Saturday, October 16, 2010

Christmas Stocking #1

I've finished something!  I love finishing projects.  Since baby girl came along, my rate of finishing projects has declined dramatically.  But that is perfectly ok, as my time is now taken up with other very pleasant things like learning how to crawl (yep!) and pull ourselves up (brilliant!).

I have in my queue no less than three Christmas stockings.  I finish a project, on average, every one to two months.  As it is now October, I'm not really sure how I'm going to be completing all three stockings.  But Christmas deadlines are all a part of knitting!

Christmas Stocking #1:
And yes, I know this is a horrible picture.  Becoming a fantastic photographer is on my to-do list.  After learning how to sew, grow my ownfood, and raise chickens.  Someday.

Right, back to the knitting.  This stocking is for my sister's little girl.  I made stockings for her two sons, and so this little one needed a matching stocking too.  An odd note about these stockings - they're not blocked.  That's right, I didn't block any of them.  I know, I know, but I have a good reason.  Ok so the first two stockings were made when I was new to knitting.  I hadn't yet grasped what blocking can do for you, how it smooths everything out and really "finishes" a project.  I was in college and a little bit lazy and I didn't want to make the extra effort.  Now this stocking I would block, but then it wouldn't match the others in their lumpy imperfection.  Plus, and this is really more to the point, the product I use for blocking (Kookaburra, which is very nice), contains nut oil, and one of my sister's sons is allergic.  So long story short, I'm committing some knitting sacrelege and not blocking this stocking either!  That's right, I'm a crazy lady!

Project Details
Pattern:  Striped Christmas Stocking
Yarn:  Frog Tree Alpaca that I bought from Kaleidoscope Yarns (love this store)

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Patience

Mine seems to be all used up, for today at least.  Interrupted nights, no naps, and too much house work with too little time makes me feel like I have no patience left.  But, as I like to remind myself, tomorrow is another day.

But enough complaining.  Kev made me a super smoothie tonight with homemade whip cream on top, just to make me feel better.  *Beam*

So I totally geeked out over this book.  A knitting book about vampires that mentions Edward, Angel, Spike, and Oz?  Love it.  And yes, I am that geeky.  I've decided to make the Lore Hoodie first.  It looks like the kind of sweater I could live in.  Course, this project is waaay down the line in my queue.  I still have several Christmas stockings to finish, my Citron shawl that has gone into semi-hibernation through no fault of its own, and a sweater for to make Little Miss.  But that's why I love Ravelry.  I can log on very occasionally and look at my lovely list of projects that are, not forgotten, but saved.

Almost finished with Anna's stocking.  Pictures to come!

Monday, September 6, 2010

September Morn

September already?  Well alright then.

So about a month later, I can actually post an update about a finished project!  Let's not kid ourselves that I will actually get around to updating things on ravelry.  Maybe later.

But for now, here they are:



I know, I know, not the best picture.  But hey, at least I remembered to take pictures of this project.  These adorable little booties are from this book.  I made them for a friend's baby.  And as she finally has them in her hands, I can post about them.  They were very fun to knit.  I used knit picks swish, which I love.  The yarn is a lovely wool, but it's very soft - perfect for babies.  My Little Miss has pretty much outgrown her sweater made from this wool, so I'll have to make her another.  Of course, by the time I get around to that...

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Change

Our apartment gets many visitors, it just so happens that not many of them are human.  Take the change in our toilet. Yep, I said change in our toilet. A previous resident must have dropped some  change in the toilet at some point (we’re going with that explanation), and—for better or for worse—I am not the type of person to reach in there and get it out. At any rate, the change gets flushed farther down for a while, and then inevitably reappears. It’s this strange little loose change toilet dance that we do. I would post a picture but really, does anyone need to see my toilet? No.

I’ve started a stocking! It’s looking good so far, don’t you think?



I’m using Frog Tree yarn, which is very lovely. Perhaps a little too lovely for a stocking, but then it had to match the others.

Unrelated, but very important—Little Miss is five months old today!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

And It Only Took 10 Years

I've been exercising.  I know, right?  I've been doing this work out video, and I actually really like it.  If you know me, you know that I don't really do the work out thing.  And guess what?  I have so much more energy!  I know I'm sounding like an advertisement right now, but really, I feel good these days.  Even with Little Miss randomly waking up in the middle of the night.  My husband, who works here and blogs here, has been telling me how much better I'd feel if I worked out for the past 10 years now.

Let us take a moment now.  Ten years?  Wow.

