Little Looms

For a while now, I have purchased each issue of Little Looms from either B&N or Little Shop of Spinning. I finally decided to subscribe and the first issue I received has a "been there, done that" feel, articles on topics I am already familiar with. Not that I can't learn something new from Tommye Scanlin (author of Tapestry Design Basics and Beyond) or Myra Wood (author of Crazyshot) - lord knows I don't know everything there is to know about anything - but I was expecting something more unknown to me.

Even though I have quite a few issues (of the magazine - we won't go into the personal ones here), I think I have never actually made any of the projects with the exception of some xmas ornaments we fiddled with at weaving guild. I'd like to change that, so I spent some time yesterday perusing old issues, focusing on projects where I did not need to buy any fiber. (My cynical self thinks some of the projects are simply methods for flogging yarn, especially the ones calling for five or even eight different colors.) Before warping a loom, though, I need to sample some color combinations.

Knitting: The Habitation throw is in a time-out, as I made another booboo and the stitch count is off AGAIN. Meanwhile, I returned to the DK cowl, deciding the colors look better once I knit beyond the initial ribbing.

Spinning: No, I didn't actually do any spinning this week. However, I did volunteer to demonstrate spinning at the next Salomon Farm Fiber Arts Celebration. Time to dust off the Ashford Joy and pick out some fiber.
Weaving: I *finally* hemmed the sage towels. Too bad my sewing skills are not better. Maybe I should actually sew something simple, like a caftan out of muslin, just to get more practice.

My driveway now sports a basketball hoop, as my granddaughter is interested in the sport and her driveway is not conducive to such activity. Back in the day (WAY back), I went to a high school that did not have team sports for girls, but I played intramural basketball and was rather good at it, if I do say so myself. Imagine my shock when I discovered I can't throw the ball hard enough to reach the rim, let alone make a basket. Fortunately, the hoop can be lowered, so I've been practicing to strengthen my shoulders so I can play "Horse" with my granddaughter this summer. The things we do for those we love.