Slowing down

I'm slowing down, only to have to speed back up again. I have a repair project due by the 15th, and I still need to finish Skolnick. At least I finished the pattern corrections. I'm also headed back to the gym! This means more energy and a healthier lifestyle again. My new job is working out GREAT, except that I'm so busy at work I have no time to even think about anything else. I love it, and hope that it will slow down a little in a week or so. I stepped in to a bunch of fires, and when you're fighting fires, there's no breaks. It's not overwhelming, just busy. I need to actually take a lunch away from my desk, instead of eating there.

Back in the Saddle

I finally picked up knitting again. It was surprising - at my temp job, there was a knitting group! And, to beat all, most of them were new knitters. So, lots of help was needed. One other woman was an experienced knitter, and she had apparently taught several people to knit. The great thing is that it made me pick up a project again. I picked up Skolnick, to figure out what was wrong with the pattern. I realized I had written the chart incorrectly (minor boo-boos) but I have now fixed it and can put up the corrected version. I will also be finishing them soon (my own pair). I also still have to repair several projects, and once this semester is over, I will hopefully bang those out and return them to the EXTREMELY patient people who asked for the repairs to be done. Fortunately for me, I now have a new job to look forward to (a permanent one) and will hopefully continue to knit there during lunches once or twice a week. There are other goals as well to be reached, and I will need time to get everything into a routine once again. But it's coming. :)

Holy Guacamole, Batman!

I cannot believe how fast time has flown, and I still have yet to pick up my needles this year. I've been reading like crazy, but no knitting or crocheting. I have also been busy conducting a job search, which has led to a whole lot of interviews, one job offer, and still no work. I can hear you saying to yourself, who on earth would not take a job offered with 10% unemployment in the state of Georgia?! I would, if the price was too low. When the salary won't meet your needs (and I do mean needs, no wants here), it's foolish to take a job that will inevitably hang you upside down.

I have several projects that desperately need completion, and I haven't even picked up the needles yet. I have pants to match the February baby sweater, which ironically cannot be worn in February, because it's too flippin' warm to wear. Oh well - I need to get those pants done anyway and put the buttons on the sweater so it can be worn. I'm secretly hoping for a cold snap so the outfit can be shown off on the Princess.

This week will be a cleaning frenzy; taxes, Little Man's room and toys/playroom, the master bedroom, the desk, and Princess's room all need serious work. I have one interview this week on Thursday, and the rest of the week is free for cleaning. I hope that once the cleaning is done, job searching will be easier (or at least easier to focus on for me). Once that happens, maybe I can start working on other projects I need to finish.

Expectations

You would think not having a job would give me more time to knit. It really gives me less. I'm surprised at how little knitting I've actually done in the past 2 weeks. I don't think I've even picked up my needles. I have several repair projects to work on, and I am hoping to tackle one of those next week. It seems like there is always something to be done, and never knitting. School and homelife continue to get in the way, but then, I wouldn't trade my children for anything in the world, even knitting time! I love listening to and watching my son play, and I love seeing my baby girl be fascinated with her hands. They are sweet and aweing. Here's to more work for me! :)

Happy New Year!

It's that time again, for a new year to begin. Goals are made; some kept and some broken. This year, there are a lot of goals to be made, from a new job to personal goals to knitting and crocheting. First things first: I HAVE to finish some projects that have been waiting. Second, there are some personal items to take care of, and one has already turned into a war. Who knew that a 4 year old could be so stubborn? Third, hopefully this year will bring some payoffs, like a new job and a new degree.

The Christmas presents that were hand-knit were well received by all. Everyone loved their gift, and went home happy. :) That's a bonus. Maybe next year we can do a hand-made Christmas, but only if I get a move on it and work on projects throughout the year.

I hope everyone had a terrific holiday season, and can keep the memories of it throughout the year.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. The presents knitted were well received, even by my mother (long story, but she usually doesn't appreciate homemade gifts). One gift was not finished in time, and gifted in its unfinished state. My SIL was the recipient, and was so happy. She was actually going to ask me to make her a scarf, so knowing I was working on one for her thrilled her to no end. Hopefully pictures will be available soon.

I had a terrific Christmas, and was given some yarn and a swift. I look forward to creating something with the gifted yarn. There were other non-knitting related gifts, and one in particular was extraordinary. My loving hubby gifted me witih a restored doll from my youth. This was my first doll, and she had been in some disrepair for several years. Now, she is fixed. It was a perfectly wonderful gift. We even had snow on Christmas (a rarity around here).

I hope your Christmas was as wonderful as ours, and may the New Year hold many more blessings.

Not quite, but almost

Well, from my list last week, I almost did everything on it. I was mostly successful, but lacked a few areas. Here's the updated list:

1. Apply for 2 jobs by Wednesday - done
2. Finish two knitting projects by Saturday (12/11) - done
3. Post at least 2 blog entries - not done
4. Finish up the 2 classes online I'm currently taking by Tuesday - done
5. Get Christmas decorations up - partially done
6. Workout at least 3 times by Saturday (12/11) - partially done (I worked out twice)

Not bad, considering things are still not quite normal around here. By "not quite normal" I mean I still don't have a job. I doubt I'll have one before the holidays are over. I'm hoping in January something will come open for me. There are good job leads out there, but the holidays slow everything down.

How I missed posting last week I'll never figure out. I thought about it, but it just didn't work out for me. This week will hopefully be different. It already is, since I'm posting tonight. Saturday is a little more free (the one obligation I had has been cancelled). Hopefully the knitting projects will be a little better, and the workouts will get there too. I bought a jump rope in hopes that the love I once had for it will come back. I hope I can utilize some space in the sunroom to workout; I think the ceiling fan is high enough so I won't hit it with the rope.

