...Toddler Time...

I am a day late posting our latest Toddler Time activity!

Last week, my in-laws watched A and brought lots of fun things for him to do, including popping bubble wrap and painting pumpkins.

My FIL says he knew exactly what to do with the bubble wrap. He laid it on the floor and A started stomping on it. Lots of fun I am sure!

He and Grandma explored painting pumpkins! She said he had a good time doing it, not surprised at all!

Thanks for stopping by! What fun things did you do with your toddler this week?

...Sweet Zion Paperie...

While checking Facebook earlier this week, I saw that a page I like, Sweet Zion Paperie, was hosting a giveaway! While I know my chances of winning anything from a giveaway are usually nil, I tried anyways! We had to guess Sophie's, the designer of SZP, favorite Fall beverage from Starbucks. Like many Starbucks junkies, Fall = Pumpkin Spice Latte. Many of us were close, but there was one little bit we were missing. Yes, she does like Pumpkin Spice Lattes but with what else?

Hmm..stumped. But like any loyal 'The Office' fan, I knew Pam likes "a sprinkle of cinnamon". So, that was my logic with guessing the next element of her favorite drink. And I GOT IT! I couldn't believe it! I had won a set of her beautiful stationary complete with a monogram of choice! NO WAY!!

Sweet Zion Paperie specializes in custom invitations, stationary and paper goods and is very popular among the wedding vendors.

 Stationary complete with monogram and matching envelopes! 

The originator behind Sweet Zion Paperie is also a college classmate of mine! She received my request for my free set of stationary on Wednesday and it arrived on Friday! Talk about great customer service!

I received a generous set of 12 cards complete with matching envelopes. And a cute gel pen to address my envelopes with! I am really looking forward to sending these notes out!

Monogram

I am VERY happy with my gift from Sweet Zion Paperie and am planning on purchasing a set for a few friends for Christmas! Thanks Sophie!

...Toddler Time...

I have been collecting lids from various containers the past month (it's amazing how many lids that is!) and started creating a Lid Bucket for A.

Today was a great day to introduce it to him. He loved them! He likes to put the smaller ones in larger ones and put them back in the bucket.

An easy activity for sure!

...Year of Projects: September Recap...

Where did September go? I haven't posted a YOP update since the end of August and I wish I could say that is because I have been SO busy knitting away my list...but I can not.

(see that blurb up top? I started that LAST week!)

Here's the skinny folks. I have been knitting, request-knitting, that is! I have worked up Hoot the Owl, a Gap-tastic cowl and a Potato Chip Scarf. Of course, I do not have any pictures taken yet. :0) Hopefully soon!

As for my Year of Projects list, not too much has changed. I have started my hubby's sweater and am doing a KAL with my buddy Lauren! She is a bit further than I am! This is also a KAL with Project: Stash! My plan is to dedicate October to this sweater! I've done a sweater in a month before, I hope I can do it again!

 

The Miranda Hat KAL is now over and I didn't quite meet my goal of 5 hats. However, 3 will be going to Project: Stash and perhaps I will get to making the other two later this fall.

Here is a recap!

2012-2013 Year of Projects

...2012/2013 Year of Projects List...

WIPS: (2/6)
*AD's Tie Sweater
*Hat--Sister
*Garter Stitch Afghan--charity
*Giraffe
*DH Scarf
*Afghan for our Room

CHARITY KNITTING: (3/5)
*The Miranda Hat

CHRISTMAS KNITTING: ( Definitely NOT a complete list )
*Bengals Tiger Hat--Brother
*Fingerless Mitts--Mom
*Earflap Hat--Brother
*Hat--DH
*Bulky Scarf--Friend
*Christmas Stocking--A
*Leg Warmers x 3 (maybe 6?) 1/6

PROJECTS LIST:
*Cardigan\Sweater for Me
*Fingerless Mitts for Me
*Pair of Socks
*Sweater for DH (IN PROGRESS)
*12 for Self List

THE TALLY: 8/24

...Toddler Time...

A is switching to one nap a day and there is a time before lunch when he starts to fuss and get bored. That is when we try a new activity that is low prep!

