Dance N Knit

No knitting but I've been busy

2010-10-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

Now that it is fall there are many apples around. I got a box from a local orchard. So what did I do? Made apple sauce, and apple butter.

See....

Yum.

New bag

2010-07-21T11:49:00.000-07:00

For a long time now I've looked at bags, knitting bag in particular, but now my focus has changed to diaper bags.

I just got my new diaper bag in the mail. Ok I know this is a knitting blog, but I had to show you all how cool this is.

Isn't it pretty!

Trip to Seattle

2010-06-26T18:07:00.001-07:00

There was no knitting on my trip to Seattle, but there was snuggling my cute little boy......

Better than nothing.

There has been some knitting

2010-06-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

I think I'm finally getting the hang of this mom thing and getting time to knit.

Since Cooper was born I've finished a baby hat for a friend, and worked on a baby blanket for another friend. And was able to participate in WWKIP Day. However I do not have any pictures to share. Maybe I'll be more organized next week.

Ravelympics Completed!

2010-03-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

I have completed my Ravelympics project, and a day early too. To my surprise I finished the Pretty Thing Cowl on Sat night!

Sad turn of events

2010-02-22T11:10:00.000-08:00

I've had to drop out of the WIP Dancing event in the Ravelympics, Mike's vest is just not going to be. Besides the sizing issues, which you can see below, it just didn't look right. I'm going to use this yarn again to make Mike a vest as he really likes it, but it probably won't be this pattern, and it will probably be in the round. But for now it is frogged. Here are the pictures, but don't look too long it will make you sad.

Pre-Ravelympics start:

Sizing is off by a few inches from the front to the back:

Giant Pile O Yarn:

All balled up, after a few tangles:

Virtual Baby Shower

2010-02-17T15:08:00.000-08:00

Gnat from the BarkNknit podcast hosted a Virtual Baby Shower for me last weekend. After some technical difficulties we got on our web-cams and I opened all the lovely gifts that had been mailed to me.

See I told you they were lovely. I feel that this baby is so loved already and he isn't even here yet. Thank you to everyone who sent something!

Ravelympics - change in plans already

2010-02-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

It is only day 4 and I've already changed my plans. I'm still going to make Pretty Thing, but I've changed the yarn I'm using. I was really looking forward to using the Baby Alpaca I got but I will have to find something else that that wants to be. I think maybe the Alpine Scarf from Interweave Crochet... I'll have to swatch and see. That is most frustrating part of this whole thing is that I did swatch and thought it looked good, however once I got the pattern going I didn't like it. I'm going to swatch with the hemp I have in my stash tonight and see what that looks like.

Progress that will be frogged tonight:

Now on to the vest:

I still have yet to pick up the needles on this one, but I will, I will.

FO and Ravelympics

2010-01-26T13:04:00.000-08:00

Oh look, a finished object, being worn by the intended receipient!!! Mike picked out this yarn and I finished the hat in a couple of days. I really like how it turned out. It is hard to get a picture of him specifically for the blog, but I was luck that he wore it out last night when we went to see the Olympic Torch pass through Kelowna!

I am participating in the Ravelympics and have picked the events I'll be participating in. First the very popular WIPs-Dancing where I will be finishing Mike's Vest (oh yeah, that thing that is almost done but I'm bored with it). My second event will be Scarf Super-G, I've been wanting to make the Yarn Harlot's Pretty Thing Cowl for a long time, I think I'm going to use the alpaca I got last year. I guess I had better swatch to make sure it is going to work...

Happy New Year!

2010-01-06T13:25:00.000-08:00

So I'm going to start off the New Year right! I had the best intentions to post at least once a week, but that just didn't happen last year. Last night I went through my stash and made sure everything is in Ravelry. Including all my current projects. I also frogged a couple of things to clear my plate. It feels really good to be updated and know where everything is. Now to finish those outstanding projects so I can start something new!

Renovation update, where's the knitting?

2009-12-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

Now that everything is done here is the update. We have new carpets, baseboards, paint, and blinds (which aren't in yet but soon). Mike has been working so hard for weeks to get this done.

So here is how our dinning room has looked for the past few weeks:

Baby's room (before on the left, after on the right):

Office (apparently I didn't get any before pictures, ops):

Master bedroom and bathroom:

As for knitting, I've only had time to clean up after the workers. Maybe next week.

SYTYCD Canadian Tour

2009-11-26T15:18:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to the SYTYCD Canadian Tour, Kelowna kicked it off! I had a great time out with the girls, dinner, hot guys, amazing dancing. What could be better. First, along with some of the other girls from my dance class, we went out for dinner. We went to Kelly O'Briens, an Irish Pub style place. Where I had too much to eat, but had a great time chatting.