It's been freezing here - no really, I mean actually freezing temperatures, like below 32 degrees. That's rare for Georgia. We don't normally get that cold of temperatures until sometime in January or February. We occasionally have snow, but this year so far, we've had flurries 3 times already, and it's not even Christmas yet! I hope to have snow for Christmas. That's even rarer in Georgia than just snow. We did have snow earlier this year, in February. It wasn't a lot (by the northern U.S. standards) but anything that accumulates here is considered a lot. Growing up in Tulsa makes you realize 3 foot snow drifts are a lot of snow, not 3 inches.

On the knitting front, there are 2 more knitting projects for Christmas to be completed. Fortunately, I'm about halfway done with one and that's been about 4 days worth of knitting. This one has a lot of color changes, so it takes a little longer than normal. I'm kicking up the knitting time, and I'm hoping to get this one finished by this weekend, and get the other one knocked out before Christmas.

Goals for this week: finish the one Christmas present, get the other one started, and start the new exercise program (thanks to Oxygen Fitness for Women magazine for the routine). The rest of the Christmas decorations need to get up as well. I'm about 30% on those. Posting I'll keep at 2 times for this week as well. I'm down to one more post by Saturday. I think I can manage that. :)

Busy days and nights

These days, I'm finding more focus, and a little more time. It's becoming easier to fall into a rhythm between homework, daily chores, and all the extras I want to do. I can't promise that all my blogs will be about crafts; but hey, "It's my blog and I'll post what I want to..." (apologies to Leslie Gore). The more I can accomplish during the day, the more I feel like accomplishing and the more I can accomplish. So, here's the agenda for the next week:

1. Apply for at least 2 jobs by Wednesday
2. Finish two knitting projects by Saturday (12/11)
3. Post at least 2 blog entries
4. Finish up the 2 classes online I'm currently taking by Tuesday
5. Get Christmas decorations up
6. Workout at least 3 times by Saturday (12/11)

For those of you who don't know, I lost a good bit of weight last year, and this year it was stymied by the arrival of a new little one. However, I am determined to get back on track, even without a gym membership. I have plenty of stuff that I can do at home, provided I focus just on that. As a mom, it's hard. I see things that need doing, and immediately want to do them. I have found one thing to be true: the more you exercise, the more energy you have. You would think the opposite to be true, but really, what the experts say does hold water. For whatever reason, now that I'm home and not working out consistently, I need at least 8 hours of sleep a night. Before, when I was up at 4:30 most mornings to go to the gym, I was fine on about 6 hours of sleep. My activitiy level hasn't changed much, since I was working a day job, and now I'm working the homefront. If anything, I have a higher activity level. At any rate, the above looks good for goals for this coming week. I'll post some updates along the way (if I keep up with #3) and hopefully I'll also get the good camera back and can post some pictures of Finished Objects.

December

This is my second greatest finished object - I don't think 000 size needles can compete.

So, other than this, my days have been filled with my first great FO, who is now potty trained, job hunting, school and knitting. Yes, I do manage to find time to knit. I recently finished the top down raglan from the Spud and Chloe blog. I loved it so much, I bought the book Custom Knits and started Pink.

It's a new month, and I have new goals. Obviously, a day job would be terrific. In the meantime, I refuse to be left out in the cold. I plan on updating the blog regularly, school will also take up a lot of time, and then there are the kids. Christmas is also quickly approaching, which means a few gifts to be knit (it's surprisingly cheaper when you have the time to knit). I plan on utilizing my time wisely while still at home. I have already started some projects to organize the house, and more of those will come as the month progresses. Today begins a new month, and a new committment. When I can get the good camera back, I will take pictures of the next few FOs I should have completed (yes, I can actually finish a project). I do enjoy being a process knitter, but there are times when FOs really boost your morale. Perhaps I will even have pictures of the FOs with their intended recipients. Maybe traffic will also pick up around here. :) Although this blog is more for me, I hope to reach some and help where I can.

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!

In Loving Memory

I'm a day late, and several dollars short. Go figure. Here are some pictures of the last projects...with the exception of the vest.

The Leaves Sweater (none with me wearing it...there ain't no way I'm squeezing into a size M sweater).

Here's the Baby Cardigan from Debbie Bliss, upsized to fit my almost 2 year old; the button band is still awaiting completion (possibly this weekend).

Here's the blanket that's been in timeout since it was misbehaving (check out the puckering that is no more...we're working on fixing that).

There are several more squares, but Blogger might get overloaded with all the images. Here's the Baby Surprise Jacket from EZ I did...it's just missing buttons, but only until I decide if it's going to a boy or a girl (although I'm tempted to put the buttons on anyway, and just deal with the consequences later).

The title is for the friend that we buried today. Mr. J.T. Reeves went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday. He was 85 years young, and a couple of months ago was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. He was a vibrant, strong, loving man who made my hubby and I want to be at our church all the time. He always asked about us, our son (he never failed to ask us "how's our boy doing?") and he made sure everyone felt welcome and loved. He truly embodied Christ's love for his fellow man, and he will be truly missed. We love you, J.T., and now you can encourage the angels. :)

Oh, I almost forgot about the Orange Ball recipe. This one is a definite keeper, and great for the summer (since it's no-bake) or the winter (citrus fruits are great then).

Orange Balls

1 box graham cracker crumbs (I crush a box of graham crackers; no need to pay more for them pre-crushed)

1 stick margarine

1 bag powdered sugar

6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate

1 tsp vanilla

Melt the margarine. Stir in the frozen orange juice concentrate (I always stick it back in the microwave for about 20 seconds to help melt it faster). Add about 3/4 of the powdered sugar and graham crackers, as well as the vanilla. Mix well. Add more powdered sugar until dough forms (it should be moldable and not very sticky; just slightly tacky). Scoop out 1/2 tbsp balls; roll in remaining powdered sugar. Place on lined cookie sheet and chill (or let cool to room temperature). Enjoy!!!!

Days of Our Lives

Well, it's been TOOOOO long since I've posted. Since then, the job search continues, and I've picked up a couple of sidelines along the way.

