Infinity Quilter & Knitter

Virtual Walk

2012-01-25T20:37:00.001-06:00

Leg #1 of the Virtual Walk I started last year is complete! And just where did I go you ask? My first virtual destination was Amy's Up North since she motivated me to get my tush off the couch and start slogging again.

Now I'm trying to decide where my next "stop" should be. I'm thinking of heading west, with a stop in Minnesota...somewhere between 100-200 miles. If you have any suggestions of a city to "virtually visit", let me know.

Thanks again for the inspiration Amy!

Turn The Heat On Please!!!

2012-01-15T06:19:00.003-06:00

Would someone please turn the heat on outside? Originally it was supposed to be 25 degrees today but currently it's only 14 degrees and we're heading to the Milwaukee Zoo for the Sampson Stomp & Romp Run/Walk. It's going to be a refreshing slog! And to think that I was slogging outside on Wednesday in 51 degree weather! I'm ready for spring.

Yowzers!!!

2012-01-06T17:20:00.002-06:00

Who would have thunk that I'd be slogging OUTSIDE on the 6th of January?!?!? It was 45 degrees this afternoon...perfect slogging weather! If only it would stay this way! I'm really hoping that we get an early spring this year.

Since no snow or sleet is forecasted, I'm signed up for the Sampson Stomp 5K next weekend!

I managed to sneak in 4.5 miles for the 100-mile challenge this week. I got a great start today for next week's total.

2011 Year in Review

2012-01-02T14:40:00.001-06:00

What was I up to in 2011????

Quilting

Quilting took a huge nose-dive in 2011. I only finished 2 projects and donated one top (to Alycia for No Soldier Forgotten). I did a terrible job on Judy's UFO Challenge. I think part of it was that in January I had the motivation to quilt some of my flimsies but the numbers I had designated for flimsies didn't get picked. So I fell off the wagon. Knitting also took away a lot of time that I normally would have spent quilting. So this year I'm just making a quilting goal to finish projects that have already been started. Surprising I still logged 93.25 hours spent quilting!

Stashbusting results:

Stash Used: 26.25 yards
Stash Added: 37.25 yards
Net: +11 yards

Knitting

I finished 20 knitting projects. Two projects were started the year before. The rest were started and finished in 2011. I had fun participating in MadMay with the Madelinetosh Ravelry Group and Camp Loopy with The Loopy Ewe Ravelry Group. I look forward to participating in both again this year. I was shocked to see that I spent 716.7 hours knitting in 2011! That's crazy!

Exercise

Exercising started a little slow but picked up around March when I was getting ready for the Cellcom 5K. I entered 8 run/walk races, of which one was a 10K and one was 4M. I logged 267.7 miles and fell 26 miles short of my "virtual walk". (I should be able to reach my "destination" this month.) The 100-mile Challenge definitely helped boost my mileage. The best part was that my blood sugar and cholesterol numbers all came back in the normal range which is what I've been aiming for the last couple years! I'm participating in the 100-mile Challenge again hoping to get me moving more in January & February!

January Goals

2012-01-01T09:39:00.001-06:00

I woke up to the new year to find a snow storm! I was perfectly fine without snow, but I guess it was bound to happen eventually.

I'm going to try posting monthly goals here again. We'll see how it goes.

Stabilize and square up last 5 t-shirts
Cut sashing for t-shirt quilt
Start Part 7 of Washington Medallion (my goal is to finish a "part" each month; still have 6 to go)
Cut binding for Infinity Star
Attach binding to Infinity Star
Finish knitting sleeves for Mork
Seam/finish Mork
Start on Milanese Loop or Honey Cowl for The Loopy Ewe 1Q Challenge (use yarn with silk in it) / Madelinetosh Toshdown
Log at least 30 miles of walking/slogging for the 100-mile Challenge
Participate in the Samsom's Stomp @ Milwaukee Zoo (depending on weather)

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T20:30:00.001-06:00

Wishing you a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year!

2012 Challenge/Goals Update

2011-12-20T19:55:00.002-06:00

A while back I had posted some items I wanted to work on in 2012. Some were items I was hoping to have finished before the end of the year. Here is my updated list.

~~Finish Aidez (knitting)~~
~~Finish Coastal Hoodie (knitting)~~
~~Finish Tea w/Betsy & Martha top and send to Alycia (quilting)~~
Make 4 patch blocks for Regina (quilting)
Finish quilting Infinity Star (quilting)
Bind Infinity Star (quilting)
Finish t-shirt quilt for friend (quilting)
Finish Claire handbag (quilting)
Quilt and bind Star Struck from Jill (quilting)
Continue working on Washington Medallion (quilting)
Quilt and bind Go Green (quilting)
Continue working on Cobblestone Lane (quilting)
Continue working on Cider Apple Medallion (quilting)
Start and finish pair of mittens (knitting)
~~Start~~ Mork pullover (knitting)
Start Sprossling cardigan (knitting)
Start Wintry Mix pullover (knitting)
Start Zephyr cardigan (knitting) - part of the Toshdown KAL
Start Whippoorwill shawl (knitting) - part of the Toshdown KAL
Start Morgandy mittens (knitting) - part of the Toshdown KAL
Start a cable sweater - either FLAK or Dark & Stormy (knitting)
Walk/run at least 350 miles
Participate in 2-3 10K walk/runs (hopefully one w/Amy from Amy's Passions)

I also am going to participate in the Madelinetosh Toshdown KAL on Ravelry. The goal is to use some of the Madelinetosh yarn that is in our current stash, while still being able to buy more if we choose. I've started a list of potential projects to work on.

CO: Mork (Na-Nu Na-Nu)

2011-12-20T19:45:00.000-06:00

While waiting for the next "assignment" during the Aidez KAL (knit-along), I decided to cast on Mork (a long-sleeved, v-neck pullover). Do you remember the show Mork & Mindy? Na-Nu Na-Nu (Am I aging myself?!?! LOL)

This is knit flat and then seamed together. I started with the back and since the majority of the body is ribbing, it knit up pretty quick. This picture shows the back almost complete. Since then, I finished the back and started on the front.

FO: Aidez

2011-12-20T19:38:00.001-06:00

Aidez is complete! I'm not completely happy with how this turned out. I had hoped for this to be baggy but it turned out on the small side (even though I knit the next size up). A lot of people had problems with the sleeves being tight so I added additional stitches when I made the sleeves. They still turned out a little small and the shoulders were really tight. I aggressively wet blocked the entire piece and it fits better now, although still could be a little bigger.

Project Progress Updates

2011-12-04T15:55:00.001-06:00

Now with basketball season upon us, it's been pretty busy around here. This week we went to 4 games, which is unusual for the beginning of the season. Thankfully, this week there is only one.

During the Thanksgiving break, this week's day off and yesterday, I caught up on several crafty projects.

Finished the body of Aidez

Started the sleeves for Aidez

Squared up 11 of 16 t-shirts

Knit the buttonband and finished pockets on Coastal Hoodie.

It's currently drying. Still need to decide zipper or snaps.

Design Wall Monday - 11/21

2011-11-21T02:15:00.000-06:00

Tea with Betsy & Martha is finally a top!!! This week it will be heading to Alycia to be quilted and then donated to a soldier for No Soldier Forgotten. I hope he or she enjoys it!

To-Do List - Week of 11/21

2011-11-20T14:36:00.000-06:00

High school basketball season starts this week! Crafty time will be cut more.

Iron stabilizer on back of t-shirts for friend's t-shirt quilt (10 of 16 done)
Find grey fabric for sashing on t-shirt quilt (check at Joann's on Monday)
Square up t-shirts
~~Print photos for my brother~~
~~Buy frame for brother's pictures~~
~~Add border #2 on Tea w/Betsy & Martha~~
~~Add border #3 on Tea w/Betsy & Martha~~
~~Vet appointment~~
Make 4 patches for Regina (some dark fabrics cut)
Wind bobbins to finish quilting Infinity Star top.
Mail Tea w/Betsy & Martha to Alycia
Boys' Basketball game
Do the Run for the Kids 2 mile run on Thanksgiving
Finish quilting Infinity Star top (~halfway)
Work on new Aidez KAL assignment
Photo yarn stash to add to Ravelry

World Finals Twisted Rib Cowl

2011-11-16T12:07:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago we went to the World of Outlaws' World Finals race. I needed a small knitting project for the flight there and back, so I cast on the Twisted Rib Neckwarmer. On Monday, while watching the Packer's game, I finished it!