Today we threw pillows on the floor. Does it get any easier?! His favorite was being "pushed" into the pillows :) There were lots of giggles and energy used!

I am loving trying out new activities with our lil guy! It keeps the day interesting and hopefully helps him learn!

...Toddler Time...

We had some more fun this week! I dug out the baby food jars and stuck a few prizes inside (cars, colored tags, etc) and let him open them.

He had a really good time unscrewing the lids, taking out prizes, putting them back in and screwing the lids back on. He also liked to stack them!

I picked up a few more craft items this week. Looking forward to putting them together for Aiden!

Toddler Time: Guest Post!

After I posted our fun on Tuesday, a fellow blogger and friend, Lauren at Knitting at Lunch, was inspired to do a few things with her little girl. She wanted to share her fun with you:

Toddler Time: Flour activity

Hey everyone! I'm Lauren. Thanks for letting me crash Shateen's blog. I don't really blog about much besides knitting on my own blog (knittingatlunch.blogspot.com), and since she has started her new Toddler Time activities she has inspired me to try some with my kiddo! I have a daughter who is 23 months. Today I set up a few things while she was napping and when she finally got up, we got to playing!

I created the activity by putting some flour in a 9x13 pan (any pan with sides would be good) and set it on a towel on our kitchen floor. This is definitely not an activity to do on the carpet! I thought later that it would be a nice outdoor activity if it was warm enough.

My kiddo was pretty excited when she saw it and sat right down to play. I showed her how she could touch it and draw lines and shapes. I also included some plastic utensils because I thought we could draw in the flour with them, but you can leave them out if you don't trust your toddler with pointy things! She enjoyed both using her hand and using the utensils. We also enjoyed pressing our hands down flat onto the flour to make handprints... she thought that was very cool.

Not that it would matter, but she didn't try to eat the flour at all. It is nice to have a completely nontoxic substance for playing! She definitely got it all over her foot/pants/hands, but I was prepared for that to happen. She did pick up some flour and dump it on the towel and later the floor nearby, but I made sure to tell her we need to keep it in the pan and she complied for the most part. Cleanup was easy: I threw the towel in the wash and wiped up any spills on the floor with a wet paper towel!

Thanks for letting me share our activity! Shateen let me know if you try it out with your little dude!

Looked like you two had a lot of fun Lauren! Looking forward to trying this activity out someday!

...Toddler Time...

(posting from my phone, hopefully good quality!)

A seems to be easily bored these days. I decided it was time to put my Pinning to good use!

First, I put pipe cleaners into a colander. Which he thought was super fun!! I think we need more colors and a colander with larger holes would be good as well. He seemed to want to put them back in but couldn't quite get it.

Then, we created a ribbon jar. I have sooo much ribbon that I rarely use so this was the perfect task! I cut up strips of ribbon and placed them in a (clean) Ragu jar. He has been playing with this for 10 min so far!! He unscrews the lid, pulls a few out, puts them back in, lid back on. Easy peasy!!!!

Hoping to have another Toddler Time post soon!!

... Year of Projects: Week Eight and August Recap...

This week's update is minimal, as things have been b u s y!!!

I am still putzing away on a third Miranda Hat and I add a row or two to one of my Wonder Blankets, but that is about ALL I have done this week!

I did decide NOT to do the craft show this year but have a plan for the few craft show items I did knit. :) 

Here is the list update for August: 7/24...though it could be 8 if I finish that hat!!


...2012/2013 Year of Projects List...

WIPS: (2/6)
*AD's Tie Sweater
*Hat--Sister
*Garter Stitch Afghan--charity
*Giraffe
*DH Scarf
*Afghan for our Room

CHARITY KNITTING: (2/5)
*The Miranda Hat
       This pattern is by Project: Stash and she is hosting a KAL through September. PLEASE JOIN US!!!


CHRISTMAS KNITTING: ( Definitely NOT a complete list )
*Bengals Tiger Hat--Brother
*Fingerless Mitts--Mom
*Hat--DH
*Bulky Scarf--Friend
*Christmas Stocking--A
*Leg Warmers x 3 (maybe 6?) 1/6

PROJECTS LIST:
*Cardigan\Sweater for Me
*Fingerless Mitts for Me
*Pair of Socks
*Sweater for DH
*12 for Self List

THE TALLY: 7/24

...Year of Projects: Week 7...

