My 2019 Goals & How It's Going

I'm checking back in to see how my 2019 goals are coming along, I've made some progress but not nearly enough.  Sometimes I think that what I read in my self help books (which I've always loved) and what I read and see on others online blogs, may be too much time spent reading about what many seem to do so well but can leave me feeling a bit let down about what I'm actually accomplishing.   I don't want to be comparing myself to anyone else. So, I'm checking back in to keep MY resolutions as fresh, true, and progressive as I can so here's how it's going:

1.  Continue my quest for healthier eating, smaller portions, and much better sugar and carb control.  

I'm getting there little by little and find myself looking for healthy options when I'm hungry between meals, plus I'm cooking from scratch more often and trying heartily to incorporate more veggies into the mix,

2.  Walk at least 3 days a week and preferably do more when possible.

I'm sorry to say that this particular goal hasn't been met very often at all.  Yes, I'm still determined to pull this off but haven't been too successful.

3.  Do as much knitting and crocheting as possible and crank out at the very least, 4 solid projects this year.

Again, haven't been faithful in picking up my knitting and/or crochet projects and actually making much progress but that's about to change!

4.  Practice patience and calmness through all things.

I am doing better with my patience and trying to remain calm through all upsets, etc.

5.  Make simplicity a top priority in everyday life.

This seems to be something that needs quite a bit of focusing on living in the moment.  I find that I have to remind myself to be aware of each moment and keep it as simple and as real as I can.

6.  Thank God everyday for all the blessings He has bestowed upon me and mine.

This is something that I've been doing each and everyday as I feel that gratitude to God for all His blessing is most important in my life on a daily basis.

7.  Unclutter, donate, sell, or throw out those things that meet the criteria.

We're accomplishing this on a day to day basis but I can already see and feel the difference in the de-cluttering of excess and needless 'things'. 

8.  Save more and Spend Less!!

I've found that cooking more often at home saves us quite a bit and the less I visit Amazon the better when it comes to more savings.  As for cooking at home, I think a change in our meal times is in order too but more on that later.

9.  Savor every moment spent with my sweet husband, and my family. (this one is easy peasy).

I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband and our life together with all of our children, grandchildren, in-laws, Mom, brothers, and nephews makes us even happier.

10.  Remember that life is a gift and that's why we call it the 'present'.

This is so true and I strive to remember it. 

2019....It's The Year

Wow, one more year gone in what seems like the blink of an eye!  So, with 2019 ushered in, I thought I might keep a record of my goals, successes, and naturally, a few failures along the way so here goes: 

Goals for 2019 (in no particular order)

1.  Continue my quest for healthier eating, smaller portions, and much better sugar and carb control.  I began on 12-28-18 and just completed week 1.  I can already feel the difference. ☺
2.  Walk at least 3 days a week and preferably do more when possible.
3.  Do as much knitting and crocheting as possible and crank out at the very least, 4 solid projects this year.
4.  Practice patience and calmness through all things.
5.  Make simplicity a top priority in everyday life.
6.  Thank God everyday for all the blessings He has bestowed upon me and mine.
7.  Unclutter, donate, sell, or throw out those things that meet the criteria.
8.  Save more and Spend Less!!
9.  Savor every moment spent with my sweet husband, and my family. (this one is easy peasy).
10.  Remember that life is a gift and that's why we call it the 'present'.

I decided that getting back to my blog and posting it online would help me with accountability.  May I wish each of you who may be reading this a very happy and healthy 2019 with all of your heart's desires being fulfilled.

Time Marches On

Wow, it's been quite awhile but life has a way of going by faster all the time.  I've been somewhat remiss in my knitting and crocheting, not really getting much accomplished.  So, I'd like to change the tone of my blog to include not only my crafting, but also life in general, cooking, weight loss, clearing out clutter, exercising, etc., etc. On that note I've added a weight loss ticker to my side bar and will be posting whenever I can move my 'girl' down the ladder, so to speak.  

