New happenings

Well, there's been a lot going on around here, and yet, not a whole lot has changed on the knitting front.

Our baby girl entered the world on September 3rd, and she made it fast. We're talking 3 hours and 20 minutes of labor, people! She was ready to come and didn't waste any time about it.

I started working on the top-down raglan knitalong from Spud and Chloe. If you haven't been over there, go check it out. It's easy to follow instructions and moves fairly quickly. I'm about halfway done with mine, and I've been trying to catch up on sleep from having a baby! I'm working on the body, and don't have that much left. I hope by the end of the month to have a new sweater, and from the way the weather is progressing, I'm going to need it.

There are several projects waiting to get out of the WIP basket (and yes, I now have a basket, although not all the works-in-progress can fit in it...it in itself is a work in progress) and I'm slowly but surely finishing my EZ Pie Shawl. There are a few baby things in there as well (buttons must be found and sewn on). Once I can clear it out, new projects can fill it. And trust me, there is a long list of those projects! Two new sweaters are waiting, afghans will be crocheted and knitted, and more baby things are to come!

Finally!

I found the solution to the edging on the Pi Shawl. I emailed Schoolhouse Press, and was rather surprised that Meg emailed me back yesterday. I had also scoured the internet, and found some directions that were helpful. However, I have to say, Meg's directions were a little better (she suggested a provisional cast on, which is PERFECT). I'm hoping the shawl will be done soon - and I can post pictures. I'm planning to take a few more pictures, and I have a TON to upload, so we should have a plethora of pictures soon on here. :) Here's to time on my side...hopefully.

Changes

I'm slowly but surely changing things...as you can tell by the new updates. I'm still working on it, but it's a start. I have pictures - I just need to download them from my camera to my computer. It's a process. I'm close to being done with EZ's Pi Shawl. The last section feels like it's taking forever. I have 5 rows left, plus the edging. So far, so good. I have to hurry though, and that makes me want to do nothing but knit...including ignoring school work and housework. Thus far, I've been successful in not avoiding either, and keeping up with things. I'm hoping maybe this weekend I can take a little time to relax and knit for a while. I'm not counting on it though. I have too much to do. I do hope to update the blog a little more and get a few pictures up (just have to download them to the computer...really, 15 minutes is all I need to make time for...perhaps on Sunday).

Baby's doing well, as is Little Man. He's getting over a little sinus issue, and Hubby has now picked it up (maybe it's actually a cold that I'm immune to?). If I didn't have to work (and since I probably won't have a job soon, that statement might be "since I am out of work"), I could get SOOO much more done. Work seems to get in the way of life. I have painting, cleaning, knitting, cooking, baking, sewing, crocheting, and learning I want to do, and work takes up most of my day. I guess that's just life. It kinda sucks like that.

Good news - a new concert for us to go see! Well, actually, it's not NEW, it's the second leg of a tour that we didn't get to see the first time because I passed out. Twice. Long story...but the EMT was partially to blame. Anywho, we're going again and it should be fun since we'll have at least one other person with us. This fall will ROCK! :)

Still working...for now

I'm still working on projects - I did finish the February Baby Sweater, but need buttons. I have buttons for the Hawthorn, but I have yet to finish that. I'm still working on the EZ Pi Shawl.

In other news, last month was definitely in turmoil for me. After hitting the 6 month mark for Baby#2, my MBA program started. Then the same week as the final for the first class, my company announced they had entered into a "Definitive Agreement" with another company to purchase them. For those who don't understand what that means (and that was several people at my office), it means in 3-6 months after the sale is final, our office will close. Permanently. Forever. No more job. Start looking now. Then I had 2 group projects and a final due and a new class started, all in that same week. It was insane. Not to mention I started nesting in a major way, and the whole house was a bit jumbled for a week. Little Man finally has a big boy room though, and the baby's room is in progress. The kitchen was also upheaved, due to the potential of a new refrigerator. That didn't work too well, and so we were back to square 1. We did purchase a new King Size bed - how did we ever sleep so long on that full-size mattress that was so old?! - and I'm so glad we did. That bed is pure heaven. Sleep is better, which makes eating better, which means I'm back in the gym, and I have more energy (although it still gets depleted easily). I'm also beginning to switch to a new eating plan - the Eat Clean Diet. More to come on that later.