The yarn is Madelinetosh Pashmina in the French Grey colorway. I bought the yarn for The Loopy Ewe 4th Quarter Challenge. I LOVE this colorway and definitely can see more in my future, perhaps to make a cardigan.

To-Do List - Status Update

2011-11-16T12:01:00.001-06:00

Iron stabilizer on back of t-shirts for friend's t-shirt quilt (7 of 16 done)
Find grey fabric for sashing on t-shirt quilt
~~Re-size &~~ print photos for my brother (just need to print)
Buy frame for brother's pictures
~~Knit at least 2 more inches on twisted rib cowl (need ~4 inches total)~~. Cowl is DONE!
~~Finish border #1 on Tea w/Betsy & Martha~~
Add border #2 on Tea w/Betsy & Martha
Add border #3 on Tea w/Betsy & Martha
~~Vet appointment~~
Make 4 patches for Regina (some dark fabrics cut)
Wind bobbins to finish quilting Infinity Star top.
Finish quilting Infinity Star top (~halfway)
Photo yarn stash to add to Ravelry

To-Do List - Week of 11/13

2011-11-13T13:29:00.001-06:00

I did pretty good on last week's to-do list, plus did a bunch of stuff over the weekend that wasn't on my list. I'm adding quite a bit this week. My main goal is to finish Tea w/Betsy & Martha so I can get it shipped off to Alycia for No Soldier Forgotten.

~~Drop off donations at SVP~~
Finish sewing Tea w/Betsy & Martha rows together - last 2 rows are pieced, just have to sew all rows together.
Iron stabilizer on back of t-shirts for friend's t-shirt quilt
Re-size & print photos for my brother
~~Trim dogs' nails.~~
Knit at least 2 more inches on twisted rib cowl (need ~4 inches total).
Finished border #1 on Tea w/Betsy & Martha
Add border #2 on Tea w/Betsy & Martha
Add border #3 on Tea w/Betsy & Martha
Vet appointment
Make 4 patches for Regina
Wind bobbins to finish quilting Infinity Star top.
Finish quilting Infinity Star top (~halfway)
Photo yarn stash to add to Ravelry

Knitting Progress

2011-11-10T19:28:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I finished this week's assignment by finishing the back of Aidez. Next week I believe we'll be working on the sleeves. I can't believe how quickly this has knit up.

Last weekend we went to the World of Outlaw's World Finals races in North Carolina. I needed a knitting project for on the plane. Aidez was out of the question since it is so bulky. So I cast on a cowl.

While we were in North Carolina, we did the 1st Annual Pajama 5K Run. Yep, we wore pajamas. We had planned on this before we left so we were prepared. It was 40 degrees out when we started. I finished under 40 minutes!

To-Do List - Week of 11/7 Update

2011-11-09T18:31:00.000-06:00

~~Aidez - Finish week 3 assignment~~
~~Aidez - Start week 4 assignment~~
~~Schedule vet appointment~~
Drop off donations at SVP
Finish sewing Tea w/Betsy & Martha rows together - last 2 rows are pieced, just have to sew all rows together.
Iron stabilizer for t-shirt quilt
Re-size & print photos for my brother
Trim dogs' nails.
Continue working on twisted rib cowl.

Looking Forward

2011-11-07T12:50:00.000-06:00

Judy posted about her 2012 challenge projects, which got me to thinking about my goals for next year. I failed miserably with this year's UFO challenge. So rather than chosing a particular project each month, I'm going to post knitting and quilting projects that I'd like to finish, start or work on in 2012. In no particular order:

Finish Aidez (knitting)
Finish Coastal Hoodie (knitting)
Finish Tea w/Betsy & Martha top and send to Alycia (quilting)
Make 4 patch blocks for Regina (quilting)
Finish t-shirt quilt for friend (quilting)
Finish Claire handbag (quilting)
Quilt and bind Star Struck from Jill (quilting)
Continue working on Washington Medallion (quilting)
Quilt and bind Go Green (quilting)
Continue working on Cobblestone Lane (quilting)
Continue working on Cider Apple Medallion (quilting)
Start and finish pair of mittens (knitting)
Start Mork sweater (knitting)
Start Sprossling cardigan (knitting)
Start Wintry Mix pullover (knitting)
Start Gimlet cardigan (knitting)
Start a cable sweater - either FLAK or Dark & Stormy (knitting)

I'll add to and modify this as it changes. A couple of the items I'm hoping to have done before the 2012.

To-Do List - Week of 11/7

2011-11-06T20:22:00.001-06:00

Time to get back on track and post a to-do list:

Aidez - Finish week 3 assignment
Aidez - Start week 4 assignment
Schedule vet appointment
Drop off donations at SVP
Finish sewing Tea w/Betsy & Martha rows together
Iron stabilizer to t-shirts for t-shirt quilt
Re-size & print photos for my brother

Aidez - Day 9

2011-10-25T17:56:00.000-05:00

I decided to take some sicks days for my shingles to heal. An update: Yesterday my medical doctor requested that I get an eye exam to make sure the virus wasn't infecting my eyesight since there was so much swelling around my eye. Thankfully my eye looked good and today the swelling is starting to go down. Yeah!

Anyway, with all this time on my hands, I've been keeping busy by working on Aidez. This week's assignment is another 6 inches. I've currently got 9.5 inches done.

Middle (back) section

Front right

Aidez - Day 7

2011-10-23T09:37:00.000-05:00

One of the only things I've been working on this week has been Aidez. Our assignment: 6 inches knit before tomorrow. My homework is done, and I got a little head start on next week's assignment. The color is way off in the photos. It's really a darker brown.

Middle section

Right front

Curveball

2011-10-23T09:31:00.000-05:00

It sure has been an interesting week. Let me set the scene. Last Saturday afternoon I went to feed the goats. We have a little metal shed that we partitioned off so the front half could be for storage and the back for the goats. I give the goats their food and then swap out their water bucket. When I went to get the water bucket I forgot to duck (not something I'm used to since I'm so short). I bumped my head on the top of the door frame. It wasn't hard and there was no blood so I didn't think anything more of it.

Until Tuesday. Tuesday my lymph nodes around my ear started swelling up. At first I couldn't figure out why but then remembered I bumped my head. There were a couple bumps just above the hairline on my forehead. Wednesday the swelling got a little worse. Figuring I had an infection, I called the doctor's office and made an appointment for Friday.

I waited for close to an hour before she came in. I told her the story. She came over to look at it and in 30 seconds diagnosed my condition.....shingles! WHAT?!?! I've heard of it, but that wasn't quite what I was expecting to hear. My SIL had it last year, but on her back and she said it was painful. If you've ever had chicken pox, you have this virus that hibernates and it becomes active when you're immune system is real low. So she prescribed some medication to hopefully prevent the pain that goes along with it. For the most part I haven't had much pain (knock on wood), mostly just tenderness where my lymph nodes are swollen.

Then yesterday my eye started swelling up, and I noticed the rash/blisteriing was a little further down my face. My eye looks like I was in a UFC fight. This actually looks better than when I woke up this morning. Thankfully it doesn't hurt. It's just annoying. We'll see what the next couple days bring. I'm thinking I won't be going to work, especially if my eye closes all the way. According to the internet the rash/blistering should be ending and they should be starting to scab over. I sure hope it starts getting better. I've heard of some people who have symptoms for months, but usually it's only a couple weeks. My mom knows someone who has had it for 2 years!

