August didn’t turn out quite like I’d hoped

I think August has been my least creative month in a good while. The month started off well, I worked on a couple of my crochet blankets, the first being the free Riverbed Blanket pattern by CJ Design and the second is just a simple back-loop-only stitch using slub yarn.

I also practised needle felting very small hands, using wire in each digit so all could move independently and be shaped into different positions.

I took a break from crafting to work on the website for a week. It was a lot to learn (and to continue to learn), but I’m pleased with where the website is at currently.

I also published my first blog post, tutorial, and short story:

• To the first of many (blog)
• Needle Felt Forget-me-not Tutorial
• A Peculiar Garden Visitor (story)

The other thing I’ve been working on is getting my garden craft room ready. It’s been a lot of work to get it to this point, but it’s finally a blank canvas (that doesn’t leak!). All that’s left is to paint the feature wall, add some flooring, skirting boards, and wall framing, and fix the light wiring. After that, I should be able to move in!

The other reason I’ve been taking a break from crafting is due to my health. I have been dealing with quite a bad case of eczema for over a year now, and the relentless discomfort and itching is really taking its toll. I cannot figure out what is causing it, over the past year I have methodically (and sometimes not methodically) stopped/switched using products, changed my diet, tried to identify environmental causes etc, and I’m just at a loss. I started to wonder if after all of this, maybe I have developed a wool sensitivity, so currently all my wool and yarn is in bin bags in the garage. Somewhat fortunately and but also unfortunately, I don’t think wool is the cause, I would hate to give up the hobby I adore so much but I am also becoming quite desperate to figure out what is causing my skin to keep flaring up. There’s only so long someone can deal with relentlessly itchy and sore skin that keeps you up at night, I feel like I’m losing my mind (and my creativity). Feel free to let me know your experiences with eczema and if you ever found a cause, I feel like I’ve explored almost everything at this point but I’m still no further forward.

Anyway, that’s enough rambling about that. I’m afraid September will be a quiet month as well, as I will likely leave the wool in the garage for another month. Before I forget, my current tea recommendation is Twinings Soulful Blends Peace. It’s caffeine-free and contains, camomile, vanilla, and cinnamon…. delicious! I like mine with a splash of milk.

Take care, and stay crafty.