Ambition: Chapter 2

Whimsical Tarot

So Monday seems to have rolled around rather quickly. Maybe too quickly. But you can see below that I have been super-productive during that past week, even if Auntie Fashion's blankey has been languishing in a corner, unloved and in desperate need of more yarn.

In line with last Monday's new project post, we did indeed start as planned. I have continued on, as my frustration threshold is, naturally, higher than Mini Diva's - she expects to be able to accomplish a new skill perfectly within minutes; I allow myself a few hours ...

All the granny squares in the ''200 Crochet Blocks'' book by Jan Eaton are made with a 4mm hook and DK yarn, and measure 6 inches square. Mine, also made with a 4mm hook and DK yarn, have varied from 7 inches to well over 9. What we have here is a failure to communicate I mean, achieve gauge: important if you need all squares to be the same size so they won't look too crazy when joined together: you can only count on the borders to correct so much wonkiness, not all of it. More's the pity.

I have down-sized to a 3.5mm hook, and I think the firmer fabric - as well as being closer to the size needed - actually looks as well as feels better: frankly, loose and floppy aren't really qualities I seek out in any area of my life.

All these squares have been rated in the book with 1 hook, meaning they are suitable for beginners. And my friend Denise has recommended me ''Granny Square Love'' by Sarah London, which I got from my library, and have started the relatively simple and unambitious project of a cushion cover: 

This project is also confirming for me that I hate I have terrible trouble big issues I find it challenging to be random: I like order, I like patterns, I like a certain predictability and structure. I like a - dare I use that most filthy of four-letter words ? - Plan.

So the whole 'use-up-the-tons-of-yarn-leftovers' idea might not be much of a goer. Just sayin'.

And then - as if the Universe and Mags knew that today was wet, cold and grey - the postman delivered this:

Beautiful jewelled blue Wollemeise, all the way from Holland. DH, knowing this was in transit to me, was hoping a few Stroopwafels might have fallen into the package (yes, Mags was his original wafel Pusher); but he will have to try this delicacy instead:

 

I shall tell him it's dog treats.

What do you mean ?

Of course, after he's eaten them. Need you really have asked ?