2013, already?

Oh hey blog.  It's been a while.  This year I hope to stop by more often and update you on my life.  All that matters now is that I am dating a fantastic man, and have been for over nine months now.  I'm getting more involved in knitting again.  And I've ventured out and done some craft shows in the past year.  Life is definitely turning around from the "hole" I was in for so long.  And I'm happy about that.

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. The yarn softened up drastically after a good soak. 

Pattern: Urban Necessity Gloves

Needles: Size 6

Size: Medium

Yarn: Fisherman's Wool

Thoughts: These were a pain 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. Not sure about the sturdiest of this yarn...

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...

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  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...

birthday

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.

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.



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. 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.




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

busy

Oh blog, I've been so busy and neglectful of you. As usual. Please meet my new friends to explain my absence.



I'm going out for my local roller derby team. What would a 5'0, 94 pound girl do that for? Why not. :) I haven't broken anything yet... just shin splints!

Knitting news, there hasn't been much. I've started a Penelope from Rebecca Danger for some friends of ours that recently had a baby, but haven't gotten around to finishing it. I am also ignoring my Peggy Sue because I hate the way the sleeves are turning out. I really should have smaller circulars to do things that small - I can't stand the way the dpns make it look.

I really will try to update more, because I want to. I really do. For now, happy knitting.. and skating. :)