New Blog!

Hello! Long time since I was on here last....

I have since retired from my nanny job, and therefore needed to switch up the blog a little bit. I created a new one, which can be found HERE. Don't forget to update your bookmarks! See you over at Baby Penguin!

Bump already? And lots of knitting! Part 2 of 2

So things have been interesting around here lately, but the good news is that I have gotten some great new items made for my photography friend!!! She asked me to do a helmet hat for a boy. It was fun trying to combine the different yarns for this one. And people always ask, do I use my own pattern? Well I might as well! at this point, I have been looking to just get an idea of what other people have done to achieve the same result, but then I just end up doing whatever looks or feels best. LOL. For the helmet hat, this was exactly the case!

The bunny hat and diaper cover turned out great too! This was an added bonus for my friend. I was looking at the net trying to see what other people have done for spring photos this year. The trend is diaper covers and matching hats! So here ya go! Bunny hat and diaper cover complete with pom tail. The hat is too small for A (4 months), its meant for a new born but she is such a good model her mom just had to try it! And how adorable is she? Love love love baby A!

As far as my baby is concerned, im concerned! I already have a bump!!! Say what??? Yup, I have a bump! People are already coming up to me and asking how far along I am, and if they can touch my belly?!?!!? Crazy people! Im just 10 weeks tomorrow!!! Insane! So my clothes officially do not fit, and am now in maternity clothes full time. Yikes! never thought I would be showing this early! that means one of two things: I have weak ab muscles or this baby is going to HUGE!!!!!!

Agenda for the rest of the week: work on knitted flower headbands for girls (infants, toddlers, preschoolers), baby blanket for our little penguin (knitted blanket in sage), doctors appointment tomorrow, lunch with Grandma Thursday, and researching cloth diapers! Busy week ahead but relaxation is coming soon!!! I can already hear the ocean!

Bump already? And lots of knitting! Part 1 of 2

Im going to post again tonight, just because I have too many pictures to share (thats what I get for not updating more frequently).

This post is about Mary Poppins, and purple baby hats! I finally finished the costume for my sister's living wax museum, which is April 1. Can't wait to see what all the other students have come up with for their famous person! I knitted the collar and gloves, and had to hand sew the lace to the umbrella. The white skirt, hat (minus tulle), and shoes are Goodwill finds. The red (pregnancy brain)...... red underskirt is from our wedding. I decided to buy fabric for the sash and basically sewed a tube to be wrapped around her waist. The hat I adorned with tulle. It was a great project, and I got to use my favorite mediums, yarn and fabric!

The purple baby hats turned out awesome! here is a horrible picture (why it is so blurry I have no idea) of the newborn that got to be the first to wear the pom earflap hat! It turned out great! Cant wait to see what else my friend is going to capture this year! Already working on some new items for her! Alright, well this post was short and sweet, stay tuned for the next (I should probably just punch it out right now while Im sitting here!)

Finally back to knitting!!!

Its been a very long past few weeks, mostly including (but not limited to) nausea, sleep deprivation, constipation, bloating, more sleep deprivation, more nausea, clothes not fitting, more nausea....

Okay I think you get the point!!! This pregnancy has been kicking my butt! Today my little baby is the size of a raspberry and just 8 weeks old! The past month has gone by very slow, so heres to hoping that the next month is fast! I think it will be too, because I have a lot of deadlines for upcoming knitting projects.

At Gymboree class, where I take the toddler to get out some energy a few times a week, I ran into a previous swim mom! We quickly reconnected, and I was so surprised to see how big her oldest daughter had gotten!!! Come to find out, this friend of mine does photography! I love connections! Anyhow, she has gotten many requests lately for newborn shoots! Immediately I got excited and we started talking ideas about pom hats and chunky textured yarn! YAY! And, she has a shoot this weekend (yikes!). I immediately picked up the needles and pumped out 2 hats. The first came out bigger than I had planned (check your gauge nanny!), but the second was perfect thanks to a helping hand from an old friend, Baby (the doll from my childhood that I still have, and yes Dad, her foot still needs to be fixed!). Turns out, Baby is just about the size of a newborn and provided the perfect template for fitting hats!!!

