I picked up this book through interlibrary loan, after hearing good things about what it teaches you, and have decided to give this a try in addition to following WW. I think in addition to witting things out on note cards, putting the information from Response Cards on this blog will be great journaling tools.
Reasons I want to Lose Weight Chart
I'll look better
I'll be more attractive to others.
I'll be able to wear a smaller size
I'll be able to wear more stylish clothes.
I'll be happier when I look in the mirror.
I'll get joy out of shopping for clothes.
I won't feel so self-conscious.
I'll be in better health
I'll be able to exercise without discomfort or embarrassment.
I'll live longer
I'll feel better physically
I'll have more energy
I'll feel more in control
I'll feel as if I've accomplished something important.
I'll have more confidence
I'll increase my self esteem
I'll be less self-critical
I'll feel more outgoing
I won't have to listen to my family comment on what I'm eating.
I' won't have anyone bugging me about my weight
I'll be healthier to have another baby
I will lower my risk of developing diabetes later in life
I can knit smaller sizes.
Man I identified a lot of them as goals. Almost the whole list. I do need work. Now to get index cards tonight and remember to write them all down.
I've made negative progress on my NaKniSweMo project. I finished the 5th repeat of the raglan increases, and tried it on, and hated the neckline. It seemed like the body of the sweater was too big for me as well. I had DH give his opinion of the sweater and he hated the neckline as well. I frogged it that night, and re-cast on last night for the next size smaller (36 and something, the L) I know the sweater is designed to have negative ease, but this much negative ease does worry me a bit. But since I am knitting a smaller size, I'll have a bit extra yarn and should be able to do some short row shaping at the bust. And since this is a top down sweater, it will be easier to add some extra increases for the hips if I need them.
I have been lagging in the 100 AP's in November goal. Here it is day 7 of the month, and I am only at 11 AP's. But I will earn some this weekend. I don't think I will be at my goal of 25 a week, but I will try.
Lunch break is over, back to work.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
November Goals and a NSV
I have two big goals to work for this month.
The first is I'm participating in NaKniSweMo for the first time. The idea of knitting and finishing a whole sweater in a month is not that daunting, especially since I'm doing the short sleeved version of the Silken Scabbard. But I only have 800 yards of yarn and that is just shy of the called for for my size. I'm already planning on cutting out one cabled repeat on the bottom of the sweater, both to shorten and save on yarn, but its going to be close. The hemmed neckband took up a lot of yarn. But on the bright size, I figure I'm already 5,000 stitches in, and its only day three of knitting.
It doesn't look like much in the pictures, but the hem did eat a lot of knitting time.
On the workout front, I've committed myself to earning 100 AP's in November. If i complete this task, then I will buy myself a new pattern. With doing the Turbo Jam, its easy for me to earn 5-9 AP's a day, so as long as I am consistent, I don't see the numbers being a problem.
Workout Schedule
Monday- Punch Kick Jam and 10 min Ab Jam
Tuesday- 20 minute and Turbo Sculpt
Wednesday- Cardio Party Mix 1 and Ab jam
Thursday- Fat Blaster and 3TTurbo
Friday- Cardio Party Mix 3 and 10 minute Ab Jam
Rest Saturday and Sunday, unless I need to make up a workout.
There, its in writing, lets see if I can stick to it. Today is day 1 and I have already earned 9 AP.
Saturday DH and I had a date night. Nothing fancy, just the two of us going to the Abby Inn for dinner without the children. I tore apart my closet looking for nicer jeans to wear than the saggy baggy jeans I had been wearing since K was 3 weeks old. My Size 16 jeans that I had went on, and buttoned, but the gave me horrible muffin top. It was so bad that in the empire style shirt I was wearing, I looked very, very pregnant. I did go out and buy a new pair of jeans, with a bit of strech to them, also size 16 that fit beautifully. While I'm upset that my old jeans are still to small, I'm thinking because of the material and the cut, I'm ecstatic that I did fit in a different pair of the same size. There isn't even a "W" after the 16 on the label. I don't think I have fit in this size in over 10 years.
The first is I'm participating in NaKniSweMo for the first time. The idea of knitting and finishing a whole sweater in a month is not that daunting, especially since I'm doing the short sleeved version of the Silken Scabbard. But I only have 800 yards of yarn and that is just shy of the called for for my size. I'm already planning on cutting out one cabled repeat on the bottom of the sweater, both to shorten and save on yarn, but its going to be close. The hemmed neckband took up a lot of yarn. But on the bright size, I figure I'm already 5,000 stitches in, and its only day three of knitting.
