Halloween edition of Saturday morning coffee ! Let’s grab a coffee and chat about the week. I am excited that we have sunny, dry weather today. Due to the longer nights and shorter days I was able to sleep two hours past my usual wake up time. This is the part of the year I typically call the dark days because daylight is shrinking fast. It’s not sunrise until nearly 8. We will roll clocks back tonight and then that will change however the trade off is sunset is shortly after work ends. The long warm fall we have been experiencing has made this more tolerable.

I have done a lot of crochet this week. I test fit my cardigan and had a sudden realization that it was too small. So I added gussets on the sides which was easy enough until I realized the sleeves I made wouldn’t work. I am trying to order more grey and I am nearly out of the colored yarn. I am pondering my options. The panels I made could be a hood. I could just keep it as a vest and forget the sleeves. I will decide once the grey yarn is here.

I love making things without a real pattern sometimes because I have to design and problem solve as I go. I have so many options on this cardigan and there is no hurry to solve the problem this weekend.

I also sewed some doors for my Windows and doors quilt.

I really have found myself drawn to collage making and fabric is my favorite media. I have hand work going too that has some printed areas to stitch but more areas intended for collage. It’s something I never thought I would enjoy but I sure do. It’s definitely slow stitching. It keeps me feeling zen and uses my brain. It is satisfying and area of the brain that isn’t used on my day today routine gets a workout.

I have been working on learning things all year. Some call it a personal curriculum. I set out learning about commonplace journals, then I learned about different areas in Michigan as possible places to live and I learned more about pottery making. This month I am learning about native plants in Michigan and their traditional use and folklore. I love learning and doing research on topics that flow into my head.

I have to get a costume together for a party I was invited to. I am going to upgrade my quilted witches hat and go as as quilt witch ! I have a cape/ poncho somewhere and maybe I will stop at Spirit Halloween for accessories.

I am able to walk more and continue to expand my movements and exercises for my Achilles and calves. It is something I have to spend time on every day when I would rather be doing fun things. But I will persist .

Happy Halloween to all!

Vicki