...and the month of May was here and gone.
When I last left the blogosphere, it was the eve of Sheep and Shenanigans 2011. The weekend was epic and I had such keen ideas on blogging about it. But the week and weekend following were busy. And busy turned into busier and the number of posts I wanted to post grew and grew through the month.
And now it's June.
So - I'll try to catch up with a few posts about May happenings and not leave June adventures in the dark. Better late than never, right?
Stay tuned...
Showing posts with label update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label update. Show all posts
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
I'm Back!
No posts since November - and yes, that's because of some wonderful non-crafty reasons.
After a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving with friends (who are considered part of my chosen family), the house was transformed into its holiday splendor.
The following weekend was our second annual holiday party which was as successful and well attended as the inaugural party (even with the few folks sidelined by the flu).
Then there was trying like crazy to complete the charity squares (which I did) and then during a work trip, I was finally able to start a baby blanket for miss Kate who was born in late October. The plan was to have it completed during Christmas break, before I started my new job.
Yes - A NEW JOB!!!
I found out right before Thanksgiving that I got it. It was (and continues to be) such an awesome feeling of freedom and positivity! I let work know I was leaving and told them I'd stay through December to finish some things and transition my duties. So work was busy and I was so darn happy that there wasn't enough time for blogging. My last day was before Christmas, and then we made the trip to New England for the holidays.
The plan for the trip was to finish Kate's blanket, as well as the one for the Queen and the Mistress. But on our first day there, those plans were sidelined:
I managed to fall on an icy stone porch which resulted in a very early morning Christmas Eve trip to the emergency room. A few x-rays later and they were putting on a cast for my broken wrist. My broken RIGHT wrist. (Yes, I'm right handed.) I asked the doctor what things I could and could not do. He said keep it minimal to allow for healing. I asked about crocheting and knitting - and I'm not making this up - he said "That would be great - do whatever you can as long as it doesn't hurt or make you sore. It should help prevent stiffness after having the cast on for 4-6 weeks."
It's been more difficult to crochet with a cast than I had hoped. I can get some stitches done but it's just so slow that I get frustrated. Typing is also a bit of a chore. But once the cast is off, I'll be back to finishing these long overdue projects (plus a blanket for the new little girl born last week) and blogging more. Lots to catch up on, including a look back at last year's crafty resolutions and lovely things and trying to get new ones in place for 2011.
Until then - beware of ice! :)
After a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving with friends (who are considered part of my chosen family), the house was transformed into its holiday splendor.
The following weekend was our second annual holiday party which was as successful and well attended as the inaugural party (even with the few folks sidelined by the flu).
Then there was trying like crazy to complete the charity squares (which I did) and then during a work trip, I was finally able to start a baby blanket for miss Kate who was born in late October. The plan was to have it completed during Christmas break, before I started my new job.
Yes - A NEW JOB!!!
I found out right before Thanksgiving that I got it. It was (and continues to be) such an awesome feeling of freedom and positivity! I let work know I was leaving and told them I'd stay through December to finish some things and transition my duties. So work was busy and I was so darn happy that there wasn't enough time for blogging. My last day was before Christmas, and then we made the trip to New England for the holidays.
The plan for the trip was to finish Kate's blanket, as well as the one for the Queen and the Mistress. But on our first day there, those plans were sidelined:
I managed to fall on an icy stone porch which resulted in a very early morning Christmas Eve trip to the emergency room. A few x-rays later and they were putting on a cast for my broken wrist. My broken RIGHT wrist. (Yes, I'm right handed.) I asked the doctor what things I could and could not do. He said keep it minimal to allow for healing. I asked about crocheting and knitting - and I'm not making this up - he said "That would be great - do whatever you can as long as it doesn't hurt or make you sore. It should help prevent stiffness after having the cast on for 4-6 weeks."
It's been more difficult to crochet with a cast than I had hoped. I can get some stitches done but it's just so slow that I get frustrated. Typing is also a bit of a chore. But once the cast is off, I'll be back to finishing these long overdue projects (plus a blanket for the new little girl born last week) and blogging more. Lots to catch up on, including a look back at last year's crafty resolutions and lovely things and trying to get new ones in place for 2011.
Until then - beware of ice! :)
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Time Machine Needed
I don't need one to send me backwards or forwards. I need one that will stop time for a while so I can get a handle on all the projects I need to have done by the holidays.
My countdown to Christmas is as follows:
But today is not a day for crocheting or knitting or anything crafty. Today is a day for cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning. And the cleaning will be followed by prepping and cooking for tomorrow's Thanksgiving feast.
Wishing you and yours a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
<br>
My countdown to Christmas is as follows:
- 3 large blankets for my girls (Queen, Mistress, Perches)
- 1 large mosaic / granny square blanket for one of my nieces
- Charity squares for Warm Up America
- 2 baby blankets - one born and one due in January
But today is not a day for crocheting or knitting or anything crafty. Today is a day for cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning. And the cleaning will be followed by prepping and cooking for tomorrow's Thanksgiving feast.
Wishing you and yours a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
<br>
Thursday, August 26, 2010
So Close...
I almost had the baby blanket done yesterday. I was rounding the border at warp speed until I realized the count was off for the final border round I had planned. Some stitch counting, math calculations, and a couple of added stitches resulted in a revised border. It's looking good, but I'm only at the beginning.
Will I finish the baby blanket tonight before vacation? Any bets? I do hope I finish it because I'd like to bring a smaller, more travel-ready project with me.
Will I finish the baby blanket tonight before vacation? Any bets? I do hope I finish it because I'd like to bring a smaller, more travel-ready project with me.
Monday, June 28, 2010
UFOs and Frogs
The number one item on my list of crafty resolutions for 2010 is to catalog all current UFOs (Un-Finished Objects) from past years - decide what to frog, what to finish and what to throw out.
I started this when I bought the new cabinets for the craft room and I had to go through all my yarn to find out what I had and whether it had been logged into Ravelry. My stash is mostly up to date on Ravelry though some of the amounts are wrong (since I have no idea of the exact amount left after projects) and there are a few basketfuls of odds and ends and random yarns not worth inventorying.
With this completed, I can now take a look at the UFOs lingering in the shadows.
First off, I have 6 current projects in Ravelry - four blankets (1, 2, 3 and 4), a hat, and a shawl. These are all in progress and slated to be finished this year.
I have 3 hibernating projects in Ravelry - a crocheted block quilt, a flower afghan and the infamous BUBBLES bubbles scarf.
The crocheted block quilt was started back in 2007 though I could have sworn I started it before then. It's a really neat pattern to make a large quilt out of little crocheted blocks. I have this handful of blocks I made but that has been the extent of it since 2007.
While I do still love the pattern, I don't really have any desire to come back to these squares or this yarn to complete it. So - the decision is -
FROG IT!
Maybe I can use the yarn to make Christmas stockings?
The flower afghan was started with some leftover baby blanet yarn. The little flower motifs are so cute and easy to make. I've got a sizeable stack of them.
But I haven't made one of these flower motifs in a couple of years and I don't feel motivated to make more right now. I definitely won't frog them as it would only amount to little pieces of yarn. But should I throw them out? Or find a way to repurpose them? Are they worth keeping, tucked away in the cabinet for some project in the future? Your comments/suggestions are appreciated.
And that damn BUBBLES bubbles scarf. It was a wrap at first and then a scarf. I have NO DESIRE WHATSOEVER to pick up this project and work with it again. The yarn is even driving me crazy and I so do love Brooks Farm Yarn. But sometimes you just need to let go - and that is just what I think I need to do with this project. The decision -
FROG IT!
