Miscellaneous Design Studio

The Hatchery: a blog about my adventures in bird watching

Its HERE!

Yesterday I was telling you how excited I am for my new Stanwood Winder. Well, ITS HERE! I took the opportunity to take it out of the box and use it straight away! I only wound 5 skeins, because the progeny were getting TOO interested in what I was doing. The box was smaller than…

June 29, 2020
The Waiting Game

I hate waiting. When I want to do a thing, I want to do it NOW. No matter if I have procrastinated previously. Right now, I’ve got the bug to WIND ALL THE YARN. The problem, my winder. When I wound up a bunch of yarn a couple of months ago it was a HASSLE.…

June 28, 2020
Virtually Normal

I’ve had a busy couple of days with no real “progress” on my main projects. But its all good stuff! I miss teaching even more than sitting in a cafe alone with a book, my knitting/crochet and a steamy hot soy chai. After 3 months of NOT teaching, I was contacted by one of my…

June 25, 2020
Process V. Project

What kind of creator are you? Do you create for the joy of creating or do you create for the desire of a finished project? For the longest time I was a process knitter and a project crocheter. I frequently knit to knit and crocheted when I have something specific (usually a gift) to complete…

June 21, 2020
Free (Not A)Pattern: C2C Cupcake Throw

As of this morning, I officially have NO active projects. Old WIPS don’t count, by the way. I finished my C2C blanket for a friend, and it looks AWESOME! The only thing left to do is wash it and mail it! Since learning the C2C technique back in April, this is my 3rd throw/blanket. It…

June 18, 2020
Fall Design Ramp-Up

I KNOW. I know. Summer is not even officially upon us here in the northern hemisphere, and here I am thinking ahead to fall pattern releases! But hear me out, because I’m so excited about this project. Much like any other industry, I’ve got to keep my pipeline FRESH. I have some older (unpublished) designs…

June 15, 2020
The Unassuming Hat

Have you ever found a pattern that you don’t get bored knitting? Usually I dislike making the same thing twice (or more) but honestly, I’ve knit this hat 4 times already. I have plans to make at least 2 more (similar to the white long brim one). The first two knits of this hat I…

June 14, 2020
Other Voices: June 2020 Edition

A couple years ago, somewhere on the internet gave me the idea to read more books by women. I discussed this somewhat in My Life in Books post. I know I usually just talk about my fiber arts on my blog. But reading, books, knowledge, and being an inclusive human are other passions of mine.…

June 13, 2020
Crossing the Finish Line

FINALLY, PlumBody to Love is off the needles! Firstly, its impossible to take a good picture of a sweater on yourself to showcase the best attributes. Secondly, it fits about how I expected, although the acrylic yarn is a bit stiff still (still need to wash it up). Thirdly, its SEAMLESS!!! I succeeded in my…

June 7, 2020
Hopes and Dreams

Or what I want to accomplish on my summer vacation. This summer is not looking promising for “normal”. Which isn’t a bad thing per se. As my kids get older, I feel over scheduled by mid-summer. I’m a self-proclaimed loner/homebody, so all this “stay at home” recommendation is right up my alley! I think swimming,…

June 2, 2020