It's all good and as for exercise, I've been doing about 25 minutes of specific stretches for my hamstrings, which I pulled last October, and for my shoulder, which I hurt in the same fall.  Once the weather warms up a bit, I will get back to walking with my goal being 4 days a week, 15 to 30 minutes per day.  It took me many years to finally realize that I must take better care of my own health and part of that resolution, is exercising and better nutrition, smaller portions, and more effective blood sugar management.

This blog is just for my own accountability to myself as a place to record and actually 'see' how things are going.....wish me luck.

I'm Back!

Yes, I'm officially back and why not, I ask.  I've been fascinated reading many other fellow knitter's and crocheters blog posts and felt thatI had much to say, myself, so I'm jumping back into my own blog with both feet!

This past year has been a good one, both personally, health wise, and fiber-ly speaking.  I've completed several projects but not nearly as many as I truly could have......this darned osteoarthritis really kicks my pattootie (my own spelling).  I'm hopeful that continuing my weight loss will reduce the inflammation and swelling in my fingers and lessen the pain.  I won't give up, however, no not ever. ☺

I've knit and/or crocheted the following list of items, just to name a few:

Christmas Stocking

Entrelac Cowl

Fair Isle iPad Cover

Rowan Plaid Cowl

Chevron Cap

Lately, my crafting mojo has been missing from the scene but I hope to get it back very soon, perhaps after the holidays.  In the meantime, I honestly am trying to complete at least one ongoing project, a lapghan for my mother using a nice warm and colorful wool combination yarn.

Time Marches On....'Ain't It The Truth'!

I cannot believe that it's been over a year since I posted anything on my blog.  I would imagine that if anyone read it, they've given up on checking back, and I can't say I blame them.  Life manages to get in the way, what with our day to day happenings, work, family, friends, pets, Ravelry, etc., etc. However, the important thing is I haven't completely abandoned this little corner of my knitting and crocheting world altogether. ☺

I've been busily knitting several items over this past year and will have pictures soon. I am knitting another Christmas stocking for my youngest granddaughter.  I'm getting ready to knit the heel flap and then it will be finishing up the foot and weaving the toe together.  I decided to duplicate her name rather than knit it in so that will be done after the stocking is completed.  I'm using size 7 needles and Red Heart acrylic yarn because it holds up so well to all the 'stuff' that gets put into these stockings and all the yanking and pulling that the poor things have to bear.   Counting my 5 kids, each of their spouses, my husband, my mother, and each of my grandchildren, I've knitted about 20 or more stockings and it's heartening to see them hung up in everyone's homes each Christmas.

I'm also knitting a Chevron cap and a Fair Isle iPad cover which is beginning to look pretty great with the vibrant colors I'm using.  I've put both of these projects on hold though until I finish the stocking since that has a timed date for finishing.

Happily, I'm still knitting solely from my yarn stash and not buying anymore yarn.  Geez, yarn is the last thing I need since I already have enough to start my own yarn store!!  So, when I want to knit or crochet anything, I shop from my own stash and it's all good.

Yes, I'm Back!

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, as I see it's been quite some time since I last posted.  I've been busy creating some knitted and crocheted things and here is one that I'm currently working on.  It's a Christmas stocking that I'm knitting for my wonderful DIL and therefore, I'm hoping neither she, nor my son, decides to check out my blog......however, that isn't something they normally do, so perhaps I'm safe in the surprise category.

I'm knitting it with size 8 straight needles until I get to the heel and foot portion at which time I'll switch to DPN's.  Once I get to finished the white rows that I'm currently knitting, I think I'll duplicate her name rather than use yarn bobbins as I did for the trees.

And yes, it's a shame, but I'm still plodding through this continuous granny one row at a time and only now and then, at that.......I think I'll stop when it's a throw size.  It is very soft and cuddly though and I'm using a retired Jaeger yarn so you know it will be toasty and warm.  Right now it looks a bit wavy but that will disappear once it's blocked.

I've completed other projects too and have a few more on deck for the Christmas holidays to give as gifts.  I wish you all a happy and healthy Autumn season and before we know it, it'll be Thanksgiving and you KNOW what that means!  Ahh, yes, Christmas can't be far behind, but I digress.

Summer Time, Summer Time

I completed a little 'snuggle' blanket for my 4 year old grandson (his birthday is 6-14). I usually don't make granny blankets especially for the little ones but this yarn seemed to show off it's colors best with the continuous granny, so here it is.

