Well, it's the last day of the year. Ane we get to start all over again. I didn't write down goals last year for this year.. but one goal that I remember was to save more money than I spend. I can't say I did that, but I did save more money than I have ever saved.. that should count towards something. I have thought about goals that I have for the new year. First off, I can see me getting in too deep with knitting. Considering I gave up all hobbies but quilting, I have gone back to one, and I probably shouldn't. But now that I have, I am going to set some early limits. The first that I have stuck to so far is keeping all of my knitting things in one place
I bought this yarn tote at Joanns. It holds all of my needles and notions that I need for knitting. It is filled with yarn. My pact with myself is to not get more yarn than can fit in this tote. And now that the tote is packed full, my goal is to knit the yarn I have.. and don't "collect". I made collecting fabric a thing to do, and I wish that I had the money that I spent on it.
This is what I have finished of my very first pair of socks.
Although, knitting is one of the first crafts that I learned to do as a child, I have never knitted a sock. I know, hard to believe. This sock is a superwash wool from Knitpicks. I used a circular needle. I did get help at my local quilt/yarn shop "Birds of a Feather". They have people manning the yarn section of the store, and I sat and knitted with them until I got past the heel section of my sock. I think that I decreased too much now that I'm in the foot area, but I plan to forge ahead, and get it over with. I might make the second sock on double points, just to see which way I like better.
My next goal for the new year is to get at least one of the two competition quilts I have started, finished. I have my miniature, but not every show has a miniature catagory.
Another goal is to not buy fabric unless I have an imminent use for it. None of this "I might use this in something".. After selling a bunch of patterns and fabrics at my last guild meeting, I realized how much money I spent on things that I never put to use. I will not buy patterns anymore. I will limit books to technique related books I can learn to put to my own use.
I of course have a goal concerning my weight. But I have failed so many times, I don't plan to lay out the details to the world. The medications that I am on because of my diabetes made me gain a lot of weight. I don't say much, because most people would say "you wouldn't be a diabetic if you weren't fat". Maybe.. but I doubt it.. considering neither of my parents were overweight and both were diabetic. I had blood sugar issues before I gained weight. Anyway, my doctor has given me a new drug called Byetta. It is for lowering the blood sugar in type 2 diabetics, and instead of people taking it gaining weight, they can lose weight. The only drawback is, it is injectable. I will have to give myself two injections a day. But on the upside, it is in a pen form with premeasured doses. I haven't started it yet. I'm not keen on taking medications as it is, and I am uncharacteristically, squemish about doing an injection. Maybe it's the appearance of being "too far gone" in this ailment.
Oh well. a new year, a new thing. I want to lose weight more than I am afraid of giving myself an injection... I guess.
I am anxious to see what 2007 has in store for me. I hope that is is a good year.
Happy 2007 everyone, may all of your dreams come true!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
SATURDAY STUFF
I finally have four days off. Thank you to everyone that sent get well wishes! They aren't quite working yet. I'm not coughing anymore for the most part. Yay. But my voice is still raspy.. kind of like laryngitis. I can tell it's different because I called my friend Gail to discuss Aurifil thread colors, and she didn't know who I was! Yesterday, I felt like I was getting a cold, today my nose isn't stuffy, I just can't taste anything.. which is good, because what's the point of eating if you can't taste it?
I started knitting my first pair of socks. I thought I would just start out with the magic loop technique, making the sock on one circular needle. Everything is going well, I just knitted the heel flap but now I'm stuck. I need to see what is actually being done in pictures, then I could understand the directions. I am going to go to my Local yarn/quilt shop and see if someonw can help me out. I am knitting from a yarn that I got from Knitpicks a while ago. It is turning out to be striped. I am surprised about that.. but you would think that the "simple stripes" name on the label would have told me something. They didn't make yarns like this when I first started knitting 40+ years ago.