- and put the yarn up for sale/trade on Ravelry so that someone will be able to realize its true purpose and bring out its true beauty.
Any UFOs lurking around your house?
I started this when I bought the new cabinets for the craft room and I had to go through all my yarn to find out what I had and whether it had been logged into Ravelry. My stash is mostly up to date on Ravelry though some of the amounts are wrong (since I have no idea of the exact amount left after projects) and there are a few basketfuls of odds and ends and random yarns not worth inventorying.
With this completed, I can now take a look at the UFOs lingering in the shadows.
First off, I have 6 current projects in Ravelry - four blankets (1, 2, 3 and 4), a hat, and a shawl. These are all in progress and slated to be finished this year.
I have 3 hibernating projects in Ravelry - a crocheted block quilt, a flower afghan and the infamous BUBBLES bubbles scarf.
The crocheted block quilt was started back in 2007 though I could have sworn I started it before then. It's a really neat pattern to make a large quilt out of little crocheted blocks. I have this handful of blocks I made but that has been the extent of it since 2007.
While I do still love the pattern, I don't really have any desire to come back to these squares or this yarn to complete it. So - the decision is -
FROG IT!
Maybe I can use the yarn to make Christmas stockings?
The flower afghan was started with some leftover baby blanet yarn. The little flower motifs are so cute and easy to make. I've got a sizeable stack of them.
But I haven't made one of these flower motifs in a couple of years and I don't feel motivated to make more right now. I definitely won't frog them as it would only amount to little pieces of yarn. But should I throw them out? Or find a way to repurpose them? Are they worth keeping, tucked away in the cabinet for some project in the future? Your comments/suggestions are appreciated.
And that damn BUBBLES bubbles scarf. It was a wrap at first and then a scarf. I have NO DESIRE WHATSOEVER to pick up this project and work with it again. The yarn is even driving me crazy and I so do love Brooks Farm Yarn. But sometimes you just need to let go - and that is just what I think I need to do with this project. The decision -
FROG IT!
- and put the yarn up for sale/trade on Ravelry so that someone will be able to realize its true purpose and bring out its true beauty.
Any UFOs lurking around your house?
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
A Crafty Start to Summer
Summer heat is not usually the time to begin making large, warm blankets made of Homespun. Leave it to me to defy conventions as I have started such blankets just as the summer begins, the temperatures are soaring and the humidity is disgusting. The blankets have two skeins crocheted in each which means that they are just a skein or two away from not being portable on my commute.
No worries though as I'm again able to work on Sean's socks. I picked up another set of DPNs and after a very delayed train ride home, I've just turned the heel. With any luck it will be completed this week or next and I can then focus on a blanket that I hope to have done by July. This will take a miracle, but I'm trying to be optimistic.
Speaking of July - the 2010 Knit & Crochet Show in Manchester, NH is just a month away! I'm too excited about it, especially the Crochet Professional Development Day. There will be so much information to absorb in just 8 hours and so many wonderful people to meet and with whom to network in just a few short days. I've been paired up with an amazing mentor (a buddy program for newbies at the conference) and I've been trying to stay on top of the messages on the groups and Ravelry pages.
Over the weekend I learned of another friend who is expecting. After congratulating her, I immediately asked when she was due. Lucky for me, she's not due until October so I have some time to get a blanket made. They are not going to know the gender until birth so I'll probably do a similar gender-neutral blanket as I did for their first born. I'm happy to report they still use the blanket each night during storytime.
I guess this post is a bit muddled - like my brain in this ungodly humidity. At least I remembered to use spell check, right?
No worries though as I'm again able to work on Sean's socks. I picked up another set of DPNs and after a very delayed train ride home, I've just turned the heel. With any luck it will be completed this week or next and I can then focus on a blanket that I hope to have done by July. This will take a miracle, but I'm trying to be optimistic.
Speaking of July - the 2010 Knit & Crochet Show in Manchester, NH is just a month away! I'm too excited about it, especially the Crochet Professional Development Day. There will be so much information to absorb in just 8 hours and so many wonderful people to meet and with whom to network in just a few short days. I've been paired up with an amazing mentor (a buddy program for newbies at the conference) and I've been trying to stay on top of the messages on the groups and Ravelry pages.
Over the weekend I learned of another friend who is expecting. After congratulating her, I immediately asked when she was due. Lucky for me, she's not due until October so I have some time to get a blanket made. They are not going to know the gender until birth so I'll probably do a similar gender-neutral blanket as I did for their first born. I'm happy to report they still use the blanket each night during storytime.
I guess this post is a bit muddled - like my brain in this ungodly humidity. At least I remembered to use spell check, right?
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Year of Lovely Things Update
More updates on my Year of Lovely Things list:
1) Plant an herb garden
Planted this on March 18th and just two weeks later, look at my little garden!
I've got flowers and herbs in there, such as rosemary, thyme, basil and forget-me-nots. I'm looking forward to picking out some containers for the porch once these little guys are ready for transplanting.
2) Take a road trip
Went to Atlantic City over the weekend for a quick overnight visit. I managed to keep most of my money after playing poker for a few hours. That was quite a feat!
3) Try a new restaurant
Best. Dinner. EVER. We went to Izakaya, the Japanese steakhouse at the Borgata in Atlantic City. It was heavenly - from appetizers to dessert, and some delicious wine selected by a friend, it was hands down the best dinner I've ever had in a restaurant. EVER. Delicious!
I hope your year is moving along at a lovely pace, too.
1) Plant an herb garden
Planted this on March 18th and just two weeks later, look at my little garden!
I've got flowers and herbs in there, such as rosemary, thyme, basil and forget-me-nots. I'm looking forward to picking out some containers for the porch once these little guys are ready for transplanting.
2) Take a road trip
Went to Atlantic City over the weekend for a quick overnight visit. I managed to keep most of my money after playing poker for a few hours. That was quite a feat!
3) Try a new restaurant
Best. Dinner. EVER. We went to Izakaya, the Japanese steakhouse at the Borgata in Atlantic City. It was heavenly - from appetizers to dessert, and some delicious wine selected by a friend, it was hands down the best dinner I've ever had in a restaurant. EVER. Delicious!
I hope your year is moving along at a lovely pace, too.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Always Follow Your Gut
I was soooo close to having the longest weekend ever until the government reopened on Friday. Had it stayed closed, it would have been an 11-day weekend for me - from the Friday prior to this Monday's holiday. But no, OPM decided to do delayed opening/liberal leave for the day and given that I don't have a ton of leave, I made the trek in to the city.
WHAT A MISTAKE!!!
Long story short - the commute was awful both in and out of the city (ice, puddles, train delays and a derailment, and almost missing my train home) and even just 6 hours of work seemed to undo all the relaxation and enjoyment I had gleaned from the snow days.
I should have stayed home like my gut told me to ... but with so little leave, it was a hard decision to make. Next time - leave balance be damned! I'm staying home!
I tried to get back into the relaxation/enjoyment groove yesterday with a trip to Joann's for some new storage containers (40 percent off - yay!) and a new skein of Baby Soft for the third Ocean Waves blanket (yet to be started). I also got my taxes done and was able to ask some questions of my accountant about starting a small business. I've got some more information now about copyrighting and registering a trademark/brand name and also getting a tax number if I need it. My gut is telling me to pursue this crafty entrepreneurship, so I'm listening!
Today will be spent finishing the updates to my stash on Ravelry and organizing the craft cabinet. But this will done after I make my wonderful husband a delicious Valentine's Day breakfast and a batch of oatmeal cookies.
I hope you have something fun planned for your Valentine's Day, too!