It doesn't look like much in the pictures, but the hem did eat a lot of knitting time.
On the workout front, I've committed myself to earning 100 AP's in November. If i complete this task, then I will buy myself a new pattern. With doing the Turbo Jam, its easy for me to earn 5-9 AP's a day, so as long as I am consistent, I don't see the numbers being a problem.
Workout Schedule
Monday- Punch Kick Jam and 10 min Ab Jam
Tuesday- 20 minute and Turbo Sculpt
Wednesday- Cardio Party Mix 1 and Ab jam
Thursday- Fat Blaster and 3TTurbo
Friday- Cardio Party Mix 3 and 10 minute Ab Jam
Rest Saturday and Sunday, unless I need to make up a workout.
There, its in writing, lets see if I can stick to it. Today is day 1 and I have already earned 9 AP.
Saturday DH and I had a date night. Nothing fancy, just the two of us going to the Abby Inn for dinner without the children. I tore apart my closet looking for nicer jeans to wear than the saggy baggy jeans I had been wearing since K was 3 weeks old. My Size 16 jeans that I had went on, and buttoned, but the gave me horrible muffin top. It was so bad that in the empire style shirt I was wearing, I looked very, very pregnant. I did go out and buy a new pair of jeans, with a bit of strech to them, also size 16 that fit beautifully. While I'm upset that my old jeans are still to small, I'm thinking because of the material and the cut, I'm ecstatic that I did fit in a different pair of the same size. There isn't even a "W" after the 16 on the label. I don't think I have fit in this size in over 10 years.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Dear Ben and Jerry's
I have to say your Birthday Cake Ice Cream is really quiet yummy. The Chocolaty frosting swirl hits all the cravings in just the right spot. I can't resist this flavor. It beats Phish Phood hands down as my favorite.
Thats why I can never buy it again. I have no will power with this flavor. Once I open the pint and get a spoon anywhere near the contents, I will eat the entire thing in one sitting. It won't even last on the spoon long enough to find a home in a bowel for any attempt at portion control.
Thank you.
Thats why I can never buy it again. I have no will power with this flavor. Once I open the pint and get a spoon anywhere near the contents, I will eat the entire thing in one sitting. It won't even last on the spoon long enough to find a home in a bowel for any attempt at portion control.
Thank you.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday Weigh In
I had a good week last week. Ok, so I wasn't 100% on with the program, and AF finally showed up after K's birth. But I had a loss of 3 lbs this week! That put me at 209.6, and down almost 8 lbs since I got back on track last month.
Last night was knit night. I did indulge in a Pumpkin Pie latte at Art Six while I knit and my companion crocheted. We are a small group, and we have had a third person hop in from time to time, but maybe its just this semester keeping people away.
I got home and was too wired to get to sleep right away, so I watched some NCIS re-runs off the DVR until midnight, and much to my surprise, was up at 5:15 to work out today.
I was sick last week, and took the whole week off of working out, so I started back small, with the 20 minute Turbo Jam DVD followed by the whole AB Jam, and I felt great afterwards. I really need to get a set rotation for me, and try to get all the videos in an order. Maybe I will try setting up a grab-bag, and do the video I pull out the night before, and for the shorter videos, remember to double up with a longer video.
On the knitting front, I finished A Cardigan for Merry on Sunday night, now I'm just sewing the hems in, and I'm hoping to be able to block it tonight, and get buttons this weekend. Its been chilly in the mornings, and my little girl needs something on her head, but she won't wear a hat.
I'm trudging along on the Apris Surf Hoodie finally. I did the first sleeve in two weeks, started the second sleve but messed up the increases, frogged it and decided to cast on for the body in the round. That is a whole lot of stocking net stitches. I did get to the waste shaping, and I am about 5 rows from starting the lace. That at least should make things go faster....
But Saturday is the start of November, and that means it is time for NaKniSweMo, or the National Knit a Sweater in a Month. I decided to join this year, and do the Silken Scabbard in the Brooks Farm Solo that I picked up at Fiber Fest in April.
Last night was knit night. I did indulge in a Pumpkin Pie latte at Art Six while I knit and my companion crocheted. We are a small group, and we have had a third person hop in from time to time, but maybe its just this semester keeping people away.
I got home and was too wired to get to sleep right away, so I watched some NCIS re-runs off the DVR until midnight, and much to my surprise, was up at 5:15 to work out today.
