Finishitis

I now have finishitis. Startitis is when you want to start a bunch of projects, so finishitis is when you want to finish a bunch of projects. The problem is, finishing is a lot harder than starting.

Up first, I think: the Ice Queen cape. It is close to being done anyway. I went looking for the second skein, only to realize that this WAS the second skein. It really is close to being done. I just need to finish it.

Rocky

It has been a little while since I last posted - I've been busy. Not busy knitting or crocheting, unfortunately, but busy with life. We all have these seasons. This is one of mine. Hubby and I are still waiting for a new job/place to live. I am still working, albeit slowly, on craft projects, homeschooling the three littles (although they are not so little anymore at 11, 7, and 3), teaching a class at the local college, church, and now taking a class for my doctorate. That is a lot of reading and writing. I don't mind quite so much, but I think once my teaching class is done, the other can retain my focus easier. I enjoy writing, which is part of the reason I have this blog.

I am still working on my Cosy Woodland Blanket, and am a little more than 1/3 of the way done. I am on color 40 of 117, I think. Then there is the border to be done. I wish I had a place to put all of my crafting things together, and hopefully one day soon I will. Living where we are, space is limited, but I saw a picture of something I wish I had time to play with from a few years ago:

My loving hubby bought me some Wollmeise Sock Yarn, and it is buried somewhere (like everything else). A beautiful blue and dark brownish-grey. My mind flits from project to project, and one day I will get to all my stash, I think. Provided that I live that long. =) We sometimes have stash beyond our life expectancy, but I would like to think mine is manageable, provided that I live until at least 80. Haha!

For me

Sometimes you need or want a quick project, just for yourself. Enter the Copy Cat C.C. beanie. I thought it would go nicely with my cowl. I think it will be done by Valentine's Day.

Timeliness

It has been a while since I posted, because the past two weeks have been crazy. I started teaching again,  my doctoral classes started, my Biblical counseling track started, and I have started preparing for the Ladies' Retreat at our church. Not to mention all the issues our church has had. Our pastor and music minister left, some of the members who held positions have left, and there are lots of holes to fill. So between external factors and regular cooking/cleaning/homeschooling factors and last week's insane weather causing sinus issues, I haven't been able to do much crafting. I am about a quarter done with my Woodland blanket. It sounds like a lot, but considering that it is supposed to be almost done, it really isn't. My V-neck Boxy  is still waiting, and I have a sleeve done on Little Man's birthday sweater. I still have not wound the yarn for that yet. I hope to catch up a bit after February with knitting and crochet goals. My reading goal is off to a good start - I have already read 2 books this year. I have at least 2 more to read before next week (they are short). But books are books.

Craziness

Ever have those days when things feel like they are spiraling at an increasing speed and you are just trying to hang on for dear life? Yeah...that has been me over the past 3 days. There have been all kinds of things that have popped up, most are temporary, but all seem to be immediate. Things like:

1) Our pastor left. That may seem inconsequential, but his wife was the music minister. So we have 2 holes to fill, but it was more than just preaching and music on Sunday morning. It was a partnership with the elementary school, choir practice and special music, church meetings and keeping the calendar, and a million other little jobs they did.

2) A women's retreat at church. Again, it may seem irrelevant, but I am coordinating it. And our speaker fell through.

3) Spring semester at the local college started. I knew this was coming, and have been looking forward to it. However, I have had less time to prepare than I would have liked due to the holidays.

4) I took an ingenious idea to get my doctorate and start it this year. Not a big deal, until I got talked into starting it sooner than expected because of a scholarship opportunity.

5) At our last church, there was a Biblical Counseling course they did, and I wanted to participate but never had the time or money. Now after reaching out about the books used, I was offered an opportunity to get it at a fraction of the cost and online, so the timing was flexible.

6) Hubby and I found an apartment complex that we may be able to afford with assistance. I also discovered a program for helping families like ours purchase a home.

All of these things mean my time is super limited, even more than normal.  I am still homeschooling my children, and both my older children are in book clubs. That is good and bad - another obligation, but I get some semi-free time. I know I should say no more, but once the initial panic calms down, I think I can handle it. My brain can process small bits at a time. I have to plan the work and work the plan. And stay on top of it all, which small steps can accomplish.

Working On It

I am back to working on my V neck Boxy. I got the back and both fronts done, and have joined the body. All I have to do is knit. And knit. And knit.

It should be great for knitting while watching TV, although I am trying to watch less and read more. My next major project is a sweater for Little Man. I have the yarn, but still have to wind it. Guess what is on the list for tomorrow?

