FO: A couple of hats, a pair of mittens

Finally, some finished photos!

Pattern: Simple Slouchy Hat
Knitting needles: Size 6 & 10
Size: Large
Yarn: Fisherman's Wool, doubled

Thoughts: Definitely love this hat, even the second time around knitting it. The pattern is so easy, great for TV knitting. This hat is for Chad, to match his flippy mittens. The yarn softened up drastically after a good soak. Someday I'll knit one of these hats for myself.

Pattern: Urban Necessity Gloves

Needles: Size 6

Size: Medium

Yarn: Fisherman's Wool

Thoughts: These were a pain in my ass to knit. They aren't exactly a matching set, perfectly. One cuff is about three rows longer than the other. And one pinky finger is slightly longer. But, Chad was extremely thrilled with these and has worn them nearly to pieces already. I've already had to take a sweater stone to them once and he's only had them about two weeks. Not sure about the sturdiest of this yarn, seeing as he is pretty hard on things.

Pattern: Brambles Beret

Needles: Size 4 & 6

Size: Medium

Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted

Thoughts: Love the way this hat turned out, however it seems a bit small. I may put it through another soaking and blocking session to see how it turns out. As always, this yarn is pleasantly soft and warm. I'm definitely a huge fan of the malabrigo. The pattern was very well written.

So friends, I'm thinking about going out of my comfort zone, and trying to sell some of my handmade items. I've had the idea running through my head for years but I think the time has come to put it into action. Plus I could definitely use the extra money. We'll see what happens in the future...

Mid-October

I have a few FOs to show off, but the photos aren't on my computer yet. I finally finished those darn flippy mittens and Chad loves them. Which he should, I don't just knit for anyone! I decided to hop on board with Socktoberfest even though I'm sure I won't get them finished by the end of the month. I am such a slow sock knitter. Also working on a matching hat for Chad's mittens, and a scarf for a Christmas gift.

This month has mostly been jam-packed with working too many hours. I was able to slip away from a few days and take a trip to Nashville to visit the boy. I must say, my stress level dropped drastically by getting out of this town. I definitely didn't get to see all of Nashville that I wanted to, but I certainly enjoyed all that we did do. The weather was nearly perfect, the food was pretty dang delicious and the grocery stores... oh my! Being a lover of fresh foods, I nearly drooled walking into their Fresh Market. The grocery stores alone could be enough to convince me to make a move down there, as nerdy as that sounds. I was not able to make it to any yarn stores, but I don't doubt that those are awesome as well. Next time.

I think I'm just posting for postings sake. I will get those photos uploaded to my computer and post about those FOs soon.

another september post

I always intend to blog about knitting. About food. But I never remember to. Currently, I am enjoying the last of some cabernet (courtesy of the naked grape, I give it so-so reviews), just finished yet another episode of Mad Men & I find myself completely lost. I'm always trying to figure out what I'm doing. I wish I could look into the future and know now where things are supposed to go. I don't know how much longer I'll be able to stand my job. This town, really. I can't go anywhere without thinking of either Kevin, or my brother and sister-in-law. I obviously need a fresh start. But where? How will I survive without knowing so many people? I'm terrified of the future... yet, I can't wait for it to get here. I am sure I'm not the only one that feels this way. I can't be.

Knitting... always. Still working away on all the same things. My knitting speed has seemed to have gotten much slower these days, which is disappointing. I have so much yarn, and so many patterns, that I want to get to. Some day.

Food-wise, I'm going to try to start eating better. Today, I fail. I caved in and got breadsticks from Mancinos. But after this, something a bit healthier! I am going to try to cut out most meats. Occasional fish or chicken, but I'm thinking only those in my diet. I have no need for beef or pork. I'm also going to try to get more into vegetables and fruits. I've never been a huge fan of either, but perhaps I never had them the correct way. Who knows. We'll see how long I last. Probably not too long. But I'll just keep on trying.

I made apple "mush" today. It's supposed to be applesauce, but I don't smash it very much, and I like to put it on everything. I also got apple cider. Can you tell I'm ready for fall? Bring on sweaters, scarves and boots. I can't wait.

Also, my hairdresser totally butchered my hair this past week. It is so very short. Oh well, it's kind of growing on me. Ha, I wish...

single, no more

Well, that's right. I finally committed to Chad last night. It took a lot for me to tell the part of me that was going "you're going to get hurt! what if things don't work out" (and all sorts of negative things) to shut up. He makes me happy, and i know that he will do anything it takes to make it work. He won't run away at the first sign of trouble, and he certainly won't go running after another lady. So, I'm jumping in. Even if we are eight hours apart. Maybe the long distance will be good, a true test of our compatibility. Plus it will give me time to do the "self finding" thing here on my own. I know if we lived in the same town we would be inseparable. So... here we go.

