It's a curious experience going from blogging to just not. I blogged because I needed to feel a connection. I was in a place in my life that felt very lonely and through my writing and sharing it felt like I was connected to something. However, when I was taken into a family that is somewhat my own it felt like it wasn't my place to tell their story. Alone I had full rights to sharing my experience, but as a part of something it felt like an invasion of privacy. But I find myself nowadays with things in my head and my life that just feel like they would make more sense on paper (or a screen). So I'm coming home. I look at my space here and see that there is a need for some housekeeping. I don't know that my experience is so much of crafting and baking nowadays as much as the eclectic-ness that is just life.
Maybe we all need an anonymous little space in this world where we want to be unknown, yet hope to be found? Where we hope to connect with those outside of our everyday spaces because sometimes we just need someone who knows us by our words, not by our faces. A space to get out the things we don't say to our husbands, partners, friends, family, and co-workers yet just can't live inside of us?
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Be Kinder Than Necessary...
Hello, friends! I haven't posted in so long I'm not even sure anyone visits me over here anymore! In all honesty, I just haven't known what to write in so long. But that isn't a bad thing. Life just seems to have so many twists and turns. I feel a bit like my road brought me in and out of the desert, but I finally found some water even if I'm still coughing up sand and feeling the effects of the sunburn still.
Crafting has slowed down these days. As has baking. But it's hard to spend the time on those things I did when I was spending my time pretty much revolving around my schedule and not letting anyone else impose. Much to my surprise, I've found myself dipping my toes in roles I never really saw myself in. Back in January I did the whole online dating thing (that was a bit of a dive in the deep-end for me). As I've mentioned, I did it out of boredom. But I found something I never thought I'd let myself find ever again. Someone I not only love, but trust enough to let love me. It's a weird mix of scary and scared I'm not more scared for me. One of those everything I never knew I was looking for things. And being in an adult relationship is very new for me. But I'm doing it. I'm also learning things like getting kids out of bed, timing traffic to get to practice on time, and all of the lines to Spongebob. It's a different kind of life for me. But the irony is even though there are more people I still get to be a person in it all.
"The Plan" has been teasing at my heart and mind a lot lately. There was a plan. I'm a small town girl and I had the plan that is carved into our lives as much as knowing to look for deers on the highway in the fall and respect your parents. You get married, you have some babies, and you live happily ever after. I know that isn't my plan anymore. But I don't know what the plan is. I'm sorting through some things that seem to just be too messy to go on a blog.
I'd love to say I have that whole thing about my faith figured out. (But do any of us really ever get that figured out?) The reality is that I don't. Most days I just pray to God how grateful I am that I know He still loves me even if most days I have a hard time acting like I love Him. It's not that I feel like my way is better than His. That's not it at all. I'm not really sure what it is. But there is such peace in knowing that He still loves me and I pray that He will put the desire in my heart to want to want to act like I love Him again.
One day at a time.
I do have one thought I'd like to put out there. Especially to my Christian friends. It's actually best said in a quote.
I'll throw some craftng in here, albeit a fuzzy phone pic. I have started some Christmas crafting. One request, this scarf is for a 10 year old that has come to be a big part of my life over the last few months.
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Crafting has slowed down these days. As has baking. But it's hard to spend the time on those things I did when I was spending my time pretty much revolving around my schedule and not letting anyone else impose. Much to my surprise, I've found myself dipping my toes in roles I never really saw myself in. Back in January I did the whole online dating thing (that was a bit of a dive in the deep-end for me). As I've mentioned, I did it out of boredom. But I found something I never thought I'd let myself find ever again. Someone I not only love, but trust enough to let love me. It's a weird mix of scary and scared I'm not more scared for me. One of those everything I never knew I was looking for things. And being in an adult relationship is very new for me. But I'm doing it. I'm also learning things like getting kids out of bed, timing traffic to get to practice on time, and all of the lines to Spongebob. It's a different kind of life for me. But the irony is even though there are more people I still get to be a person in it all.
"The Plan" has been teasing at my heart and mind a lot lately. There was a plan. I'm a small town girl and I had the plan that is carved into our lives as much as knowing to look for deers on the highway in the fall and respect your parents. You get married, you have some babies, and you live happily ever after. I know that isn't my plan anymore. But I don't know what the plan is. I'm sorting through some things that seem to just be too messy to go on a blog.
