Snowbunnies

Hello,

I'm sorry for my absence over the last half a week.  My Grandma had a stroke on Thursday and so things have been a bit stressful and busy the last few days.  She is doing great now, Praise the Lord!  And we are all so happy with her recovery.  She is still in the hospital, but she should be able to go back to the Rest-Home soon.

I finished my Snowbunnies Mittens over the weekend!!  I was motivated to get them done so I could take them to the hospital to show Grandma yesterday.  She really liked my Cupcake Mittens so I thought she'd enjoy seeing these as well.  She is a master knitter and my hero.  She is no longer able to knit, but she seems to like to see what projects I'm working on and to hear about my knitting.  For a long time I didn't say much regarding knitting because I didn't want to make her feel bad about not being able to knit anymore, but I have found that that's not the case at all.  I think she is very happy to see the knitting tradition being carried on in our family and I see a special spark in her eyes when she sees me knit.

I found these ones turned out to be larger than my Cupcake ones, but I think it's because my guage was off at some points.  I've been learning so much about stranding while knitting these, and it takes some practice to get it consistent, but I'm willing to keep working on it.  Now I'm trying to decide which pattern to start next....

I hope you are all having a great week!!

xoxo

The January Socks

Hello!

The January Socks are finished, and with 6 days still left in the month.  I think that's pretty good considering there were moments when I thought I wouldn't complete them in time, and I worried about how it would look so bad to the blog that I couldn't keep my goal in the first month no less.  After a very unproductive weekend, due to not feeling well and those pesky achy wrists I mentioned in the last post, I made myself buckle down and knit on these socks, and only these socks until I got them finished.  It was definitely worth it and I'm pleased as punch with how they turned out.  The pattern was easy to work, although I did have to use the chart and didn't memorize the 16 row repeat as I know others have, but nevertheless, they were an easy knit.  Here are a few details:

Pattern: Embossed Leaves by Mona Schmidt from the book Favorite Socks. (You can also download it as an individual pattern on Ravelry.)
Yarn: Dream in Color Smooshy in the colour GoGo Grassy.
Needles: 2.75 mm
Started: January 1, 2012
Finished: January 25, 2012
Mods: None, I followed the pattern to the T.

Now that these are done I should get back to the Snowbunnies seeing as they haven't gotten any farther since the last post.  

Be back soon,
xoxo

P.S. I have fallen down the rabbit hole and I'm now on Pinterest.  There's a link to me on my sidebar if you'd like to see my boards or follow me.  I'm just getting started but boy is it fun and inspiring.  I hope to see you there!

Set-Backs

Happy Saturday,

Okay, so things didn't go quite as I had planned, which I'm sure you noticed by the lack of a post yesterday.  What happened was; #1 - the project I picked to get my mojo back is taking me a bit longer than I had first thought.  #2 - I had achy wrists yesterday that only allowed me to crochet a little bit.  #3 - When I picked up the Snowbunnies yesterday morning to work on them, I noticed that I had done almost an entire repeat with the bunnies going in the wrong direction.  You can kind of see it in the picture below:

See the white ones up top?  Their little feet are going in the same direction as the brown ones below - that is not supposed to happen.  I had to rip back to the beginning of the repeat which sort of made me a little sad, and also made me not want to look at the bunnies for a while till I recovered.  

So after those setbacks, I really had nothing to blog about yesterday.  I'm hoping that this weekend goes better and that I can actually make some real progress on things.  But in the meantime, I'm going to bake a prune cake.  In my world, baking solves everything.

Enjoy the weekend!
xoxo

Where I'm at

Hello,

This is where I am on the first mitten at the moment:

I seem to have stalled out a bit here, so I cast on a somewhat quick project that should take care of this.  Sometimes I find I just need a little change of scenery to get me back on track.  If all goes as planned, I'll be back tomorrow with a finished project.

Till then,
xoxo

Sweet Peas

Hello,

I have an adorable little knit to share today.  Over the weekend I was gifted the pattern for the Sweet Peas Hat by Susan B. Anderson from the wonderful Julie (aka Tanknit).  I had to start almost immediately, I just couldn't help myself.  I have been admiring this pattern for quite some time, but I just never got around to purchasing it.  So thank you Julie!!  It was a cute and fast knit and turned out well if I do say so myself.


Sweet Pea Hat

I used Knit Picks Dishie in Flamingo and Honeydew.  I'm waiting to see if a baby that a friend of mine is expecting soon is a boy or a girl, and if it's a girl, then I think this little hat will be the perfect gift.

I had forgotten how much I enjoy knitting baby hats.  Now that I've been reminded, I'm planning on knitting more in the soon future.  There's always new little ones arriving around here, and I think they should each have a cute hat, don't you?

xoxo

Down the Rabbit Hole....

Hello,

As of last night, I think I've fallen down the rabbit hole:


Snowbunnies by SpillyJane

Cute though, eh?
xoxo

Sock Club

Hello!

