September 2009 Goals

Posted on September 1, 2009 by Heather

Ah, September.  Even though I have been out of school for eight years now (!), it still feels like the start of a new year.  The weather is cooling off (okay, we’ve actually had a really cool summer, but you get the idea), and it is much more pleasant to be outside.  Fall is also just around the corner, and that is my favourite season.  Overall, next to May, September is my favourite  month of the year.

That, for some reason, brings me to my goals for August.  This is what I said I wanted to do:

  1. Crochet all the bear pieces for this afghan my mom is making for Baby Man (so far I have five heads and half a body done)
  2. Make significant progress on Baby Man’s Christmas stocking
  3. Lose 3lbs (I mean it this time!!)
  4. Make progress on entrelac scarf (which I still need to share you all)
  5. No Stash!!
  6. Complete part 3 of Castles in the Air and start Part 4
  7. Start another pair of socks
  8. Think about Christmas gifts
  9. Finish crocheting the African violets

So, let’s see.  I did finish all the bear pieces, a pair of socks (Lily of the Valley Socks), Castles in the Air Part 3 and the African violets.  I made some progress on Baby Man’s Christmas stocking and on Part 4 of Castles in the Air.  I thought about Christmas gifts and even started on just the other day.  I made progress on the entrelac scarf, but decided it was ugly and frogged it.  I bought no real stash, per say.  (I did buy some yarn, but it is for projects I have been/will be working on.  So, it isn’t  just languishing in my stash.  Honest.)  And I lost 2.4 lbs this month, although I haven’t weighed myself in about a week, so I may have hit my 3 lbs goal.

I think that meeting all those goals is pretty awesome!  And on top of all of that I also finished the crocheted ninja and Cthulhu, the water bottle holder, Dizzy Busy Bees and Swirlygig.  I have some sewing to do this month to totally finish up Swirlygig, but the stitching is done.  And, I made great progress on my Central Park Hoodie.  Not to mention I read four really great books.

I have no idea what September will bring.  I do know I have some work to do for my very part-time position with my job.  I don’t foresee any more trips to the office though.  Nor do I have any plans as of right now to take any classes or day trips.  We shall see, of course.

My September goals are:

  1. Finish the toy sack and Christmas tree of Baby Man’s Christmas stocking
  2. Finish the sleeves of the Central Park Hoodie and make a start on the hood
  3. Finish Part 4 of Castles in the Air
  4. Work on Christmas gift I started at the end of August
  5. Finish the two-at-a-time socks
  6. Lose 3lbs
  7. Work on a couple more amigurumi projects
  8. Think some more about starting the Great American Aran Afghan (That’s for you, dianemi.  I need to hunt down a copy of the book where the shipping isn’t half the cover price.)

I think that is more than enough to keep me busy!  And with the Just Cross Stitch ornament issue due out this month, I suspect I will be adding a few more projects to my list.

I forgot to mention a couple of things in my post yesterday.  Honestly, I was exhausted.  I went to bed about 10 minutes after I posted it, and was sound asleep not to long later.  Thankfully Baby Man didn’t wake up until 6:30 this morning, and I suspect it was because he had wet himself.  Hopefully this waking up at ungodly hours is over.  His cold seems to be going away, which may have been the cause.

Anyway, my crocheted ninja and Cthulhu are from the book Creepy Cute Crochet.  The ninja is missing his ninja star because I wasn’t able to make it look nice.  I’m not sure if it was me or the DMC Light Effects floss, or what.  I might give it a try again later using Kreinik #4 braid.  I didn’t glue his sash on too tightly so I could add the ninja star later if I wanted to.

I also forgot to mention that cross stitch designer Teresa Wentzler has started her blog up again.  You can find it at the old address: Artistic License.

And, lastly, Dani (aka TKDChick) is asking for donations for her CIBC Run for the Cure.  You can read more about it here.  I decided to donate some of the money I had set aside to use for shopping at the CreativFestival.  I figure that it is better spent helping to research a cure for breast cancer than it is on buying me more stash that I don’t really need.  Please consider donating even if you aren’t Canadian.  A cure for breast cancer will help us all.

So, what are your goals for September?

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Cthulhu and a Ninja, Now with Eyes!

Posted on August 31, 2009 by Heather

It is already the end of August, although with the way the weather has been here in Southern Ontario you’d think it was the end of September.  Since it is the end of the month, I should be reviewing my goals and setting new goals for September.  But, honestly, I’m dead tired tonight so I’m going to put it off for a day or two.  (Baby Man has a cold and is waking up in the middle of the night.  And that means I’m also up in the middle of the night.  It is getting a bit much.)