Aidez KAL - Day 1

2011-10-17T20:40:00.000-05:00

Today is the start of the Aidez cardigan KAL (knit-along) that Allyson from The Sweatshop of Love blog is hostessing.

This week's assignment is to knit 6 inches before next Monday. That's 3 inches of ribbing and then 3 inches of pattern which includes cables (gulp). The original pattern is knit in pieces, but we're knitting the two front pieces and the back all at one time.

Tonight I cast on and finished the ribbing portion. Tomorrow I will attempt the pattern/cable portion. I'm a little unclear about how to do the one cable, but I'm hoping to find a youtube video that will help me visual it.

The yarn is Cascade Yarns Eco Wool in the colorway Latte.

To-Do List - Week of 10/17

2011-10-17T03:01:00.010-05:00

Finish quilting Infinity Star - halfway done.
Make 4 patch blocks for Regina
Finish piecing Tea w/M&B blocks together into rows
Take donations to St. Vincent de Paul
~~Weave in ends on hoodie sleeve #2~~
Go to Recycling Center on Saturday
~~Vacuum basement/stairs~~
Finish pockets on hoodie
Print pattern for Loopy Ewe 4th Quarter Challenge
Start Aidez cardigan
Purge pile of magazines
Photograph new yarn for Ravelry
Purge clothes

Design Wall Monday - 10/17

2011-10-17T02:47:00.006-05:00

Here is my design floor. Tea w/Martha & Betsy looks much nicer on the floor than squished on my design wall. (IMO) What you see is currently in 3 pieces. Two "rows" of blocks are still on the design wall and need to be sewn into rows. Then I still have 3 borders to put on it. This baby is going to be huge!

To-Do List - Week 10/10 Status Report

2011-10-12T20:05:00.001-05:00

~~Finish the last 3 star blocks for Tea w/Martha & Betsy~~
~~Finish the HSTs for Tea w/Martha & Betsy~~
~~Start on the hood for my Coastal Hoodie (and hopefully finish)~~
~~Swatch for the Aidez cardigan (an online KAL starts next Monday 10/17)~~
Start quilting Infinity Star
Make 4 patch blocks for Regina
Start piecing Tea w/M&B blocks together into rows
~~Trim dogs' nails~~
~~Haircut Tuesday~~
Take donations to St. Vincent de Paul
Weave in ends on hoodie sleeve #2
Go to Recycling Center on Saturday
Vacuum basement/stairs
Start button band on hoodie

To Do List - Week of 10/10

2011-10-10T12:56:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted goals on my blog. Jill and I have been "discussing" goals lately so I decided I should revive this. My goals for the week are (in no particular order):

Finish the last 3 star blocks for Tea w/Martha & Betsy
Finish the HSTs for Tea w/Martha & Betsy
Start on the hood for my Coastal Hoodie (and hopefully finish)
Swatch for the Aidez cardigan (an online KAL starts next Monday 10/17)
Start quilting Infinity Star
Trim dogs' nails
Haircut Tuesday
Take donations to St. Vincent de Paul
Cheer on the Brewers!!!

Design Wall Monday - 10/10/11

2011-10-10T04:32:00.015-05:00

I made great progress on Tea w/Martha & Betsy this week! I only have 3 star blocks and 4 HST blocks to make, and then I can start assembling the rows together.

Tea w/Martha & Betsey Block Count:

~~5 of 5 blue star blocks done~~
~~18 of 18 red star blocks done~~
14 of 17 cream star blocks done
~~36 of 36 red/cream HST blocks done~~
0 of 4 blue/cream HST blocks done

My Coastal Hoodie is the reason that I didn't get the rest of the blocks done. I got on a roll when I started the second sleeve and didn't want to stop. (I was a bit of a nervous Nelly when watching the 5th game between the Brewers and the Diamondbacks so knitting kept me busy.)

Coastal Hoodie To Do List:

Knit Hood
Knit Buttonband
Attach snaps to buttonband
Weave in ends on sleeve #2
Whipstitch side of both pockets

5-4-1

2011-10-06T14:47:00.000-05:00

I took the last 2 days off since most of the guys I work for are gone for a conference or on vacation. I've been busy trying to get some outdoor stuff done, but also working on some crafty stuff.

I have 5 stars and 4 HSTs left to finish on Tea w/Martha & Betsey. I hope to get them done over the weekend.

I also finally finished one sleeve on my Coastal Hoodie....even wove in the ends! We'll see how long I procrastinate on starting the second. I dislike picking up the stitches to start, but once I get going I'll be fine. I still have a long way to go on this though. After the sleeve, I have to make the hood and then the buttonband. I'd really like to have this done by the end of the month.

Tomorrow it's back to work.

Design Wall Monday - 10/4

2011-10-03T04:15:00.000-05:00

I'm making progress on Tea with Martha & Betsey. There are finally more blocks than empty spaces on the design wall. Unfortunately the design wall isn't wide enough so I had to squish the last two rows together.

My pile of "to do" blocks is getting smaller....all in various stages of piecing.

Tea w/Martha & Betsey Block Count:

~~5 of 5 blue star blocks done~~
13 of 18 red star blocks done
9 of 17 cream star blocks done
24 of 36 red/cream HST blocks done
0 of 4 blue/cream HST blocks done

Week #40 Stash Report

2011-10-02T09:09:00.002-05:00

My numbers haven't changed because everything I'm working on has already been counted. Once I get Tea w/Martha & Betsey into a flimsie I hope to get more fabric busted.

Here are my numbers:

~ Fabric Used this Week: 6 yards
~ Fabric Used YTD: 26.25 yards

~ Fabric Added this Week: 15.50 yards
~ Fabric Added YTD: 30.25 yards

~ Net Usage: -4 yards

Tea w/Martha & Betsey

2011-10-01T20:58:00.000-05:00

It's starting to fill in! My design wall isn't big enough (missing 2 rows each - width and height), so I'm putting the stars that don't fit up in the blue area for now.

Tea w/Martha & Betsey Block Count:

~~5 of 5 blue star blocks done~~
12 of 18 red star blocks done
6 of 17 cream star blocks done
20 of 36 red/cream HST blocks done
0 of 4 blue/cream HST blocks done

Fitness Friday - 9/30

2011-09-30T12:25:00.000-05:00

Today is the last day of the 100-mile Challenge. My personal goal was to get 125 miles in by the end of the day. I currently have 122 miles in. I was going to do my last 3 miles yesterday but we had 50-mph winds and rain, and I didn't feel like going on the treadmill. So one way or another I WILL get these last 3 miles in today.

Fitness Friday - 9/23

2011-09-23T14:13:00.000-05:00

Well it's been a while since I blogged about Fitness Friday. I keep forgetting until Saturday and Fitness Saturday just doesn't sound as nice. A couple weeks ago I met my pledge of 100 miles for the 100-mile Challenge! I had a reward in mind, but I didn't post it in case I couldn't meet my pledge. My reward was a new laptop. I actually got it 2 weeks before I met 100 but that's only because I didn't think my old laptop would make it until I reached 100. The new laptop is nothing fancy, just something for me to use for surfing and keeping track of my sewing, knitting and exercising time. Next week is the last week of the challenge and I'm currently at 117 miles. Before we started the challenge I had a personal goal of 125, so I have 8 miles to go.

And to show you that all this slogging (slow jogging) is all worth it, three years ago my blood sugar and cholesterol numbers were high and I was tagged as "pre-diabetic". My numbers have steadily been going down since I've started exercising, reduced my food portions, and eat healthier. Today I had my annual physical and all my numbers were normal!!! It just goes to show that with a little work, you can lower your "bad" numbers! You CAN do it!

For my "virtual walk" here is my progress....over halfway there!:

~ Miles Walked in 2011: 218.97 miles
~ Miles Left to My "Virtual" Destination: 74.59 miles

Design Wall Monday - 9/19

2011-09-19T04:17:00.004-05:00

I got lots of sewing done over the weekend. Tea w/Martha & Betsy is starting to look like something, but I still have a ways to go.

