More Snow!

This is my first winter in Maryland in over 10 years, and it has been very snowy! Tonight, the forecast is for 3-6 inches. In the past 8 years in NC, I think we had a total of 6 inches. I'm spending my evening admiring the flakes, and knitting (of course!). I've completed a little over 4 inches of my gansey. I'll need to get it to 7 inches by 2/21 (no problem with that, I'm sure). I'm trying to decide what to make as a quick "filler" project between now and 2/21. Maybe socks? Or gloves? I've never knitted gloves before, so that might be a good to try!

Looking Good!

At today's class, we joined the front and back welts to being working in the round. I am very pleased with the way it's turning out so far.
Here's what it looks like:

A New Project!

... and a big one at that! I just started taking a class on how to knit a Gansey. I decided to use some "homespun" that I bought 3 years ago at Avallion Farm in NC. The yarn is a challenge! It seems to have a mind of it's own. Even going down 2 needle sizes, I still had to reduce my garter stitch welt by 8 stitches to get the correct gauge. At any rate, I'm making some new knitting friends at A Good Yarn in Baltimore. Lorraine is an excellent teacher, and her shop is so cozy and inviting! I'll be posting pics as I make progress.

Hmmm

I'm trying to decide if this blogging things is really worth it. I just can't seem to make it a priority to post on a consistent basis.

Distractions...

I really need to get focused on my knitting and designing!! Lately, I've been helping my boyfriend (Tom) with his business (tomsrareplants.com). I've created a website for him, and we've been selling his plants at the Apex Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.

I've been knitting some small-ish projects: socks, dishclothes, and pieces to a nativity set. I've completed my back and white Bramble Bag, but I've been procrastinating about adding the lining. I'm also thinking about publishing my design for the "Learn To Knit" pillow top, but first I need to do some research on formatting the pattern and setting up a payment method.

Happy Birthday To Me!

Ok, I know this sounds crazy, but today I'm wishing myself a happy birthday!! My life over the past few months has been slightly less than happy. No, wait, I really can't say that. What I mean is that I've been in a bit of a funk. Today, I'm starting to fix what's messed up - from the inside out!!! I started my day in prayer and meditation. I picked up my bible again, and spent some time with God. I fed my spirit, and then I fed my body with a decent breakfast. Next, I fed my creativity by finishing up the socks I've been knitting for forever. Now, I'm messing around on the PC - not quite sure how that fits into fixing a mess. But, hey, it's my birthday, and I'll do whatever I want!! Next on my list is to get a nice, hot shower, and spend a litte time outside before it gets too hot. Maybe I'll even take a nap this afternoon. It's going to be a very happy day!

Busy, Busy!

The flower facecloth made it through the wash in great shape! Since my last post, I've been busy with designing and knitting an argyle sweater for my daughter. I decided to use Lion Brand Cotton Ease because she gets hot easily, and has a tendency to throw her clothes into the wash without looking at the care label. This trait is inherited from her father, who has been known to wash leather jackets, among other things! But I digress.... She picked out grey as the main color, with pink diamonds and green lines. This would not have been my first choice, but my daughter would probably not wear the sweater unless she could choose the colors. I completed all the pieces as of last weekend. I used short row shaping for the shoulders, and tried my hand at the three needle bind-off at the shoulders. I have to say that I am VERY pleased with the results! I've knitted up the v-neck band, and will assemble the rest of the sweater this weekend.

Following my usual MO, I've started a new project before the sweater is done: I'm knitting the Berroro Bramble Bag using Love-It instead of the recommended Peruvia because a wool bag is just too darn hot in North Carolina in the summer! I chose to use black and white as the colors, and it's looking fabulous already!