I was sick last week, and took the whole week off of working out, so I started back small, with the 20 minute Turbo Jam DVD followed by the whole AB Jam, and I felt great afterwards. I really need to get a set rotation for me, and try to get all the videos in an order. Maybe I will try setting up a grab-bag, and do the video I pull out the night before, and for the shorter videos, remember to double up with a longer video.
On the knitting front, I finished A Cardigan for Merry on Sunday night, now I'm just sewing the hems in, and I'm hoping to be able to block it tonight, and get buttons this weekend. Its been chilly in the mornings, and my little girl needs something on her head, but she won't wear a hat.
I'm trudging along on the Apris Surf Hoodie finally. I did the first sleeve in two weeks, started the second sleve but messed up the increases, frogged it and decided to cast on for the body in the round. That is a whole lot of stocking net stitches. I did get to the waste shaping, and I am about 5 rows from starting the lace. That at least should make things go faster....
But Saturday is the start of November, and that means it is time for NaKniSweMo, or the National Knit a Sweater in a Month. I decided to join this year, and do the Silken Scabbard in the Brooks Farm Solo that I picked up at Fiber Fest in April.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Progress Pics.
I don't have any pics from my heaviest weight, so this progress page will be limited to photos starting from Summer/Fall of 2008.
Taken 08/09/08 at my sisters wedding.
Weight 217 lbs. It would take another month for me to decide to get back on WW.
Taken 9/29/08, Weight 213 lbs.
Notice the huge-post baby belly.
K was 7 1/2 months old when this was taken, and I still look pregnant.
A new look for the blog.
I've been toying with this idea for a while.
I've been trying to do a knit blog and a weight loss blog for a while. Unfortunately, both have been neglected in the last few months. Maybe it will be easier for me to focus if I try to combine them both again.
So the new name for the blog. "Fit and Fiber". I've been re-focused on Weight Watchers for the last two months, and I am down 7 lbs. I've decided for my rewards for hitting the milestones that I want will be knitting related, pattern, yarns, and the joy of knitting smaller sizes.
My highest weight was 245, and that was before I got pregnant with C. If I count my pregnancy weight, my highest weight was 254. I successfully lost 50 lbs one year after C was born, but quickly re-gained about 30, and hung around at 225-230 until I got pregnant again with K last year. After her birth, I was happy to see I was down to 217, and I have been working hard to lose more weight, and have lost 5 lbs in the last few months. I would love to get under 200 lbs before K's first birthday in February, get back to 50 lbs gone, and finally, get under 165 lbs. I do have a secret dream of getting below 145 lbs one day, for a grand total of 100 lbs gone, but I know that will take a ton of hard work and dedication.
I've been trying to do a knit blog and a weight loss blog for a while. Unfortunately, both have been neglected in the last few months. Maybe it will be easier for me to focus if I try to combine them both again.
So the new name for the blog. "Fit and Fiber". I've been re-focused on Weight Watchers for the last two months, and I am down 7 lbs. I've decided for my rewards for hitting the milestones that I want will be knitting related, pattern, yarns, and the joy of knitting smaller sizes.
My highest weight was 245, and that was before I got pregnant with C. If I count my pregnancy weight, my highest weight was 254. I successfully lost 50 lbs one year after C was born, but quickly re-gained about 30, and hung around at 225-230 until I got pregnant again with K last year. After her birth, I was happy to see I was down to 217, and I have been working hard to lose more weight, and have lost 5 lbs in the last few months. I would love to get under 200 lbs before K's first birthday in February, get back to 50 lbs gone, and finally, get under 165 lbs. I do have a secret dream of getting below 145 lbs one day, for a grand total of 100 lbs gone, but I know that will take a ton of hard work and dedication.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Rambelings on Knitting
I can't believe its been over a month since I last posted anything, again. I am turning int a bad knitblogger. I blame Ravelry. It makes things so easy, and makes it seem silly to write about the same projects on multiple places, but I miss being able to ramble on about knitting in an environment where my friends don't think I'm crazy.
Ravelympics- I finished not one, but two objects! Laminaria, which was my main project. The shawl turned out so lovely, and will more than likely wind up being my MIL's Christmas present this year.
I finished early, and wound up finishing Helena for the WIP wrestleling. We have had a few cool enough mornings this week for Kaylee to wear it to daycare, where it had much oohing and awwing. I just hope they don't decided to wash it for me. I do need to get some photos of her wearing it, but for now, Corwin's spider man sheets do a good job.
I'm almost done with Lisel. I have just one sleeve left to knit. This is the first time I've knit with MMMMMMmmmmalabrigo yarn, and I'm in yarn lust! I want to move to a colder part of the country so I could wear it in more than an airy cardi. The pattern has been easy to follow, but has been taking a long time due to getting other things done.