WHAT A MISTAKE!!!
Long story short - the commute was awful both in and out of the city (ice, puddles, train delays and a derailment, and almost missing my train home) and even just 6 hours of work seemed to undo all the relaxation and enjoyment I had gleaned from the snow days.
I should have stayed home like my gut told me to ... but with so little leave, it was a hard decision to make. Next time - leave balance be damned! I'm staying home!
I tried to get back into the relaxation/enjoyment groove yesterday with a trip to Joann's for some new storage containers (40 percent off - yay!) and a new skein of Baby Soft for the third Ocean Waves blanket (yet to be started). I also got my taxes done and was able to ask some questions of my accountant about starting a small business. I've got some more information now about copyrighting and registering a trademark/brand name and also getting a tax number if I need it. My gut is telling me to pursue this crafty entrepreneurship, so I'm listening!
Today will be spent finishing the updates to my stash on Ravelry and organizing the craft cabinet. But this will done after I make my wonderful husband a delicious Valentine's Day breakfast and a batch of oatmeal cookies.
I hope you have something fun planned for your Valentine's Day, too!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thankful (and crafty) Weekend
Hope everyone had a splendid Thankgiving! I know I did. I was lucky enough to spend it at home with my wonderful husband and close friends. The company was superb and the food was delicious. The only downside was how quickly the time flew by.
Perches, Mr. Perches and bebe came for Thanksgiving and stayed a couple of nights to visit. We had a wonderful time catching up, going to the aquarium, munching on leftovers, watching favorite movies, and yes - being crafty. I give you the fruits of our Saturday morning labors - reindeer!
A new color scheme for this year compared to years past. They have already been delivered to Sean's work place where people were happy to see them (and surprised they were done so early). A half dozen followed Perches home to adorn her Christmas tree and I have a handful left for my own tree. We didn't get a chance to make reindeer food but I'm hoping to do that this weekend.
I was also the very lucky recipient of these beautiful, handmade by Perches herself, stitch markers. I LOVE THEM! Seriously - when she gets her Etsy store up and running, you should buy a pair of these markers.
We also made a quick trip to Joann's on Black Friday. It was late in the evening and we were on a mission to get Perches some size 6 circular needles. What could've, should've been a 10 minute visit to the store lasted closer to an hour. We wandered through the isles, seeing what was on sale and what looked interesting. Decorations and containers, trees and swags, fabric and notions, and then the yarn department. Perches helped me NOT impulse buy yarn for a baby blanket. I so wanted the colors and yarns to go together but her eyes confirmed my own - they just didn't. I'll need to pay the premium cost to get the right yarn in the right colors from the manufacturer. I did end up buying some fat quarters which were half price. The selection was slim as it was one of the few areas ravenged by black Friday shoppers.
What am I going to do with these swatches of fabric? Your guess is as good as mine. I'm thinking they would be great as purse or pocket lining. At 79 cents each, it's okay that they don't have a predetermined purpose right now.
Hope you found time to fit in some craftiness over the holiday.
Perches, Mr. Perches and bebe came for Thanksgiving and stayed a couple of nights to visit. We had a wonderful time catching up, going to the aquarium, munching on leftovers, watching favorite movies, and yes - being crafty. I give you the fruits of our Saturday morning labors - reindeer!
A new color scheme for this year compared to years past. They have already been delivered to Sean's work place where people were happy to see them (and surprised they were done so early). A half dozen followed Perches home to adorn her Christmas tree and I have a handful left for my own tree. We didn't get a chance to make reindeer food but I'm hoping to do that this weekend.
I was also the very lucky recipient of these beautiful, handmade by Perches herself, stitch markers. I LOVE THEM! Seriously - when she gets her Etsy store up and running, you should buy a pair of these markers.
We also made a quick trip to Joann's on Black Friday. It was late in the evening and we were on a mission to get Perches some size 6 circular needles. What could've, should've been a 10 minute visit to the store lasted closer to an hour. We wandered through the isles, seeing what was on sale and what looked interesting. Decorations and containers, trees and swags, fabric and notions, and then the yarn department. Perches helped me NOT impulse buy yarn for a baby blanket. I so wanted the colors and yarns to go together but her eyes confirmed my own - they just didn't. I'll need to pay the premium cost to get the right yarn in the right colors from the manufacturer. I did end up buying some fat quarters which were half price. The selection was slim as it was one of the few areas ravenged by black Friday shoppers.
What am I going to do with these swatches of fabric? Your guess is as good as mine. I'm thinking they would be great as purse or pocket lining. At 79 cents each, it's okay that they don't have a predetermined purpose right now.
Hope you found time to fit in some craftiness over the holiday.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Keeping Score
Results of my weekend to-do list:
At first I was disappointed that I didn't get it all done. I felt like I had only done a few things but my wonderful husband pointed out all the other things I got done while doing part of this crafty list, such as the mundane shopping and laundry. There was also a trip to the dog park that Seamus thoroughly enjoyed and some work done on the overdue baby blanket. This weekend promises to be just as crazy busy with lots of stuff to do. Fingers crossed I can get a lot of it done.
- Make curtain for Office shelving --> completed though I had to use different fabric than I planned on and it's really not that functional to use all the time. It will work to hide the cluttered mess during Thanksgiving and the Christmas party.
- Make craft room curtains --> didn't happen. I'm not holding out hope of it happening this weekend either.
- Paint advent calendar --> almost done - completed about 70% of it before I had lost the drive to paint. Painting creativity ebbs and flows with me so I have to act on it when I get it and know when to stop when it's gone.
- Colorflow lady bugs and gingerbread house decorations --> didn't happen. Must make the ladybugs tonight so there is time for them to dry completely before next week.
- Start making reindeer candy canes --> didn't start making them but I do have all the materials. Will probably make them after Thanksgiving, in between decorating, Christmas cards and watching Christmas Vacation.
- Christmas photo of Seamus --> completed and I got some uber cute photos.
- Wrap Gifts --> completed
- Organize craft room --> not completed - and in fact, the craft room became less organized because I was doing all these craft projects. Hoping to get things under control this weekend.
At first I was disappointed that I didn't get it all done. I felt like I had only done a few things but my wonderful husband pointed out all the other things I got done while doing part of this crafty list, such as the mundane shopping and laundry. There was also a trip to the dog park that Seamus thoroughly enjoyed and some work done on the overdue baby blanket. This weekend promises to be just as crazy busy with lots of stuff to do. Fingers crossed I can get a lot of it done.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Damn Deadlines
The baby shower for little baby "Q" is today. Here's the blanket that was supposed to be all wrapped up and waiting for the momma to open it.
::sigh::
I did send the baby hat and booties and a card with a bow of the baby blanket yarn. The card informed her that a blanket was being made and would be sent upon completion. I should have had it done and at the shower but - c'est la vie. I believe baby "Q" is due mid December so I'm hoping to have the blanket done in time. If not, I'll bring it up at Christmas. And if not by then, hopefully before the spring. I love the Afghan of the Sandman pattern but it is going to be a long time until I make another one of these blankets. They take FOREVER and I'm not sure why that is. I'm a fast crocheter and the pattern is easy. It must be the yarn and hook size.
I also have a project that must be done by Christmas. Little Brodie is 2 1/2 and she would know the difference if her Christmas gift arrived in January. Her mom has informed me that she loves bright, bright colors. I think this yarn will do and it should look great on her new "big girl" bed.
I was hoping to make a sweater for Edward but alas, I don't think that will happen this year. I will have to adjust the pattern for a bigger size and start in February so it will be completed by next Christmas.