Next we walked over to the arena where the show was. Our seats were ok but heard earlier that day that seats around us were selling for $14, for which we paid $60. Still a great night and fun was had by all. I really enjoyed all of the dances they did, including the 2 new ones. I think my favourites were the Tap number with TJ and Everett, and the Magic number with Kim and Emanuel. Also Austin's solo was amazing. One handed back springs, 2 in a row, one with each hand, ah can you say crazy.

Now on to knitting, I had more than half of a hat done, but I didn't like how it was turning out, so into the frog pond it went. I think I'll stick to simpler hats for the many Christmas projects I might get done.

Less than a month now til Christmas.

Knitting, crocheting and apples

2009-11-17T15:06:00.000-08:00

I've been on a roll this past week, finishing a couple of things, and starting new ones, that are almost done. This might be because Mike got a new video game (Tiger Woods golf for the Wii) and has been playing a lot.

Almost finished the Little Bubbles Baby Sweater

Finished a hat for my cousin

Working on another hat

I'm also working on some dishcloths as I have a few birthdays coming up.... (no pictures sorry).

Last weekend I was cleaning out the fridge and found that I have a lot of apples. Like more than I will ever eat even if I force myself. These are all from our organics box and were all different types (all local as well!). I decided to make apple sauce in the slow cooker. Recently I had a Pampered Chef party where I got a wonderful apple peeler, corer, and slicer. I tried to add some pears too but they were too soft and the didn't peel right. However after about 10 minutes I had done all the apples, and got them in the slow cooker. 3 hours later the house smelled delicious. And kind of like Christmas. I mushed them up with a potato masher so that there are still chunks in there too. OMG, it was so good, and so easy! Now I just need more buckets to keep it in.... Definitely freezing some for later.

Oktember Fest and no knitting

2009-11-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Mike and I drove down to Vancouver (about 5 hours) to see our friends and go to Oktember Fest. There was snow on the way down, and there was a section that was pretty bad. The drive home was much better, although there was still some snow on the road. We had a great time with Bob and Valli our gracious hosts and enjoyed seeing some other friends at the dance. I ate too much and couldn't dance as much as I wanted to (out of breath) but overall we all had a great time.

I got hardly any knitting done this weekend and the progress on the baby sweater has been slow. I'm down to the bottom of the sweater but am not sure about the lines.... I'll have to see if I like how they are working up. Since this is my first full sweater I'll have to see how it looks, then I might tackle one for me, maybe.

FO - on to the next project

2009-10-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished the baby blanket, after months of it sitting there.....

I started this in March so it is really nice to have it off the needles, it still needs blocking but not really bad.

Look at those nice cables...

Next up Mike's Hockey Sweater...

Guess what I did last weekend...

2009-09-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

That's right, I sat around and knit for an entire weekend. Mike had rented a cabin at a lake about 30 minutes away from our house. It was a total surprise to me where we were going all I knew is that I would need some clothes and bedding, and stuff for the dog. It turned out to be a great weekend of resting and relaxing. We took the dog for a walk, had lunch by the lake, cuddled up in front of the fire. I also got lots of knitting done, and almost finished the present I'm working on for my nephew's birthday this weekend. I'll post about it next week, with pictures I promise.

The cabin was a 2 bedroom cozy thing, with running water (not all of them had that) and a wood stove. Mike got to manly things like chop wood and start a fire.

Hailey got to sleep most of the time, but kept my feet warm while I was knitting. Mike did a lot of reading and got to take more photo's with his new camera. You can see more photos on my flirk page.

We also made a new friend while we were there. Meet Peter the Pack Rat. He is actually really cute, and very friendly. Pack Rats get their name because they like to steal shinny things and take them back to their den. They look kind of like chinchilla and are about that size.

I have a picture

2009-09-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

Mike got a new camera and I convinced him it would be fun to take pictures of my knitting. This is what I got, apparently it is not fun and he would rather take pictures of our dog, see my other blog for proof.

There has been knitting

2009-09-14T12:11:00.001-07:00

but I still don't have any pictures, yet. I'll try to remember to take some tonight. There was much knitting this weekend and I am on the last big stripe of the baby blanket, once I finish that section there is only one more cable section and the finishing section. Weaving in ends, and blocking... then done!!!

What to do next?

I feel so priviledged!

2009-09-08T16:27:00.000-07:00

My friend, and member of our knitting group, Ev, won 5 first place ribbons in our local fair over the weekend. Way to go! And I got to see them all laid out behind the glass! It was so neat to see something there that was made by someone I know!

I've been making great progress on the baby blanket! I must remember to post more pictures...

The never ending blanket

2009-08-31T14:46:00.000-07:00

We have been away for the last 5 days and I got hardly any progress done on the blanket. I have to get this done soon, right? I think I'll take pictures of it every night and post them, to get my butt in gear..... I need to get this done soon so I can start making stuff for my baby, right?

