One of our stops was visiting with Anna and her family in DFW. We’ve been chatting for awhile online through Twitter as she contemplated dreading her hair. We were hoping to do that on Saturday but the timing isn’t quite right for her.

Instead we had a relaxed day at her home. Zeb watched Anime with their 5 year old son, we laughed as her two year old daughter introduced herself about 23 times throughout the day (she was so cute!), we chatted about organic living, the awesomeness of the internet, education and life in general. We coordinated a taco dinner and a few mixed drinks. And we played.

Anna is a fiberista! She dyes, spins and knits the most beautiful yarn. (You can check out her shop on Etsy.) She was kind enough to give Justin and I a demo and answer our relentless questions. I’m so in love with the idea of spinning my own yarn someday. Think I can fit a wheel in the RV?

After dinner and an RV tour, I just couldn’t resist the beautiful weather and brought out the hoops! She and her sister both had the silly idea that neither of them could hoop but I convinced them otherwise. By the end of the night we were all hooping it up – even her resistant hubby, although he did it behind our backs!

We spent Mother’s Day slow and easy with a movie (Ironman 2). Then we parked outside a local library picking up on their Wi-Fi and catching up on emails and blogs. I think we’ll be doing that more often.

How was your weekend and your Mother’s Day?

We didn’t do a lot for Christmas (including blogging about it) but I did enjoy making Justin this Manly Scarf (found here on Ravelry – and also on this blog).

It wasn’t difficult but it did require I pay closer attention. Did you know they make these cool little do-dads that fit over your knitting needles to help you keep track? Yes, you probably did. But I was pretty excited when I figured out what the pieces that came in my teach-yourself-to-knit kit were actually used for.

I made this super long; longer than Justin is tall. Also, the original pattern didn’t call for stripes; that was Justin’s request and my workmanship. Yup! Learned how to change colors! I think I may have done it wrong but I couldn’t find any directions for changing colors when the first stitch is slipped. Anyone?

Something else I learned while working on this: I really enjoy knitting. And it keeps me sane, especially when I’m overstimulated. It gives me something close by to focus on, and something to do, while still being in the middle of any hubbub (like busy family gatherings). It’s centers me, pulling me inward a bit…but not too much.

Yes. It’s my new thing. Now I just need more patterns. But how do I narrow it down??

• Love, love, love this jacket!
• This cowl is calling my name.
• I’m fairly certain this sweater is a must.
• And I’m totally tempted by this skirt.

I’m feeling a bit over my head, but a whole lot of inspired.:D

I learned to knit last fall, thanks to my friend Rachel. And seeing as how hats no longer fit over my dreadlocks, my first project was a warm winter beanie:

It’s just a regular beanie done in a round but left open at the top. I learned the basics with this hat, such as working in a round, decreasing and casting off. It’s pretty simple, 100% wool and keeps my ears warm.

I just finished my second project, also for my ears: a headband!

This one I’m most proud of since I used NO pattern; I made it up completely on my own! I also taught myself how to do a buttonhole and re-enforce it and how to knit-on cast on. (Thanks to hubby for getting me The Knitters Book of Finishing Techniques for Christmas last year!)

Speaking of books, I ran across this one earlier this year: Knitting With Dog Hair. Um. Hmm. “Better a sweater from a dog you know”? Sustainable, yes. But it sorta gives me the image of a crazy cat…ur, dog lady.

I’ve decided when we’re on the road I’ll be keeping my hands busy with lots of knitting (probably not with dog hair). Socks or toys both intrigue me. Have any good patterns for beginners?

**And since it’s the first Wednesday of the month, don’t forget to pop on over to Not Dabbling In Normal to see me talk about my dysfunctional pumpkin!**