Where did this year go??? It seems like June was last week and October was yesterday.
::sigh::
I did send the baby hat and booties and a card with a bow of the baby blanket yarn. The card informed her that a blanket was being made and would be sent upon completion. I should have had it done and at the shower but - c'est la vie. I believe baby "Q" is due mid December so I'm hoping to have the blanket done in time. If not, I'll bring it up at Christmas. And if not by then, hopefully before the spring. I love the Afghan of the Sandman pattern but it is going to be a long time until I make another one of these blankets. They take FOREVER and I'm not sure why that is. I'm a fast crocheter and the pattern is easy. It must be the yarn and hook size.
I also have a project that must be done by Christmas. Little Brodie is 2 1/2 and she would know the difference if her Christmas gift arrived in January. Her mom has informed me that she loves bright, bright colors. I think this yarn will do and it should look great on her new "big girl" bed.
I was hoping to make a sweater for Edward but alas, I don't think that will happen this year. I will have to adjust the pattern for a bigger size and start in February so it will be completed by next Christmas.
Where did this year go??? It seems like June was last week and October was yesterday.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Mercury Retrograde
If you didn't already know, Mercury has been retrograde since September 7th.
From the website:
Here's my latest WTF? moment as I'm learning to knit. Take a look at this photo and tell me what's wrong with it.
Look a little closer...
I'm sure that seasoned knitters can spot it right away. As for this newbie, I was about 5 rows from the end when I noticed it wasn't quite right. Something was wrong with the stretch of the material and it looked a big off. Finally I figured it out - all my stitches are twisted. Actually, all my purl stitches are twisted. I was knitting and purling continental style (which I find to be faster and more comfortable) and I apparently wrapped my yarn the wrong way while purling. So what did I do? Rip it all out?
I couldn't do that because I already have a project I do have to rip out -- all the way down to the first big of blue near the center.
At first, the blanket was all wonky so I adjusted every other row to have a cluster stitch of 2dc - 2 ch - 2 dc instead of 3dc - 2 ch - 3dc every row like the pattern called for. I thought it was working great but then I laid it down to take a photo and here's what happened. It's got this weird bubble in the middle.
So - rip, rip, rip! Take it out! Start again!
::sigh::
And it was supposed to be done today for a baby shower. Oh well. It should be done in time before the little one's arrival.
Can I blame these problems on Mercury retrograde? Yes I can. And therefore, no new projects until after September 29th. Plus I have plenty of WIPs that need some attention. Since they are already started, I hope they continue as planned without this kind of craziness.
From the website:
"Mercury retrograde gives rise to personal misunderstandings; flawed, disrupted, or delayed communications, negotiations and trade; glitches and breakdowns with phones, computers, cars, buses, and trains. And all of these problems usually arise because some crucial piece of information, or component, has gone astray or awry."
Here's my latest WTF? moment as I'm learning to knit. Take a look at this photo and tell me what's wrong with it.
Look a little closer...
I'm sure that seasoned knitters can spot it right away. As for this newbie, I was about 5 rows from the end when I noticed it wasn't quite right. Something was wrong with the stretch of the material and it looked a big off. Finally I figured it out - all my stitches are twisted. Actually, all my purl stitches are twisted. I was knitting and purling continental style (which I find to be faster and more comfortable) and I apparently wrapped my yarn the wrong way while purling. So what did I do? Rip it all out?
I couldn't do that because I already have a project I do have to rip out -- all the way down to the first big of blue near the center.
At first, the blanket was all wonky so I adjusted every other row to have a cluster stitch of 2dc - 2 ch - 2 dc instead of 3dc - 2 ch - 3dc every row like the pattern called for. I thought it was working great but then I laid it down to take a photo and here's what happened. It's got this weird bubble in the middle.
So - rip, rip, rip! Take it out! Start again!
::sigh::
And it was supposed to be done today for a baby shower. Oh well. It should be done in time before the little one's arrival.
Can I blame these problems on Mercury retrograde? Yes I can. And therefore, no new projects until after September 29th. Plus I have plenty of WIPs that need some attention. Since they are already started, I hope they continue as planned without this kind of craziness.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Checking the List
I can't believe the summer is over and it is already September! While my blogging has been infrequent, I have been quite busy with my hook and needles (and pastry bag and sewing machine). It seems like an excellent time for a review of how much progress I've made on my Crafty Resolutions list for 2009.
1) Finish the following UFOs:
2) Design more stuff and write more crochet patterns including: coasters, fingerless mittens, and pot holders.
Completed - at least the coasters part. Designed and up for sale on Ravelry are the citrus and watermelon coasters. I have sketches of potholder designs but I haven't looked at fingerless mittens yet. There's still time, right?
3) Try to sell a project - either on Etsy, at a craft fair, or word-of-mouth.
Completed - sold a fat bottom bag. She loves it and she's had lots of people ask her where she got it. I really must get some business cards made.
4) Learn to knit socks on double pointed and/or circular needles.
Completed - the first pair was given to KMP. I've also made some baby socks. All were made on DPNs and while the magic loop method looks interesting, I'm sticking with what I know for a while. Looking forward to a sock-a-long with "C" as we both knit with the ShiBui Knits sock yarn I picked up in Portland.
5) Go to MS&W 2009
Completed - and it was a fantastic weekend!!!
6) Visit the new Lion Brand Yarn Studio in NYC.
This is slated for early October when I travel to New York for work. (Queenie - you're in, right?)
7) Complete the following new projects:
8) Take another class at Joann's - cake decorating, sewing or quilting.
Actually took 2 more classes in cake decorating. All that is left is fondant and gum paste flowers. I have also come to the realization that I cannot take up quilting or any other form of sewing projects until we move into a bigger home. The craft room is packed and the cabinet is full of cake making supplies. There is no room for more crafts at the moment.
----
Wow - that's a lot of the list just 9 months in. I think I'll reevaluate what is left on the list and those projects that need to be completed (i.e. baby blankets) so I can better plan out the last few months of the year. Suggestions? Comments?
1) Finish the following UFOs:
- Knitted Baby Blanket - Completed - and baby Edward loves it.
- BUBBLES bubbles Wrap - I switched it to a scarf as I gave the second hank to Celtic Memory when I visited Ireland. The scarf has been started and while it has not plagued my existence like the wrap did, it has sat untouched for months.
- Spiral Pentagram Motif Shawl - Still in a bag in pieces. I'm at the point of unraveling it all and reusing the yarn with some monster needles to make a simple garter stitch shawl. I saw one at MS&W this year and loved it.
2) Design more stuff and write more crochet patterns including: coasters, fingerless mittens, and pot holders.
Completed - at least the coasters part. Designed and up for sale on Ravelry are the citrus and watermelon coasters. I have sketches of potholder designs but I haven't looked at fingerless mittens yet. There's still time, right?
3) Try to sell a project - either on Etsy, at a craft fair, or word-of-mouth.
Completed - sold a fat bottom bag. She loves it and she's had lots of people ask her where she got it. I really must get some business cards made.
4) Learn to knit socks on double pointed and/or circular needles.
Completed - the first pair was given to KMP. I've also made some baby socks. All were made on DPNs and while the magic loop method looks interesting, I'm sticking with what I know for a while. Looking forward to a sock-a-long with "C" as we both knit with the ShiBui Knits sock yarn I picked up in Portland.
5) Go to MS&W 2009
Completed - and it was a fantastic weekend!!!
6) Visit the new Lion Brand Yarn Studio in NYC.
This is slated for early October when I travel to New York for work. (Queenie - you're in, right?)