Tea w/Martha & Betsey Block Count:

5 of 5 blue star blocks done
8 of 18 red star blocks done
1 of 17 cream star blocks done
12 of 36 red/cream HST blocks done
0 of 4 blue/cream HST blocks done

Coastal Hoodie

2011-09-18T16:28:00.001-05:00

The body and pocket liners are done. Next up are the sleeves.

Week #38 Stash Report

2011-09-18T09:25:00.001-05:00

Well, it's been a while since I posted my stash report. Since I've added and used some the last couple weeks, I thought I should start reporting it again.

Last week was the Quilt Expo in Madison. Initially I went to the Jefferson Sheep & Wool Festival, but since the quilt show was only half an hour away I decided to also check out the Quilt Expo. I found two kits that I really liked. There were a lot of gorgeous quilts at the show. You can see pictures of some of my favorites here.

Field of Dreams I had seen on Monique's (Open Gate) blog. I totally love this and could see the green substituted in almost any color.

The other kit I bought was Down Winterberry Lane. I love the fabric colors of the Whimsical fabrics. A couple years ago I made a snowman quilt with their fabrics, but ended up giving it away to a friend. This one will be for me.

Here are my numbers:

~ Fabric Used this Week: 6 yards
~ Fabric Used YTD: 26.25 yards

~ Fabric Added this Week: 15.50 yards
~ Fabric Added YTD: 30.25 yards

~ Net Usage: -4.00 yards

I'm back in the red, but within reach of getting back in the black.

Progress

2011-09-14T20:51:00.002-05:00

Progress is being made....

On Coastal Hoodie...I'm almost done knitting the body. "All" that will be left then is making the pocket liner, buttonband, hood, and attaching snaps. Also need to do sleeves...one of the most important parts!

and Tea w/Martha & Betsy (sorry no photo...it doesn't look much different than the last time). Two more blocks have been pieced. The rest of fabric has been cut for the red star blocks, so now I have to get sewing them together! My "Plan" is to work on a block every day....even if it's only to sew one seam.

Tea w/Martha & Betsey Block Count:

5 of 5 blue star blocks done
5 of 18 red star blocks done
0 of 17 cream star blocks done
2 of 36 red/cream HST blocks done
0 of 4 blue/cream HST blocks done

Camp Loopy Project III

2011-09-06T21:28:00.000-05:00

Like I mentioned in my previous post, I finished my Camp Loopy Project III shawl. I finished it over a week ago, but first blocked it last Friday. I used 826 yards!

Pattern: Lace Stripe Shawl

Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock - Magnificent Mile colorway

The one thing I'd change is the bind off edging. The way I did it, the edges curl.

Coastal Hoodie

2011-09-06T21:16:00.000-05:00

I finished my Camp Loopy Project III shawl, so cast on my next project during the long Labor Day weekend. The pattern is Coastal Hoodie and it's knitting up quick. I'm using the same colors as the designer, but that's what drew me to the pattern.

The thing that makes this pattern unique is that the purl side is the side that everyone will see. Normally the purl side is on the inside of the garment. There are several new (to me) techniques in this pattern also....a hood, pockets, and a "button" band with snaps instead of buttons.

Sweet Surprise!

2011-08-31T20:24:00.000-05:00

Monday I received a surprise package from my buddy Jill. She hadn't mentioned sending anything to me, so I had no idea what was in it. I was totally shocked when I opened it up to find....

that she sent me her Star Struck flimsie (and binding)!!! She's been working on moving her quilt studio to another room, so she's been re-organizing. I mentioned to her several times while she was making this top that I'd gladly take it off her hands because I absolutely loved it. Well, she took me up on my offer. Now I just need to find some fabrics for a backing....and get it quilted!

Thanks again Jill!!! I love it just as much in person. It'll definitely be put to use once I get it quilted.

Camp Loopy - Summer 2011

2011-08-26T12:33:00.001-05:00

So this summer I did a virtual summer camp at Camp Loopy. Sheri, the owner of The Loopy Ewe (online knitting shop), is a complete marketing genius! She decided to have a 3 month summer camp where knitters would have the chance to win free yarn. Each month she would give the requirements for that month's project. Here is where the genius part comes in, she chose a "sale week" before the project would start. You got 20% off the yarn for the Camp Loopy project. Plus if you finished the project by the deadline, you would get double reward points on that yarn. You also could use your stash yarn, but most people bought during sale week to get the discount and double reward points.

Project 1 you could choose to make a shawl or scarf but you had to use 2 colors. I chose to make Sothia. I decided to join in a week after the start date, and I still managed to finish before the deadline. I believe there were over 750 projects completed for Project 1.

Project 2 you could knit mittens/gloves or socks, but they had to have a cable in the design. I chose not to participate in this one because I've never knit mittens before and knew I'd never finish a pair of socks in one month. I would like to try knitting mittens someday but when I can take my time. I ended up getting quite a few other knitting projects completed though. Which to me was more important than winning a skein of yarn. I believe there were over 600 projects completed for this challenge.

Project 3 started last week (15th) and the only requirement was that you have to use 800 yards of yarn. For those of you who don't knit, that's quite a bit of yarn. You can make a decent sized sweater with that amount! Again I chose to knit a shawl, and I've got about 10 more rows and it will be done. It doesn't look like much in the picture because my needles are long enough to spread it out. I'll post a picture when it's done.

Once I get my Camp Loopy project done, I'll get back to working on the Tea w/Martha & Betsy blocks. And my next knitting project is going to be the Coastal Hoodie. My colors will be the same except my blue-green will be a little darker.

Tomorrow hubby is going to do another half marathon. I'll be doing the 5K. They stagger the start, so the 1/2 marathoners start half an hour before the 5K runners/walkers. I figure I should finish about 15 minutes before he does.

After the run we might check out some laptops at Best Buy. Mine has been overheating and running slower and slower so I think it's time to get a new one before it's too late to get the data transferred over.

Design Wall Monday - 8/15

2011-08-15T04:44:00.019-05:00

Yeah, I finally got some sewing mojo back. I did some sewing 7 of the last 8 days! It'll be short-lived though because today is the start of Camp Loopy Project III so I will be knitting pretty much every chance I get for the next month. But here is what my design wall currently looks like:

Blocks for Washington Medallion and Tea w/Martha & Betsey

Blocks laid out for Tea w/Martha & Betsey

Tea w/Martha & Betsey Block Count:

5 of 5 blue star blocks done
3 of 18 red star blocks done
0 of 17 cream star blocks done
2 of 36 red/cream HST blocks done
0 of 4 blue/cream HST blocks done

It's All Amy's Fault!

2011-08-14T16:45:00.000-05:00

That would be Amy from Amy's Passions. She posted last week about getting together to do a run/walk someday. She had mentioned possibly doing a 10K which I've only done twice (one race and once just for exercise).

Last night hubby and his sister both ran a half marathon, each beat their personal best records (1 hr 34 min for hubby and 2 hrs and 17 min for SIL). This morning I went for my walk/jog and decided to go a little further. At first I was just going to go 5 miles, but then I saw the town road was only 1/2 mile further so decided to go a bit more. Then I thought of Amy and how I should start practicing for 6 miles, so I kept going and went 6.2 miles in 1 hour and 17 minutes which was faster than I did the race earlier this year. Although I almost completely walked during that race. My legs felt heavy around lap 4 but I don't feel any worse for the wear after so we'll have to see if we can find a race next year where we get together.

Of course my pants/shorts getting looser also give me a little extra motivation to keep my feet moving!

Tea w/Martha & Betsey

2011-08-12T19:14:00.001-05:00

More progress is being made in the sewing room!!! I finished the last blue star block and pieced one red star block.

The assembly line for the rest of the red stars.

Tea w/Martha & Betsey Block Count:

5 of 5 blue star blocks done
1 of 18 red star blocks done
0 of 17 cream star blocks done
0 of 36 red/cream HST blocks done
0 of 4 blue/cream HST blocks done

I'll work on this more over the weekend, but Monday we can cast on for our Camp Loopy project so then the blocks will have to wait until I get my shawl done.