Big news, completed project, and vacation knitting

2009-08-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Big news around here is that I'm going to have a baby, but not until March. I'm 10 weeks long right now, and have a docs apt today to confirm dates and such. Just because some people have asked, yes this was planned. I love spring babies and I know just what to knit for them! I've started a new blog that DH and I will be update, disclaimer, I will not be pre-reading any of DH's posts so be warned. However I think I'll probably be posting most often.

I have finally finished the She-Knits Mystery Bag KAL! Project here, and pictures!

Lastly, I'm going away for then next 5 days, starting tomorrow. I'll be knitting lots as most of our time will be traveling. The baby blanket and baby hats must get done soon (these are for my friend due in October.)

The best intentions

2009-08-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

I know everyone has the best intentions and I certainly do. But I have not been blogging or knitting a lot lately. However I have finished the She-Knits Mystery Bag KAL, only felting left to do, and have gotten a few rows done on the baby blanket. I have not started my August hat yet, nor finished my July one. So, once my life gets back in order, right like that is going to happen, I'll get everything finished!

Well, one can hope!

Not knitting related

2009-08-07T08:19:00.000-07:00

I have been knitting but haven't been really interesting so I haven't posted about it. I did finish a hat, but haven't taken pictures, also it is really big so it is not going to fit me. I have been working on the baby blanket but don't have any pictures, and it is slow going. I have almost finished the She-Knits Mystery Bag KAL, 1/2 a strap to go, then felting. So I have been knitting but have nothing to show for it...

However I do have some pictures of the forest fire on Terrace Mountain... and some pictures from camping last weekend.

That is all, must get better at taking pictures!

I was very pleased with the outcome of SYTYCD last night! YAY for Jeanine!

Visit to the Oyama Lake Alpaca Farm

2009-07-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

On Sat I went to a very special Sit N Stitch. We visited the local Alpaca Farm and had a great time. I took a bunch of pictures while the alpaca's were wondering around the field with us. We even got to pet one. Click on the pictures if you want to see a bigger one.

They come in over 20 colours! They currently own about 30 alpaca's.

MMMM Grass, don't they have the cutest faces ever!

The funiest thing all day was seeing a bunch of them lying in the sun. They like to warm up their bellies, and keep their backs cool.

This black one is Tiffany, she was friendly. The rest didn't get this close.

They have a spectacular view from their farm! (Left Kalamalka Lake, Right Wood Lake, the other end from what I can see from my house.)

After the farm tour and browsing the gift shop we went down to Gatzke's Orchard Cafe for lunch and to knit for awhile.

Amy, knitting on some socks, and Osmia crochet something mysterious.

Evelyn, knitting on a wrap, she even said it was TV knitting, lace, ah I don't think so.

Look what I got at from the farm!

Stallone, black male alpaca, 800 yards of sock yarn, and a cake, about 400 yards, of baby alpaca!

What to do?

2009-07-07T10:13:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting my chores and responsibilities lately in favour of.....knitting! I've been working on She-Knits Mystery Bag KAL and I'm loving it. Mike even said it is looking good, and like a bag, duh. Here are some pictures of my progress.

I've also been working the One Day Beret again, in pink this time, hot!

Mike really wants me to work on his Hockey Sweater. I have the book, I have the yarn so what is stopping me? Everything else I want to work on. What to do, what to do...

On Saturday my knit and crochet group is going to tour an Alpaca Farm. It should be great fun, and I'll post all about it. And I might even remember my camera.

World Wide Knit in Public Day/24 Hour Relay

2009-06-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

The weekend of June 13/14 was a fun filled and full weekend. Not only was it WWKIPD but I had a team participating in the 24 Hour Relay for the Kids. Here I am all dressed up in my team captains garb.

It was a beautiful day with sunshine and clouds so it wasn't too hot or windy. We had a great time walking, talking, and generally having fun. We raised $3,364.05 and ran 317 laps (126.8 KM). Mike and I had a Swing Dancing lesson that was tons of fun, but hard to dance on rubber. Also Mike was dressed in full Zoot Suit pants and was very hot, as in warm, as well as good looking baby. We did many activities throughout the relay and I laughed a lot. Mike and I both stayed up all night and I was very tired after, but it was so worth it.

While I was walking along the track I was knitting, as well as I was sitting around. People though I was crazy and weird, but I just explained that it was WWKIP Day. I also offered to teach them to knit but nobody took me up. A couple of people said that they crochet or knit but had never thought to bring it out places. I was very pleased with the reception.

I cast on the One Day Beret at the start of the relay, 10 am on Saturday. And finished it sometime before 10 am on Sunday. I'm not sure of the time cause, well, I had stayed up all night, and time lost all meaning. Here are my project details on Rav. I don't have any pictures of me knitting while walking cause my camera died.

