YarninCozy

Moved Blog ...

2010-03-10T09:52:00.002-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2010-01-01T19:23:00.000-05:00

I am in the process of knitting several projects, and I would like to promise a few posts, but every time I make that commitment, I get bombarded by a round of doctor's visits. I'm not making any promises, and I know that eventually the doctors' visits will fade away, and I'll get to spend some time on this blog.

I have been more successful at keeping my ravelry account more up-to-date. Check it out: My name over there is yarninmama.

Spring Pullover Scarf

2009-09-01T08:00:00.019-04:00

I had some leftover yarn from my Spring Pullover to make a little something extra. So I picked out this out of 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders. It is the Garter Stitch Loop-Through Scarf by Marci Richardson. I modified it slightly; instead of increasing to 32 stitches, I increased to 22 stitches.

Spring Pullover

2009-08-31T08:00:00.022-04:00

Although I made this in the spring, I plan on wearing this as the weather cools off. In the spirit of school starting, I thought I would post my "school clothes." This is the Split Neck T shirt for Women #257 by Diane Soucy from Knitting Pure & Simple. I made it out of Universal Yarn's Vanessa. Vanessa is a synthetic yarn that drapes so lovely.

I made a medium size, but my gauge was slightly less stitches per inch than the pattern so it turned out slightly bigger and not as fitted as the pattern.

Did I tell you how much I love green?

Frozen Key Lime Pie

2009-08-28T08:00:00.001-04:00

Doesn't every cafe need a good pie recipe? In the heat of the summer, I love frozen key lime pie. It reminds me of the beach and it goes down smooth. After searching through several recipes, I found my favorite on Food Network.

Frozen Key Lime Pie
by Robin Miller 2007

1 (8-ounce) container nondairy whipped topping, thawed slightly
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1 (9-inch) prepared graham cracker pie crust
Freshly grated lime zest, for sprinkling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the whipped topping, condensed milk and lime juice until smooth. Spoon the mixture into graham cracker crust and smooth the surface with a spatula.

Set in the freezer until firm, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle lime zest over the top before serving.

**I found that the lime flavor gets stronger as it is kept in the freezer longer.**

Cabbage Dishcloth

2009-08-26T08:00:00.016-04:00

I love knitting and crocheting dishcloths. They are small and the various patterns give lots of variety. Also, a few handmade dishcloths can really add something special to a gift. I love functional gifts, and dishcloths can be both pretty and functional. This particular dishcloth is the Cabbage Patch Knitted Dishcloth by Tomato Lady and I made it in a KAL on Ravelry. I have used this cloth in the kitchen and I have washed and dried it several times. It is holding up great, and I love the way it feels. I used Lion Brand Cotton-Ease yarn.

Lacy Ribbed Tee

2009-08-24T08:00:00.039-04:00

This is the Lacy Ribbed Tee by Kristin Omdahl found in Creative Knitting Magazine, July 2009. The yarn is Schulana Sojabama. It is a bamboo blend and the yarn is very stretchy. I started by making a medium according to the pattern, but after I made the armhole, I tried it on. The neck opening barely went over my head. So I've casted on (using a tubular cast on) 104 stitches on a US Size 7 needle, and then switched to the size 6 needle after the set up rounds. I didn't increase in the set up rounds so I've been following the directions for a medium.

I tried it on after these changes, and it seems to be going well. I've stopped doing swatches (horrors!) because I never knit the same gauge over a swatch that I do in the project. So I've resigned myself to knitting a project a couple of times before it turns out how I like it. This works out well because I enjoy the process of knitting, and it is very important that a garment fits well. I think this means that I'm am both a process and a product knitter.

The armholes made as instructed in the pattern turned out too big so I only cast on 5 stitches instead of 23. This made the armholes just great. Also since I have a shorter torso, I only made the center section 8 inches instead of 10. I really like how the tee fits and yarn is soft and slinky.

After I took this picture, somehow this tee ended up in the washing machine with a black tee shirt and miracle of miracles, it over-dyed evenly. The tee still fits and looks good, but it is a deeper, more muted color which works well in my wardrobe.

Flower Coasters

2009-08-12T09:00:00.004-04:00

Pattern: Springtime Coasters by Doni Speigle (found here)

This was another addition to my friend's birthday gift. These were very easy to make, and I could make 2 or 3 of them in an evening. Again I used scrap yarn that I think was either Sugar and Cream or Peaches and Cream and Lion Brand Cottonease. I really love Lion Brand Cottonease because it is so easy to work with. It is much easier on my hands than 100% cotton. Besides dishcloths, I have used it to make spring and summer baby blankets, and I think I might use it to make a summer cardigan someday.

Multidirectional Dishcloth

2009-07-20T20:33:00.004-04:00

This is another dishcloth I made for a friend's birthday. It is a great pattern to use up stash. I must say that knitting dishcloths is a great way to learn new stitches and great for summer knitting (light and portable). They also make great gifts because everyone needs them, and they make mundane chores at least a little more aesthetic. Cotton is a hardworking and easy care fiber. You can wash and dry it, and the texture of the dishcloths helps with washing dishes.

I found this pattern on Ravelry here.

Circle Cloth

2009-07-20T20:26:00.004-04:00

Here is the next dishcloth that I made for my friend. I found the pattern on Ravelry here. It was a free download, and I just thought the effect was really cool. The blue yarn is cotton, but I'm not sure of the brand. The natural yarn is Peaches & Cream cotton.

Crochet Textured Dishcloth

2009-07-20T20:14:00.006-04:00

I put together a birthday gift for a friend of mine, and since she has just moved into a new house, I thought I would make some functional, yet pretty items. The first was this crocheted dishcloth. I am not sure what brand of yarn this, but it is cotton. It is a really, simple pattern, but I liked it so much, I'm thinking of making one in green for my kitchen.

Pattern:

Chain an odd number of stitches the width desired.

Single Crochet in the second chain from the hook, and then in each stitch across row. Chain one and then turn.

Single crochet across row, alternating crocheting through the back loop and then the front loop.

Repeat last row until dishcloth is the size desired.

See it is so simple, functional, and pretty!

Simple Knitting

2009-05-22T09:49:00.003-04:00

Lately, I've been drawn to simple, meditative knitting. I was in a bicycle accident in early March. Right now I'm struggling from postconcussive syndrome and weak wrist. I can knit simple things, but crochet makes my wrist ache. I'm getting better, but not as fast as I would like! I have been working on a shawl, but I can't seem to figure out the edging. I hope my brain heals from all of this trauma. I've made dishcloths. The simple pattern soothes my spirit, and this is as close to meditation as I can get.