I'd love to say I have that whole thing about my faith figured out. (But do any of us really ever get that figured out?) The reality is that I don't. Most days I just pray to God how grateful I am that I know He still loves me even if most days I have a hard time acting like I love Him. It's not that I feel like my way is better than His. That's not it at all. I'm not really sure what it is. But there is such peace in knowing that He still loves me and I pray that He will put the desire in my heart to want to want to act like I love Him again.
One day at a time.
I do have one thought I'd like to put out there. Especially to my Christian friends. It's actually best said in a quote.
"Be kinder than necessary for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
This isn't just for my Christian friends, but a good reminder for all of us who want to love others. It's very easy to be on the outside and judge someone's choices. I spent a good amount of my adult life doing just that. But I think the biggest lesson I've taken away from it all is that it's a lot easier to be on the outside and judging than it is on the inside and surviving. What I don't think we often realize is how much we do this through the little things we say. But can we be intentional about being sensitive in our words? For instance talking about "those people" that divorce. Even if you think you're doing it in a loving way, you can still do so much damage. I used to be just like you. Please don't make me feel like a leper or a mission project. Please don't make blanket statements. I'm not asking you to agree with what I did or the choices I made to survive. I'm asking you to love me anyway. But I'm not a project for you. I'm who you could be. I know it's hard to believe that. I know I didn't three years ago.
One day at a time.
One day at a time.
I'll throw some craftng in here, albeit a fuzzy phone pic. I have started some Christmas crafting. One request, this scarf is for a 10 year old that has come to be a big part of my life over the last few months.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Olatz
I'll just be honest. I'm going to complain about the weather. Again. It's been a cold week here for the season and I've had to revive some winter UFO's I set aside in favor of warm weather projects to be ready for spring. My Olatz was one of these. Started while on break for the Christmas/New Year's holidays, it was cast aside in favor of smaller projects. But it's helping me to not revert back to a sweater today as I'm stubbornly trying to break out my spring warbrobe.
Project Name: Olatz [Rav Link] by Swallows Return
Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted (2 Skeins)
Colorway: Glazed Carrot
Needle Size: US8
Ravelry Project Page
This yarn was actually the very first Malabrigo I purchased ever and it's sat in my stash for a year and a half or so. Yarns are like wine, sometimes they need to breathe before their full potential can be realized, right? It was a particuarly smooshy knit, but I do worry about the pilling potential.
This pattern is well written and a good knit. The lace columns give some interest in a mindless knitting sort of way to the body of the shawl. I may go back and reblock to try to the get the scallops. This was a battle in which I lost in my first attempt.
So, maybe if I finish up my lingering winter UFO's spring will come...?
Monday, April 18, 2011
To Infinity and Beyond...!
I have been meaning to post this quilt for some time, but yeah, I didn't. My nephew turned 2 a little over a month ago! Wow, he is getting to be such a big boy and will be a big brother any day now. May the force be with my sister-in-law.
Forgive some of the rough pics. I was really pushing the deadline of getting this done before we hit the road to head to my homeland for the birthday party and forgot to take pics, so I had to rely on a mix of UFO pics and some from my sister-in-law's camera.
And in the end this picture, this one right here, made all of the fussy cutting and extra runs to the fabric store worth it.
Yep, that's a Woody doll (I mean "action figure") under his arm and a Toy Story plate beside him.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
A Message From the Basket
Dear April,
I know you love the Shaelyn shawl. I know it would be a great summer shawl in the Rowan Purelife Revive and especially gorgeous in the Pink Granite colorway you have in your stash.
But you need to finish your Olatz.
And your 22.5 Degrees.
And those are just the shawls.
No, you can't even buy the needles. Or the pattern. I know you already bought that third skein of yarn you need for the project.
We don't want to end up like the naughty corner basket.
This is for your own good. You know what you've got to do.
Love,
The Unfinished Project Basket.
I know you love the Shaelyn shawl. I know it would be a great summer shawl in the Rowan Purelife Revive and especially gorgeous in the Pink Granite colorway you have in your stash.
But you need to finish your Olatz.
And your 22.5 Degrees.
And those are just the shawls.
No, you can't even buy the needles. Or the pattern. I know you already bought that third skein of yarn you need for the project.
We don't want to end up like the naughty corner basket.
This is for your own good. You know what you've got to do.
Love,
The Unfinished Project Basket.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Spring, Fly!
I am SO READY for this dreariness to lift and for spring to show her bright and beautiful face. But since I have no control over the weather, I resorted to a bright and beautiful yarn to make a shawl ready for warmer days that glows like sunshine.
Yep, I'm feeling desperate.
Project Name: Spring, Fly!