PS. Next month I'm going to the Alpaca Farm near my house with the OK Knit and Crochet group so stay turned for details and pictures.

PPS. Have you seen this new online magazine? Petite Purls So cute!!

New iPod

2009-06-17T00:33:00.001-07:00

Testing posting from my new iPod touch. I know it is late and I'm going to bed.

More hats!

2009-06-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

So apparently I love to make hats. I think I should just give up on everything else and stick to hats. I also like how fast baby hats knit up.

New Things!

2009-06-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

There are some new things in my life and here they are, sorry no pics yet.

I have a new nephew! Born on Friday, but we got to see him yesterday!

Mom and Dad are finaly moving in!

I've started new projects!

I also came across this sheep quiz, you should take it too.

I miss it already...

2009-05-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back to reality. Back to work, back to fund raising, back to life. However I will have fond memories of this trip and the friends we were there with. Here is some highlights of what we did.

Day 1 - April 30th
Get dog to kennel, friend arrive to leave and drive to Seattle.
Here we are waiting in Summerland at the construction stop.

We stopped in Leavonworth for lunch, mmmmm german food.

We also stopped in Roslyn, WA. Aslo the place where Northern Exposure was filmed.

Day 2 - May 1st
Fly from Seattle to Orlando, arrive at Parkway International Resort
Here is our place.

And I made some new friends

Day 3 - May 2nd - Epcot
The gardens were amazing at Epcot. Here I am in front of the entrance gardens.

And the hanging baskets were monsterous

The boys drank some beer. (Mike my husband and our friend Rob)

And they had Tea growing in Tea Cup in Englands section (Jen, she loves tea)

Their show at night was great!

Day 4 - May 3rd - Animal Kingdom
I hardly took any picture here as we were so busy. I think my favourite part was the Safari, in which I got some really bad and shaky pictures. But here is one good one.

Day 5 - May 4th - Blizzard Beach
It was so hot all we wanted to do was lie around the pool. But at Disney you can do that and have a great time too.
Note the "snow" coming off the roof...

Here we are a lunch time in the shade.

That night we went to a Pirate Dinner Adventure.
And here is the one we were supposed to cheer for, Antonio. (sorry about the other guy, I swear he wasn't there when I was taking the pic...)

Yar pirates

And the boys had more beer.

Day 6 - May5th - Universal Studios
We headed immediately to the Jurassic Park area and they boys couldn't stop smiling. (Mike and Rob, I think they like it)

Next was a crazy ride Dueling Dragons, I didn't go on it...

And here we are after Popeye's river ride, we are all soaking wet, and I mean soaking.

Jen and I went on a tea cup like ride while the boys were on THE HULK.

Later in the afternoon we checked out the new Simpsons ride

Day 7 - May 6th - Magic Kingdom
There is nothing like going to the Magic Kingdom, especially when you get there for the opening of the gates.

We did all the traditional Disney stuff, including a picture in front of the castle

Day 8 - May 7th - Hollywood Studios
I think this day was extra hot, maybe about 95F but we went out anyway

Completely be accident I got Mike's head in Mickey's hat

We saw a great Car stunt show, Mike was really impressed.
Doing donuts

and only driving on 2 wheels

Day 9 - May 8th
It was time to head home, but we all could have stayed a few days longer. We did get a chance to walk through Celebration, a town completely pre-planned by the Disney people, and watch the new Star Trek movie, awesome.
After our flight landed in Seattle we drove to Tsawwassen to stay there for the night.

Day 10 - May 9th
Drive home. My in-laws were waiting at our place already for us and it was really nice to come home.

So there you have it, highlights of my vacation. Just trying to figure out when our next one is...

Vacation Knitting (and possibly crochet)

2009-04-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

So it is only 2 days until we leave for Disney World! YAY! YAY! OK, so I'm a little over excited...

I've been thinking about what to take, where are my summer clothes, where are our passports (don't worry I found them, right where I left them, this time), which bathing suit is going to fit... But what about knitting... I'm going to take Mike's Vest as it will be a nice easy knit (just stocknet for 10 more inches) and the supplies for my May Hat of the Month. I think the baby blanket is going to be too big to take, but maybe some socks. Is it about time I really get started on my socks... Maybe I should just cast on for a new Hat, something simple...

What do you think, Vote!

What would be good car ride/airplane knitting or crochet?(online surveys)

I finished something

2009-04-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

I haven't had much time for knitting lately. Seems as though life has taken over. I did finish a hat for a Hat Exchange I'm in.

Not much else to report, sorry.

Frustration...

