Wanderings

This is my weather... unfortunately, I had PT today so my mood matches it...

I organized my Ravelry lists and found this Cable Flower Hat...

And this super sweet Birdie Backpack pattern...

I have everything to make him but just haven't started yet...

And I'd like to make this for Hobbit but she's been a bit of a poop lately...

All of which makes me want to crawl back in here and holler "Do Over"!!

I completely forgot...

What... it's how we have to do
snow angels in Florida.

I was going to participate in this week's Ten on Tuesday because it sounded interesting to me - what to do when it's too cold outside.  Living in Florida, we rarely have this issue but lately, it's been chillier than normal.  I love it this way because my asthma takes a break and I don't melt but Pokey... well... he's a horse of a different color.  He shivers like we're under subzero temperatures once it dips below 75.  It's funny to watch, at least to me.  I bet if you ask him the answer would be completely different though.  So grab a warm drink, a snugly blanket and settle in ~ here is my list of things to do when it's "cold" outside...

1. Actually go outside and enjoy it since it won't last long.
2. Grab knitting and coffee to sit on porch and enjoy it, since it won't last long.
3. Take Hobbit to the park for a picnic to enjoy the weather, since it won't last long.
4. Go on a photo walk, since this fabulous weather won't last long.
5. Wonder why you don't live in such a climate year round.
6. Make homemade soup because it's perfect for this weather that won't last long.
7. Wear my favorite sweatpants because the opportunity won't last long.
8. Drive with my sunroof open since I won't melt.
9. Take Buddy for longer play outings since he won't overheat.
10. Grab a blanket, a book and my coffee and enjoy the rare opportunity to be outside and not die of heat.

I'm willing to bet that my list is going to be vastly different from the large majority of participants today... what do you think?

Tuesday Tunes

Nothing beats Josh Groban and he really doesn't need to have a 'reason' for today... he just, I don't know, "fits" today.  Lots going on but nothing exciting - typical "Monday on a Tuesday" kind of day.  Laundry, cleaning, cooking and knitting.  Lack of sleep that will remedied tonight and one small child with attitude out the ears that is grounded through tonight - it all makes for a Josh Groban kind of day, you know?

Motivational Monday ~ 1/16

After a couple of bad days in a row, it's easy to get sucked into a funk of negativity so instead of giving in to the whole "Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, that's why I eat worms" mentality, I sit down and think of ten things that make me happy.  Big things, little things, random strange things that only I would find delightful which end up making me chuckle and by the time the list is done, I'm right as rain.  I've had a couple bad days this weekend and I thought that I would share my "Funk Busting List" with y'all.

1. When someone else changes the toilet paper roll.
2. The garbage mysteriously gets taken out.
3. The kitchen fairy does the dishes.
4. I never have to get my own cup of coffee if Pokey is home.
5. Making a wish and having a geek grant it. (I'll explain soon)
6. Hobbit unloading the dishwasher without being asked.
7. The house being still long enough for me to watch anything.
8. Listening to Hobbit laugh while she's outside playing.
9. The feeling of yarn while I work.
10. The fact that Buddy the Wonder Mutt thinks I'm perfect.

There, I feel better already.  So the next time you are feeling like you fell into a pile a poo and life just isn't handing you lemons but pelting you in the face with them - stop, take a breathe and then make a list like this... you'll feel better, I promise.

Sunday Snaps

Pokey surprised us with a day off and we had a picnic in the park...

Nerd Warriors proved that they are the sweetest people...

I finished my hat that I was working on...

I have been practicing as much as I can with my new toy...

Badges were given out and I got a nice collection for Tournament 3...

This was my mantra for the week...

Hobbit created "Sissy Asabox" and yes, she sleeps with it...

Swatches are done, dissertation draft complete & Pokey made me a program for calculating color combos!

And... today is Nerd Wars sign ups.  Click here to join me at Club 33 for some fun!

Today I will...

Did she honestly?

1. Do laundry.  Yippee.
2. Put said laundry away after each load.  No really, I will.
3. In between the flips & folds, I will recharge.
4. I will knit.
5. I will crochet.
6. I will read.
7. I will bake brownies for dessert tonight.
8. Get set for Round 1, Tournament 4 of Nerd Wars.

