Thursday Art Walk

 

In Which It Is A Transition Week
So I am Discombobulated

Oh boy do I get thrown off easily. I usually do my shopping (for cheap snacks and drinks) on Wednesdays, but yesterday it was pouring like a tap during Happy Hour in a dive bar in Poughkeepsie, so I stayed inside all day, hilariously tired (seriously I could not keep my eyes open for more than 20 minutes at a time), and ridiculously cozy (pajamas all the way, babies).

This meant that I had to go outside today, and today was, as the memes say, heckin wimdy. Gusts of like 35mph at time windy, in fact (that's 56,3kph!)

But I went out! In a tank top and a sweatshirt! And I was fine! Because I only walked to the nearby uphill-both-ways shops I go to on the reg and back, which is about a 1 mile round trip lol.

That only took me about a half hour total, I'm pretty sure, and when I got back, I cracked open a lime Jarritos and a bag of locally sourced potato chips (sour cream & onion!) and got to painting!

"Dream Bunny"; Watercolor and Micron; 2022

I'm really happy with how this little experiment turned out! I didn't draw anything, just started laying down little dabs of color with those brush pens I got a while back, then blending them out instantly with a clean water brush. I chose the colors at random using a number generator between 1 and 24 (which is how many colors there are in the set). I might try this again with my other sets and other animals!

A Dream Menagerie sounds nice, these days, doesn't it?

So that's this week's art!

I would chat some more, but I'm actually working pretty hard on the crochet projects I have right now, so I should probably get back to those...

Even though I really want to try to paint more dream animals...

;)

Go Enjoy Something, guys!

FC

Talk About Tuesday

 

In Which I've Had A Productive Week
(And It's Only Tuesday)

So far this week has been pretty great! On Sunday, I got to hang out with my guy, and we talked about a bunch of writing stuff that gave me some new ideas and I ended up writing about 350 words in the story I'm writing featuring the Cooper character and the animatronic ideas I posted a while ago on a couple of Thursday Art Walks. I'm too lazy to go link them here, but they're back there, I promise lol.

I also did some crochet today - just one round so far on the Secret Project, but hey, that's how it is sometimes!

And I've got some ideas of what to do about my next crochet project, too! And I feel like writing more! And I'm just on a wonderful creative upswing again!

It was so warm the last few days - reached nearly 60℉/15,6℃ on Sunday, made it to around 52℉/11,1℃ yesterday - but today is cloudy and gray and only around 46℉/7,8℃. The chill in the air is very appealing to me, though it does mean I've spent today inside rather than enjoying the weather. It might even rain later today, so inside very much appeals!

The cat has been enjoying the weather lately, too. She's been getting hours-long walks every day this week, and that includes today - though she noped out of the breeze lol.

My plans for the rest of this week are simple enough:

Tomorrow I'll sketch and brainstorm art ideas

Thursday I'll post an art blog

Friday I'll go for a walk

Saturday & Sunday I'll work on crochet so that on Monday I'll have something to blog about

Next Tuesday I'll be back to blather!

It's my younger sister's birthday coming up. I hope I can finish her gift in time!

No word on what it is here, though, since she might see it.

Also gotta make some stuff for Mother's Day!

And prep for Father's Day, since I miss it every single year somehow...

What else have I been up to?

Hmm...

Well, I've been watching more episodes of Ghost Adventures as I keep doing research for my future ghost hunting story. Most of the time I watch GA, though, I end up screaming "HAVE YOU NEVER HEARD WHAT A FERAL CAT SOUNDS LIKE? THAT'S A CAT IN HEAT, NOT A WOMAN!" or "OF COURSE THE DOOR SHUT, YOU'VE GOT THESE STUPID BULKY 2009 CAMERAS AND YOU JUMBLED IT CLOSED!" or "NOT A GHOST, JUST A HOMELESS DUDE - LEAVE HIM ALONE."

It's... cathartic.

I think I've already run out of interesting stuff to talk about lol! Boy am I dull lol :) I prefer it that way - being boring is a difficult thing. It's hard to be boring in a world that demands predictable extroversion. World says "party! get wasted! record yourself for social media's sake!", but I say "curl up on your creaking bed with a cup of coffee and a novel and enjoy just being for a bit."

And most importantly,

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday

Progress Continues!

I did some more work on the Secret Project/Mystery Project this week, and I'm pleased to announce we have left the realm of Multiple Single Crochet Rounds! After this week, we'll be reducing, making One (1) round of single crochet, and repeating that pattern for a bit. You'll see next week.

Here's what we've got so far:

Round 1: sc 6 into magic ring (6 sc)

R2: 2sc around (12 sc)

R3: [2sc, sc] around (18 sc)

R4: [sc, 2sc, sc] (24 sc)

R5: [2sc, sc in next 3 sts] (30 sc)

R6: sc around (30 sc)

R7: [sc in next 2 sts, 2sc, sc in next 2 sts] around (36 sc)

R8: [2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (42 sc)

R9: [sc in next 3 sts, 2sc, sc in next 3 sts] around (48 sc)

R10: [2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (54 sts)

R11: [sc in next 4 sts, 2sc, sc in next 4 sts] around (60 sc)

R12-13: sc around (60 sc)

R14: [2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (66 sc)

R15: [sc in next 5 sts, 2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (72 sc)

R16: [2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (78 sc)

R17: [sc in next 6 sts, 2sc, sc in next 6 sts] around (84 sc)

R18: [2sc, sc in next 13 sts] around (90 sc)

R19-21: sc around (90 sc)

R22: [sc in next 7 sts, 2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (96 sc)

R23: [2sc, sc in next 15 sts] around (102 sc)

R24: [sc in next 8 sts, 2sc, sc in next 8 sts] around (108 sc)

R25: [2sc, sc in next 17 sts] around (114 sc)

R26: [sc in next 9 sts, 2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (120 sc)

R27-30: sc around (120 sc)

R31: [2sc, sc in next 19 sts] around (126 sc)

R32: [sc in next 10 sts, 2sc, sc in next 10 sts] around (132 sc)

R33: [2sc, sc in next 21 sts] around (138 sc)