Ok back to my advertisement for working out.  I was all excited about it last night, and Kev says to me, "Ah.  Another convert.  And it only took 10 years."

Guess what else?  I got some new yarn in the mail yesterday!  I'm making a Christmas stocking for Anna, and I ordered some Frog Tree yarn from Kaleidoscope Yarns.  I love this store (well, the online store anyway, I've never been to Vermont).  They always send a tea bag with your purchase.  Nice.  I'll post some pictures of the yarn and the stocking soon.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

I'd Rather Be...

But we all have things that take up our time, so I'll stop complaining.  And no, Little Miss is not the time consumer that I'm referring to.  Ok, I was up every hour last night, so I'm going to stop trying to be cryptic and witty and just show you this:


A trick she learned from one of her cousins!  I do have another finished project to share, but this is also a gift, so I'll wait to post details and pictures.  And yes, by golly I will take pictures of this project!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Too Many Things

Too many updates I'm afraid, and definitely not enough time.  I did finish a project recently.  But I forgot to take pictures of the thing!  Argh!  I'm just going to go ahead and chalk that up to still being a new mom.  I just can't remember everything.  But I figure, I remember to feed and clothe Little Miss, so that counts for a lot, right?  I promise (to myself mostly) that I will snag the gifty knit back for a few moments to take a picture so I can share it, at some point.  Anywho...this is what I knit.  Specifications to come.

Evy had her first dip in the pool over the holiday weekend.  She was...concerned, but not unhappy.


Hope your July is going great!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

What An Incredible Smell You've Discovered!

Ah parenthood.  All kinds of new grossness.  We have a phantom smell in our living room.  It seems to be coming from the carpet, the couch, and Evy's toy box.  At first, I could have sworn a cat burglar broke in and left his mark.  But then I realized that the sour smell is probably emanating from the various surfaces that Little Miss has spit up on.  Now, let me just say that of course we clean up her spits.  But apparently, we are not doing a good enough job.  We've washed the couch cover and there is currently baking soda covering the carpet.  The plan is to fabreez the couch tonight before bedtime.  We'll see.

And may I just say, she's never actually spit into her toy box.  Sometimes there are no reasons.

 A souvenir from the museum.  Not sure why Kev looks grumpy.

Little Miss is rolling over these days!!  From back to tummy.  Apparently, she likes to take the tough stuff head on.  Must take after her daddy...

Oh, and bonus points if you got the Star Wars quote ;-)

Friday, June 18, 2010

Jumps

I swear time jumps around here.  You blink, and you're in mid-June.  Work is.  Yep, it is.  I've been able to truck along nicely on my latest knitting project while on my lunch break.  Can't really say much about it cause it's a gift for someone, but I'll post pictures later.  Scary storms last week, but thankfully, they hit after we were all home and safe in our little cave apartment.  I do love a basement apartment, despite all the bugs.  We had two spiders in the shower this week.  Bleh.



Our friends are coming in from out of town this weekend!  Actually, they're probably already here.  I'm very excited.  We wanted to hit up the zoo, and I think we still will, but it will have to be a short trip.  Ninety degree weather and little babies do not mix.  Actually, 90 degree weather and Brig don't really mix either.

Kev is a leeetle stressed these days.  Poor fellow.  Starting a practice is hard work.  But I know it will pay off for him in the end.  Oh why yes, I did say starting a practice.  Take a look.  I promise more later on this as well.  Once time stops jumping.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

June and Nervousness

Evy and I are alone this weekend, as Kev is currently on his way up to Chicagoland to take yet another course.  It's a long drive for him by himself, but he enjoys the classes.  Plus, how much longer would it feel if Evy and I tagged along?  Well considering that Little Miss does not much care for her car seat, I think interminable would be about how it would feel.  So we're alone, but that's not what I'm scared of.

I'm nervous about next week.  It's back to work for Brig come Wednesday.  I've been having back to work nightmares for a week or two now.  They usually involve me showing up late, or forgetting everything I've learned on the job, or somehow forgetting where my office is entirely.  I've been obsessing over my return while Kev was here to talk to, so I shudder to think what will go on in my head this weekend.

But, how cute is this?


On a more positive note, Evy and I went to the bank and Target this morning all by ourselves.  There was no screaming in the car, and she was a very good girl while I gave into the various temptations that present themselves at Target.  Like these fish outfits.

