prettypants purls

FO: A couple of hats, a pair of mittens

2011-10-28T21:09:00.005-04:00

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

2011-10-18T08:41:00.002-04:00

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

2011-09-18T16:30:00.003-04:00

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

2011-09-12T06:48:00.004-04:00

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

2011-09-06T19:18:00.002-04:00

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

2011-09-05T20:03:00.003-04:00

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

2011-08-31T08:46:00.003-04:00

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!

August already?

2011-08-10T09:12:00.002-04:00

Oh blogland, so much has happened and I have definitely been neglecting you. But I have also been neglecting knitting, so don't feel left out. Don't get me wrong, I try to get some knitting time in but I think the fact that I'm only working on a shawl, in which the rows are getting ridiculously long, is getting annoying. Definitely time to start something new... in everything. K and I will be legally divorced September 6th. Married and divorced in under a year, can you believe that? I would have never dreamed that would happen to me. I never wanted to get married before I met him and look where it lead me. Down a path with a man who never truly loved me, who lied to me, who spent his time with another woman instead of me. This has definitely left me with some emotional scars. I'm very (VERY) hesitant about letting people in. I'm not sure that I can handle any more heartache. I've been pulling through the best I can. It helps that I keep very busy, I'm hardly ever home and if I am, I'm rarely alone. But none of the things I do, or the fun people I've met can make up for the pain I feel regarding the loss of a life I was so thrilled to have.

Soon, I will be pushing myself back into knitting. And perhaps derby again, I'm still undecided. It reminds me of my life with him, and it's hard for me to overcome that for some reason. Until then, Duncan and I will enjoy our little apartment and our new lives. I guess now I get the chance to do whatever I want, be whoever I want. Who knows, perhaps a move out of the state is in my near future..

Well..

2011-06-04T06:46:00.003-04:00

This entry will have nothing to do with knitting. Don't say I didn't warn you.

I've been having a hell of a time getting back into knitting anyway. And skating. And pretty much anything that I loved before my lovely husband pulled the plug on our marriage. I've picked up my knitting needles a few times, sure. But I don't have that desire to push through my pattern. Move on to the next section. See where things in the pattern are going to take me. Perhaps I'm too scared? Perhaps I'm not ready for something else to change? I like repeating the same six rows over and over again on my swallowtail shawl. I'm not ready to move to chart three when I've just gotten cozy with chart two. This seems to be how my life is in general. I've never been one who has taken well to change. Although I haven't had much of a chance the past year and a half...

I'm not here to complain or anything. I'm just frustrated. I try so, so hard to keep being strong and keeping pushing through and life just keeps dropping crap on me. Brother and sister-in-law murdered, husband doesn't want to be my husband after five months of marriage, my dog paralyzes another dog, my aunt has brain & lung cancer.... and I don't just focus on these things. I really don't. I know that I am so, so lucky to have the friends and family that I do. I would be in a little corner wishing myself to an eternal sleep if it wasn't for these amazing people. I'm just very annoyed this morning - this week, in general, really. It's also so different handling everything on your own. K is not there anymore when I wake up from a horrible nightmare about my brother. I roll over for comfort and there's nothing there but a pillow. There's no hug. There's no words of reassurance. It's just me, taking care of me now. Not that being on my own doesn't have it perks, it certainly does. But being alone is so hard sometimes. I have never been on my own - both living and relationship-wise. I've always just jumped from relationship to relationship, always needing someone to be there for me. And i don't get that. I don't get why I feel like I need some MAN to tell me things will be ok. Because you know what men, you all lied to me. It's not ok. Everything that has happened is not ok. People tell me to "stay strong" and "keep your faith in God"... well you know what? I've had it with God. He must be playing some sick joke on me to let all this happen. This is supposed to be happening for a reason? Ha. Right. I thought for a minute that perhaps this thing with K was happening because we aren't supposed to be together. That maybe I was supposed to seek out that one man who has never left the back of my mind. And I did seek him out... and he's married. Of course. So that clearly wasn't the reason. Maybe I'm just meant to be alone. Who knows. Boy did I start rambling.

I miss knitting. I miss skating. I miss myself and I'm desperately searching for that happy girl I once was. I hope I can find her soon...

