Socks
Pattern: my own toe-up heel-flap sock pattern
Yarn: Crystal Palace Panda Cotton (59% bamboo, 25% cotton, 16% elastic nylon)

What with the heat and the stress of the last week, my crafting has been a bit directionless. Knitting has always been a good fall back craft, since I can retreat downstairs where the aircon is most effective to do it.

Wrist Warmers
Pattern: based on the Celtic Cable Neck Warmer
Yarn: Eki Riva Casual (baby alpaca)

Not only did we have a wet lounge room on the weekend, but a few days earlier we were woken at 4am by the sound of a crash and glass breaking. Investigation revealed that a picture rail that the shonky builder of our house extension had installed was only held up by one nail and by being wedged between side walls. It finally swivelled on the nail and dropped a framed photographic print down the stairwell. Shattered glass and nerves everywhere.

That night I opened an art exhibition for the contemporary art group I’m a part of. This was nerve-wracking as well, though in a good way. I was utterly worn out by the end of the day.

I had an interesting conversation with the curator of the gallery about the difference between contemporary art and Contemporary Art. I realised that my ideas swing toward the latter, but the practical side of me says ‘yeah, but you can’t make money out of that’. I go around in circles and don’t get anywhere. But I ask myself, do I need to make money out of it? Can’t I chalk it up as a hobby – something I do for fun and creative exploration?

In the meantime I can, at least, keep in practise. My first life drawing class on Friday was great. I felt a bit guilty about doing an art class on a weekday, when I should be working, but I love learning under this teacher and want to seize the opportunity while it’s there. One day she’ll have to retire, though she seems determined to keep teaching as long as possible. I’ll just have to work a bit on weekends to make up for it. Which is what I’ll have to do if I start a fine art degree, anyway.