The Dweebmachine

 I live in Guatemala. I've been here for about 6 months now, well, I'm in the 6th month. I've gone to the market, visited Antigua for a weekend (twice), and explored a few things in the city. None of this was vacation. From the outside, it feels like it should be a vacation, but it's my life. I'm a teacher, so I go to work, get home, eat a lot of food, and crash. Every day. Knitting is involved in this of course. On weekends I grocery shop or stop in Dollar City for decorations or pots and pans. That's life. It's what I did as a teacher back in the United States. Why should that change just because I'm in another country? I know people will argue the point that because I'm in another country I have an obligation to do things and travel. These people are not preschool teachers. Planning a trip takes time and money, something I don't have enough of often. Just because it's easier to go to Antigua if you live in Guate, doesn't mean you want

 I've been busy, busy the past couple weeks! I realized I had a stricter time limit on a couple knit things than I thought, so decided to put the tree skirt on hold. It will be done by Christmas, yes, but I'm taking a break. I foolishly told a group of students at my school that I would make them a surprise. The surprise was knitted Christmas trees. They didn't take me long, but they were something else I had to do. Then I have Christmas stockings. I have a strict timeline, which turns out is about 2 weeks, to finish several Christmas stockings (4 now, I think). I've made 2. I take on too much at Christmas. Anyway, I'm leaving for a trip on Friday, and will be able to knit some while away. Not much, though. Here's what I have done so far:     And I would have done more, but I've been visiting my friend's kitten. He's a darling little thing but he won't let me knit. 

 What have I done the past few weeks? Entirely too much, I'd imagine. I put up my Christmas Tree on All Saint's Day. I also have been knitting away like a maniac. I decided to make a tree skirt, because I'm wild like that. Also, my to-knit list has been whittled down as I completed project after project. This is the progress I've made (with pictures) 2 3 fair isle hats 🗸 1 Snowmen scarf (I just can't get enough of that design!) (Decided to make 3 hats) 1 pullover with Mayan inspired colorwork 🗸 2 oversized mittens (not pictured) 🗸 4-6 fair isle Christmas stockings 1 dog sweater +Tree skirt, in progress +Mini-sweater and mini-tree ornaments, in progress As you can see, I get pretty easily distracted at this time of year. I have a million things I want to make, and gifts to give, but of course I want to make pretty things for me! As far as Guatemala, I've done very little here. Cayala has lights up, I

 Last weekend was lovely! I went to the central market and got a couple more blankets for my apartment. No insulation + no heat will mean a not so pleasant winter without them. Sure, it averages around 55 or so, but it can get down to the 40's. Not freezing, but if you can't get away from it.... I also got something to hang on my wall, because back in medieval times (and pretty much most of history before central heating) tapestries were used for insulation. I don't believe it will actually work, but I can hope. Lucy likes one of my new blankets and I seem to keep buying things with birds.  On Sunday last week, I did all my laundry and cleaned EVERYTHING. Including my dog. On Sunday afternoon I realized I was sick with a cold (thanks, preschool!), by Tuesday morning I had no more cold, but it all went to my chest by way of my throat, so I couldn't talk. What a GREAT time for parent-teacher conferences, am I right? I survived those, th

Yes, yes, I know it's VERY early for Christmas, but this is a pattern that I LOVE and am using to make a second scarf for a friend. Backstory: A year ago (October 2020) I moved to a new apartment, just after starting in a new school district, so I started binge watching Doctor Who because it helps me destress (naturally). I caught a glimpse of the scarf that Matt Smith wears in The Snowmen Christmas special and became obsessed with replicating it. I'd just started playing around with textured stitches more often, so it was a perfect project. Fast forward three months (January 2021) when I finally take the time to make the thing! I bought an expensive skein of yarn for it, because I really wanted it to be special. What I came up with I think is a pretty good replication. I loved the result and it's the only scarf I brought to Guatemala. It doesn't get too cold here, but I had to bring it anyway. Pictures for comparison: The original scarf Mine Current project

 I've been here a couple of months now, and of course in that time I have been knitting A LOT. I've made 3 hats and two sweaters! I'm almost halfway through a scarf AND have begun work on another sweater... and I've made a few blanket squares. Here's some pictures: Irish Moss hat Map of the world sweater (from an early 90's kit!) First project with Guatemalan yarn! Single rib beanie (finally broke down and watched BoJack Horseman, and obviously made the hat because of ACE VIBES) Lovely cable beret

 I've done a million things since I've been here...and yet at times it feels like less.  Quick recap: July 14th-I moved out of my apartment July 19th- I flew to Guatemala July 28th- First day of work at the new school August 10th- First day of school for students August 17th- First Stitch and Bitch with a new friend every Tuesday (not a new friend every Tuesday, but a new friend that I meet with every Tuesday) August 23rd-Virtual learning starts September 3rd-5th- Spent the weekend in Antigua September 15th- Guatemalan Independence day September 17th- I meet another new friend who wants to learn knitting And now we're all caught up! Of course, I've done a lot in between. I found a few places to buy yarn, looked up some craft stores for other projects, invested in some beautiful textiles, and started taking a Waldorf education certification course. Guatemala is beautiful and I've made new friends! Hopefully