Friday, December 29, 2017

Back and forth

I have been going back and forth between projects. I am trying to finish my Veronika, but I also want to get the Snow Queen cape/blanket done. I also have an order for a blue birthday sweater with a flame on it from Little Man. Looks like duplicate stitch is on my future. Also, my Princess has begun cross stitch.

I am making plans for forward movement because without them, you go nowhere. What direction are you taking?

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Still not convinced

So, I am working on my Veronika (I am just over halfway done with the back section) and I am still working on the first of the crochet projects for my children. This one is still giving me issues. I like the way it starts, but the fact that it will not lay flat bothers me. I am also not happy with where the color changes are happening.

So, back to the drawing board I think. I have a CAL that starts next week, and I am very excited about that. I am doing Attic24's Woodland blanket CAL, with the Cosy Stripe palette (I got that for Christmas). I have a birthday sweater yo knit, I think, if the birthday boy can tell me what he wants. If not, he may not get it for his birthday, but when it gets completed (like March).

I am still working on goals/directions/resolutions for the new year. Most are in my head but not on paper yet. This week is the time for that. How is your New Year looking?

Friday, December 22, 2017

Lost my touch

I think I have knitted so long, I have lost my touch with crochet. The beginnings of the cape were not good...at least not up to my standards. I have restarted it a couple of times, in a couple different patterns. My latest attempt is the best, but I am still not thrilled with it.

Once more, I will undo and redo it until I am satisfied. I think part of my problem is I am trying to go too quickly. I want to hurry through it, when I should be enjoying it. This is twofold: one, my children want it now, and I want to give it to them before they outgrow it. Second, I have become so busy that I am impatient with the slow handmade process. Ironic, isn't it? The whole reason to do this is to take time, slow down, and appreciate the process. Otherwise, you just go buy one. This is one of my main goals next year...to slow down a bit more. That is partially why I have stopped enjoying this season so much. It hurries to get here and passes all too quickly. Everything is a rush. I bowed out of some normal obligations this year to help slow down a bit. If I plan and think ahead a bit more, next year will be even better.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Crochet Time

I recently bought some yarn for the kiddos to make blankets. Well, technically, two blankets and a cape. I started on the cape today, as it would prove the most thought provoking. It will have to be my own design, as I have not found a pattern for an Ice Princess Cape from a famous animated film.

The color is Snow Queen, aptly named, and I started with a granny rectangle. In this one, I chained 13, then did 3 dc in the 4th ch from the hook, and...well, I will write it down when I finish it and probably put it on Ravelry.

One of my goals/directions this year is to finish the Master Crocheter's course. I have had it for a year, and have barely made progress on it. Other things have taken up my time. I want to spend more time crafting for myself, and that is one big otem I would like to accomplish.

Monday, December 18, 2017

Better than before

I finally finished with Little Man's scarf, and started back on my Veronika. I did the math, and to get the largest size with my gauge, I need to follow the directions for the Size 1. And you know what? I think after blocking, it will be just fine. I have made 2 adjustments to knitting it this time: first, I am slipping the first stitch to create a neater edge to the collar. It looks lovely and smooth now. Second, I am placing a removable stitch marker at every increase. This is more for me, so I do not have to search for them when counting.

I have wrapped the purchased gifts, but the handmade gifts still need to be wrapped.

I am working on some goals/objectives/directions for this year. That may sound a bit vague, but there is always opposition to certain words.  Moving forward is the biggest concern. There are many things happening and that I would like to happen. Decisions are being made and steps taken. I will divulge more as we get closer to the end of the year.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

So close

I finished the last pair of socks yesterday, and started on the scarf. This is the last Christmas gift planned for this year, with the exception of putting together the unicorn hoodie scarves.

I hope there are to be lots of changes this year, and am working toward them. The first major change will hopefully be living quarters. Hubby and I are looking into a few places, and maybe we can manage to swing one early this next year. Also, job changes are hopefully forthcoming as well.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Still working

This week is a little calmer, I suppose. We are finishing up our holiday shopping and I am trying to finish Christmas knitting. I am on sock #2 of the last pair to knit.

I still have a scarf to knit for Little Man and 2 hoodie scarves to put together. School is done, but I am also repacking boxes downstairs in hopes of moving soon. Calls will be made this week and questions asked. There is nothing wrong with asking. There are hopes for job prospects as well. The new year holds many possibilities.

Thursday, December 07, 2017

Better care

I had a professor in college once who used to say "I don't know much, but I read a lot." I do read a good bit, although not as much as I would like or as much as I did in years past. Recently I have been reading Mad Man Knitting and he is having some health issues. I am finding myself staring down a similar path. I have no health insurance, but I have stress in abundance. I have a lot of extra weight that I carry, and I do not care for myself the way I should. I do not want to be selfish, but it is more like putting on your own oxygen mask on a plane before someone else's. You cannot pour water from an empty cup. Since we are embarking on a new year soon, I am thinking forward.

I started on the last pair of socks for Christmas. I believe it is in Sweet Georgia yarn, in Slate.

I have finished the heel now, which took me about 3 times. I am working on the foot,  and hope to be done by tomorrow, but I am getting sidetracked with snow. I want to make warm things, like blankets for my children. I should focus on Christmas knitting but I sometimes lack some willpower.


Wednesday, December 06, 2017

A little lost

I feel a little lost these days. I have some issues (like you didn't already know that), but I am trying to overcome them. I am far from perfect, and this time of year always manages to bring those imperfections to light.

I finished Little Man's hat last night. I kind of like the swirl of dark. It is KnitPick's Preciosa yarn in Captain. I had leftovers from a scarf I made for my brother, and I think I can still make a scarf with the remainder.

I am about to start on the last pair of socks for Christmas. I think this may be the last year I make a bunch of gifts for Christmas. Not because I don't enjoy it, which I do, but because it prevents other things from happening. I know crafters who make somethings for the holidays, and others who refuse. I guess if I get asked maybe I will, but I think I need to start caring for myself a bit more in that department. Not to be selfish, but because if I have an empty cup, how can I pour into someone else's?

Friday, December 01, 2017

Back to Square One

I almost got through with the Veronika cardigan, and then realized that there is no way I would have enough yarn. So I did some math, and I need about 3 more skeins I think. The trouble is I don't remember how many I had. And so I also don't remember if I have more lurking somewhere. So...it is going in the WIP/UFO pile for now.

I have Christmas knitting to finish, and I should have more time after next week to finish the presents and wrap them. It will give me a good 2 weeks before Christmas to get it all done. I have a quarter of a sock, a full pair of socks, a hat and scarf, and some scarves to only put together. If I finish the sock and hat before the end of next week, the scarves should be a breeze. The other pair of socks should go quickly too. I hope. How are your plans coming?