(no subject)

I'm amazed at how much I can accumulate on my work table in a week.

Srsly.

I've found several balls of yarn, two crochet projects, a stack of old diaries, all my art stuff I've been using, my coloured pencils scattered hither and yon, just to name a few of the items thereon. I'm almost done now. I got a file folder for my crochet/knit patterns, so those are safely squirreled away now. Finished the crocheted kitty, except for eyes and a nose because I can't find my tiny buttons. Will look later. I took a picture anyway. He came out all right, but I think I'll not give him away because I could improve it.

Speaking of the kitty, things I would change:

1. Use a softer yarn to begin with, like the all-cotton yarn or even the homespun type or that microfibre stuff. Regular acrylic yarn has no give and kitty feels completely un-cuddly.
2. Enlarge the pattern. He's about 8" high, which is really cute and everything, but I was envisioning something a bit bigger, at least 12".
3. I think even a tinier yarn would help - baby yarn, even. Something you could use a really small hook with, so that the stitches don't seem so huge.
4. I'm also not really happy with the ears - they are not quite pointy enough to please me.

Better luck next time. It's a really cute pattern and I think with those changes it could make a lovely toy.

Not for a Penny

more animals

(no subject)

Book 20: Betsy and the Great World, 365pp

I enjoyed this one more than the last for two reasons: firstly, there was a nice rehash of recent events at the beginning to clear up what was going on with each character. Secondly, it was quite a travelogue, which I liked. It was a little odd on the basis of being really only Betsy, with not much interaction with previously important characters. But I liked it.

I think it could have used a little more meat to it, though. She seemed to skim through all the adventures pretty quickly. Granted, it's meant for a younger audience, and Betsy is not a worldly-wise girl, so it's very squeaky-clean. I'm not like saying that I wish her to NOT be squeaky-clean. It just could have done with some more details.

I think I'll go to the library for a bit and maybe stop by Jan's Books or the antique store and browse.

(no subject)

I laughed way too hard at this.