What I’m Into: February 2015

February 2015 will go down as the Month of Crocheting.

Ben and I were sitting on the hospital cafeteria one afternoon early this month and I was weeping into my pizza AGAIN when Ben suggested I take up a hobby. I have so much time to just worry about my sweet baby and think about how horrible this all is . . . he thought I could use a distraction. Hadn’t I always wanted to learn how to knit and/or crochet?

I immediately perked up. Yes. It was PERFECT.

I don’t know if you knew this about me, but I’m an obsessive person. Once I get started on a project (or book or TV show . . .) I can think of nothing else. The need to eat,  sleep, and use the bathroom (let alone care for other members of my family) become inconveniences I have to work around to get back to my thing. That’s part of the reason I have avoided taking up some of these hobbies so far.

But when I’m in the hospital for months on end? Nothing could be more perfect. It has been wonderful for my soul. It’s like meditation for my hands.

I asked around on Facebook, and a friend recommended Crafty Minx’s free Crochet School. (She’s wonderful and thorough and provides lefty videos.)

First I learned all the different stitches and techniques. . .

And then I started on a few simple projects. The goal was mostly to master simple crocheting. As with this bowl . . .

(Tutorial by Bunny Mummy. I used only the same two colours of yarn throughout)

And this small granny square afghan for Lydia’s doll . . .(I used some clearance acrylic/wool yarns from Michael’s.)

Also this scarflette  . . .

(tutorial by Pretty Prudent. I used Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn in Grass.)

Followed by this chunky basket . . .

(Tutorial from A Handmade Year. I used Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Barley and Wheat.)

I’m currently working on a blanket for Felix.

As a result of all this crocheting, I didn’t do much reading or movie-watching. Except for the following:

Books

DID YOU GUYS KNOW THERE WAS A VERONICA MARS NOVEL?! Two of them, in fact?? Written by the creator of the TV show? No one told me this while I was obsessing over the show all through October-December. I just happened to learn of its existence while randomly surfing through social media. And I immediately decided I HAD to read it.

I’m just over halfway through and I’m loving it. The Thousand-Dollar Tan Line is a sequel to the movie, and it takes place a few months after the events of the film. It’s just like watching a VMars episode. Thrilling mystery, witty banter. The characters are written perfectly. I can imagine every line of dialogue coming from the actors’ mouths. It’s a pretty cool experience, actually. I’ll be sure to pick up the next one when I’m done.

Television

These are two of the funniest TV shows I have ever watched in my life. Murray from Flight of the Conchords is possibly my favourite TV character of all time. Re-watching these hilarious shows and laughing my butt off are so therapeutic.

That’s what I’ve been into! How about you?

Linking up with Leigh Kramer!

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