I wasn't too sure about this colorway to begin with, and part of me still wishes I had gone for the blue-green one. But I have told the husband that more MMMmmmalabrigo would make a nice birthday or Christmas present for me this year.
Corwin's yearly birthday sweater is coming across fast. His only requirements were that it be a green hoodie. I searched and searched Ravelry for a free child size hoodie pattern that wasn't girly, but no luck. I broke down and ordered the Little Cabled Hoodie pattern from Gardiner Yarn Works, and I am enjoying this pattern. Its well written, and easy to follow, and I have my eyes on other patterns from them that I want to knit. I think I will have the hoodie finished this weekend, and then I will need to find a zipper and sew it in.
I think I should be finishing up the green hoodie and Lisel this weekend. Which means I can get back to working on the Mystery Shall 4. I'm using the Alpaca Cloud in Iris Heather and bead from the forgotten Moroccan Days shawl for it, but I'm not loving it 100% . I need to start a new sweater, and I have had everything for the Apris Surf Hoodie for months, but found the pattern for A Cardigan for Merry which would only fit Kaylee this year. But the Apris surf hoodie yarn has been in stash, and it is perfect weather to knit and wear it. I'd cast on for both, but they both call for the same sized needle. Decisions decisions.
And I'm happy in a geeky way that I finally figured how to link photos from Flickr so I can put them in where I need them, and not have to load them all up at the start, and hope they come are in the same order that my train of thought is.
Ravelympics- I finished not one, but two objects! Laminaria, which was my main project. The shawl turned out so lovely, and will more than likely wind up being my MIL's Christmas present this year.
Pattern: Laminaria by Elizabeth Freeman
Pattern source: Knitty.com Spring 2008
Yarn: Lone Star Arts Catalyst
1 Skein, about 800 yards
Purchased at DFW Fiber Fest, April 2008
I finished early, and wound up finishing Helena for the WIP wrestleling. We have had a few cool enough mornings this week for Kaylee to wear it to daycare, where it had much oohing and awwing. I just hope they don't decided to wash it for me. I do need to get some photos of her wearing it, but for now, Corwin's spider man sheets do a good job.
Pattern: Helena by Alison Green Will
Pattern source: Knitty.com Summer 2008
Yarn Knit Picks merino Style, 4 skeins,
over dyed with Koolaid in a gradaded pattern
I'm almost done with Lisel. I have just one sleeve left to knit. This is the first time I've knit with MMMMMMmmmmalabrigo yarn, and I'm in yarn lust! I want to move to a colder part of the country so I could wear it in more than an airy cardi. The pattern has been easy to follow, but has been taking a long time due to getting other things done.
I wasn't too sure about this colorway to begin with, and part of me still wishes I had gone for the blue-green one. But I have told the husband that more MMMmmmalabrigo would make a nice birthday or Christmas present for me this year.
Corwin's yearly birthday sweater is coming across fast. His only requirements were that it be a green hoodie. I searched and searched Ravelry for a free child size hoodie pattern that wasn't girly, but no luck. I broke down and ordered the Little Cabled Hoodie pattern from Gardiner Yarn Works, and I am enjoying this pattern. Its well written, and easy to follow, and I have my eyes on other patterns from them that I want to knit. I think I will have the hoodie finished this weekend, and then I will need to find a zipper and sew it in.
I think I should be finishing up the green hoodie and Lisel this weekend. Which means I can get back to working on the Mystery Shall 4. I'm using the Alpaca Cloud in Iris Heather and bead from the forgotten Moroccan Days shawl for it, but I'm not loving it 100% . I need to start a new sweater, and I have had everything for the Apris Surf Hoodie for months, but found the pattern for A Cardigan for Merry which would only fit Kaylee this year. But the Apris surf hoodie yarn has been in stash, and it is perfect weather to knit and wear it. I'd cast on for both, but they both call for the same sized needle. Decisions decisions.
And I'm happy in a geeky way that I finally figured how to link photos from Flickr so I can put them in where I need them, and not have to load them all up at the start, and hope they come are in the same order that my train of thought is.
Monday, August 11, 2008
FO: Wakame Lace Tunic
Pattern: Wakame Lace Tunic from the Summer 2008 Interweave Knits
Yarn: Knit Picks CotLin in Coral, 10 balls
Needles: Knit Picks Options, size 6
Size: 40 inch bust, see info
Cast on: June 21, 2008
Cast off: August 2, 2008
I'm very happy with how this turned out. I had some gauge issues with the yarn, and knit it the 40 inch size. In retrospect, maybe I should have knit the next size up (I still have a bit too much belly/c-section pooch) but when I get off my lazy rear and lose 20 lbs, it should fit much better.