I'm going to be teaching 2 classes at my LYS. The first is in September, and it's the Leaves Sweater from Crochet Me. It's going to rock! Not only do you get the pattern corrections, but also how to up-size it. The second is called "Knit to Fit" and we'll be doing a sweater vest by mathematics! It's a custom knit for each person. No pattern, just a measuring tape, pencil, paper, and a swatch! From that, we can create ANY SWEATER!!! Thanks to Sandi Wiseheart from Knitting Daily for the idea; it really works! That one will be taught in October. I'll post some pictures tomorrow.

I also have an AVON site for those who care:

If you click the picture, you'll get my site. If you register on my site, I'll email you a code for FREE SHIPPING. :) Free is always good. You can order from anywhere in the US, and possibly some other countries, but I haven't checked all that. Everyone I know is state-side. If you're overseas and want to order, that would be really cool. If Avon doesn't ship there, I'll order it for you and ship it to you (no spammers though...I'm not taking a money order for $1500 for a $200 order to Bumblebutt, Nowhereland, not even if you promise I can keep the difference).

And tomorrow...the recipe for the amazing Orange Balls!!!!! :)

So many projects...

and just not enough time to post about them! I've corrected the baby cardi issue, and am still working on the closure issue with it. I finished the EZ Baby Surprise Jacket (all but buttons) and a matching hat, and I've been working on a Baby Sampler blanket. I wasn't happy with the crocheted edging and how it was sewing together, so I ripped it out. Now I have 35 squares waiting to be sewn together.

I'm also working on a shop sample for the fabulous LYS, The Whole Nine Yarns. If you haven't been, you should go. They are TERRIFIC there...Jenna (evil fiber pimp that she is), Debi (who is such a fantastic lady!), Caryn (always ready to laugh!) and the rest. They are wonderful. So now that I've waxed rhapsodonically about them, on to the shop sample. It's gorgeous...when the errors are fixed. I found through Ravelry there are several problems with the pattern. No worries...crochet is my second language. I can fix it...and will. If I get to teach a class, the errata will be included, and hopefully so will some other bonuses! :) Keep your fingers crossed!

Oh and watch for pictures VERY soon!

Still on the hunt...

for a new job. I'm still looking, and although I keep getting interviews (although none this week), no offers ever materialize. It sucks, but we're still hanging in there. I'm using up stash yarn as fast as I can, and maybe I have to use it all up before I'll get an offer. I hope not, since it would still take a couple of months to go through everything I've got and the money will run out before then. We keep praying something will come, and I think it will. Hubby is in his last semester for school, and there are a few jobs he's scouted out to apply for, and there's no telling what's just around the corner. I actually wrote out the EZ Baby Surprise Jacket for someone at TWNY Knit Night. It's not difficult, but EZ wrote her patterns like a grandmother cooks...a little of this, a little of that, and it's the decoding that can be tricky if you're used to all your patterns being like a baking recipe (exact measurements of exact ingredients, no substitutions allowed). EZ was smarter than most: she made it so that you could experiment and make it fit you. If you don't have a specific wool on hand, no big deal; just grab what you've got. No size 9's in the house? No worries; pick up whatever works for the yarn you've got, and just cast on. That's the real genius in her patterns...it's a "no pattern" pattern. :)

Let's hope that soon something will come up and the job won't be an issue any more.

Time Flies...

as does the knitting when you're at home and not at work! So, things got bad, and I'm home. It's nice, but it can't last forever. I've already finished SO many projects...a Baby Surprise Jacket, baby hat, 2 surprise items for someone's birthday this month, a pair of Cigar gloves for my brother (which got sent along with the Fetchings for my SIL), and I'm working on a Hemlock Ring Blanket. Now's the time for me to do a bunch of stuff, because I doubt that once I find another job I'll have the time to do it. It's fun being home though. I enjoy getting up every morning and spending the day with my baby (he will always be my baby, no matter how old he is). Hopefully pictures will follow. Obviously, I don't post often when at home...too much knitting going on to post! :)

New beginnings

Well, I took the plunge. It was either kill or be killed at work, so I killed. It left me with 3 weeks pay, plus insurance through the end of the month. Not bad, considering the alternative. Granted, it wasn't 100% certain that I'd be fired, but all the signs were there. Who schedules a meeting on Friday (payday as well) the last 30 minutes of someone's day to tell them GOOD news? I don't know of too many people. In any case, what's done is done. Now I get a 2 week vacation (not having to work my notice) and I can job hunt more effectively.

In knitting, man, there's been a great deal going on. I've started the Cigar gloves for my brother, and a second pair of socks. I finished Sheldon #2, and it still needs to be given to the recipient. I learned a new cast-on (which is really cool and should work well for the baby hat and sweater I'm working on), and I still have a long list of items to do. My stash is semi-stagnant. It seems being in TWNY is a bad influence...spinning is now on my list to learn. Evil Jenna! :) Fun though. Perhaps a drop spindle is in my future...

Success!

Well, work still sucks...but knitting is AWESOME!!!!!!!!! I figured it all out...and I made some socks using the most extreme knitting I could think of. I started from the toe, double knit, on Magic Loop. They turned out really well too. I have 3 more sizes to go through, and then once they are all done, I'm going to type up the directions, and I'll post it on here. I'm thinking about putting it in a PDF format and making it available for a small donation. After all, it was a lot of time and effort on my part. I'm hoping to get a few test knitters to try it out, or at least read through it to make sure it makes sense to more than just me. I'm hoping to get the pictures of the great reveal from one of the lovely ladies at TWNY. I was surprised at how easy the socks actually were!

I need to get cracking on updating this site...there's oh-so-much to do on it. I'll have to sit down maybe Monday night and work on it (hubby has a massive paper due on Monday, so stolen moments with the computer is all I can manage this weekend!).

From Bad Moods to Bad Days

My apologies for those of you who tune in for knitting content. First, I know that there hasn't been a whole lot of that going on, at least not on here. Second, I really need to get this out. Please bear with me, and please comment.