I cannot remember for sure, but I don't think I blogged for 7 straight (ish) weeks last year when Year of Projects started, I guess I'm still feeling pretty motivated!

Last week I mentioned that this would likely be a week of hats. And it was.

I started with knitting a Fall hat for A:

Basic Toddler Hat

Then it led to making DH's Hat, which is a part of my Christmas knitting. I was gifted this skein of Araucania, which is made in Chile. Immediately, DH said he wanted a hat in that. No problem.

I thought about making the Ribbed Watchman's Hat but switched to stockinette after about 1.5 inches. I thought maybe the colors would "show" better that way.

I'm not sure if its the yarn itself, the colorway, or lack of pattern followed, maybe the sizing, but something doesn't seem right about it. I really don't like it.  Maybe this yarn isn't meant for this type of hat, I don't know. It does, however, remind me of Fall. So I let DH have it early and I hope I can get around to making him a better one. He was a good sport though and said he did like it. :)

I also have a third Miranda Hat going and am about half way done. My goal was to have 5 knitted by the end of September, so still feeling pretty good about that goal!

Projects Completed: 7/26

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out other Year of Project Posts!

...A Hat for A...

BRR! This past weekend was incredibly cool, fall weather could be around the corner! Which got me thinking, A is going to need a hat! So I whipped up the Basic Toddler Hat and love the outcome!

 He wasn't the most cooperative model this time around :0) Hoping this hat will get us through Fall and then i will whip up another one!

...Year of Projects: Week 6...

I think I might post on time this week!

VERY happy to have both my DH and son back home again! It was too quiet and lonely without them here!

As I look through my blog post list, I realize all I ever write is a Year of Projects update. Wow...boring right? Maybe after summer slows down (and my toddler slows down?) I will be able to write about something other than YOP!

This week I knit a pair of leg warmers for either a niece or a friend's dtr...not sure who will get them yet. They were big on my 14 month old (sorry buddy!) so I think they will fit the recipient perfectly!

I also added another item to the craft show knitting, bringing the total to: 9/30...Really going to have to step this up here pretty soon.

 And I worked on my Wonder Blanket a bit this afternoon, might post about that on Tuesday. Not sure what I will work on this week...I'm thinking hats might be the focus!

This Week's Totals:
Craft Show Knitting: 9/30
YOP: 6/24

...Year of Projects: Week 5...

Talk about a CrAzY week! Hubby is out of town for work, my son is at Grandma's house and I am working Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday (not a normal schedule)! This is the first time I have sat down at my computer since Sunday!

Ah, I finally have some progress on my YOP list again!

After posting about my hibernating WIPs, I knew I had to work on them this week. I FINISHED, yes, FINISHED the Garter Stitch Afghan I started almost two years ago!

Denny the Dino (as I like to call him) and Justus our Husky

I somehow messed up the first two sections of cream when I started this. I am not sure if I held the yarn or needles wrong or what, but, it looks funky. Then there is the one nice section of Garter Stitch that I just finished. Oh well! It is done!

And here is a  picture of the Owlie I finished last week.

Not the prettiest picture

I also added another item to my craft show knitting and am halfway done with a pair of legwarmers for a niece of mine. That brings the count to...5/24!

...Year of Projects: Week 4 and Recap...

I cannot believe we are at the end of the first month of the second round of Year of Projects! It has been a great first month and I have enjoyed seeing everyone's progress and lists!

I have no update this week as my focus was on the Owlie Snuggle Sack...which I did finish, even though I have been distracted by the Olympics! I am unsure which project I will tackle next..I feel motivated to work on my hibernating WIPs, though I am itching to start a cardigan for this Fall!

Check out other's progress here: 

Here is my progress for July:

...2012/2013 Year of Projects List...

