Jul
26

Catwalks & Kittens

This week I unearthed all of the materials for Catwalk Crochet. I haven’t worked on this book for almost a year, so I need to get my head back into it and get this sucker done. The publisher wants 40 projects (of varying sizes) in this one and I think right now, including all of the amazing contributed pieces, there are 23ish. Soooo, you do the math on how much crocheting I’ll be doing over the next couple of months. Oy. Yesterday, I started an open-weave, silk, beaded scarf out of Tilli Tomas’s Rock Star (which BTW, is gorgeous yarn that’s a dream to work with!) for it. I’m either almost done or not at all, depending on whether I decide to make it extra-long and dramatic, or short and flirty. I think because of the drape and color, I’ll go for the latter… but we’ll see.

Over the weekend I did something I haven’t done in I don’t know how long; finished a non-work related knitting project for myself. About 3 years ago I got some sparkle-y Cherry Tree Hill yarn at Stitches East. A year later, I cast-on for my friend Karen Baumer’s Simply Lovely Lace Socks (Interweave Knits Spring ’06). At some point, I finished one sock and it sat alone in one of my UFO baskets for oh, let’s say another year. Finally last Saturday, I cast-on for the 2nd sock and a couple days later, was the proud owner of a finished pair! I forgot how much I enjoy the sock knitting.

As I’m sitting here typing this, it’s pouring rain outside. We’ve been having the most freakish weather in Austin, lately. It’s rained every day for the past 2-3 weeks, which never happens here in the summer. Usually by now, we’re in the middle of sweltering 3 digit heat but this year, we haven’t even reached 100 degrees yet. I’m not complaining, but it is a little eerie to geographically be in Texas but living a Washington July.

Our wee kitten Seamus McGillicutty, seems to be feeling a little under the weather. He’s having some bathroom issues that have us worried about him getting dehydrated (he’s only 1 1/2 pounds, so he can’t afford to lose any weight). He’s eating really well, though. To be safe, I’m going to take him in today to see our friend Erin (she’s the one in the post-elopement photos with the awesome back tattoo) who’s a vet at a pet hospital not too far from our house. Hopefully the little guy’s ok!


Alright, Jennifer’s coming over for a conference call we have in a bit so I’m going to gulp down some more coffee and possibly, get out of my pjs.

xo,
Vickie

8 Responses to “Catwalks & Kittens”

  1. Brianna

    Good health, itty bitty kitty!

    This is the first I’ve heard of Catwalk Crochet. If I had begun reading your blog in early 2006 I could have submitted some ideas.

    Also, to share some music with a fellow music-lover, try Mika if you haven’t already. “Gracy Kelly” is probably my favorite song right now. http://www.myspace.com/mikamyspace

  2. Marnie

    Good luck with Seamus McGillicutty (who has a fabulous name, btw)

    do you need sample crochetters? or are you still looking for crochet designs. If so, I could probably contribute. Just let me know. I’m at marnieATmarniemacleanDOTcom

  3. Vickie Howell

    Marnie–I always want you to be a part of my projects. Have any dude ideas–I mean that they’d actually wear in reality and not just conceptually?

    Seamus isn’t doing well. He almost died in my arms today, It was so awful. He had a seizure in front of me after the vet appt, so we rushed him back and he’s now there overnight with an IV. He’s stable though, so we’re optimistic.

    V.

  4. dragon knitter

    i’d probably be willing to come up with something, if you’d like. i haven’t used a crochet pattern in years, but i’ve written one, if you want props, lol (and had it published). what kind of dude patterns are you looking for? (beyond beanies, lol)

  5. Guinness & Shiloh's Family

    Oh, poor kitty! It’s so hard when animals don’t feel well. You can tell I am an animal lover. We lost our cat of 16 yrs about 2 yrs ago. I’d known her longer than my husband! Your boy is adorable, BTW.

    I’m very excited about the crochet book! HGTV is where I get to watch your show and I’ve made you an important part of my morning routine. I’m a long time crocheter & a newer knitter. It took me 40 years to get the hang of those 2 needles! So, my next delema is those baby blankets I want to make: knit or crochet? and colors, suz I really hate “baby” colors.

  6. Sonia

    Oh poor kitty I hope Seamus will be OK. That picture is too adorable.

  7. Nancy

    I hope Seamus will be okay too. The picture of your son holding him is precious. Your son is adorable.

    I love the book idea. Good luck!