7) Complete the following new projects:
- Make at least 1 blanket for donation (charity TBD) - no progress on this one yet
- Baby blanket for Decklin or Saoirse (due in May) - Completed for Saoirse's arrival in May.
- Baby blankets for the other babies that are sure to be announced in 2009 - One is currently underway, the yarn is bought for another and there is yet another to be finished by December (yarn and pattern TBD)
- Traditional crocheted tablecloth for future Sister-in-law - I was going to make this for her bridal shower gift but I could not find a pattern that I loved. Instead, I made the cake for her shower:
If and when I do find a great pattern, perhaps the tablecloth can be a housewarming gift instead of a bridal shower gift. - A shawl from the Amazing Crochet Lace book - I completely forgot about this resolution until I reread the list today. Socks are way more fun right now so I'm not sure if I'll get to this one or not.
8) Take another class at Joann's - cake decorating, sewing or quilting.
Actually took 2 more classes in cake decorating. All that is left is fondant and gum paste flowers. I have also come to the realization that I cannot take up quilting or any other form of sewing projects until we move into a bigger home. The craft room is packed and the cabinet is full of cake making supplies. There is no room for more crafts at the moment.
----
Wow - that's a lot of the list just 9 months in. I think I'll reevaluate what is left on the list and those projects that need to be completed (i.e. baby blankets) so I can better plan out the last few months of the year. Suggestions? Comments?
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Still here....
...just too busy to blog. It is amazing what a time-suck a puppy can be. Why would one want to spend an hour or two in front of the screen when an adorable little face is ready to play fetch?
So that's what I've been up to - the puppy. But that is not to say I haven't been busy with yarn and such. A quick recap of the last 2 months - and I hope to put together some better posts based on these adventures, too.
Made the bridal shower cake for my future sister-in-law. It turned out beautifully! And now I've been asked to make flowers to adorn the cupcakes they will be serving at the reception. I'm happy to do it and happier that I won't also have to make and frost the cupcakes.
Visited a number of local yarn stores in Maryland and Chicago. I bought some more yarn - not out of need, just out of desire to own some local fabulousness. I also found the LYS store nearby has changed names and ownership. I was not impressed by the view through the window.
Started my first pair of socks that have actually made it past the first few rows. I think there's a chance I'll actually really learn how to knit socks now. It's a basic sock pattern so I can learn the construction of socks. I'm knitting the old-fashioned way, too - on DPNs. The book I bought shows me DPN, 2 circular and the Magic Loop method. I'm determined to learn all three...someday.
Three baby blankets must be done by December. Yep - three friends have announced they're preggers and all three are due around December. I bought some fun self-striping yarn to make baby beanies to go with whatever blankets I make.
So many WIPs sitting around. I did a once-over look at the craft room and I have waaaay too many WIPs sitting around. I've got to start plowing through the pile starting with the felted scarf I've been working on and the aforementioned knitted socks. Once those two are done, it will be on to either the baby blankets (if I know the gender or color schemes for the nurseries) or the baby beanies.
New furniture for the craft room. My cake decorating hobby has officially become an addiction. Just like knitting and crocheting, it's so easy to want to buy all the fun stuff to go along with the hobby. As my cake decorating stuff (pans, decorating supplies, etc) have taken over two shelves in the pantry and since my yarn cabinet is almost bursting at the seams, I need to buy some new furniture to house it all in the craft room. I've got my eyes on a number of pieces at Home Decorators which, with the bad economy, has some pretty good prices.
More blogging. I'm going to try to blog more here but with the puppy, travel for work, summer day trips to the Eastern Shore and a quite busy social calendar, we'll see how much blogging I get around to.
So that's what I've been up to - the puppy. But that is not to say I haven't been busy with yarn and such. A quick recap of the last 2 months - and I hope to put together some better posts based on these adventures, too.
Made the bridal shower cake for my future sister-in-law. It turned out beautifully! And now I've been asked to make flowers to adorn the cupcakes they will be serving at the reception. I'm happy to do it and happier that I won't also have to make and frost the cupcakes.
Visited a number of local yarn stores in Maryland and Chicago. I bought some more yarn - not out of need, just out of desire to own some local fabulousness. I also found the LYS store nearby has changed names and ownership. I was not impressed by the view through the window.
Started my first pair of socks that have actually made it past the first few rows. I think there's a chance I'll actually really learn how to knit socks now. It's a basic sock pattern so I can learn the construction of socks. I'm knitting the old-fashioned way, too - on DPNs. The book I bought shows me DPN, 2 circular and the Magic Loop method. I'm determined to learn all three...someday.
Three baby blankets must be done by December. Yep - three friends have announced they're preggers and all three are due around December. I bought some fun self-striping yarn to make baby beanies to go with whatever blankets I make.
So many WIPs sitting around. I did a once-over look at the craft room and I have waaaay too many WIPs sitting around. I've got to start plowing through the pile starting with the felted scarf I've been working on and the aforementioned knitted socks. Once those two are done, it will be on to either the baby blankets (if I know the gender or color schemes for the nurseries) or the baby beanies.
New furniture for the craft room. My cake decorating hobby has officially become an addiction. Just like knitting and crocheting, it's so easy to want to buy all the fun stuff to go along with the hobby. As my cake decorating stuff (pans, decorating supplies, etc) have taken over two shelves in the pantry and since my yarn cabinet is almost bursting at the seams, I need to buy some new furniture to house it all in the craft room. I've got my eyes on a number of pieces at Home Decorators which, with the bad economy, has some pretty good prices.
More blogging. I'm going to try to blog more here but with the puppy, travel for work, summer day trips to the Eastern Shore and a quite busy social calendar, we'll see how much blogging I get around to.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Frogged Project: A Photo Essay of the BUBBLES bubbles Wrap
Here's the BUBBLES Bubbles wrap on Friday...
...I added wine and my newly purchase ball winder...
...and lo and behold - victory!!!
Please note - photos 2 and 3 were actually taken days apart. The results are still soooo satisfying.
I feel so much better that this project has been frogged. I look at that beautiful ball of yarn and I see possibilities - compared to the contempt I used to feel when I looked at the messed up wrap.
No worries - the yarn for the wrap will eventually be used for the BUBBLES bubbles scarf.
...I added wine and my newly purchase ball winder...
...and lo and behold - victory!!!
Please note - photos 2 and 3 were actually taken days apart. The results are still soooo satisfying.
I feel so much better that this project has been frogged. I look at that beautiful ball of yarn and I see possibilities - compared to the contempt I used to feel when I looked at the messed up wrap.
No worries - the yarn for the wrap will eventually be used for the BUBBLES bubbles scarf.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Back to the Familiar
Why so quiet on the blogging front?
To be honest, I've been frustrated with my latest project. The BUBBLES bubble wrap got the best of me - TWICE! After my flub up at the airport, I finally picked up the shawl again over the weekend. How proud I was of myself that I managed to rip out 4 or 5 rows and get all the stitches back on the needle and begin knitting away. My counts worked out - ending with the right amount of stitches. I patted myself on the back; even bragged to the Queen and Mistress of my success.
Then, during my ride to work on Tuesday morning, I got to the same row I had problems with the first time. And there was the problem AGAIN. Same location, same stitch, staring at me and yes, I may have heard some quiet laughter.
WTF???
I was so frustrated. I started ripping out the row then had to stop midway as the train was arriving at the station. While I managed to get what I think is all of the stitches onto the needles to avoid further damage and unraveling, I did not leave the project in good shape. Currently, the project is wadded up against the needles with the excess yarn wrapped around it and it's sitting on a shelf in the craft room.
What's a girl to do to relieve this frustration? (minds out of the gutter, please)
Start a new crocheting project.