Most importantly - I won't be sitting here obsessing over an idiotic line drawn in the sand by an insignificant spec on a power trip who believes they can bully others simply because they don't like them - they don't know them but they don't like them or what they stand for... simply put, they are an unintelligent rectal opening with 'little man syndrome' dealing with 'roid rage.  Nope, I will simply walk away smiling, thankful that I am not them.

I will do what I've always done - make the most out of what I have because ultimately, I will always have enough because I choose to have enough.  A person makes the choice to be happy, sad, annoyed, petty, rude or behave like an anal dwelling butt monkey.

I usually chose to be happy... and today I will.

Weekend Wonderment ~ 1/13 - 1/15

This is my dissertation basket but it's a good representation of what I'll be doing all weekend...

Knitting and doing a last minute push for our Nerd Wars team ~ Club 33 which represents all things Disney

I can't wait until Tournament 4 because that means I can dive into that yummy goodness in that bag but for now, I'll be working on my Rise to Challenge project.

What about you?  How are you Challenge projects coming?

What'll I do now?!?

Ravelry is currently down.  I'm lost.  I have a routine, you see, and now it's got a super huge adorable puppywrench thrown into it.  I get up, get dressed, have coffee, deal with Hobbit's morning issues, rouse Pokey, pull out supper and sit down with coffee to browse Ravelry for the few minutes before we have to leave to get Hobbit to school... but now, I can't do the fun part of my morning.

I hope they get it up and running soon because I've got things to make!  I'm doing Shannon's KAL for her luvinthemommyhood group, I'm thinking about doing another swap present for Julie and Carli's Simply Notable group and I've to browse for back up dissertation projects.  I need to check in on my Nerd Wars group and the team I've created for this upcoming tournament (sign ups are this Sunday, the 15th if you're interested).  My whole world is now going to be unhinged because I can't sit here and enjoy my yarnie friends.

Sigh... guess I'll go clean something.  So not as much fun as Ravelry... wait... it's back up!  That was a close one...

Coffee and crafting cure everything

It's Wednesday and that marks the halfway point in the week - unless you're in my house.  Today isn't Wednesday... for some it is Saturday and for others it is Tuesday... it's anything but Wednesday.  A point that is punctuated by my cranky pants mood due to lack of sleep - I was still awake past 3 a.m. and the alarm goes off at 7 a.m.  Add to that the fact that it's raining, making it a perfect stay at home day and I'm in a state, let me tell you.

I don't like waking up crabby.  My family would laugh and ask if I ever wake up any other way - yeah, well unless there is coffee involved the answer is a resounding no.  It's okay though because I know the cure - besides coffee.  It's crafting... so that is what I'm going to do today.  I spent last night planning and playing around.  Would you like to see what I've been up to?  Okay, I'll share ~

Each Nerd Wars tournament has an optional category called a dissertation.  That is a project which would take the entire three month tournament to create.  I am going to submit a proposal for a dissertation for Tournament 4!  I know, crazy but I have it all scheduled out and even have the perfect pattern.  It's called "Granny's A Square" and I love it.  I was gifted some gorgeous yarn by Cathy a few months back that I was saving for a special project... this would be that special project and here is my color palette, with white for the joining and border ~

All Caron Simply Soft yarns, including White.

I really love how it looks on my screen but I realize that it might be different in person.  The colors always seem a tad off from each other.  I will take snippets of the three I have (Strawberry, Persimmon and Sunshine) and match them up with the other colors before I buy them on Friday.  I am going to need 4400 yards so I'm happy that I can Stash Shop some of this.  After some serious planning in the car pick up line yesterday afternoon, I came to the realization that 64 small squares (3 rounds), 16 medium squares (6 rounds) and 9 large squares (12 rounds) isn't so daunting a task after all.  All I need to do over that three month time frame is make 1.2 small squares a day, 1.7 medium squares a week and 1 large square a week with seaming done as I go along.  Oh yeah, being an anal retentive overachieving uber-organized nerd has it's privileges.

I also worked on my technique for spinning last night.  I read this really great tutorial on plying yarn that tempted me to give it a shot and I must say, it came out pretty cool.  I really like it and I can't wait to figure out what to do with the tiny amount that I have drying in the kitchen.  I didn't want to 'waste' any more roving since I'd like to be able to say "Yes, I did spin this yarn first" and I love the colors in it too.  I still have a "drafting issue" but I'm learning.  I got my tension and consistency to a good place by doing this tutorial and here is the end result ~

What, where else would you dry it but from the hooks on the pot rack?

