Changes are Coming

Alright, things kind of got away from me for a while, but I have a plan. Come back in January of 2013. I'm starting from scratch and I've got a really cute new model.

I’ve been a bad, bad blogger. Again.

Eep! Sorry all. I've been so wrapped up in life and knitting that I've neglected this blog thing for way too long. As it stands I have finished the stars and a Christmas tree for August. We aren't talking about the fruit nets or the angels just yet. I'm lucky to have gotten ANY EZ knitting in last month with the giant, 6ft. long stocking cap that I made on commission. Still, I'm pretty happy with my FOs for August. All in all, I finished the ornaments, cap, a flower brooch, a scarf, and a Meowth.

September has been just nuts. I got another order for a stocking cap (which was only 3ft long this time and did not eat up all of my free time), a request for a black shrug from my 5yr old and A JOB AT THE YARN STORE! How awesome is that? I'm stoked. That is the only word for it. Absolutely stoked. I've only had one shift so far, but I've already learned a lot and I got to see the world's tiniest chicken egg. Best. Job. Ever.

I've cast on for the Nether Garments too. I'm making them as pajamas for myself out of the Yarn Bee Snowflake wool that you can get at Hobby Lobby. I picked up a skein thinking that I would really like a pair of fingerless mitts. Once I decided that they were going to be pants, I picked up a few more. Thankfully, I got a great gauge with the first pair of needles I grabbed, so off I went making the cuffs. I started with 80sts, to avoid leggings, and will work straight to the knee. I haven't decided what I'll do once I get to the hips though. I'm not sure if I want to make them sit low on the hips or high on the waist like the pants in the Almanac. I'm leaning towards low, but we will see how I feel once I get there.

I have a bit of a confession to make now though. I'm blogging instead of writing my English paper that is due at midnight. I've written more in the last ten minutes about knitting than I have in the past week about William Wordsworth. Think I can just turn this in to my teacher? I put the guy's name in it at least. . . Blegh. Off to be a good student and finish my assignment.

*pop*

Hear that? I think that may have been the last threads of my sanity snapping. Not to worry though, I can spin more!

I have been a bad knitter this month. Even now, with a deadline less than two days away, I am writing this post instead of finishing the mile long hat. I've failed to finish my daughter's surprise birthday plushie. I've completed only three stars from the Almanac and have yet to cast on/plan for the trees, nets or angels.

When is the end of August? Tuesday you say. Hmmm. . . No problem!

What did you say? Tests in all four of my classes on Thursday? Quit teasing. School only just started this week. Surely the professors won't test us on all of that information with just one week to study. They can't be that heartless. o.0 Maybe if I cut out eating and sleep I can fit it all in. . .

Where Did the Time Go?

Here it is, the day after EZ's birthday, and I'm just now realizing that yesterday was in fact August 9th. I had intended to do a happy birthday post. Ahem.

So far this month, I have made 1 star from the Almanac. This star was quickly stolen by the kitten. I'm sure it will turn up eventually and look nothing like a star. I really want to cast on for one of the little angels. The hat I'm working on right now (for an order) is taking such a long time though and I promised to have it done in 3 weeks. Maybe I'll luck out and get a few days off in which to sit back and knit. . . HAHAHA. That's my favorite joke. ^_^

I've also been busy getting my daughter ready for her first day of Kindergarten. This little girl has been so excited to go to school all summer and today, she finally got to . I missed her and I cried a little when I read the note her teacher gave to me after I dropped her off. I had some knitting therapy (hence the star) and did as many little errands as I could think of. I know that this school thing will get easier over time but I'm still in shock that my baby isn't really a baby anymore. Oops. So much for not getting weepy again. I'm going to get some more work in on the hat before bed.

Good night all. Happy knitting.

August 9, 1910 - November 30, 1999

Here we are at August. Shawl knitting is over for the year (maybe) and little Christmas projects are waving to me from the pages of EZ's book. I'm waiting until the 9th, her 100th birthday, to cast on for the first of this month's projects. It'll be my little way of saying happy birthday. I do have plenty to keep me bust for the next week though.

I recently started peddling my wares at a local artist's market. Every Saturday local artisans are allowed to take over an old mill close to our Downtown area and sell their stuff. I've been there the past two weeks and have made a nice little profit. Yesterday, I got two orders for custom hats. ^_^ All of this money making has made me realize that I really must do something about that pesky little etsy store. I've had it for almost two years now, sitting with nothing but a name. If I'm going to make a name for myself, I need an internet presence. This is annoying to no end, since it is taking valuable time away from my knitting. I have managed to get the brim for one custom hat done today while making dinner and hope to get to the first decrease rounds before bed.

As I begin to turn my love of yarn and knitting into a little career, I can't help but feel closer to EZ. She was such an amazing woman and still is such an inspiration to so many knitters. All this month, as I knit for my business or for friends or for the knit-along, I'll be knitting a stitch for her and wishing her a very happy birthday.

At last!

IT'S FINISHED! I can't begin to describe how glad I am that this shawl is finally done. After knitting nothing but purple lace weight wool my fingers are itching for some other fiber and my eyes are craving something fun to look at.

Don't get me wrong. This shawl was an absolute pleasure to knit. I got a good portion of it done while on vacation and was able to finish well before my August 5th deadline. I'd say that this month was definitely a success. Now, I need to go feel some silk. See you in a few days with Christmas Fiddle Faddle!

Who Needs Sleep?

Here we are at the beginning of July, faced with THE SHAWL. This can be a very intimidating project on it's own. Add to it a host of little items for surprise births, charity donations, commissions, etc. and you have a panic attack waiting to happen. Oh. And I forgot about the back to school sweater that I promised my little one. First day of school is August 9th.

Despite all of the knitting that needs to happen, I also have this pesky thing called a job. For now it is only part time. Hopefully next week that will change. I have an interview (WOOHOO!) for a full time position that could carry me through school. It'll mean a lot less time with my family and my yarn but could give us the boost we need to get out of my in-laws' house. Decisions, decisions.

I have cast on for the EZ shawl. I'm using a 2-ply handspun lace weight that was given to me by an amazing local spinner. It is a really beautiful shade of purple, but she hated the way it turned out and just gave me 7 hanks. I'm doing the plain version since I will not have time to follow a lace chart and keep my sanity. Thankfully, I've been able to sneak a few rounds in and am all the way to the 4th increase section!

I've been typing for long enough today. I'm off to finish a different shawl, two scarves, 6 bags and a few alien hats. I'll post pictures of everything once I have another spare second.