I'll admit I make mistakes. I'll admit I make a lot of mistakes. And I probably make more than I should in some areas. However, I hate to feel like I'm being railroaded. Something's fishy in Denmark, you know?!

So, here's what's going on in a nutshell...I've been issued a "final written warning" at work. I'm not perfect, and I make mistakes. I'm human. I would think however that since retraining has been somewhat requested, you'd think someone would do something. I however have a bit of a conspiracy theorist in me, and I think there has been a budget cut and I'm the scapegoat. Maybe I am just that bad of a worker. Maybe I have just screwed up that much. But I'd think it would have taken a shorter amount of time to uncover my incompetence than 2 and a half years...don't you? Maybe my work ethic hasn't been as strong as it once was since having my baby. Maybe family comes first a little too often for corporate. Maybe since I don't want to pursue a masters' degree and a CPA, they don't think I'm worth keeping around.

I should have listened to my gut 3-6 months ago. I could feel it coming down the pipeline. I figured I would just be out-and-out fired...Georgia is an "at will" state...if they want to fire me, they can.

On the other hand, maybe I deserve this somehow. Not careful enough with tasks I'm given, getting a little too hurried and a little too sloppy...I can think of a dozen reasons for and against this.

What I don't understand is why me and why now. Why not 6 months ago, and why not someone else? Maybe I don't politic enough. Maybe I don't put on enough of a show for them. I'd start now, but since they've basically made up their minds (if I don't show IMMEDIATE improvement, I'm out), so is it too little too late? Do I even care enough if their minds are made up to put forth the effort? I know as a Christian I should always do my best. I thought I had been doing my best. Apparently, either what I think is my best really isn't, or it just isn't good enough for them.

I'm also in the process of figuring out who knows...I know of at least 3 people who know, and I didn't tell them. I know of one person who knows because I told her. So, there's 4 people, plus myself, who knows. I have a suspicion that 3 other people know, and at least one of them helped.

I'd really rather be a stay-at-home mom, but unfortunately, that doesn't pay the bills. We can't afford that right now (since I'm the only wage earner) but hopefully we can soon. In the meantime, I'm off to do a serious job search.

Bad Moods

I am just in a bad mood. It seems like everything and everyone is on a mission to screw with me today. Ever have those days? Everything is just getting on my nerves. It's either because I'm really tired (my little man is going through a growth spurt and isn't sleeping well plus allergies make it hard for him to breathe) or my allergies are acting up (always a possibility) or it's just time for me to be in a bad mood, since I really don't have them that often. I am SO ready to start really getting up someone else's nose today.

I have, on the bright side, been finishing things right and left. I finished the Baby I.Q. Afghan (all but weaving in ends), and the body of Sheldon. I also organized my recipes. I find a stack here and there that need organizing, but it's all a process. It's supposed to rain this weekend, so I think I'm going to spend Saturday doing a few things in the house, rather than in the yard. I hope to start a couple of more projects this month, and get a few things finished as well. Here are the goals for April:

1. Finish Sheldon completely and give to recipient.
2. Complete toe-up double knitted socks and write down instructions.
3. Start on gloves for my brother
4. Start on socks for either my brother or sister-in-love. :)
5. Get desk/front room organized.

It doesn't look like a very long list, but trust me, it will keep me VERY busy this month. We're heading up to Toccoa next weekend to visit the in-laws. Hopefully I'll have some knitting time in the car to and from, so I can make some serious progress on some of the above items. I need to get the front room organized, so I can block my Clapotis. It's great as a scarf right now, but it could really use some blocking so I can wear it as a wrap.

Finishpalooza

I'm trying to have a finishpalooza, and if I would stop starting new projects, I could probably get more done. I did finish Clapotis this weekend (although it could use blocking and I have blocking pins downstairs somewhere in the abyss that is the craft room, the spare bedroom floor isn't in the condition necessary to block anything, so I'm stuck just wearing it unblocked and I LURVE it), and I have to say, I LOVE this pattern. I can definitely see why it was such a hit about 3 years ago. Again, sometimes I'm a little slow on the uptake. I hope to knit this one again in a red/black/grey colorway to the pattern specs, rather than making it longer and narrower than the original.

Tonight I'm hoping to finish the edging on JHAC's Baby I.Q. Afghan tonight, and then there will just be the sewing in ends part. That takes what feels like forever, but it has to be done. After that, I need to finish Sheldon (the newest Knit Night project).

I'm trying to be good and purchase more yarn or start a new project...but I did purchase a new book this weekend! I found a copy of Knitting Without Tears on the shelf (this NEVER happens...it's always an ordered book! - at least for me it is. I never luck into these things). So I definitely picked it up. I am coming into the EZ love ring. :) Once I can find Knitting Workshop (I'm thinking I'm going to hit my LYS up for this one...I think Debi carries it regularly, and doesn't have to order it). I know I've seen the DVD there, so I'm pretty sure she has the book too. I also picked up the latest Interweave Knits. I haven't looked at it in detail (I just skimmed it when I got home on Saturday) but I'm kind of "eh" on the changes. I do miss the lack of men's patterns. Of course, since I have so many men to knit for, I like to have options.

Evil Baking Genius

I was evil...and I did bake. The genius part, well, that's up for debate. I took Chocolate Toffee Bars to Knit Night last night, and I only brought home 3. My hubby finished those off. I don't think it was too bad. :)

In knitting, I'm chugging along on my Clapotis, and I'm over halfway done. I was hoping to have it finished by Easter (and my birthday), but that just didn't happen. Nonetheless, it's still in progress. I STILL haven't finished the Baby I.Q. Afghan (I'm close, but no cigar) and I still have to sew on snaps to the Classic Cardigan. Sheldon isn't moving very far either. And here I am, starting a new project. I'm toying with double knit socks...knitting both socks at the same time, one inside the other, from the toe up. I figured out how they HAVE to start, and now it's just a matter of getting the toddler socks completed, directions written up and test-knitted. I think I can find some test knitters for that. That's all for now...I'm going to grab a pattern and get started on those socks.

