JUMPING THRU JULY

Jumping thru puddles should be a more likely title for this blog post.  We've had a LOT of rain but then it's been so hot - it makes sense we've had the rain too and OH the humidity.  All the usual signs summer is here in the deep south.  It's shocking once again that there is only 1 week left in this month however I spent a lot of time knitting this past weekend and I am feeling caught up on my Camp Loopy 2 project.  This photo is actually upside down but you start knitting at the back top of the neck. It is SOOOOO heavy and hot now.  I'm using a sport weight yarn instead of fingering.  I'm finished with the striping section and on to the border - I'm in the home stretch.  The pattern is Crescendo by Woolberry (Janina Kallio) -  I love the colors but I can't say how much wear I would get out of item.  They are not winter type colors to me but "beachy" colors. The yarn is Blue Moon Socks that Rock medium weight for any interested knitters out there. Anyway - I always find a use for my Camp projects - some become gifts and some are just waiting their turn for a cool day.

 Camp Loopy 1 in June is this lovely shawl - it is Fractal Danger by Martina.  The yarn is something new to me Knerd String - it was nice quality and I loved the "creature" colorway - a nice "mel" green !

 It probably needs to be blocked out to get a little more size out of it but ...........  for now I'm done and moving on.  I have already ordered yarn for Camp Loopy 3 in August - that will be the toughest challenge - with a vacation in there and other busy-ness - and 200 more yards in the challenge requirement - August is always a big challenge.  I'm doing the Janesville jacket - a blocky jacket out of Blue Sky yarn - Woolstok - a nice wool yarn from Peru - they say it's a worsted but it's a light worsted IMO.

 Here's Uncle Sam making his summer appearance lounging on a cute little basket I made in an EGA workshop a few months ago.  The sheep is hooked  by my friend  Katie.  Uncle Sam was purchased from a folk artist on Early Work Mercantile last summer.  I need to add to my patriotic display.

I can brag on these next two things because the Holly Fairy was stitched by my dad.  Expertly and creatively finished by Vonna !  I just love the whimsy of the piece she captured in the cube finishing.  My mom is very pleased.

 Next is the adorable April Word Play by With Thy Needle stitched by my mom on pale green aida. Again Vonna did a super job on the finishing making this little pillow/door hanger just perfect for spring displays.  I hope it was OK that I snagged these lovely photos off Vonna's FB finishing page.  If you don't know her - check out Twisted Stitcher.  She has a floss tube channel, finishing tutorials, a blog, posts on FB has 4 kids and a husband and a cottage business to care for.  WOW - she is one busy chick and funny too.  I don't really have time for all the floss tube watching but I am going thru Vonna's starting in January and I think I'm up to April now.  she is just so amusing and fun to watch.

Our EGA chapter just had Kathy Rees do a 2 day class on her newest teaching piece Highland Circle.  It was an awesome class - 2 days spent with great stitchers in our chapter and Kathy is a delight - (no pun intended - her design business is Needle Delights).  I tried to get a photo of my canvas but it just didn't show up well.  if you google it  - you will see images of the piece on line.

 

Not much else going on in my world.  Looking forward to Camp Blanding retreat with Olde Green Cupboard and friends this weekend.  A full 3 days of hooking which is much needed around my house.  It's so fun to be in that National guard facility with 100 quilters, crafters and probably 1 rug hooker !  I appreciate all your comments and read them all.  Hope your summer is going your way and you are getting lots of things accomplished - I would love to hear what you are doing.