R34: [sc in next 11 sts, 2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (144 sc)

R35: [2sc, sc in next 23 sts] around (150 sc)

R36-40: sc around (150 sc)

R41: [sc 2 together, sc 23] around (144 sc)

R42-47: sc around (144 sc)

R48: [sc 11, sc 2 together, sc 11] around (138 sc)

R49-55: sc around (138 sc)

R56: [sc 2 together, sc 21] around (132 sc)

R57-64: sc around (132sc)

R65: [sc 10, sc 2 tog, sc 10] around (126 sc)

R66-74: sc around (126 sc)

R75: [sc 2 tog, sc 19] around (120 sc)

R76-84: sc around (120 sc)

R85: sc around, sl st to first sc (120 sc)

R86: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in each sc around, sl st in top of ch3 (120 sc)

R87: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in next 10 dc; yarn over, insert hook into next dc, pull through 1 loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (does not count as 1st foundation dc), foundation dc next 96 stitches, then (being careful not to twist) dc in the 12th dc from the end of the round, dc to the end of the round (24 dc, 96 foundation dc = 120 dc); sl st to top of ch3, fasten off.

You should now have something that looks like a hinged ring or a handle attached to an odd, pear-shaped pouch. Now we’ll begin the underside of the lid (this is going to be weird, I’m sorry).

Form a magic ring from the same color as you’ve been using. I use a double-magic-ring for added security but you can start this in the round however you like.

R1: ch3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), dc 11 in ring, sl st to the top of the ch3 (12dc)

R2: ch3, fpdc in same dc, (dc in next dc, fpdc in same dc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (12dc, 12fpdc = 24st)

R3: ch3, dc in next st, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 2 st, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (24dc, 

2fpdc = 36st)

R4: ch3, dc in next 2 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (36dc, 

2fpdc = 48st)

R5: ch3, dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (48dc, 12fpdc = 60st)

R6: ch3, dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (60dc, 

2fpdc = 72st)

R7: ch3, dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (72dc,  2fpdc = 84st)

R8: ch3, dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (84dc, 12fpdc = 96st)

R9: ch3, dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (96dc, 12fpdc = 108st)

R10: ch3, dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 9 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (108dc, 12fpdc = 120st)

Take your hook out of the disc you formed (which we will now refer to as the “Lid”), then choose a spot to attach it to on the weird flap/hinge part of the first piece (which we’ll now refer to as the “Body”). With the ridged pattern facing downward (towards the open mouth of the Body), insert your hook back through one stitch of the Body’s hinge/flap and back into the loop of the Lid. We will be making our stitches through the hinge/flap stitches and back into the Lid for this round.

R11: ch3 (pull the first loop all the way through the hinge/flap stitch to make your 1st ch), dc in next 9 dc going through the corresponding flap/hinge stitches as you go; on the next stitch, do not go back through the hinge/flap stitch to make your fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around until the last fpdc, which is basically impossible (if you figure it out, great!) so just fake it til you make it; sl st in top of ch3. (120dc + 12fpdc = 132 sts)

You should have something that looks a bit like a sand dollar stuck in a ring.

R12: ch3, dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (132dc + 12fpdc = 144 sts)

R13: ch3, dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (144dc + 12fpdc = 156 sts)

R14: ch3, dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (156dc + 12fpdc = 168sts)

R15: ch3, dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (168dc + 12fpdc = 180sts)

R16: ch3, dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (180dc + 12fpdc = 192sts)

R17: ch3, dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (192dc + 12fpdc = 204sts)

R18: ch3, dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (204dc + 12fpdc = 216sts)

R19: ch3, dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (216dc + 12fpdc = 228sts)

R20: ch3, dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (228dc + 12fpdc = 240sts)

R21: ch3, dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (240dc + 12fpdc = 252sts)

R22: ch3, dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (252dc + 12fpdc = 264sts)

R23: ch3, dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (264dc + 12fpdc = 276sts)

R24: ch3, dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (276dc + 12fpdc = 288sts)

R25: ch3, dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 24 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (288dc + 12fpdc = 300sts)

You'll have a nice big weird ribbed disc now, but we're not done yet!

R26: ch3, insert hook through back loops of next dc - by this I mean the back loop usually used and there should be a very small wrapped section just below that loop that you can wiggle the hook onto. If you cannot find that, don't worry, just work in back loops only to the end of the round, otherwise, dc into both loops around, change to your second color in the end of the last dc, sl st in top of ch3 to join. (300 sts)

R27: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, hdc in next dc, sc in next dc, sl st in next 146 dc, sc in next dc, hdc in next dc, dc in last 75 dc, sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (150 dc, 2 hdc, 2sc, 146 sl st = 300 sts)

R28: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, foundation dc 150 stitches, skip the sc, hdc, and sl st, dc in next 75 dc, sl st in top of ch 3 to join. (300 dc)

R29-32: ch2, hdc around, sl st in top of ch2 to join. (300 hdc)

After this row, work in a spiral without joining

R33-47: sc around (300 sc)

At any point in these single crochet rounds, you should start to sew in your zipper!

R48: [sc2tog, sc in next 23 sc] around (288 sc)

R49-60: sc around (288 sc)

R61: [sc in next 11 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 11sc] around (276 sc)

R62-73: sc around (276 sc)

R74: [sc2tog, sc in next 21 sc] around (264 sc)

R75-80: sc around (264 sc)

R81: [sc in next 10 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 10 sc] around (252 sc)

R82-87: sc around (252 sc)

R88: [sc2tog, sc in next 19 sc] (240 sc)

R89-94: sc around (240 sc)

R95: [sc in next 9 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 9 sc] around (228 sc)

R96-98: sc around (228 sc)

R99: [sc2tog, sc in next 17 sc] around (216 sc)

R100-102: sc around (216 sc)

This Week:

R103: [sc in next 8 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 8 sc] (204 sc)

R104-106: sc around (204 sc)

R107: [sc2tog, sc in next 15 sc] around (192 sc)

R108-110: sc around (192 sc)

R111: [sc in next 7 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 7 sc] (180 sc)

R112: sc around (180 sc)

We're getting so close! SO FREAKIN CLOSE!!!