I have managed to get a few things done.  First is The Sweetheart Tree’s Dizzy Busy Bees.  The charm is one I bought from Artbeads.com, and is a little big for the design.  But, overall I’m happy with it.  I’ll be doing a cube finish with this, when I get a chance.

dizzybusybees

I’ve also put the finishing touches on the crocheted ninja I shared the other day.

Ninja, August 2009

And Cthulhu is finished!  I finally managed to figure out how to do the tentacles.  The problem was I thought the working yarn needed to come through the hole where the tentacle was going, but it didn’t.  It was just one of those Duh! moments, and once I got my head around that it was just a matter of working in a small space with yarn that is a bit splity.

Cthulhu, August 2009

The eyes are handmade by me using Sculpty III polymer clay.  They were easier to make than I expected, but they do look a little wonky.  I think, though, they make Cthulhu look extra cute, and I am no longer afraid of the Old Ones.  (If you are wondering who or what the heck Cthulhu is, here is a Wikipedia article.)

And, lastly, I have finished the back and two fronts of my Central Park Hoodie.  Yay!  I’ve seamed the shoulders and the sides and was able to try it on.  I think it is going to look great.  I haven’t started on the sleeves yet because I want to knit them in the round rather than flat, but I don’t have the right size dpns.  So, they will have to wait a little while until I can get out and buy some.

chp-aug31Here’s a close-up of one of the side seams.  I’m so glad I took that finishing class earlier in the summer.  Note that the colour is way off in both of these pictures.  For some reason I just can’t seem to capture it correctly.  If you’d like to see the actual colour, you can do so here. It is colour Aubergine.

cph-seam

That’s it for today!  I’m off to bed with a good book and hopes that everyone will sleep through the night.  Tomorrow I’ll tackle my goals for September.  I understand that there is a Châtelaine in the September issue of The Gift of Stitching.  That just might cause me to rethink the priority of some other projects.

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One Back, Five More Pieces to Go

Posted on August 26, 2009 by Heather

Last week I started working on Interweave’s Central Park Hoodie.  It is my first attempt at knitting an adult sized garment.  Erring on the side of caution, I have cast on a bust size that should provide me with plenty of ease, allowing me to wear heavy clothing under it.  But I’m making the length that corresponds to the smallest size since I am quite short.  (I think I am the right height, the rest of the world just disagrees.)  Today, I finished the back!

cph-back

The colour in the picture is way off.  I’m using Elann’s Super Cable Aran in Aubergine, which is more brown-purple than the blue-purple above.  I think it is turning out wonderfully.  I’m being brave by making changes to the length and by shaping the shoulders with short rows rather than the bind off method called for in the pattern.  I hope it turns out well in the end.  If not, I guess I just chalk it up to a learning experience and cast on something else.

I’m also happy to report that I have already cast on for the left front, rather than casting on these lovely RPM socks from Knitty.  I’m trying to stay fairly monogamous to this project.  Well, by that I mean it is  my only knitting project, not my only project.  My goodness, I’d go crazy if that were the case.

And speaking of which, here is how Baby Man’s stocking is coming along.

stocking-august26

I’m hoping to make progress on the bag tonight after doing my ironing. (Yes Mom, I never did get to it last night.  Oh well!)

Lastly, for those of you interested, Part 5 of Papillon Creations’ SAL Castles in the Air is avaliable.  I didn’t get the email, but I saw on one of the boards I frequent that it is out and I’ve downloaded it.  It is a lovely line of vases for above the peacocks.

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Eyeless Ninja Needs Water

Posted on August 25, 2009 by Heather

A day late again!   Not surprising, is it?  I did promise that I would share with you the list of projects that I worked on last week so you can see just how scattered I really am.  So, I worked on:

  1. Central Park Hoodie (no picture to share today, but I’m about 2/3 the way up the back)
  2. Dizzy Busy Bees from The Sweetheart Tree (see below)
  3. Hydrate (see below)
  4. Tesla
  5. Naughty or Nice Stocking (done the drum now!)
  6. Swirlygig (no picture because I’m going to enter it into this challenge)
  7. Cabled Corn Socks

I’ve added one new project to that bunch already this week, and I feel justified in doing so since Hydrate is done.  It is a crocheted water bottle holder for my mom, made using Bernat Sox in the colourway Crazy Hot.

Hydrate, August 2009

Funky, isn’t it?  The project I started to replace it is the ninja from the Creepy Cute Crochet book.  He is very nearly done, as you can see.  I just need to find some felt, and get a smaller crochet hook to make his shuriken. (The pattern calls for DMC Light Effects floss, which I happen to have.  Having multiple hobbies is very useful!)  I also am going to try my hands at making eyes using polymer clay.

ninja-august23,2009

The ninja is from the same book as the Cthulhu that is giving me trouble.   I used a one size bigger hook to make the ninja, and I think his shape is much nicer.  I think I will start the Cthulhu again, and hope that I will be able to conquer his tentacles this time.