WIPS: (1/6)
*AD's Tie Sweater
*Hat--Sister
*Garter Stitch Afghan--charity
*Giraffe
*DH Scarf
*Afghan for our Room

CHARITY KNITTING: (2/5)
*The Miranda Hat
       This pattern is by Project: Stash and she is hosting a KAL through September. PLEASE JOIN US!!!

CRAFT SHOW KNITTING: (7/30)
*Not entirely sure on WHAT I will be knitting, but I am shooting for 30 items. Will keep a tally here.

CHRISTMAS KNITTING: ( Definitely NOT a complete list )
*Bengals Tiger Hat--Brother
*Fingerless Mitts--Mom
*Earflap Hat--Brother
*Hat--DH
*Bulky Scarf--Friend
*Christmas Stocking--A
*Leg Warmers x 3 (maybe 6?)

PROJECTS LIST:
*Cardigan\Sweater for Me
*Fingerless Mitts for Me
*Pair of Socks
*Sweater for DH
*12 for Self List

THE TALLY: 4/24 
 

...Works in Progress, More like Hibernation...

Earlier this week, I promised I would share my Outstanding WIPs with you. I guess I think that if I share them with all who read this, I will be embarrassed enough to finish them!

In order from most recent:

1. A's Tie Sweater: I started this in May and got this far...and as you can see, I am going to run out of yarn...barely. I have been searching everywhere for this DISCONTINUED yarn, messaged various members of Ravelry and am having NO luck. So, if you have Hobby Lobby's I Love This Cotton in Washed Denim, I will forever love you.

2. DH's Scarf: I started this...in March I think. And then the weather turned incredibly hot. So it sits in the drawer. As you can see from the dinosaur, I didn't get too far. ;)

3. Garter Stitch Afghan: I started this while in CA...about 1 1/2 years ago. Moved back home and lost interest in working on it. My plan is to knit this for charity.

4. Giraffe (or as I call it, Creepy Gremlin Thing): I received this kit from my SIL for my birthday and was really excited to try it. I think I failed. He is supposed to be a Giraffe, but his ears are funky and I am terrible at seaming. But really, all I need to do is stitch on a face. That's it. And then Creepy Gremlin Thing will be done. (I am so sorry E that I failed at this, but it was a perfect gift. I will do better next time)

5. Broomstick Lace (?): Before we left for CA, I worked in a nursing home facility in the Activity and Social Services Dept. A lady there LOVED to crochet and I asked her to teach me something. She said this was Broomstick Lace and was teaching me out to make a pillowcase cover. When I looked at this today, I am in the process of BINDING OFF. How on earth did I NOT finish this? She has since passed away and I really feel I need to finish this. I think some pretty fabric behind it will work nicely.

And there you have it friends, these are the hibernating WIPS that take up an entire dresser drawer.  After I finish this Owlie Snuggle Sack, I think I will dedicate a week to these.

...One A Day: Wonder Blanket 2...

Checking in again with my One A Day Challenge: Wonder Blankets! I am really liking this idea. It uses up scraps, is easy to pick up for a few minutes each day and looks relatively nice!

I am still plugging away on Wonder #2 and still have lots of scraps in this theme.

While I enjoy working on these, I found this the other day and am trying NOT to work on this yet! Thanks for stopping by!

...Year of Projects: Week Three...

It has been a productive week of knitting, but not for my Year of Projects list. While I did manage to add one more item to my craft show knitting, I focused mainly on starting a second Wonder Blanket (this has been incredibly addicting to work on) and an Owlie Sack for a friend.

I did however manage to knit this up quick from my 12 For Self list:

 My Coffee, My Son's Graham Cracker

The pattern is Yarn Basket and was knit with a Lion Brand bulky weight. At first, I didn't care for it. It was (and still is) floppy. But after placing something circular in the bottom (and filling it with WIPS, and no, those are not all of my WIPS...come back tomorrow to see those in hibernation) it looks better.

Thanks for stopping by to check on my Year of Projects Progress! Click HERE to see more incredibly progress!

...One A Day: The Wonder Blanket 2...

If you remember last week, I decided to join Carole's One A Day Group again and started a Wonder Blanket, part of Project: Stash's KAL.