I just love the result I got with both hats. Chunky yarn is definitely the way to go when in a time crunch! Big needles and big yarn = quick knit! My friend has several newborn shoots coming up and Im sooo excited! 2 of which happen to be for boys!!! I found some great chunky yarn in baby blue and white and cant wait to make some stuff this weekend! But first, Mary Poppins!

I managed to knock out the final belle ruffle glove this evening. All I have left is the wrap. Shouldnt take long, and I hope to knock that out tomorrow and Friday so I can get back to knitting baby hats (which by the way, only take 2-3 hours!).

So the pictures above are my friend's beautiful 4 month old trying out the bigger hat (she loved it and kept in on til we took it off!) and Baby wearing the smaller pom hat. Love them both and cannot wait to see what my friend is able to capture!

Minor Freak Out!

Today was an emotional roller coaster to say the very least!!! Well, make that the past few days. It started on Saturday with some very minor spotting. No cramps, just some stuff that made me question what the hell was going on with my body. And instead of getting too personal on here, lets just say the problem did not get worse but didnt go away either....

So today, while at work, I got curious and started some research on the whole thing...it freaked me out. Half the sources said no worries, its normal. The other half said call your doctor right away. Hoping to put my fears to rest, I called the doc and instead of hearing "you're fine" she told me to come in right away! FREAK OUT!!!! Luckily, I was able to find child care right away for the toddler and luckily my husband met me at the house in time for a quick snack (even though I couldn't really stomach any food at the time) and off we went. Let me just say, I love my doctor. He is extremely calm and straightforward. I love that about him. He immediately did a pelvic exam; no sign of spotting, cervix is still closed. Then ordered a vaginal ultrasound. Everything looks great! Heart is beating strong at 112, and the baby is .39mm, right on track for 6 weeks and 1 day. I got to see the baby for the first time, I started to cry!!! Its so amazing that this little creature is growing inside me!!! (or parasite as my husband likes to joke). So everything is fine! Doc said that some women go through this during the first trimester.

Give me a break okay this is my first time!!! I think I was more embarrassed about my freaking out more than anything....it was an emotional day. But very glad that I called and got the "ok" from the doc. Feeling much better now! Just waiting for my blood pressure to come back down (155/84 at the docs!!!), and for my emotions to regulate themselves again (damn pregnancy hormones!!!).

Anyways, onto knitting news, not that there is much....

Started working on a baby blanket. Very simple pattern, using the sage green that matches the quilt panels. Just something I can work on at the doctors office, or at home when I don't feel like having to pay attention to a complicated pattern. Finished the first Mary Poppins glove. Finished sewing up the ends on the Birthday Surprise infinity scarf. And no sewing done yet, although now that I have an iron, hopefully I can get some of that done this weekend. Looking forward to a relaxing evening at home with hubby and sister after I get my oil changed.

Keep the prayers and good thoughts coming! Its working!!! Love you all!

Oh Baby!!!

I know it has been a while since my last update, but there is a very good reason!!! Shortly after moving in, to our one bedroom apartment, we found out that we are pregnant!!! YAY! We are so incredibly excited and happy! I know it is early yet, Im only 6 weeks, but we are so thrilled that we just had to share the news! I am due sometime at the beginning of October. Everyone has been very supportive and happy for us! And we cannot wait for our own little bundle of joy to arrive!

My husband and I have already been talking baby names, themes, and Halloween costumes!!! We are just too excited!!! So, now this blog has taken another turn. Instead of just knitting and sewing, Im also going to include baby news so that friends and family can stay in the loop! YAY!!!