2009-04-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

So it seems like everything including my knitting has attacked me lately. I was working on a hat over the weekend that seemed like an easy pattern. K6, SSK, K2TOG, YO, K, YO, simple right ... lol nope, I had to rip out at least 3 times, I found a twisted row on the ribbing, and the hat is too short. OK, so I haven't blocked it yet but I don't think it is going to the intended recipient. I'll block it measure it and see. I haven't had time to do much else so there is no progress... oh well, there is always next week right?

My baking attacked me too, it started out great. I planned on making these Cake Pop Chicks.

The instructions aren't hard and they looked so good.

It started out ok...

I mean you really can't go wrong with chocolate cake and icing, right?

After I froze them I started dipping in the candy coating. Now I've never used it before, but I looked up all sorts of resources and instructions so I felt prepared. I melted the candies in the microwave 30 seconds at a time until they were nice and creamy! Put the sticks into the cake and dipped. All was good and I didn't even have issues getting the cake out of the candy coating. I went to put the stick into the foam for drying. Suddenly the cake was not on top of the stick, but had slid down to the bottom, and covered my fingers in candy coating. Hot candy coating! So I gave up on the sticks and just put the cake balls onto a cookie sheet. I figured that I could still decorate them like chicks and bunnies. Well that didn't work either, so I just covered them in sprinkles!

Do you like?

What have I been up to...

2009-04-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry that I have not been keeping everyone up to date on this blog. My father-in-law went into the hospital almost a month ago after he had a major stoke. I've been holding down the fort at home while Mike is dealing with the hospital, nurses, legal stuff, banking stuff, and more. Mike has been traveling back and forth between Vancouver and here almost every weeken. I finally got to see go with Mike to see FIL this past weekend and was happy to see that he was with it enough to know how I was. He has full mobility in his right hand/arm and good strength but his left side is pretty much useless. I'm sorry to bring you down with all of this but it feel good to let it out. Since Mike is an only child (although he has step-brothers from his Mom remarrying have been very supportive) it falls on him to deal with everything on his own. And I have been strong and not let him see my feelings and just been helpful to him.

OK, now that that is out of the way, lets get on to some good stuff. I have so many things to share...

1. I got some new sock yarn, and I love the colours.

2. I'm making good progress on the baby blanket. I'm really getting the hang of it

3. I got a new needle for Mike's vest and an happily knitting on it most nights. This picture was taken more than a week ago. I've made more progress

4. I love how my new hat is turning on (the one for Hat of the Month Club). I tried it on and it is not going to fit me (I knew it probably wouldn't) but know a few people that I could give it to.

I think that is all the knitting stuff, but what about the rest of my life.

Hailey (my chocolate lab) and I are starting Agility class tonight. Here she is with me on a hike last month.

I have decided to start a new blog to follow the classes. I'm hoping to post once a week after class on Wednesdays. Here is the link if anyone wants to follow it http://haileyagility.blogspot.com/.

I've been busy fund raising for our team in the 24 Hour Relay. This year we are selling chocolate for Easter. For anyone local email me if you are interested in getting some. I only have doggies with chocolate left. For non-locals you can donate on our webpage, http://www.24hourrelay.com/sites/default.aspx?TeamID=1398

I think that is all for now. I hope you have a good rest of the week and enjoy knitting.

Dance to your own beat and knit to your own tune!

What I'm watching

2009-03-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

There are quite a few shows that I have been addicted to lately and I wanted to share.

Dancing with the Stars
I love this show. Well I love to dance, and I love to see how people improve and the different costumes, and I love the pro dancers. My favourite is Julianne, but there aren't any that I don't like this season. If you have never watched this show you should give it a try. It is very entertaining and exciting.

American Idol
I haven't watched this show much in previous years but last year Mike and I really got into it. Well more me than him, but he does watch it with me. Last night was the first results and I'm happy with how America voted this time. The judges came up with a new rule this year, that they can save one person from being eliminated. Then the next week 2 will go home. I think my favourites are Danny and Alison.

CSI (all 3)
The original Las Vegas is my absolute favourite show to watch. I'll even watch ones I've already seen. I love this show for the people on it and the plot line. I have started watching the other shows but I don't love them like I love the original.

Numb3rs
I just found this show and have started recorded like crazy. I find it very interesting and I little over my head. I do enjoy it though. I haven't found when the new ones are on in my area, but I hope to see them soon.

Dog Whisperer
I record this show and watch it while doing chores and stuff. I find it very repetitive and slow but does have good information. Although I think I can learn a lot from it I can't just sit down and watch it.

John and Kate Plus 8
I started watching this show in the very begining and have loved seeing these kids grow. I think the show is very different from what it started out as but I still watch it. I love the puppies they got!

I have been knitting while watching all these shows but have had to take a hiatus on a few of my projects.

For Hat of the Month March I'm knitting the Endless Rose Hat with Cara Mia, in light pink and dark pink. I'm liking it so far and think I'm better at colour work now. I'll try to get some pictures this weekend.