Step Five

2011-08-09T21:12:00.000-05:00

Step Five for Washington Medallion is complete!

Next on the sewing to-do list is to piece the 5th blue star for Tea w/Betsey & Martha. Then I need to go back and figure out what needs to be cut yet for the red stars.

FO: Miss Doolittle

2011-08-08T20:26:00.000-05:00

Another finish! I started this scarf back in June and it took me exactly 2 months to finish it. Mind you I did put it down to finish another project during that time. Miss Doolittle is a fairly easy pattern by Anne Hanson (KnitSpot), but you do need to pay attention. I ended up messing up a couple times on the second half, and thankfully fixed the problem without having to go back too far. This also was my first project where I grafted (with the kitchener stitch) two pieces together. That way the design goes is the same direction when it's hanging down.

I have several other patterns of Anne's on my to do list, one of which is a cardigan, which I will probably start after my Camp Loopy Project III is finished, hopefully by Sept. 15. Now that I have Miss Doolittle done, I can work on my Washington Medallion blocks until next Monday when we start our Camp Loopy project. More on my Camp Loopy project later.

An Old Friend

2011-08-07T09:52:00.000-05:00

Today I decided to visit with an old friend who I had neglected for far too long. After a little bit, it was just like old times and she quickly forgave me for leaving her alone for so long.

I had told Jill that I was getting the urge to sew again. I had been working on two projects (Washington Medallion and Tea w/Martha & Betsey) when I lost my sewing mojo. Jill quickly suggested that I work on Washington Medallion....so today I pieced 1 pinwheel and 1 star block (bottom one), and arranged the other 2 star blocks.

I made no promises that I would be visiting on a daily basis, but I did tell my friend that I'd be back.

For those of you who read my blog, I hope you didn't fall over and hit your head or go into shock when you saw I actually had something quilty to post about.

I Did it! - Race Results

2011-08-06T18:27:00.000-05:00

I finished!!! My goal was to finish in 50 minutes, and I ended up finishing in 47:25 (11:52 pace)! There was one challenging hill and the finish was at the bottom of a hill. I thought I was going to trip up and end up rolling to the finish, but another guy who I had given a little pep talk to a little while back gave me some encouragement and we finished together. Our "reward" was a brat (yuck) on a stick, which I happily gave to hubby. I told him I didn't just walk/slog 4 miles to clog my arteries. My knees hurt afterwards (probably from the finish) but I took an Aleve and they're much better now.

So now I have to figure out what/when the next race will be. Next week hubby is doing a 1/2 marathon so I know I'll be going to that to cheer him on.

Fitness Friday - 8/5

2011-08-05T04:31:00.003-05:00

It's Friday!!! Rain kind of screwed up my walk/slog schedule this week, but I still managed to get some miles in. My total for the 100-mile Challenge is now 59 miles!

I logged 44.9 miles in the month of July which was a record for the most miles in one month not only for this year, but also last year.

Tomorrow is my 4-mile race! No rain forecasted, but still humid and hot. Wish me luck!

For my "virtual walk" here is my progress....over halfway there!:

~ Miles Walked in 2011: 164.19 miles
~ Miles Left to My "Virtual" Destination: 118.55 miles

FO: Summer Wind

2011-08-03T19:41:00.000-05:00

Wow, this was a fast knit! This is an infinity scarf which can be worn hanging down like a scarf or wrapped around your neck like a cowl. It's especially great because it's one Christmas gift done! I started it last Friday and finished it today. The pattern is Summer Wind by Irish Girlie Knits and the yarn is Beyond Basic Knits Luxe Divine Sock (50% merino/50% silk....yum!) in the Merlot colorway. The color is difficult to photo but it's closer in the second picture. I can definitely see making another one for myself! ;0)

FO: Cynthia Mystery Shawl

2011-07-31T04:36:00.003-05:00

Back in February I joined a knit-along for a mystery shawl designed by She-Knits (Sharon Dreifuss). I finally finished it in April. I love the design!!! I liked the color of the yarn but I should have chosen something softer. So let me introduce you to Cynthia:

FO: No Name Scarf

2011-07-29T17:15:00.000-05:00

I finished my No Name Scarf. The pattern is called the Scarf with No Name and the yarn I used was Unnamed, so I thought they deserved each other.

It was an easy pattern to knit, and I definitely can see making another, but first I'm going to knit an infinity scarf for my SIL for Christmas. It's never too early to start working on Christmas gifts!

Fitness Friday - 7/29

2011-07-29T04:21:00.010-05:00

Ooops, looks like I forgot to post last Friday. I can't believe it, I'm almost halfway to my 100-mile pledge and we're just finishing up the first month! To date I have 47 miles logged for the 100-mile challenge, but August and September are when my allergies kick in so we'll see if I can keep up this pace. Obviously, walking/slogging at least 4 miles at a time definitely helps. One more week of training before the 4-mile race I'm entered in.

For my "virtual walk" here is my progress:

~ Miles Walked in 2011: 151.29 miles
~ Miles Left to My "Virtual" Destination: 131.45 miles

Fitness Friday - 7/15

2011-07-14T04:00:00.002-05:00

I got a lot of walking and workouts in this past week. On Saturday I did a 2-mile run/walk and finished in 24:33 which I was very happy with. Ended up jogging quite a bit the last mile.

Now I'm "training" for a 4-mile run/walk that's in a month. I've been trying to jog for a count of 25, then walk for a count of 50 and then repeat. Eventually I hope to jog longer, but it'll take time.

So for the 100-mile challenge, I've logged 24 miles in the first two weeks!

For my "virtual walk" here is my progress:

~ Miles Walked in 2011: 135.19 miles
~ Miles Left to My "Virtual" Destination: 147.55 miles

Fitness Friday

2011-07-08T19:46:00.000-05:00

Since I've signed up for the 100-mile Challenge for the next 3 months, I thought I should bring back Fitness Friday.

For the first week of the challenge (thru yesterday), I logged 6 miles. I was off today and racked up quite a few more miles between walking this morning and exercising this afternoon. Tomorrow we're doing a race (2 mile walk for me and 5 mile run for hubby). I was going to do the 5 mile one but it's only for runners, so hubby suggested I do the 2 mile walk and work on going faster instead of doing the 5 miles and coming in essentially last.

I'm still keeping track of my "virtual walk" too. Here is my progress:

~ Miles Walked in 2011: 124.19 miles
~ Miles Left to My "Virtual" Destination: 158.55 miles

The Loopy Ewe, an online yarn shop, is doing a virtual summer camp and the first month's camp project was a two-colored shawl or scarf. My camp project was Sothia and I chose a light turquoise and grey for my stripes and a dark turquoise for the ruffle. I bound off today and just need to weave in the ends and block it. By the end I had almost 800 stitches on the needles!!! It was an easy, mindless knit, but I sure was glad to be done with all those stitches.

Here is the pre-blocked photo:

Blog Vacation

2011-07-03T15:12:00.000-05:00

My poor, poor blog. I'm sorry I've been away, but I have been in a funk. I didn't think anyone who reads my blog really wanted to read about it, so I decided to take a little vacation from blogging.
There are a lot of things that have gone on since my little "vacation". I've gotten several knitting projects done, plus started several more (shawls).

About two months ago we lost Roxie, one of our goats. We still had one left, but she was lonely by herself so hubby watched Craigslist and about 3 weeks ago he found an ad from a lady about 4 miles from us who needed to get rid of 3 baby goats (twins born in March and 1 born in April). We couldn't just pick 1, so now Zoey has 3 companions.

(Piper, Zoey, Leo, & Prue -

yes, I am a fan of the TV show Charmed)

I ran in the Green Bay Cellcom 5K and, despite the miserable weather, beat the goal I had placed for myself. About a month ago I did my first 10K (6 miles) walk which I finished in 1 hour and 30 minutes. I also signed up for the 100-mile fitness challenge that runs from July 1 to Sept. 31. Depending on how hot it is, tomorrow I may do a 5 mile run/walk.