Back to knitting: the Pi Shawl is coming along well. I had a minor issue getting to the last section (576 stitches!) but I did correct the problem. Stitch markers, even on an easy lace shawl, are your friend. Never forget that. I hope to make a few changes around here as well - we'll see if I can get a few things done between now and the end of the month. I hope so. Keep your fingers crossed - things are looking up. :)

Finished, well, almost

I have finished (almost) a few things - like the February baby sweater, the Cross over baby sweater and the Pants to match. I haven't completely finished them...they are still awaiting buttons and ribbons and elastic. There are a couple of ends to still weave in on the FBS, but all in all, they are completed. No more knitting for them. Now, we're on to more adult things. Well, travel knitting from EZ to be exact. I started the Pi Shawl. It's the lovely lace one, with the 3 different patterns in it. I hope I can finish it before July actually (her month of travel knitting). I have a tendency to start large projects and not finish them. This one will require some blocking pins and maybe something new will encourage me to finish. We'll see how it goes. I'm waiting on pictures from NOLA for the Lidsville hat I sent via my 'rents to my brother. I hope to post some pictures soon. I also have a potential new pattern that I transcribed to post, with pictures of the original. Hopefully I'll have time this weekend to get some more pictures taken, update Ravelry, and this blog. I've been wanting to change a few things around, and just needed the time. Of course, the busier I am, the more things I try to add to my to-do list - go figure.

Something old, something new...

I have a new laptop, which totally rocks. This means (hopefully) more regular updates, since I can now get on the 'net from the comfort of my very own couch. Not having to drag my sorry self downstairs will get me online much more often...well, that and school work. I started my MBA, but not before I did technically finish one knit item (ok, I finished it this past weekend, and school started on the 5th). What this really tells me is when I'm really busy and think my plate is full, I have a tendency to get more regular work done.

I also started some new projects, or at least gathered the materials for them. I will soon post some pictures...when a) I get some to post and b) I think about actually uploading the photos. I'm close to finishing another couple of projects, and plan on finishing one by the weekend. I have another one scheduled for later this month as well. Who knew being pregnant and starting school would make me get more knitting done? Does that mean I should always be busier, as I will accomplish more? Just a theory...

Another post, and a new website!

I just ahve to mention that Erica Lea over at Simple Days is giving away a hand-knit dishcloth for commenting on her blog! She does have the pattern up, and is ingenious for using 2 strands of crochet thread held together, rather than kitchen cotton for them. How fantastic! She also has a great cooking website, Cooking for Seven, and I would highly recommend checking her out! She's a terrific crafty young lady, and worth the read! :)

Holy Crap!

I knew it'd been a while since I last posted, but I didn't realize it had been so long. So much has happened since the last time I posted...let's see if I can catch you up quickly.



1) Expecting baby #2 - will find out if it's a boy or a girl on April 20th. Watch for more news!

2) Have had a slightly different pregnancy this time around - passed out a couple of times and had nausea. I know, lovely thoughts.

3) I've picked up a few jobs here and there (knitting and crochet) - one being writing a pattern for a vest (working on it feverishly, but it's been rough with being pregnant). Also, have 2 more repair jobs in crochet to hopefully soon get done.

4) I've been asked to make a sweater for STITCHES South - EXTREMELY excited about this one. It should be lovely. I'll post more once everything has been received.

5) I did finally hear back from the recipient of the fingerless mitts - they were received and accepted gratefully.



I still have a TON of projects going on - I tried to compete in the Ravelympics. I made progress on the project, but didn't finish it. I hope to finish the vest pattern, then a couple of hats, then a sweater for Little Man, and hopefully move on from there. I'm really trying to finish stuff this year, but I continue to get side-tracked! More posting later!

Coming Soon...

Thanks to Jolie for posting about my pattern. She's a very cool knitter - very visual in her style. I always like to see what she's working on - it always gives me a new perspective. She takes it beyond function and makes knitting almost geometric in her designs and color work.

I've been keeping busy by working on my January project. I'm trying to work through EZ's Knitting Almanac in a way, using projects I already either have the yarn for or have cast on. This way, I have a goal, I'm using stash, and I'm cleaning out current WIPs. This month is a sweater, and I have been eyeing the Knit Picks Gloss in my stash. I found the perfect pattern from Knitty (Zora) and have been working on it diligently. I don't know that it will get done in January (I have a sweater to repair and a hat to finish for my brother) but there's a good start on it. I'm also making notes as I go, so if I have to put it down in February, I'll know where I am and the modifications I've been making (amazing - I think I've grown up as a knitter). :)

Here are some pictures of what I've already finished this year:

Noro Scarf from J. Flood

Turn-a-Square Hat from J. Flood (a family of 3 - only mine is pictured here)

Lidsville from D. Stoller's Son of Stitch & Bitch (Little Man as model - I think I constructed it incorrectly, and plan on fixing it)

Autumn Sun Wrap from Crochet in Color (shop sample at TWNY)

That should take care of most of what's been going on - other than the holidays, and Little Man's 3rd birthday. I found some pattern errors in Skolnick, so I'll be working on that in the coming months as well. A huge thanks to Jolie for test knitting them for me. I'm still working on confirmation that the recipient of the originals received them - Alex? Hello?

