It started out not-so-great and, despite a glimmer or two, it's not getting better… yet!
Back in my more verbose days of blogging — much more stream-of-consciousness days of writing — the very act could sometimes turn a blue mood around. Maybe that's still true. Let's find out!
Maddy returned from Milwaukee with another friend in tow — Genie traveled from Ireland to the States to attend a reunion of Girl Scout Camp counselors. They took off yesterday for a few days of fun — this time as camp attendees. I hope they all have a blast!
Maddy also delivered her cross-stitch pillows to their recipients over the weekend, so I can show you the fronts!
And a back! She was happy to show me her neatness… which she learned from me, and I from my mother, and my mom from hers! Mom, Grandma & Great Grandma are/would be pleased.
Here are a couple of close-ups of the fronts, plus an action shot!
I started my sock mending project over the weekend, first by working duplicate stitch over a worn spot on one of Maddy's heels — it wasn't a hole yet, but it wouldn't be long. Preventive maintenance, let's say. These are all 100% superwash merino worsted-weight socks which I'm mending with doubled 75%/25% superwash merino/nylon fingering-weight (sock) yarn; all yarns dyed by me. Hopefully those patches will hold up.
(I won't be knitting 100% wool socks for anyone again!)
Then I tackled an actual hole.
The black patch is the "preventive" stitching. The multi-colored patch was done using Swiss Darning, which is also sort of duplicate stitch — it's worked the same, even if there isn't an existing stitch to duplicate. I watched a few YouTube videos and didn't really find a favorite, but I got the gist of it. I think for the first time ever, I used one of my darning eggs for its intended purpose!
Both of Viv's socks have quite large holes and will take some concentration. First, I'm tackling a small repair on one of Ali's socks. I was intimidated by that repair, which is why it's been sitting for a while (months), but it's pretty small in comparison and piece o' cake!
Well, I'm not sure that I feel better… but I don't feel worse, so I guess that's a win! Hope you're having a good Monday!!
Discover more from knitorious
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
If your posts make us happy, can that boomerang back to you, maybe?
The cross-stitch is spectacular. I’m a sucker for animals anyway. And my mother was a stickler for neatness in projects. The back should be as clean and presentable as the front.
The pillows are so cute! And I was always very neat about the backs of my projects, too. Great job on those sock repairs, I admire your skills!
Those pillows are impressive, both the fronts and the backs. Excellent job, Maddie! Those sock repairs are equally impressive and I’m sure you can figure out a good fix for Viv’s and Ali’s. Hope things have gotten better!
sometimes Mondays are just … Mondays … and accomplishing anything is a win. and just look at that sock mending. I’m impressed! here’s to a better Tuesday! (also, love that cross-stitch and wow! Maddy’s work is so neat!! go you as the model/teacher!)
I am very impressed by the cross stitch pieces, especially the back! I used to do a ton of cross stitch, so I know exactly what it takes to have a back that’s nearly as neat as the front. I hope you’ve managed to fix that hole so the socks can get some more miles in them. Clearly they’ve been well loved!
I hope the rest of Monday was better and today is great!
I am hoping that the Mondays ended with the arrival of Tuesday! XO
Beautiful stitching, Maddie!
What lovely stitching, Maddy! And the backs. (She would score big from the 4-H judges I faced back in the day, for sure!) And I have a couple of socks around here that need some mending. I really should follow your lead, dig out my darning egg, and get-a-move-on (as my mom would say). Hope your day turned around eventually, and that today is looking brighter. XO
Maddy’s cross stitched pillows are gorgeous. I hope the recipients appreciate all the work.
Your darning projects are a lost art that seems to be coming back. Good luck with the large holes.
Maddy’s pillows are lovely! And her back is SO NEAT!!! You taught her well:)