I mentioned having already gone through my neutral colored scraps and would be moving onto an Autumn themed Wonder Blanket...and I have!

Not a lot of progress...started with a tan and just added some hunter green. I have been getting about a row or two done everyday and hope to continue that pace.

Click here for more updates on One a Day Projects!

...Year of Projects: Week Two...

I continue to have "beginner's enthusiasm" as this was another productive week for my YOP list, as well as other items.

My Mom's Christmas gift is finished, although she may end up getting this for her birthday. She does occasionally check out my blog posts, so here is my project page! (Sorry Mom!).


I added ONE more project to my craft show knitting and completed another hat for the Miranda Hat KAL.

The Miranda Hat

Three projects completed this week and still going strong! Check in here for more Year of Project posts!

 ...2012/2013 Year of Projects List...

WIPS: (1/6)
*AD's Tie Sweater
*Hat--Sister
*Garter Stitch Afghan--charity
*Giraffe
*DH Scarf
*Afghan for our Room

CHARITY KNITTING: (2/5)
*The Miranda Hat
       This pattern is by Project: Stash and she is hosting a KAL through September. PLEASE JOIN US!!!

CHRISTMAS KNITTING: ( Definitely NOT a complete list )
*Bengals Tiger Hat--Brother
*Surprise :)--Mom
*Earflap Hat--Brother
*Hat--DH
*Bulky Scarf--Friend
*Christmas Stocking--A
*Leg Warmers x 3 (maybe 6?)

PROJECTS LIST:
*Cardigan\Sweater for Me
*Fingerless Mitts for Me
*Pair of Socks
*Sweater for DH
*12 for Self List


THE TALLY: 4/24
CRAFT SHOW KNITTING: 6/30

...One A Day: Wonder Blanket...

I have come back to participate in Carole's One A Day Group and have chosen to work on Project: Stash's Wonder Blanket KAL every day.

I went through my yarn scraps\ends and was seeing three themes: A brown, tan, off-white theme (no idea I was so into browns, neutrals, etc), a fall-colored theme (oranges, deep reds, browns) and a crazy color theme (lime greens, pinks, purples, blues). I know that it should not bother me to mix all of these together into ONE blanket, but it did! There is no way on earth I could mix all of these colors together and be happy with the outcome!

Therefore, I started the first of THREE (?) Wonder Blankets. This first one will be for all of my neutral, browns, tan, etc yarn ends. Amazingly enough, it will match my living room!

I hate to say it but I have already finished my neutral scraps!! Judging by the remote control on the left side of the picture, I have not gotten very far! But that is okay! These blankets will be those projects that get added to every so often and have no deadline.

I guess now I will start the Autumn themed blanket!

...Year of Projects: Week One...

I am very excited to be able to post an update on my Year of Projects a week after it started and am hoping to better at blogging about this (and other fun things, like my kid!) throughout the year.

There are a bunch of new people to the Year of Projects Group and I have enjoyed reading their lists. It has been fun to see some members from last year too. Many of us had the same idea: less specifics, more broad lists. Looking forward to seeing how we do!

If you read a week or so ago, I joined Project: Stash and others for the Miranda Hat KAL. I wanted my list to focus a little more on charity knitting this year and decided this was the best way to kick off my Year of Projects list!

The first Miranda Hat

I can see a few mistakes I made, but I really enjoyed this pattern and am looking forward to knitting up several more for the children's hospital.


I worked on my craft show knitting and I was able to finish one of my WIPs this week as well! My sister requested a hat to match her scarf and after almost a year, I finished the darn thing! I cannot post a picture because I am sure she will peek at this post! Here is the rav link tho! (I don't think she will be able to see it since she isn't on Rav?!)


Here is the list update:

...2012/2013 Year of Projects List...

WIPS: (1/6)
*AD's Tie Sweater
*Hat--Sister
*Garter Stitch Afghan--charity
*Giraffe
*DH Scarf
*Afghan for our Room

CHARITY KNITTING: (1/5)
*The Miranda Hat
       This pattern is by Project: Stash and she is hosting a KAL through September. PLEASE JOIN US!!!