I have to admit, I'm gonna be so stoked when this project is done lol. I have an idea of what to do to stabilize things (spoilers: it involves wire, single crochet, and sewing...) but we'll have to wait and see if that works.

Also, I'm... running out of red thread from the first new spool. Already.

This project is apparently quite the yarn-eater!

Getting so excited to finish!

Hope all of your projects are going well, too, but this'll do it from me - kinda tired from all the hooking today :P

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Thursday Art Walk

 

It Is So Nice Out!

Today's been Very Much A Day, but at least the weather has been lovely. It's been warm and sunny all day long. The breeze is cold, but can you really beat a 49℉/9,4℃ day where the grass is green and the lawn is getting starry with wildflowers?

Even if those wildflowers are dandelions?

"Dandy"; watercolor brush pen on watercolor paper; 2022

I'm still figuring out the best ways to use and blend these brush pens, but I'm fairly happy with the way the flowers & leaves came out!

I was working on the confetti-ish background when my mom's mom stopped by to visit and needed help with some medical stuff (as far as I'm aware, she's going to be alright!). That took some doing, and then the cat needed out, so I got her ready while my mom enjoyed her coffee. After walkies, we ate some ginger snaps and I finished up the painting.

Confession: this painting is, for some reason, uncentered. It's far more on the left-hand side of the page than the right-hand, and I don't really know what I was thinking. Also, the brown shadow for the ground is too high up and not rounded enough, so it looks a little clumpy. I should try this again sometime!

I was thinking of maybe taking a walk today but... honestly, I'm already worn out and my back hurts, so I'll probably just stay in unless my mom decides to take bottles back or something.

I might sketch some more and see if I can start next week's drawing, too!

Regardless, that'll do it for me today!

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Talk About Tuesday

 

In Which I Struggle With Timekeeping

I was supposed to write this blog post 12 hours ago, but uh... I didn't wake up until almost noon. I started writing tonight after 9:30PM (2130 in 24hr). I didn't sleep well, though. I kept waking up. Sometimes it was the wind (we had 35-40mph/56,3-64,4kph gusts), sometimes the rain (we got almost 1.5"/3,81cm of rain last night), and sometimes I just felt cold (it was only about 38℉/3,33℃).

tl;dr - I overslept in tiny, unsatisfying chunks all night because the weather sucked so now I'm mildly grumpy and my brain is lumpy.

In nicer news, tomorrow should be sunny, though it'll still be windy, so I might go do some errands to get outside for more than five minutes. Then I'll do my best to write some notes, do some crochet, sketch, etc.

I wish I'd finished something artistic last Thursday, but it wasn't gonna happen. The art project I was trying out just didn't work right, and none of my sketches looked even mildly presentable. Bleh. Just not having a very creative time lately.

I keep thinking I'd like to work on something like a clay sculpture, but let's be real, I'm not spending money on yet another art supply I'll get bored with in 3 weeks. And if you buy clay, you have to buy something to paint it with, and acrylics can be as pricey as watercolors. Bleh.

You know what, though...

I think it might be my bed.

See, usually, my bed only squeaks if I rock back and forth, but now it's freaking insane. It groans and squeals when I move even a little. Yes, I'm heavier than I was even a year ago, but... I'm pretty sure it did this last year, too. In fact, I think it did something similar in the fall...

I'm dumb.

Of course the bed makes noise. It's a transition period. Relative humidity, temperatures, and air pressure are in flux. My bed frame is over 70% wood (the only metal being the rails). Of course it's having issues!

I'm glad I've figured that one out!

Anywho, here's the plan for the next 7 days:

Tomorrow - go outside, touch grass, maybe do some sketches, some errands, etc.

Thursday - Art. I hope.

Friday-Sunday - catch up on crochet, maybe work on some of my book ideas.

Monday - Crochet!

Next Tuesday - Blather!

Alright. I think that'll do it for me. I am le pooped lol!

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday

 

Behold: More Secret Project!

I know, I know, I forgot to post art on Thursday. I have no excuses - I worked on stuff all day on Thursday! However, despite Sunday being Easter, I was able to do more work on the Secret Project!

Here is the Pattern So Far!

Round 1: sc 6 into magic ring (6 sc)

R2: 2sc around (12 sc)

R3: [2sc, sc] around (18 sc)

R4: [sc, 2sc, sc] (24 sc)

R5: [2sc, sc in next 3 sts] (30 sc)

R6: sc around (30 sc)

R7: [sc in next 2 sts, 2sc, sc in next 2 sts] around (36 sc)

R8: [2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (42 sc)

R9: [sc in next 3 sts, 2sc, sc in next 3 sts] around (48 sc)

R10: [2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (54 sts)

R11: [sc in next 4 sts, 2sc, sc in next 4 sts] around (60 sc)

R12-13: sc around (60 sc)

R14: [2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (66 sc)

R15: [sc in next 5 sts, 2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (72 sc)

R16: [2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (78 sc)

R17: [sc in next 6 sts, 2sc, sc in next 6 sts] around (84 sc)

R18: [2sc, sc in next 13 sts] around (90 sc)

R19-21: sc around (90 sc)

R22: [sc in next 7 sts, 2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (96 sc)

R23: [2sc, sc in next 15 sts] around (102 sc)

R24: [sc in next 8 sts, 2sc, sc in next 8 sts] around (108 sc)

R25: [2sc, sc in next 17 sts] around (114 sc)

R26: [sc in next 9 sts, 2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (120 sc)

R27-30: sc around (120 sc)

R31: [2sc, sc in next 19 sts] around (126 sc)

R32: [sc in next 10 sts, 2sc, sc in next 10 sts] around (132 sc)

R33: [2sc, sc in next 21 sts] around (138 sc)

R34: [sc in next 11 sts, 2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (144 sc)

R35: [2sc, sc in next 23 sts] around (150 sc)

R36-40: sc around (150 sc)

R41: [sc 2 together, sc 23] around (144 sc)

R42-47: sc around (144 sc)

R48: [sc 11, sc 2 together, sc 11] around (138 sc)

R49-55: sc around (138 sc)

R56: [sc 2 together, sc 21] around (132 sc)

R57-64: sc around (132sc)

R65: [sc 10, sc 2 tog, sc 10] around (126 sc)

R66-74: sc around (126 sc)

R75: [sc 2 tog, sc 19] around (120 sc)

R76-84: sc around (120 sc)

R85: sc around, sl st to first sc (120 sc)

R86: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in each sc around, sl st in top of ch3 (120 sc)

R87: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in next 10 dc; yarn over, insert hook into next dc, pull through 1 loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (does not count as 1st foundation dc), foundation dc next 96 stitches, then (being careful not to twist) dc in the 12th dc from the end of the round, dc to the end of the round (24 dc, 96 foundation dc = 120 dc); sl st to top of ch3, fasten off.