Back to a tried and true method of craftiness. Back to the familiar feel of a hook in my hand and the speed and ease as stitches multiply effortlessly. Back to sanity and calmness and ease.
I found some neutral cotton yarn in my stash leftover from the eight pocket two-tone carryall I made. I'm well into making another fat bottom bag. My frustration level has dropped and the calmness has returned.
No worries - I'll go back to wrap at some point. I'm just not sure when. Right now I'm basking in the familiar fuzzy feelings of crochet.
To be honest, I've been frustrated with my latest project. The BUBBLES bubble wrap got the best of me - TWICE! After my flub up at the airport, I finally picked up the shawl again over the weekend. How proud I was of myself that I managed to rip out 4 or 5 rows and get all the stitches back on the needle and begin knitting away. My counts worked out - ending with the right amount of stitches. I patted myself on the back; even bragged to the Queen and Mistress of my success.
Then, during my ride to work on Tuesday morning, I got to the same row I had problems with the first time. And there was the problem AGAIN. Same location, same stitch, staring at me and yes, I may have heard some quiet laughter.
WTF???
I was so frustrated. I started ripping out the row then had to stop midway as the train was arriving at the station. While I managed to get what I think is all of the stitches onto the needles to avoid further damage and unraveling, I did not leave the project in good shape. Currently, the project is wadded up against the needles with the excess yarn wrapped around it and it's sitting on a shelf in the craft room.
What's a girl to do to relieve this frustration? (minds out of the gutter, please)
Start a new crocheting project.
Back to a tried and true method of craftiness. Back to the familiar feel of a hook in my hand and the speed and ease as stitches multiply effortlessly. Back to sanity and calmness and ease.
I found some neutral cotton yarn in my stash leftover from the eight pocket two-tone carryall I made. I'm well into making another fat bottom bag. My frustration level has dropped and the calmness has returned.
No worries - I'll go back to wrap at some point. I'm just not sure when. Right now I'm basking in the familiar fuzzy feelings of crochet.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
6 Months to Go...
Since half the year is over, let's take a look at how I'm doing with my 2008 crafty resolutions.
1) Finish the following UFOs:
Update: Three out of four ain’t bad. Here’s hoping I get the shawl done before August.
2) Make, block and stiffen 25 snowflakes (and yes, the two I've already made count toward the 25)
Update: Honestly? I’ve had absolutely no desire to make snowflakes right now.
3) Learn to knit socks on double pointed and circular needles.
Update: I tried – but the patterns in the book I had were for DPNs and I was working with circulars. I’m hoping I can get this resolution started again.
4)Organize my yarn, books and other crafty supplies in the new craft room
5) Make a shawl from the Amazing Crochet Lace book
Update: I have the yarn for this; now I just need the time to start and finish it!
6)Go to MS&W 2008 (this is a no-brainer)
7) Complete the following new projects:
Update:
So overall - not bad for 6 months. According to Ravelry, I've only completed 9 projects since January. Wow... I don't know how I feel about that. I feel like I've been crocheting and knitting quite a bit. It just seems I don't have much to show for it except a handful of UFOs. Here's hoping the next 6 months are a bit more productive.
1) Finish the following UFOs:
Purple Dream BlanketCoasters and Coffee CoziesEight Pocket Two-Tone Carryall Tote- Spiral Pentagram Motif Shawl
Update: Three out of four ain’t bad. Here’s hoping I get the shawl done before August.
2) Make, block and stiffen 25 snowflakes (and yes, the two I've already made count toward the 25)
Update: Honestly? I’ve had absolutely no desire to make snowflakes right now.
3) Learn to knit socks on double pointed and circular needles.
Update: I tried – but the patterns in the book I had were for DPNs and I was working with circulars. I’m hoping I can get this resolution started again.
4)
5) Make a shawl from the Amazing Crochet Lace book
Update: I have the yarn for this; now I just need the time to start and finish it!
6)
7) Complete the following new projects:
- Make at least 1 blanket for donation (charity TBD)
Baby blanket for Mindy Jr.- Crochet a rug from the yarn bought at the 2006 MS&W
- Complete A-Z pillows for baby Brodie
- Crochet Christmas stockings (but this one is a bit iffy)
Update:
- Instead of a blanket, I made a hat for charity. But have I mailed it yet? Nope. Guess I should get on that.
- The A-Z pillows turned out to be too big so I’m going to frog the “A” I started and use the colorful yarn for something else (yet to be determined).
- A rug and Christmas stockings? Not sure I’ll get to those or not.
So overall - not bad for 6 months. According to Ravelry, I've only completed 9 projects since January. Wow... I don't know how I feel about that. I feel like I've been crocheting and knitting quite a bit. It just seems I don't have much to show for it except a handful of UFOs. Here's hoping the next 6 months are a bit more productive.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Like a Knotted Hank of Yarn
You know when you're trying to ball up a hank of yarn without the help of either a swift or a ball winder and you inevitably muck it up and wind up with a gigantic, complicated, no-end-in-sight knotty mess? (The Mistress knows this first hand, right?) Yeah, that's how I'm feeling right now with all my crocheting and knitting. I have a ton of projects in my mind (and in my queue) that I want to start, but I have quite a few in progress that I can't seem to finish. And even if they were finished, I wouldn't know which new projects I'd really want to start. And if I did start them, I doubt I'd finish them with any great speed.
Like that knotted mess of a hank that I end up draping over the back of chair and walking away from for a day or two, so is my creativity for projects old and new. I need to just walk away for a while and come back to it.
BUT....
Little Brodie is having her first birthday in under 3 weeks. She was the recipient of 2 blankets last year - this one and this one. I want to make her something this year but 1) I'm running out of time, 2) I don't know if she needs another blanket, 3) I don't know that she uses the other blankets, and 4) if I don't make a blanket, I don't know what else I would make. I did pick up a cute little assortment of Dr. Seuss books for her so if I don't get around to making something, I can include a gift card to the Children's Place with the books. But if there are any suggestions on what I could make given the time I have to make it and what is already in my stash, I'm all ears. (Note - the little one is allergic to wool.)
My BUBBLES bubbles wrap was coming along nicely. The operative word WAS. I was stuck at the airport on Thursday for 8 hours trying to get to Chicago. I was getting some major work done on the wrap but when we stopped on the runway and headed back to the gate, I somehow missed and/or dropped and/or twisted some stitch. I tried to fix it 3 times (all while we sat at the gate waiting for the plane to get fixed). I just seemed to make it worse with each attempt to fix the problem. When the announcement came over the loud speaker that the plane was grounded and we had to get off the plane, I took it as a sign that I should 1) quit trying to fix the wrap - leave it for another day, and 2) cut my losses and realize I won't be going to Chicago.
So that's what I did - I cancelled my trip and attended the meeting via teleconference the next day. The wrap is still sitting undisturbed since the incident on the plane. I'm hoping to tackle it later this afternoon. I'm still so new to knitting that I'm not able to easily identify what the mistake is and how to fix it. So I'm just going to have to frog a few rows (I'm hoping less that 5) to get the project back on track.
Here's hoping I can fix the wrap and somehow find some creativity lurking the corners of the craft room.
Like that knotted mess of a hank that I end up draping over the back of chair and walking away from for a day or two, so is my creativity for projects old and new. I need to just walk away for a while and come back to it.
BUT....
