In Which I Attempt to Catch Up - Ep. 2 - School

School ended May 15th or so, I stuck around to spend one more day in the studio, then headed home. I didn't see the final Grad show, or go to the end of the year party, which was kind of a bummer, but not worth staying until the end of the week for. I'm relieved to be home, that's for sure.

I pulled of some lovely grades, and here's the run down:
Ceramics: A
Metal Forming: A-
Enameling: A-
Sociological and Philosophical Foundations of Education: A
History of Jazz: A

I'm very pleased with myself, but my pleasure is heightened by the fact that I know for certain that I learned a lot this semester. The past semesters have been a bit of a let-down, but this one was both academically and artistically stimulating. I spent more time than ever in the studios, and my Soc and Phil class was the best course I've taken at New Paltz to date. So stimulating, in fact, that it helped me solidify some very important decisions that I've been unsure about.

I've decided to change my major from a BFA in Metals to a BS in Visual Arts with a Concentration in Metals. This will allow me to balance my academics and arts more evenly, and I feel will help prepare me more adequately for *drumroll* a Masters in Library Sciences. It will also give me the free credits I need in order to get a minor in Spanish. I'm very excited about all of this!

Photos top to bottom: "Flailing Soul" somewhat comical piece done for Forming - copper and sterling silver, "Stumpy" exploration of high temp brazing for Forming - copper, Earrings made last minute before I left for the summer, enamel and copper in a bowl I threw for Ceramics.

In Which I Attempt to Catch Up - Ep. 1 - Knitting

I thought about doing this chronologically, but I'm afraid that would turn laundry list preeeeety quickly! Instead I'm going to do my best to let y'all know what I'm up to in segments, beginning with knitting.

Considering how busy I've been, a lot has been happening on the knitting front.
I'm still working on my Forecast because upon finishing both sleeves I put off knitting in the button band for a long time knowing that I would run out of yarn. And run out of yarn I did, a mere 4 rows from the finish! A few panicked topics and messages on Ravelry (I'm RobinMarie on there) and a darling named AMP came to my rescue with not 1 but 3 skeins of the discontinued yarn I needed! Enough to make matching mitts or something! Needless to say there will be some jewelry headed out that way!

While Forecast became too large to be a carry-around project I decided it was time to put to use a gorgeous skein of Jitterbug superwash merino that I had bought myself for my birthday. After some disappointment at finding out that the free Berroco sock pattern I wanted to use had only directed me to buy enough yarn for one sock, this yarn sat around in my stash before I pinned it to a pair of Cookie A.'s Monkey socks. They're coming along swimmingly, though they're a bit too large for me, and will probably be gifted.





Because I wanted my Monkey sock carry-around project to last a while, and because the beating I took from Forecast wasn't enough to scare me, I felt no guilt picking up this new sweater project! Valley Yarn's Olive Branch Yoga Hoodie in Berroco Comfort, colorway Filbert. I have to admit that this Superfine Acrylic/Nylon is incredibly soft and delicious. I LOVE IT. I never thought I'd find and Acrylic I liked ever again, but not only is it wonderfully comfortable (I fell asleep on it one night, needles and all) but it's machine washable! Yay! The picture doesn't look like much, but this project is nice and straightforward thus far. I don't think I'm going to use a zipper, I don't like zippers. I'll probably use the toggles I bought for the Forecast.

Finally, I'm currently blocking the poor, neglected project I call Whispy Whimsy. I found the yarn upstairs in the storage room, the pattern is incredibly straightforward, and I'm not crazy about the color. As a result I don't even remember knitting this piece. I just have to let it dry, sew in some ends, and throw some buttons on it and it'll be done. Maybe I'll gift it?

I could say that's all there is, but I would be lying. I've discovered a little group of knitters in my (sort of) area! I went to a meeting on Tuesday, and there was only one other woman there, but she was a blast! I'm very excited to be making new friends. Come knit at the Muddy Cup in Hudson on Tuesday nights! I'm told that after next week we're meeting at the MC in Catskill, which is a bit of a hike for me...but we'll see if I can't car pool. I've also purchased a ton of yarn from DBNY in preparation for Christmas projects, and the Hemlock Ring Blanket I've been lusting after for ages.

And one last thing! At work the other day I felted and beaded myself a cute little case to hold my DPNs while I'm working on socks! With the sock sticking out it looks like a face with a tongue!

Every day should be Mother's Day.

Mom,

You are my best friend, and I cannot imagine life without the support and strength you give me every single day. Thank you. I love you.