Since the needles for Mike's Vest are broken I haven't made any progress on it. Must get new needles soon.

An I have not worked on anything else but I should, right?

I'm alive

2009-03-05T17:55:00.000-08:00

So this is going to be a short post, but I'm alive and doing well. In pain but ok. I now minus 4 wisdom teeth and taking lots of T3's.

I will be at the Sit N Stitch on Sat...yay

TGIF!!!

2009-02-27T12:23:00.000-08:00

We have friends staying with us this weekend, as we do most weekends in the summer, a problem with living in a beautiful place, but we will probably go out to tour some wineries! Which is always fun. I don't know how much knitting I will be getting done, but I can make up for that next week when I'll be home for 3 days recovering from getting my wisdom teeth out. (Please don't tell me any horrible stories, I can't take any more.)

Tonight we have our second to last game of curling and are getting really good, we might even win tonight, maybe :) We have found that curling is the only sport Mike and I can play together, he tends to be very competitive... and I'm not.

I've finished the back of Mike's vest and have cast-on for the front. I'm hoping to get it finished really soon. Then I can cast-on for all the other things I want to do. I'm getting my swatching done for March so I can start my hat right away.

I've been bad...

2009-02-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

I've been really bad about posting lately. In the last few weeks I've felt a little overwhelmed at all the things Mike and I are doing. Along with the dancing stuff, see post below for video, there was the Winter Carnival, people coming to visit, and getting my 24 Hour Relay team started. I think I have a very good handle on things now though. Or I will after this weekend.

I joined the Hat of the Month group on Rav and finished my Feb hat. I will have to catch up for Jan. But am very happy with my commitment so far.

I have decided not to start any new projects, except for Hat of the Month, until I have finished everything on my needles right now. I have 4 things on the needles right now. While that doesn't seem like that much, I fear that I will never finish these if I don't force myself to now. So here is the list, in order...

Sweater Vest for Mike, I'm almost done the back then it is off to the front
Socks, I only have to do the toe on both...
Black Shrug, I'm redoing the sleeves and it shouldn't take that long

I do have a lace shawl going right now too, but it isn't the type of project I can just pick and go with. It requires a lot of concentration.

I have been thinking for a long time about making some toys for my nephew (and future nephew or niece due in June). I have this book Knitted & Felted Toys but don't know what I would make. I've also been thinking about a baby had made out of this yarn I got from a swap. Maybe something from the book Itty-Bitty Hats...

Must finish current projects first... Must finish current projects first...Must finish current projects first...Must finish current projects first...Must finish current projects first...Must finish current projects first...

We got 1st place!

2009-02-17T12:12:00.000-08:00

Here is the video of our winning dance and the group number.

Vote for Hailey!!!

2009-02-03T08:56:00.001-08:00

Vote for Hailey!

Almost made it

2009-02-02T09:51:00.000-08:00

but not quite. I was stitching away until midnight on Sat, just to see if I could finish both the hats I had left for my January Hat Trick. I did finish the Transformer Hat for Mike, but didn't finish Cami pink hat :(

Here are the pic I have of Mike's hat, that I still have to line with fleece.

OK, so it still needs to be blocked and such but I think it looks pretty darn good for my first colour work piece!!!

Finished Baby Hat

2009-01-28T11:02:00.001-08:00

So I finished the baby hat and I think it turned out really nice.

Now back to work on the Transformer hat, oh and I'm going to make another one of these!

Which hat did I pick?

2009-01-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

The baby one, it was too cute. I'm about 3/4 done and hope to finish soon. Then back to Mike's hat.

New Hat vs. Old Hat

2009-01-16T10:29:00.000-08:00

So I've been working on a hat for Mike. It has the transformer symbol on it and he really really wants it. However a co-work just had a baby and I'm making a hat for his little girl. It won't take my long but Mike really really wants his hat. So what to work on the hat for Mike that I have been working on for the last 2 weeks and only have 1/3 done or the baby hat that I can probably have done tomorrow! Which will I pick?

Happy New Year and such

2009-01-07T08:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm a little late on the post of this but Happy New Year everyone!!!

So far my new year has started off well and I am very happy with how my Christmas projects turned out. However, I will be starting them earlier this year!!!!! My nephew really liked his hat, it may look big but he said it was perfect. I guess that is how the kids wear it these days. (Do I sound old or what? I'm not old I'm 27 ... I guess I'm not in touch with the youth anymore.)

I've joined in the JANUARY HAT TRICK! knitalong from the group Puck this!. I've started a hat for Mike, with the Transformer symbol on the front. This is my first attempt at colour work and I think it is too lose. I think I'm going to start it over again. And I think I had better do it on smaller needles, get a tighter stitch.