CHRISTMAS KNITTING: ( Definitely NOT a complete list )
*Bengals Tiger Hat--Brother
*Fingerless Mitts--Mom
*Earflap Hat--Brother
*Hat--DH
*Bulky Scarf--Friend
*Christmas Stocking--A
*Leg Warmers x 3 (maybe 6?)

PROJECTS LIST:
*Cardigan\Sweater for Me
*Fingerless Mitts for Me
*Pair of Socks
*Sweater for DH
*12 for Self List


THE TALLY: 2/24
CRAFT SHOW KNITTING: 5/30

...The Wonder Blanket...

What have I gotten myself into?

After catching up on the Miranda KAL and seeing all the beautiful hats being created, I saw a new thread had been opened entitled The Wonder Blanket. Yet again, Project: Stash has caught my attention.

Now it's funny. I was “organizing” my yarn the other day (why on earth I wanted to organize wool in 90+ degree heat is beyond me) and found my plastic sack filled to the brim with scraps. Quickly, I shoved it to the back of the cupboard as I did not want to have to THINK about what I was going to do with it! WELL…I have an idea now…

 Um...I have a bit of barf to clean up

 A simple, garter stitch blanket made out of scraps.

I have seen many knitters\crocheter's do this with sock yarn and create the Sock Yarn Blanket or the Bee Keeper's Quilt. However, I do not have a lot of sock yarn OR the energy to learn how make a hexipuff, even if it is incredibly easy! THIS, however, I can handle!

...It's Another Year of Projects!...

I am really excited because the group Blog-A-Long is gearing up for a second round of Year of Projects! I definitely slacked in the blogging area after a few months, but of course, I am convinced I will stay on top of it this year. (insert a roar of laughter). Oh well, it is still a lot of fun to make a list! I am listing things in the order I would like them accomplished...that's right... I have 30+ items I want finished before October. Eek.

Here is!!

...2012/2013 Year of Projects List...

WIPS: (0/6)
*AD's Tie Sweater
*Hat--Sister
*Garter Stitch Afghan--charity
*Giraffe
*DH Scarf
*Afghan for our Room

CHARITY KNITTING: (0/5)
*The Miranda Hat
       This pattern is by Project: Stash and she is hosting a KAL through September. PLEASE JOIN US!!!

CRAFT SHOW KNITTING: (0/30)
*Not entirely sure on WHAT I will be knitting, but I am shooting for 30 items. Will keep a tally here.

CHRISTMAS KNITTING: ( Definitely NOT a complete list )
*Bengals Tiger Hat--Brother
*Fingerless Mitts--Mom
*Earflap Hat--Brother
*Hat--DH
*Bulky Scarf--Friend
*Christmas Stocking--A
*Leg Warmers x 3 (maybe 6?)

PROJECTS LIST:
*Cardigan\Sweater for Me
*Fingerless Mitts for Me
*Pair of Socks
*Sweater for DH
*12 for Self List

If I count correctly, not including the craft show knitting and the charity KAL, I have 25 items I would like to complete this round. I believe last year my list included 36+ items, so see, I have learned my lesson! Looking forward to seeing everyone else's lists. Interested in joining the fun? Check out the Blog A Long group here!

...Miranda Hat KAL...

I have always liked KAL's but I seem to sign up and then never start! Today is NOT the case though!

Project: Stash is hosting a KAL for her pattern The Miranda Hat, which begins TODAY and ends September 30th.  Our group KAL is planning on knitting these for either her charity or a charity of our choice.  I am hoping to knit around 5 of these for the Sanford Children's Hospital in a nearby city. She is also graciously holding giveaways each month of the KAL.

(Plymouth Encore Worsted in Purple Orchid. I am hoping this will smooth out after blocking.)

Please consider joining the fun. Details can be found here or by clicking on The Miranda Hat link above.

...Year of Projects: A Recap of 11/12...

If you remember a year ago (and if you do, props because I don't!) I wrote about joining the Year of Projects Group. Basically, we came up with a list of projects that we would like to complete in a year's time and then blog about our progress.

Like many YOP members, I created a MASSIVE list (I believe the original list included 35 items) and just knew I would get through them all.