Oh!  Aaannnd I have a new nephew!  He was born on Wednesday and is healthy and happy.  I haven't seen him yet, but I've been told he's a charmer :)

Friday, May 21, 2010

2 Months

Really?  How did that happen?  Evy is two months old already.  She weighed in at 13 pounds 8 ounces, thank you very much.  And she is officially two feet :)

The thing I'm loving the best right now would be how she responds to us.  She is all smiles when we talk to her, and I swear she's learning how to laugh.  She tries it out when Kev gives her kisses and tickles her cheek with his beard.

There has been little time for knitting, which is sad.  But the trade off is definitely worth it ;-)

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Patterns

I've started keeping track of Evie's feedings again.  I don't really care if she is on a tight schedule or not, but the fact that I am going back to work makes this an issue.  I have to at least be able to tell Nancy how many times a day the turtleduck needs to eat!  I've also charted my plan to introduced bottled breast milk.  I'm giving myself until a week from this Monday, and then the process must begin.  I never realized just how much time a mom devotes to thinking about baby things.
Kev planted some herbs for our kitchen window!  The one on the left is oregano, and the one on the right is not an herb. Actually, we're not sure what it is.  Nancy had a little shoot of it growing in a vase of water and gave it to us to see if we could keep it alive.  It's a nice plant even if we don't know what it is :)
He also planted some basil :)

And I made some very gooey, very delicious chocolate mud bars.  Yum.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Testing, testing, Evy, Evie, Eevee

Ok, I'm not really testing Eevee, that one was just for Kev's benefit.  Before she was born, I had settled on spelling Evelyn's nickname e-v-y.  But the more I write it, the more I lean towards spelling it e-v-i-e.  So I thought I would test it out for a while.  I've used Evy for six weeks, so now I'll use Evie for a while.  I'm justifying this confusing bit of new motherhood madness by noting that I am not in any way changing the traditional spelling of her actual name.  Also, everyone else has always been free to spell Evie however they want (see the aforementioned Eevee, which does have an interesting origin).

On a completely different note, I ordered yarn and a new pattern for my brother's newest addition (estimated arrival: June 2).  As Amy's shower is this weekend, I don't think I'll have it done in time.  But it's awfully cute.  Just in case she reads my blog, I'm not going to post a link to the pattern.  But I will post a link to the Knit Picks yarn I'm using cause I love the color (I'm using sailor).

Oh, and I finally started Citron!  I bought some yarn from Knit Picks (I'm a little obsessed).  It's fun knitting so far :)

6 Degrees Update:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - Rupert Grint playing Ron Weasley in this and
Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets - Emma Watson playing Hermione Granger in this and
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban -

Sunday, April 25, 2010

6 Degrees Game

They say that some women go a little crazy when they become new moms.

I admit it, I watch tv while breastfeeding my baby.  I've tried to be mindful and simply sit and be, but I usually fall asleep if I do that.  So I mindfully watch a movie instead.  I've made it through many viewings of New Moon, seasons 1 & 2 of The West Wing, and a few disaster movies (gotta love those).  But I started to get a little bored, so I decided to create a game for myself.  I call it The 6 Degrees Game. 

Here's how it works (I can't believe I'm explaining this):  You start with a movie in your movie collection.  Then, while watching the film, choose an actor in the film that appears in a different film in your dvd collection.  Keep working your way through your dvd collection in this manner until you hit a dead end, or until the baby is sleeping nicely and you can do something productive.  Like explain your crazy dvd game on your blog. 

And oh yes, I will keep my dvd 6 Degrees log here, just for fun :P

Start: 
America's Sweethearts - Alan Arkin (playing the Wellness Guide); was also in Get Smart (playing The Chief)
Get Smart - Anne Hathaway (playing Agent 99) was also in Nicholas Nickelby (playing Madeline Bray)
Nicholas Nickleby - David Bradley (playing Nigel Bray) was also in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (playing Argus Filch)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Saturday, April 17, 2010

5.5 Hours

Evelyn slept for 5.5 hours last night!  And boy to I feel like a real person this morning!  It's so much easier to function with sleep :)
This is not the best picture of the bold bonnet, but at least she's wearing it.  It's a bit big, and I think it may last her into the fall.  Her special sweater fits nicely, but it's been unseasonably warm here (80 degrees in April?), and she hasn't been able to wear it much.  Plus, whenever I do put it on her, she spits up, almost immediately.  Seriously, it's like she knows I want to take a picture and is just not having it.  The weather is coolish this weekend, so by God I will get a picture of her wearing that sweater!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Progress?

