After a few months with little crafting in them, I was dying to get back to my crochet hooks and yarn.  I got obsessed with the idea of making a bikini to celebrate my success at taking and keeping off the weight; however, the reality of it didn’t work so well.  I followed the pattern and ended up with a pair of bikini bottoms that were at least two sizes too large, so I’m going to try again with a smaller hook and thinner yarn because the overall pattern was very cute and swimsuits might be a good way to use up my odds and ends.

We’ve been receiving bountiful boxes of luscious summer produce from our CSA and I’ve been doing my best to use and process it.  I try to make a salad with the inevitable lettuce the first or second night we get a delivery, then plan on using up any spinach or chard in the next few days, usually in an Indian dish with lentils or chickpeas  served over rice.  I’ve also been freezing and drying some of the excess to prevent waste.  I’ve been using home-dried greens to make my own greens powder to add to smoothies and it’s every bit as good as store-bought.  I just try to not get too much kale into the mix since it can add an odd taste if it’s the major ingredient.

I need to measure my daughter after her most recent growth spurt so that I can start sewing school clothes for her.  I have a lot of really nice fabrics from thrift stores, I just need to do sit down and do the cutting and construction.  I just bought new socks and underwear for her, if I can sew enough good-quality clothing, then she’ll just need a coat and shoes for the coming school year.  I also need to practice my knitting more so that I can produce sweaters and the like.

All of this is much harder now because of my eye.  I have to take frequent breaks in my work, so projects take longer, but I’m starting to get used to it and plan my work accordingly.