Pattern: Summer Flies by Holly and Ella Knits [Rav Link]
Yarn: Mirasol Yarn Tupa (3 skeins)
Colorway: 801
Needle Size: US8
Ravelry Project Page
You may have noticed I'm a bit partial to this shawl pattern. I especially love it in this yarn! My last two were both in silk and bamboo blends, but I do like the sturdier feel of the silk and merino, even in the DK weight versus the worsted weight the pattern calls for. And seriously, this Mirasol Tupa. Simply freaking luscious. However, I am a bit worried about the pilling potential. It's already looking a bit rough and I haven't even worn it, just wear and tear of knitting and blocking.
Okay, spring. I'm ready for you. Now.
This shawl was also pushed to finish a bit by an upcoming roadtrip to Wisconsin to meet the bf's family for the first time. Because what Mom can't think favorably of a girl in handknits, right...and I may have some homemade sourdough in hand to win over Dad. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.
Yep, I'm feeling desperate.
Project Name: Spring, Fly!
Pattern: Summer Flies by Holly and Ella Knits [Rav Link]
Yarn: Mirasol Yarn Tupa (3 skeins)
Colorway: 801
Needle Size: US8
Ravelry Project Page
You may have noticed I'm a bit partial to this shawl pattern. I especially love it in this yarn! My last two were both in silk and bamboo blends, but I do like the sturdier feel of the silk and merino, even in the DK weight versus the worsted weight the pattern calls for. And seriously, this Mirasol Tupa. Simply freaking luscious. However, I am a bit worried about the pilling potential. It's already looking a bit rough and I haven't even worn it, just wear and tear of knitting and blocking.
Okay, spring. I'm ready for you. Now.
This shawl was also pushed to finish a bit by an upcoming roadtrip to Wisconsin to meet the bf's family for the first time. Because what Mom can't think favorably of a girl in handknits, right...and I may have some homemade sourdough in hand to win over Dad. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Owl Baby Newborn Set
I'll admit it, I jumped on the owl bandwagon. I love all the little owl stuff out there. And I have a new nephew coming in just a few weeks. Ever crafted for little boys? Search babies and there seems to be all this adorable pink and lace and ribbons. But boys, meh. Not a lot.
But the coming home set I made for this new nephew just happens to be holding the status of some of my favorite items I've EVER knit.
Stinkin' adorable.
The set was made from Cascade Cherub DK. Hat and booties didn't use up even 190 yd one skein. I had originally planned to make a set using the Owl Tuque pattern, but decided since this bebe will be sporting these are the weather gets warmer it would probably be better to make the set in a dk weight rather than a bulky. I'm sure a friend will reproduce at a more bulky weight yarn appropriate time in the future for this hat! This yarn was great for a baby set, it's a nylon and acrylic blend, but I had some SERIOUS issues winding it into a ball. It took me two hours and I ended up with multiple little balls because the tangles were so bad. Not sure if I just had a bad ball, but I'd buy it again. Maybe even this week...
Owl Baby Booties
Project Name: Owl Baby Bootees (Rav Link)
Yarn: Cascade Cherub DK (One skein)
Colorway: 013
Needle Size: US2 & US3
Ravelry Project Page
I saw these show up as a fave on my Ravelry friend feed a few months and knew I REALLY wanted to make them. They were designed by gingergooseberry on Ravelry, but the notes are just on her project page. I added the eyes and beak with embroidery thread. There are more detailed pics on my project page, but they aren't wanting to post right on here. I followed her directions to the letter and was pleased with the results.
Owl Baby Beanie
Project Name: Owl Baby Beanie
Pattern: Modified Coming Home Baby Hat by Shweta Shankar Khatri [Rav Link]
Yarn: Cascade Cherub DK (One skein)
Colorway: 013
Needle Size: US3 (I considered switching to US4 after the ribbing, but couldn't find my DPN's! So maybe next time...)
Ravelry Project Page
I made some mods to the Coming Home Baby Hat pattern, so I’ll just repost it all, but the majority of this is the Coming Home Baby Hat, so I don't take the credit for the pattern! :) This pattern is reworked for the DK weight yarn and incorporates the owl cable.