This past week we went up north on vacation with SIL and her family. They always go water skiing. For the past 3 years I've just been a spotter, but this year I bit the bullet and decided to give it a try. The first day I tried about 5 times to get up out of the water, and was close one time. The second day I got up on the third try but wiped out almost right away. When I tried again later that day I got up and went about 100 yards. By the third day I almost made an entire loop. Practice, practice, practice!

And for those who read my blog because for quilty content, I still haven't gotten back my quilty mojo, but last week a friend dropped off 16 t-shirts for me to make into a t-shirt quilt.....so I will need to get it back soon!

That's the highlight of what's happened while I've been on vacation from blogging. I'll post some of my finished knitting projects soon.

Hope you have a Happy 4th of July!

Fitness Friday - 4/22

2011-04-22T19:24:00.001-05:00

Yikes, I keep forgetting to post my progress! I HAVE been making some progress towards my "virtual" destination. My 5K walk/run is coming up soon. Hopefully we're FINALLY done with snow now so I can walk outside more.

~ Miles Walked in 2011: 79.6 miles

~ Miles Left to My "Virtual" Destination: 203.14 miles

Design Wall Monday - 4/18

2011-04-18T04:12:00.000-05:00

Here is my progress on Washington Medallion (my April UFO challenge project). Nine pinwheel blocks and one star block. I have 3 pinwheel and 3 star blocks to finish for Part 5.

Week #16 Stash Report

2011-04-17T07:28:00.000-05:00

Fabric Report

Nothing has changed this week. I ended up with the flu last Sunday and the cold part has been lingering so I took it easy. I'm told (possibly by the same person who gave me the flu) that it has been taking people 2 weeks to totally get over it. In that case I have another week to go. :0(
Here are my numbers:

~ Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
~ Fabric Used YTD: 20.25 yards

~ Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
~ Fabric Added YTD: 14.75 yards

~ Net Usage: +5.50 yards

Yarn Confessional

This week I received my Loopy Ewe club package, but can't show a picture in case someone hasn't received their package.

Go to Judy’s blog and see how others did with their fabric stashbusting this week.

Design Wall Monday

2011-04-11T03:30:00.001-05:00

Last week I started working on Part 5 of my Washington Medallion (April UFO Challenge project). I was able to paper-piece all of the HSTs but didn't quite get to piecing them together.

No new progress on the Tea w/Betsy & Martha project.

Week #15 Stash Report

2011-04-10T15:28:00.001-05:00

Fabric Report

This week I worked on my Washington Medallion BOM (April UFO Challenge project). The only fabric I'm counting out for this project is the background fabric, which I cut 1/2 yard for Part 5. I don't count BOM blocks in or out because I don't want to count all those little bits and pieces. I have to count 3 yards in from the monthly FQ club.

Here are my numbers:

~ Fabric Used this Week: .50 yards
~ Fabric Used YTD: 20.25 yards

~ Fabric Added this Week: 3 yards
~ Fabric Added YTD: 14.75 yards

~ Net Usage: +5.50 yards

Yarn Confessional

WEBS is having a yarn sale this month and next so I bought some cotton blend yarn to make two lighter weight sweaters.

Go to Judy’s blog and see how others did with their fabric stashbusting this week.

Design Wall Monday - April 4

2011-04-04T12:33:00.000-05:00

My strips of fabric from last week have turned into these...

I have one more blue block to make and then I can start on the red stars. I am a little frustrated with this pattern because it's not very well organized. The instructions for cutting strips baffles me because there is so much wasted fabric. So much that I'm going to be short on the cream fabricss. On the plus side I'll bust more stash! When I go to cut out the red strips I am going to cut it out in pieces rather than one sized strips.

Week #14 Stash Report

2011-04-03T10:42:00.000-05:00

Fabric Report

I had a great week! Busted 7.25 yards for Tea w/Betsy & Martha. I only cut the blue and cream fabric so I'll have more busted when I cut the reds! It seems like forever since I busted that much in one time.

Here are my numbers:

~ Fabric Used this Week: 7.25 yards
~ Fabric Used YTD: 19.75 yards

~ Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
~ Fabric Added YTD: 11.75 yards

~ Net Usage: +8.00 yards

Yarn Confessional

Nothing new was added to my yarn stash.

Go to Judy’s blog and see how others did with their fabric stashbusting this week.

March Accomplishments

2011-04-01T15:17:00.000-05:00

Wow, it's hard to believe that March Madness is over already. It seems just like yesterday that we were starting the basketball season and now it's over (except for NBA which goes on year-round it seems). But now basketball is over (for us) and it's on to baseball!! So besides basketball, what did I accomplish in March?

11 hours spent sewing and back in the black on my weekly stash report
Finished adding the borders to Infinity Star
Piecing the backing for Infinity Star & loaded it on the frame
Completed by March UFO project - Delightful!
Finished piecing Canterbury Crossings
Started cutting Tea with Betsy & Martha
53.75 hours spent knitting
Finished knitting body and sleeves on Elphaba
Finished Clue 2 & started Clue 3 on the Cynthia mystery shawl
Cast on Channel, a test knit pullover sweater (halfway done with body)
28.6 miles walked/slogged
Still reading Voyager - just under 500 pages left
Started reading Rattlesnake Crossing during vacation (there is no way I was lugging a 1000-page book (see item above) in my carry-on.
Went on vacation to Las Vegas & Phoenix

I'm surprised that my sewing time wasn't higher because it felt like I did quite a bit of sewing. Oh well, I've got a good start on raising that number for April.

April UFO Challenge

2011-04-01T14:58:00.001-05:00

Judy picked #4 for April's UFO Challenge project. I thought for sure it would be one of my flimsies because I currently have my February project on the frame. Nope, it's another project that has a lot of work to be done before it's finished. My April UFO project is Washington Medallion BOM. Last year I picked this back up and worked on Parts 2 through 4 (out of 12) but then needed a break. There is a LOT of paper-piecing.

So this is it's current state. Parts 5 through 10 each create 12 pinwheel blocks for the outer border and 4 star blocks for the middle border. I know I won't be finishing it in one month, so I'm shooting for getting Parts 5, 6 and 7 completed.

Fitness Friday - 4/1

2011-04-01T04:07:00.000-05:00

I had a pretty good week....walked 10 miles since my first post! No fooling either!

~ Miles Walked in 2011: 61.6 miles

~ Miles Left to My "Virtual" Destination: 221.14 miles

It's Here!!!

2011-03-31T12:09:00.000-05:00

It's Time to Play Ball!

Opening Day is TODAY!!!

Go Brewers!

Beginning to Dislike Wednesday

2011-03-30T21:24:00.001-05:00

Last Wednesday my in-law's decided to have their Labrador put down. She had cancer for about a year and up until the last couple weeks she had still been "happy" acting like nothing was wrong.

Today I found out they put down their oldest Samoyed. She was in pretty rough shape, couldn't hear or see very well anymore and she was passing blood and had stopped eating the last couple days.

They have two dogs yet, but I hope they're done visiting the vet for a while.

So if you have any four-legged, furry babies give them a big hug every day because you just never know how long he/she/they'll be around.

Design Wall Monday - 3/28

2011-03-28T04:05:00.002-05:00

Canterbury Crossings is now a flimsie.

Since Canterbury Crossings was done (as far as piecing), I let myself start a new project. Here is Tea with Betsy and Martha. The cream and blue strips have been cut.

Week 13 Stash Report

2011-03-27T07:19:00.000-05:00

Fabric Report

Yahoo, I'm back in black AND I had a finish this week! I used 1 yard for the backing and binding for my March UFO Challenge project - Delightful. No fabric was added this week. Canterbury Crossings is also now a flimsie but you'll have to wait until tomorrow to see a picture.