I wore it out to a casual family gathering on Saturday, where K got to pose with her Gammy and some roses.
And I'm still knitting away on Laminaria. I'm about half way done with the Blossom Charts, and should make it to the border by this weekend.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Let the Games Begin!!
The cast on for Ravelympics has begun, but I am stuck at work today, and have social obligations for tonight that will prevent me from getting much knitting done until maybe tomorrow.Remember this yarn?
Its the Lone Star Fiber Arts Catilist in Deep Water that I picked up at DFW Fiber Fest in April.
I picked it up in hopes there would be some sort of Knitting/Olympic tie in, so I could knit Laminaria, which I have been drooling over since March.
My only problem has been what size to make. I don't have enough yarn to make the full sized shawl, and the smaller size seems like it would be too easy, epically since I knit my last Swallowtail in less than a week.
So after fudging the numbers (so that's what knitting math is for) I think I have enough to do a shawl in between the two options.
I will be doing 5 repeats of the star chart and six repeats of the blossom chart, and the other three charts will be knit as written.
I've run the numbers through the triangle shawl calculator, (see side bar) and I know how far I will be at the end of each chart, and approximately how much I need to try to knit each day/weekend.
See you at the finish line!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
FO: Katja
I'm testing out the "Blog this" option with Flickr, so if this a bit of a test.
I actually have a FO to show off, Katja from Knitty.com.
The size is 12 months, and knit in Berecco Linen Jeans from Delightful Hands in Celena, TX, about 1.5 skeins, and took about 2 weeks to knit here and there.
Its a bit big for the little girl, but as fast as she is growing, she will be crawling around town in this in no time!
This was a fun knit, and I think I'm going to have to make a larger size for her next summer, but in a cotton yarn, instead of this rayon and linen blend.
Things have been crazy in knitting land the last month. I've had a bad case of "Startitus", and have cast on for, and frogged, many items. Socks, Cowels, etc. I'm also trying to finish a few things before the start of the Ravelympics on August 8th.
In progress that I need to finish are the Wakame Lace Tunic from the Summer IWK (link to my Raverly project page in sidebar). I'm knitting this in KP CotLin, and I. Love. This. Yarn! Its perfect for knitting in 100+ Texas Summers! I have about one and a half repeats of the front left before it is time to start shaping the neck. I'm thinking instead of binding off and picking up the stitches, I'm just going to knit the stitches (for the bind off section) and place on a spare needle, and treat the front like the back. I need to get this finished before the Ravelympics, so I can have my size 6 Option tips back (and I don't get the front piece confused with the back).
Also on the in progress and need to finish list is Helena for Kaylee. I'm using Merino Style left over from my Deep V Argyle Vest, which was left over from my Pearl Buck Swing Jacket, which I over dyed using Kool Aid (photos on the Rav Project page, see sidebar for link) I still love how soft and smoochy this yarn is. Mmmm Merino. I only hope the little chunker doesn't outgrow the 18 month size before March.
And on the Waiting to be Cast on List, Laminaria, for the Ravelympics. I'll be knitting for Team 4815162342! I'm using the Lone Star Arts Catalist Lace that I picked up at DFW Fiber fest in April. I've entered her in the Shawl Relay and the Laceweight Longjump. I know that we are able to cast on early in the day when the opening ceremonies happen in Bejing, but since its a work day, I will wait until the ceremonies air on TV here before casting on, that way I don't lose two days of knitting (blocking and photos must be done before the end of closing ceremonies in what ever time frame you choose). The only downfall to this plan is the DH's birthday party is also the night of the opening ceremonies. I think he will understand.
I also have yarn for, and castonitus for Shetland Shorty, using leftover Yarntreehouse/Jojoland Melody from Venezia, Wicked (with bust darts) using the Brooks Farm Solo from the DFW fiberfest, Liesl, using MmmmMalabrigo, and the Organic Hoodie in a green yarn of some sort for Corwin. (So much knitting to do, so little time)
Thursday, June 26, 2008
I do still exist
And I do still knit.
And I do still take photos of my knitting.
I just haven't had much time for the blog of late.
Between working 40 hours, taking care of two children, taking care of the house while the DH goes back to school, I just don' t have time to blog on the same computer that I have my photos on.
