Crochet Projects for Man & Beast

After morning chores and a quick breakfast I gathered my list and set my sights on a nearby town where I like to shop. A trip to buy groceries and a few household supplies was needed. I try to advoid the crowds whenever I can. Especially during the cold and flu season. With a holiday weekend coming up it was even more important to have my pantry stocked and not be out on the roads with the party hardy folks.

While there I decided to pick up some more yarn for a couple of projects I want to do. How is it that you can have a stack of projects waiting to be completed or even partially started sitting on a shelf. Only to find yourself wanting to start something new that you saw in a pattern you recently saw? I'm pretty sure no one who doesn't craft could understand the attraction. For those of us who do, we can't explain it! LOL Though I'm sure there are some who would like to try. If you have the answer, please let me know. Then maybe I could get more finished before starting something else.

Most of the baby goat sweaters I made last year ended up being on the girly side of color. I only made 2 that were boyish in color. Wasn't a problem then, as we only had two bucks. But as of the past couple of days as you know, we have already added 2 bucklings to the nursery. With the possiblity of 8 more babies if all of the does should have twins. I figure the odds are pretty good that there will be more boys to need a sweater before warmer temps arrive. Besides, one of the existing two is a small size. So it alone will have to be replaced as the buckling grows, if the weather warrants added warmth. Sounds like a good reason to buy more yarn, right? After posting pictures of our new little doe in her sweater. I thought it only fair to give the bucks their time in the limelight as well. Didn't want you to think I wasn't an equal opportunity caregiver. So here are some pictures of them as with their sweaters on too. Aren't they the cutest little babies? So cuddlly you just can't help but snuggle one up to your face.

The one skein of bright blue wouldn't have seem like alot to add to the shopping cart. If it wasn't for the other 5 I bought. They were for a human sweater (mine) and became the more obvious splurge. I would like to think that in the long run I will be saving some money by making myself a sweater. Not sure what the cost will be in the end. Do you think it should matter? To figure in my time crocheting, it would definitely raise the total amount. I'm thinking if for no other reason the joy of making it and being able to wear a handmade item should offset any cost. Right? RIGHT.

The pattern is a "Granny Squares Jacket." Featuring bright shades of fruity colors, like grape, watermelon, mango, limelight and lemonade against a black edging. Sounds delicious doesn't it? I'm using Caron ~ Simply Soft yarn that is a pleasure to work with and is oh so soft against the skin. It looks easy and I've made granny squares before so I am hoping I can get it done during the long days of Winter. The bright colors should help dispell any greyness during them. Then give me the opportunity to wear something bright as well as warm till the early days of Spring roll in.

Yarn and hook ready,

Deborah

Routine Changes

I've been enjoying my new morning routine changes. Taking time to write, read devotionals and ponder the day has proved to slow my thinking and redirect my focus. I am truly sitting more in a relaxed frame of mind. The rush to get on the computer feeling has just about left me. Staying caught up in any one area to the neglect of another is not good. Balance is needed in every area in order for the workings of life to run smoothly. When I do get on it, I actually read through and leave comments on several favorite blogs. Which I am sure will inspire me to keep up to date on my own blog entries on a more timely manner. Thanks for all the friends who take the time to comment on a post of mine and who inspire me with one of theirs.

Crocheting kid coats (baby goat, not human) has been great therapy for me as we wait for Anna to give birth. With her being WAY past "our" projected date is cause enough for me to "fret" a little. Working on them has kept my hands busy and my mind occupied somewhat. Besides creating cute sweaters for our future babies. After trying several suggested patterns, that didn't work out for me. I am using a simple dog sweater pattern, that is so simple that after making one, you can do multiples without looking at the directions. It is easily altered too. Making it a great option for any size goat, young or old. Plans are that we will try to complete the last kidding stall today. So if the girls decide to do a "group thing", we will be ready for them. There are several things still needed for my kidding kit. Researching the options to getting them may be good use of my computer time today. Starting out for the first time leaves us with needing everything! So finding the best prices and getting quickly to boot is a prudent thing to do. Should be able to purchase a few items at the TSC, tomorrow on my grocery and errand day.

I love the color, this left over yarn will make some spiffy coats for the babies.



I think I may look up the moon phases for this month. Just to see if it could have any bearing on their deliveries. So many farmers plant and harvest by the moon phases. I know my grandfather did when he was farming back in the 30's,40's, 50's and up to his death. There is lots of information to be had in the Farmer's Almanac for those interested.

Today is suppose to be a sunny, warm day - perfect weather for fueling Spring fever! That is if the heavy morning fog will ever lift. At least the foggy funk around my heart and mind is lifting with the routine changes taking place.

Deborah