artsy-crafty babe

BT4

Yes, yes, back-tack 4, I know that I should probably be done with this by now, but I haven't even started yet.  Well, I do know what I'm going to make, but I technically haven't made anything yet.  I have to admit that I got stuck on the whole planning part.  I don't usually have a problem with this sort of thing, but this one threw me for a loop (just call me Scrooge).  So, procrastinator me will be working on this on Black Friday - there's no way in hell I'm leaving the house on Friday (BTDT - never again!!).  Lucky for me, my partner only lives a state away, so it shouldn't take very long for it to get there.

Don't worry, I'm not revealing too much.  Some of the above may, or may not be part of my projects - I'm just trying to get in the Christmas spirit :)  Once I know that my package has arrived I'll show all.

stitching away

Saturday morning I was afforded a little luxury - Matt took all three kids with him to do some work at his school, leaving me with the house all to myself.  I neglected any housework that needed tending to so that I could get back to the work I started a few days earlier.  I cut, lined up, sewed, cut some more, sewed some more, and ended up with five 16" blocks full of big chunks of color and pattern.  It was so much fun!  I plan to sew all the blocks together to make fun, funky quilt top. 

I didn't stop there, I also made Jessica's block for 12 square and another block for a friend.  If I had more time, I wouldn't have stopped there.  It feels good to have my creative juices flowing again :)

2 finished objects

Yep, that's right - TWO finished sweaters.  Two sweaters that I'll actually wear out the house! Please excuse my crappy self portraits in a dirty mirror, but I was too impatient to wait on some help :)

This is my cavern cardigan.  I actually finished knitting this months ago, but never got around to sewing on the ties or weaving in the ends until this morning.  I thought it was a little small for me, but the pictures look pretty good.  It is knit using Knit Picks Mainline. I'm pretty pleased with the results.

Next is the simple knitted bodice.  I really love this sweater, even though it is too big - I'll still wear it.  I made it using Knit Picks Andean Silk (I'm a knit picks lover), which feels soooo good. I should have read the reviews of this sweater with that yarn on ravelry first, because a lot of them came out too big.  Next time I'll know.  I tried shrinking it, which helped a little.  It's not so big that I can't wear it, but it would be nice if it fit.

Well friends, it's Friday - Hooray!  My plans for the weekend include more knitting and some sewing - Christmas is near, so I need to get busy.  But for now, I'm off to buy a new pair of jeans.  My fat jeans are snug, and I don't see that getting any better in the next few months.  Hmm, maybe it's not so bad that my sweater came out too big :)  I hope that isn't a self fulfilling prophecy!!!

back to the machine

After my post last night about my knitting obsession I practiced some restraint and stepped away from the knitting.  It was tough, but I had to do it.  Knitting totally sucks me in, I tell ya!  What better way to break the knitting habit (not that it's a bad habit, no way!) than to sew?  I grabbed my scrap basket and started sewing away.  No thinking to it, I just grabbed pieces, matched up straight sides, and started chain piecing.  It was pretty fun.  I'm thinking that this will eventually be a quilt top, one day.  I wish I could have gotten more done, but my bobbin thread ran out and I had a little one that needed my attention.  Now that I've whet my appetite for sewing again, I think my machine and I will be spending more time together - I have two custom bags and a quilt block to make, PRONTO!!

help (sort of)

Okay, I'll admit it, I'm crazy addicted to knitting.  Insanely crazy addicted!!!  All I think about is yarn and patterns and projects I could be doing.  The only problem is that I'm a very selfish knitter - everything is for me, ME, ME!  Well, I am knitting Lily a sweater, but as soon as I do a few rows on her sweater, I switch back to the 3 works in progress for myself.  Is there a self help group out there - knitters anonymous?  I think I'm in need of an intervention.

gratitude friday

Well, I kind of dropped the ball on my "everyday beauty" series.  Oh well.  I had good intentions, but this isn't the easiest time of year to take photos.  These last few days have been very overcast, and with the short daylight hours, finding the beautiful with camera in hand just wasn't happening.  The photo above is one that I took for the series, but I wanted all the kids in the picture, because well, my kiddos are beautiful to me, but getting them all together isn't easy either.  These two are usually together, getting into some sort of mischief.