Here is the age-old simple dishcloth pattern although I've used this same pattern to make shawls and baby blankets:

Cast on 3 stitches.

Knit 1, Yarn Over, Knit remaining stitches.

Continue 2nd line until you reach desired size. (45-50 stitches for dishcloth with worsted weight yarn) (Bind off here for triangle shaped shawl.)

Knit 1, Yarn Over, Knit 2 together, Knit until 3 stitches remain, K2Tog, Knit 1

Continue last line until 3 stitches remain, then bind off.

Such a simple, practical, and even meditative pattern ...

Shell Baby Blanket - Crocheted Shells

2009-02-20T09:00:00.002-05:00

Yarn: Bernat Baby Boucle in Dust of Pink and Violet Blossom

Pattern: Crochet Shell -- I improvised this pattern. I alternated single crochet with 5 double crochets in one stitch.

This boucle yarn is soft and nubby. It is easy to work with although it is difficult to pull out if you make a mistake, and if you pull too hard, it will break.

This is a fairly mindless pattern repeat. It was a great project while watching tv.

Knitting Exercises - Reducing Repetitive Stress

2009-02-18T09:00:00.001-05:00

The past few months I've been forced into a more sedentary lifestyle due to a couple of sinus infections, an infected tooth and a stomach virus. So I haven't exercised a whole lot, and I've spent more time sitting and knitting. My knitting is looking good, but my hands, fingers, neck and shoulders ache. I've knitted up to 4 hours on some days, and my body is starting to complain. I know that some of this will take care of itself when I get back on my feet. I'll go back to my usual exercises, and I'll just move more around the house. In the mean time, I'm not knitting in such long sessions. I take breaks, and I'm stretching out my whole arm.

Since I'm having some difficulty and I want to knit for many years to come, I thought I would do a little research on the topic:

~An exercise that I learned from a massage therapist way back when I was a cashier is to push my fingers in and then gently pull them out, one at a time. Sometimes this will pop my knuckles, but not always.

~This chart I found on hand stretch exercises to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome really helps stretch out my hands and arms from knitting.

~Berroco recommends the Handeze Glove and these exercises.

~There are a lot of exercises out there that focus on wrists. For whatever reason, I don't have issues with my wrists although I do hold my wrists fairly straight. I think that this is the key -- good posture. I only have issues in the areas of my body that are not aligned: my little finger (I tend to stick it out apart from my other fingers. I don't know why???), my forearm (which I tightly tense), my shoulder (where I hold stress), and my neck (only when I stoop). My point is that observation of how I hold my body greatly helped me to identify why certain parts ache.

What I have figured out about myself --

~Stretching my hands and arms helps my range of movement and to reduce aching.

~Giving myself movement breaks and limiting my knitting sessions helps reduce the strain of knitting's repetitive motions.

~Good posture and body alignment just feels good!

Please note that I am not a doctor, nor do I have any medical training. I just want to be educated about how to take care of myself. Please use discernment and if you are in real pain, not just a couple aching muscles, then get off the internet and go see a real doctor.

Blogs & Sickness

2009-02-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

I guess a month with an infected tooth really depletes the immune system. My immune system just keeps getting kicked to the curb. I wash and wash and wash my hands, but I also cuddle and clean up after my sick kids, and according to my Germ Guru, this exposes me to lots of germs. So I'm washing my hands, disinfecting the house, taking my vitamins, eating well when I have an appetite, drinking lots of clear liquids, and resting as much as possible.

Unfortunately, for those of you that actually read this blog (Are there really any of you out there?) I haven't been very consistent with making entries. I wanted to let you know that I do have some ideas for blogs, but while being sick, they seem to only come out one line at a time. My goal is to post blogs on Monday, Wednesday & Friday, so if I'm going to post, I'll post on these days with the ultimate goal that I'll post every Monday, Wednesday & Friday.

Please say hi if you're out there?

A Man's Winter Hat

2009-01-30T09:00:00.003-05:00

Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino in Rich Red
Pattern: Waffle Hat found on Ravelry.com

This was a great pattern. It only took me a couple of days, and it fits wonderful. My hubby loves it.

Baby Blanket Blues

2009-01-23T09:00:00.004-05:00

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft, various shades of White and Blue

Pattern: Moderne Baby Blanket found in Mason Dixon Knitting

I made this blanket for a dear friend and her baby. It was fun to make, and it just looks so beautiful. I'm very happy with the way it looks. Towards the end of the blanket, I did get a little tired of knitting row after row.

The edging is called arch and it is from Crocheting on the Edge by Nicky Epstein. It was simple, but I liked the way it completed the blanket. Since this blanket is for a boy, I didn't want the edging to be too feminine. Also, I don't like baby blankets to have too many holes where tiny fingers can get caught.

Also, I've been knitting through a bit of stash that consisted of Caron Simply Soft. I do like Caron Simply Soft because it is soft, washable, and inexpensive. It is sturdy and makes a blanket that can be used!

On the other hand, I have some beautiful yarns that I have waiting for me to make some lovely sweaters for myself. I've started to get a bit antsy to start knitting that yarn. I'm so looking forward to making myself something after months of knitting for everyone else. I love making things for the people I love, especially the ones who appreciate it. Since the cold weather has descended, I just don't have enough sweaters to keep me warm. The Malabrigo is calling my name.

Holiday Bolero

2009-01-21T09:00:00.003-05:00

Yarn: mostly Caron Simply Soft
Pattern: Holiday Fantasy Bolero in November 2007 issue of Crochet!

This pattern was easy to follow, and I really enjoyed the fabric that this bobble stitch produced. I did lengthen the sleeves a bit for the intended recipient. This looked fabulous with a little bit of jewelry and a blank tank underneath. It would be perfect for a holiday party.

Long Time Coming ... Christmas Gifts

2009-01-19T09:00:00.004-05:00

I've been knitting, knitting, and knitting while taking care of sick kids and myself.

For Christmas, I knit coaster upon coaster, and then when most of them didn't look like I expected after felting, I started knitting ornaments.

The ornaments take so little time. I could do one in a couple of hours. There was no frustration involved. It was wonderful, and they turned out just so darn cute.

What do you think?

A little knitting humor

2008-12-03T09:52:00.003-05:00

Since I've been taking care of a sick child, I could use some humor ...

A woman is knitting as she drives (which is totally unsafe, and I don't advocate it). Pretty soon, her speed has crept all the way up to 95 mph--and she passes a parked police car. The car gives chase. Officer Bob turns on his siren, but the woman, oblivious, doesn't notice him. Finally, he pulls up alongside her car and yells, "Pull over! PULL OVER!"