I think he'll like snuggling up with this when he's watching TV or when his Mom or Dad is reading him a story.  It's very soft and completely washer and dryer friendly since that is a must for his busy parents.  I was thrilled to use up all 5 skeins of this yarn ( Bernat's Softee Chunky in Nature's Way color) which has been in my stash for ages.

I also made my mother 2 mug cozies for her morning coffee and afternoon tea drinking.  She loves the fact that they keep her hot drinks hot for much longer than normal.  The first one is knitted in a fingering weight yarn, 90% wool, 10% polyamide (sorry, I didn't keep the ball band to remember the brand and colorway on this one).  I crocheted the base using a crochet pattern for a cozy and from the base up, I improvised the knitting as I went along, using garter stitching, stockinette stitching, and finally ribbing at the top.  

I crocheted this one using Peaches & Cream cotton and following a pattern for the most part.  I did make a few minor changes to the pattern but nothing major.  I figured she would have 2 cozies so she'll always have one at the ready for the times that one or the other is in the washer.

  

Other than these projects, I am now going to begin a Christmas stocking for my daughter-in-law, Sarah, because it's way overdue.  My son (her husband) has been asking me to make one for her for years but every year I wound up knitting one for a new grandchild so this is the year for Sarah's stocking.  

In addition to that I am re-enforcing the tops and the loops of several of the Christmas stockings I've made over the years beginning in 1975.  I've knitted about 15 stockings in all but only need to re-enforce about 6 so I plan to put I-cord across the tops of each one and then an I-cord loop on each which will make them very strong and long lasting.

Completion, At Last

It's official, the shells baby blanket is complete.  I put 3 rows of single crochet around the edges and then did a row of shells to blend in with the shells in the body of the blanket.

I also crocheted a few mini baskets using patterns from my Ravelry group, which is awesome, by the way.  These baskets are addictive and I'm working on several more to fill with goodies for my Grandchildren's Easter haul.  The girls, especially, love things like this that they can keep their treasures in.

I've started another baby blanket, this one in a blue, light brown, and ecru blend in case my expected new little grandbaby is a boy.  I'm using Bernat Softee Baby Chunky yarn for this one and it's being done in a ripple stitch.  I don't have enough progress to post a picture yet, but I will soon.  

A New Year

I don't update as often as I used to but then again, I haven't been doing as much knitting as crocheting these days.  First of all, here's a heart shaped coaster for Valentine's Day which I had a devil of a time with.....the pattern wasn't clear or concise and I ripped this out at least 4 times before finally getting it correct with the help of some of my crochet buddies on Ravelry, which I couldn't do without.

I did however, knit up a couple of these adorable easy knitted bangle bracelets for 2 of my granddaughters who I know will love them.  I'm going to knit 4 more so they each can have 3 and use different colors for each one.  I got the pattern from Ravelry, what else (and did I say how much I love that site)?

I'm making quite a bit of progress with my baby shells blanket.  This picture is not current but you can see what the pattern looks like just the same.  I'm about 1/2 to 3/4 finished now and hopefully when I post again here, the blanket will be completed.  It's actually not for any little wee one in particular but if a certain son and his wife have a baby girl (it's their first, due in late July) then it's theirs.

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and I wish all of you (if anyone is still checking out my blog) a happy, healthy, and blessed new year in 2014.

Completion Issues

I finally completed my ongoing and what seemed like forever socks using Three Irish Girls Adorn Sock Yarn which I loved knitting with....very soft yet sturdy and best of all, no knots halfway through a sock.  There is nothing worse than sailing along at a brisk (or at least as brisk as my sock knitting gets) pace only to realize that there's a cursed knot which necessitates re-joining the new piece of yarn.  I always worry that at that point the sock will someday just separate and then it's ladders galore.  The colorway is Bread & Butterflies and it's just my type of colors.  I always tend toward the bright colors with lots of purples, lavenders, light greens, light blues, etc. so this one fit the bill.

I used my pal Kathy's Vanilla Socks pattern which turned out great, one more time. She is so talented and can knit so beautifully.....check out her blog and see some of the beautiful creations she's knit.