Look for exciting updates coming. Oh, and I decided to participate in the Ravelympics in February. Staying true (somewhat) to EZ's Knitting Almanac, I'm going for the WIP event with Little Man's sweater. I really want to finish it, but the cables are killing me. Maybe this will be the push I need to get it done. Finishing that will also help when I finish Zora, since I'm working both cardigans as one large piece rather than 3 separate pieces as the pattern calls for and having to seam them. I'd rather have the ease of knitting one large piece, keeping my gauge the same, and not having to seam - it's a complete win/win, except when the directions don't work with you.

Finish in 2010

It looks like this year will be a year for finishing. I have several projects on the needles (try at least a dozen if not more) plus yarn to make many other things. I have already completed a few things, and will post pictures hopefully this weekend. Other things will be finished soon, and my goal is to finish at least one project a month. Nice goal, right? We'll see how well that works. As far as blogging goes, I'm hoping to get back into a regular habit of blogging at least twice a month, once with a progress report and once with a finished object. If I can post more, I will. That's all for now - watch for updates! :)

Pattern Erratta

I started working my own pattern, and have found errors. That really sucked. So, in an effort to be a consciencious designer, I'm fixing it. Well, as I work it, so after this week, a new version should be posted. Hopefully, someone will actually pay attention and download it. I seriously need to figure out how to post a PDF file, and how to convert the Word file into PDF. If I can do that, we'll be all set.

This week should be fun - hubby's birthday, a mini-vacation at the in-laws, a virtually stress-free Thanksgiving, and a fun holiday concert. Look for an update on Hubby's birthday next week. :)

Updates

I've been working on stuff, seriously. I completed all 3 Turn-A-Square hats, a Noro scarf, plus a couple of repair projects. I've been working like crazy for a while, then in lulls get a chance to actually knit or crochet something. I've also been working on a crochet wrap for TWNY and still waiting on yarn to finish it. It will all come together.

In other news, Little Man has been battling a cold, Hubby's picking it (or something worse) up, and it looks like it's striking Mom next. This is not good news since next week is Thanksgiving and Hubby's birthday. We have plans, and those plans do not include being sick. I also don't want to be sick for the TSO show in Greenville on the 27th! Hopefully extra rest, water, Vitamin C and some chicken soup will make it all better. :)

New Stuff

Oh, there has been knitting going on...I swear I've finished things. I completed 3 dishcloths (doesn't sound exciting, I know, but sometimes you need a quick finish project that you can do while you watch your 2-year-old run around a room), and have started a sweater for Little Man. He's surrounded by much knitted love. :) I also completed another shawl for a lovely lady who frequents the shop. She still considers herself a beginner (I think she could do more if she'd pick something other than garter stitch) and needed the edging done for her. She's not a crocheter (understandable; not everyone can be a great hooker!) and wanted the shawl finished sometime this century. Fortunately, her order came at a perfect time to distract me (during some serious losses). I finished and blocked it, and she adored it. Pictures to come later - when maybe I have a little more time, and some new batteries in the camera.

Oh, on a side note, the bathroom is to be painted this weekend (thank goodness for long weekends). Will post those pics too.

In honor of Bruce

This past month, so many things have happened. I don't know that this is the time or the place to say everything, but one of the many downs this past month was the loss of a friend. He was a good friend, a great knitter, and he will be missed terribly. His name was Bruce, and he was a huge fan of lace. Bruce was incredibly smart, not just book smart, but everything smart. And he never lorded it over anyone; he was always happy to give a word of advice when asked or help you understand something. He had a quirky sense of humor (let's face it - math jokes aren't everyone's cup of tea, but Bruce enjoyed a good one), and the depth of knowledge he had about science, math, and his favorite - knitting, was amazing. The ability to pick his brain over something so small seemed to be one of his favorite past times. No question was ever stupid (only the unasked one) and no detail to small to be described to the utmost perfection. In honor of Bruce, I picked up my shawl again, and will finish it in his memory.