Life is funny

2011-05-26T21:49:00.003-04:00

Well, things have been changing. And that is definitely a reason that I haven't been writing on here. To sum it up, since I've last written, many things have happened. My marriage has fallen apart. I lived with my parents. I moved into my own apartment. My dog mistook a small dog for a toy and paralyzed it, leaving me with an insane vet bill to pay. My credit card was stolen. My brother's suspected murderer was bailed out of jail. There's just been a lot to handle and it's taken me a while to get the upper hand on everything. Of course when I think I have the upper hand something else seems to fall apart. I just wanted to write, explain my absence. I haven't even really been knitting so there's nothing to update there. I have a feeling I will be utilizing this blog more often and not just for knitting. Now that I'm out on my own the only living thing I have to talk to at home is my dog.. and he doesn't say much back.

busy

2011-03-27T08:31:00.003-04:00

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. :)

FOs: Socks & Mittens

2011-02-10T07:43:00.002-05:00

Hooray for new socks AND new mittens. Unfortunately it's been too cold to wear the mittens out. I've found that Patons CWM just doesn't stand up below freezing temperatures particularly well. So until the weather decides to get a bit warmer, I'll just be wearing them around the house on occasion! I still don't have a great photo of the Grove mittens. Also, it's true that it took me MONTHS to finish the Angee socks from Sock Innovation. I'm not too sure why. The pattern worked up quite easily. I think I just got caught up in other projects.

Currently I have a Seaman's Cap on the needles and really should be casting on for my nephew's baptism booties. I have the yarn and everything needed, I'm just lazy. It isn't happening until the first weekend of March so I've got a few weeks.

I really want to sew my own clothes. But I'm so scared of patterns. Ugh, how is one supposed to overcome this?

January ending

2011-01-29T22:00:00.003-05:00

A post because I never post.

First off, a few book reviews. I finished My Sister's Keeper and could have thrown it across the room. I could not believe that it ended the way that it did. Really author? Did you have to go and ruin everything for me? I've read a few of Jodi Picoult's books before and I must have forgotten they are always so sad. It was a good read and refreshing to read about someone elses's insane life... even if it wasn't a true story. I also read Casting About, which isn't really worth talking about. It was quite a waste of time but I still read the entire book for some reason. Go figure. I've made another trip to the library and am taking on a new stack of books so I'll talk about this at a later time.

I'm nearly done knitting my Grove mitts. Just the thumb on the right hand to go and then I'll be finished. In time to enter them in the NaKniMitMo2011 group on flickr! I'm sure they won't get much attention but I made it my goal to finish them by the end of this month. I do enjoy the mitts however am not too keen on the yarn chosen. I think they would have been much better in Cascade 220 or Malabrigo. But I used what I had on hand and wanted something to match my Quincy hat anyway. I'm also nearing the toe on my second Angee sock. FINALLY. I never thought I'd see the day that happened. Tonight my sister-in-law asked me to knit a pair of booties for my nephew's baptism at the beginning of March. I feel honored, but am now in a panic. What pattern do I choose? Which yarn? Oh my. Thankfully booties are small and even if I spend weeks panicking, I will still have time to crank a pair out. I keep dreaming about knitting sweaters but my goodness, I must be the slowest knitter ever. And I never thought I was that slow. I can't even begin to figure out how some of these amazing knitters on ravelry create sweater after sweater after pair of socks! What?! You gals (and guys!) are my heros.

Still have plans to sew. Still have plans to learn to cook new delicious meals. So far this year I have been somewhat successful with a potato and leek soup. Not so successful with stuffed mushrooms. (However, it may be that we just don't like fungi around here.)

Moo wanted to pop in and see you off. Hope everyone is staying warm with all their wool goodies.

Reading & Knitting

2011-01-13T08:01:00.003-05:00

I've been reading quite a bit. And wishing I was knitting more. Then trying to figure out how to read and knit at the same time. Eventually I'll figure it out. In the meantime, I'll write about what I just finished reading. I just finished "The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club" and while I thought it was a good, quick read I wouldn't recommend it if you were looking for something that had any meaning. It reminded me quite a bit of The Friday Night Knitting Club, but with an English twist. A good, ridiculous read if you just want to pass some time pretending you are in a different place. I'm currently reading My Sister's Keeper - which is definitely breaking my heart. In both a good and bad way. I'll let you know what I think once I finish it.

Knitting, I'm currently working on not enough. I wish I had at least two more projects on the needles right now. I'm way too anxious to have finished knits. My two main projects right now are Grove by brooklyntweed and Angee by Cookie A. Both patterns are stimulating enough, but I just have the urge to start a hat. And a Penelope the Empathetic Monster. And perhaps something from the MochiMochi book I checked out at the library. Here's a photo of Grove that I've got going. Not the best photo, nighttime knitting photo taken with my iPhone..

Life-wise, I'm most likely insane. It's getting close to being a year since I've lost my brother and sister-in-law and as much as I don't want it to affect me, it definitely is. My mind is constantly racing and I find myself fighting off those horrible feelings as I did before. A bit obnoxious and I wish I had more control over it. But how can someone control that type of situation?

Until next time!

Is that really you 2011?