Evy is beginning to learn to sleep on her back, in her crib.  Some nights are better than others, but I consider this real progress.  Today we are going up to Kenyan to watch Nathan's show.  Big adventure.  Two hours in the car plus eating on the go.  Unfortunately, Kev is probably not going to be able to see much of the show, cause he'll be watching little miss.  But he swears he's ok with this.  We'll see how it goes!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Goop

I wish Evy enjoyed sleeping on her back, or her side.  She of course only enjoys sleeping on her belly or when being held.  *Sigh*

Today I've been spit up on and peed on.  Let's cross our fingers that all poop stays in the diaper.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

A Whole Lot Of Crazy

The baby is here.  The child has arrived.  She's also hungry and needs to eat.  This is pretty much all I've got at the moment.  I have turned into someone who wears pajamas well into the afternoon.  I own a pillow called My Brest Friend (highly recommend by the way), and I spend my nights feeding a baby and watching New Moon.  That's right, New Moon ;-)

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

A Bit of Crazy

I'm going to get this out there first:  I've been a little bit crazy these past few weeks.  I hit 37 weeks and lost my grip on calm.  I'm now at 39 weeks and the suspense is killing me.

Ok.  Now I've also been trucking along on my next Evelyn project, Hadley Fierlinger's Apron Dress.  It's been going very nicely, although I feel like I'm going to have two full balls of yarn left over (which is just fine, because it's Knit Pick's Crayon and I've really enjoyed using it).  However, I just realized today, now that I've gotten to the edging, which is pretty much the last step, that I don't have the required needle (size 6, 16" circular) to actually work on the edging.  Ok, no biggie right?  I'll just run to Michael's after work....and realize that for some reason, they don't carry this needle.  Ugh!  So now I'm debating whether or not to try using a size 5 circular, or be patient and put this project on hold.  I'm thinking on hold is the way to go.

See what I mean about the crazy? 

To be positive now - it has been warm(ish) around here for days!  The sun was out all weekend, and Monday.  Spring is on its way, I can feel it!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Happy

I finished Evelyn's Special Sweater!!  I finished up the sleeves during the Olympics, and then sewed it all together on Monday night.  I sewed on the buttons, soaked, and blocked it Tuesday.  I really wanted to get this finished before her arrival.  Not because I think she's going to fit into it right away, but because its complication level is not at all compatible with taking care of a newborn.  I have to admit, I am particularly proud of this finished project.
 
I really tried to get good pictures (I used the tri-pod even!), but I seem to lack Kev's innate ability to snap an artsy photo.  Good thing Evy and I will have him around to document things!  Of course, then he won't be in any of the pictures.

I had a sudden inspiration at Jo-Ann's the other day to use pink buttons.  I bought these vintage looking buttons, which were only $0.56, and are not at all vintage.  But I think they match the vintage look of the sweater.  Kev remarked that this sweater looks just like one of my favorite gray cardigans.  He's right of course, but I think that's perfect.  Not saying we're going to wear matching outfits, but I think it makes sense to dress my baby girl in something I would wear.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

"Where's the ding?"

There are a few things that are making me insane.  The way my crib sheets don't fit my crib mattress.  The way the centipede I saw in the middle of the night got away.  The way the baby's clothes simply will not be organized - I've tried so many different ways!

Phew.

But most things are in no way making me insane.  Like Evelyn's sweater, which I still plan on finishing before she arrives (unless of course, she arrives tonight).

I know this is a terrible picture, but I think it's coming along nicely.  I've finished one sleeve, so I have one sleeve and all the finishing to go.  As a general rule, I hate finishing and tend to put it off.  But I think I have enough motivation to actually complete the finishing in a timely fashion!

"Any second now..."  - (this and above) Say Anything

Monday, February 15, 2010

Showers of Snow and Presents

Well I must say that I had a lovely weekend.  Kev and I went and bought our crib, and we put it all together!  I think this is a good thing, considering I will be "full term" next week.  Gah!
 
I also had another baby shower, this one thrown by my very sweet in-laws.  We were given so many nice things, and a good many cute dresses!  My in-laws gave me the little dress and sweater that are hanging on the crib in the picture.  I feel like all the little one will need is a beret and we'll be ready for Paris :)

The week has started off a little less lovely than the weekend, only because Kev and I both had to brave the snow to get to work.  And although I know it's no D.C. out there, southern Ohio just doesn't handle large snow amounts very well.  We could get up to 9", which is a lot for Cincinnati.  However, the silver lining is that we both left work early and are now safe and snug at home. 

