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!