Made it for Christmas

2008-12-30T10:35:00.000-08:00

Driving down for Christmas to Vancouver was not one of our best ideas but we really wanted to spend some time with family. While on the road I was working away on the last project I had to finish, the scarf for my Brother-in-law. Since we were stopped on the highway in Abbotsford for 45 mins I decided to keep going on it. It got longer and longer and longer. Luckily he is a big guys and need a longer scarf. Everything turned out fine, we made it to Vancouver (and all the parties) and all my Christmas presents got finished. Except when said BIL tried on the scarf it still wasn't long enough. So back on the needles it went and I should finish it this week. My in law's will be going there next week so they will take it with them. Now on to bigger and better things. Or maybe I'll just finish the projects I started last year ..... haha

T-3 days till Christmas

2008-12-22T10:12:00.000-08:00

Projects left
1 scarf - got a good chunk done, but will probably be knitting on the drive down still

Christmas Presents I've finished
2 hats
10 mitten ornaments (instead of the dishcloths)
1 purse

I hope you all have a very merry christmas and a happy new year!

T-6 days till ...

2008-12-19T09:17:00.001-08:00

ok, I still have a ton of stuff to do, including wrapping all gifts.... aaaahhh

Projects to complete
1 scarf - how long will it be? only time will tell
10 dishcloths - I'll whip these off so quick
4 toys - I must finish these, they are too cute
1 purse - sewing machine is coming out this weekend

I think the whole weekend will be cleaning, wrapping, knitting/crocheting!!!!

Finished some projects last night

2008-12-16T09:06:00.000-08:00

ok, so I only finished one, but I'm really close on the other hat.

Left to finish for my Christmas knitting
1 hat - almost done
1 scarf - not started
10 dishcloths - I'll whip these off so quick
4 toys - aaaaahhhhh, I have too much to do
1 purse - almost finished just the lining left

That doesn't look too much different than last week, aaaaahhhhh

Christmas Cards

2008-12-11T10:36:00.000-08:00

Mike and I are sending Christmas card out to most of our friends and family. We got a cute pictures of us with the dog, and have the card ready to go. Now we need our first ever Christmas letter. Mike is going to write it today and we should be able to get all of them done tonight. That would be one more thing off my list.

Left to finish for my Christmas knitting
2 hats - almost done 1 and just starter other
1 scarf - not started
10 dishcloths - I'll whip these off so quick
4 toys - aaaaahhhhh, I have too much to do
1 purse - almost finished just the lining left

So You Think You Can Dance Canada

2008-12-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

is now over... but Nico won so I'm happy.

Christmas Cookie Baking

2008-12-03T14:25:00.000-08:00

So my lovely husband signed us up for a Cookie Exchange at this work. We had to make 13 dozen cookies, OMG. So we made 2 batches of Peanut Butter Christmas Mice on the weekend and one more last night. I was planning on knitting more on the Christmas gifts but alas there was no time. But they are so cute!!!

Hopefully more knitting tonight!

Results of my big plan: Lots of photos uploaded, projects and stash updated, still in bags and buckets, but I feel better!

My big plan

2008-11-25T11:38:00.000-08:00

So my husband is out of town until Saturday so all this week I'm going to take the time to organize my stash/books/projects!!! I'm going to take pictures of everything and put it all in Ravelry. I hope I can actually do this.

Also I hope to finish many of the Christmas presents I have started!!

Knitting while I watch TV

2008-11-13T14:38:00.000-08:00

seems as though my nights are now filled with tv watching so I have found a few projects that I'm going to work on as my TV watching items. First off it is my Aunt's birthday this weekend so I'm make some washcloths for her to go along with a nice bar of handmade soap (I didn't make that but bought it at a Christmas fair). Second I have my nephew's Christmas present, a hat, but it is just stockinette stick so fairly easy until I get tot he decreases. Third is my husband's vest. I have to get some good time on this one!!! I think he wants it for Christmas, I'm not sure that is going to happen though.

10 preform on SYTYCD Canada

2008-11-13T08:59:00.000-08:00

So overall I was impressed with the performances and so happy I got to vote for individual dancers.

Hip-hop: Natalli and Izaak – I enjoyed this but didn’t think it was hard hitting enough. Netiher of t hem are in my top 4 dancers. I think they should be in the bottom.

Mambo: Kaitlyn and Danny – This was great. I mean Danny is great and this is his thing so he should be great. And Kaitlyn held her own. I’m not a huge fan but I think she did ok at this. Not her best dance but good.

Waltz: Allie and Nico – Wow, this was beautiful, graceful, and amazing. I couldn’t take my eyes off the TV. I wasn’t sure how these two would dance together but WOW!!!

Disco: Arassay and Vincent – Arassay is the luckies girl in this competition because she has now danced with the 2 best male dancers. This was the best disco I’ve seen in awhile. They looked like they were having so much fun doing this number.