So today I am going to swatch for my dissertation and play with my drop spindle... but first, I have to go to Physical Therapy and get beaten up.  Joy.

I think I'll break in my Christmas present when it's over... my Starbucks gift card... because coffee and crafting really do cure everything.

Tuesday Tunes ~ Revelation edition

After this weekend, I think this is a good song for this edition on a lot of different levels. Some serious and some playful but the truth remains that Rascal Flatts is always appropriate. 

While I don't like every decision I came to, I've learned to let it go.  The bigger picture was more important so I'm going to move on with certain aspects of life and let them morph into whatever they will become instead of slowly strangling them to death by attempting to hold on to the past.  I will always be here - no matter what - and sooner or later you just have to trust that that particular fact is known.

On other news, I attempted to spin last night.  It was pathetic, nerve-wracking and slightly frustrating... and I loved every minute of it.  Want to see my hot mess of a finished first attempt?

There are two options - learn and move on or not.  I chose to learn and carry on.

Motivational Monday ~ 1/9

R. A. K. ~ Nerd War style

 A random comment.  A random act of kindness.  You see it, read about or hear of it every day but how often do you receive it?  I'm a firm believer that you get what you give out of this life.  If you spend your life miserable and upset over that which you have not, I honestly don't believe you will have that which you desire... because you've done nothing to earn it.  Does that make sense?

Earning things can be done in a wide variety of different ways.  You can do things to earn funds, trust, compassion and good deeds.  By doing these good things, good things will be returned to you... you just have to be able to see them.  After working very diligently since I hurt my neck and shoulder, my husband took the day off yesterday and spoiled me - he cooked and cleaned and took us on an outing to the park.  I am constantly creating charity items and sending them off to their respective destinations or teaching others how to do crafty things... all the while, expecting nothing in return but joy - joy found in the act of doing these things and joy from the recipients of those acts.

Dye Kit for Silk

I have a friend who always says "sooner or later, the universe is going to catch up with you" and I always giggle.  She makes it sound like a threat and I guess if you had a gloomy outlook on life, it would be but I don't.  I work hard to find the sunshine in things because I would much rather spend my time on this earth being full of joy instead of sorrow... creating happiness instead of headaches... making people feel loved instead of lousy.

So today, I think the universe caught up with me.  I don't know her at all.  We simply share a common passion for all things nerdy and fiber related.  I made a simple random comment asking for guidance and she answered with the kindest gesture of them all.

Thank you, Mrs. Lisa - you're my fairy godknitter and I appreciate you so very much.

A spindle, roving and a sample bag to dye my own silk - all from a simple question in a Nerd Wars thread.

So I bet you can guess how I'm going to Rise to the Challenge now...

Sunday Snaps

I started the year off with a bang - coffee, designing, knitting and shooting pictures.

Took stock in what all I carry around since I have hurt my neck and shoulder - I have pared down with age.

I re-evaluated my projects - frogged a few, pushed a few back and came up with a few more.

Had an exciting weekend all planned out...

but it got scrapped for a shiny new project.

How did your weekend turn out?  Did it go as planned or did you go down a rabbit hole too?

Weekend Wonderment ~ 1/6 - 1/8

Lots of wooly goodness this weekend... and lots of laughs.

1. Finish the other bunny slipper so Hobbit will stop stealing the one unfinished shell.
2. Cast on for this project.
3. Create a cover for my eReader using a Fisherman Sweater style cable pattern.
4. Go outside and enjoy the cooler weather.
5. Do evil PT stretches twice a day per evil PT persons.
6. Have a good laugh and a good cry.

That's what my weekend looks like - how about you?  Anything exciting planned?

Random Day

I want to learn how to do this but still trying to find the materials to learn - saw the videos though.

Took Hobbit to go and see this today... so flipping funny!  I absolutely loved it.

Still thinking about this - I really, really want to learn... I mean super really want to learn.

Been making Ravatars and building the team - sign ups start on Jan. 15th.

Did I mention that I've been ate up with the spinning bug... no?  Oh well, yeah, I have.

Had a Honey Mustard Chicken Salad for supper just so I could have this for dessert... yummy!

Yeah... I really need to go and find a kit now because I can't think of anything else....

To frog or not to frog...

That is the question.

