Sorry to be so repetitive, but these rings are a perfectly sized project and they're giving me a great intro to crochet.  Today I learned that size matters.  Big yarn, even with a little needle, makes a big ring.  Oh well.  Back to the crochet thread tomorrow.  And beads.  Definitely need some beads.

I thought I would try again to make this ring.  It's a good 30-minute project.   I thought I was getting the hang of it, and then it came out a bit lopsided and not quite right.  There are a few other ring patterns I could try, but I think I'll take a break from the crochet needle for a couple of days.  I found the duct tape, so I can finish my dress form tomorrow.

Added some beads to the rings I made for 18 and 19, but, um, I forgot to add the band for the ring.  So it's basically a nice little flower.  Definitely getting quicker, though!

Found the right size needle today and a better crochet book to tidy up the second ring.  I'm getting closer to liking the finished product.  I'm thinking about adding some beads to the next one.

So I taught myself to crochet tonight.  Sort of.  Of course, I used the wrong size needle and the wrong kind of yarn, so I guess I shouldn't be too surprised.It's rather lopsided, and I'm pretty sure I didn't count my stitches quite right, but it is generally a ring shape and it kind of fits on my finger.  So it's a ring thing. 

Who doesn't love a shrinky-dink every once in a while?  While the kids were playing with them, I thought it would be the perfect thing to make some Batala earrings.  (Check out www.batalawashington.com.)  So here's the shrunken result.  Forgot to punch a hole before I shrank them, so will have to drill tomorrow so I can finish.

I spent the afternoon with my friend Gioia, an art therapist, who is constantly creating things.  She has a most amazing supply of materials and methods for all kinds of things.  She brought out some wool for the kids to make beads, but they were busy playing a game involving teenagers and school and babies (!), so Gioia and I jumped in.  They look massive in the picture, but the largest are just about an inch across.

Meanwhile, Gioia picked up her needles and knit the roving, without a pattern, and made a purse to be felted.  True artist, that one.

This may not look like much, but it's a project I've been wanting to do for a long time.  When it's finished, it will be a custom-made dress form for my (many unfinished) sewing projects.  Couldn't finish it today because, well, we ran out of duct tape.  Thanks for wrapping me up, honey love!

This may not look like much, but it's a project I've been wanting to do for a long time.  When it's finished, it will be a custom-made dress form for my (many unfinished) sewing projects.  Couldn't finish it today because, well, we ran out of duct tape.  Thanks for wrapping me up, honey love!

It was a busy day, so I ended it by starting a new knitting project.  Miss Calla was not fond of the balaclava I made her a few days ago, so asked me to knit a ski mask for her.  She chose one based on Jack Skellington, a favorite of hers.  I love these Knitty patterns!  I had to start it on circular needles that were way too long, but I found some double pointed needles I can move it onto.  This will keep me busy for a bit.  I haven't had a knitting project for a while, so this will be nice for the rest of my hibernation time.  39 days to PR!