Changing things

Ok, I'm going to try and get some changes going here. I signed up at Ravelry for the BOA (Blog Organization Along) and have yet to work on it. I think I tried to tackle too much. So, I'm hoping that next week I can start getting some changes made on this here blog. Work should slow down a little, and maybe then I can post a little more as well. I've got TONS of stuff going on, and I want it all done now. Ever have those days? I guess I need to keep a list going and prioritize in a major way. I just wish I didn't have to sleep...it's cutting into my knitting time (and other things as well).

Where does the time go?

I finished the Cardigan...almost (still). I bought snaps to put on behind the buttons, but my sewing skilz just ain't happenin'. I started on my own personal Clapotis. I know, I'm about 3 years behind the rest of the world...go figure. Also, for a while, although I'd like a few things from each issue of Knitty, this issue to me is the best in a long time. Almost all of the patterns I would LOVE to knit (the only 2 being the little girl things, because I don't have a little girl). Everything else is FABULOUS!

In the realm of baking, I am going to attempt new Heath Bars either tonight or tomorrow. Probably tomorrow, because I am flippin' exhausted today. Fortunately, since I made a double batch of the toffee, there's plenty to go around. I have 9 other recipes to choose from, and 3 of them call for granulated sugar, which I think was the problem in the first batch. I will conquer the Heath bars!

I have decided how to clean out my closet. First, there's the whole idea of only keeping what fits you...just about everything in my closet fits, so that's not going to get rid of much. The next thought I had (although it might be a natural conclusion for some, it took me a little while to figure this one out...I'm a little slow on the upswing some days) was to clean out everything I didn't like the color or pattern of. This will include a lot of the items hanging up there. I was keeping most of them because they fit...not because I liked them. This led to an overabundant closet and a small worn selection. We're going to fix that. I'm on a girly kick, so pinks, purples, reds, some blues and greens, will stay. The rest is getting packed up and shipped out (probably to the Goodwill store just down the road from my house). I really hate to give it all away, but in order to make room to receive more, I need to clean out what I have. I might even find a few items at the Goodwill to purchase; I haven't looked yet, so I don't know what they have.

Saturday is picture day! We're taking pictures of Little Man again, so I'm all excited! I just have to iron his shirt and pants, and figure out what outfit #2 will be.

Just a Punk in the Street*

Ok, today is a little different post. First of all, I did finish the Classic Cardigan, but haven't put on the buttons yet. I did get the buttons yesterday from here, but realized they were too BIG for the buttonholes. After careful consideration and some whining, I figured out that I need to rework the buttonhole band as the button band, and then attach the buttons to the outside and use snaps to actually close the cardi. Smart, huh? It'll be easier than 2-way buttons (a button on the outside and a reverse button on the other, with the hole on the inside-or at least that's what I call it). In any case, that's to be re-knit (I will take pictures before I rip out the buttonhole band, though, I PROMISE!!!!). I finished half of SSKP#2 last night, and started the other half. Pictures to follow soon.

Last night, I decided to attempt the toffee again. This time, I had a LOT more success. Here's how I did it WITHOUT a candy thermometer (although I'm sure it would have been much easier with one).

Step 1a: Please, I beg you, be sure to grease a sheet pan BEFORE you get started. It's hard enough to pay close attention to the candy as it cooks, without the added distraction of trying to grease a pan. This is an incredibly important step...because if you don't, the candy will stick and it won't break properly, and disaster will ensue. (Well, only for your toffee).

See the butter on there? Very important.

Step 1: gather your ingredients...I doubled the recipe, so I had 3 and a half sticks of butter, 2 cups of sugar, and 4 tablespoons of water in a large pot. Turn the stove on medium high (on mine, it worked better on around 5-6 than 7...of course I just have one of those weird dials that gives numbers, and not words to gauge your heat).

Nice and melty...butter, sugar, how can you go wrong?!

Step 2: Get the butter/sugar/water mixture nice and hot, where it starts to melt together and bubble.

Here it is all melted.

And now it's all bubbly...

Step 3: Cook and stir (ALWAYS stir it...it keeps the bubbles IN the pot...very important...this cup runneth over is NOT a happy cup) until it turns brown.

We're getting there...

Brown and bubbly...brown and bubbly...

Step 4: Once it gets toffee colored (go figure), add in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla and dash of salt. Of course, any GOOD cook would add only 1 teaspoon...but I added more. 'Cause I'm just like that...a punk.

Step 5: Stir well, and pour onto the prepared pan.

And let it cool. Once it's cool (mine took about 2-2 and a half hours before it hardened), it's time for some fun! It's smash-time!

See all the yummy crunchy toffee goodness just begging to be eaten?! It's a yummy treat. Now, this weekend, I'll be attempting to make the Starbucks "Health Bars", patent pending. :) I also have another wondiferous recipe that I'll share hopefully either later today or tomorrow. The good news, it's simple and fairly quick. The bad news, it's TOTALLY addictive (my husband requests it often...a little too often for my own personal tastes, but I'll indulge him while it's still cool enough to turn on the oven, and then he'll have to wait until after summer to enjoy it again).

Much love!

This week with insanity

It's been a crazy week, and I keep getting crazy ideas. I finished the Classic Cardigan, with the exception of buttons...pictures coming soon (hopefully after buttons are sewn on). There's Super Secret Knitting Project #1 (SSKP#1) that is done, with the exception of sewing in the ends, and SSKP#2 is well underway. I treated myself to more yarn (according to my nutritionist I should reward myself with NON-FOOD items, and yarn is in that category - a mouthful of angora just isn't pleasant) and added some for my birthday as well (yay me!). I did make it to Knit Night this week, and had a really good time.