Onto crafting news (of the baby sort): I haven't had much time to do any knitting. Not only do I have zero energy, but most of my time is spent in the bathroom these days. No, not morning sickness (not yet anyways). I swear we are going through so much toilet paper!!! HAHA. Which brings me back to knitting.... I haven't gotten much done. I got ahead of myself again and started working on some converse baby booties. But I stopped, and decided I should really concentrate on my sister's Mary Poppins project since that is due at the beginning of March. Im almost done with the first belle ruffle glove. Hoping to finish that up soon and get the second one done (maybe by the weekend?). And then there is the sewing that I want to get done, but haven't. So much for having a new apartment to decorate when you don't have time...boo! But I did manage to talk my husband into buying some baby items! The pictures above are of the panels I bought at JoAnn's when we first found out we were expecting! I had my eye on this for a long time, now I have a need for it! We have chosen penguins for our baby theme. Can't wait to add ruffles to this and make a ton of matching accessories!!!

Anyways, onto other news. We are loving our apartment so far, despite the drama that occurred over the weekend. A drunk driver crashed his trunk into the garage below us. Woke us up from a deep sleep. Had to call the cops. It was rather scary but turned into a funny nosy neighbor type thing when we could hear the guy yelling for his truck. lol. It was funny, not so much the being up for 2 hours in the middle of the night, but spying and seeing everything unfold below us (we had a perfect view from our windows), was quite entertaining!

And we just brought over the cats finally. They are currently taking residence under the bed, but they joined me at my feet last night. Glad to have them here. and glad to get them out of my mom's where they were stressed and being chased by the other mean cat!

Well, back to laundry and cleaning up the place! Happy Valentines Day!

All Moved In!

I think we are almost done moving! We are super heroes in disguise because we managed to do it in just one day! Our backs and legs might have hurt yesterday, but we did it! And then today we survived a Sunday trip to Ikea, and managed to get everything assembled tonight! YAY! I have a dining room table again!!! and I now have a beautiful work station since our leaf for our desk got damaged in the move.

I wish I had some awesome knitting pictures to share, but I don't, so I leave you with two of my favorite things, Harry Potter and chocolate chip pancakes. Yes we are dorks, and found these awesome HP magnets while in New York at the Lego Store. And yes, I can cook, my daddy taught me well on how to properly make pancakes! These were made with Ghiaradelli (sp?) chocolate chips!!!

Me? Published???

I was approached last week about having one of my images used in a publication about open source design... Can't wait to see my stuff in print!!! Will let you all know more details as they come...

Anyways, went over to see Grandma today. Had a lovely visit as always! And finally got a picture of the scarf I made her! The up close picture did not come out very well. Its always hard to capture the detail in such a dark colored scarf. Im so glad she likes it! Hopefully the weather will get cool again so she can get some use out of it! I think it is supposed to get chilly this weekend *fingers crossed*

Tonight, lil sis participated in the middle school variety show. She did spray paint art, it looks amazing! Cant wait to get some pictures up! (I really need a new camera by the way...)

This weekend, I will be taking care of my sick husband...poor thing! I also hope to get some knitting and sewing in as it will probably be a while before I get to do it again. We are moving a week from tomorrow! We are very excited about having a place of our own again. And I cannot wait to decorate now that I have a sewing machine! YAY for finally having the need to make curtains and pillows and cute stuff that matches! Until then, the sounds of my snoring mother and congested husband.... here's to another night of restless sleep...

Long weekend with the In Laws!!

Things around here have been insane.... So this past weekend, the husband, lil sis, and I escaped to my in-laws house in the woods in the panhandle. It was a much needed break for all of us! We had an awesome time knitting, cooking, and doing some archery. I think my lil sis had the most fun of all! Unfortunately, I discovered that I am extremely allergic to my husband's cat (he rescued Shadow Fox when he was in college, and the cat now resides at his parent's house). So here I am, unable to sleep due to the worst sinus headache I have ever experienced! I can't breathe, and therefore sleep is not an option at the moment until the meds kick in. Tomorrow I will be heading to the doctor to see if he can give me something to help.... but the kitty is too cute! I love Shadow Fox, I just can't go near him or be in the same house unless I am heavily drugged....