Knitting has been a nice quiet thing to do while vegging on the couch for the past week and a half when I wasn't at work, but it is time to get back to quiilting. I have a very simple calendar at work. Just the dates in an 8x10 size. I plan to make a small quilt every month and pin that up over the calendar. More fun than buying one with pictures already attached.
By the way, I am not going to Road to California, only my quilt will be there. My friend Birgit Schueller will have 2 quilts in the show, Kaliedoscope Twist, and Trinity, and Gail Stepanek will have her November Fields quilt in the show.
I have to contact my picture taker and tell her to take pics of Birgit's quilts for me. I would appreciate email pics if anyone is going. I won first place in the Art Wall Category last year with "Skeletons from my Closet". Someone from the show was nice enough to call to tell me. I think they are the only show this year that has called to tell me that I won anything. My skeletons are going to be in the Dallas show in March. I don't think they will be in a show after that.
Well I should take off. Got some things to do. I hope that you all have a great weekend. If I get anything accomplished this weekend that is photo worthy, I will post it! Bye for now!
I started knitting my first pair of socks. I thought I would just start out with the magic loop technique, making the sock on one circular needle. Everything is going well, I just knitted the heel flap but now I'm stuck. I need to see what is actually being done in pictures, then I could understand the directions. I am going to go to my Local yarn/quilt shop and see if someonw can help me out. I am knitting from a yarn that I got from Knitpicks a while ago. It is turning out to be striped. I am surprised about that.. but you would think that the "simple stripes" name on the label would have told me something. They didn't make yarns like this when I first started knitting 40+ years ago.
Knitting has been a nice quiet thing to do while vegging on the couch for the past week and a half when I wasn't at work, but it is time to get back to quiilting. I have a very simple calendar at work. Just the dates in an 8x10 size. I plan to make a small quilt every month and pin that up over the calendar. More fun than buying one with pictures already attached.
By the way, I am not going to Road to California, only my quilt will be there. My friend Birgit Schueller will have 2 quilts in the show, Kaliedoscope Twist, and Trinity, and Gail Stepanek will have her November Fields quilt in the show.
I have to contact my picture taker and tell her to take pics of Birgit's quilts for me. I would appreciate email pics if anyone is going. I won first place in the Art Wall Category last year with "Skeletons from my Closet". Someone from the show was nice enough to call to tell me. I think they are the only show this year that has called to tell me that I won anything. My skeletons are going to be in the Dallas show in March. I don't think they will be in a show after that.
Well I should take off. Got some things to do. I hope that you all have a great weekend. If I get anything accomplished this weekend that is photo worthy, I will post it! Bye for now!
Monday, December 25, 2006
ALMOST BETTER
I hope that all of you had a great Christmas. I have been sick as a dog the whole time. Didn't do any of the things that I wanted to do. I was up coughing most nights, and sleeping on the couch as much as I could get away with during the day. I'm just starting to feel better this evening. I haven't had a fever today, but I have episodes of coughing I could live without. Armed with cough drops, water and a bottle of Vicks 44, Bill and I went to see "We Are Marshall". I really liked it. I would recommend it to people even if, like me, they aren't football fans. There is a movie that I didn't see in the theatre, but I rented on DVD last week. It is called "Talledega Nights". It is completely stupid, but I really enjoyed it. So if you want a really mindless movie entertainment experience.. rent it. You might like it to.
I haven't worked on anything. I am knitting a blue shawl with a fan and feather pattern out of blue alpaca. Can anyone reading this tell me if alpaca can be washed just like wool? I have some eucalan, I have never washed anything out to block, but I got some pointers from a yarn shop owner. I read on another blog somewhere that alpaca felts even in cold water... is this true? Let me know if you know anything about it.
I have to go back to work tomorrow. There is going to be SO MUCH work to do. 4 days worth of charts for 3 departments.. that's about 800 charts.. maybe more. I'm really not looking forward to it. I only have to work 3 days though, and I have another chance with another 4 day weekend. Maybe if I'm lucky, I will feel better during that break.