You should now have something that looks like a hinged ring or a handle attached to an odd, pear-shaped pouch. Now we’ll begin the underside of the lid (this is going to be weird, I’m sorry).

Form a magic ring from the same color as you’ve been using. I use a double-magic-ring for added security but you can start this in the round however you like.

R1: ch3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), dc 11 in ring, sl st to the top of the ch3 (12dc)

R2: ch3, fpdc in same dc, (dc in next dc, fpdc in same dc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (12dc, 12fpdc = 24st)

R3: ch3, dc in next st, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 2 st, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (24dc, 12fpdc = 36st)

R4: ch3, dc in next 2 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (36dc, 12fpdc = 48st)

R5: ch3, dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (48dc, 12fpdc = 60st)

R6: ch3, dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (60dc, 12fpdc = 72st)

R7: ch3, dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (72dc, 12fpdc = 84st)

R8: ch3, dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (84dc, 12fpdc = 96st)

R9: ch3, dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (96dc, 12fpdc = 108st)

R10: ch3, dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 9 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (108dc, 12fpdc = 120st)

Take your hook out of the disc you formed (which we will now refer to as the “Lid”), then choose a spot to attach it to on the weird flap/hinge part of the first piece (which we’ll now refer to as the “Body”). With the ridged pattern facing downward (towards the open mouth of the Body), insert your hook back through one stitch of the Body’s hinge/flap and back into the loop of the Lid. We will be making our stitches through the hinge/flap stitches and back into the Lid for this round.

R11: ch3 (pull the first loop all the way through the hinge/flap stitch to make your 1st ch), dc in next 9 dc going through the corresponding flap/hinge stitches as you go; on the next stitch, do not go back through the hinge/flap stitch to make your fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around until the last fpdc, which is basically impossible (if you figure it out, great!) so just fake it til you make it; sl st in top of ch3. (120dc + 12fpdc = 132 sts)

You should have something that looks a bit like a sand dollar stuck in a ring.

R12: ch3, dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (132dc + 12fpdc = 144 sts)

R13: ch3, dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (144dc + 12fpdc = 156 sts)

R14: ch3, dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (156dc + 12fpdc = 168sts)

R15: ch3, dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (168dc + 12fpdc = 180sts)

R16: ch3, dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (180dc + 12fpdc = 192sts)

R17: ch3, dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (192dc + 12fpdc = 204sts)

R18: ch3, dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (204dc + 12fpdc = 216sts)

R19: ch3, dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (216dc + 12fpdc = 228sts)

R20: ch3, dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (228dc + 12fpdc = 240sts)

R21: ch3, dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (240dc + 12fpdc = 252sts)

R22: ch3, dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (252dc + 12fpdc = 264sts)

R23: ch3, dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (264dc + 12fpdc = 276sts)

R24: ch3, dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (276dc + 12fpdc = 288sts)

R25: ch3, dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 24 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (288dc + 12fpdc = 300sts)

You'll have a nice big weird ribbed disc now, but we're not done yet!

R26: ch3, insert hook through back loops of next dc - by this I mean the back loop usually used and there should be a very small wrapped section just below that loop that you can wiggle the hook onto. If you cannot find that, don't worry, just work in back loops only to the end of the round, otherwise, dc into both loops around, change to your second color in the end of the last dc, sl st in top of ch3 to join. (300 sts)

R27: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, hdc in next dc, sc in next dc, sl st in next 146 dc, sc in next dc, hdc in next dc, dc in last 75 dc, sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (150 dc, 2 hdc, 2sc, 146 sl st = 300 sts)

R28: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, foundation dc 150 stitches, skip the sc, hdc, and sl st, dc in next 75 dc, sl st in top of ch 3 to join. (300 dc)

R29-32: ch2, hdc around, sl st in top of ch2 to join. (300 hdc)

After this row, work in a spiral without joining

R33-47: sc around (300 sc)

At any point in these single crochet rounds, you should start to sew in your zipper!

R48: [sc2tog, sc in next 23 sc] around (288 sc)

R49-60: sc around (288 sc)

R61: [sc in next 11 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 11sc] around (276 sc)

R62-73: sc around (276 sc)

R74: [sc2tog, sc in next 21 sc] around (264 sc)

R75-80: sc around (264 sc)

R81: [sc in next 10 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 10 sc] around (252 sc)

R82-87: sc around (252 sc)

R88: [sc2tog, sc in next 19 sc] (240 sc)

R89-94: sc around (240 sc)

This Week:

R95: [sc in next 9 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 9 sc] around (228 sc)

R96-98: sc around (228 sc)

R99: [sc2tog, sc in next 17 sc] around (216 sc)

R100-102: sc around (216 sc)

This Picture was taken at R100

As you can see, this baby is getting pretty darn tall! soon we'll be cinching in the top, and then we'll be adding closures to the pale dangly part and a few other things, but we'll probably be done in the next few weeks!

Thanks for all your patience, guys. If you've stuck through this project from the beginning, you've got more patience than me lol!

I'll probably work more on this tomorrow, since we'll be having a wind & rain storm here, and I won't be going outside at all. At least Wednesday's supposed to be sunny... it'll just also have gusts up to 34mph (54,7kph)!

I have a few ideas on what to do for my next Big Project on here, too, based on some discoveries I've made...

Anywho, that'll do it for me today - I've got a shower to take and some music to listen to!

