Family visits to a steam engine show in northern Minnesota were some of the most memorable parts of my childhood. The day involved looking at the blue Ball jars, buying those little "popper" fireworks, and my dad showing us the intricacies of vintage steam engines. I haven't been to the steam show in years, but I love that it celebrates so many wonderful handmade goods (like barrel making!) Back at home, I'm sure both my parents heard "Can I do a craft?" countless times when I was little. For the most part, markers and Perler beads were my craft of choice...

I mentioned it about a week and a half ago, but I finished knitting my first successful sweater! It's been a bit too warm here in Texas to take outdoor pictures of it, but my sweet friend Molly took some indoors yesterday. Once a completed knitted project is photographed, then it finally feels "done" to me. For those of you interested in the knitty-gritty details (sorry, couldn't help myself ;) about the yarn and modifications I made, you can take a look at my Lila Ravelry page.My thoughts on a "big" project like this:Knitting this as part of a Knit-along (KAL) changed everything...

When I finish a fun, challenging, but accomplished project, it's a bit like finishing a good book. Coming to the end brings bittersweet feelings--excitement for the completion and sadness that the enjoyable process is done. After I finished my Lila sweater, I felt a bit creatively tapped. I truly love the process of making it, and I loved the accountability and encouragement the knit-along (KAL) brought, but I wasn't sure what kind of project I wanted to make next...

The more I knit, the more my knitting tendencies skew to the practical side of things. Garment-wise, this means mostly neutrals. Because practically, that's what I wear (with a few notable exceptions). But when I knit accessories, I'm love color...

You see, I don't want to just make stuff. I create as an outlet, to make things for other people, and ultimately, to produce items of utility and beauty. To achieve these objectives usually requires some forethought and planning. That said, it's so good to have a spontaneous project sometimes, too...