I know that around the knitting blog circle, today is known as "Work in Progress Wednesday" and I never participate - ever - because I've never had the desire and I'm not even participating now but it did get me thinking so I pulled out all of my WiPs from their hiding places and stared at them.

Then my brain got down to the interrogation ~ what all do I have lingering on my needles?  Should I frog it or will I honestly sit down and finish it?  Do I even still like it?  These are all important questions that will either breathe life back into old projects or give me the strength to simply let it go and reclaim the yarn for another project.  Care to join me in a "cleansing of the needles" as it were?

1. Hobbit's Capelet   2. Faux Circle Sweater  3. Pokey's Sweater 
4. Challenge project  5. Hobbit's Bunny Slipper

I bet y'all don't even remember some of these projects, do you?  Don't worry, I didn't either... well, I did but only when I started digging and taking stock.  I know when I started each of these projects that I was excited and loving them, I still love some of them.  Having them all laid out in front of me, I was a bit proud at the number of them - only 4 1/2 (I haven't technically started the hat for our contest yet).  I hear stories of people with WiPs that are in the double digits or that have been sitting for several years and that always amazes me.  I tend to take stock once a year to see what is hanging around and what just needs to be reclaimed and said goodbye to because I know I won't work on it any more.  Today is that day for this year.

I started Hobbit's Capelet at the beginning of summer break when the kids were away with my folks in Texas... in 2010.  I found through working it that the yarn I chose wasn't fabulous.  It kept splitting and I was too scatter-brained at that time to pay close enough attention to the details of the pattern.  It was written for chunky yarn and I chose a light silky DK weight.  It just isn't working out - at least, the yarn choice isn't.  I am going to frog this one and reclaim my needles for another project.  I might give it another go with the proper yarn and needles as the project states because I really do love it and I've learned a thing or three since I first began this particular project.  I think it kind of deserves a fair shake so while this version will be frogged, I am sure that a proper rendition will not be long coming.

My Faux Circle Sweater was a chance to make something for me and with my most expensive yarn purchase ever - the scary yarn!  I still love it every time I pick it up but I admit, the pattern is boring.  I'm in the home stretch though so I think I will leave this one for a bit and see if I pick it up again once I finish a few of these other smaller projects.  The yarn is just so soft and the colors are so wonderful even though they don't photograph well.  I also know that this sweater will be one snuggley warm thing when it's done because I get rather warm under it while I knit.  I toyed with the idea of giving it to Peanut but I just know she'll shrink it or felt it or both.  I still don't think I have enough yarn to do the collar and cuff banding so perhaps that choice will determine if it stays or goes.  I'll have to browse Berroco soon and see what might work well with it - because all that I've found in town clashes too much with the body of the sweater and I don't want use something boring like black, although a scrumptious grey might be alright.

Pokey's Sweater will get finished.  I am on the second sleeve and it's so close to being done - it's just hit that boring stage too.  There isn't enough detail to keep my brain entertained and therefore I just get the blahs when I go to work on it.  I am going to have to give myself ultimatums in order to work on it - knit at least 2 inches on it before I can knit on anything else.  That usually works and before I know it, I'll be to exciting stuff again - blocking, banding and the collar.  I could continue to work on this sweater for our contest because I will have to switch colors for the banding but it doesn't fit in the time frame since I started it back in June of this past year.  It doesn't get really cold here until February - oh how funny, Pokey just looked over and saw this photo with the title and said "NOOOOO... you can't frog my sweater" so even if I was thinking about it I guess I would have just changed my mind.  Silly man, I wouldn't frog the first sweater I've ever made, especially since it's for him.

I am on the second slipper for Hobbit and it will get done before she goes back to school on Tuesday.  I just need to sit down and knit on it for a bit.  The only reason it is even in this pile is because it is a WiP and I wanted a true count of my outstanding projects.  As soon as the body of this one is done, I've got to make ears but I think they might end up being a different color because this ball is getting rather sparse.  I'm going to turn it in for my Care of Magical Creatures homework.. at least, that's the plan for it anyway.  If you are lost as to what I'm talking about, it's okay because I haven't talked much about my joining this particular tournament.  I only did it this week as something to do while I wait out the gap month for Nerd Wars - although I really seem to thrive under the whole tournament thing so I might do both simultaneously... who knows.

My hat for the contest, although not started, is slated to be cast on this upcoming week when Hobbit goes back to school.  It's a mental WiP so therefore I included it.  Sure, it's not even on the needles but I know it will be in less than a week so what is the point in lying to myself?  Sure, I would believe me because I have "one of those faces" but still, it's just not nice.