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Talk About Tuesday

 

In Which It Is Warming Up!

I'm pretty sure it reached 58℉ (14,4℃) today during the short period where we got sun instead of sprinkles, and with the sun came a flock of wild turkeys! We had a very tall tom and six hens, all of whom converged on my mother's bird feeders. Thankfully, none of them tried to empty the feeders themselves, but they were certainly cleaning up the mess the squirrels and chipmunks left behind! That tom could've probably just stood all the way up and eaten from the feeders himself if he'd wanted, to be honest. He was truly enormous!

Sometimes, when we see wildlife in my back yard, they're not very healthy. It's the 21st century and I'm about a mile from the center of town. It can feel like we're in the middle of nowhere when my neighbors all seem to own poultry or livestock of their own (seriously, our newest neighbors have brought a pair of either lambs or kids onto their property, and I'm a bit baffled, to be honest), but I can see Domino's and the busiest street in town from my childhood bedroom. It's not a rural neighborhood. Anything wild does run the risk of mange or accidental poisoning - especially since the dump is close enough to smell on a bad day.

We've had sick coyotes, poisoned owls, tick-ridden deer, and possibly possessed squirrels.

But those turkeys were some of the healthiest animals I've ever seen!

The tom was completely relaxed, too - he just milled around under the feeders with his harem, utterly unbothered by my face plastered to the window quite obviously. Evie was enraptured with them, for a bit, but since she's a cat, she got bored pretty fast and went back to trying to convince one of us to take her out to hunt the poor chipmunk. She's got a vendetta on the poor lil guy...

Also I found a fly and a cellar spider in my room. These bugs combined with the abundance of healthy wildlife outside and the balmy-yet-damp weather tell me that it indeed spring is upon us. Fred, the cellar spider, has been relocated to the basement, where they will continue their duties as an exterminator in peace. No one will bother them in the bulkhead, so they'll get to keep chilling. The fly has vanished and I can only hope it found its way downstairs and possibly out of my dang house. Don't need any maggots up here, thanks. I'm good.

I may have to put my window fan in tonight. I'm pretty toasty and I have my lightest sheet on and the ceiling fan on. I would rather not put the window fan in before my folks turn off the heat, though.

Regardless, I've got work I am going to do this week!

Tomorrow I'll be sketching and figuring out what art to make.

Thursday I'll be posting an Art Blog!

Friday-Sunday I'll be working on my crochet

Monday I'll post the next part of the Mystery Project!

Next Tuesday I'll be back here blathering again lol.

I think that'll about do it for me tonight. My brain is pudding and I cannot think lol!

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday

 

In Which I Did More Secret Mystery Project!

This week I did a little more on the Mystery Project, and I also started writing out the rest of the pattern for the Red Section (which we're still on currently lol). I have been using one of the Stitch Counters I got from my great aunt to keep track of how many rounds I've done, and that has helped immensely!

Here's the pattern so far:

Round 1: sc 6 into magic ring (6 sc)

R2: 2sc around (12 sc)

R3: [2sc, sc] around (18 sc)

R4: [sc, 2sc, sc] (24 sc)

R5: [2sc, sc in next 3 sts] (30 sc)

R6: sc around (30 sc)

R7: [sc in next 2 sts, 2sc, sc in next 2 sts] around (36 sc)

R8: [2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (42 sc)

R9: [sc in next 3 sts, 2sc, sc in next 3 sts] around (48 sc)

R10: [2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (54 sts)

R11: [sc in next 4 sts, 2sc, sc in next 4 sts] around (60 sc)

R12-13: sc around (60 sc)

R14: [2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (66 sc)

R15: [sc in next 5 sts, 2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (72 sc)

R16: [2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (78 sc)

R17: [sc in next 6 sts, 2sc, sc in next 6 sts] around (84 sc)

R18: [2sc, sc in next 13 sts] around (90 sc)

R19-21: sc around (90 sc)

R22: [sc in next 7 sts, 2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (96 sc)

R23: [2sc, sc in next 15 sts] around (102 sc)

R24: [sc in next 8 sts, 2sc, sc in next 8 sts] around (108 sc)

R25: [2sc, sc in next 17 sts] around (114 sc)

R26: [sc in next 9 sts, 2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (120 sc)

R27-30: sc around (120 sc)

R31: [2sc, sc in next 19 sts] around (126 sc)

R32: [sc in next 10 sts, 2sc, sc in next 10 sts] around (132 sc)

R33: [2sc, sc in next 21 sts] around (138 sc)

R34: [sc in next 11 sts, 2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (144 sc)

R35: [2sc, sc in next 23 sts] around (150 sc)

R36-40: sc around (150 sc)

R41: [sc 2 together, sc 23] around (144 sc)

R42-47: sc around (144 sc)

R48: [sc 11, sc 2 together, sc 11] around (138 sc)

R49-55: sc around (138 sc)

R56: [sc 2 together, sc 21] around (132 sc)

R57-64: sc around (132sc)

R65: [sc 10, sc 2 tog, sc 10] around (126 sc)

R66-74: sc around (126 sc)

R75: [sc 2 tog, sc 19] around (120 sc)

R76-84: sc around (120 sc)

R85: sc around, sl st to first sc (120 sc)

R86: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in each sc around, sl st in top of ch3 (120 sc)

R87: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in next 10 dc; yarn over, insert hook into next dc, pull through 1 loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (does not count as 1st foundation dc), foundation dc next 96 stitches, then (being careful not to twist) dc in the 12th dc from the end of the round, dc to the end of the round (24 dc, 96 foundation dc = 120 dc); sl st to top of ch3, fasten off.

You should now have something that looks like a hinged ring or a handle attached to an odd, pear-shaped pouch. Now we’ll begin the underside of the lid (this is going to be weird, I’m sorry).

Form a magic ring from the same color as you’ve been using. I use a double-magic-ring for added security but you can start this in the round however you like.