Things to do tomorrow... 800 charts... get out by 3pm so I can get to UPS to mail quilts (mine and Birgit's) to Road to California, take books back to the Library..go to bed EARLY!
If you don't hear from me for a few days, it is because I am too tired to turn on the computer. You'll hear from me before the New Year!
I haven't worked on anything. I am knitting a blue shawl with a fan and feather pattern out of blue alpaca. Can anyone reading this tell me if alpaca can be washed just like wool? I have some eucalan, I have never washed anything out to block, but I got some pointers from a yarn shop owner. I read on another blog somewhere that alpaca felts even in cold water... is this true? Let me know if you know anything about it.
I have to go back to work tomorrow. There is going to be SO MUCH work to do. 4 days worth of charts for 3 departments.. that's about 800 charts.. maybe more. I'm really not looking forward to it. I only have to work 3 days though, and I have another chance with another 4 day weekend. Maybe if I'm lucky, I will feel better during that break.
Things to do tomorrow... 800 charts... get out by 3pm so I can get to UPS to mail quilts (mine and Birgit's) to Road to California, take books back to the Library..go to bed EARLY!
If you don't hear from me for a few days, it is because I am too tired to turn on the computer. You'll hear from me before the New Year!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
WIP WEDNESDAY
I actually finished something this Wednesday
This is a Fan and Feather stitch scarf out of Merino Wool. If I had it to do over again, I would have figured out how to make it more narrow, and then the scarf would have been longer. I used two hanks of wool, and ran out. I ordered it from knitpicks, and want to give it as a gift, so I didn't have the time to get more yarn and finish it in time..Iit is soft, and I'm sure it will be warm. My friend just won't be able to wrap it around her neck multiple times.
This is a back for an Aran cardigan sweater I started making for myself MANY years ago. I also have one front completed. I don't know if I will ever bother to finish it. I didn't know where it was for a long time, just found it the other day.
This is the wreath in my studio. I have all of the ornaments (mostly Hallmark) that I have collected through the years with sewing /knitting themes.
I needed a new travel size iron. My newest burned out quickly. I think it was a Sunbeam. Anyway, I saw this at a Linen's and more. I probably should have bought two. I like to use them in the pull out ironing board by my sewing machine.
I have bragged too much about not having a cold for almost 6 years. I don't actually have a cold, I think I might have pneumonia. I feel bad. I have a tight cough and pain in my back and chest when I do cough. My co-worker came to work sick for the week before she went on vacation, and my daughter has been sick with an upper respiratory virus. I am usually pretty good warding off stuff like this. I guess my long hours last week did me in more ways than one. I have one more day of work and I am off for four!! Luckily, I already had a standing appointment with the doctor tomorrow. I would like to start a quilt this weekend. Start off the new year on the right foot. Have a happy day everyone!!
This is a Fan and Feather stitch scarf out of Merino Wool. If I had it to do over again, I would have figured out how to make it more narrow, and then the scarf would have been longer. I used two hanks of wool, and ran out. I ordered it from knitpicks, and want to give it as a gift, so I didn't have the time to get more yarn and finish it in time..Iit is soft, and I'm sure it will be warm. My friend just won't be able to wrap it around her neck multiple times.
This is a back for an Aran cardigan sweater I started making for myself MANY years ago. I also have one front completed. I don't know if I will ever bother to finish it. I didn't know where it was for a long time, just found it the other day.
This is the wreath in my studio. I have all of the ornaments (mostly Hallmark) that I have collected through the years with sewing /knitting themes.
I needed a new travel size iron. My newest burned out quickly. I think it was a Sunbeam. Anyway, I saw this at a Linen's and more. I probably should have bought two. I like to use them in the pull out ironing board by my sewing machine.