Main Body of Hat
Row 1: Cast on 64 stitches using DK weight yarn
Row 2 - 10 : K2 P2 around
Row 11: K all around, inc two stitches in R11
Owl Cable pattern:
(multiple of 11 sts)
Rounds 1-2: p3, k8, repeat from to end
Round 3: p3, C4B, C4f, repeat from to end
Rounds 4-10: same as round 1
Round 11: same as round 4
Round 12: same as round 1
Rounds 13-14: p3, k1, p2, k2, p2, k1. repeat from to end
Round 15-17: same as round 1
Round 18: same as round 3
Round 19: same as round 1
(Decrease for crown at 3 ½ in)
Crown Shaping for DK Weight Yarn
Row 1: K8, K2tog
Row 2: K around
Row 3: K7, K2tog
Row 4: K around
Row 5: K6, K2tog
Row 6: K around
Row 7: K5, K2tog
Row 8: K around
Row 9: K4, K2tog
R10: K3, K2tog
R11: K2, Ktog
Finishing
Cut the working yarn leaving a 6 inch tail. Thread this through a tapestry needle and sew through the remaining stitches on the needles while taking them off the needle. Pull through and secure top
.
I don’t have a baby hanging around to try this on, so I’m hoping it will fit. Not on a head, it ended up being apx 7in in circumferance and 5in tall. This seems small, but not being a mom I’m always in a bit of shock how small newborn bebe heads are, so always seem to make my hats too big…
Just a few more weeks until I get to test the fit. And meet my new nephew, of course!
But the coming home set I made for this new nephew just happens to be holding the status of some of my favorite items I've EVER knit.
Stinkin' adorable.
The set was made from Cascade Cherub DK. Hat and booties didn't use up even 190 yd one skein. I had originally planned to make a set using the Owl Tuque pattern, but decided since this bebe will be sporting these are the weather gets warmer it would probably be better to make the set in a dk weight rather than a bulky. I'm sure a friend will reproduce at a more bulky weight yarn appropriate time in the future for this hat! This yarn was great for a baby set, it's a nylon and acrylic blend, but I had some SERIOUS issues winding it into a ball. It took me two hours and I ended up with multiple little balls because the tangles were so bad. Not sure if I just had a bad ball, but I'd buy it again. Maybe even this week...
Owl Baby Booties
Project Name: Owl Baby Bootees (Rav Link)
Yarn: Cascade Cherub DK (One skein)
Colorway: 013
Needle Size: US2 & US3
Ravelry Project Page
I saw these show up as a fave on my Ravelry friend feed a few months and knew I REALLY wanted to make them. They were designed by gingergooseberry on Ravelry, but the notes are just on her project page. I added the eyes and beak with embroidery thread. There are more detailed pics on my project page, but they aren't wanting to post right on here. I followed her directions to the letter and was pleased with the results.
Owl Baby Beanie
Project Name: Owl Baby Beanie
Pattern: Modified Coming Home Baby Hat by Shweta Shankar Khatri [Rav Link]
Yarn: Cascade Cherub DK (One skein)
Colorway: 013
Needle Size: US3 (I considered switching to US4 after the ribbing, but couldn't find my DPN's! So maybe next time...)
Ravelry Project Page
I made some mods to the Coming Home Baby Hat pattern, so I’ll just repost it all, but the majority of this is the Coming Home Baby Hat, so I don't take the credit for the pattern! :) This pattern is reworked for the DK weight yarn and incorporates the owl cable.
Main Body of Hat
Row 1: Cast on 64 stitches using DK weight yarn
Row 2 - 10 : K2 P2 around
Row 11: K all around, inc two stitches in R11
Owl Cable pattern:
(multiple of 11 sts)
Rounds 1-2: p3, k8, repeat from to end
Round 3: p3, C4B, C4f, repeat from to end
Rounds 4-10: same as round 1
Round 11: same as round 4
Round 12: same as round 1
Rounds 13-14: p3, k1, p2, k2, p2, k1. repeat from to end
Round 15-17: same as round 1
Round 18: same as round 3
Round 19: same as round 1
(Decrease for crown at 3 ½ in)
Crown Shaping for DK Weight Yarn
Row 1: K8, K2tog
Row 2: K around
Row 3: K7, K2tog
Row 4: K around
Row 5: K6, K2tog
Row 6: K around
Row 7: K5, K2tog
Row 8: K around
Row 9: K4, K2tog
R10: K3, K2tog
R11: K2, Ktog
Finishing
Cut the working yarn leaving a 6 inch tail. Thread this through a tapestry needle and sew through the remaining stitches on the needles while taking them off the needle. Pull through and secure top
.
I don’t have a baby hanging around to try this on, so I’m hoping it will fit. Not on a head, it ended up being apx 7in in circumferance and 5in tall. This seems small, but not being a mom I’m always in a bit of shock how small newborn bebe heads are, so always seem to make my hats too big…
Just a few more weeks until I get to test the fit. And meet my new nephew, of course!
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