Anyways, before we left, and before the cold temps came back, I was able to finish Grandma's scarf, only silly me forgot to take a picture of it before I sent it to her!! AHHH!! So next time I go over I will have to get that picture... Im just glad I was able to finish it before the weather got warm again!

Over the weekend, I started the Hash Marks scarf for my MIL. I decided to use FSU colors and so far its really cool looking! I have never done slipped stitches before, or even color changes with slipped stitches. I love the effect!!! Can't wait to get some pictures of that one too!

And then of course is the Birthday Surprise scarf that still needs to be finished....maybe tomorrow while Im waiting for the doctor. Im really hoping to get some rest tomorrow too after I can breathe long enough to lay down... *sigh* and then hopefully Ill get back to work by Wednesday.

Until then, Family Guy with the hubby, and Dr. Quinn tomorrow while attempting to rest. Goodnight all!

Happy New Year!!!

Let's just say I have been extremely busy the past month!!! Holiday Vortex hit hard this year! So prepare yourself to sit down, grab a cup of coffee, and read about my past month of craziness! You all have complained that I have not written in a while, so here it is!!

December 15 (ish), Grandma was discharged from the hospital after being there for a few days. Everything is going to be okay, no cancer or anything too serious. Gave her some blood so she was weak for a little while. Thanks to my dad and aunt for taking turns with her!!! It was then my turn to stay with Grandma for a few days. I was able to pull some time away from the baby and take care of Grandma. It was great being able to spend the night (despite our little bug problem! love you grandma!!!), and to play cards and run errands in the freezing cold! Wish I could do that more often....

December 18 (ish), I found myself with a two week break, although, it wasnt much of a break because I didn't get much of anything done!!! I worked very hard on finishing up Christmas gifts and was able to knock those out and was able to get one more project in before seeing family, so at least I got that done. But as far as cleaning out my yarn supply, reorganizing and finding new clever ways to store it, none of that got done. My hopes of cleaning my closet and getting rid of clothes, none of that got done. However, I did get to spend some great time with my lil sister and hubby!! We even got to celebrate our one year anniversary early at Epcot!!!

Week of Christmas: Knitting gifts....

Christmas morning, was spent at mom's. My spa bath mitts were a great hit!!! Mom and sis loved them! And to my surprise, mom got me a sewing machine!!!!!! This means only one thing: another addictive hobby!!! YES!!! So exciting!!! But I had to wait on opening it until someone could show me how to set it up and use it..... more on that in a few

Day after Christmas, was spent with dad and his family, which includes Grandma. We had a wonderful time catching up (wish we could have played cards though!), and had some amazing mac and cheese! However, my spa bath mitts were not a hit. They thought it was some kind of cruel joke or a Michael Jackson reference....oh well. Currently taking suggestions for next year....

Week leading up to New Year's, was lots of fun! Again, more sister time and a little hubby time too as he got off of work remarkably early that week. And he had time to show me how to use my sewing machine!!! Now how cool is this: my husband not only set up my machine for me, but also threaded the bobbin, threaded the needle and showed me how to use the machine!!! How many people can say that about their husbands?!?!?!?! Thats right! I love my domestic hubby!

New Year's weekend to present: I have been sewing like crazy! I love how easy it is and how quickly you can make something! Two addictive hobbies is awesome! I can now choose how I want to make something, either knit or sew!!! And I love how reading sewing patterns are a lot like knitting patterns! Cannot wait to make some more stuff! But right now this is what I have made: a sewing machine cover with a pocket, a chair cover complete with pleats, and many many many reversible ribbon headbands for my sis and her friends!!! Soon, I hope to make an embellished shirt for my sis, along with a purse using some really cute owl fabric, and some other little odds and ends! But first, I have to finish Grandma's scarf that she asked me to make! I was so excited when she asked me to make her something! Today she joked that she wouldn't get it til summer so now the pressure is on to finish it this weekend and get it to her!!! Love you grandma!

