Friday, December 21, 2007

Happy Holidays

Like the Queen, I've been out of commission for awhile. The new job is great and the new commute is fantasic! Instead of 2 hours one way, I've got it down to just about 1 hour and 15 minutes each way. I have reclaimed 90 minutes per day or 7 1/2 hours a week - which is like a whole day! I feel like I'm starting to get some of my personal time back. And while the commuting time has reduced my crocheting time, the time will be better spent on the treadmill - which I need to buy when they go on sale.

But not to worry - the New Year promises to be full of all things crafty! I've got photos to share of my spending spree at Joann's and my new sewing machine. I've also got a few crafty resolutions to share. But for now - I've got to finish the Christmas presents that aren't done.

It's true - I didn't finish the blanket for my brother-in-law's girlfriend. It's not even close to being done but I'm not stressing about it. I crochet to relieve stress, not create it. And I don't want to infuse bad vibes into the present. So I'm bringing it up to Beantown to work on it. I'll present it to the giftee unfinished with the promise that it will be finished soon and shipped to her when it's ready. I've also got to make a few wine charms (materials also packed for the trip) which I have never made before (wish me luck!). And girls - I'm making wonderful progress on the coasters. I'm also planning to make coffee cup cozies. How does that sound?

I'll be off the blog for another spell but promise to be back with more posts and photos. Wishing you all a blessed Winter Solstice, a very Merry Christmas (or day off) and a wonderful New Year!

Sunday, December 9, 2007

WIPs

Yes! I do have some WIPs to share. Life has been a bit busy with the holidays approaching and the new job starting tomorrow.

TOMORROW?!

EGADS!

I had a lovely send-off from the last job. My going away gifts were perfect! The whole group contributed to a very generous gift card to Joann's and a friend gave me this - a perfect little project bag that I can use during my commute. Much better than the shopping bags I usually use.

Yarn Bag

The first project I'll be toting in my new bag will be these coasters. The yarn was bought during Girls Weekend back in October and the Queen and Mistress picked out a pattern they liked. So now I'm making a ton of these so we all have a matching set of coasters. I can make about 1 1/2 - 2 a day but when will they all be done? Your guess is as good as mine.

Coasters 01

The details of the pattern and the yarn and the size will have to wait until I post about the finished project. If you're on Ravelry, here's a sneak peek.

I did make a few snowflakes as I intended to. I'm going to use the gift card to buy the materials to make a blocking board and other materials needed to make these look better. They are quite pathetic without blocking.

Snowflakes 01

And finally, the WIP that is taking the most time and MUST be done as a Christmas present - the purple dream blanket for my brother-in-law's girlfriend.

Purple Dream Blanket 01

Only 3 skeins are into this blanket. I'm anticipating it will take between 8 and 10 to finish. I've got 5 more skeins in my stash so I'm really hoping it will only be 8. And I'm really hoping to have it done before Christmas - but I'm realistic and I can see myself lugging it on the plane and working on it frantically well into Christmas Eve. That's just the way I roll.

With the new job, there will probably be a lag in the amount of posting I can do. I will stay busy, though. My commute will be considerably less than it was but I'll still have plenty of time to be crafty on the train.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

I Made The List!

The "Nice" list - as opposed to the "Naughty" list. And yes, I'm as surprised as you are! ;)

A little elf told me that there is a sewing machine on its way to Casa de Crocheting Commuter. Looks like the eight pocket two-tone carryall tote will be finished this month.

YAY! YAY! YAY! YAY! YAY! YAY!