As for a few other completions, the pickins' are lean, so to speak.  I don't crank them out like other knitters, apparently, but I did complete a pair of mittens for one of my grandsons and they turned out quite nicely.  I'm not totally satisfied with the thumbs I've knit but hopefully they will get better as time goes on and I try different patterns which have different approaches for the thumb portion.

I'm currently knitting a hat for another grandson but the progress on it isn't a lot just yet.  For the mittens and hat I'm using up leftover yarns and it feels good to get some of these used up.....I have quite a big bag full of different amounts of leftovers so I could go on knitting hats, mittens, etc. for quite some time before even making a dent but I guess many of my fellow knitters out there have the same situation when it comes to leftover yarns.  UPDATED:  I completed the hat, yea!

Right now I'm considering knitting a Christmas stocking for one of my kid's spouses because they've been asking me for one for quite awhile but with 7 grandchildren, I've had plenty of Christmas stockings to knit so perhaps this is the time to surprise a certain someone who will remain nameless for the purposes of this blog.  In the meantime, knit away and have a very happy day!

Summer Time

Time certainly flies when spring and summer roll around and I've been pretty lax keeping up with my blog.  I have been knitting and crocheting but not as much as I seem to accomplish in the fall and winter months.  I completed sock # 1 using Three Irish Girls fingering hand dyed yarn in the Bread & Butterflies colorway.....it's a joy to knit with.  However, I don't complete my socks quickly.....it's a now and then project so they can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months or more.  I know this must shock those who seem to turn out a pair of socks in 2 to 3 weeks, but that's the unvarnished truth when it comes to my knit socks.

I'm about 1/2 way down the leg portion of sock #2 , so I'm guessing we're looking at completion some time in October, yes, October.  I haven't decided whether these are going to be a Christmas gift or if I'm keeping them for moi yet.

Also, since I'm trying to work on only 2 projects at the same time so as to complete them before moving on to another UFO, it's a bit slow going, as I'm sure my fellow crafters can appreciate.  I have so many unfinished objects and I'm beginning to realize that before I can begin new projects, these items are calling out to me.  Thus, here is my measly progress on my baby shells blanket....I'm finally at the halfway mark so there is a dim light at the end of the tunnel, but I do enjoy crocheting this so that's what I am focused on.  There's about double completed than what is showing in the picture below but I need to take a new picture and put it here.

Otherwise, I've been trying out different crocheted coasters, a weakness of mine.  I love trying out new patterns and hook sizes and yarns and one can never have enough coasters, yes?

Working on Unfinished Knits & Crochets

I recently completed (at long last, that is) my second Opal sock and here is a picture showing you the great colors in this yarn.  I'm giving these to my darling daughter for her birthday in September and I know she'll love slipping them on when the weather turns cooler! ♥

So that frees me to begin finishing some many neglected UFO's.  I began this continuous granny blanket at least 2 years ago and didn't get very far before stashing it away.  I am now working on it once again and plan to complete it this time around.  The yarn is Jaeger's Extra Fine Merino, DK weight and I'm using a size G hook so the progress is a bit slower than usual but very lovely, nonetheless.

I'm also crocheting a baby Shells blanket using Caron's Simply Soft yarn which makes for a very light yet very soft yarn to eventually be next to a baby's delicate skin.  I fell in love with this pattern so I started it about 4 months ago.  This isn't one of my older unfinished projects but I want to complete it so I'll be working on these 2 and post pics of my progress from time to time.

So, until we meet again, be well and be happy and knit (and/or) crochet to your heart's content.

Mid February Already!

I had thought I'd try and post more often here on my blog but all good intentions seem to disappear and before I know it, a month or two has flown by!  Ahh well, here is my post for anyone left out there who might still read my blog.  I've been knitting and crocheting on a fairly regular basis and the gauntlets you see below are one of the fruits of my labors.