Little Brodie is having her first birthday in under 3 weeks. She was the recipient of 2 blankets last year - this one and this one. I want to make her something this year but 1) I'm running out of time, 2) I don't know if she needs another blanket, 3) I don't know that she uses the other blankets, and 4) if I don't make a blanket, I don't know what else I would make. I did pick up a cute little assortment of Dr. Seuss books for her so if I don't get around to making something, I can include a gift card to the Children's Place with the books. But if there are any suggestions on what I could make given the time I have to make it and what is already in my stash, I'm all ears. (Note - the little one is allergic to wool.)
My BUBBLES bubbles wrap was coming along nicely. The operative word WAS. I was stuck at the airport on Thursday for 8 hours trying to get to Chicago. I was getting some major work done on the wrap but when we stopped on the runway and headed back to the gate, I somehow missed and/or dropped and/or twisted some stitch. I tried to fix it 3 times (all while we sat at the gate waiting for the plane to get fixed). I just seemed to make it worse with each attempt to fix the problem. When the announcement came over the loud speaker that the plane was grounded and we had to get off the plane, I took it as a sign that I should 1) quit trying to fix the wrap - leave it for another day, and 2) cut my losses and realize I won't be going to Chicago.
So that's what I did - I cancelled my trip and attended the meeting via teleconference the next day. The wrap is still sitting undisturbed since the incident on the plane. I'm hoping to tackle it later this afternoon. I'm still so new to knitting that I'm not able to easily identify what the mistake is and how to fix it. So I'm just going to have to frog a few rows (I'm hoping less that 5) to get the project back on track.
Here's hoping I can fix the wrap and somehow find some creativity lurking the corners of the craft room.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Yarn Freeze
So I went from lack of motivation with too many projects on the hook to lots of ideas...and still too many unfinished projects on the hook. How did I remedy the situation?
I bought yarn.
But to be fair - I was only going to go to Joann's to pick up more Homespun to finish the purple dream blanket. But there was no sale to be had and I figured I could get a better deal online. I would also be able to buy this new yarn by Lion Brand for a baby blanket I need to make. While the Lion Brand site had decent prices (y'all know how to trick the system into giving you 15% off, right?), I found better prices elsewhere...which included really good prices on other brands of yarn and a flat rate on shipping. Before I knew it, I was hitting the "Place Order" button while my credit card winced in pain.
Upon reflection of what I had just done, I made a very difficult decision:
I am on a yarn freeze until MS&W in May.
The final pre-freeze splurge arrived on Wednesday from Knitting Warehouse. I laughed when I was tracking the package online - 10.6 pounds of yarn! Egads! It's a record for me.
So let's start with what prompted this spree in the first place: the Homespun yarn in Grape to finish the Purple Dream blanket.
When I took the photos earlier this week, the lighting in the room was awful and no matter how I tried to fix the flash, I couldn't get very good shots. These photos are fixed up a bit except the last one - that one is au naturale. The blanket has almost 8 skeins in it and 4 more skeins to go. And yes, that's the new papazan. It's so comfy!
Next in the order was 2 skeins in each color: Almond, Lemon Drop, Pistachio, & Blueberry.
This is Lion Brand's new Cupcake yarn that I'm going to use to make a baby blanket for my most-recently prego pal. They are keeping the gender of the baby a surprise so I need to make a gender-neutral blanket. This is the one I'm making (free pattern from Lion Brand if you sign in):
As the Cupcake yarn is new and I was buying it without seeing or feeling it in person, I decided I needed to order a back up. Hence, I bought some Cotton-Ease in similar colors, though I picked a reddish-orange color instead of the pale yellow.
Two skeins each of Maize, Lake, Lime and Terracotta.
The bright colored acrylic yarn is for little Brodie's crocheted alphabet project. Yep - I'm gonna make 26 little stuffed pillows in the hopes that it helps her learn her alphabet.
Two skeins each of Caron Simply Soft Brites in Watermelon, Mango, Lemonade, Limelight, Berry Blue and Rose Violet
I'm using the patterns by Woven~n~Spun. No worries - the letters won't be as big as the "J" pillow I made.
---------------
Hmmmmm.....Where am I going to put all the new fiberliciousness? The yarn cabinet was full before the big purchase.
At least I know I'll be able to find room for these... Prior to the ordering, I used some of my Christmas gift cards at Joann's to buy circular needles. I'm hoping that having them will get me motivated to learn how to use them. We'll see.
Susan Bates sizes 2, 3, 4 & 5.
I also found these adorable wooden statues with which to decorate the craft room.
---------------
All the new yarn must sit and wait for me to use it, for in addition to the yarn freeze, I'm also on a project freeze until the Purple Dream blanket is completed. It was to be a Christmas gift and then it was supposed to be done by MLK weekend. For the love of cheese, it must be done before Valentine's Day!
And did I mention the other projects hanging out?
I started both of these projects because they are easily transportable during my commute and I was trying to use up yarn in my stash.
An Oscar scarf made out of Olive Fun Fur I got for Christmas:
The beginnings of yet another baby and/or kid blanket made with flower motifs:
And don't forget, the yet unfinished Eight Pocket Two-Tone Carryall Tote and the Spiral Pentagram Motif Shawl.
So the yarn freeze will (AND MUST!) continue until MS&W in May.
I WILL BUY NOTHING until then.
Seriously.
Have a little faith in me, would you? :)
I bought yarn.
But to be fair - I was only going to go to Joann's to pick up more Homespun to finish the purple dream blanket. But there was no sale to be had and I figured I could get a better deal online. I would also be able to buy this new yarn by Lion Brand for a baby blanket I need to make. While the Lion Brand site had decent prices (y'all know how to trick the system into giving you 15% off, right?), I found better prices elsewhere...which included really good prices on other brands of yarn and a flat rate on shipping. Before I knew it, I was hitting the "Place Order" button while my credit card winced in pain.
Upon reflection of what I had just done, I made a very difficult decision:
I am on a yarn freeze until MS&W in May.
The final pre-freeze splurge arrived on Wednesday from Knitting Warehouse. I laughed when I was tracking the package online - 10.6 pounds of yarn! Egads! It's a record for me.
So let's start with what prompted this spree in the first place: the Homespun yarn in Grape to finish the Purple Dream blanket.
When I took the photos earlier this week, the lighting in the room was awful and no matter how I tried to fix the flash, I couldn't get very good shots. These photos are fixed up a bit except the last one - that one is au naturale. The blanket has almost 8 skeins in it and 4 more skeins to go. And yes, that's the new papazan. It's so comfy!
Next in the order was 2 skeins in each color: Almond, Lemon Drop, Pistachio, & Blueberry.
This is Lion Brand's new Cupcake yarn that I'm going to use to make a baby blanket for my most-recently prego pal. They are keeping the gender of the baby a surprise so I need to make a gender-neutral blanket. This is the one I'm making (free pattern from Lion Brand if you sign in):
As the Cupcake yarn is new and I was buying it without seeing or feeling it in person, I decided I needed to order a back up. Hence, I bought some Cotton-Ease in similar colors, though I picked a reddish-orange color instead of the pale yellow.
Two skeins each of Maize, Lake, Lime and Terracotta.
The bright colored acrylic yarn is for little Brodie's crocheted alphabet project. Yep - I'm gonna make 26 little stuffed pillows in the hopes that it helps her learn her alphabet.
Two skeins each of Caron Simply Soft Brites in Watermelon, Mango, Lemonade, Limelight, Berry Blue and Rose Violet
I'm using the patterns by Woven~n~Spun. No worries - the letters won't be as big as the "J" pillow I made.
---------------
Hmmmmm.....Where am I going to put all the new fiberliciousness? The yarn cabinet was full before the big purchase.