Well, hope everyone has enjoyed the first week of the new year!!! I know I have! And can't wait til tomorrow to get some more knitting and sewing done! Taking lil sis to the fabric store tomorrow to pick out some patterns! YAY! Happy early birthday lil sis!!!

Get Well Soon Grandma!

I know that she probably won't have the strength or ability to read this for some time, but I just wanted to say that I hope Grandma feels better soon. She has been in the hospital this week. Thoughts and prayers for her please. Hopefully she was discharged today. Looking forward to seeing her very soon and be able to spend time with her. Love you and miss you Grandma!!!

I need some help from Santa's Elves!

I wonder if Santa has any elves in his workshop that know how to knit??? I could use some help! This week has been crazy, the toddler is learning that being 2 is fun (and quite loud) and has been quite full of himself lately. I have gotten nothing done!!! No knitting, no crafting, no baking!!! And it's already December!!! I really need to find some time this weekend to get something done. And wow...its already 3pm, where did the day go already?!?!?!

Okay, well time to get back to knitting. 2 surprises done, and a lot more to go!!! Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather!!!

The Holiday Vortex!!!

Mom said it best, years ago, when describing how the holidays come so fast and before you know it, its spring again! She was right! Ever since we got back from NYC we have been so busy! Between getting back into work and preparing for the holidays, we have hardly had time to breathe, much less post to a blog.

NYC recap: We had so much fun! It felt sooo good to get away for a few days! In fact, it felt so good, that we kinda rushed our first day there and did sooo much! The rest of the time we spent watching movies, relaxing and shopping. Best part? Pizza every night!!! Short list of things we did: The Met, Hard Rock, Central Park, Quidditch World Cup, Comedy Show, Times Square, Rockefeller Plaza, Nintendo World, American Girl Place, and many other stores! But the two coolest things ever were being on Good Morning America (seen on tv twice and got to see Josh Groban live inside the studio!) and sat in for a taping of the Jon Stewart show!

The only disappointment with this trip was the weather! I spent two weeks knitting for our trip and for what? 60 degree weather???? I was SWEATING!!!! That's right sweating! I was so looking forward to COLD. Oh well, the ear warmer definitely came in handy!! And I got a compliment on my husband's Domo gloves, someone wanted to know where he bought them ;)

Overall, we had an amazing trip! But its good to be home and getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas! Im so excited about this years gifts! I hope everyone likes them! Its more or less a sample of my knitting, with a little something nice to pamper oneself! Its not much, but I really wanted to make something for everyone in the family. And not knowing what people like when it comes to knitted items, I figured this would be best! Pictures to come (after xmas of course!).

New York New York!!!

Ahhh, vacation! What a sweet sound.... but then the panic sets in....what does a Floridian wear to NYC when the high is only going to be 50??? Solution: KNIT KNIT KNIT as fast as you can!

We are about a week away from our vacation and Im still on the hunt for the perfect coat pattern. But I think I am going to have to settle, in the name of warmth and time, on wearing my ski coat and just knitting as many accessories as possible in the next few days. This is what I get for always making stuff for other people. The time finally comes when I get to wear knitted items and Im completely unprepared and out of time!!!! *sigh*

So for now, Im working on the matching cowl to go with the wrist warmers I made. They started out as convertible mittens, but in the interest of time (and the lack of time to go get help from Knit!), I decided fingerless mitts would do (we do live in Florida afterall and thats what pockets are for!) Im debating a matching hat (I hate hats personally and don't look good in them), or maybe a matching ear warmer/head band. Im thinking about making some more accessories to go with my Harry Potter set considering we will be attending the World Cup, great opportunity to wear our stuff and show off my handy work.