I joined a KAL (Knit-a-Long) on Ravelry and proceeded to knit the Downton Abbey gantlets with the help of the KAL leader, Kristin, and all of the great people on Ravelry......knitters are such great people, so very helpful and friendly.  The KAL was run by Jimmy Beans Wool and they are one of the best and most helpful knitting sites on the web, in my humble opinion.  The gals there really go out of their way to help you or to fix a problem, right a wrong, and all manner of customer service.  Can you tell that I really like JB?  No affiliation, mind you, just one satisfied customer.

I'm also knitting the second sock (it's going mighty slow, may I say) to match this one which is knit using Opal sock yarn and size 3 dpns.  I may or may not keep these since my DD is throwing hints about how she wears all the socks I've knitted for her and they're starting to show a bit of age.  It seems that I rarely wind up keeping any of the socks I knit between my daughter and my mother whose feet are always cold, poor things.

I also cast on another pair of socks (no picture yet) using for the very first time, Three Irish Girls Adorn sock yarn in Bread and Butterflies colorway.....it's a lovely pastel mix of pinks, aquas, purples, etc. and will be lovely looking when completed. I like seeing the progression of the colors as I knit the little bit I have done so far.  I'm knitting these on 2 circulars for a change of pace but I normally use my trusty dpns, always thinking, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".  I'll post a picture as soon as I get enough progress so that you can really appreciate the colors.  I've never used TIG's yarn before but the gals on Ravelry absolutely rave about it so I'll let you know.

Finally, I'm back to crocheting the baby blanket I began in the fall of last year!!   I'm using a washable and dryer friendly acrylic, Caron's Simply Soft and I have to say that I really like the squishyness (my word) of this yarn and the kind of lifted definition it's giving to each stitch.  I've made more progress than shown here but you get the idea.  

Where Did Christmas Go?

Can you believe Christmas is over already?  It comes so quickly and before you know it, 'whosh' it's over.  My Christmas was wonderful filled with loving family and grandchildren who are still at the age where their enthusiasm hasn't diminished at all and they have that anticipation in their sparkling eyes.  I did manage to take some pictures of missing stockings that I've made in the past but neglected to get pictures of at the time because who knew, so here they are:  I knit this one for my husband way back.

This one was for my darling daughter, Laura, and is the pattern that I seem to have used most often.

This one is for my youngest son, Clint, and the pattern is by far, my favorite.  However, I only have bits and pieces of it left so I'm going to search far and wide to see if I can find it somewhere........if anyone reading my blog recognizes it, please leave me a comment as I would truly appreciate finding it to make another one.

So, I think that's about it for the stockings I've knit, other than the newest one of all which I just completed 3 days before Christmas for my youngest grandson, Owen and here it is:

I'll close wishing anyone who still reads my blog a very happy and healthy 2013 filled with your heart's desires.  I am going to try and post more often here even if the content isn't necessarily all knit related....there's more to say, I'm sure. :)

Christmas Stockings Past & Present

I just finished a Christmas stocking for my granddaughter, Claire, which made me start thinking about the other stockings I've knit for my kids and grandchildren pictured below.

          Christina's 

                                                  Connor's

                                                             Anna's

                                                          Matty's

                                               

                                                        Johnny's 

These aren't all that I've knit but I need to take pictures of older ones this Christmas.....those that were knit prior to the advent of knitting blogs. :)

Here are  pictures of Claire's stocking (completed at the beginning of this month) and the very basic beginnings of Owen's.  I am going to duplicate Owen's name into the stocking when I'm finished  but I've just begun the top of Santa's hat which I don't think is really visible yet.  There will be a nice big Santa face on this one with an angora beard which is a switch from my usual pattern of choice.  This is a Candide kit purchased from Patternworks and I'm happy with the yarn thus far.

                                                                  Claire's

I hope you've enjoyed the pictures and I hope I still have a few loyal few who might stop by and read my blog....thanks to all of you.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Pictures Now & Then

NOW

A very beautiful sunset off the coast of Hilton Head, SC, sent to me by my dear friend Kay.  I love pictures of sunsets and find them so relaxing and this one is a beauty!