Besides cross stitching Baby Man’s stocking, I’ve also put a little bit of time into Dizzy Busy Bees by The Sweetheart Tree.  You might remember a while back that I said I was terrified of bees.  This is part of my attempt to get over that fear.  They are everywhere, and if I have to take Baby Man outside to play, I better stop being so afraid.

Bees

This is actually a used chart, so I had to hunt down my own bee charm.  I managed to get one from Artbeads.com for next to nothing.  Hopefully it will be the right size.

And another piece of news, Melissa over at The Daily Mel is having a draw to celebrate 8th year anniversary/1000th post.  Pop on over and read about it on this post.  To whet your appetite, here is what she is giving away:

normal_1000bloggiveaway

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August TUSAL, Santa and Something New

Posted on August 23, 2009 by Heather

Late again with my Totally Useless Stitch Along post.  No surprise, I guess.  Here is what it looks like this  month:

tusal-august

tusal-august-2

It has actually shrunk a little because I removed the half finished crocheted Cthulhu.  I’ve decided I’m going to give him another try.  Although, oddly, the jar seems to have eaten one of his arms.  So, I need to do his tentacles and another arm now.  New things in the jar include a package for Mill Hill treasures from the Christmas ornament I finished recently, a yarn label from my newest knitting project, and a whole bunch of floss and yarn from all the projects I worked on this month and already shared with you.

If you would  like to learn more about the TUSAL, you can do so at the blog Dragon My Needle in this post.

What is my new project, you might be wondering.  Well, it is Interweave’s Central Park Hoodie, knit using Elann’s Super Cable Aran, a 100% cotton yarn.  (If you are wondering what it is like, think Super 10/Butterfly/Papillion but slightly thicker.)  I chose a very dark purple called Aubergine, which I hope will be a nice change from the blacks and greys I usually turn to in the colder months.  So far I have the ribbing for the back done.  My goal is to keep up with the KAL that Interweave is currently hosting, which means that the hoodie should be done by Halloween.

cph-august22,09

I’m also working away on Baby Man’s stocking.  Santa now has feet!  I worked on it a bit more after I took this picture yesterday, so his staff is now done, and I’ve started on the drum that will rest on this hip.  This man actually be done before Christmas Eve.

stocking-august22,09

That’s it for today!  Tomorrow I’ll share with a list of all the projects I’ve worked on for the past seven days.  Sure proof that I have an attention span shorter than even Baby Man’s, and he’s only a year and a half old!

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Maybe Santa Could Use Those Socks

Posted on August 19, 2009 by Heather

Again, I somehow manage not to post for several days even though I have actually been working on quite a few things.  Baby Man likes to get in the way when I take pictures, so I often put off my blog posts until he is asleep.  And then I want to sleep myself, or make dinner or do something else, so I just never get around to it.

Anyway, on Sunday I finished up my second of my Lily of the Valley Socks.  I am still totally in love with them.  Next time, though, I would knit them at a gauge tighter than 8 stitches an inch.  They are just a touch too big, but I think they will wear fine regardless.

Lily of the Valley socks, August 2009

Lily of the Valley Sock by Susan Lawrence/Knit Picks
Yarn: S. R. Kertzer’s On Your Toes Bamboo, Ivory

lilyonfeet

You can see in the second picture how nicely the nupps stand out when the socks are worn.  (My stitches coming from the heel flap don’t actually gap like they look like in the picture.  I think that is just a weird shadow or something.)

I’ve also been slaving away on my 2-at-a-time socks.  They are going slowly because I find the whole process really fiddly.  But I’m nearly done the heel flap, and after that it is pretty much smooth sailing since there is no pattern on the foot.

2atatime-august19

Cabled Corn by Antje Gillingham in Knitting Circles Around Socks
Yarn: Cascade Fixation, Ivory

And I am making progress on my Tesla scarf too.  I’ve got another 20″ to go before I start the bottom ruffle.  Argh! 20″!?!  It has taken me more than 2 months to get to 30″.  I guess I’m going so slow because this is my take-along project and because I am still not sure about the colour.  I mean, what the heck am I going to wear this with?

tesla-august19

Tesla by Deb Barnhill in Knotions
Yarn: Dye-Version’s Silk Seacell, Moss

tesla-closeup

The lace pattern itself is lovely, and really easy to memorize.   I’m using a row counter (the blue thingee in the top picture) to help me remember where I am since I set aside for weeks at a time.  I keep a note card with it with the two patterns lines written on it (each repeated twice) just in case I forget what I need to do.