I have bragged too much about not having a cold for almost 6 years. I don't actually have a cold, I think I might have pneumonia. I feel bad. I have a tight cough and pain in my back and chest when I do cough. My co-worker came to work sick for the week before she went on vacation, and my daughter has been sick with an upper respiratory virus. I am usually pretty good warding off stuff like this. I guess my long hours last week did me in more ways than one. I have one more day of work and I am off for four!! Luckily, I already had a standing appointment with the doctor tomorrow. I would like to start a quilt this weekend. Start off the new year on the right foot. Have a happy day everyone!!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
FREE AT LAST!!!
Thank goodness. My first day off since the 8th. I worked over 90 hours this pay period. Over 70 of them were this week. So today I did some Christmas shopping FOR MYSELF! Yesterday, Amazon.com was still offering free shipping. I ordered Sally Collins new book.
I also ordered a new book by Karen McTavish
Then, as a lark I did a search on the site for a swift. And guess what? Winding balls of yarn from a hank of yarn wrapped around a laudry basket are a thing of the past. I will now have a swift and a ball winder.
I went out today to get some gift cards and I had some coupons for Borders, Barnes and Noble, and Joanne's. Then I called my friend who just returned from a trip to Germany. She invited me to come with her to a local quilt shop that was going out of business.
At Barnes and Noble I found a book on the history of Fashion. It is full of great photos of clothing from past centuries. I especially like the iron corset. I got the book Knit Two Together which has some patterns that I really like and actually have the double person sweater pattern..
At Barnes and Noble I bought the book One Skein Wonders.
When Nancy and I went to the quilt shop, I got yarn of all things. Alpaca, an angora/wool mix and a worsted wool. I got a sweater pattern, and a mitten pattern.
But my favorite thing was this
It had "Chico" stamped on it. It is a wooden flat guy or girl.. kinda hard to tell. The best part is that I only paid $10.00 for it!! I haven't decided what I will do with it yet, maybe paint it or decopage it with fabric pieces.. maybe nothing. It is taller than me and has flat jointed legs. I think that the nubby hands have to go.. kinda creepy. Maybe I will have to make some wooden hands for it using my hands as a pattern.
So that is how I spent my day. I rented Talladega Nights, and The Devil wears Prada. I didn't see either in the theater. Going to the Will Smith movie tomorrow. Or maybe Eragon.. haven't decided yet. Have a good week!!
I also ordered a new book by Karen McTavish
Then, as a lark I did a search on the site for a swift. And guess what? Winding balls of yarn from a hank of yarn wrapped around a laudry basket are a thing of the past. I will now have a swift and a ball winder.
I went out today to get some gift cards and I had some coupons for Borders, Barnes and Noble, and Joanne's. Then I called my friend who just returned from a trip to Germany. She invited me to come with her to a local quilt shop that was going out of business.
At Barnes and Noble I found a book on the history of Fashion. It is full of great photos of clothing from past centuries. I especially like the iron corset. I got the book Knit Two Together which has some patterns that I really like and actually have the double person sweater pattern..
At Barnes and Noble I bought the book One Skein Wonders.
When Nancy and I went to the quilt shop, I got yarn of all things. Alpaca, an angora/wool mix and a worsted wool. I got a sweater pattern, and a mitten pattern.
But my favorite thing was this
It had "Chico" stamped on it. It is a wooden flat guy or girl.. kinda hard to tell. The best part is that I only paid $10.00 for it!! I haven't decided what I will do with it yet, maybe paint it or decopage it with fabric pieces.. maybe nothing. It is taller than me and has flat jointed legs. I think that the nubby hands have to go.. kinda creepy. Maybe I will have to make some wooden hands for it using my hands as a pattern.