On the knitting front, I'm currently working on my first of 2 Christmas stockings for our granddaughter, Claire who will be 9 months old by the time Christmas rolls around.  I hope to be able to knit another stocking for our grandson, Owen, who will be 6 months old by Christmas, but I don't know if I'll have enough time to knit both of them.  We'll see how things go because I'm crocheting a few Christmas gifts too, but smaller things in general.  I'd really like to knit a few mitten and hat sets for my other grand kids but time only permits so much progress and add to that my osteoarthritis and it's not always conducive to continuing to work on a project too long.  I'll follow up with pictures when I have more progress to show you on the stocking and even the ever so slow regular socks that I'm knitting at what seems like a snail's pace.

THEN & NOW

In the meantime, I'll leave you with this picture of Sylvester Stallone then and now.  OMG, I loved this guy back in the 70's when ROCKY came out and I still have a soft spot for him in my heart to this day.  I can remember going to the original Rocky movie when it first came out in our area in December of 1976 with my brother and his girlfriend (then) named......wait for it......Adrienne!  All the people in the movie theater cheered several times during the movie and when's the last time you heard any cheering at a movie these days?  When the movie was over and we walked outside the snow was falling heavily and it was such a magical sight filled with the hope and inspiration of dreams that could come true.  That whole evening is seared into my memory forever and to this day, I can hear the theme song playing and see Rocky running down 9th St., the Italian Market.  I remember my cousin's wife and one of my best friends as well, telling me at the time of Rocky II's filming in 1979 that we should be there for his run down 9th St. again so that I could actually get to see the 'Italian Stallion' in the flesh.  To this day I regret not taking her up on that offer because I never did get to see him in person.

Recently I watched Rocky and Rocky II again (for the umpteenth time if truth be told) and I still marvel at the innocence and raw emotions in these movies.  There are none like them anymore and I fear, there never will be again.  So, to Rocky Balboa and/or Slyvester Stallone, I say, "Yo, Adrienne, we did it"....and you did it great, Rock!

Overdue Post

Whew, it took way too long to post on my blog and I can't understand why I've neglected this for 6 months, no less.  Well, no promises, because that tends to be the whammy when it comes to fulfilling a blog post more often, at least for me.

Since my last post I've been a busy bee in the baby blanket area.  We've welcomed a new baby granddaughter named Claire in March and a brand new baby grandson named Owen just 4 weeks ago.  They are both so adorable, but most importantly, they are both healthy and happy and for that we are blessed by God.  
I made each of them a blanket and I put a picture of Owen's blankie in my last post if you'd like to take a look.  Below is a pic of Claire's ripple blanket which turned out quite nicely.  

Right now I'm working on another ripple blanket just to stay ahead of the curve, so to speak, and I just began a striped granny blanket with different colors in Stylecraft DK.  For me, it's unusual that I crochet any blankets with a DK but this one looks and feels quite substantial and very soft which is great on both counts.  I don't have enough progress on this one for a picture yet, but I will follow up with one.

As for my resolutions from last post, I've only managed to get another 5 pds. off but I haven't given up by any means.  I didn't gain this weight overnight and so I won't be losing it overnight either.  I have been saving and curtailing spending which is a good thing to be sure and it's been surprisingly easier than I thought.  

I've also been cooking healthier and utilizing Ellie Krieger's cookbook which is chock full of lower fat, but delicious recipes.  

A New Page

Since this is the first day of a brand new year (with no mistakes in it, as Anne says to her teacher in Anne of Green Gables), I thought I'd begin it with a new blog post since I've been remiss with my posts this past year.  First of all I want to post the promised pictures of the two completed items made most recently:  a knitted buttonhole scarf for moi, and a crocheted baby blanket for my new grandchild due this year. 

This is the scarf I knit from the yarn and the booklet I won in a 'new motto' contest for an online yarn store.  I really like wearing it (although in my neck of the woods it hasn't been cold enough to do so very often....ugh!).  It's great not to have to tie it or worry that it'll come undone and the color goes with just about everything.

The baby blanket was a joy to crochet once I got the foundation row squared away.  I did have to wind up fudging that row though and then I was off and running.  I still can't figure out why I couldn't get it to work out for me but since I really liked the look of the pattern I wasn't giving up.  I used Vanna's Choice and enjoyed crocheting with it.  It didn't split very often and will be soft enough for the baby and my daughter-in-law can toss it in  the washer and dryer as needed.