2011-01-02T08:31:00.003-05:00

I know, I always say it but it's so true. I am so terrible at blogging. But I'm going to try really hard to do better this year. Really. :) My other plans this year include knitting more, learning to cook better, reading more and worrying less. Probably a million other things but we will just start from there for now. So, because I knit so little this year I feel that I don't even deserve a mosiac to show off what I knit. However I do want to show off my new favorite hat!

The pattern is Quincy by the fabulous brooklyntweed. I used Patons Classic Wool Merino doubled because I loved the color and I had it in my stash. I'm not always a huge fan of Patons but this didn't turn out so bad. I absolutely loved the construction of this hat and it really jump started by urge to start knitting again.

I've also been sewing. Unfortunately I have no photos to show of that. I will also get better at taking photos of my sewing.

More to come soon.

Wedding Photos

2010-11-21T07:43:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to share a sneak peek at our wedding photos. We will hopefully have the rest by the end of the month! I'm very much so looking forward to getting them.

A New Nephew

2010-11-14T08:57:00.003-05:00

Please meet the newest love of my life, Louie.

My sister-in-law went into labor at midnight November 10th. On K's 30th birthday. So, they are now birthday buddies. And my most favorite birthday buddies ever. I can't even tell you just how perfect the little man is. I just can't get enough of him. And thankfully I don't have to worry about not seeing him as often as I would like since they live here in town. I think I'd like to have my own Louie someday. If I gave in to my baby fever, I would say RIGHT NOW. :) But I think waiting for a while is probably a better decision. Hooray for wonderful babies.

Hey, I got married!

2010-10-17T08:10:00.002-04:00

I got married yesterday. K thought I should write down all the crazy thoughts going through my head this morning which caused me to get hardly five hours of sleep! These are things I want to make sure sure I remember for the rest of my life.
-Having bronchitis a week and a half leading up to wedding weekend. And then somehow, by some miracle, feeling completely better just in time.
-Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. I was sure it was going to be so awkward at first. Hardly anyone knowing each other... the GIANT SCAFFOLDING in our church. Our insane priest. Everything was so perfect. Although I may have been texting on the altar during our rehearsal (we had a lost usher!) and I forgot pretty much everything that we went over there. Dinner was fantastic. The worst part of the whole night was that our best man got pulled over following us to the place! So lame. I was feeling especially social, which is not normal for me. So I introduced a lot of people to people they didn't know. I could say that everyone truly enjoyed themselves. K's dad made a spectacular toast in which he expressed how much he and K's mom really love me. So wonderful. I could cry right now just thinking about it!
-I hardly slept the night before. And when I did, I dreamt about giant tornadoes.
-K's sister did NOT got into labor! WOOHOO! (she's probably in labor as I write this)
-The salon was fantastic. All my girls looked stunning. They were playing strange music. The macarana, spice girls. Odd. I adored my hair.
-Lunch was great. Just sitting around with my fantastic ladies and relaxing was great. The string quartet arrived early to practice and I absolutely loved that I got to hear them.
-K sent a package my way with some beautiful earrings. He's so cute.
-Getting ready was hilarious. K's sister had the most hilarious pregnant panty hose on.
-Waiting for my turn to walk up the aisle, I got that "roller coaster" feeling. Ya know, you wait in line so long and then once you are about to get on, you feel like you have to pee like crazy. I mentioned this to my photographer and he said that he often hears "I have to go #2" Awesome.
-The ceremony was a blur. I hardly remember walking up with my dad. I can just remember the look on K's face. He had so much love on his face. For me. Both our hands were sweaty apparently. I thought it was just K's but he said mine was! All the readers were great, from what I could hear. All I could think about was K's face. Even the crazy rambling priest didn't matter to me. And can you believe I didn't cry? I was just so happy. Even beyond happy crying.
-We had the COOLEST CAR EVER. A 1957 Chevy. WHAT UP! It was so amazing. I can't wait to have photos of that.
-The photographer was amazing. She was so quick but I know all the photos will be amazing. She's already posted four pictures for us. AMAZING. Love them and I can't wait to see more.
-My girls were bustling my dress in the hallway as people were coming in. Oh well if part of my dress was up to my head and my shoes were kicked off. I get that the reception hadn't even started but I just walked all over town in those shoes! (My feet are KILLING me) I think people were amused and they were still so happy to see me. :)
-The flower girls were the cutest thing on earth. The littlest one ripped her dress. But I don't care! They also both kicked off their shoes right after I did. Adorable.
-Toasts were amazing. My dad and MOH had one written. The best man was winging it. They were all great. I can't express the love I felt for the three of them. MOH had to bust me out about my obsession with knitting during her speech. Oh well. :)
-K dropped his whiskey glass on the floor at my feet. It broke. I guess a small piece must have cut my toe because it was hurting me quite a bit and there is a small bit of blood on the bottom of my wedding dress! He wasn't even drunk. Silly man.
-My parents were "hip bumping"
-One of my nieces got K's dad out in the middle of the dance circle. K said he's pretty sure he's never seen his dad dance like that.
-I thought my dad was going to pass out during our dance. He was shaking and trying to sing the words but couldn't seem to remember them. I think it was especially crazy emotional for him because of everything thats happened this past year. He was such a good host.
-We had some awesome dancers. Larry's craziness. Chris's cool moves. My nieces trained dancing.
-The band was the best choice every. Kevin, Jason and Chris got up and played with the band. First was Johnny B Good. Everyone got a chance to see how talented those boys were. Secondly was Sweet Home Chicago. Jason was reading lyrics off his phone. Hilarious.
-Janie nearly cried when I went to say hello to her. She told me I was the most beautiful bride ever. I told her not to tell her daughter that.
-People came in from Florida, New York, Colorado... Mississippi! Everyone was so spectacular.
-Our first dance was to Earth Angel. The band learned it for us. It was beautiful. K is hard to dance with, he is so tall. :) I had a crink in my neck looking up at him.
-The cake was YUM. K smeared some on my nose. I snorted some chocolate cake. Yum.
-We got a giant box of cards. GIANT. People are way too nice.
-The bartenders said that our wedding was one of the best yet in that hall. Woot woot.
-K's friends were so amazing towards me. One of them even asked me to dance! Who wasn't even dancing himself before that! Bryan, one of the groomsmen, even told me that even though we don't know each other that well, he is so happy for us because he can see just how happy I make K. So sweet.
-Watching my family together was one of the best things ever.
-Taking four zillion bobby pins out of my hair at the end of the night was not cool.