So that is how I spent my day. I rented Talladega Nights, and The Devil wears Prada. I didn't see either in the theater. Going to the Will Smith movie tomorrow. Or maybe Eragon.. haven't decided yet. Have a good week!!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
STINKIN SNOW
I'm the first to admit that winter is my favorite season after fall. I like the cold. I don't like the snow. Luckily, we aren't getting as much "Lake Effect" snow as parts east, but we are still getting more than I like considering I am planning a get together with my Twisted Stitcher group tomorrow.. and I don't want it to be so bad that no one wants to come out of their house! Grrr...
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
CLEANING
I have gone through my pattern drawer and cleaned out all of the patterns that I don't want. Just a small dent in all of the crap that is everywhere in my sewing area. I'm trying to get as much as I can together to see if I can rid myself of it at guild next week.
I went to my other guild last night and signed up for a 2 day workshop with Harriet Hargrave, who is coming in April. I can't wait!
Quilt University is having their annual PET SHOW . Sam is on page six. There are some really cute photos this year. I like one that has a cat sleeping in the harp area of a Bernina. Don't tell anyone.. I have a rep to maintain concerning my love of cats. But, I think it is a cute pic and a cute cat. Although... I would be ticked to have the cat that is described.. never leave me alone when I'm trying to sew and then embed his hair in my machine with his up close and personal contact. Whew.. that felt good, thought I was going to the dark side didn't you?
I am reading a book called "The Handmaid and the Carpenter" by Elizabeth Berg. Luckily, I was able to get the CD book at the library. Only THREE discs for an unabridged version. Good. I'm usually too tired to read at night, and this way I can just listen to it and finish it before Christmas.
I went to my other guild last night and signed up for a 2 day workshop with Harriet Hargrave, who is coming in April. I can't wait!
Quilt University is having their annual PET SHOW . Sam is on page six. There are some really cute photos this year. I like one that has a cat sleeping in the harp area of a Bernina. Don't tell anyone.. I have a rep to maintain concerning my love of cats. But, I think it is a cute pic and a cute cat. Although... I would be ticked to have the cat that is described.. never leave me alone when I'm trying to sew and then embed his hair in my machine with his up close and personal contact. Whew.. that felt good, thought I was going to the dark side didn't you?
I am reading a book called "The Handmaid and the Carpenter" by Elizabeth Berg. Luckily, I was able to get the CD book at the library. Only THREE discs for an unabridged version. Good. I'm usually too tired to read at night, and this way I can just listen to it and finish it before Christmas.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
MOVIE REVIEW
My friend Gail in Illinois asks me for my opinion on movies. I actually saw two this weekend, and I didn't have to pay for either one. I was eagerly anticipating The Nativity Story. It was okay, but I came away uninspired. It was slow, and just not inspirational. It is a movie that I would rate.. wait for the DVD then it only costs a couple of dollars to rent it, or if you're lucky.. you can get it free at the library.
Today I saw DejaVu. It stars Denzel Washington, and a quite beefy Val Kilmer.. who has not met middle age with the same style as Denzel. I'm just sayin...
Anyway, I read a short review of the film before I saw it and the reviewer said it may turn out to be the sleeper hit of the season. I have to say that he was right. This was a REALLY good movie. I don't want to say too much about it because it would give it away, but I can say that I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat for the last 30 minutes. There is violence.. but not over the top gross like some of these movies, that always seem to get stellar reviews. I would recommend seeing this movie, and then buying the DVD and watching it again.
Well, back to laundry. It never seems to end.
Today I saw DejaVu. It stars Denzel Washington, and a quite beefy Val Kilmer.. who has not met middle age with the same style as Denzel. I'm just sayin...
Anyway, I read a short review of the film before I saw it and the reviewer said it may turn out to be the sleeper hit of the season. I have to say that he was right. This was a REALLY good movie. I don't want to say too much about it because it would give it away, but I can say that I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat for the last 30 minutes. There is violence.. but not over the top gross like some of these movies, that always seem to get stellar reviews. I would recommend seeing this movie, and then buying the DVD and watching it again.
Well, back to laundry. It never seems to end.
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