And, yes, I have most definitely been cross stitching.  My main project for the past two days has been Swrilygig from Brent Creek.  I bet you didn’t think I was a Bent Creek kind of a girl, eh?  Well, I’m stitching it to take part in this challenge over on Stitch Bitch.  That means I can’t share a picture.  But trust me, it is pretty.  Dinky Dyes silks, beads, and, well I haven’t decided how to finish it yet.  But I am sure it will look lovely.  I hope…

I’ve also been working on Baby Man’s stocking like a good mommy.  Santa is very nearly done.  Understand the post title now?  The poor man has no feet!  With some hard work, I should get his boots done today, and possibly make some serious inroads on this staff.

stocking-august19

Naughty or Nice by Dimensions
Kit with my own 28ct Lugana

And just for curiosity’s sake, I thought I would keep track of how many different projects I have worked on over a week.  I started keeping track on Monday, and I am already up to 5.

  • Tesla
  • Cabled Corn (the 2-at-a-time socks)
  • Naughty or Nice Stocking
  • Swrilygig
  • unnamed crochet project

Yep, I have trouble staying focused.  Actually, it is just because some projects are better suited to certain times of the day.  Cross stitch and Baby Man don’t mix well, and the two balls of yarn from the socks get tangled easily.  And, well, I have trouble staying focused.  Speaking of which, it is time for me to get some work done.  I’m planning on starting the Central Park Hoodie when my yarn arrives in a couple of days.

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Flowery Finishes

Posted on August 13, 2009 by Heather

I’ve had a couple of flowery days of progress, and knocked another thing off my August To Do list!

First, I finished up Planet June’s crocheted African Violets.  These are to adorable, and very easy to make.  I used Bernat Satin, and put some craft gravel in the centre of the pot to give the finished piece some weight.

African Violets, Planet June, August 2009

African Violets by Planet June
Yarn: Bernat Satin, various colours

Not the best picture in the world, unfortunately.  I just don’t have Dani’s skills.  You can see several great pictures at the Planet June store, and I’m happy to say that mine looks just like them!  And that, I think, is the sign of a great pattern.  If a piece made by someone who has only been crocheting for six months can turn out as good as the model, the directions must be awesome.

My next flowery finish was the first sock in my pair of Lily of the Valley Socks.  I am totally in love with this sock.  When it is worn, the nupps produce such lovely little bumps on the fabric, and I feel like I have one of my favourite flowers dancing around my feet.

lilyofthevalley-1stsock

Lily of the Valley Sock by Susan Lawrence/Knit Picks
Yarn: S. R. Kertzer’s On Your Toes Bamboo, Ivory

I’ve already cast on the second sock.  Goodness knows I don’t want to fall pray to the dreaded Second Sock Syndrome with this pair.  And, truthfully, I’m already thinking ahead to what I will knit next.  Possibly another pair of socks or maybe, because fall is just around the corner, I will do a pair of fingerless gloves.

As for cross stitching, I have finally finished the Mill Hill ornament I shared the other day.

Ice Blue Snowflake, Mill Hill, August 2009

Ice Blue Snowflake by Mill Hill
Fabric: 28ct evenweave
Fibre: DMC and unknown metallic
Beads: Mill Hill in various sizes

I was only able to do three fringes on the bottom because there was not enough Ice beads in the kit, and I didn’t have any in my stash either.  (Which is actually really odd.  They must be kitted up with something and I over looked them.) I still think it is darling.  And I just love these Treasured Diamond kits.  If anyone has any they would like to trade for, or even the chart from one they have used, let me know!

I’m now working on Baby Man’s Christmas stocking (have I mentioned how I detest the white floss in Dimension’s kits?) and Casltes in the Air part 4.  I’ve also picked up Celtic Thunder from Enchanting Lair again because I have been thinking about the Creativ Festival.

I have booked my classes for the fall Creativ Festival.  Unfortunately I wasn’t able to take all of the Teresa Wenztler classes.  She will be using Appleton wool in her crewel and bargello classes, and I have that pesky allergy that causes me to break out in a rash and makes my tongue swell.  So, as much as I enjoy TW’s classes, I’m not going to put myself through that.  I am taking her two other classes, the two classes she is teaching with Jennifer from Dragon Dreams, one of Jennifer’s classes, and a framing class from Laura Dickson of Enchanting Lair. I wish I could take more classes, but I can’t be in two places at once or take Baby Man with me.  (I will be buying the kit for Enchanting Lair’s Celtic Treasure Sewing Kit if I can.  I love it!)

Oh, and I will be attending the Breakfast with Teresa and Jennifer event.  I may go to the Swarovski dinner too if I can find someone to go with.  I’m not to keen on going by myself.

That’s it for me today.  Time to wake up Baby Man and get on with the day.  Household chores await, and maybe some knitting and cross stitch time too, if  I’m lucky.  One place says it will rain all day and another says it will stay clear, so I have no idea if I will be able to take Baby Man to the park today.  Oh well!

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