Kev is spending his extra time working out in the apartment (or trying to, poor guy).  While I am drinking tea and sorting through baby clothes.  I could do this everyday. 

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Book #1

I finished my first book of the year!  I feel so proud of myself for such a small success, but I think that's probably a good thing.  So the book I read, about a million years after it splashed around everywhere, is The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.  I found it really enjoyable, with enough suspense to keep me reading, but without any scariness (I am a wimp, just so we're clear). 

I've now started on a two books that are entirely different, both from each other and The Da Vinci Code.  The first is called The Compassionate Instinct, which I found on my local library's blog.  And the second is called The Omnivore's Dilemma, which I've been wanted to read for ages now.   

I know once the baby arrives in (oh-geez) 5 weeks or so, there won't be much time for reading.  But today, being a snow day, is a perfect day to cozy up and read a book, or knit a baby hat :)
 

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

A Bold Bonnet

Hooray!!  Another finished project for 2010.  And another hand knit for the baby :)  I call it her bold bonnet.
 
This is the Modern Baby Bonnet from Vintage Knits for Modern Babies by Hadley Fierlinger.  I used Knit Picks' City Tweed DK in Morning Glory with size 6 needles.  This is the first time I've used this yarn, and I really liked it.  It's very soft, and the color is beautiful - perfect for baby's little head!  So far I've set her up with a blanket, a kimono sweater, a basic hat, a sweater vest, and this bold bonnet.  I'm currently working on a more intricate (for me) cardigan for her, and I've got a little cotton apron dress in the queue.  Apparently I am obsessed with knitting for this child!

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Sundays Are Better Than Mondays

So this week has been a bit of a trial.  Having a chest cold and being pregnant is not so much fun.  Plus, I feel bad for the baby - she must be getting jostled around quite a bit with all the coughing.  But, the doctor says it's nothing serious, and he very nicely gave me some medicine to get me back on my feet. 

I finished all that I'm going to read of Everyday Blessings.  I really enjoyed the first part, and I think the book has a lot of good things to say.  The second part seemed a bit more opinionated about the "right" way to parent.  I started to feel almost defensive while reading it, so I took Kev's advice and stopped reading.  Simple solution.  I feel like I can't add it to my list of ten books, because I haven't read the entire book.  But that's alright, it was worth reading the first half, even if it doesn't make the list.

Monday, January 25, 2010

A Great Weekend and a Crummy Monday

"Mondays.  It's like the dementia grows by...I'm not even talking to anybody right now." - Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

I had a lovely weekend with friends and family.  My family threw me a baby shower, and friends came in from out of town to celebrate with me.  I even got to see my brother-in-law, who's been in Seattle for a few weeks, for a moment.  So by Sunday afternoon I felt very lucky and content.



But then Sunday night came and I started to feel a little under-the-weather.  And then Monday morning came and I felt tired, with a runny nose and a scratchy throat.  And on top of this Monday crumminess, Kev has injured his neck, and is therefore also feeling crummy.

So we did what any dedicated parents-to-be would do.  We skipped our childbearing class and decided to relax for the evening instead.  A nice omelet, a little tea, and a bit of knitting is all I need.  Now if I could only fix Kev's neck for him...

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

A Latte and Yo-Yo Ma

It's been a pregnant day.  I have felt tired, large, stretched, and swollen all day.  The kicker though was how long I sat in my obgyn's office waiting to see the doctor.  Why would you make pregnant women wait in a hot office for over an hour?  Don't these people realize how uncomfortable those chairs are?

But it's ok, because after the long day, I treated myself to a latte from a local coffee house.  And I am currently listening to Yo-Yo Ma's Classic Yo-Yo.  Bach's Prelude in G is my favorite.

I think I'll go knit something.

Monday, January 18, 2010

In Search of Soak Wash


I have off work today, which is lovely.  I plan on having lunch with a friend, and then I am going on a mission to find some Soak Wash.  I've heard great things about this no-rinse wash for hand knits, but I've never tried it.  Finances being what they are, I'm trying to find some in a local store so that I won't have to pay for shipping.  Unfortunately, not many places around me carry the stuff.  I have a few finished projects that really need to be washed and blocked, so here's hoping I can locate a bottle today.

