Holy July, Batman! That month was packed! I mean, there were launched systems, 9-year-olds, and a crap ton of knitting. I don’t think I could have packed any more into that month if I tried. It was a great month, but it left me absolutely spent. By the end of it, I was actually forgetting that I even forgot things. It got pretty weird, to be honest. But man, did I get some knitting done!
Finished Objects:
Finally, some charity knitting! 3 dishcloths using Gramma’s dishcloth pattern. I used the rest of the Lily Sugar n’ Cream cotton from the Soho Top. I used every single inch!
Soho top, by Caidree. As mentioned above, I knit it with Lily Sugar n’ Cream cotton cone. There is a separate post about this.
Harris sweater, by Meghan Babin. I used Knitpicks Wool of the Andes. I have a separate post about this.
New Cast-ons:
Vanilla socks
WIPs:
Blue Mountain Cowl
Shatar Vest
Knitting my memories
Dress for Feebs
Goals for next month:
Sew Over It Bow Bag
Take more mental health breaks
Start school, and don’t panic
Knit two Flax sweaters for Ginger’s girls
So yeah, a lot of knitting happened in July. I got a bee in my bonnet and cast on the Soho top. I would love to say that I really super wanted that top, but I was more invested in using up a whole code of cotton. I do like the color, and I liked the idea of the top. When it was all said and done, I just knitted the wrong size for the thickness of the yarn. If you really want details, you can read the separate post. I ended up giving the top to Sister #1 and was thrilled to do so. I really hope that she will wear it and love it. I had a little bit of yarn left from that cone, so I dusted off the Gramma’s Dishcloth pattern and cranked two out, then grabbed another ball of cotton and knit a third one. I was glad to do some charity knitting again. Then I finally got the lead out and finished Harris. Oh My God, Becky! It’s done, and I am soooo excited that he is finished and with his intended recipient! That took such a weight off my shoulders, I can’t believe it. Then I decided to start using some of the probable 30+ balls of sock yarn that I have hoarded (and keep adding to). I pulled out a skein of Kirby Wirby Sock with contrasting mini and split it in half. My goal is to use all of the main color. I almost finished the pair before the end of the month, but then got busy and didn’t dedicate the time. Next time, Gadget! Still no sewing. Of course, that hasn’t stopped me from buying several new sewing patterns recently. Ridiculous… I would like to use that 1-yard of dragon fabric to make the Sew Over It Bow Bag. I think it would turn out really cute and would be a good use for a small amount of fabric. This means, of course, that I actually need to sew…
This month, man, she was a big one! The two billing systems went live the first week. That was a lot of stress and a whole lot of work. One of my staff had put in her 2-month notice in June, so we have been trying to do a huge knowledge transfer. It will be tough, but I am so happy for her. I had new people start, too, so that was chaos. We had the 4th of July, which was lovely. We walked in the parade with Feeb’s taekwondo studio. After that, we went to Mr. & Mrs. P’s house on the hill. We had the best time. Feeb’s got to swim in their lovely pool, and we got to visit and have a delightful day. That week was more work craziness. The next weekend was Feeb’s 9th birthday party. Oh my god, I was not prepared to have a 9-year-old. I feel like I am losing my baby more every day. We had her party at the park, then took off to Santa Cruz the next day. On the way, we stopped at Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay. I was shocked that we were able to get in with minimal wait time. She got to order a lobster roll. She loved it, and so did we. After that, we went to Santa Cruz. That girl loves the Boardwalk! We stayed the night in a really nice hotel, then wandered around Santa Cruz. We had breakfast at the amazing Brazilian restaurant. Mind you, I almost asphyxiated on a coconut smoothie, but breakfast was still good. I did end up going to the Swift Stitch while we were there and picked up a couple of skeins of natural-colored fingering weight yarn to match with my Hue Loco sock to knit the Slippy V shawl by Stephen West. I need to watch a tutorial on the fiddly cast-on, and then she is going onto the needles. We took that Monday off since that was her actual birthday. The rest of the week was pretty good. I ended up having dinner at Lita in Walnut Creek with our system trainer. She is a total blast, and I really enjoyed myself. I think I made a new friend! That weekend was an absolute kick-ass ArnoCorps show. We had so much fun, and we were out till 2 AM. That week the Husband had to report for jury duty, which, strangely, he wanted to be selected. He didn’t end up having to serve, but they did have him come in for 3 days. That weekend the O’s were here. The little O was sick on Feeb’s birthday weekend, so she only stayed for a short time. They made up for it by coming that weekend. It was really nice to see them. I got to spend a lot of time with the Female O. There was some tension over at the lady’s house, so I was doing my best to support both of them through a difficult time. The next week was REALLY stressful. Stressful to the point that I tore my hands up again. They haven’t been the same since, but I am trying to be more mindful. The following week was Grandkid’s Day at the Father’s development. We missed it last year, and Dad really wanted Feebs there, so I took the day off, and we went. Feebs was so excited to see her cousins. It gave me flashbacks to being the youngest and wanting so badly to hang with the big kids but being too little and having to miss out on stuff. It made me a little sad for her, but she still had fun. I saw the Brother and his wife and two younger kids. Sister #1 and her husband and two youngest. Then I met up with Sister #2 while Dad and the kids were enjoying the festivities. It was great to see them all! When we got home, we had to head to the Husband’s work picnic. He had a good time, which was good. I knitted on my socks the whole time. On Sunday, we went to see the Uncle and Aunt in San Jose. We got to visit and check out the cool garden behind their house. We then took the cousin to Cicero’s, which is my favorite pizza in the whole world. We are going to see about taking the cousin away for her 21st birthday. We hope it will work out. Then before you know it, we were at the end of the month!
What a crazy, emotional rollercoaster of a month it was! I had a great time, and a lot of good things happened, but man, it was a lot. I think I will need to take August to unpack all of my tension and help to focus more. I felt like the most scattered person ever in July. It was nuts. I think I will feel more centered and able to find a new post-project groove. I am hoping that things will calm down when I can get staff hired and trained. I am ready to start thinking about a week off later in the year. A staycation where I can just relax and decompress from a year of crazy. I may even start planning to go somewhere by myself. We will have to see. So, that wraps July up. It was really good, and I am happy with where I stand.
Oh! And I made a Bingo on my Knitting Bingo Card! I was shocked to see how many boxes Harris checked off. I am happy to keep working on it. My goal is to get a blackout. And I would really like to check a box or two off on the Sewing Bingo Card. I am not being grand, just a couple of boxes would do it.
Loves,
M
Mrs. Collins Makes Stuff 