Thats all I've got for now!

FO: Bachelorette party "dress"

2010-09-06T14:52:00.003-04:00

So, it is not quite a dress. And I am not quite a sewer. Ok, really... a horrible sewer. I was frightened by patterns that I have so decided to wing it. First I made a skirt. Which was easy. No big deal. But then, I decided to make a top... with elastic in the back... and attach it to the skirt. All was going well until the attachment part came. WHAT A MESS. I tore it apart, made a "sash belt" and will now wear it in two parts. It just looks like one. It's still a mess. But it's my mess and I'm going to wear it to my 1950s themed bachelorette party. Ha.

The fabric came from JoAnns. It's just a cotton. I'm still afraid of better fabrics. But I pretty much love it and have enough over to make a headband and perhaps a small bag. Not to wear with the dress, of course. That might be insane.

Don Draper, here I come..

Forgotten Blog

2010-09-05T09:12:00.002-04:00

I have actually not forgotten about you blog. I've just been preoccupied. I'm getting married in six weeks ya know. Doesn't exactly take a week to throw it all together. :) Wedding planning is going well. I had my trial hair/makeup appointment last weekend and my bridal shower. We got lots of cool gifts. And lots of unnecessary gifts, I'm sure. But still fun to bring home all types of new things. :) My dress fitting was yesterday and as much as I would LOVE to post a photo of this, I cannot. Since my other half may stumble upon it. It's the only thing about the wedding I want to keep a surprise. The bachelorette party is next weekend. All I've been told is I must dress like a woman in the 1950s. (Mad men anyone? Love that show!) So, since I have not been able to find anything in the stores, I've bought some fabric to attempt to make an outfit. And red lipstick! Ha. I'm very much so looking forward to it. My bridesmaids are the best.

Knitting news... hm, well I finished a hat for K. I'll have photos someday. And I am STILL working on Peggy Sue. The cables just slow me down so much. I've been dreaming about knitting other things but just haven't found the energy to do it. Although the temperature outside did drop about 25 degrees from what it's been the past month or so and it seems to have sparked my urge to knit again. I just don't want to mess around with yarn when it's 90 and humid outside. Ugh.

Because I can't leave a blog photoless, here is a photo of a diaper cake I made a few weeks ago for my soon to be sister-in-law.