I want to start off by saying a big thank you for all your comments on my Cupcake Mittens.   You all are so sweet.  My Knit Picks order hasn't made it here yet (due to the weather we have not been able to go pick it up, but I'm hearing Monday is going to be the day now.), so I still haven't decided which SpillyJane pattern I'm going to knit next.  I'm hoping once I see the yarn it will help me make a decision. 
Anyways, today's topic is socks, as you can see from the title of this post.  You all know how socks are right up there at the top of my 'favourite-things-to-knit' list.  (although I think colourwork mittens might have surpassed them lately, but never mind that.)  So because of this, I decided to do a Self-Imposed-Sock-of-the-Month Club this year.  I took my inspiration from the Yarn Harlot, and chose 12 sock patterns I have been wanting to knit, matched them up with 12 yarns from my stash that I have been wanting to use, printed/photocopied off the patterns and placed everything in 12 big Ziploc bags.  I will pick one at random at the beginning of each month, and will try to complete them within those 30-31 days.  I think this is a great way to use up some of my stash yarn, as well as get around to knitting those patterns I have been wanting to knit all these years.  I also really like the element of surprise that is associated with picking at random, it makes it extra exciting for me, which is always a plus. 

January's socks are Embossed Leaves by Mona Schmidt from Favorite Socks.  I'm using Dream in Color Smooshy in a fun colour called "GoGo Grassy" that I got in the Itty-Bitty Easter Swap last year from Susan.  I'm on the gusset decreases of the first sock right now:

I think these are going to be my weekend project.  My sister is coming down to stay overnight and we are planning on watching some Jane Austen movies and knitting - two of my favourite things.  I hope you have some fun and relaxing plans as well.  And speaking of relaxing, have you read the Yarn Harlot's post?  What is your take on it?  Is knitting relaxing for you?  For me, I think it all depends on the project.  If it's something I have to knit that needs to be done very fast, I find it can become quite stressful, but if it's something I want to knit and that has no real deadline, then, yes, I find knitting to be very relaxing.  I am one of those people who has to have something to do at all times, so I am very, very grateful that I learned how to knit and crochet.  It helps relieve tension and keeps me focused on the present moment.  One of my goals this year, as I mentioned before, is to learn to enjoy my projects and the actual process of my craft more, and I think reading this post, and the comments has helped me gain a new perspective on that. 

Happy Weekend,
xoxo

So Honoured!!

Hello,

The wonderful Rae Lynne over at Drip Drip Drop has awarded me with the Liebster Award:

This is awarded to 5 enjoyable blogs with under 200 followers in blogland.

Wow!  Thank you so much Rae Lynne, you are so kind and I feel very, very blessed!  I would immediately give this award right back to her since she is so very inspiring and I enjoy reading her blog all the time, but I think the rules are for me to pass it on to 5 other people.  So here are five of my favourite blogs I would like to award: 

1. Knitting Thru the "Itty Bittys" - Barb has a great writing style that makes me feel like I'm chatting with a friend whenever I read her blog. She shares about her life and her adorable grandchildren as well as her knitting and crochet projects. We both have are fans of Susan B. Anderson's designs, and Barb is working her way through the 'Itty-Bittys" series, which I'd like to do in the future!
   Knitting Knirvana - Suzanne has the best video podcast around.  She is so fun to watch and I'm always excited for a new podcast or new blog post from her to see all the fun things she is up to. 
2. Life on Laffer - Andrea is always knitting something gorgeous!  I like checking in to see what new thing she has on, or off the needles.  She is extremely talented, and everything she makes looks so professional.  She also just started a new podcast with her friend that you can check out at wooljunkies.com.
3. Mommie of 4 Munchkins - Linsay is one very inspiring woman.  She does so much for breast cancer awareness and is a great Mom to her 4 children.  Her blog is always a fun one to watch, and she's got some yummy looking gluten-free recipes too!
4. She Knits - Mel is one of the fastest and talented knitters I know!  She lives in Australia, so I find it very interesting to catch a glimpse of what life is like down there.  She is a wonderful woman, and such a fantastic Mother, Knitter, and Friend!   

By the way, Rae Lynne and I have a lot in common.  Her list of blogs are also some of my favourites, so I highly recommend you check them out as well!  Thank you again Rae Lynne, I feel so very honoured!!

xoxo

Edited to Add: I had origionally nominated Stefanie of Knitspiring Odyssey, but because she has already been given this award, I get to nominate someone else. So I have added Barb from Knitting Thru the Itty-Bittys.

Cupcake Mittens

Hello,

First off I want to thank all of you for your kind comments on the blanket and mittens yesterday.  I did take some time out from working on the blanket to finish the thumb and weave in all the ends on the mittens, and after a nice steam blocking, here they are:

I used Knit Picks Palette yarn (if you'd like info on the specific colours you can check out my Ravelry project page.) just like the pattern calls for.  I'm a fan of Palette because it's a good price and comes in a huge range of colours, 120 different shades, last time I checked.  This was my first "real" colourwork project and I was amazed at how easy it was once I got going.  It was fun to make each little cupcake in all the different flavours.  These seemed to knit up fast because I was always wanting to see which kind came next.  I've already got a Knit Picks order on the way with more yarn to make other pairs of SpillyJane mittens.  These will definitely not be the last of her patterns you'll see from me.  Now what should be next, maybe some Snowbunnies, Strawberries, or Swedish Fish?  Or maybe Polska or Wintertime for Adriana??  The possibilities are endless.....

xoxo

P.S. I have to say a HUGE thank you to my sister for encouraging me to knit these in the first place.  If it wasn't for her, I would have been too intimidated to even begin.