She looks at him, looks at her knitting, and yells--

"NO! It's a CARDIGAN!"

I found this here.

Kits & Samplers

2008-11-19T09:25:00.007-05:00

I have a confession: I've never bought a kit or tried a sampler. I guess I just didn't trust the yarn in them or the pattern or it was just too expensive. Anyway, I fell in love with this sampler:KnitPicks Sampler. I haven't bought it yet, but I think it is just lovely. What do you think?

A Bit of Humor and a Knitting Quiz!

2008-11-14T10:08:00.003-05:00

I thought I would try something different: A bit of humor and a knitting quiz:

I tried this quiz, and I'm going to blame it on a lack of sleep because I only got 6 out 10. How well did you do?

Hanging Dish Towels!!!

2008-11-10T09:05:00.003-05:00

I received the new book Mason Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines a couple of weeks ago, and I've made 4 of these Hanging Mitered Towels. This pattern is great for using up your kitchen cotton stash. Each towel only took me a few hours to make, and I must admit that they are a little addictive. As you knit the pattern, each row gets shorter so progress seems to go quicker, and I just wanted to keep going. I have a cone of natural cotton, and I'm thinking this might be a good pattern to use to make a set of towels. I have many kitchen towels that need to be retired or they would be great to add to a gift. Just Lovely ...

Trickey Monkey

2008-11-07T13:57:00.001-05:00

This little monkey caused me quite a bit of anxiety. Why is it that knitting patterns don't explain how to assemble the pieces? I took this part more than once just trying to figure out how the pieces go together. I think it turned out pretty cute. Let me know what you think.

Fingerless Gloves

2008-11-05T13:19:00.003-05:00

These were a gift for my SIL. She has Reynaud's Syndrome and needs help in the cold weather to keep her hands warm. I just love this colorway on the yarn, and the pattern turned out so beautiful, yet it was fairly easy to knit up.

Yarn: Noro Kureyon Sock Colorway 180

Pattern: Spirogyra by Lynne Vogel

I'm back.

2008-11-03T13:17:00.001-05:00

I've moved across the country and I've gotten settled. I've done quite a bit of knitting and crocheting, and I'm looking forward to sharing it with you.

The Beginning of the Mitered Blanket

2008-08-15T12:25:00.001-04:00

When I finished the Pink & Green Elephant, I started making these squares. I visited the Going-Out-of-Business Sale for FiberWorks Knitting & Weaving in Toledo, OH, and picked up quite a few skeins of yarn to get me started. I plan on this blanket taking me quite a while to knit because I plan on doing other projects at the same time.

Here is the yarn (all in DK weight) I'm using so far:

Debbie Bliss Cathay (Cotton, Viscose Microfiber & Silk)- gold

Debbie Bliss Cathay - white

Louet Gems (Merino Wool) - Fern Green

Karabella Margrite (Merino & Cashmere) - Deep Berry Red

Berroco Comfort DK (Nylon & Acrylic) - Turquoise

Classic Elite Wool Bam Boo (Wool & Bamboo) - Forest Green

I've found a mitered square blanket that was designed in sets of 3, and I'm thinking of using that configuration, instead of the set of 4, like I have in the picture. Once I've knitted enough squares, I'll lay them out and show you a picture of what I mean.

Let me know what colors you can envision me adding.

Pink & Green Elephante

2008-08-13T12:25:00.002-04:00

This cute little elephant is what I worked on while driving north, south & west. I knitted this whenever I had a few moments to myself in the midst of touring houses and selecting flooring and lighting. This elephant saved my sanity.

I think it is going to be the perfect gift for a little girl who collects elephants and whose room is decorated in pink and green. I found this pattern on Ravelry, and it was fairly easy to follow. The yarn was Caron Simply Soft for the pink and leftover mystery yarn for the green. I would definitely make this pattern again. BTW, while I was knitting this one, my niece came up to me and wanted one for herself. I thought this was the ultimate compliment on my knitting. I'm sure that my niece will either get one from me or her knitting grandma.

Poodle Princess

2008-08-11T10:25:00.001-04:00

I'm finally had time to catch up on my blogging. All this week I'll be posting to let you know what I did during July. July was my month of trips. This poodle was the first project that I finished near the beginning of July. I have a friend with 3 daughters, and I making each of these girls an animal. The poodle was the first. I used a pattern off of the Lion Brand Yarn website. The pattern called for Lion Brand Ruffles Yarn. Unfortunately, they do not have Ruffles in pink, and my client really needed a pink poodle. So I improvised the ruffle. My inner perfectionist isn't sure about the ruffle, but overall I think the poodle is cute.

Mitered Square Blanket

2008-08-08T18:45:00.001-04:00

We've been in and out of town for most of July because my husband's job is relocating us, and a couple of short vacations. The good news is that we found a house and I've started one a Mitered Square Blanket to soothe my nerves. The above picture is just an example; I didn't knit that one. I'm still picking colors, but I got enough to start. I have used gold, white, a deep red, a deep green, a sage green and a turquoise. I would like to add several greens and reds and whatever else strikes my fancy. I want to make it as large as a queen size comforter or about 90 x 90 inches. This will probably take me forever. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Eyelet Spring Dress (aka Picot Dress)

2008-07-06T19:39:00.001-04:00

It is finished, and I'm finally pleased with it. I left it sleeveless so that G could wear a shirt underneath and it would be more versatile, lasting through several seasons. I decided to add a lace pattern to the bottom, instead of the picot edge. I really liked how this pattern was structured. The back and front are knit, and then seamed together. Then stitches are picked up and worked from the waist down, in the round. Knitting every stitch in the round for round after round gets old. I taught myself to knit without looking, and I knit it in a dark movie theater. I really enjoyed the lace edging. I hope to be able to work lace with lace weight soon.

Pattern Details: Eyelet Dress from Knit Simple, Spring/Summer 2008

In order to fit my daughter, who is long and lean, I knit a size 4 width and a size 8 length. The edging is the quill eyelet ruffle stitch pattern from Knitting on the Edge by Nicky Epstein.

Yarn: Bernat Satin Ombres Florals

Yarn Purchases

2008-06-20T23:30:00.001-04:00

Yarn can get really expensive, but there are ways to bargain hunt for yarn. Usually yarn will go on sale at some point between January and March. This is when stores are trying to clear out their cold weather yarns for warmer weather yarns. I've found a few websites that have quality yarns for good prices. I have not bought from all of these, but I have found them to have good reputations from friends.