I also saw this post and decided to try to recreate the Starbucks pastry formerly known as "Heath Bars" (we also called them "Health Bars" because what's healthier than chocolate and toffee in a cookie bar?). I started with trying to make toffee last night...and burned it. Yep, the house was filled with smoke and smelt of burnt sugar. It was not happy. Fortunately, all that I lost was a little time (very little) and some butter and sugar. It was worse than the misfortune with the 7-up cake, but completely inedible. I think the times were off in comparison to the recipe. It said to cook it for 10 minutes, and I did. I didn't use a candy thermometer, which is my fault...but I don't have one. I'm attempting it again tonight, mainly because I'm trying to do the toffee before the rain gets here (tomorrow). Humidity always reeks havoc with candy, so I'm trying to avoid that.

Small Victories

WOOHOO!!! I have lost 10 pounds! I'm a little excited, can you tell? I also have some super secret projects (SSP) going on, but I will hopefully take pictures this weekend and post them on Monday (if all goes well).

In knitting, I'm working on SSP1, and over halfway done with it. In sewing, SSP1 hasn't begun yet...well, not really. I have all the materials for it, but I haven't started it. The cardigan is still in a holding pattern. I have to get some buttons.

As for the weight loss, I went to see a dietician/nutritionist about 6 weeks ago, and we discussed an eating plan. It's really working for me. Most days I'm not hungry (we all have those days when we want to inhale everything, but over all I'm good on what I'm supposed to eat) and there's a little play room in it (chocolate is NOT off limits, which is good, cause if it was going to kill me, I'd die happy). It's really all about portion control, and I'm ok with that. I have tons of energy, and although some days I crawl around with my son, I don't every day, and that's ok too. Sometimes I just let him run around on his own, and I watch. The important thing is that his momma is getting healthy, and that's what I want. I want to be a healthy momma for my baby. I'm just excited that this is working out better than I had thought. I can't really tell a huge difference yet, but when you have SO much weight to lose, a little is hard to notice sometimes. The good thing is that it's MASSIVELY encouraging, and I'm excited. It makes me happy.

Organization

It's killing me...I think for the rest of the week I'm spending every waking moment possible downstairs cleaning, throwing away and organizing. I can never find what I need when I need it. I spent a good 30 minutes this morning looking for some yarn (found), a coupon book (not found) and a tape (not found). This is distressing.

I've almost finished the edging on the Baby I.Q. Afghan; there's about 1 square left to DC around in white, and then it's time to SC around the whole thing in black. In my search this morning, I did find 2 more skeins of black and another skein of white. I also found a skein of sock yarn that I knew I had, but couldn't find. I cannot remember the type of sock yarn that it is, only that it was on sale because it was the last one of its dye lot, and I bought it to make a pair of children's socks. Since I now have a child, it looks like he's getting a new pair of socks. It's a multi-colored bright sock yarn...and that's about all I can remember. I remember I bought it from the Yarn Garden in Lawrenceville, and it was on sale. It's pretty...and bright...it will do well for socks for either a boy or a girl, so I think I'm good to go.

Soooo close

I went Thursday night, in the pouring rain, to find buttons. I found none. Friday, I went searching for buttons online, and found some. I have yet to order them, but will probably tonight. Here's a picture of the (almost) finished cardigan:

This weekend, I also made these:

You can find the recipe here. I also made these:

The recipe is here. I highly recommend any of the recipes from the site that you find. I haven't tried all of them, but I have tried a few, and all of them turn out fantastic. This roll looks a little over done, but it tastes fine. I baked the rest of them about 5 minutes less, and they looked better and were a little less golden on top. I've tried the lasagna, rolls, cinnamon rolls, a version of the chicken spaghetti, and all of it has turned out fantastic. I get great complements from all the recipes. Go check out The Pioneer Woman (her main site) too. It's fun to read about life on a ranch, and her many crazy adventures, being a middle child and all.

I finally moved my sewing machine upstairs, but I couldn't find the cord! No electricity = no sewing on the machine. I did however, seam this together:

I also washed and dried some fabric, and will hopefully be able to post pictures of that later. Tonight is a major working night...I have a Finance Committee meeting tonight, and that means I won't be getting home until late. Tomorrow is Knit Night, and I'm going to that as well. I haven't been in about a month, and I need a break. It's so nice to get out every once in a while and be with adults but not have to work, or grocery shopping, or doing something involving children. Sometimes you just need an escape. I definitely need an escape this week.

Determination

You might have noticed I wasn't around the end of last week. There was an emergency trip to see my in-laws. My MIL had open heart surgery (triple bypass) on Thursday. To say it came as a shock would be an understatement. But, the hospital staff was fantastic, and my dear MIL came through wtih flying colors. She should be home sometime soon.

Being in the hospital gave me a chance to work on my baby's cardigan. I am SOOO close to finishing it. I have one buttonband done, and I have to finish the buttonhole band. I'm at a stopping point however, because I don't know how many buttons will be on it. I'm leaning toward 6, rather than the 5 that the pattern calls for. I also have to find said buttons...I really want monkey buttons. I know...insane request, but he loves monkeys. He's my little monkey.

An almost Finished Object

I have almost completed the Classic Cardigan. I'm on the button band, then it's just a matter of seaming (which I cheated on, because I worked the body in the round instead of in flat pieces) the arms and sewing on the buttons. I have to search for buttons...I know what I want; it's just a matter of finding it. Once this is done, I can move on to other projects that I've started and just haven't finished. I have a Sheldon waiting, and a few other things as well. It feels good to get things finished.

Stalling

I'm stalling on some projects. I decided to read instead last night. I picked up a couple of books from the library, and have been a little more interested in reading than in knitting. I tried to make a 7-up cake this weekend, and it overflowed. I think the main reason was the recipe wasn't complete, and I assumed. Assumptions are not good things. The recipe called for "flour"...not specifying the type. Since there was no leavening agent (salt and baking powder), I thought it meant self-rising flour. I double checked on a version this morning, and it should have been all purpose. Oh well...the result was edible, just not pretty. I'm glad I put a baking sheet under the bundt pan to catch the overflow...otherwise, the oven would have been a disaster. I think I'll reattempt the cake later.