Finding my everyday beauty was an attempt to pull myself out of a fall funk (I'm stealing your phrase, Rachel).  Yes, it has helped.  I'm not totally out, but I'm getting there.  The combination of too much Halloween candy, the shorter days, and a whole slew of other things was a recipe for disaster.   The good news is that I quickly recognized it, and made changes.  Progress.

To further remind myself of how good I have it, I'm counting my blessings.  This week I am grateful for:

• my goof-ball kiddos, who usually bring a smile to my face with their antics
• a husband who loves me, warts and all
• a comfortable home
• supportive friends, both here and across the internets
• my creative outlets, which keep me sane
• beautiful blooming flowers in November
• scrumptious yarn
• new magazines to get lost in
• white chocolate bread pudding
• my soft, warm bed
• this little ole blog, which keeps me connected to all of you
• the warm, autumn light
• a scrap basket full of possibility :)
• a day off from the day job this past week
• pumpkin spice candles
• a long soak in the tub

I could go on and on, but I'll stop now.  Happy Friday friends, have a great weekend - I sure plan on it!!

everyday beauty :: day 3

Some could view this as a mess, but I see it as nothing but potential.  A basket full of beautiful possibilities.  Oh, how I love scraps!  As you can see, my scrap basket is overflowing.  Thinking about what may become of those scraps makes me very, very happy.  Will they become a quilt top?  patchwork?  applique?  a Lily creation?  Who knows??  I do know that this is a beautiful sight that always makes me smile.  A basket full of happiness, that's what it is.

everyday beauty :: day 2

This beautiful plumbago makes me smile.  I received it from Matt's Grandmother this summer.  Unfortunately, I didn't do a good job of taking care of it.  It was hot, I was lazy, and the last thing I felt like doing was going outside to water my plants.  This poor plant looked horrible.  After we built the patio, I had a renewed interest in taking care of my patio plants.  I cut this plant back, gave it a shot of fertilizer, and started watering it on a regular basis.  Oh boy, have I ever been rewarded!  It's so nice to look outside and see a bright spot of color as everything is starting to turn brown and dull. 

everyday beauty :: day 1

This is one of my favorite spots in my house.  I can't help but feel good when I look at the pattern of the dappled sunlight filtering though the wooden shade and linen curtains.  This scene only happens for a little while, so I have to capture it while I can.  When I see those white pillows, I think "comfort".  Really, I just love this spot.  To me, it is beautiful. - it is a bit of "everyday beauty" that I often take for granted.

This week, I am challenging myself to find the everyday beauty all around me.  I know it's there, but all too often I'm too busy to take notice.  Every day I'll be posting photos of things that are beautiful to me.  It may be a corner of my home, a blooming flower in the garden, or a smile on my kiddo's face  - anything goes.  It's been about 6 months since I gave myself a photo challenge, so I think it's time.  I invite you to play along too, if you wish.  Go ahead, look for the everyday beauty, I'm sure it'll put a smile on your face :)

dreamy

I could resist no longer - I had to find out what all the fuss was about.  Malabrigo, yes, this is some dreamy yarn.  No plans, just stash building, I suppose.    Maybe this will turn into some Christmas gifts.  Maybe.  If I can part with this yummy yarn, that is...

Here's my progress on the simple knitted bodice. So far, so good, though I keep losing/gaining stitches on the lace portion.  It's not bad, I don't even think it's noticeable, not yet anyway (fingers crossed).  I started working on that portion while watching the speeches last night, so I was a little distracted.  Even if I wanted to, I wouldn't rip those stitches out.  Memorable imperfections, indeed :)