Knit Picks - Sells only their own brand of yarn. It is good quality for a fair price. I love their podcast.
Elann - Great Discounts if you know what you want.
Webs - Has a local store in addition to the on-line one; Great discounts when buying in quantity.
Discount Yarn Sale - Great Discounts, but must buy a whole bag.

I like these on-line sources, but I think it is important to support local yarn shops. Local yarn shops may be more expensive, but they do allow us to touch and feel yarn. They are great resources to learn about yarn as well as to take classes to learn new yarnin skills.

Tips & Tricks - Needles

2008-06-01T13:11:00.000-04:00

In the spirit of one of my favorite blogs: Tip Junkie

I thought I'd share my tips on needles. I think that circular needles are easier on your wrists when you are making a big project, allow you to knit in a compact area, and you can push your work to the middle cord when you aren't knitting so if a little one picks the needles up you are less likely to lose your work. For beginners, I recommend circular needles with bamboo or wooden tips. The picture above is an example. The bamboo tips are "sticky" so you are less likely to lose stitches when you are beginning.

I prefer metal tips because it helps me to knit faster. My favorites are Addi Turbos although I did buy a Boye Needlemaster from Ebay. This allows me to create whatever needles I need although I do have remember to tighten the needle tips every now and then. While the needlemaster has its own organizer, for my other circular needles, I bought a binder that is made to store tackle from Bass Pro Shops. Check this out. This is basic and inexpensive although you could find something more stylish if you looked.

Weekend Purchases and Knitting Frustrations

2008-05-28T13:16:00.002-04:00

This weekend was my great romantic getaway. I slipped in a yarn shop and purchased a skein of Noro Kureyon Sock Yarn in 180 color way. I plan on making this into a pair of wrist warmers. It is a beautiful color way of blues, oranges, and purples.

I have been working fiercely on a cute spring dress for my daughter. I made the size 8 which I thought would be a little big. Well, it turned out to be a lot too wide and a lot too short. I could never get the gauge right. I ripped the whole thing out. Now I am following the pattern for the Size 4 for the width and the Size 8 for the length. Giving my gauge, this should make it a Size 6 width but longer for growth. I think I'm going to leave it sleeveless. Perhaps it will be a great dress for next fall.

I also bought a book called, The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques by Nancie M. Wiseman. It describes various knitting techniques, but more importantly, it tells you when to use them and when not to use them. I'm learning a lot and I hope it will show up in my knitting.

Precious Picot Dress

2008-05-12T13:36:00.000-04:00

I have been working on a spring dress for G. It is in a variegated yarn of pinks and purples. I have finished the front and back, and seamed them together. I finished both of the sleeve pieces, and I attached one. I had G try it on, and the sleeve doesn't fit her right. I took the sleeve off, and I will end up leaving it sleeveless while I work on the skirt. I think the skirt is going to go fast because the pattern calls for picking up stitches and knitting in the round. I love to knit it the round. It is great knitting for watching movies. Some can even do it while they read a book although I'm still working on that particular skill.

I'm not sure what I am going to do about the sleeves. I may just shorten them, but if that doesn't work, I may crochet or knit them in a lace or eyelet stitch. I am concerned that the sleeves are too heavy and eyelet would help to be lighter.

Faux Cable Tee ... Finished!!!

2008-05-08T21:17:00.002-04:00

Finally, I finished my tee. This was knitted from the bottom up, and since I didn't have enough of the Brown Merino Cotton, I added the aqua stripes. It has raglan sleeves and it did go fairly quickly once it was the right size. I really like the Merino Cotton because it can be both the warmer and cooler than you think, making it the perfect Spring and Fall sweater.

Car Personality

2008-05-08T21:09:00.002-04:00

Since I describe a nondescript minivan, I like to add some personal touches so I can find my car in a large parking lot. At one time, I had made some fuzzy dice. They started to get a little frayed, and then my son tore them from the rear view mirror. This is what I came up with to replace the fuzzy dice. It is too large rosettes sewn together, and I found the pattern for the rosettes on the Lion Brand Yarn website.

Easy Baby Gift Idea

2008-05-08T21:02:00.002-04:00

I literally crocheted these cuties in an afternoon. The pattern is called: Baby Beret and Mary Jane Booties and I bought it from here. It was a very quick baby gift.

Easy Gift Wrap

2008-05-08T20:23:00.002-04:00

I finished this wrap in a little over a week. It is just a rectangle knit lengthwise in garter stitch (knit every row). I used 4 yarns, and changed colors as I felt like it. One of the yarns is a hand tied yarn with many colors throughout it, including some yellow, pink & spring green. I added yellow and spring green cotton yarns and a pink boucle. This knit up so fast and the color changes made it interesting and fun to see how it would turn out. I am very happy with it.

I made this for a friend of mine who just had her seventh child. I thought after bearing seven children, she needed something for herself. I knit this wrap to be a hug whenever she got up in the middle of the night to feed her wee one.

Ta Da

2008-05-08T20:16:00.002-04:00

My migraines have slowed down. This may sound a little strange, but what has helped is a magnesium powder that I add to hot water and drink before bedtime. It helps me to sleep deeply and no bad dreams either. I have finally uploaded all of my photos and in the following posts, I will show you what I have been doing.

This is my Willow sweater finished!!!! It fits great, except I didn't like the sleeve length so I added a little charcoal gray in a crochet ribbing. I coordinated a crochet slipstictch around the sweater edges and added gray buttons too. The green yarn is Lion Brand's Woolease Chunky in willow, and the charcoal is some leftover yarn. I think it is a chunky shetland tweed from Paton's, but I can't be sure. What do you think?

Migraines

2008-04-30T11:00:00.000-04:00

Many migraines have prevented me from posting here, but I have been busy knitting. Why? Knitting distracts me from the headache, but I can't do new patterns only easy knitting. I have finished quite a few projects, and I am working on finishing my willow sweater. When this is done, I will post a whole bunch of photos. I guess I'm still getting the hang of this blogging stuff.

Quote of the Day

2008-04-13T12:03:00.000-04:00

The only place where housework comes before needlework is in the dictionary. ~Mary Kurtz

If you saw the state of my house, you would understand that this is almost my personal motto although I did paint my front door and my half bath yesterday.

BTW, I finished the Brown & Aqua Tee. Pictures coming soon.

Knitting Book Contest

2008-03-29T14:56:00.000-04:00

I was reading some of my favorite Knitting blogs, and I came across this.