R1: ch3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), dc 11 in ring, sl st to the top of the ch3 (12dc)

R2: ch3, fpdc in same dc, (dc in next dc, fpdc in same dc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (12dc, 12fpdc = 24st)

R3: ch3, dc in next st, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 2 st, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (24dc, 12fpdc = 36st)

R4: ch3, dc in next 2 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (36dc, 12fpdc = 48st)

R5: ch3, dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (48dc, 12fpdc = 60st)

R6: ch3, dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (60dc, 12fpdc = 72st)

R7: ch3, dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (72dc, 12fpdc = 84st)

R8: ch3, dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (84dc, 12fpdc = 96st)

R9: ch3, dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (96dc, 12fpdc = 108st)

R10: ch3, dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 9 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (108dc, 12fpdc = 120st)

Take your hook out of the disc you formed (which we will now refer to as the “Lid”), then choose a spot to attach it to on the weird flap/hinge part of the first piece (which we’ll now refer to as the “Body”). With the ridged pattern facing downward (towards the open mouth of the Body), insert your hook back through one stitch of the Body’s hinge/flap and back into the loop of the Lid. We will be making our stitches through the hinge/flap stitches and back into the Lid for this round.

R11: ch3 (pull the first loop all the way through the hinge/flap stitch to make your 1st ch), dc in next 9 dc going through the corresponding flap/hinge stitches as you go; on the next stitch, do not go back through the hinge/flap stitch to make your fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around until the last fpdc, which is basically impossible (if you figure it out, great!) so just fake it til you make it; sl st in top of ch3. (120dc + 12fpdc = 132 sts)

You should have something that looks a bit like a sand dollar stuck in a ring.

R12: ch3, dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (132dc + 12fpdc = 144 sts)

R13: ch3, dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (144dc + 12fpdc = 156 sts)

R14: ch3, dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (156dc + 12fpdc = 168sts)

R15: ch3, dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (168dc + 12fpdc = 180sts)

R16: ch3, dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (180dc + 12fpdc = 192sts)

R17: ch3, dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (192dc + 12fpdc = 204sts)

R18: ch3, dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (204dc + 12fpdc = 216sts)

R19: ch3, dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (216dc + 12fpdc = 228sts)

R20: ch3, dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (228dc + 12fpdc = 240sts)

R21: ch3, dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (240dc + 12fpdc = 252sts)

R22: ch3, dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (252dc + 12fpdc = 264sts)

R23: ch3, dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (264dc + 12fpdc = 276sts)

R24: ch3, dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (276dc + 12fpdc = 288sts)

R25: ch3, dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 24 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (288dc + 12fpdc = 300sts)

You'll have a nice big weird ribbed disc now, but we're not done yet!

R26: ch3, insert hook through back loops of next dc - by this I mean the back loop usually used and there should be a very small wrapped section just below that loop that you can wiggle the hook onto. If you cannot find that, don't worry, just work in back loops only to the end of the round, otherwise, dc into both loops around, change to your second color in the end of the last dc, sl st in top of ch3 to join. (300 sts)

R27: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, hdc in next dc, sc in next dc, sl st in next 146 dc, sc in next dc, hdc in next dc, dc in last 75 dc, sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (150 dc, 2 hdc, 2sc, 146 sl st = 300 sts)

R28: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, foundation dc 150 stitches, skip the sc, hdc, and sl st, dc in next 75 dc, sl st in top of ch 3 to join. (300 dc)

R29-32: ch2, hdc around, sl st in top of ch2 to join. (300 hdc)

After this row, work in a spiral without joining

R33-47: sc around (300 sc)

At any point in these single crochet rounds, you should start to sew in your zipper!

R48: [sc2tog, sc in next 23 sc] around (288 sc)

R49-60: sc around (288 sc)

R61: [sc in next 11 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 11sc] around (276 sc)

R62-73: sc around (276 sc)

R74: [sc2tog, sc in next 21 sc] around (264 sc)

R75-80: sc around (264 sc)

This week:

R81: [sc in next 10 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 10 sc] around (252 sc)

R82-87: sc around (252 sc)

R88: [sc2tog, sc in next 19 sc] (240 sc)

R89-94: sc around (240 sc)

Scissors and laptop cord for scale lol

As you can see, it's a big project. We'll be closing in the top soon, though, and then I'll show you how to finish the project with one more closure, a strap, and some embellishments!

That'll do it for my projects this week - I'm still working on some other stuff, but nothing's ready to share, yet!

How are all of your projects coming along?

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Thursday Art Walk

 

I Sketched A Bit Today!

I would like to apologize for how late this is. Nothing I tried to do to actually put this set of images on the internet worked. I'm still trying to calm down from how absolutely awfully the upload process went (hope I didn't break my hand earlier when I hit the table because I literally could not light the image without my shadow popping through after the scanner failed for the fifteenth time)...

"The Great Indoors" sketch; 2022

These are the animatronics from the idea I had for Cooper! Each animatronic has a specific job they do, and yes, one is flipping another off. He is not around kids much, so he never had the "be nice" protocols installed lol.

"Posie"

Posie is a cottagecore opossum who is in charge of younger kids. She has first aid programming, and her pouch (she has a pouch!) is designed to hold a child up to about 100lbs in case of emergency. She wears two-piece outfits because of the pouch, but they're all incredibly frilly and quaint, and yes, she always has a flower crown. Her prehensile tail can lift anything up to 1000lbs, provided her tail can wrap around it. She's around 9'8" tall (that's around 295cm) and her favorite color is lavender!

"Teacup"

Oh Teacup. He's a short lil flying squirrel with an aviator cap and goggles and a very big attitude. Sure, he's only 3'0" (around 91cm), but he is the security system for The Great Indoors (just like he was at The Fun Zone 3000). He can move as fast as a real flying squirrel, and he is connected wirelessly to all of the video cameras. He's a lot stronger than you'd think, too, having enough strength to drag two grown adults if he had to. Teacup was only the second animatronic built, and he was never really meant to interact with the children, so he can be... rude. As rude as Teacup can be, he is excellent at his job and would defend his fellow animatronics and the guests at The Great Indoors to the death if he had to. He also likes to sneak into the daycare to nap in Posie's pouch.