An Important Date

2010-08-05T20:51:00.002-04:00

This date is not important in a way you would want it to be important. It doesn't celebrate anything that you really want to remember. It's not a birthday. Or a romantic anniversary. It is six months since my brother and sister-in-law were taken from us. You didn't really need to tell me that for me to know, because that burning hole in my soul I felt when it first happened, came back with an insane amount of strength last night. And it's been hitting me on and off more often lately. I'm not sure why. Perhaps because it's getting closer to my wedding day. I'm obviously aware that they won't physically be there with us... but now it just seems more real. More painful. More irritating. I'm not the most religious person, nor do I not believe in a God, but for the first time in my life I've been angry with him. Why why why. Why did he plan our lives like this? But when it really comes down to it, I'd say that God has provided quite a few other amazing things in my life to help me get through. My absolutely amazing family, and the strongest person I know, my dad. My dad who lost his first born son and his best friend. Who by no means is a young fellow, but somehow found the strength to pull through and support any of us who fall. Kevin... who has done so much for me, even though it may seem to him like he has done so little. He never gets mad when I just break down crying. Screaming. Panicking. Or when I wake up early in the morning upset. Or when I'm afraid of life. He's the most amazing gift that I've been given to help me pull through. My friends, my incredible work colleagues. Life, really. And it's hard for me sometimes to remember just how amazing a gift life is. Because I get so afraid. And so upset. I wish that no one had to ever feel this pain that I have. To know that I will never hug my brother again, or talk about sewing with my sister-in-law... even that I will never sing karaoke with my brother in my parent's basement again. (I NEVER do karaoke, I am the worlds worst singer) Life has presented me with quite a challenge. And I know I will overcome it, because there still is so much beauty in the world. And so much life to experience. Besides, I have a new nephew coming in November. November 5th, actually. Exactly nine months after this happened. So, life is still amazing. And I can't wait to have a new, tiny man in my life.

This one is for you brother. I'll see you again.

Three Months Later...

2010-07-15T09:39:00.002-04:00

I really am the WORST BLOGGER EVER. But I swear I've been busy. And lazy. :D

But look, I finished another garter yoke cardigan. Of course it's messed up because at this point I was still purling wrong, which gave me twisted stitches. Still... it is finished. :)

We also went on vacation. To Memphis. And it was so amazing... and so good to get away from everything.

And of course, very busy with wedding things. I have no photos for you. Just trust me on this one. :) Three months to go!

Did I mention I have TWO baby showers in the next three weeks? Better get back to knitting...

Save The Date!

2010-04-29T20:19:00.004-04:00

Well, we finally finished our save the date video. Woot! :) I thought it would never get done. But, I'm pretty happy with the way it's turned out. So waiting wasn't so bad. Enjoy!

The only April post

2010-04-25T08:13:00.003-04:00

Not very great excuses... but we've been busy playing.

And sewing. Of course I have no photos of this. But I've made a couple skirts. And a bag for my new swift. (Yes, I bought a swift and absolutely love it! I can't believe how much quicker it is to turn a hank into a cake!)

And most important, planning the wedding and the honeymoon. I have no photos of that either. Bummer. But soon I will have a save the date video to share with you. We got all the footage needed this past week and it will be edited this week and hopefully ready to go by the end of the week. Can. Not. Wait. And honeymoon planning - so fun! We don't have too much booked other than two nights at the boon spa & hotel and one at safari west. Could possibly be the coolest trip ever. I might not want to come back!

I have done a bit of knitting as well. I made a lacy baktus for a swap present. I used baby cashmerino... SUPER soft after a nice soak. Although I must say I had some issues with knitting it, as it seemed a bit splitty. But it worked out and hopefully my partner liked it. :)

I also have damson and peggy sue on the needles. (Rav links) And now that I have finally figured out how to purl correctly (turns out I've been Ptbl this whole time thinking it was the correct way to purl).. both these things are turning out lovely.

Now, off to knitting. The computer has been so distracting lately!

FO: Ishbel the Second

2010-03-13T15:05:00.003-05:00

Pattern: Ishbel
Yarn: Araucania Ranco Solid
Needles: Size 7
Thoughts: Obviously I adore this pattern, this is the second Ishbel I've made! I would absolutely make it again. And again. Especially since after making it, and being extremely frustrated about the curling that was going on with it even after blocking, a lovely fellow "raveler" let me know that I may be doing something wrong in my knitting/purling. So I looked it up. And what do you know, I've been purling wrong ever since I first taught myself to knit! (I suppose that it what you get for teaching yourself, ha.) Turns out I've been purling through the back loop the whole time I was supposed to be purling through the front. Oh well. Now I know. I still love everything that has been knit with twisted stitches. :)

I've also learned to crochet! Ah, so fun. :) I am working away at a giant granny square blanket and loving it. I love granny squares. I'm using probably the ugliest combination of colors but it's just acrylic I have laying around in my stash. What a great way to use it up. I can't believe how much faster yarn seems to be used up in crochet than knitting. Kind of crazy.

We have an appointment to taste cake next Saturday. So looking forward to it!

Flower Girls

2010-03-08T18:28:00.003-05:00

Meet the ultra cute flower girls, Emily (bigger) and Anna. Perhaps the cutest little flower girls on earth. Or maybe I'm just biased.

