Project Updates

I'm trying to clear all my WIPs, but it's been difficult because of new stuff. Right now I have:

1. the Minimalist Cardigan - started the fronts
2. Brea bag - haven't touched it
3. Esther socks - finished the first one

I started my first baby knit last night; the same one Kathy made. And I've been grudgingly working on this:



Ever since I knit my son and cousin their Transformers sweaters, hubby has been begging for one. First I told him I had morning sickness, then I said I had to knit X-mas gifts, then I had the sock club pattern... but now I've run out of excuses. I am NOT looking forward to more intarsia.

Thrummed mitts are done. I will get some pics when they get put to use.

Ultrasound

I had my anatomy ultrasound today, and everything went well! Here is my little bun in the oven:

It's a boy! Now I can start baby knitting!

It's been freezing here this week, and my kids need good tobogganing mitts, so I've been thrumming away:

I love these mitts; they're so squishy! I'll have enough fleece left over to make myself a pair too!

Heartland Lace Shawl

Pattern: Heartland Lace Shawl by Evelyn A. Clark

Yarn: Jo Sharp Alpaca Silk Georgette, 5 balls, colour: pearl

Needles: 3.75mm

Size: 58" x 29"

It's been a while since I knitted a shawl, and I forgot how fun it is. In the last couple of days there has been some serious knitting sessions because I was afraid I wouldn't be done before Saturday, but I made it with time to spare! I'm so happy with this shawl. I hope it brings the recipient some warmth and comfort. The yarn is awesome and the pattern was easy. The pattern is available free from Buffalo Gold. You have to send them an email asking for the pattern, and I got mine the next day. This shawl was so fun, that I think I will cast on another shawl right away!

This Week

Last week I finished up and sent off my sock pattern to Yarn4Socks. Since I found it posted on their site, I guess I can tell you that February's sock club yarn is a semi-solid merino by Yarntini! It is very pretty!

There's been quite a bit of knitting going on since those socks are out of the way. I tried out my swift for the first time:



I had lots of eager helpers. If only they could be as eager at their chores! On the swift is the yarn for the Minimalist Cardigan. I really need to finish it...now that my waistline is rapidly expanding, I'm in desperate need for clothes.

I got these basic ribbed socks done:

Yarn is Regia Canadian Classic Color #4746.

And I started something new too:

The pattern is Heartland Lace Shawl by Evelyn Clark, and I'm using Jo Sharp's Alpaca Silk Georgette. My mom is flying to Hong Kong next Sunday to visit an aunt recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, so I'd like to give this to her.

That's it for now! Have a great week!

Blogaversary Contest

And the winner is...





Kristen from A day in the life of 5, 3, & 1! Congratulations Kristen!
Kristen has asked me to pick the prize and surprise her.

Thank you, everyone, for sharing your goals with me!

Guess What Today Is?

It's my one-year blogaversary!! Hooray!!

I started this blog mainly to keep a journal my knitting, but along the way, I've met so many wonderful friends. Some who live very similar lives as me...some completely different...but all of us connected by our love for knitting. I truly value all of you! Thank you for making this blog so precious to me. I say we celebrate by having a little contest!!!

I'm not one for making New Year's resolutions. They're just too...well...resolute! I like to call mine "goals for the next little while". Doesn't that sound like less pressure?

For personal goals, I really need to work on my attitude. I am constantly keeping it in check; stopping myself from being grumpy, angry and negative. I'm aiming for 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ.". That's tops in my personal goals.

As for knitting goals, 2008 is going to be the year of baby knitting! I find out the sex on Jan.22, and I have tons of patterns ready to choose from!

For the contest, share in the comments section either a personal or a knitting goal. The contest will end Friday midnight, and I will randomly choose one entry. The winner will get to choose ONE of the following choices:

1. Koigu, 2 skeins, each 160 m, colourP1555

2. Dream In Color Smooshy, 2 skeins, each 450 yds (enough for a shawl?), colour is Cloud Jungle, actual yarn a little darker than photo

3. Colinette Jitterbug, 1 skein, 267m, colourway is Gauguin #100

4. Handmaiden Sea Silk, 1 skein, 400 m, colour is Blackberry

Good luck!

Happy New Year!

What a year 2007 has been. Looking back, I've gone through some of the lowest and most painful experiences in my life, all of which I am so thankful for. I'm sure you've all heard or thought of the question, "If God loves us, why do bad things happen to us?". This year I got to learn that it's BECAUSE He loves us, that bad things happen. Everything works for His glory, and what may seem horrible and tragic to us, is all good to Him. Bad things strengthen us, teach us, help us to focus and rely on Him, help us to relate to others that are hurting. Bad things breaks us down into nothing, so that He can rebuild us. My lesson that the Lord has taught me in 2007, is to trust in Him and His timing, and to not care for my own desires, but to seek out what He desires for me. I would not change 2007 for anything. Nevertheless, I hope 2008's lesson is not so painful :)

"For I know the plans that I have for you, " declares the Lord, "plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Happy New Year! May the Lord bless you and your families.