LAUGH. OUT. LOUD.

I did not even finish HALF of my list, even after a few changes. I would say however, it has been a successful year of projects! I have been able to knit quite a few items, even with a one year old toddling around and am quite proud. It has been fun to learn new skills and 'meet' other fiber enthusiasts through their blogs. 

Currently, I am working on knitting several Snuggle Sacks for a friend and co-workers and know that I will not touch my current YOP list before June 30th.  I thought I would share with you one more time my Year of Projects list and all that was (or wasn't) accomplished:
 
Top 6 Blog A Long Picks:
*Aiden's Afghan (WIP)
*Fingerless Mitts for Me (12 for Self)
*Pillowcase for Bedroom (12 for Self)
*Socks for Me (12 for Self)
*Ballband Dishcloth
*Leg Warmers--inspired and motivated by a fellow blogger and Blog A Long member (12 for Self)

The In-Case I Finish List:
*Sweater for Me (12 for Self)
*Learn how to knit entrelac
*Coffee Koozie
*Breast Cancer Dishcloth
*Baby Sweater\Vest
*Windmill Bag
*Baby Feet Dishcloth

Christmas 2011
(keeping this here as it was part of my original list...these are going to be moved to next year's YOP list I am sure!)

*Yarn Swap Gift--August 1st
*Hawkeye Scarf--September 1st
*Owlie Sack for Baby Smith--November 1st
*Special Occasion Scarf for Grandma Faye--December 25th (WIP)
*Owlie Sack for Baby Ruyter--December 1st--Changed to Headbands and Petal Bib
*Jingle Bells Hat for Aiden--December 1st
*4 Secret Christmas Scarves--December 25th (only NEED to make 3) (WIP: 1 down, 2 to go!)
*1 Secret Christmas Scarf--December 25th (Eliminating)
*Mittens for Mom--December 25th
*3 Hats--December 25th (For: Joshua, Jason, Daniel) One hat has been eliminated...
*Hanging Dishtowel for Z--December 25th
*Leg Warmers--4 sets for my nieces...not entirely sure about this, but my husband thinks it would be neat, so I am adding it.(eliminated...maybe in 2012)

Final Tally: 13/30. Eek.

There you have it folks. The last time you will see this exact list. Several, if not most, of these items will be deleted. I am starting to realize I did not plan this list out very well. ;) Come back again to see my list of Year of Projects 12/13!!

One Year Old!!

We have been busy this month! To start, our son turned ONE!! He wasn't so sure how he felt about cake but enjoyed having all the kids help him open his presents.

He loved his rocking chair...which is more of a rocking stand to him...

 and his Case IH Tractor from Grandpa was a big hit too.

I cannot believe he is one already...time has flown by. I have been absorbed by knitting recently. A friend asked me to knit up 6 Snuggle Sacks as gifts. I love making these and look forward to knitting them up for her! Will post pics soon!

...year of projects update...

 ...wow, I started this post two weeks ago...

Woot Woot! Finally something to cross off of my list!! I finished the Special Occasion Scarf a couple weeks ago.
If you remember, I started this scarf in JULY of 2011...this was one item I had to get done for this round of Year of Projects.

It was tough to get good pictures of the color but these are pretty close. My intention is to gift it at Christmas! Yay, one item down!!

In other knitting news, I have made several baby items and am about halfway through Boys Can Wear Pink for A. I was hoping he could wear it for his ONE year pictures, but it is looking a little big. Guess I will save it for next year's pics!

...Learning Me Some Skills...

Thanks to everyone who has been checking in on my posts for this year's KCBW! I have had a lot of fun putting them together and reading others!

Today's Topic: Improving Your Skillset

I have known how to knit 4ish years now and have only been serious about it for 2 years (?). To say that I need to improve my knitting skills is an understatement. I will say I have come a long way in 2 years, just look at some of my early posts. Wow. Was I really THAT bad?

I have learned a few things year, to name a few:

• Cables
• Top-Down, No Seams (thank goodness) Sweater Construction
• Jogless Stripes (Thank Goodness!)
• Several different cast on, increase and decrease methods

I like today's topic because it gives me a chance to record what I would like to improve on (perhaps a secondary YOP list?). Bahaha!

