June has been one of those satisfying months where lots of different projects have moved forward inspite the fact that I spent some time away. This meant my portable crafts - spinning and knitting - received the most attention. Even so, I managed to add a couple of new projects to the "Other" category of my Project Keeper.
Looking back over June, it's wonderful to see just how many different crafts have had a some attention and you can clearly see when I was away with lack of progress in the lower half of the page.
Quilting
My newest BOW flower was born, the beautiful Zinnia. It has been a joy to design and stitch.... and it appears to be a popular one! The pattern is available here: Zinnia Flower block
My large bed quilt has also seen some welcome progress. The individual blocks are gradually being joined into rows. It's a long way from being finished yet, but seeing those rows come together definitely gives a great feeling of progress.
Spinning
I started a brand-new spinning project using some roving that has been patiently waiting in my stash for quite a long time - actually I had spun some of it for a project several years back and it was time to finish it. It made the perfect travel companion while I was away down south. Alongside that, I've continued adding to my current spin (blue merino and nylon roving), so both projects are steadily growing.
Knitting
There were a few knitting milestones this month. Granddaughter Ruby's birthday cardigan was finished just in time....
I've also been experimenting with different sock heel constructions to find a favorite for future pairs and completed one pair of socks, then promptly casting on a new.
Rockhound jersey hasn't seen much progress due to the fact I needed to finish Ruby's cardie and cast on another for Sarah's (another granddaughter, yes Ruby's big sister) birthday in July, but I have managed to do a few rounds on Rockhound.
I did some commission knitting and test knitting this past month and also swatched for a new 'Night Tales' vest using a advent roving I'd spun a couple of years ago..... I'm looking forward to casting that on sometime during July.
Cross Stitch
My temperature cross stitch is becoming increasingly colorful as winter settles in. June's cooler days have introduced lots of lovely teals and blues to the bottle collection, creating a beautiful contrast with the warmer shades from earlier in the year. Here's how May and June look.
Embroidery
Two more panels have been completed for my stitch book, bringing that project another step closer to completion. I have been thinking about how I'll put this stitch book together.
I've also made great progress on the embroidery for my felted bag. Most of the design is now well underway, and I'm enjoying planning which stitches will best suit each section, adding texture and interest as the piece develops.
Other Projects
The month finished with a couple of projects that sit in the "Other" section of my Project Keeper. While I was away, I made 5 sweatshirts for Ruby and also began a small felted picture, which has been a lovely change of pace.
Although June wasn't a month filled with finished projects, it was definitely one of consistent creativity. Every stitch, row, and spin adds up, and it's exciting to watch these long-term projects gradually take shape. I'm looking forward to seeing what July brings!