I've been knitting a ton, I swear! I'm still working on that darn shawl, and the flippy mittens. I am a bit mad at the flippy mittens, they're just irritating. Otherwise I started a brambles beret from knitty in malabrigo. I always forget how much I love malabrigo until I start knitting with it again. I swear it's the most fantastic yarn on earth. I've also been dreaming about sewing, although I've been too lazy to get my butt in the "craft room" and do it.

Oh, and one last thing. Happy birthday to the best man I'll ever know. My papa. He's turning 69 today, I can hardly believe it.

Almost exactly two years

I've made a giant pot of potato soup. Comfort food is much needed.

Today, facebook reminded me that Kevin proposed to me on this day, exactly two years ago. Tomorrow, we will be divorced. Does that not seem crazy to anyone else? I can't believe in a two year span that all this has happened. I have such mixed feelings on the whole situation. Of course I am sad. Sad, mostly disappointed. It makes me feel horrible knowing that he never made an effort. He says he did, but the way he handled it certainly doesn't reflect that. I'm certain that I could go on and on about this for hours. Days, even. But there's no need to it. Because tomorrow, it's all over. I will not look back on our life together with regret. Because I don't regret the time I've spent with him. He helped me through the hardest thing I've ever had to go through, and I'm not sure I could have done it without him. And his stupidity in our marriage has certainly pushed me to become a better, and stronger person. So now, here I am, nearly single. Living on my own, which I never thought I could do. And I can do anything now. And be anything. I am grateful for all the great things that have come out of my time with him. I don't hate him, I never could. I just hope that he grows from this, and becomes the wonderful person that I know he is capable of being. I will never forget the love and laughs we shared. But now... it's time to move on to new things. So, here's to a new life. A fresh start. A whole lot of heartache and tears, I'm sure. And hopefully, a whole new love with someone more fit for me.

hello, fall

I've been in a crafty mood lately. I've been finding things I'm wanting to knit up the wazoo. I did take a break from knitting to play with yarn and make this fantastic fall wreath. I'm thrilled that fall weather seems to be in the air and couldn't resist making this.



Tomorrow starts my crazy weeks of work... my next day off work that the store is open isn't until September 24th. But, it's all so I can take a journey to Nashville in October. It will be the weekend of what would be my anniversary, so I think it will be good to get out and somewhere new. Take my mind off things.

I have nothing else to update. I've been watching too much mad men, and dreaming about too many lives that aren't mine.

Always Neglected

You blog, you are always neglected by me. In a time when I could probably use you the most. Go figure. Well, we are less than a week away from my divorce being final. One day away from September. Seriously, where did the summer go? Time really does move faster as you get older. I have been keeping busy, for the most part. And knitting again! Don't believe me? Look.



I am much further than that now, but it's the only shot I have. These are the urban necessity mitts, or as I call them, flippy mitts. I wasn't too thrilled with the idea of doing individual fingers but it was so bad. I did hate sewing up the small holes made between each finger but it's something new for me. I'm also working on a shawl that I have been working on for way too many months. I get so burnt out by the long rows. It would probably help if I could get my knitting speed back up, I have slowed down a bit. Hopefully this fall weather will get me back into it.

I've also been cooking. And getting into cooking new things. Last night I had the best mussels ever. Next I'm looking at artichoke crusted chicken (I love artichokes) and Indian food. Hm, we'll see how that turns out! I figured I should expand my cooking horizons. Mostly so I'm not just eating pasta every night. Which I wouldn't really have a problem with. Yum.



So, I am thinking about moving come spring when my lease is up. I am still undecided where to, but Nashville is looking pretty appealing. Of course I haven't been down to visit it yet, but am planning on it in October. Did I mention that there's a boy there that I'm pretty into? Oh don't you give me crap about still being married either. K decided our marriage was over with many, many months ago. It's only fair that I'm allowed to meet a nice fella. And he's pretty fantastic, I think. So, we'll see how that progresses over the next few months. Otherwise... Colorado perhaps? Indianapolis? I definitely have options. You get those when you aren't tied down to anyone or anything.

I will try to update more. Especially if I'll be cooking more. I need to keep track of it all somewhere!