Startitis

I started another crochet project, because I had some of the yarn and am having a great time with the blanket.

I pulled out the Mandala yarn from Lion Brand that I bought for Little Man. His birthday is Saturday, and he will be 11. Can you believe it? Eleven already. He is as smart as ever, picking up some sarcasm like a good boy, and has a terrific sense of humor.

I asked him about a sweater for his birthday, and he still wants one. It won't be ready for Friday, but I will make one. I also have a dragon to make for him. A big one, with enormous wings. This year will be more fun stuff, and not so much about Christmas. I still have a sweater for me and some socks, 2 unicorns and blankets for the girls, several books to read and at least one shawl for me. That should keep me sufficiently occupied this year, don't you think?

Cozy Woods

I have been working on the Woodland Stripe blanket, in the Cozy Stripe colorway. I am using the stripe sequence from the Cozy blanket, which means I have all my colors lined up. There has been a little extra planning, as the Woodland blanket pattern has 117 stripes, and the Cozy blanket only has 90. So, how am I dealing with this? Simple - I am repeating the first sequence (about 16 colors) and I did the first color for the starting row and rows 2 and 3.

Another change I have made is with color changes. Most of the time, the directions read "end with dc, change to new color, ch 3." I change the color at the top of the last dc (or sc, whichever stitch it is), and then chain 3. I also catch the ends under the next row.

Catching the ends makes weaving them in a bit easier. I will also finish weaving them in section by section.

The colors are not as bright as I imagined, which is nice. I thought they would look more vibrant, almost neon or day glow, but they are actually more subdued. It looks really good.

Finished objects and more

I did finish my Veronika, and have worn it.  I really need to get a picture of it on, but maybe I can do that later.

I started a blanket. It is coming together nicely, when there is not a user error in the pattern.

I have also finished one book! I am one book closer to my goal! I hope read at least 9 more. I have 7 that I have started, and if I can finish those, my goal of 15 will be easy.

I am working towards my goals quickly. I am getting school all lined up, and the search for a house is in the beginning stages.

This year is off to a great start!

WIP Wednesday

So I finished my Veronika last night, at least the knitting. I would show it to you, but I stuck it in the washer (it is acrylic and wool, so I think it will be okay) so I can block it. That is later today's project.

I am also still working on the Snow Queen cape/blanket. So far, I think it is turning out okay.

I have a CAL starting on Friday. It is the Woodland blanket, in the Cosy stripe colorway. It should be fun.

I also have my V-neck boxy and a birthday sweater to do. There is a dragon and 2 unicorns to make. I think that is all of my WIPs. How about yours?

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! This is the time for new beginnings. Just about everyone I know is making resolutions. Have you made yours? I have several, and I have thought carefully about them.

First on my list is more or better self-care. I have had a tendency to neglect myself this past year, even after falling. If I don't take care of me, no one else will. I also must teach my children to care for themselves, in all ways. Not to be selfish, but so that they do not get hurt. Neglect can lead to injury, and simple care can prevent it.

Along with self-care goes more knitting for me. I have not made something for myself that actually fits and I enjoy it for a long time. So, this year, I plan on focusing more on me and what I would like. No one else knits, so if I want something handmade, it is up to me.

Moving is on tha agenda for this year. We need our own place. The children need separate rooms. We need a more stable income and environment. Times are tough, but where there is a will, there is a way.

Deeper knowledge is always a good goal. This year, I want to dig deeper into knowledge of my Savior. Jesus is a top priority, and although everyone may not agree, I want a deeper understanding of God, His Son, His Spirit and His Word. Many people object to God and Christianity by what they think they know or what someone else has told them. I believe this is short-sighted. Second, third, or fourth hand accounts are heresay. Read for yourself. Learn for yourself.

Speaking of reading, last year I had a goal of reading 10 books. I read 6. This year, I challenge myself to read 15. If I have the same rate of success, it will be 9 for the year.

I want to lose 100 pounds this year. I have already started making a conscious effort in that direction. Eating healthy meals that are balanced, eating smaller portions and eating every 3 hours will take me a long way in reaching that goal. Exercise will come when possible. Right now, the extra weight and tense muscles prevent most of that from happening. As part of self-care, a healthier body is a must. Interestingly, I think pictures are also part of that.

I am close to being done with my Veronika. I think by the end of the week I will be done, which is great because it will be cold all week long.

What about your New Year's resolutions?

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?