Pictures

I found the cord for the camera, so here we go with some pictures of the cardigan:

Here's an upclose shot of the "Man Stripe", which I think makes it look adorable on my baby, despite what others think. He hardly ever wears something like this, so I don't see the harm. I promise that I will not make him wear a Man Stripe all the time...just this cardigan has one to make it match the Reversible Hat.

Here's a view of my knitting...I get a lot of comments on it, or did, at my LYS. The knit stitches are twisted at the base, because of the way I wrap my yarn. I still get the fabric I want, so it's not "wrong". I can "fix" it, but I like it this way.

This cardigan should be finished (with the exception of the button band and buttons) by next week. I'm already on the yoke, as you can tell. I am loving knitting baby projects...they work up fast. I have a couple of more projects for babies that I need to work on; I just can't help but put my baby first. So sue me. :) I'm a momma.

D'oh!

I hope everyone voted yesterday. It doesn't matter for whom; it just matters that you were invovled in the process. I'd call it a "democratic" process, and I guess the primaries are truly a "democratic" one...all votes count. For the actual election, it's a republic process. The difference? Simple - in a democracy, each individual vote counts. In a republic, there is a small group who's votes ultimately decide (this is an over-simplification, but you get the point). Even our Pledge of Allegiance says "and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands"...not "democracy". I think that's something most people forget. Ok, enough of my soapbox for that.

In knitting, I did work some more on the Classic Cardigan, and I even took pictures. The bad news is I didn't bring my cable so I can't get the pictures from the camera to the computer. Oh well...maybe tomorrow. I also skipped the knit night at my LYS, in favor of spending time with my hubby, and watching American Idol and House. I was also slightly interested in seeing how the primaries turned out, but did not stay up to see the last of the polls close.

New month and already behind

I'm already behind on organizing my blog. I did figure out how to edit the labels, so now it's just a matter of time. I'm thinking that if I can't get to it this weekend, I can do it mid-month, when work is slow. I might be able to work on the layout as well this month.

On the knitting front, I've been working on the Classic Cardigan, and it's coming along nicely. Once I get a few rows done after joining the sleeves to the body, I'll try it on Little Man and see if it fits. I'm also thinking I should measure a jacket in the same size and see how it compares. I haven't really worked on anything else, even though the Baby I.Q. Afghan is ready for seaming. I'll get pictures up soon.

This weekend

I made some serious progress on the cardigan this weekend. The bad news is that I didn't take any pictures. I'll have to do that tomorrow night. I think I'm going to forego knit night this week, because of a meeting I have tonight. It's bad enough missing your family one night a week, but two is pushing it for me. I like to be at home with my two men.

Seaming

I started to seam the Baby I.Q. Afghan last night. I think part of my problem with my son's afghan is that I didn't catch the entire top loop of the stitches. I think that will help tremendously in stopping the holes. That, plus doubling up on the seams in the corners. All this I plan on incorporating into the new one, and then returning to my son's afghan and fixing the problems with it. The first 2 I did I didn't have this problem, mainly because I was more into seaming them than I was his or this one. I am rushing to get it done, rather than trying to do my best. We can fix that.

Working it out

Well, work is getting slightly busier...but it's still a gentle sprinkle, which leaves me some time. I have projects in mind for work (a lap-ghan, socks, and fingerless mitts) and will eventually get to them. Right now, I'm still trying to focus on finishing what I have started. Last night, there was no knitting at home. I had to stop at 2 stores on the way in, and then fix dinner. I also got to play with my baby, which was very fun and ultimately the most important thing. I'm still working on changing some bad habits into good ones, and I had a completely successful day yesterday. So far so good today too. If I can have a full two weeks like this, then I'm rewarding myself. I think I'm going to take it in 2 week increments, so that it's easy to see the light at the end of the tunnel for the goal. I think I'll throw in some weight goals as well, so it will give me a few more rewards to reach (since weight loss is the ultimate goal here). Since the dietician said "not food rewards" that means I have a free license for yarn! Woot! Granted, budget will be a consideration, but we're getting a nice refund back from the Fed, and although I haven't seen the state yet, I'm sure we'll get something back from them as well. It helps to have a baby. :)

More Progress

I finished all the squares for the Baby I.Q. Afghan. Now for the seaming. I'm going to try seaming 4 squares at once instead of just 2 at a time. I'm also going to pass back through the corners to double the seam and hopefully it won't have holes.

I picked up my second Sheldon again this week, after finishing all the squares for the afghan. I'm over halfway done with his body, which is nice. I'll have to pull up some fiberfill for it later this week, or at least by Saturday. I'm somewhere in the 60s for rounds, and you stuff it in round 80. Since they are short rounds, it won't take long.

I have also made progress on the Classic Cardigan for my son by Debbie Bliss. Knit Night at TWNY helps TREMENDOUSLY. I love hanging out with the folks over there...it's fun to listen and see what others are doing. I must say, sometimes it's rather disheartening to see people only making a scarf or a hat out of plain yarn with no pattern to it. I kow the important thing is that they're knitting, but to always see scarves is just...boring to me. I hear and see such great projects online that others are doing, and I go, hoping that someone will astonish me with their mad knitting skilz. It just hasn't happened yet. Maybe before the end of the year, it will. Or, maybe I'll be that Crazy Mad Knitter and become a knitting goddess before too long. It all depends on how soon I finish some other projects.

I'm having committment issues with my projects. I'm trying to finish all of them, and want to pick all of them up and finish them all right now. I'm trying to prioritize, but let's face it...there are only self-imposed deadlines on many of these projects. I'll keep plugging away at them, little by little. Slowly and steadily, they'll all get done.