At least I know I'll be able to find room for these... Prior to the ordering, I used some of my Christmas gift cards at Joann's to buy circular needles. I'm hoping that having them will get me motivated to learn how to use them. We'll see.
Susan Bates sizes 2, 3, 4 & 5.
I also found these adorable wooden statues with which to decorate the craft room.
---------------
All the new yarn must sit and wait for me to use it, for in addition to the yarn freeze, I'm also on a project freeze until the Purple Dream blanket is completed. It was to be a Christmas gift and then it was supposed to be done by MLK weekend. For the love of cheese, it must be done before Valentine's Day!
And did I mention the other projects hanging out?
I started both of these projects because they are easily transportable during my commute and I was trying to use up yarn in my stash.
An Oscar scarf made out of Olive Fun Fur I got for Christmas:
The beginnings of yet another baby and/or kid blanket made with flower motifs:
And don't forget, the yet unfinished Eight Pocket Two-Tone Carryall Tote and the Spiral Pentagram Motif Shawl.
So the yarn freeze will (AND MUST!) continue until MS&W in May.
I WILL BUY NOTHING until then.
Seriously.
Have a little faith in me, would you? :)
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year!
Goodbye 2007....Hello 2008!
Greetings and salutations! It is with great pleasure I make time enough this evening to finally get a post on the blog. Though I love the holidays, they do take up so much of my time. I hope all had a good holiday (whichever one(s) you chose to celebrate).
But first - an update! for it has been so long since last I posted here.
First off - I did do a bit of spending with the Joann's gift card I received when I left my last job.
I needed new paints and new brushes as well as a decent pair of scissors. I spent too much on the pins and pin cushion but they were just too cute and fun not to get them. Not pictured are the supplies I used to make reindeer candy canes (bells, googly eyes, red pom-pom noses, brown pipe cleaners and candy canes) for my and Sean's offices. The bead supplies were for wine charms I made for Sean's aunt. They turned out okay given I've never worked with beads and wire before. I used earring hoops for the rings as they were a much more affordable option ($3) compared to buying memory wire and a memory wire cutter ($10+). I added the snowflakes for a seasonal touch. His aunt seemed to like them.
And I must say that Santa was just too good to me this year! As noted before, I got ye olde sewing machine for Christmas from my wonderful husband.
I haven't had a chance to use it yet or even to look over the instructions booklet, but I will - and hopefully this month - for I need to finish the tote bag. It has been hibernating since September and I do so want to complete it.
I also received some wonderful gifts from my mother-in-law and brother-in-law and his girlfriend.
Some crochet hooks, novelty yarn, Maran Illustrated Knitting and Crocheting, I Can't Believe I'm Knitting Socks, the fall issue of Interweave Crochet, and a gift card for Joann's.
And as it was the season for giving, I gave some more to myself. :)
Since I so loved the issue of Interweave Crochet, I sent away for a subscription. I also ordered from Amazon.com Amazing Lace Crochet as there is a shawl I'm dying to make with the yarn I bought at Stitches East. I also bought this knitting day calendar at 50% off:
The purple dream blanket is still under construction. I now have until MLK weekend to get it done, for that is the weekend the recipient is coming for a visit.
The coasters for the girls are done! Huzzah! And look - I even blocked them!
They also got a bit of ironing and some starch, as well as some time drying in the sun.
I started on the coffee cup cozies and I should have them done this week. Hopefully there will be a package in the mail for the Queen and the Mistress soon.
Another fun development to share - it seems that a random suggestion to turn the sunroom/dining room into a craft room has come to pass. HUZZAH!!!
You see - we got new bedroom furniture and the cabinet you see in the photo didn't fit in the walk-in closet. It's a good piece of furniture and we didn't want to throw it out so it made its way into the sunroom. And while the office needed to be rearranged to accommodate the treadmill, my yarn somehow found its way into the sunroom, too. That, and my eyelash-batting request to Sean, was the tipping point for making it the craft room. It's still a work in progress as you can see the unpacked boxes on the right. There are plans to get a rug for the floor and perhaps a papazan chair from Pier 1 for the corner. Big, comfy chairs are mandatory for a craft room (in my humble opinion).
And with all the projects I have planned for 2008, I'll need a comfy chair in which to complete them. Another friend is prego so another baby blanket will be made. In addition to the tote bag, I have a number of UFOs to complete. I've got an entire list of crafty resolutions - which I shall track in a separate post. :)
Wishing you all a wonderful, fruitful, magical and crafty 2008!
Greetings and salutations! It is with great pleasure I make time enough this evening to finally get a post on the blog. Though I love the holidays, they do take up so much of my time. I hope all had a good holiday (whichever one(s) you chose to celebrate).
But first - an update! for it has been so long since last I posted here.
First off - I did do a bit of spending with the Joann's gift card I received when I left my last job.
I needed new paints and new brushes as well as a decent pair of scissors. I spent too much on the pins and pin cushion but they were just too cute and fun not to get them. Not pictured are the supplies I used to make reindeer candy canes (bells, googly eyes, red pom-pom noses, brown pipe cleaners and candy canes) for my and Sean's offices. The bead supplies were for wine charms I made for Sean's aunt. They turned out okay given I've never worked with beads and wire before. I used earring hoops for the rings as they were a much more affordable option ($3) compared to buying memory wire and a memory wire cutter ($10+). I added the snowflakes for a seasonal touch. His aunt seemed to like them.
And I must say that Santa was just too good to me this year! As noted before, I got ye olde sewing machine for Christmas from my wonderful husband.
I haven't had a chance to use it yet or even to look over the instructions booklet, but I will - and hopefully this month - for I need to finish the tote bag. It has been hibernating since September and I do so want to complete it.
I also received some wonderful gifts from my mother-in-law and brother-in-law and his girlfriend.
Some crochet hooks, novelty yarn, Maran Illustrated Knitting and Crocheting, I Can't Believe I'm Knitting Socks, the fall issue of Interweave Crochet, and a gift card for Joann's.
And as it was the season for giving, I gave some more to myself. :)
Since I so loved the issue of Interweave Crochet, I sent away for a subscription. I also ordered from Amazon.com Amazing Lace Crochet as there is a shawl I'm dying to make with the yarn I bought at Stitches East. I also bought this knitting day calendar at 50% off:
The purple dream blanket is still under construction. I now have until MLK weekend to get it done, for that is the weekend the recipient is coming for a visit.
The coasters for the girls are done! Huzzah! And look - I even blocked them!
They also got a bit of ironing and some starch, as well as some time drying in the sun.
I started on the coffee cup cozies and I should have them done this week. Hopefully there will be a package in the mail for the Queen and the Mistress soon.
Another fun development to share - it seems that a random suggestion to turn the sunroom/dining room into a craft room has come to pass. HUZZAH!!!
You see - we got new bedroom furniture and the cabinet you see in the photo didn't fit in the walk-in closet. It's a good piece of furniture and we didn't want to throw it out so it made its way into the sunroom. And while the office needed to be rearranged to accommodate the treadmill, my yarn somehow found its way into the sunroom, too. That, and my eyelash-batting request to Sean, was the tipping point for making it the craft room. It's still a work in progress as you can see the unpacked boxes on the right. There are plans to get a rug for the floor and perhaps a papazan chair from Pier 1 for the corner. Big, comfy chairs are mandatory for a craft room (in my humble opinion).
And with all the projects I have planned for 2008, I'll need a comfy chair in which to complete them. Another friend is prego so another baby blanket will be made. In addition to the tote bag, I have a number of UFOs to complete. I've got an entire list of crafty resolutions - which I shall track in a separate post. :)
Wishing you all a wonderful, fruitful, magical and crafty 2008!
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