It doesn't look like much now, but that's the beauty of lace. It's the "ugly duckling" of knitting. It starts out all crumpled and horrible, then once it's stretched out, it turns into the most delicate and beautiful work of art.

You will notice the lovely bobbles hanging from the work - those are my stitch markers. Gotta love that! I made them on the cheap. Not bad for a $10 investment. And it makes the lace go incredibly smoothly while working the pattern. Now I get it.

Unfortunately, Bruce was the only one at TWNY to teach a lace class. A mutual friend of ours I think got to pick his brain more than anyone else, and I hope that she will continue his tradition at some point (or someone will pick it up). She also has a lovely tribute to Bruce on her site. I only hope to reach his expertise someday with lace and other knitting. So, in loving honor of Bruce, please knit on.

Done!

Alright...it's done. It's ready to download...won't someone please download it? :)

I'm back!

I finally got it all together, including the time to post pictures! Woot! So, without further ado...

This is Skolnick...look like an ordinary fingerless mitt? Ha! Not quite...

It's a rockin' good time. Inspired by Alex Skolnick (a FABULOUS guitarist), I designed these. I have the pattern all written up, and I'm ready to post it. Are you ready? First of all, it will be offered in Ravelry, and secondly, I may see if I can post it here (just have to figure out how). I've been busy, even if I haven't been posting. I'm also sending a copy of the pattern and the actual mitts to the inspiration (just because I can!). Let's hope it's received with a warm welcome, even though they'll be sent in July.

How long?

I know...it's been ages. Is it too late to post again? As long as the blog is still here, I guess not. I have not been idle - oh, on the contrary. I have been more busy than usual, which is why no posts. As I type, I JUST found the cord for the camera! Hallelujah! Pictures at last! Expect another update soon. I've not fallen off the face of the earth, just the wagon. :)

Another month...

And I still haven't managed to post much. Oh well...I'm still working on the Super Secret Christmas Present (SSCP), and a couple of other projects. When I get a spare moment (maybe when I'm off for Thanksgiving?!) I'll take some pictures and post a few things. Maybe I can get a break then. I hope so...if not, I'll just post about once a month when I think about it. Haha! Work is still going really well, and Avon (for those of you who haven't noticed, I'm an Avon Representative now) is still going. I'm not doing as well as I hoped, but better than I feared. I usually land somewhere in the middle.

We had tickets to Trans Siberian Orchestra on Sunday, and Little Man is still recouperating from it. The show was amazing, and we stayed after to meet the band. Who doesn't love musicians?! In any case, that's all I have for now. Hopefully soon I can post some more. :)

Time flies...

when you're working and can't stop going for 10 minutes. It's been a wild 6 weeks. The new job is good, and I'm working on finding the balance again.

Believe it or not, I am finding a few stolen moments to knit from time to time. I'm re-vamping the "Knit to Fit" class...which by the way, is the ONLY class in the area where you learn basically how to write your own pattern and create a sweater for yourself to fit you (shameless plug, but hey, when you got it, flaunt it). I am actually working on a project, which must remain in secret for the recipient does occasionally read this and no spoiling the surprise. It is a holiday gift though...that much I can tell. I would like to get a few holiday gifts made before December, but the only way to do that is to work incessantly on them (which still might happen...who knows?). I'm currently avoiding housework in favor of updating this blog, and I'm about to go upstairs and knit while I watch some TV. Nothing wrong with some TV knitting...they fit well together. :)

So much to do!

Ack! There's so much to do...Avon is going well, thanks to those who order from me! I'm really enjoying it too. Work is not too bad. I've been there for almost a full 3 weeks, and am getting properly trained (thank the Lord). Did I mention I'm working again? Maybe I didn't...so, I'm working again. A regular, full-time accounting position. It's closer to home, more money, better environment...all around a good move. I'm still not thrilled with having to work outside the home, but our finances dictate otherwise. In any case, both jobs are actually doing well, although the Avon side could use a little help (please shop online here!).

I'm starting to teach at TWNY as well. Saturday is my first class, and I'm so excited!!!! It's my Knit to Fit class. I have only 4 spots left (hurry and fill them!) and it should be a lot of fun. The class will only last a couple of hours for the next 3 Saturdays. You'll get to make a fabulous sweater vest (one of the season's hot looks, for those who like to be up-to-date in their wardrobe) and it will be customized to you! You can go here to sign up. The staff is terrific, and I'm thrilled to teach...again. :) That's all for now...must run and get ready for work!