My Yarnin Story

2008-03-29T08:47:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time ... oh, nevermind. I was going to spin a good yarn, but maybe I'll just stick to the facts ...

My mom taught me to crochet when I was 12 and then again several times over the years. For many years, I made blanket after blanket and maybe a couple of scarves. Over the years, I got married and had 2 kids.

During my second round of postpartum depression & anxiety, I was looking for something to recharge my batteries and calm my mind. I had always wanted to learn to knit so I took a class at AC Moore. The class taught me to throw, but I had a horrible time controlling tension so I switched the yarn to my left hand. It just came so natural to me.

From that first lesson, I knew that I found something. I have knit almost every day for the past 3 1/2 years. It relaxes my anxiety and slows my thoughts to a rate in which I can process them. Knitting has helped me to process traumatic memories, and it has helped me to pray for my mom while she was going through chemotherapy. Knitting has challenged my mind with mathematical skills that I thought pregnancy might have killed. Knitters have welcomed me to sit down and chat. They have explained patterns and taught me how to fix mistakes. Knitting has opened my creativity, my problem solving, a few mathematical skills, and I think it is just the most wonderful discovery.

I wish I could put into words how knitting has calmed my anxiety. It helps me to think or not think, based upon what I need. I now have an outlet to express creativity and problem solving.
The rhythm of the needles can encourage a state of meditation or prayer. All of this and I get great clothes and accessories too.

In Between Knitting

2008-03-20T15:10:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I just don't have the brain power to figure out a knitting math problem, or maybe I need a break from the current project. So I start a new project. Well, I have 6 projects in progress. Lately, I have been struggling with migraines, and I don't really want to work on any of these projects, but I still want to knit. I want to feel the smooth needles and hear their calming clicking. I have lots of yarn to knit up, but what to do when I need to just knit and knit and not have to think. Sometimes I make a dishcloth, but in the last 2 days I have made 2 newborn baby hats. I knit a 2x2 rib in a circle for about 5-6 inches, and then I decrease and finish up the hat. I give these hats to a local hospital. I get my knitting fix, producing something, and doing a good turn all in one swoop. Next week, I will be able to tackle my projects. (My migraines are hormonal.)

Faux Cable Tee

2008-03-17T01:20:00.001-04:00

When I can't stand the cotton candy pink anymore, I am working on this tee. I am making it out of a beautiful merino cotton. I just love this stitch, and I think I am really going to love the way this fits. No shaping is really necessary because this stitch is basically a rib so it has lots of stretch. I have really been love with the contrast of chocolate brown and aqua. It is so easy on the eyes, and since I have autumn coloring, these colors just make me look great. At first, I was going to make the top a yoke, but I've changed my mind, and now I'm going to make it a raglan.

Cotton Candy

2008-03-15T13:35:00.001-04:00

I am trying to use up some of my stash this week, and my 6 yo daughter always picks out this cotton candy pink. I'm trying to use up the last skein by making this really cute beret. If I have enough yarn, then I will make a muff to go with it. I'm sure that this will really contribute to her princess identity. I think that all 6 yo girls have a princess identity, and I really encourage it to an extent because once a girl hits puberty, she just thinks she's the ugly duckling.

The Benefits of Knitting

2008-03-07T08:21:00.000-05:00

I have finished reading The Joy of Knitting: Texture, Color, Design, and the Global Knitting Circle by Lisa R. Myers, and I must agree that there are many benefits to knitting and I think these apply to crochet as well.

"To summarize briefly, the process brings calm, peace, an opportunity for contemplation, a sense of purpose and utility, and pure visual and tactile pleasure. The product brings custom wardrobe items, precious gifts, and a sense of achievement and self-confidence."

I would add to this something that I heard in an interview with Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. Knitters learn that one stitch at a time makes a difference. Small things add up to big things.

What Knitting Feels Like ...

2008-03-05T09:31:00.000-05:00

Since I've been teaching knitting, I've struggled with finding words to describe what knitting feels like. I 've been reading The Joy of Knitting: Texture, Color, Design, and the Global Knitting Circle by Lisa R. Myers and here is quote that describes well how I feel:

"Once you get the hang of it, knitting is a lovely rhythmic motion. It can soothe and calm you. It can even put you into a meditative trance. While your hands are busy, your mind can be emptied of anxieties and details. Sometimes it may remain open and passive, in a Zen-like state. Other times, it may float free in contemplation of larger issues."

It is amazing because knitting a simple project can give me room to process a problem or slow my thoughts down when anxiety has them spinning out of control. Knitting a more challenging project can help me to take a break from worrying and give me a much needed escape. Sometimes, I swear I can feel the release in endorphins as I perform the pattern again and again.

Nana's Happy Hat

2008-03-02T10:40:00.002-05:00

One of the quickest ways to satisfaction is to make a hat. I made this hat in a couple of days (a few hours while watching television). I am liking how it turned out, except I may work on the buckle a little more. This is the first time I worked with a bamboo yarn, and it is so soft and luxurious. I just find it amazing that this came from sticks. I bought this pattern from The Crochet Side. It was easy to follow.

Cross Crochet Washcloth

2008-03-01T12:35:00.001-05:00

This week I have crocheted small projects to give myself a break from the sweaters that seem to be taking forever. Small Projects provide such wonderful instant gratification. Life has been full of emotional frustrations, and the quick, easy projects have really soothed my soul. I needed some encouragement that I could get something done. This small dishcloth provided me with something easy and yet I had never worked this pattern before so it was new. It provided me with the level of mental challenge that I needed while also providing those repetitions calmed my nerves.

Life and the effects it has on my Knitting

2008-02-21T16:34:00.000-05:00

In the last 3 weeks, I have planned a baby shower and a birthday party. I have had my in-laws down for a great visit. Then this past week, the migraines hit. All of this has had effects on my knitting. Since all of this has affected my anxiety levels, it affects my knitting. Knitting soothes my anxiety so I must knit to calm the savage beast, which rages inside my head. At first I took it out on my willow sweater. I analyzed and then frogged the whole thing, rolling the yarn into nice squishy balls. I found a new pattern and I've knit the back and sides. I've started on the sleeves. I've bought a few books to add to my library, and I've been planning future knitting.

My daughter, the lover of all dresses, has requested a pretty pink dress to replace the skirt that she has outgrown, and I passed on to cousins. I've had some KnitPicks Shadow in my stash, and I've been looking for wrap / shawl patterns for it.

Well, this is when the migraines hit, and I needed to knit to distract me, but I wasn't really capable of any complex mathematical skills or the fit concerns. So I got out some cotton and crocheted a dishcloth, and then I started to knit a swatch from a stitch dictionary. Pictures to follow.