I know I could download them on my work computer and up load them, and I intend to do that here later.
But for you Ravelry Peep's, there are pics up, user name is Cynder.
You know, or I could just link to the Raverly pages in my side bar. That might be easier in the long run.
Life is stressed. There has been so much going on in the last year that I haven't had the desire to try to put into words, so much pain that I have gone through, struggles in my marriage, that the blog suffered for it. Knitting suffered for it, heck, I suffered for it, and am still trying to find an internal balance in it all, but its nothing that I want to blog about, well, if I blogged about it, it wouldn't be anywhere that anyone I know IRL has access to read.
Kaylee is getting so big. She had her 4 month check up last week, and the little chunker is up to 16 lbs 12 oz. She is bigger than my friend's 9 month old son. Corwin is completely in love with his little sister, and wants to snuggle, kiss, hug, play with her any chance he gets. Its a good thing they get to spend some time together at daycare, or I wouldn't get any time with my baby.
I have done a bunch of knitting in the last few weeks. I think the Summer Interweave Knits has kicked me out of the knitting rut I have been living in since last summer.
I've already completed the Roped Shell, and have started on the Walakame Lace Tunic, and I have plans to knit the Apres Surf Hoodie, The Leaf Lace Kimono, and a few other things that I can't think of at this time.
I think what helped was that I finally realized I live in Texas.
Its Hot in Texas
We might get 7 days of Cold Weather a Year
and by Cold Weather, I mean Wool Sweater Weather.
So I need to start focusing on practical stuff for this area, like Summer Knitting
since its HOT 8 months of the year.
and by Summer Knitting, it means Cotton yarns, Hemp yarns, and blends.
I have been using Knit Picks, because, well, with two kids in daycare, and a DH in school again, we are poor. And I can get yarn for three tops from KP for the same cost as a higher end blend yard for one sweater. And, well, I'm frugal
But after DH is done with school, then I will splurge
I do plan to start putting back $25 a month to buy yarn (my sanity money) but so far, I haven't remembered about it until the end of the month, when that $25 will almost buy me enough gas for the rest of the week.
But yeah, I completed the Roped Shell on Saturday, and actually wore it out to a Girls Night Out with some friends.
I love Shine Sport, it's cool, easy to work with, and didn't feel like I was knitting with rope, like some other cotton yarns that I have used in the past.
I'm currently using CotLin for the Wakamie Lace tunic, and I think I love this more. Its so soft. It drapes. It's cool.
I will be using Pallete in a deep blue for the Apres Surf Hoodie. I know its a wool, I know I live in Texas, where it is Hot, but, I'm poor, and I think this will be a good, fall pullover in a happy color.
On top of that, I'm planning on making Lamanaria from the Spring Knitty for the 2008 Knitting Olympic Trials. I only have enough yarn for the smaller version, but I can't wait. I think the Estonian lace will be a challenge for me, plus Kaylee will be 6 months old and into everything, so that will be another knitting challenge.
So much knitting, so little time
And I do still take photos of my knitting.
I just haven't had much time for the blog of late.
Between working 40 hours, taking care of two children, taking care of the house while the DH goes back to school, I just don' t have time to blog on the same computer that I have my photos on.
I know I could download them on my work computer and up load them, and I intend to do that here later.
But for you Ravelry Peep's, there are pics up, user name is Cynder.
You know, or I could just link to the Raverly pages in my side bar. That might be easier in the long run.
Life is stressed. There has been so much going on in the last year that I haven't had the desire to try to put into words, so much pain that I have gone through, struggles in my marriage, that the blog suffered for it. Knitting suffered for it, heck, I suffered for it, and am still trying to find an internal balance in it all, but its nothing that I want to blog about, well, if I blogged about it, it wouldn't be anywhere that anyone I know IRL has access to read.
Kaylee is getting so big. She had her 4 month check up last week, and the little chunker is up to 16 lbs 12 oz. She is bigger than my friend's 9 month old son. Corwin is completely in love with his little sister, and wants to snuggle, kiss, hug, play with her any chance he gets. Its a good thing they get to spend some time together at daycare, or I wouldn't get any time with my baby.
I have done a bunch of knitting in the last few weeks. I think the Summer Interweave Knits has kicked me out of the knitting rut I have been living in since last summer.
I've already completed the Roped Shell, and have started on the Walakame Lace Tunic, and I have plans to knit the Apres Surf Hoodie, The Leaf Lace Kimono, and a few other things that I can't think of at this time.
I think what helped was that I finally realized I live in Texas.