"Andy"

Andy the Raccoon is quite the outdoorsman! As a 9'0" (174cm) animatronic racoon, you wouldn't really expect him to be the designated guide for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, but that's one of his duties! He has been programmed to identify pretty much anything in nature, has a built-in GPS, and he's completely weatherproofed. He loves his job, but boy, is it exhausting, and once the kids are gone for the day, he's about as cranky as can be. He just wants to unwind and rest once his work is done. Unfortunately for Andy, his coworkers are much more social and all want to hang out with him, so he's usually grumpily going along with whatever their plans are. He and Teacup have almost a Big Brother/Bratty Little Brother relationship going on, which is funny, since Teacup is older than Andy, but despite their antagonistic behavior, Andy loves him. He just wants a nap, is all.

"Howler"

Howler is technically the newest animatronic. He's also technically the oldest animatronic. As the "switchboard operator" who monitors the wi-fi, walkie-talkies, and employee phones, he's been given a reputation as a snitch and someone you can't trust with secrets, but that isn't the case at all. This 7'6" (229cm) coyote will take your secrets to the scrapyard... so long as they don't impact the quality of life for everyone living and working at The Great Indoors. Howler has no color added to his fur, and he usually wears gray clothing, but he does have one colorful accessory - an earring with a copper feather dangling from it. The feather is from his first incarnation as a Microraptor named Buddy. Buddy had been the first, but the owner of The Fun Zone 3000 literally tore him to pieces. When Buddy's AI chip was recovered, the other animatronics secretly uploaded it to the Maintenance Mainframe in the hopes that their friend could be automatically rebuilt with the 3d printers and other manufacturing machines, but... out came Howler, who was very much Not Buddy. Where Buddy had an almost childlike approach to the world (which made sense for a greeter & receptionist!), Howler is a mature yet coy being who is always just a little ahead of the game.

I can't wait to get to write more about these guys!

How about you all? How are your creative projects coming?

That'll do it for me - the struggle to upload those images was enough to make me bonkers, so I'll just settle in for the night.

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Talk About Tuesday

 

In Which I Cooked Myself lol

Today was an incredibly beautiful day. The sky was practically Microsoft blue, no clouds, breezy but not cold, and so warm! It was only supposed to reach 50℉ (10℃) but it actually was about 58℉ (14,4℃)! I overdressed on my walk and cooked myself. You wouldn't think a tank top and a 30 year old fleece jacket would be too much on a day like this, but whoo boy, did I get a headache. My cheeks were like apple-shaped furnaces, and my palms are hot and dry. That's a right cooking right there.

Thankfully I'm feeling much better after a delicious BLT from the local co-op, some Chocolove with toffee bits, and about a gallon of water!

Unfortunately the cat is not feeling her best. She's been urpy all day, and she's the reason I just had to pop the table cloth in the washing machine. Don't worry, I used a cold, light setting, and I'm drying it on delicate with some other light-colored and lightweight clothes (some tees and over shirts), and I'll try to replace it on the table tomorrow.

I also did a bunch of dishes, and after those got done, it meant that I shouldn't need to do more than just a cup, a bowl, a spoon, and probably chopsticks for myself and 2-3 plates for my cat (yes, she eats off of dinner plates, she's people too). Why three plates for a tiny cat? Because sometimes she wants to join my mother & me for coffee and since the poor lil kitty cannot drink coffee, we give her a splash of the half & half.

My mother exclusively buys the kind that's only made of milk & cream, no fillers! It also means that my morning mocha is extremely good.

Hopefully she feels better tomorrow and I can give her some cream and a cuddle before she wants out.

My plans for the next several days mostly involve house cleaning and furniture rearrangement, but I also plan to make some art on Thursday - maybe something in a sketchbook.

It's supposed to be cloudy tomorrow and about 10 degrees cooler, but perhaps the breeze will still be sufficient to get the cat inside after less than 2 hours of desperately trying to climb things she shouldn't climb.

Like the utility pole.

Or the neighbor's spruce.

Or (and she hasn't tried this - yet) the house.

Cats, man. What can you do?! Right now she's conked out in my dad's recliner in a Patriots blanket nest. Hopefully she gets some rest and water and feels better tomorrow. I wonder if she's just stressed that my mom is off helping my grandmother out?

This kitty be sleepy

Alright, I'm feeling pretty sleepy now, so I'll let y'all go!

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday

 

In My Defense I Am Super Tired

My brain is operating at about... maybe 40% right now? I'm the happy-dopey kind of tired, but it was sufficiently muzzy that I had to frog about every 3rd row lol.

I did finish the previous section of the Mystery Project, but I had to stop about halfway through this week's section, so your mileage may vary lol.

THE PATTERN SO FAR:

Round 1: sc 6 into magic ring (6 sc)

R2: 2sc around (12 sc)

R3: [2sc, sc] around (18 sc)

R4: [sc, 2sc, sc] (24 sc)

R5: [2sc, sc in next 3 sts] (30 sc)

R6: sc around (30 sc)

R7: [sc in next 2 sts, 2sc, sc in next 2 sts] around (36 sc)

R8: [2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (42 sc)

R9: [sc in next 3 sts, 2sc, sc in next 3 sts] around (48 sc)

R10: [2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (54 sts)

R11: [sc in next 4 sts, 2sc, sc in next 4 sts] around (60 sc)

R12-13: sc around (60 sc)

R14: [2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (66 sc)

R15: [sc in next 5 sts, 2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (72 sc)

R16: [2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (78 sc)

R17: [sc in next 6 sts, 2sc, sc in next 6 sts] around (84 sc)

R18: [2sc, sc in next 13 sts] around (90 sc)

R19-21: sc around (90 sc)

R22: [sc in next 7 sts, 2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (96 sc)

R23: [2sc, sc in next 15 sts] around (102 sc)

R24: [sc in next 8 sts, 2sc, sc in next 8 sts] around (108 sc)

R25: [2sc, sc in next 17 sts] around (114 sc)

R26: [sc in next 9 sts, 2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (120 sc)

R27-30: sc around (120 sc)

R31: [2sc, sc in next 19 sts] around (126 sc)

R32: [sc in next 10 sts, 2sc, sc in next 10 sts] around (132 sc)

R33: [2sc, sc in next 21 sts] around (138 sc)