FO: End of May Mittens

2010-02-27T07:27:00.003-05:00

New Mittens! Hooray!

Pattern: End of May Mittens (rav link!)
Yarn: Cascade 220 & a tad bit of KP Palette for cuff
Needles: Size 3 dpn
Thoughts: LOVE!! Such a great pattern. Have had so many compliments from people. And hints that they may also like a pair of these amazing looking mittens. They are very warm and I love the brightness of the green. Or I just love green. :D I would absolutely make this pattern again.

Speaking of green, I've cast on for another Ishbel. In green. I'm really pushing to get it done for the end of the month so I can use it for Feb in my 10 Shawls in 2010 group but it's not looking promising. The loooong purl rows just slow me down way too much. There's got to be a faster way to purl! Well anyhoo, I'm loving the way it's coming out and can't wait to finish it and wear it everywhere.

There is progress being made in wedding planning! Well, slightly. My bridesmaids are going to try on dresses this afternoon and I'm looking forward to that. We've also been working on our registry.. which is so awesome! (I've always been one of those kids who would grab the Christmas toy catalog and circle everything I wanted and then gave it to my parents. It seems I've never grown out of that.) Have I shared who our photography is yet? Not sure. Well, it's Jessika Feltz and I'm so, so excited to have her and her husband doing our wedding! We are considering adding a "photobooth" package onto it, which would be uber fun. (You can probably see that somewhere on her website.. lemme see.. here.)

Here's a photo of Duncan to finish this post. He's kind of cute, even though he woke me up at 5:45 this morning to eat.

A Lack of Words

2010-02-06T10:29:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I lost two of the most amazing people I know. My brother and sister-in-law were murdered in their own home. I don't really know what to say about it. I'm still in a state of shock and am trying to be strong for my father. He is the one that found them. I can't imagine the pain that he is going through. I know not many people actually read my blog, but for those who do, and perhaps those who just randomly come across it... please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers. No matter who or what you pray to. And please don't let petty things cause trouble between you and your loved ones. You really don't know how much time you have left.

"If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again" I will never stop thinking of either of you.

A Dog Slave

2010-01-29T06:54:00.002-05:00

I have become what I said I would never be. A slave to my dog. He has me wrapped around his little finger. Or, paw. But really, how can you resist this face?

Neglecting Knitting?! Oh No!

2010-01-24T20:49:00.003-05:00

Of course I am not intentionally neglecting my knitting. I have just stumbled upon a new obsession.

Meet my latest obsession. A sewing machine. *cue scary music* Seriously, what was I thinking? I wasn't. I bought it on a whim, at Joann Fabrics. I don't even know why I went in the store in the first place... but all of a sudden I was walking out with a Singer Simple. On sale for $99. (Could anyone really pass this up?) So, after getting it home and unwrapping everything I decide to watch the dvd a few times to see if it will help any. I watch it over. And over. And yup, again and again. Somehow I still mess up sewing and spend a ton of time just cussing at the stupid thing. Turns out I kept forgetting to put my foot down on the fabric and the thread kept bunching up the back. Oops.

Now I can't stop reading sewing books. Sewing blogs. Looking at pictures of homemade sewn items! I've taken on a few things so far, but nothing earth-shattering. A bag from Bend the Rules in which I forgot to fold down the top edges and it now has a rough edge. A tiny bag for my sister-in-law for her ITouch. And a headband, for me. Which is far from perfect. But I pretty much love it. :)

We also got a new camera. A Nikon D5000. Ooo, fancy. Still trying to figure it out. But Kevbot got this sweet photo of me sewing.

That is all for now. It's Sunday evening and all I have been doing is sewing and blogging! Now it is time to relax and enjoy my glass of wine for as long as I can before passing out on the couch to the sound of Kevbot playing Modern Warfare. :D

a new year

2010-01-03T08:33:00.002-05:00

I did not get a chance to post about Ishbel before the new year snuck up on me! I really did finish it in time, even before Christmas. Which is good, considering it was a Christmas present. And well received, I'd say. She changed her shirt to match the color so she could wear it that day. Woot. :) Always nice to see your knits appreciated.

Pattern: Ishbel (ravelry link)
Yarn: Bristol Yarn Gallery Buckingham, about one and half skeins (Just to add in that this yarn is very soft and I am so glad I was able to snag something so cozy at my extremely LYS... that is more of a sewing store)
Needles: Size 6
Thoughts: Loved the pattern, was fairly easy to memorize. However I'm still pretty sure I got off a stitch or two near the end. But you can't really tell. I will definitely give this pattern another go sometime. Probably in the near future, since I have joined the 10 shawls in 2010 group on ravelry! (When I told Kevin this, he whined and said "No more SHAWWWWWS. Join the 10 scarfs/hats and mittens for boyfriend group!")