Knitting Impatience Take 2

2008-02-12T19:11:00.000-05:00

As you know, I've been a little frustrated with my knitting lately. I think ripping out an entire sweater will do that to you, but I was getting frustrated before I did that. In fact, I think I rushed knitting that sweater and actually the impatience caused some of my errors. I've been thinking since I'm prone to reflection anyway.

I've been knitting for a little over 3 years now, and I think that I'm getting a little bit ahead of myself. Some of my impatience is due to the fact that my actual skills don't match the skills I desire. These will come in time as I continue to knit. I recently heard an interview of the Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (The Yarn Harlot) and she emphasized over and over that she had been knitting for 34 years. When you compare 3 years to 34 years, the skills are a little overwhelming. Perhaps time will heal my frustrations. I just need to concentrate on why I like knitting and continue in my practice and the skills will come.

New Willow Cardigan

2008-02-09T20:45:00.001-05:00

After much consideration, I have realized that the pattern I chose wasn't really what I wanted, even after I tried to modify it. I made some mistakes, like knitting 11 inch arm holes instead of 9 inch ones, but my gauge was what was called for in the pattern. I just don't think the pattern had the appropriate shape, and I made it a size too large. I have ripped out the other sweater, and I have chosen a new pattern (Thank you ravelry.) Last night I cast on the back panel. I'm hoping this works out. I am knitting a medium, instead of a large, but I am going to try to hold it up to my figure a little more often to avoid ripping out an entire sweater. I guess I'm in good company on that one. I think I have read about the Yarn Harlot ripping out entire sweaters. The new pattern is Berroco's Gretta.

Ribbit, Ribbit

2008-02-06T22:19:00.001-05:00

The Willow Sweater will be frogged this weekend. Except for the ribbing, all of the dimensions are just too big. My gauge must have gotten looser and looser as I knit it. I hope the next time I knit it, it will go as fast as the first time, except that it will actually fit. I need to do some measuring and planning before I knit it again. Maybe before I rip it, I should take some stitches per inch calculations to help with my design. Some of the changes I made to the pattern were experimental, and sometimes experimental means trial and error. I guess this just turned out to be more error than trial. Oh, well... back to the drawing board.

God's Hobby

2008-02-06T17:22:00.002-05:00

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

Psalm 139:13

Knitting Impatience

2008-02-05T11:29:00.001-05:00

I have been experiencing a little bit of knitting impatience. I would like to be finished with some of the projects that I've had going for a while, and start something new. The problem is my life has been interfering with my knitting. Yes, I know how spoiled I am to be able to say this. More than likely, I am frustrated with my life and taking it out on my knitting. Sometimes I just don't have the words to express my thoughts and feelings. It is like my creativity has been bottled up. Could this be a form of knitter's block / writer's block? When I started this blog, I thought I had all of these things to share, but now I am not so sure. I haven't given up yet. I know that I have something in there somewhere to share, and I plan on keep trying.

I have been knitting on the brown and aqua tee sweater. I do like the fabric that I'm creating, but I can't seem to picture it finished. I have a loose plan, and I'm just not sure what to do with the sleeves. It is a bottom up sweater, and in a couple of inches, I will need to deal with the sleeves. Do I want to do a raglan or a yoke? I'm leaning towards a yoke. I'll keep you posted.

Purple Ravens Scarf

2008-01-29T21:55:00.003-05:00

I made this for a friend of mine, and it produces a soft touch of color. The pattern is all garter stitch (knit every row). The novelty yarn (Patons Allure) hides mistakes well although you do have to be careful that you don't drop stitches. Cast on as many or as few stitches as you want.

Finally a Scarf for Me

2008-01-29T21:44:00.003-05:00

The last 5 scarves I made have been for other people so I decided to make one for me. Here is the pattern.

I made this with Lion Brand Yarn Jiffy that a friend donated to the cause. It was really easy to work with. This pattern makes a dense herringbone pattern.

Faux Cable T-Sweater

2008-01-29T21:29:00.001-05:00

Designing a sweater is often a process of trial and error. I have started this sweater several times, and although each time it gets better, it just isn't right. I've started it yet again, and so far so good. I don't have enough yarn to do the whole sweater so I plan on adding some stripes of turquoise.

Willow Sweater

2008-01-29T21:08:00.002-05:00

I've been working on this basic cardigan in Lion Brand Yarn Woolease. The color is Willow. I'm taking a pattern that was in pieces, and I joined the front pieces and back piece into one on a circular needle. I also didn't want a completely boxy sweater so I added some waist shaping. So far it's been going incredibly fast because the yarn is chunky.

Knitting Vacation

2007-12-29T14:03:00.001-05:00

You know you're a knitter when ... you pack your knitting (at least 3 projects) and prepare a special bag just for your knitting, and it gets preferential treatment to the other bags packed for vacation.

I'm currently on vacation and I brought 3 projects. I am knitting another cardigan sweater in Willow green. It is just a very simple stockinette with ribbed bands around the edges. Also I brought some yarn to make a scarf and my brown & turquoise faux cable sweater.

So far, I knit all of the yarn I have with me for the willow cardigan. I am starting on the scarf, and then if I finish it, I will work on the other sweater.

Of course, we went yarn shopping, but the LYS was closed for the Holidays so we ended up at Michael's. We bought yarn for a bolero for my SIL. It is a crochet project, and I am very interested to see how it turns out. We just chose Simply Soft and I've used this for blankets, but not for garments. I think that the acrylics of today have great improved over the acrylics of yesterday. This project could prove me right or wrong.

BTW I have pictures to post when I get home. :-)

Cable Cardigan

2007-12-13T13:26:00.002-05:00

My Cable Cardigan is finished at last!!! I started this last fall, but I ran into a few bumps. Anyway, I have learned so much with this sweater, and it is now finished. I did put it down for the Spring and Summer because the yarn is Ultra Alpaca, and it was just too warm to knit.

Felted Boxes

2007-12-05T13:13:00.002-05:00

This year I decided to make my kids' teachers' gifts. I chose something quick & easy, and I must say they turned out lovely. They are the felted boxes from Mason Dixon Knitting.

For my son's 3 preschool teachers, I made the large boxes. The first picture above shows the finished boxes. I added some homemade Cinnamon Crunch Popcorn to fill the inside of the boxes.

For my daughter's 1 teacher, I made a set of 3 nested boxes. The middle picture shows the boxes before I felted them.