Here are my numbers:

~ Fabric Used this Week: 1 yards
~ Fabric Used YTD: 12.50 yards

~ Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
~ Fabric Added YTD: 11.75 yards

~ Net Usage: +0.75 yards

Yarn Confessional

There was a little more yarn acquisition this week, but I have a good excuse. Madelinetosh's Etsy shop donated 100% of their profits from Wednesday, March 16 to help aid Japan recover from the earthquake and tsunami. How could I say no to that? It was too dark to take any pictures, but I got Tosh Sport in Nostalgia (light purple w/grey), Hickory (browns...yummy), and Curiosity (dark purple).

Go to Judy’s blog and see how others did with their fabric stashbusting this week.

March UFO Challenge - Delightful FINISHED!

2011-03-26T10:17:00.000-05:00

I told you I could get my March UFO Challenge project finished on time! Last night I finished the quilting and did the binding on Delightful. Now I'm 1 for 3 for the UFO Challenge. Hooray!

Small Spark

2011-03-26T10:14:00.000-05:00

There was a small spark of sewing today. I really wanted to start a new project this morning but my conscience took over and I chose to continue working on Canterbury Crossings instead. I pieced the last sashing row and last two block rows, pieced all the rows together and added the first border. There are three more borders to go and it'll be a flimsie. THEN I can start a new project.

I really love the fabrics in this top and the color combo. If I would have had more of this fabric, I would have made this a queen size because it would have looked lovely on our bed.

Fitness Friday - 3/25

2011-03-25T02:51:00.000-05:00

If you've been following my blog for a while you know that I've been walking to lose weight and reduce my blood sugar. I've also been "training" to do the 5K run/walk in Green Bay.

I read a book last year where the character had a map and kept track of how far she went on her exercise bike. I thought it would be fun (and hopefully motivating) to choose a "destination" to walk towards where I can look on a map and visually see my progress (kinda like a little adventure). Each Friday I'm going to update my progress to show how much closer I've gotten to my destination. It will likely take the entire year, but I'd like to see if I can do it.

~ Total Miles to Destination: 282.74 miles

~ Miles Walked in 2011: 51.6 miles

~ Miles Left: 231.14 miles

Finish Line is in Sight

2011-03-21T20:41:00.000-05:00

And then there were two sleeves. I need to finish the neckline and it'll be done!!!

Design Wall Monday - 3/21

2011-03-21T04:35:00.001-05:00

Half of my March UFO Challenge project is quilted. I hope to finish it by Wednesday.

Canterbury Crossings is still on the actual design wall.

Week #12 Stash Report

2011-03-20T08:10:00.000-05:00

Fabric Report

There was some stash busted this week! I pieced the backing for Infinity Star for 4 yards busted. Even loaded it on the quilting frame right away. I had every intention of quilting it yesterday but had company so maybe this week.

Here are my numbers:

~ Fabric Used this Week: 4 yards
~ Fabric Used YTD: 11.50 yards

~ Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
~ Fabric Added YTD: 11.75 yards

~ Net Usage: -0.25 yards

Yarn Confessional

There was a little bit of stash acquisition this week. The first is Madelinetosh Sport in Smokey Orchid. I a volunteered to do a test knit of a sweater so this will be used up right away.

Yesterday I went to the Madison Knit In. Three skeins of The Plucky Knitter fingering weight yarn came home with me.

Go to Judy’s blog and see how others did with their fabric stashbusting this week. Judy asked if stashbusting is getting easier. The not buying has gotten easier but the busting hasn't since I've started knitting. I need to figure out a way to balance it out a bit.

One Done, One to Go!

2011-03-17T19:06:00.000-05:00

It's getting there! Note to Self: When I knit this pattern again I need to do additional decreases to make it snug around my arm.

Year of the PIGS - 3/9

2011-03-13T19:26:00.000-05:00

I'm a little late posting this, but here goes. The topic for this week is if our sewing area is in a separate room or combined and if it's messy or tidy/organized.

My sewing and fabric are in one of our spare bedrooms. My quilting frame is in the main bedroom. I normally am very organized and like things tidy but with all the fabric/projects I've accumulated it's getting pretty messy. I think this is one of the reasons that I haven't been sewing much because it drives me crazy to have everything lying all over the place, but I don't have anywhere else to go with them.

Here are some pictures of my sewing area:

Spare bed with Washington Medallion draped on it.

The colored rubbermaids have PIGS in them (and Fireworks in Prairie Park draped on top of that).

The white rubbermaid tower underneath has scraps that have been cut to size.

The wood cabinet has yardage fabric...oh and look my GO cutter sitting in front...still in the box.

This is the left side of the closet with PIGS on the left and top and FQs in the wire tower.

Here is a dresser filled with more PIGS. On top are "in progress" projects Delightful, Welcome to My Pad, Pick 'N Choose and finished pillowcases and shawl.

Here is the mess on top of my bookcase.
Several PIGs and other stuff from previous projects that I haven't put away.

Since I took these (embarrassing) pictures, I did clean up a little bit. I cleaned off the top of the dresser and placed my GO! cutter and dies in the corner. I also folded some fabric on the right side of the closet to make some space for some FQ bundles which were under my sewing table.

I think I could probably get more rubbermaids to put projects in so they're not all sitting out. That may help me feel more motivated to sew.

Elphaba - Body is Complete

2011-03-13T19:01:00.001-05:00

I just bound off the body portion of Elphaba. Two sleeves to go and neck trim! I can definitely see doing another one. There are a couple new (to me) techniques that I think I could do better my second time around.

Week #11 Stash Report

2011-03-13T07:31:00.000-05:00

Fabric Report

Another boring report here. What I did work on has already been reported. I received the March FQ club so another 3 yards in. I think once it starts getting nicer out I'll be knitting less and sewing more. So stay tuned for (hopefully) more exciting stash reports.

Here are my numbers:

~ Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
~ Fabric Used YTD: 7.50 yards

~ Fabric Added this Week: 3 yards
~ Fabric Added YTD: 11.75 yards

~ Net Usage: -4.25 yards

Yarn Confessional

One skein of yarn from the March Sock Club!

Go to Judy’s blog and see how others did with their fabric stashbusting this week.

WIP Wednesday

2011-03-09T13:56:00.000-06:00

It's not my March UFO Challenge project, but it was in the way so I decided to finish up the borders on Infinity Star. It's now a flimsie, ready for me to find a backing and get it quilted. (I see today Blogger wants to turn photos....at least this top looks the same regardless of what way you turn it!)

Week #10 Stash Report

2011-03-06T15:15:00.000-06:00

Fabric Report

Part Deux - Another week of zip, zero, zilch. We just got back (like an hour ago) from a trip to Las Vegas (watch sprint car races) and Phoenix (Brewers' spring training) so the sewing room has been neglected another week.

Here are my numbers:

~ Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
~ Fabric Used YTD: 7.50 yards

~ Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
~ Fabric Added YTD: 8.75 yards

~ Net Usage: -1.25 yards

Yarn Confessional

Despite ~~my best~~ some effort, no yarn followed me home from our trip. We stopped at one knitting shop but nothing jumped into my arms. The other shop, which I really wanted to check out, closed 10 minutes before we got there!

Go to Judy’s blog and see how others did with their fabric stashbusting this week.

Let me also say - it's nice to go on vacation, but it's great to be home!

UFO Challenge - March

2011-03-02T06:47:00.001-06:00

Well I haven't been too successful with the UFO challenge the first two months. I hope March will be different because "all" I have to do is sew down the applique (tops of the ornaments), hand-sew the ornament hook, quilt, and bind. Definitely do-able....even for me.

February Accomplishments

2011-03-01T18:43:00.000-06:00

What I was up to in February....

Quilted 5.5 hours - Worked on UFO #10 which was Infinity Star:

Pieced the last six blocks
Pieced sashing to blocks
Sewed one border strip on

Knit 53 hours

Cast on and finished Azalea Cowl
Cast on Elphaba - knit 3/4th of the body
Cast on Cynthia mystery shawl; finished Clue 1; started Clue 2
Cast on Northumbria cowl

Started reading Voyager
Finished reading the second half of Dragonfly in Amber
Finished reading the rest of The Summons
Walked/slogged 17.1 miles. I started the month really good but having a cold the last week really screwed up my momentum.
Packers won the Super Bowl!!!

