November at The Shack

Mother Nature: artist extraordinaire 

I took advantage of the long holiday weekend and drove up to The Shack. I had spent some time on Thanksgiving Day with some very special people. And even that was cut short by my migraine. On Friday the dogs and I headed up to my spot on a West Virginia ridge and spent the night. Today, Sunday, I'm back at the apartment. I am behind on chores; laundry, dishes, etc. And I am WAY behind on my paperwork. I have a long list of "to do" things today. 

Recently, work has been beyond busy. Headaches have been constant. I've been trying to stay productive and focused on my goals. Unfortunately, the thing I let slide most is this blog. I have many things I want to share about - just not the creative time and energy to share. And I am concerned that I won't be able to write a coherent sentence. Until I get back into the swing of things, I thought I'd say a quick hello and brief update.

Friday was beautiful weather at The Shack. I buried some acorns that I had gathered previously. I worry about my woods. Many of the mature trees are being pulled down by the invasive vines. I've been slowly but surely hacking away at the vines. But in reality, it is too little - too late for those trees. My plan is to plant new trees to replace the ones that have died. 

I had gathered these acorns from one of my favorite places - acorns that appeared to be sprouting. I brought them up to The Shack with me, dug little holes, and planted them. I have no idea if they'll come up or not. But it won't hurt to try.

While wandering around my woods - gathering dry kindling for the woodstove, I found this delicate little nest. The photo doesn't show how delicate it is. Made entirely of grasses. It is only 2 -3 feet off the ground. I'm going to do some research to see if I figure out what tiny momma raised her babies there.

The bluebirds, who raised their family in my rafters, are still there. One of them perched on a piece of rafter and watched me as I warmed up dinner.

Lunch was a cheese quesadilla on the grill. Dinner was chunks of ham, a can of great northern beans, and a can of split pea soup - left to simmer on the top of the stove. The perfect, easy comfort food for the weather.

Friday night rained and sleeted. We stayed tucked in next to the woodstove. Everything outside froze over during the night. The trees looked like crystals. 

The rain was falling in sheets as I packed up Saturday to head back to the apartment. I had been watching the fog roll up from the valley and over the ridge. If you look very closely, you can see The Shack through the fog. 

I hope you found beauty wherever you spent this weekend. I hope you have many things to be thankful for - not just during this holiday weekend, but through out the entire year. 

Treasures: I LOVE Tunisian Crochet !

I have very recently learned about a crochet technique called Tunisian Crochet. It is also called Afghan Crochet.  It makes a beautiful stitch that is very different than I normally imagine when I think about crochet. As someone who loves crochet, who has always wanted to knit but can't master knitting, I am thrilled to have discovered Tunisian Crochet.

Tunisian Crochet

I am no expert. Not in regular crochet and most decidedly not in Tunisian crochet. But I want to share the bit I know, in case there are other yarn crafters who have never heard of it.

Tunisian crochet is made with one long crochet hook - much like a single knitting needle. The project is started with a chain crochet stitch. Just as I would start a traditional crochet project. But then, the next row is made by using stitches that retain the loops on the hook - like knitting. Followed by the next row of yarn over and pull through loop - like crochet.

The resulting swatch has a very unique look. 

Because this Tunisian crochet material feels thicker than many of my crochet projects, I chose to use a yarn thinner than worsted weight.

I have been trying to find a project that I could use this amazing DK Colors yarn on. It is a size 3 yarn and so, so soft!  I LOVE the colors. And have been wanting to use a "self-striping" skein of yarn.

The project shown above was meant to be a practice swatch. However, it is so pretty that I may turn it into a scarf.

I'm thrilled to have discovered Tunisian crochet and hope to be able to make some beautiful items using this style of crochet. 

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