Distractions

Hello there,

This....

Has been distracting me from this:

What's a girl to do??

xoxo

Wordless Monday (Well, Sort of)

Hello,

I finally took some photos the other day, so I have some finished projects to show you:


 Petal Shower Socks
Started: August 10, 2011
Finished: December 18, 2011

Mom's Christmas Socks
Started: August ??
Finished: December 8, 2011

Tiki Socks
Started: December 9, 2011
Finished: December 16, 2011

Blue Bobbles Scarf
Started: Sometime right before Christmas - this was one of those, "when you're stressed out by all you have to do and make, why not cast on for a new project, it's bound to help" projects.
Finished: December 31, 2011
Pattern: Cherry Cordial Scarf by Linda Permann

Lots of Love to you all,
xoxo

A Friday Post

Hello,

I have been trying to write posts and upload photos for a couple of days now, but for one reason or another, neither has worked out as planned.  So here I am, Friday night, and finally I'm getting a post together.  To start off, I finished knitting the Cupcake Mittens.  I still have one more thumb to do, weave in the ends and block them, but the main parts are both done.  Here you can see the one when I was picking up the thumb stitches:

I'm so happy with these and how they are turning out.  The blue and white striped thumb is so pretty and adds to the cuteness of the mittens.  I'm hoping to get them finished over the weekend, so Monday I should have a completed pair to show you. 

I also finished my Lizzie Bennet's Shawlette.  I took my own sweet time knitting this one, so that's why it took a while, but it was honestly a ton of fun and I am really happy with it.

This is one of those projects where they yarn and the pattern come together perfectly to make something that really shines.  I'm already excited to wear it.  Now to find the perfect outfit....
 
Well, I think I will go and enjoy the rest of this Friday night, and do some more fun knitting.  Have a great start to your weekend.

xoxo 

A New Year

Happy New Year!!

Wow, it's a shiny brand new year.  That's something I find incredibly exciting.  It's like a blank page all laid out before us.  It reminds me of when Anne says, "Marilla, isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?" And also these verses: "The reason I can still find hope is that I keep this one thing in mind: the LORD's mercy.  We were not completely wiped out.  His compassion is never limited.  It is new every morning.  His faithfulness is great.  My soul can say, 'The LORD is my lot in life.  That is why I find hope in Him.'  The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to anyone who seeks help from Him" Lamentations 3:21-25  That's a philosophy I want to take into this new year with me - that every day is a new beginning and I need to appreciate it and enjoy it for what it is.  All my past mistakes are behind me and what lies ahead is full of promise. 

This year I've decided not to make Resolutions.  I find the word "Resolution" to be too strict and I feel like it's a huge fail on my part if I don't meet them.  So this year I thought instead I would come up with some Goals I would like to achieve.  Goals seem much more attainable, and less rigid.  Goals make it seem as though everything is going to still be alright if I don't meet them this year.  They are more like hopes with substance.  So here are my Goals for 2012:
1. Knit and crochet for fun.
2. Knit myself a couple of sweaters.
3. No stressing about how many WIPs I have - I spent the better part of last year worrying over how many WIPs I had, and how in the world I was ever going to finish them all, that it took a ton of fun out of knitting for me.  I've learned that as long as it is not bothering me how many WIPs I have, then I can have as many as I want.  And if I do end up finding it stressful to have as many as I do, I can do something about that and finish some up - but with no deadline or pressure involved.  I've learned over the past year that I am the type of person who enjoys having a few different projects going at one time, and there is nothing wrong with that.
4. Do more colourwork.  - This one is coming along great:

I finished the first mitten (sans thumb) this morning.  I am so so SO happy with it.  I find it fascinating to knit each little cupcake and to see which "flavour" comes next.  I think this is going to be the start of many more of these types of mittens.  Last night I spent a long time looking through all SpillyJane's patterns and picking out which ones I want to knit next, so I'm sure I will be meeting the "colourwork goal" quite easily. 

Just in case you are interested, I thought I'd share a few personal Goals for 2012:
1. Grow closer to Jesus and in my relationship with Him.
2. Read and study the Bible more diligently.
3. Stop complaining and learn to have a thankful attitude.
4. Read more - I'm working on a list, but so far I have: Emma, Mansfield Park and Persuasion, all by Jane Austen, as well as some of the many books we own that I have yet to read.  I'm sure I will be adding to this list all throughout the year.

Now I am off to start the second mitten and watch a movie or two.  Have a great evening!

xoxo