OTN: Elphaba

2011-02-28T18:52:00.000-06:00

I'm getting closer to finishing the body on Elphaba. I have a couple more rows of hip shaping and then the lace design on the bottom.

I can see where I started knitting with the second skein of yarn, but I'm alright with it....kinda looks like I used a gradient yarn.

Week #9 Stash Report

2011-02-27T08:59:00.000-06:00

Fabric Report

Zip, zero, zilch....on both sides of the numbers. I've been battling a cold so not much happening here.

Here are my numbers:

~ Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
~ Fabric Used YTD: 7.50 yards

~ Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
~ Fabric Added YTD: 8.75 yards

~ Net Usage: -1.25 yards

Yarn Confessional

Nothing in here either!

It may be a boring post for you, but nothing new in is good news for me (and my wallet).
Go to Judy’s blog and see how others did with their fabric stashbusting this week.

Design Wall Monday - 2/21

2011-02-21T09:39:00.000-06:00

Infinity Star isn't technically on the design wall anymore, but it's what I've been working on. The blocks and sashing are now in one piece. One strip of the border has been sewn on so far. The second border will be the dark green.

On the Needles:

Elphaba is growing. I'm to the point where I will be adding darts which I've never done before.

This past weekend I started and finished Clue 1 of the Cynthia mystery shawl. I can't show any pictures until after the last clue has been revealed, which will be in 5 weeks.

Cruel Joke

2011-02-20T08:37:00.000-06:00

Let me set the scene:

Two weeks ago: Temperatures with wind chills below zero.

Last week: Temperatures in the upper 30s to low 40s. The driveway was clear of snow and ice.

Today into tomorrow: We could get 12-15 inches. I am soooo ready for Spring!

Photo courtesy of Fox 11 News - Green Bay

Week #8 Stash Report

2011-02-20T08:20:00.001-06:00

Fabric Report

I cut and started piecing the sashing/borders on Infinity Star so 2 yards out. Nothing in!

Here are my numbers:

~ Fabric Used this Week: 2 yards
~ Fabric Used YTD: 7.50 yards

~ Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
~ Fabric Added YTD: 8.75 yards

~ Net Usage: -1.25 yards

Yarn Confessional

In honor of the Packers winning the Super Bowl, I ordered one skein each of The Loopy Ewe's Sunshine Yellow and Pine green yarn to make this scarf. If the first one works out, I'll be making more for Christmas gifts.

Go to Judy’s blog and see how others did with their fabric stashbusting this week.

WIP Wednesday

2011-02-16T12:39:00.000-06:00

Don't fall over, but there has been quilting progress! I've been piecing the sashing on to Infinity Star. I still need to sew the last two rows together and then add the two borders. After I started cutting, I wasn't sure I'd like the dark green I chose for the sashing, but now that I see it from a distance I think it looks alright. It's from the stash so it's gotta be good right?!?!

Last month I had a poll to decided which sweater pattern I should knit after I finished Flint. Well, no I didn't finish Flint, but I did cast on the winning pattern, Elphaba. Flint is currently hibernating for a bit until I figure out how to proceed with the sleeves...they're too wide. So last week I cast on Elphaba. So far it's going well, the neckline is taking shape and I'm about to split for the sleeves.

The yarn is Madelinetosh Merino Light. I've knit with the Tosh DK yarn, but this is my first time knitting with Merino Light. I love the colorway (Blug Gingham), but I'm not particularly liking Merino Light because it comes untwisted.

In a little bit we're going to go to the running store and pickup new walking (me)/running (hubby) shoes. Yahoo!

To-Do List - Week of 2/13

2011-02-13T15:46:00.000-06:00

Some items leftover from last week, some new.

Cut sashing pieces for Infinity Star
Work on Canterbury Crossings sashing
Cast on Cynthia mystery shawl
Continue working on neckline for Elphaba
Continue reading Voyager
Go on treadmill at least 3x (Sunday-3.4 miles)
Gather tax stuff
Haircut
Go to basketball games

Week #7 Stash Report

2011-02-13T15:40:00.000-06:00

Fabric Report

A big old goose egg - nothing in, nothing out.

Here are my numbers:

~ Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
~ Fabric Used YTD: 5.50 yards

~ Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
~ Fabric Added YTD: 8.75 yards

~ Net Usage: -3.25 yards

Yarn Confessional

No change.

Go to Judy’s blog and see how others did with their fabric stashbusting this week.

FO: Azalea Cowl

2011-02-07T20:27:00.001-06:00

Another finish! I started this on Saturday and got the majority of it done during the Super Bowl yesterday (too afraid to watch...kinda like looking thru your fingers during a scary movie).

Pattern: Birthday Cowl by Nova Seals
Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Select Lace Semi Solids in the Azalea colorway
Needles: Size 8
Mods: I made it about 7-1/2 inches tall since I may give it to one of my nieces.

I have lots of the yarn left (3/4ths), so I plan on making a hat to go with the cowl.

To-Do List - Week of 2/6

2011-02-07T17:42:00.000-06:00

New week, new list.

Finish last Infinity Star block
Cut sashing pieces for Infinity Star
Finish azalea cowl
Work on Canterbury Crossings sashing
Cast on azalea hat
Cast on Elphaba (if I can figure how to use single ply yarn) or Sprossling
Go on treadmill at least 3x (Sunday-1.5 miles)
Gather tax stuff
Pick up more dog food
Blow out Sonny (weather permitting...supposed to be 30s by the weekend)
Go to basketball games
Go to baby shower

Design Wall Monday - 2/7

2011-02-07T02:45:00.001-06:00

My February UFO Challenge project is Infinity Star. I've finished 5 more blocks with only one more to go. I hope to finish the last block and start on the sashing this week. There really are 15 Infinity Star blocks on the design wall. They are just layered because I didn't want to take down my Canterbury Crossing blocks.

PACKERS WIN THE SUPER BOWL!!!

2011-02-06T21:31:00.001-06:00

PACKERS 31 - STEELERS 25

Photo by the Associated Press

YAHOO...LOMBARDI TROPHY COMING BACK HOME!!!!

CONGRATS GUYS...
YOU STUCK WITH IT AND GOT THE JOB DONE!!!

Year of the PIGS - Why, Why, Why????

2011-02-06T13:37:00.000-06:00

I'm a little late responding to the Year of the PIGS question from last week. The question is WHY do you have PIGS and UFOs? Boy, is this a loaded question.

The main reason I have UFOs is because:

a) I have Quilter's ADD and get sidetracked by another project,
b) I get to a part of the project where the piecing becomes tedious/putzy (and I get lazy); and/or
c) My project is ready to be quilted and that's my least favorite part of quilting.

The reason I have PIGS is a little more difficult to answer but usually it's because I am already working on something when the kit or idea comes. Then by the time that WIP is done (or to the flimsie stage), I have another project/kit that I want to start. Another reason, there are only so many hours in the day and unfortunately, not enough of it is devoted to sewing; especially now that I've learned to knit. Now that I have slowed WAY down on buying kits, I'm hoping I can get some of them turned into finishes or, at the very least, UFOs.

That's it. I've spilled my guts. What's your reason?

GO PACK GO!!!

2011-02-06T08:30:00.000-06:00

GO PACK GO

Bring home the Lombardi trophy today!!!

Week #6 Stash Report

2011-02-06T08:11:00.000-06:00

Fabric Report

Nothing new used. I've been working on finishing the last 6 blocks on Infinity Star (which is my UFO Challenge project). My FQS club fat quarters came....Sunkissed, YUM!

Here are my numbers:

~ Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
~ Fabric Used YTD: 5.50 yards

~ Fabric Added this Week: 3.0 yards
~ Fabric Added YTD: 8.75 yards

~ Net Usage: -3.25 yards

Yarn Confessional

Nothing new!!!

Go to Judy’s blog and see how others did with their fabric stashbusting this week.