The last picture shows a felted box close up. For those of you who haven't tried felting, it is really easy. These boxes were knit with a double strand of yarn, using Size 15 needles. To felt them, I put them in my washer with a pair of the kid's old shoes on the lowest water level and the highest water temperature. I also add a little detergent or baby shampoo. Felting shrinks the yarn, and makes it a stiff fabric. If you are felting something with straps or a belt, then put it in a pillowcase or a lingerie bag. If you want complete felting instructions, drop a note.

Finally, I have a new camera

2007-12-04T19:59:00.000-05:00

I finally have a new camera ... the other one is MIA. So pictures coming soon ...

Another Quote

2007-12-01T20:23:00.000-05:00

"Learning how to knit was a snap.It was learning how to stop that nearly destroyed me." Erma Bombeck

Quote of the Day

2007-12-01T19:50:00.000-05:00

"If you are getting the fabric you want from your knitting, then you are knitting the right way for you!" – Annie Modisett

Trafalgar Knitters

2007-12-01T15:20:00.001-05:00

Have you ever seen more knitters in one place? I found this in a Flickr account called People Knitting. I just thought it was so cool to see people knitting together.

Not enough yarn

2007-11-21T18:54:00.001-05:00

What do you do when you don't have quite enough yarn & you can't get anymore of that dye lot?

Whenever I buy yarn before I pick a pattern, then I take a chance that I may get myself into this position. Learning the fundamentals of knitting can sometimes be haphazard because there is no standard of what you should learn about knitting. You can learn how to cast on and how to knit and then how to cast off, but all of the simple guidelines sometimes have to be picked up as you go.

For example, when you buy yarn, all of the yarn of a single color should be in the same dye lot. If you buy yarn from a local yarn shop, most of the time they will only put out same dye lots on the shelf. If you buy yarn from a chain craft store, it can be very difficult at times to find enough yarn in the same dye lot for your project.

Another issue I had in the beginning is when I found a yarn that I really liked, I had a difficult time knowing how much yarn to buy. Now I understand that there are yarn requirement guides that help with this, and as a general rule, I know to buy about 1200 yards of yarn for a woman's sweater. So what do I do with the 750 yards of Merino Cotton that I bought a year or so ago? I would like to make a sweater, but I don't have enough and there is little chance that I could find the same dye lot. Of course, I could find some kind of lacy summer short sleeved pattern or I could buy a complimentary yarn and make some stripes. Since this summer I made a lacy short sleeved cardigan, I've decide to do the stripes.

Stripes is a great way to play with color design. Some great designers can pick up to 20 colors or more in a single piece. One of these days, I want to take all of my scraps from other projects and make a striped moebius scarf, but for this sweater, I am just going to have 2 colors: chocolate brown & turquoise. I would like to start with a wide stripe of turquoise and then get narrower. I am designing this as a I go along so I will see how it turns out. One thing I've learned is that in order to make a piece fit perfectly, there are times that you have to rip it out and reknit it until it is just the way you need it to be.

With knitting knowledge being passed around so organically, it is a good thing that knitters are just the nicest people I've ever met, and they share so well.

Starting from the Center

2007-11-11T10:21:00.001-05:00

I've started a new baby blanket for my future nephew. It is a crochet pattern of a star (Click here for the pattern). It starts in the center and goes round and round. Whenever I start a new pattern from the center, it takes me 2 or 3 tries to make sure the center is just the way I want it. I think the start of every project is important to get right, and it is worth the effort because this is the foundation upon which you are building your entire project. It is even more important when you are starting from the center because your eye will always be on the center while your eye doesn't always go to the bottom of a sweater. Also I prefer to crochet blankets, especially bigger blankets. The reason for this is simple: when you knit a project the entire weight of the project is on your needles while with crochet, only one stitch is on your needle so your lap carries the bulk of the weight.

Back to the Star Blanket, it is going well, and I think it will turn out really cute. This particular project didn't start with a center circle that you are crocheting into. When you make a hat from the crown down or a granny square, you often make a chain, join the chain ends together to form a circle and then crochet into the center. I recently found a great way to start this which makes the neatest, tight center circle. The answer is an adjustable circle. Click here to find out how to make it.

Coming out of Knitting Hibernation

2007-11-06T14:12:00.002-05:00

Last Winter I started a cardigan, and I worked on it throughout the Winter & Spring. When the weather became hot, then the warm alpaca sweater was just too warm to knit. So I put it in hibernation. Now that it is finally gotten cool, I broke it out today.

The cardigan was on the cover of knitsimple Fall 2006, and I am knitting with a beautiful deep rust Berroco Ultra Alpaca. The whole cardigan is a simple cable, and it has really helped me to overcome cable intimidation. Cables aren't that difficult to learn, but I think it takes a little practice for them to become routine. If a sweater is too much, then pick a pattern from a stitch dictionary and make a scarf or even a dish cloth.

BTW, dish cloths or wash cloths are great ways to learn new stitches.

Back to the sweater, I'm finishing up the second sleeve. Then I only need to sew the pieces and add the collar. Finishing takes patience so I'll post more when I get to it.

101 Things to Do in 1001 Days

2007-11-04T17:11:00.001-05:00

I've been thinking a lot about goals and plans. Then, I saw this on the CassKnits! blog, and I thought it was such a great idea.

The original idea is from this website.

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.

2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.

3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.

4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.

5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.

So here goes ...

Start Date: November 5, 2007
End Date: August 1, 2010
Updated: June 19, 2008 (228 Days)
Sick Days:12

1.Drink 8 glasses of water a day. (206/228=90%).
2.Eat 2 fruits & 3 vegetables everyday. (189/228=83%).
3.Be in bed by 10:30pm 850 times (85%=goal) (117/228=51%).
4.Perform 30 minutes of Cardio Exercise 600 times (60%=goal) (145/228=64%).
5.Perform Core Strengthening Exercises 450 times (45%= goal) (33/228=14%).
6.Perform Lower Body Strengthening Exercises 150 times(15%=goal) (18/228=8%).
7.Perform Upper Body Strengthening Exercises 150 times (15%=goal)(19/228=8%).
8.Visit the dentist 4 times (0/4).
9.Visit the eye doctor 2 times (0/2).
10.Visit the gynecologist 2 times (1/2).
11.Lose 5 pounds. Completed 5/2008.
12.Lose 10 pounds. Completed 6/2008.
13.Lose 15 pounds.
14.Lose 20 pounds.
15.Lose 25 pounds.
16.Keep weight off for 1 year.
17.Take a Yoga Class. Completed 4/2008.
18.Take a Spinning Class. Completed 12/2007.