Anyways, mind is racing with ideas and as always, fingers cant keep up! So back to working on the cowl. Hopefully knock it out tonight or tomorrow. I have the next two days off (definitely deserved and needed!) so ample time to get some things accomplished. Until then, Happy Knitting!!!

*Also above, a picture of my two favorite people trick or treating around the neighborhood*

The Magic Loop and Domo!

After finishing the Harry Potter project, I immediately wanted to start a short project, just something to keep me knitting but nothing too involved. I spotted this pattern a while back, and after seeing my husband's reaction, knew that I had to make these for him. The only problem: I had never made a thumb gusset before :(

I wasn't exactly thrilled with the idea of having to make mitts on double pointed needles, so I did some research on the magic loop and thought it looked pretty easy. IT WAS!!! I will never use double pointed needles again! (unless I absolutely have to). The magic loop was incredibly easy! And making the thumb gusset was even easier! So here they are, another item for my husband (better not hear anymore complaining from him that he doesn't ever get any knitted items!).

And now, Im already on my new project, a pair of cabled convertible mittens! My husband and I are thinking about going to New York in about 3 weeks for the International Quidditch Association World Cup and will need some warm clothes (or at least accessories!). The plan: to make matching cabled mitts, cowl (or infinity scarf or moebius), and matching hat (or headband/ear warmers). Wish me luck!!! If I have time, I might even put together a sweater!!! haha. I really am an overachiever!!!

Happy Halloween everyone!!!

Done Please!

As my favorite toddler would say, "Done Please!" YAY! Im done Im done Im done!!! But also bummed slightly...

So I finally finished all three of our Harry Potter Sets!! WOO! It has been a crazy 3 months but it was totally worth it! Not only did I finish, but again, finished BEFORE my deadline! woo! AND I have already started another project, hehe!

I am so proud of myself for taking on such a massive project in what seems to have been the busiest 3 months of our married lives! haha. Between work, moving, and everything else, I have managed to tackle the most involved projects of my knitting career! hehe. Very exciting stuff! I am so happy! And so glad it is over! The sets turned out awesome! And while they have a few flaws, overall, I am very very very happy with the end result! I cannot wait to see everyone in their outfits on Saturday, which brings me to why I am slightly bummed...

My photographer friend is in town this week. Originally, she was going to accompany us to Harry Potter World at Islands of Adventure (Universal) and take our Christmas card pictures there this Saturday. Unfortunately, she will not be able to due to time constraints, so I am having to settle for pictures with her in our own version of the Forbidden Forest. I have worked so hard on these outfits and want some great pictures. Im sure all will work out. Besides, mom has offered to help us with pictures one weekend at HPW. Most people do their own pictures for Christmas cards anyways and then let Walgreens do the rest....so maybe my plans won't be ruined completely....here's to hoping my camera does an adequate job (hint hint hint hubby and family, I want a new camera!!!, thanks!).

So onto my new project before tackling some Christmas patterns. I am making Domo fingerless mitts for the hubby. Most of you probably don't know what Domo is, and to be honest, I didn't really know either until hubby showed it to me at the Japan store in Epcot. Pictures to follow. Already started them and they are going rather quickly. Even using a new technique!! Magic-loop! And having to make a thumb gusset for the first time! Okay, back to knitting and watching Dr. Quinn!

The fake knee high!

It has been a long and crazy week and another one is about to start! We finally got our bed moved over and most of our stuff, so now all that is left are a few dishes and glasses and a few odds and ends. Nothing that can't be done in a day. So that's one thing checked off my list!

The next, was finishing my sister's skirt for Harry Potter pics (which are this coming weekend, yikes!). Now just to go buy buttons and sew in the ends! Woo! Its super cute and can't wait to see it all come together.

After making her skirt, I felt as though she needed something else to go with her outfit, so today I whipped up a fake knee high. There is no heel, its more like a stirrup but looks like a sock! haha! so I guess she finally got her socks after all! The top wants to keep sliding down, so I put in a string that can be tied tight. Next time I will use elastic or something...

