Tyler downsized... This weekend I cast on, and guys, this is such a beautiful, soft, fluffy thing I can hardly wait for it to be finished so I can wrap myself up in it! And, the yarns go together *perfectly*.

Yesterday I started a necessary thing; a crochet bowl cozy. Since I now have a microwave, it makes sense to have one rather than the rather haphazard use of pot holders I have been practicing so far. I found a knit pattern for the same thing, but this is one of those occasions when I think crochet is much better. Also, I was in the mood for something a little different. So here is the double thick base and the first row of the sides done; hopefully it will be a quick job from there. I might need to get some more cotton...

Today was the first day of school, and while it was a half-day, I had some work to do before leaving. Once I got out to my car I found that my battery had died, so a co-worker jump started me and sent me to the Ford dealership where it just so happens one of my student's father's works. I was taken care of quickly, and was so grateful for an easily resolved issue. It was also nice to make a connection with one of our families. So, while it was a frustrating extra expense, everything is taken care of and I'm all set to go. And, since it was the Starbucks first day of fall, I indulged in my first pumpkin spice latte of the season--even though it was over 100 today. Come quickly fall!

Well, I have a bit more to do before turning into a bed, so I'll leave you with this rare picture of Neko on my lap. Notice that he is curled up on my dark Cityscape tank--that seems to be the only way he'll sit with me for a few minutes. Good thing I bought a lint roller... My black trousers have already fallen prey to him!

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