The Violet Valentine

Finished my last piece (the laundry one) and decided it would be better to finish something else instead of starting something new. Yay me.

This piece has been in hibernation for…..maybe 3 years? 😬 Embarrassing. I remember putting it in timeout after I realized I miscounted & needed to rip out a section. Looking at it the other day I realized it wouldn’t take much to finish it. So I’ve been stitching on it a little each day & I’m getting close.

Now, which ancient to pull out next?

🪡🧵

Pattern is: 2023 Temperature cross stitch from . DMC threads, 14 ct Aida.

I love a good crafty thrift! Didn’t want to start another big project, but felt like stitching. Pretty sure my laundry room needs this 😆

Having a quiet stitching day, the 3 of us together in our living room 💕 This was going to be a Christmas gift, but I didn’t finish it in time. It’s very close to being finished though, so I’m working on it with the hopes of starting 2026 fresh, with a good plan.

Hope your winter holidays have been cozy & warm!🧣

Happy Thanksgiving (a day late) Friends!

on this beautiful N-Force dahlia from my summer garden. Hoping this weekend to put all my dahlia babies to sleep for the winter, before the rain starts up again.

Life has changed dramatically in the last few months, including going back to a “real” job again. I don’t know what that means for The Violet Valentine and yarn dyeing, but I know I’m still not ready to quit completely. I also know right now I just don’t have the time and energy to dye as I adjust to this new chapter.

But one thing I can say is THANK YOU ❤️ Thank you for every single opportunity, comment, like, purchase and kind word you’ve given me over the years. I am deeply honored and grateful to have been a part of your making journey. This isn’t goodbye, just see you again soon 🥰 Meanwhile, you’ll probably being seeing a lot of regular ‘ol’ project pics and life stuff here if you still choose to check in once in a while. Thank you for being you!

Finished my socks ☺️ These will go to my mom for her ever-growing stash of hand knit socks. She requested some shorties so I’m working up a few before summer ends. I’d better hurry! Can you believe tomorrow is August 1st?? 🤯

Proof I’m still alive and knitting 😊

🧦🧦🧦🧦

Fresh Air socks by Karalee Harding

Orange Princess is stitching up so quickly! She’s also much smaller than I expected even though I used fabric with a lower stitch count 🤔 It’s ok though - I still love her 🍊🧡🍑

I’m also really loving these black & white needles I bought from . The contrast is really helpful & I like the way they feel when I stitch. Sometimes the metal ones oxidize a little & I don’t like that gritty feel on my fingers. Have you tried these yet?

Merry Christmas everyone! 💕

As a gift to myself, I started a new project today X🪡X This is Orange Princess by Nora Corbett. I’m using some fabric I thrifted so the stitch count is different than what the pattern calls for, but I do think the color is a good match. I think this design is bright & cheerful & will help me stitch away some of the winter gloom 🌼

Wishing each & every one of you joy & love today!! 💕

Merry Christmas to everyone who is celebrating today & tomorrow ⭐️🎄❄️🎁🎅

We are having a very quiet Christmas since all of us are sick this year. So I’m working on this project a bit, then we’ll have Swedish meatballs & watch a Christmas movie as a family. I am actually happy to have a quiet Christmas this year. Though some snow would have been a lovely addition!

Thank you for always visiting, following, liking and/or commenting. I am so very grateful for each & every one of you 💕

Wishing you & yours a most joyful holiday, however & wherever you might be celebrating. And a joyful start to 2025!!

Ugh. This sock.

It has no business making me this crazy. The pattern is simple & well-written, toe-up is no problem, the , while new-to-me is easily executed (though I hate the fit), & I’ve brioched before. So what gives? I’ve spent every single night this past week knitting 10-20 rows on the cuff, then ripping it out & restarting. Over & over & over. And over again. Finally I added a lifeline & that’s helped me get to 60 rounds of brioche. But not without ripping back to that lifeline a good 6 times already. It’s going to be hard to work up to making its mate.

I guess that’s what I get for starting my Christmas gift knitting before Halloween?? 🎃 👻