• I would LOVE to improve the general look of my knitting. Sometimes it just doesn't look even and smooth!
• I would enjoy trying some Fair Isle.
• Seaming. If there is a fool-proof way to teach a fool how to do this, please let me know. I am terrible at it.
• And if you read my son's post from yesterday (Can't believe he hacked my blog. Smartest 11 month old I know.) I would like to learn Amigurimi.

This looks like a list I can work on throughout the year, in fact, I will add them to my second Year of Projects list now! (Oh, you know you have already started! And if you haven't, check out Blog A Long at Ravelry!You should join us! )

I Hacked My Mommy's Blog!--3KCBWDAY4

Excuse me all you grown-ups who read this thing my Mommy writes on, I demand your attention. Do any of you know when my Mommy knits?
I know it happens...the evidence is clear. She makes me wear these goofy looking hats. See, look at this one:

And then she totally embarrassed me at Christmas when I just HAD to wear this to THREE different Christmases!!! If Dad took it off (and thank-you Daddy for rescuing me from that hat!) Mommy was right there telling him to put it back on! She's nuts!

Then I had to wear this awful thing. I had a long sleeve shirt on and it still felt scratchy. What is her deal?!

Seriously, people, I really do not get it. Those cool looking sticks she uses do not taste good. And if I ever get close to one, she freaks out. I don't even know where she keeps them now.

And this stuff? Oh my gosh, I thought the sticks tasted bad, this stuff is gross. Attention babies, do not eat this junk!! .

I need your help adults. I can't take it anymore. If you ever see my mommy knitting, will you tell her to stop making me all of these dorky things and make me something cool? Like a puppy dog?

Thank-You,

A

...Knitting in All Seasons...

Today's KCBW topic poses the question, "How does your local seasonal weather affect your craft?"

I took a look at my current (perhaps I should state active, as they are about 6 in a dresser drawer that have been there 6 months plus) WIPs to see if they held the answer. They include the Special Occasion Scarf and an afghan. 

 

The scarf is Spring-like and the afghan is obviously Fall\Winter. 

My guess? Seasons do not really affect my knitting. I am more "list-driven" (which my husband can attest to...he apparently believes he saw me making a list of my lists once...that is so not true). Even today, my grandma said she was looking at my Year of Projects tab and commented I wasn't very far on it ;) I have my current (and ever-changing) knitting project list in order of completion\deadlines. If I have to knit a pair of fingerless gloves in July I will do it. 

I must admit, it would be nice to be season driven...then those fingerless mitts would have been done in December.

...My Knitting Hero...3KCBWDAY3

Today's KCBW topic is all about our knitting\crochet heroes. Of course, I immediately think of the person who taught me the craft.


My Knitting Hero: Corinne.

Coronado Island, California

I can remember the day she taught me how to knit. I had barely been crocheting (and was really terrible at it, honestly, I likely still AM terrible at it) and I saw her knitting one day and knew I had to learn. We were sitting in my living room (with my "I Taught Myself to Knit" packet and HUGE needles in hand. For some reason I thought it would be EASY to learn with sz 16 needles...) and she starting to teach me. I read in my book about "purl-ing" and inquired on how to do it. Her response? "I don't really know, you just place the yarn differently."

Well, I LIKED knitting but eh, didn't really have a passion for it. So the sz 16 needles and abundance of Red Heart yarn sat in a basket, unloved. Fast forward almost 5 years and I LOVE knitting! I am not sure what happened to make me fall in love with it so much.

We laugh now because I am a knitting nerd. I like to talk to her about new yarn, needles, patterns, the fact that I knit my first sweater this winter and she is content knitting her occasional scarf. (and Corinne, they are fabulous beauties! However, if you EVER want to nerd out a little more, you know where to find me). 

So THANK-YOU Corinne for being my Kntting Hero!! Without you, I would not have an abundance of needles, a small dresser (or two?) of yarn, a Ravelry account, my first sweater and a cute striped project bag.