I have to wait until Hobbit goes back to school before I begin because I am honestly nervous about the colorwork aspect.  It is going to be a wonderful hat and seeing the shape of Pokey's yesterday, he is in need of a new one.  I can make this more masculine by not adding the pompom on the top and decreasing the amount of rounds at the end to eliminate some of the floppy cuteness and make it more form fitting for him.  The snowflake pattern is appropriate for anyone and the colors work well too.  Plus, with me using such a small amount of the yarn for this hat, I can always make matching ones for me and the girls with what I will have leftover.  Now there is an idea, although I will probably never do it because I can't stand doing the same pattern a million times over - I run into the whole "bored" thing.  I could, however, make fingerless mitts, mittens and a scarf or cowl... shoot, I bet after I make that hat I'll have enough to make Hobbit or even Peanut a sweater.  I bought a lot of it but they were each a bag sale and the price was too good to pass up.

So there you have it - I'll be frogging the capelet and reclaiming the yarn and needles for something else.  Yeah, I know it's only one project that I'm taking out of the mix but it's better than talking myself into keep them all, isn't it?  Plus, when I finish the slippers this week I'll only have two things on my needles... well, until I cast on for my hat that is...

How are you doing with WiPs?  Are they abundant or do you practice project monogamy?

Tuesday Tunes ~ my theme song

I have a special place that I love to travel to when I have to get a large bit of knitting done. Sometimes I travel to Hogwarts or Middle Earth. A few times I've traveled across space and time to another dimension but my favorite place to go is Stars Hollow. I have coffee with my dear friends and we catch up - they inspire me with their knits and I work on my knitting at the same time. We share and it's wonderful. I was there yesterday and I plan to go back today.  You see, I have to finish Hobbit's Bunny Slippers (which I will write up and post) for another tournament group that I'm testing out during the Nerd Wars gap month... once they are done, I can start my challenge hat and for that, I think we might have to go and hang out with Sheldon and Leonard for a bit.

Thank goodness for all of my knitting "friends" or else I'd never get anything finished.

'Rise to the Challenge' Contest

Gather your stuff - it's finally here!

Today is the day - one of the geekiest days of the year (1/2/12) and the beginning of our contest!  I am so excited, I could bust.  I have been going back and forth over what I was going to try but before I share it with you, let me outline the contest really quickly for those just joining in our fun...

Contest Concept

To step out of our comfort zone and do something challenging that we have never done before.  It could be an entirely new craft such as a knitter learning to crochet or picking up a drop spindle for the first time or even getting familiar with weaving if you are fortunate enough to have the equipment available.  It could be an entirely new technique such as color working, Tunisian or filet crochet, intarsia or steeking.  As long as it's something you've never successfully accomplished before, it should work for this adventure.

How to Participate

The "fine print rules" are that all projects must be started on or after 1/2/12 and completed by 2/1/12.  Photographic evidence of project must be shared either by Ravelry project page via The Corner Cafe post, emailed submission or Peppermint Mocha Mama Facebook page submission.  All submissions must have the following information included:

1. Technique used.
2. How it is a challenge for you.
3. Detailed story documenting the experience.
4. Contact information (Ravelry ID or email address).

Source

The Prize

Jordana Paige's newest item in her stunning collection of crafting accessories - the Crafter's Tool Butler!  Isn't it gorgeous!?!  Look at what all it has to offer ~

• Six flat pockets for sizes of dpns and hooks.
• Four zippered accordion pockets for circular needles with label inserts for custom numbering.
• Mesh pocket for small items such as safety pins, stitch markers and darning needles.
• Knitting needle and crochet hook inventory chart.

© Patons

Now - since I made my decision at the zero hour, I'll share what I'm going to try.  I'm making Paton's Snowflake Hat in those two beautiful shades of KnitPicks Swish DK from my stash.  I'm not sure which is going to be the main color and which is the accent - I'll have the family vote and we'll see how it turns out.

Everybody got their needles ready?  Do you have your yarn, pattern and copious amounts of coffee on hand?  Alright then ~ let's all rise to the challenge... go get 'em because the contest is officially underway!!

And We're Clear - Beep, Beep! by Amy · 365 Project

I completed my first 365 project! You can find it here.