Knitting Resolutions

My goal for today is to finish my sock by midnight. I think I have a pretty good chance - I've turned the heel and am working on the decreases for the foot. And, I'm proud to say, it looks like a sock!

I've been looking over my Finished Objects list for 2007, and I'm really proud of the knitting I've accomplished, but I can't wait to see what what the list for 2008 will bring. I know that it will probably included a pair of socks, a Noni Adventure Bag, and some baby kimonos for friends who are expecting their first bundle of joy. But, what else? DH would like a pair of socks (once I've got the technique down!), children will need hats and mittens, dishcloths are always needed by someone. Plus, I still have my cozy cable mittens to knit and some beautiful lace weight with which to work.

As always, I'm excited about all the other possibilities of the new year. Will my business expand? Will this be the year I find my true career calling? What new skills will the children learn? What will I learn through them? As a teacher, the new year for me always feels like September, but this year, I'm eagerly anticipating wonderful things for myself and my family.

I have some knitting resolutions for 2008:

1. I will not be afraid of trying new patterns or techniques.
2. I will not be afraid to try the yarn called for in a pattern, just because it's $2 more than a yarn I already know.
3. I will not worry if a project takes a long time (although I reserve the right to pause to do a short project - I like to produce finished products.)
4. I will start Christmas knitting in January.
5. I will knit what I want to knit, even if it's not all that practical.
6. I will make better use of Ravelry, including figuring out how to post pictures of my projects.

What are your knitting resolutions?

My real resolutions?

1. I will read my Bible every day
2. I will continue to watch what I eat, and try to walk more every day
3. I will make more efforts to relax, have fun, and enjoy the company of my family and friends.

What are your resolutions?

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Sorry, this message is a few days late.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I pray that everyone has a peaceful and happy holiday season. I am constantly amazed that God loves us so much that He sent us His son.

Our family had a wonderful holiday! My brother-in-law cooked an AMAZING meal for Christmas eve - 7 fishes, including lobster ravioli, stuffed clams, shrimp and scallops! YUM! The little children loved opening gifts on Christmas morning, and I am excited to say, that even though he didn't open up gifts at our house until almost 8 p.m., Big boy LOVED his hat and scarf!

The day after Christmas we headed to Buffalo to be with my family. More wonderful family time, and we will be here until Jan. 1.

DH gave me "101 Designer One Skein Wonders" and I've already started the cross-stitch scarf. I'm also working on my first pair of socks. I got to go to Knit in the Round with my mom yesterday. I can't tell you how much I wish I had a yarn shop with a proprietor like Linda near me. Oh, plus, there was a HUGE sale! I bought some Manos del Uruguay for my scarf and some yarn for projects yet to be determined. It's not too early to start knitting for next Christmas, is it?

Happy knitting everyone!

Last Minute Gifts

So, I remembered that I promised to knit DH's niece a "smitten". Thankfully, my knitting has improved since last June. It only took me a couple of hours to do the thing, although I still have to knit the I-cord.

Also, working on dishcloths for any last minute needs.

Also, need to cast-on for socks for me. I get to go to knitting in the round at Have Ewe Any Wool with my mom the Thursday after Christmas. Stop on by if you're in the Amherst area!

Cozy Cable Mittens - The Beginning

I have wound the skein of malabrigo into a ball, and I've printed out the pattern.

Now, if only I had the energy to cast-on. Is it just me, or have all the holiday activities just made it impossible to maintain any level of energy after 8 p.m.? Today, I made peppermint ice cream, after spending several hours wrapping gifts for my mother-in-law (including my own, I might add!) :) Sadly, the peppermint ice cream lacked something. I think I'm going back to Alton Brown's ice cream recipe. I've had good luck with it in the past.

Happy Knitting (and eating, and wrapping, and enjoying the holidays!).

A Little Less Spa, A Little More Bath

Okay, I finished the basic bath mitt. Here it is:


There's supposed to be lace all around the bottom, and I TRIED. I've ripped, and I've re-knit, and I've frogged, and tinked, and well, I've given up. It's sad to admit that, but there are a limited number of days 'til Christmas. So, I have to decide if I should knit a second cloth or just send the bath mitt as is. What do you think? Accompanying this gift will be Crabtree & Evelyn soaps in Rosewater.

In happier news, I made a peppermint chocolate torte last night for Bible Study.


It was REALLY good.

Happy knitting everyone!

Peppermint Sticks & Spa Time

My day was made yesterday when I found this at Restoration Hardware.



King Leo's Peppermint Sticks are the BEST! I crushed one up over my vanilla ice cream tonight, and I plan on making homemade peppermint ice cream this weekend. And, for Bible Study on Tuesday night, I'm going to make a peppermint chocolate torte - it was on the cover of Bon Appetit or Gourmet last December - I don't remember which. I made it for Christmas Eve, and it was a huge hit.

I've decided not to try and make a shawl for DH's aunt. There's just no way to get it done in time. So, I'm focusing on the spa set. It's from the One Skein Wonders book. The washcloth is mostly done. There's supposed to be a lace trim attached - we'll see how time works out. I'm also debating about doing the soap holder. I think a washcloth and bath mitt should be enough. The yarn is "Saucy", and I LOVE IT! It looks so luxurious.


The picture of just the cloth shows the color better.


Happy Knitting.

More Prizes!

Look what I received in the mail yesterday!



This is my prize from Kristen's blogiversary. And I have to say, what a GREAT prize!


There's some Patons Wool (I really love Patons Wool!), Moose Munch (YUMMY!), some notecards, and some beautiful wooden needles. There's also a beautiful beaded angel ornament (now hanging on my tree, right in front), and the makings for pipe cleaner candy cane ornaments. We used to make them in Sunday School, and I always had so much fun! The kids were VERY excited to see the candy canes - they're hanging on the tree at the moment, but I'll be surprised if they last there very long. Also, an adorable nativity figurine (on top of the TV), and finally, there was such a great book - "Prayers and Promises for Mothers". Boy, do I need to rely on God's promises CONSTANTLY, especially with my kids.

Thank you so much Kristen. This is such a wonderful package!

Small Child's Hat - DONE!

Hooray! I finished the hat. I still have to buy the Bamboo for the spa set, but hope to do it tomorrow. I've waited, because Fabric Place is having a sale this week. Might start the shawl, but I have to finish Christmas cards first.

There's just so much to do!

Happy Knitting!

Mittens and Prizes

First off, thank you to those of you who commented on my search for cabled mittens. A couple of people mentioned Fetching, but I was looking for regular mittens, not fingerless ones. BUT, please know, I appreciate the suggestions! After looking for a while, I remembered that I am a member of Ravelry, and left a message there. MaryCatherine hooked me up with this pattern. The mittens are so much cuter than what I had going on in my imagination. Now, one child's hat, one spa set, and potentially one shawl to go before I can knit for ME!

I picked up my prize basket from the Jingle Bell Festival (I have to say. all this winning has made me feel lucky, so I bought a lottery ticket.) (I didn't win.) The basket was HUGE!


Inside, there was assorted soaps, lotions, and perfume - some from Crabtree and Evelyn!


There was also pottery and jewelry from a local artisan


And two of the most adorable little lamps you've ever seen!


It was really very exciting!

I'm hoping to finish the child's hat today! I'm off to work on it now; wish me luck!

Happy Knitting!