Its Hot in Texas
We might get 7 days of Cold Weather a Year
and by Cold Weather, I mean Wool Sweater Weather.
So I need to start focusing on practical stuff for this area, like Summer Knitting
since its HOT 8 months of the year.
and by Summer Knitting, it means Cotton yarns, Hemp yarns, and blends.
I have been using Knit Picks, because, well, with two kids in daycare, and a DH in school again, we are poor. And I can get yarn for three tops from KP for the same cost as a higher end blend yard for one sweater. And, well, I'm frugal
But after DH is done with school, then I will splurge
I do plan to start putting back $25 a month to buy yarn (my sanity money) but so far, I haven't remembered about it until the end of the month, when that $25 will almost buy me enough gas for the rest of the week.
But yeah, I completed the Roped Shell on Saturday, and actually wore it out to a Girls Night Out with some friends.
I love Shine Sport, it's cool, easy to work with, and didn't feel like I was knitting with rope, like some other cotton yarns that I have used in the past.
I'm currently using CotLin for the Wakamie Lace tunic, and I think I love this more. Its so soft. It drapes. It's cool.
I will be using Pallete in a deep blue for the Apres Surf Hoodie. I know its a wool, I know I live in Texas, where it is Hot, but, I'm poor, and I think this will be a good, fall pullover in a happy color.
On top of that, I'm planning on making Lamanaria from the Spring Knitty for the 2008 Knitting Olympic Trials. I only have enough yarn for the smaller version, but I can't wait. I think the Estonian lace will be a challenge for me, plus Kaylee will be 6 months old and into everything, so that will be another knitting challenge.
So much knitting, so little time
Sunday, April 27, 2008
FO: Nantucket Jacket
Pattern: Nantucket JacketDesigner: Norah Gaughan
Published in Interweave Knits Winter 2006
Size: 41 1/2 inches
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andies, Amethyst Heather, 10 12/ skeins
Needles, Knit Picks Options, size 6
Cast on December 2007, Cast off March 2008
(but didn't block and seam until April)
I LOVE IT! I had to guess at the size, since I was 8 months pregnant when I started, but it fits great (need to re-block for length). I think its one of my favorite sweaters that I have done to date. The pattern was easy to memorise, the ribs, cables, and seed stitch was enough to keep my interest. I think this pattern has actually had me fall in love with seed stitch (which has been something I hated since I knit Trellis for C), and I'm actually planning a sweater with a lot of seed stitch.
The only thing I don't like is how the front rides up a bit, but after I sew on buttons and re-block the front, it should be better.I'm also loving DH's new camera. I can't use it for all my knitting picts, but I think I will be borrowing it for the FOs.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Life is slowly starting to get back to normal...
After the birth of K. She is the sweetest baby, and such an easy baby. She is a good sleeper, good nurser, hardly cries, and has the cutest snort and giggle. I can't believe that she is almost two months old already. C is still in love with her, and asks to snuggler and hold her all the time, but is ready to hand her back after an hour.
I had to return to work at the beginning of the month *pout*. I wish I could have stayed home longer, or for good, but it wasn't something that we can afford at this time.
DFW Fiber fest was held the Saturday after my first week back. It was the first time I ever went to a big fiber event, and I thought I had enough money, but the $100 went real fast. I'm already saving up to go again next year.
My scores from DFW FF included some lace weight for Laminaria. I was looking for something with shades of green, and was torn between two different lace weights, one of which would have taken half my yarn money. I wound up with some Lone Star Arts Catalist, in the Deep Water colorway.
I also found a sales table with yarn for $2 a skein. Most of it was cruddy novelty yarn, which my mom bought up like crazy, but I did manage to find 11 skeins of Tahki Tweedy Cotton Classic, which I think will be great for a summer top
I did get one more score, which will be covered below, in my knitting progress.
My biggest project so far this year, which has been stalled waiting to be blocked and seamed, is the Nantucket Jacket from the Fall 2006 Interweave Knits. I can't believe how many items from this issue are still in my queue. I'm using Knit Picks Wool of the Andies, for the first time, in Amethyst Heather. The body and first sleeve were done before K was born, and I finished the second sleeve early on, but I haven't had the time, or energy, to block it yet. I'm thinking I might try to do a steam block this weekend, so I can get her blocked and edged sometime before it is AC season at work.
I've been working on the Rona Lace Shawl, in Alpaca Cloud Iris Heather, off and on since Thanksgiving. I have less than 20 rows left, but there are over 600 stitches per row at this point, and a lot of knit one through back loop, purl one combos in this shawl, every row, and I get burnt out on it easy.