2009... I will give it a thumbs up. It was pretty good to me. An awesome trip to Colorado... a HOUSE... an ENGAGEMENT (woo hoo!!)... and of course our silly new puppy, Duncan.

This year should be filled with wonderful things as well. Lots of knitting plans. And making our house cooler plans. And fencing in the yard so we don't have to truck through tons of snow with the dog next winter plans. Oh and of course the most important, wedding plans! :)

Duncan

2009-12-16T08:45:00.001-05:00

This is Duncan.

We rescued him from Pet Refuge. He's between 3-4, and the vet said she'd bet everything that he is a full blooded english lab. He is pretty awesome... even though he looks at me like he is so much wiser than me.

A Year of Knitting

2009-12-04T08:59:00.003-05:00

Well, I would say 2009 has been fairly good to me so far. Knitting-wise, of course. :)

Next year... sweaters!

Riiiing

2009-11-21T23:07:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to put a better photo of my ring up. Love! :)

Finished Things are Fun!

2009-11-21T19:43:00.002-05:00

Such as Warmest Mitts for Kevin!

Yarn: Cascade Pastaza & KP Wool of the Andes doubled
Thoughts: AWESOME. Took me two and half days MAYBE to complete these. He loves them. I love them. I'm pretty jealous of their coziness. The pastaza seems like it would be itchy but it keeps his hands very warm.

And a Gretel hat for me!

Yarn: KP Wool of the Andes
Thoughts: Favorite. Hat. EVER. Seriously.. I never want to take it off. It is so perfect. I thought the cabling would be terrifying but it was actually fun. I even learned to do one of the cables without the needle.. I just forgot which one now. Oops. Everyone should have one of these hats. In every color. Would love to make one up in something yummy like malabrigo.

Ok, Moo is not finished. She is just cute and I thought she deserved a guest appearance in blog land. :)

On non-knitting notes (like there should be any!), wedding planning is still going well. We now have pretty much all our bridal party on board. Minus a ring bearer and another usher. But we have time. I can't wait to put my dress on again. I always check in on it every time I go to my parent's house. It's seriously torture not allowing myself to actually take it out of the bag and put it on. *sigh* Someday...

Awesome

2009-11-05T21:11:00.006-05:00

Knitting is sort of awesome. It's my way to escape and relax. Getting so wrapped up in charts and yarn and needles (ok, maybe not needles) is an awesome feeling. Especially when you end up with something that is finished and well... awesome. So, to catch up on all the things I never post.. let's start with the most recent..

I made a shawl. Woo hoo! This blog makes me look like that is all I make. But this is not true. I just seem to feel like blogging when I accomplish something that large. I bet it will take me a very long time to post anything about the mittens for Kevin that took me three days to make. (Although.. must say, those are pretty cozy and I am very jealous)

So, the pattern is Springtime Bandit(ravelry link) and it was very enjoyable. Even though I messed up on the edge charts and forgot to really LOOK at it on the purl rows... hey, no one notices if I miss that single knit stitch in the middle of all the purls. Right? :) Of course not. The yarn is Patons Classic Wool Merino, and it is actually the yarn that Kevin proposed with. Awee. It's warm and cozy and I love it. I would most definitely make another of these. Perhaps when my blocking skills gain a bit more patience..

I also made these amazing blue socks quite a while ago.

The pattern is Child's First Sock in Shell pattern from Knitting Vintage Socks. The yarn is ShibuiKnits... and the yarn rocks. I love it. I actually bought myself another two skeins of it in a honey color when I took a trip to my favorite yarn store this past weekend. But that's a whole different story...

Oh hey, wedding planning is going well. If you cared at all. But do I really have to wait another ELEVEN months? Whose idea was that? Oh wait, it was mine. Dang that wanting a fall wedding thing. Oh well... gives us plenty of time to sit around and stare at each other. I already bought my dress. What more do I need to do? :)

Home Sweet Home

2009-09-29T10:33:00.001-04:00

Did I mention we also bought a house? :) Keeps me busy!

Worst Blogger Ever?

2009-09-21T11:03:00.002-04:00

That's me! I have no excuses. I could say I've been busy, but I haven't been too terribly busy. Although lately I've been staring at this beautiful thing on my finger quite a bit...

More later. Hopefully! :)

<3

Three Years Old

2009-05-03T17:28:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday to Miss Moolatte with Cream! :) Or just Moo...

You were once tiny and cute.

Let's look at your puppy photos today and remember how tiny you really were. 1 lb, 4 oz the day I brought you home. Now you are a cow. But I love you.

Happy third birthday, Moo.