 I have 2 grandbabies due in 2012, one in March and one in June and we don't know whether they'll be boys or girls but you can see which I think at least one of them (if not both) will be.  Time will tell but I do already have a baby blanket for a girl done (picture above) so I'm in good shape if one has a boy and one has a girl.  What to do if they both have the same sex though......I guess I need to knit or crochet 2 more.....oh, how I wish the parents would find out what they're having ahead of time, but that's not their choice, so I may have to get to work on new blankets.

As for resolutions for this new year, I have a few and just hope I can see them through.  1.  To continue losing weight and becoming more active.  I've already lost 15 pds. so my next short term goal is another 15 by mid April.   2.  To spend less on impulse buying even for small items because 9 out of 10 times in the past, if I think about it for a couple of days before purchasing I wouldn't buy it more often than not.  3.  Based on my number 2 resolution, I definitely want to save more in this unstable economy.  We've worked too hard not to have enough to live comfortably on so there's no time like the present to begin, no matter how modestly.  They are my goals and I hope to live up to each one of them to the letter.  I wish all of you (if I have any readers of my blog left after my extended absence) a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2012 as well!

Autumn in All it's Beauty

I guess you could say it's been awhile since I've blogged.....a blogging hiatus of sorts!  To be honest I needed a break and was working on two UFO's, both of which aren't completed even as I type.  I'm still crocheting the baby blanket for my new grandbaby who is due in March of 2012 and a buttonhole scarf which I'm knitting.  I got that yarn and pattern from  Deramores online store in England.  I won both the yarn and the pattern booklet for a slogan I entered into their contest over the summer.  I was bowled over when I got the email that I won and shortly thereafter I got my winning package in the mail....airmail, that is. :) 

I promise pictures very soon since I do need to finish up both of the above before Christmas and then I'll be free to begin 2 new projects, one of which will be socks using String Theory yarn in a combination of a lovely cocoa brown and a medium pink, what fun!

Since I don't have any pics of fiber content, I leave you with our little snow day on October 28, 2011.  I don't remember ever getting snow that early in our neck of the woods but there you have it......Mother Nature will do as she pleases when she pleases so there are no guarantees when it comes to weather.  My one hope is that the upcoming winter will be a very cold one, which will be right up my alley.  Cheers to all of you!

New Socks

Here are my completed socks knit using Claudia's Handpainted yarn which I purchased from Simply Socks.  I used size 2 dpns and knit them both at once so as to keep each modification I did uniform.  I really enjoyed knitting with this yarn as it's very reminiscent of Koigu sock yarn and I especially love the feel of the somewhat 'squishy' yarn as it becomes a sock and the cabled effect it gives my work.  I needed a pair of socks in brown tones to wear with my fall colors when the time comes because I have all manner of blues, purples, oranges, and even pinks, but alas, until now, no browns.  I'm glad they're completed though because it seemed to take forever to finish these babies and I just about made it, yarn wise, and was left with only inches of each skein!

I'm waiting to get some ice blue yarn in order to complete a granny square baby blanket I'm crocheting.  I didn't get very far because I ran out of the blue, but it's going to be done in 2 colors, white and ice blue, and NO, there are no announcements for a new grandchild, I'm just trying to get a jump on things because I know there will be another grandbaby on the way one of these fine days.  I do like crocheting this pattern (the Rasberry Granny Ripple on Ravelry)  and when I'm finished with this one, I'm going to do another baby blanket, but this time knit, in either a basket weave or with two strands held together in another stitch.  I'll probably knit this one in some sort of pink combos for the obvious reason.  :)

The only other news I have as far as my knitting goes, is that I finally gave in and bought a set of Signature dpns after having read how much my online pal, Kathy, loved them.  I got a size 2 set in red and at first I didn't care much for the very pointy tips but after knitting one of the socks above with them, I got into the groove and didn't poke myself as often as I did and first, and now I have to say that I do like them very much.  They come in especially handy when doing the heels and picking up because of the tapered tips, so if any of you are considering the purchase, although they're awfully expensive, I think you wouldn't be sorry and you'll have these steel babies forever!