R34: [sc in next 11 sts, 2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (144 sc)

R35: [2sc, sc in next 23 sts] around (150 sc)

R36-40: sc around (150 sc)

R41: [sc 2 together, sc 23] around (144 sc)

R42-47: sc around (144 sc)

R48: [sc 11, sc 2 together, sc 11] around (138 sc)

R49-55: sc around (138 sc)

R56: [sc 2 together, sc 21] around (132 sc)

R57-64: sc around (132sc)

R65: [sc 10, sc 2 tog, sc 10] around (126 sc)

R66-74: sc around (126 sc)

R75: [sc 2 tog, sc 19] around (120 sc)

R76-84: sc around (120 sc)

R85: sc around, sl st to first sc (120 sc)

R86: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in each sc around, sl st in top of ch3 (120 sc)

R87: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in next 10 dc; yarn over, insert hook into next dc, pull through 1 loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (does not count as 1st foundation dc), foundation dc next 96 stitches, then (being careful not to twist) dc in the 12th dc from the end of the round, dc to the end of the round (24 dc, 96 foundation dc = 120 dc); sl st to top of ch3, fasten off.

You should now have something that looks like a hinged ring or a handle attached to an odd, pear-shaped pouch. Now we’ll begin the underside of the lid (this is going to be weird, I’m sorry).

Form a magic ring from the same color as you’ve been using. I use a double-magic-ring for added security but you can start this in the round however you like.

R1: ch3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), dc 11 in ring, sl st to the top of the ch3 (12dc)

R2: ch3, fpdc in same dc, (dc in next dc, fpdc in same dc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (12dc, 12fpdc = 24st)

R3: ch3, dc in next st, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 2 st, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (24dc, 12fpdc = 36st)

R4: ch3, dc in next 2 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (36dc, 12fpdc = 48st)

R5: ch3, dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (48dc, 12fpdc = 60st)

R6: ch3, dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (60dc, 12fpdc = 72st)

R7: ch3, dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (72dc, 12fpdc = 84st)

R8: ch3, dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (84dc, 12fpdc = 96st)

R9: ch3, dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (96dc, 12fpdc = 108st)

R10: ch3, dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 9 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (108dc, 12fpdc = 120st)

Take your hook out of the disc you formed (which we will now refer to as the “Lid”), then choose a spot to attach it to on the weird flap/hinge part of the first piece (which we’ll now refer to as the “Body”). With the ridged pattern facing downward (towards the open mouth of the Body), insert your hook back through one stitch of the Body’s hinge/flap and back into the loop of the Lid. We will be making our stitches through the hinge/flap stitches and back into the Lid for this round.

R11: ch3 (pull the first loop all the way through the hinge/flap stitch to make your 1st ch), dc in next 9 dc going through the corresponding flap/hinge stitches as you go; on the next stitch, do not go back through the hinge/flap stitch to make your fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around until the last fpdc, which is basically impossible (if you figure it out, great!) so just fake it til you make it; sl st in top of ch3. (120dc + 12fpdc = 132 sts)

You should have something that looks a bit like a sand dollar stuck in a ring.

R12: ch3, dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (132dc + 12fpdc = 144 sts)

R13: ch3, dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (144dc + 12fpdc = 156 sts)

R14: ch3, dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (156dc + 12fpdc = 168sts)

R15: ch3, dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (168dc + 12fpdc = 180sts)

R16: ch3, dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (180dc + 12fpdc = 192sts)

R17: ch3, dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (192dc + 12fpdc = 204sts)

R18: ch3, dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (204dc + 12fpdc = 216sts)

R19: ch3, dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (216dc + 12fpdc = 228sts)

R20: ch3, dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (228dc + 12fpdc = 240sts)

R21: ch3, dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (240dc + 12fpdc = 252sts)

R22: ch3, dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (252dc + 12fpdc = 264sts)

R23: ch3, dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (264dc + 12fpdc = 276sts)

R24: ch3, dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (276dc + 12fpdc = 288sts)

R25: ch3, dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 24 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (288dc + 12fpdc = 300sts)

You'll have a nice big weird ribbed disc now, but we're not done yet!

R26: ch3, insert hook through back loops of next dc - by this I mean the back loop usually used and there should be a very small wrapped section just below that loop that you can wiggle the hook onto. If you cannot find that, don't worry, just work in back loops only to the end of the round, otherwise, dc into both loops around, change to your second color in the end of the last dc, sl st in top of ch3 to join. (300 sts)

R27: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, hdc in next dc, sc in next dc, sl st in next 146 dc, sc in next dc, hdc in next dc, dc in last 75 dc, sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (150 dc, 2 hdc, 2sc, 146 sl st = 300 sts)

R28: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, foundation dc 150 stitches, skip the sc, hdc, and sl st, dc in next 75 dc, sl st in top of ch 3 to join. (300 dc)

R29-32: ch2, hdc around, sl st in top of ch2 to join. (300 hdc)

After this row, work in a spiral without joining

R33-47: sc around (300 sc)

At any point in these single crochet rounds, you should start to sew in your zipper!

R48: [sc2tog, sc in next 23 sc] around (288 sc)

R49-60: sc around (288 sc)

R61: [sc in next 11 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 11sc] around (276 sc)

R62-73: sc around (276 sc)

THIS WEEK:

R74: [sc2tog, sc in next 21 sc] around (264 sc)

R75-80: sc around (264 sc)

Remember, kids, buy all the thread you need ahead of time because dyelots are impossible to match!

As you can see, I've got a very tall lid coming along. You... might want to reduce how many spiral rounds there are between each reduction round. My weird mathy plans are going to end up with a very, very tall lid. perhaps comically tall...

Then again, more lid = more chances to embellish later.

Perhaps I will add an amigurumi as a cute accessory later...

Or maybe not. We'll have to see if I can get the darn thing finished first!!! When we finish, I'll ask what/if I should add.

For now, though, I'm going to watch my cat sleep, brush my teeth, and then go curl up with my To Do list for tomorrow.

And boy are y'all gonna hear about that tomorrow lol!

In any case, though, Go Enjoy Something!

FC