(Yes, I may be lame for celebrating her birthday on my blog.. but.. she's my baby!)

Alpacas

2009-04-26T08:35:00.008-04:00

Alpacas are cool. Especially when you randomly stumble upon an alpaca shearing while driving around looking for houses for sale. I must say that the shearing process seemed very unpleasant for the alpacas.. being chased down, stuck in a small area until haircut time.. then being strapped to a giant board/table and laid out for everyone to see your everything. *sigh* If I didn't enjoy the wonderfulness of their coats, I almost might feel bad for them. :) (Many thanks to Kevin for going with me!)

In knitting world... still working on Child's First Sock from Knitting Vintage Sock. I completed the first one last night and am in the middle of the first pattern repeat on the second. I think it will go pretty quickly. Unlike most sock patterns, I actually have memorized this one quickly and enjoy it. Can't wait to have another pair of pretty socks to wear!

FO: Shetland Triangle

2009-04-20T09:15:00.007-04:00

Hooray.. the purple shetland is finally out of my life. :) I didn't get very many finished photos of it. I think it was received well, which is good news. Amy seemed to like it.. and the older ladies in her family definitely liked it. I think I am done with shawls for now. Although I am really enjoying all the finished Ishbel shawls I keep seeing on Ravelry... hmph. I don't think I want to torture myself with knitting with such fine yarn for a while. Wait.. the only thing I'm working on at the moment is socks. Dang it.

I am planning on knitting the Garter Stitch Swingy Sweater or Favorite Cardigan from Custom Knits next. But knowing me I'll start something else instead. I would like to make a few bags to use for grocery shopping. Or for one of those rare occasions that we actually go to the market..

I don't have much news outside of the knitting world. It's no wonder I haven't shared this blog with anyone yet. I'm so lame!

Goshen/Mishawaka Area

2009-04-18T10:42:00.004-04:00

If you are in the area.. I'd recommend this!

I am...

2009-04-08T16:28:00.001-04:00

Robert Plant rocks my world. <3

Just My Luck

2009-04-06T17:02:00.000-04:00

Who would've guessed that my fountain pen shawl would take a turn for the worse after I said that I really should put a lifeline in. Yes, that evening.. after writing that last post.. my (knitting) world fell apart. I blame Freaks and Geeks. The show, of course. I've been watching the one and only season of it. And I got way too confident in my knitting abilities and paid more attention to the show than to my project. I tried fixing it for hours. I cried. I called it a few choice words. I cried some more. Then I began ripping it out and trying to figure out what my next move would be. So.. it came down to another Shetland Triangle. I know the pattern. It's easy. I could crank one out in the brief amount of time that I have before the bridal shower. I'm using Bristol Yarn Gallery Buckingham in "Grape." This yarn is so soft and wonderful to knit with. Amy is a pretty lucky gal..

Oh. Check out my boyfriend's awesome band.

Progress

2009-04-01T09:54:00.000-04:00

so, as i said in my previous post.. i've been working on the fountain pen shawl from interweave knits spring 2009. i also have a deadline. before april 19th. well, it has to be blocked and wrapped and amazing before april 19th. can i make it in time? we'll see.

i'm not sure what i was thinking with this large shawl in this teeny yarn. alpaca with a twist fino? uggh.. the thinnest yarn on earth! i'm debating whether or not i'll do all ten repeats of chart two. i'm almost through my fifth repeat and it's taking me forever to do the purl rows. (evil, evil purling) i'm keeping my fingers crossed that nothing devasting happens. i haven't put in a lifeline and i'd hate to mess it up and have to tear it all back. (i shudder just considering that) perhaps i should put one in..

after this is finished up, i have to make something for my swap partner in color swap 3. i'm looking forward to it.. it's my first swap! how fun. :) i am having a bit of trouble deciding what color to choose for my swap partner, but thankfully she is quite the chatterbox and posts a LOT on ravelry. so, that is very helpful!

i guess that's all i have to report. better get back to work!

FO: Shetland Triangle

2009-03-20T20:22:00.000-04:00

Hooray, my first finished lace shawl! :) I loved working on this and now am a little irked that I decided to use KP Palette for it. I would love it in a much nicer yarn. But this was good for practice.. can you imagine how mad I would be if I ruined beautiful yarn? Agh. What a nightmare.

I'm sure I will make another Shetland.. the pattern was super easy and enjoyable. I am very happy with it. :)

Now I am starting the Fountain Pen Shawl for a wedding gift in Alpaca with a Twist Fino. I don't think it will be long before I'm sick of lacework!
That's all for now.. happy knitting!

first post

2009-03-19T22:02:00.000-04:00

i'm attempting a blog again. but nothing really important today.

just watch this video. :)