So one more to go of the fake knee highs and then that is it for Harry Potter! 3 very long months of working with the same color wool and making some very very very long and involved projects!

That leaves me with just one question..... what to start on next???

What am I worth?

Apparently, my work is worth $550!!

On Saturday, mom treated us girls to a pedicure. It gives us a chance to have girl talk and catch up on the latest fashion magazines (that I otherwise wouldn't bother buying or looking at).

I picked up InStyle and began my usual page flipping, scoffing at the so called fashion. I prefer jeans and a t-shirt any day, thank you. Anyways, so I was looking through the fall fashion section and came across a knitted pull over made of wool with a snowflake intarsia design on it. The price? Thats right, $550. Did I not just make something similar myself for Harry Potter? Flipped to the next page, a knitted wool vest for $525! Just made that for my husband.

I guess Im worth a lot after all. Guess you'll be thanking me in the future for your high fashion, expensive, couture, hand knit designs this Christmas!!! (and on your part, spending a little more on me, considering, after all, that I am worth at least $550! just kidding!)

He's a cute, cuddly, little bumble bee!

Did I actually get a hat done in just a weekend? It feels like it has been forever since I have been able to start and finish a project in the same weekend! Life has been soo crazy (good, but crazy), and time seems to just slip away! My husband and I had a very busy weekend. The baby celebrated 2 years this past weekend! He was too cute opening gifts and trying to blow out his candle, "help please!". After the party, mom and lil sis came back to our apartment to make Halloween cookies. I was having mega trouble with the dough, but eventually got it to roll out nicely. We had fun decorating them with icing...should have taken pics, ooops! After all that, we moved a load of stuff, ate dinner with the fam, and then came back home. Sunday was pretty much the same, more moving and time with the fam. But....I did manage to finish my sister's Hufflepuff beret!! And of course, my husband loves being goofy and modeled it for all of you to see since my sister wasn't around to try it on! HAH!

Already have one panel of her skirt done. I showed it to her last night and she loved it (along with her beret!). I love making things for her and just seeing how her face lights up when I show her my latest project! Hoping the skirt goes quickly so that I can make her some stockings or something to match.

Anywho, big shout outs to my grandma and aunt who are continually on the hunt for yarn! I really appreciate their time and effort, going to thrift stores and garage sales looking for knitting supplies (shout outs to their friends as well who also find me yarn!). The scraps are awesome and are great for holding stitches, making swatches, and making intarsia and fairisle color blocks! Sometimes they get lucky and find a whole bag of the same color! Even though I am having a blast making things for Harry Potter, I am getting sick of working with the same color and with the same wool. Can't wait to make some things for Christmas, which hopefully includes Stockings for my husband and I!

Well, back to knitting and packing!

Gryffindor!!!!

I am so excited! I just finished my Harry Potter set!!! AND I finished right on time! I made goals for myself in order to keep the pressure on and to get my fingers moving faster! I decided back when I took on this Harry Potter project that I would devote one month to each set, starting with August and the Ravenclaw house. September was for my set, and October is for my sister's set.

I was really worried that I wouldn't finish on time with my set, but as luck would have it, I found a few extra hours in my day and was able to power through and get it all done! Now I am just hoping that the weather will get cooler so we can wear these awesome sets!

For my sister's Hufflepuff set, I originally decided on a simple jumper dress, almost like a tunic, and was going to pair it with some leggings. But yesterday, after perusing my usual knitting pattern sites, I came upon this extremely cute button down skirt with patterned pleats!!! I emailed her the picture and she loved it, so tomorrow I begin!!!

I did learn quite a bit from my very first sweater (with sleeves). I cannot wait to make another one!!! Well, before I start a new project, I guess I should do some more packing....the big move is coming up quick and our weekends are packed! So back to doing something productive! I have the day off tomorrow because it's the baby's birthday this weekend!! Happy 2 to a very special boy!!!