This weekend's progress

I did make progress this weekend on something...but it was crochet. Here are some (gasp!) pictures:



And I also finally repaired my son's afghan:



I hope to finish the green afghan this week...hopefully today I'll finish all the squares. Then comes the seaming...which I have to find a better way to seam. That's the problem with my son's afghan is just the seams. Oh well...oh, and I updated my Ravelry site as well. I'm getting better at this. Maybe I'll finish stuff and get things together before the year is over!

Running

Ever feel like you're running at 100 miles an hour, even when you're sitting still? Yeah, I knew I shouldn't have added the shot to the coffee this morning. Dang Starbucks for allowing shots in the dark.

In any case, I'm trying to accomplish about 15 things all before the end of January. I don't think I'm going to make it, but here is the list I have going on as projects that need to be worked on and finished ASAP:

1. Sebastian's cardigan
2. Sheldon
3. Baby I.Q. Afghan #1
4. Repair Sebastian's afghan
5. Light box/tent
6. Apron/pinafore
7. Quilt
8. Pictures

I REALLY want to finish a BUNCH of projects this year. Most will not cost much, if anything to finish. They just need to be done. I have all the items I need for 4 of the 8 projects up there. Another 3 require very little for completing, and the big one (#8) will take time and a little more money than the rest, simply because of the nature of the project. I really want to get started on some of these right now, but I really need to wait until after this weekend. We're having a party for Sebastian (can you believe he's one already?!) and I need to get through that first. Tonight it's all about the decorations.

I'm making small changes for health, and doing well, from what I can tell. I feel better, which is always a good sign. Small changes can make the biggest difference, and I know I need to take them one at a time. It's easier to maintain that way. Get one down as a habit, then add another one until it's a habit, and so on.

Collecting

I've been busy...collecting. I'm collecting blogs, ideas, projects, items for various and sundry parties, friends...the list goes on. I went to the local knit night at The Whole Nine Yarns and met two incredibly funny women, Codegrl and Lizardsmells from Ravelry. We had a great time laughing and knitting. I've made some progress on the Classic Cardigan, but have no pictures. I have, however, updated my Flickr site. I also updated my Ravelry page (check out my projects now - angelfire212). I even managed to work out a quilt pattern for a lonely fat quarter I have and wanted to showcase. I'll probably be working late into the night for the next few weeks...there are a lot of projects I want to make some serious progress on, and I just can't while I'm sitting here at work, doing basically nothing. I will also hopefully be filing my taxes this month. I have to collect all the information for that as well. I'm off to collect more stuff...maybe soon I'll show some collections to you.

Above and Beyond

I have so many projects that I already have underway and want to complete by the end of the year! How am I ever going to make time and get them all done?! Well, one of the first things I'm trying to do is become a regular at my LYS knit night. I've been going to The Whole Nine Yarns in downtown Woodstock for 2 weeks, and so far so good. Even if I only stay an hour, it's time away from home where I can focus on knitting. Next, I'm trying to get as many errands done during the week on my way home as possible, so I don't have to do them on the weekends. This means hopefully I can focus more on crafting then as well. I'm going to bring my sewing machine upstairs so I can use it (it's a little too cold right now to be sitting downstairs with no heat!) and hopefully I can even put Little Man in there with me and let him play while Mommy sews. I have figured out a pattern for a quilt...although I'll still be fine-tuning it. I think it will work out nicely, and if I am smart about when I buy the fabric, it shouldn't be that expensive either. I'm trying to base it off of one fat quarter I have that I really want to showcase. Unfortunately, I only have one, and I don't know if I can find the fabric again. Oh well...back to day-dreaming!

Update

There was no knitting last night, because Hubby and I celebrated our anniversary! We've been married a wonderful 4 years, and we had a lovely dinner last night at Blu's Greek Taverna in Marietta. It was fantastic. The food was incredible, the atmosphere inviting and warm, and although it was slightly expensive for what we normally do, it was well worth it. We left Sebastian at home with my parents, and enjoyed the evening.

In other news, I found out everything was normal from the tests I had at the doctor's office. I guess that's a good thing?! At least I know there's not an underlying troll waiting to destroy the countryside while I sleep. This is encouraging in some ways, and discouraging in others. However, I have new resolve and a healthy lifestyle change is on the horizon.

Working on it

I'm working on a lot of things...knitting, food, children's choir, work, life in general. It's always a work-in-progress, right? The Classic Cardigan is up for some re-vamping, and I've marked off no less than 12 patterns in Romantic Hand-knits by Annie Modesitt that I received for Christmas. There are test results being waited on (I had basically a general physical this week and I'm hoping/not hoping to hear from the doctor) and a new lifestyle to implement in any case. We're going to overall health and well-being this year. I'm also working on plans for overhauling the blog. Expect more changes in this year. I think it'll be a good year for all.

Finally...an FO!

I finished the Reversible Hat this weekend. I'd like it to be bigger, and maybe after I finish his cardigan, I'll make one bigger for him. It fits for now. I'll have to take some pictures with my baby wearing it, but for now, I'll upload the pictures later this afternoon on Flickr, and post one here as well. I have to upload pictures and link them to my Ravelry account and WIPs. But for now, I'm going to rejoice that I finished something this year already! Woot!

I'm sad that no one responded to the Pay It Forward idea....I hope someone does. If not, I'll just pick 3 people from Ravelry, and Pay It Forward to them. It's a happy new year now!

Goals

What are your goals for the new year? How are they coming? Did you promise yourself to keep them, and now, only 4 days into the new year, you find them already broken? Have no fear, it's still today. There's still time. Maybe you didn't start your new routine this morning, but you can still get all those things before bed tonight. Keep going...I know I am. :) I hope to post goald for the month on the first...I didn't do it for January 1, but here they are for this month (knitting and non-knitting related):

Finish Sebastian's hat and cardigan
Work on Sheldon
Clean out 2 paper boxes
Read Bible daily

That's it for January...so far. If I accomplish all these goals before the end of the month, maybe I'll toss in a reward for myself (a trip to the LYS?).