I do have one FO for this year, a baby shrug by Debbie Bliss, that I knit in some leftover Cotton Ease. This was a fast knit, less than 3 days total. And I think K looks adorable in it.
I finally jumped on the Clap band waggon. I wasn't planning on it, it has never been in my queue, but while at DFW FF, the Brooks Farm display had several versions of it showcasing their yarns, and I fell in love. By that time, most of my yarn money had been spent, but I did have enough for two skeins of Solo, about 800 yards, and I cast on that night. This yarn is a single ply, and it feels like buttah. Drool.
My other big main WIP is Moroccan Days/Arabian Nights. This is a huge stole, and I'm thinking I'm crazy for starting this with a newborn, but I love it. I'm using Elann's Baby Merino, an alpaca/merino blend, and its dreamy. There are beads galore in this baby, a beaded fringe on the bottom, beaded edging, and beeds in the body of the design. The beaded edging keeps snagging on everything, the working yarn, K's fingers, and looks wonky now, but I am hoping to block the shawl out and fix the fringe.
I had to return to work at the beginning of the month *pout*. I wish I could have stayed home longer, or for good, but it wasn't something that we can afford at this time.
DFW Fiber fest was held the Saturday after my first week back. It was the first time I ever went to a big fiber event, and I thought I had enough money, but the $100 went real fast. I'm already saving up to go again next year.
My scores from DFW FF included some lace weight for Laminaria. I was looking for something with shades of green, and was torn between two different lace weights, one of which would have taken half my yarn money. I wound up with some Lone Star Arts Catalist, in the Deep Water colorway.
I also found a sales table with yarn for $2 a skein. Most of it was cruddy novelty yarn, which my mom bought up like crazy, but I did manage to find 11 skeins of Tahki Tweedy Cotton Classic, which I think will be great for a summer topI did get one more score, which will be covered below, in my knitting progress.
My biggest project so far this year, which has been stalled waiting to be blocked and seamed, is the Nantucket Jacket from the Fall 2006 Interweave Knits. I can't believe how many items from this issue are still in my queue. I'm using Knit Picks Wool of the Andies, for the first time, in Amethyst Heather. The body and first sleeve were done before K was born, and I finished the second sleeve early on, but I haven't had the time, or energy, to block it yet. I'm thinking I might try to do a steam block this weekend, so I can get her blocked and edged sometime before it is AC season at work.
I've been working on the Rona Lace Shawl, in Alpaca Cloud Iris Heather, off and on since Thanksgiving. I have less than 20 rows left, but there are over 600 stitches per row at this point, and a lot of knit one through back loop, purl one combos in this shawl, every row, and I get burnt out on it easy.
I do have one FO for this year, a baby shrug by Debbie Bliss, that I knit in some leftover Cotton Ease. This was a fast knit, less than 3 days total. And I think K looks adorable in it.
I finally jumped on the Clap band waggon. I wasn't planning on it, it has never been in my queue, but while at DFW FF, the Brooks Farm display had several versions of it showcasing their yarns, and I fell in love. By that time, most of my yarn money had been spent, but I did have enough for two skeins of Solo, about 800 yards, and I cast on that night. This yarn is a single ply, and it feels like buttah. Drool. 
My other big main WIP is Moroccan Days/Arabian Nights. This is a huge stole, and I'm thinking I'm crazy for starting this with a newborn, but I love it. I'm using Elann's Baby Merino, an alpaca/merino blend, and its dreamy. There are beads galore in this baby, a beaded fringe on the bottom, beaded edging, and beeds in the body of the design. The beaded edging keeps snagging on everything, the working yarn, K's fingers, and looks wonky now, but I am hoping to block the shawl out and fix the fringe.That said, I'm going to take advantage of being up early, and K being happy snuggled with daddy, and get some knitting done before it is time to get ready for work.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
First FO of 2008 (a bit late)
Kaylee Rose was born Feb 14 at 7:43 pm.
9 lbs 1 oz, and 21 inches long.
I was planning for a VBAC with her, but due to having Gestational Diabetes, and going past my EDD, she wound up being a repeat c-section after trying all natural ways to start labor.
Big Brother C is completely in love with her.
9 lbs 1 oz, and 21 inches long.I was planning for a VBAC with her, but due to having Gestational Diabetes, and going past my EDD, she wound up being a repeat c-section after trying all natural ways to start labor.
Big Brother C is completely in love with her.
We will soon be back to our normal knitting content.
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