However, if I am unsuccessful, I do have a back-up plan.  Kaleidoscope Yarns, one of my favorite online yarn stores, sells Soak Wash.  They also sell a bit of Malabrigo lace yarn, which is used in one of the projects I was seriously considering (Citron by Hilary Smith Callis).  This project would help me fulfill one of my goals for 2010 (knitting myself something).  Plus, it only calls for one skein, so it would fit better in the budget.  Unfortunately, this plan does not fit in January's budget (see finances comment above), so I would have to make myself wait to order until February.  Wish me luck with that. 

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Mish Mash

A lovely person on ravelry has started this group.  The idea is to knit or crochet a bunch of squares and send them off to be made into blankets for the victims of the earthquake.  Even though it's very warm in Haiti, the people there still need something to sleep on.  It's been nice to be able to do something to help.




We met with a pediatrician today for a prenatal visit.  I have no idea how to judge a pediatric office, but this place seemed fairly standard.  We waited a long time to be called back, then a little bit longer in a very, very pink room, and then the doctor came in.  But I have to say the doc was very nice and I think he would be ok???  Oh so many decisions.

A new Knit Picks catalog came in today :)  I'm not sure why, but I love leafing through the pages of their catalogs. 

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

A Bit of a Freak-out Moment

We had our second childbearing class last night.  We watched a "real life" video about giving birth (the kind with all the gory details).  And I had a bit of a freak-out moment.  I'm not even kidding, it was all I could do not to cry.  I was overwhelmed with thoughts of "I cannot do that.  There is no way I can do that."  But then Kev reminded me that I was going to have to do it, and that breathing would help.

So I made it through that class.  And then I went to an informational Lunch & Learn put on by the Nursing Mothers Support Group at work.  Another freak-out moment.  I'm sure nursing is what I want to do, but pumping at work still scares me.  This might have something to do with the fact that I do not have access to a nursing mother's room and I don't have my own office.  Plus, the room that I might be able to use does not have a lock on it.  So instead of focusing on how great it is that the organization I work for has a Nursing Mothers Support Group, I sat there and freaked out a bit.

When it really comes down to it, I think all this freaking out has to do with the fact that I have only 9 weeks to go.  For some reason, I hit 30 weeks and started feeling like I was out of time.  I don't have a pediatrician, I don't have a sitter, I haven't taken the tour of the hospital yet, I don't even have a crib!  Of course, all of these things are in hand, and I have many well-laid plans.  But that didn't seem to stop the freak out.

*Sigh*

I suppose all there is to do is to go to work on Evy's next sweater.  I'm excited about this one.  I'm using Knit Picks Swish for the first time (I love it so far).  The pattern's a little trickier than my usual, so let's hope it turns out ok =/

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Two FOs!!


I finished two projects this weekend!  Only one counts towards my 10 in 2010 goal though.  The french press cozy I knit and felted in 2009, but I sewed on the buttons and added some (not very good) embroidery this weekend :)  I didn't have a pattern for this project.  I just grabbed some black worsted weight wool, size 9 needles, and started knitting in st st.  When I thought it was long enough, I made some button holes, knit for a few more rows, and cast off.  Then I threw it in the wash and felted it up a bit.  And now Kev and I have a nice replacement for the towel we were using to keep out coffee warm.



I made the baby sweater for my sister's baby (she is also expecting).  I was determined to get it finished before her oldest son's birthday party this afternoon so I could give it to her in a timely fashion.  And voila!  The pattern is Leigh Radford's Baby Bolero from One Skein.  It knit up really quickly.  I used Berroco Comfort yarn in worsted weight.  This was my first experience with Comfort.  I liked it ok.  It split a bit too much for my taste, but it is very soft and will be nice and comfortable when the new baby comes.



Saturday, January 9, 2010

New

Everything is new this year.  I know, everything is new everyday of every year, but there are a few things that feel decidedly new.  Like the fact that I'll birth a child this year.  Still not used to that idea.  I'm not really one for New Year's resolutions, plus I'm about 9 days late, but I do have some goals for 2010.

Goal #1:  Birth a healthy child.
Goal #2:  Knit 10 projects, at least one of which is for me, and one of which is for Kev.
Goal #3:  Read 10 books.

I feel like I have a pretty good start on goal #1 (we'll see come March).  And actually, I've already started two projects since the new year.  But I never knit for myself, and I rarely knit for Kev.  So goal #2 is really about spreading the love around.  As for goal #3, I feel like I stopped reading once I graduated from college.  Pretty bad for an English major.  So my goal is to read more.  First book on my list: Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting by Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn.  I'm a big fan of Jon Kabat-Zinn so I'm sure this will be a helpful book.  I guess I should really finish this one by March :)