19.Pray everyday-giving my cares over to God (211/228=93%).
20.Read Bible everyday (156/228=68%).
21.Remember one moment each day that makes me smile and thankful (210/228=92%).
22.Attend a church meeting once a week (14%= goal) (24/228=11%).
23.Memorize 50 scriptures (3/50).
24.Perform 10 acts of kindness (3/10).
25.Participate in 3 in-depth Bible Studies (1/3). IP
26.Give Fast Food Bucks to a homeless person.
27.Finish The Purpose Driven Life. IP
28.Finish Knit Together. Completed 1/2008.

29.Be encouraging – Say encouraging things to family and friends everyday (204/228=89%).
30.Sit down at a table and eat dinner with my kids 800 times (80%=goal) (190/228=83%)
31.Eat home-cooked dinner 6 days a week (86%=goal) (172/228=75%).
32.Read 800 books to my kids (80%=goal) (89/228=39%).
33.Have homework time with kids every school night.(79)
34.Play 143 games with my kids (14%=goal) (31/228=14%).
35.Go out with DH (no kids) 33 times (8/33).
36.Take 3 trips without the hubby and kids (2/3).
37.Learn how to dance with DH.
38.Make a decision about having another child.
39.Go on a week long vacation for our family (DH & the kids).
40.Read Raising Great Kids.

41.Make 33 items for charity (9/33).
42.Reduce my yarn stash and organize it within current containers. IP.
43.Buy new yarn only for gifts, to complete a project or out of weekly cash. IP
44.Finish the 2 sweaters I have in progress (2/2). Completed 4/2008.
45.Make 3 cardigans (1/3). IP
46.Teach 2 knitting classes (1/2). IP
47.Take a class on finishing garments.
48.Knit Baby Blanket for Nephew. Completed. 12/2007.
49.Knit Monkey. IP
50.Knit Jaywalkers.
51.Knit Pullover Sweater.
52.Crochet Handbag.
53.Make 5 Dishcloths. (1/5) IP
54.Knit or Crochet a Rug.
55.Find a knitting circle of friends. Completed 12/2007

56.Blog regularly (60%=goal) (51/228=22%).
57.Go to several craft shows and research what knitted objects are being sold and what booths look like. (2)
58.Make some items specifically to be sold. Completed. 01/2008.
59.Develop a business plan.
60.Sell something on the Internet.
61.Earn some income from business.

62.Follow Flylady. IP
63.Clean out and organize storage areas. IP
64.Organize my bedroom closet and get rid of anything we don't use. Completed 5/2008.
65.Get rid o vacuum cleaner, computer & grill. IP
66.Clean out and organize office & files. Set up a command center. IP
67.Organize the hall linen closet. Completed 02/2008.
68.Organize the kitchen & get rid of anything we don't use. Completed 06/2008.
69.Organize the toys & develop a system to keep them organized. Completed 05/2008.
70.Landscape front yard. Completed 05/2008.
71.Grow a simple herb garden. IP
72.Go green on cleaning supplies. IP
73.Set up Recycle Center. IP

74.Document each thing completed. (9/101) IP
75.Try 33 new restaurants (16/33).
76.Read 33 fiction books (26/33).
77.Read 33 Nonfiction books (8/33).
78.Read 10 best sellers (3/10).
79.Learn about 10 new things (4/10).
80.Buy a digital camera or find the old one. Completed 12/2007.
81.Take pictures every week of my kids once I get the camera. IP
82.Put pictures in photo albums.
83.Make a photo wall of meaningful photos.
84.Finish State Quarter Books. IP
85.Finish my Soduku Book. IP
86.Go camping.
87.Visit an art museum. Completed 05/2008.
88.Consolidate and alphabetize addresses into one location.
89.Host a board game night.
90.Plan next 101 things to do.

91.Streamline monthly finance upkeep. IP
92.Move AEP 401 K to Fidelity.
93.Learn about retirement investing
94.Understand where we stand for our retirement.
95.Keep to monthly budget.

96.Brush and floss teeth morning & night (180/228=79%).
97.Wash face morning & night (177/228=78%).
98.Get dressed 6 days a week (86%=goal)(177/228=78%).
99.Paint my finger nails 15 times (4/15).
100.Paint my toenails 33 times (12/33).
101.Paint DD's nails 33 times (4/33).

Get a Clue

2007-11-01T10:18:00.000-04:00

If you would like to try on a garment while still on the needles, thread crochet cotton through the stitches and slip of the needles. The crochet cotton works better than dental floss or waste yarn, and makes it easy to pick the stitches back up when you are ready.

Cozy

2007-11-01T10:02:00.001-04:00

I'm setting out to create a cozy blog. I hope that is possible to take cold, hard technology, and create something that is full of warmth, comfort, & friendliness. Picture a crisp, fall day with a warm blanket (handmade, of course) and a steaming mug of hot apple cider, tea with honey & lemon or a Pumpkin Spice latte.
Now settle in and read ....

Here is what is to come ...

Knitting/Crocheting Clues (a few things I've gathered)
Comfort Food (a recipe or two)
Reflections (just a few thoughts)
Everyday amusements (light humor)
& a healthy dose of whatever else bubbles over

I welcome your feedback because for me this is a journey of learning ...

Isaiah 40:11

2007-10-30T10:53:00.003-04:00

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young.

This verse is one that I repeat over and over when I am having a particularly bad day. It reminds me that the Lord knows and understands the hard work of children.

Quote for the Day

2007-10-27T12:02:00.001-04:00

Knitting is a distinct virtue. It's reflective and repetitive. Whenever you are engaged in doing a purely repetitive thing, your mind can reflect upon life.

~Geoffrey Fisher

Ideas, Ideas, Ideas

2007-10-27T11:43:00.001-04:00

Ideas fill my head of what to knit, and what to do. My kids are finally reaching ages that they take up less time ... meaning I am not so exhausted that I can spare a few thoughts on how I want to fill in my life with more meaning. I want to be a good wife & mom, but I want time to spend on me as a woman. I don't want my kids to grown and have homes of their own, and I am left not knowing what to do or how to be. Knitting has been a refuge in many ways, calming my anxiety, letting my thoughts slow down and rest, giving me a creative and productive outlet. I love exploring something new to learn or try. This is exciting and meaningful. (& of course, having some extra money to support my habit certainly won't hurt. How do I do that?)

FO: Last night I finished a pair of the Fair Isle Anatasia Socks in Plymouth Sockotta Sock Yarn Fair Isle Effect. Unfortunately my camera is MIA so I won't have pictures until I can find where my son hid it.

Now what do I work on next?