Contemporary: Lisa and Miles – Not a fan of Lisa and this is her element. I thought she would have done better and held Miles up a bit. Miles did his best but I’m not sure that he can really sink into this style.

I voted for 1 ½ hours last night for Vincent, Allie, and Nico.

Top 10 in SYTYCD Canada

2008-11-07T09:50:00.000-08:00

Welcome to your Top 10!
Allie Bertram, 18, Calgary, Alta.
Arassay Reyes, 21, South Surrey, B.C.
Danny Arbour, 26, Montreal, Que.
Izaak Smith, 19, Prince George, B.C.
Kaitlyn Fitzgerald, 18, Loretto, Ont.
Lisa Auguste, 27, Rexdale, Ont.
Miles Faber, 21, Calgary, Alta.
Natalli Reznik, 28, Toronto, Ont.
Nico Archambault, 23, Montreal, Que.
Vincent Noiseux, 22, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.

I'm so excited about the top 10, now everything changes, the dances, the voting. WWWOOOO HHOOOO!!

US Election

2008-11-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

So I'm making some special cookies tonight for the Election Party we are going to tomorrow. I know, who cares it is the US, but it will be fun to watch. I'm making sugar cookies in the shape of flags and icing them like the American flag. I think I might make one Canadian one too. Just to mix it up.

My halloween was ok this year. Didn't get to hand out any candy, and our curling time was wrong so we had to wait 2 hours before we could play. I was dressed up as a fairy and mike was a cowboy. The other team didn't show so we had to play with a team from a different league. Hopefully next year I will be able to plan things out better.

I'm a fortune teller

2008-10-31T10:33:00.000-07:00

I dressed up as a fortune teller/gypsy. I was fun but not a great costume.

Halloween Cookies!

2008-10-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

So tonight I'm having the girls over to make some Halloween Cookies. I've already made the sugar cookie batter as it should chill overnight. We are also going to make caramel popcorn balls, cranberry pumpkin cookies and orange drops. I'm so excited by all of these!! At work the next day I'm entering one of these, which ever one turns out the best, in the cookoff. I hope I win!

Going to the coast

2008-10-16T09:34:00.001-07:00

So we are driving down to Vancouver tonight, Mike's 10 year high school reunion is Friday. I'm hoping to knit the whole way down and get the back of the vest finished! When I get home I have to narrow down Christmas presents and get them started!

Back to the Sweater Vest

2008-10-06T14:00:00.001-07:00

So Mike's sweater is back on the plate right now. Although I had to rip out some because I didn't use the right needle size. Not back to square one though. I'll be able to get a bunch done this week during Dancing With the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance Canada.

I also need to give some serious thought to Christmas gifts!

Are you watching So You Think You Can Dance Canada!

2008-10-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

I am!! It was really good last night. I'm really happy with the Top 20. My fav so far is Allie, ballet, and Kevin, from Westbank!!

I'm dead ... but I got a lovely hat!

2008-10-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a recap of my demise!

I was rushing home from work so I could get to dog obedience class on time, but I decided to quickly stop in at the mail box. There was a bunch of stuff including a large envelope. My husband gets lots of these types of things in the mail so I wasn’t worried. But then …. it jumped out at me ...

... something came over me and forced me to open it ...

... OH NOES!!! it got me (cute pompom!) ...

... I tried to save myself ...

... but in the end the death hat won ...

... there was revenge, my husband was not happy ...

I might be dead ... might be

2008-09-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

I got an email yesterday from my assassins that she has sent my death hat. I'm almost finished my 4th repeat but am worried that I won't get it finished. Hopefully I can get it done while watching volleyball tonight.

I went to dance class on Monday. It was good to dance again but I think that I might need more of a challenge.

Making progress

2008-09-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

Ok so I got a good chunk of hat done last night. And I just got an email from my assassin saying should would be ready to mail it today!! I live through the week end, yay! I'll be knit, knit, knitting this darn hat all weekend but I'm determined to get it done.

That said I will also be celebrating the last of summer this weekend, volleyball, golf, BBQ, and drinking will round out my events.

Frogged again!

2008-09-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

So I knitting away last night and all of a sudden I realized that half of the round was one colour and the other half was a different colour. I couldn't for the life of me figure out how I had done this. So after much thinking I had to frog and start all over again. I'm sure to be killed soon at this pace.

Hat Attack! 2

2008-09-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

Alright everyone, I stick up my newbie flag, I'm starting a blog. I feel like I'm missing out on something so here I am.

Yesterday I started Hat Attack! 2 a knitting competition where it is kill or be killed. I'm not doing good so far as I had to cast on 3 times to get it right. I guess I'll have to make a real dent in it tonight. This is my first knitting competition and it has been a great experience so far. I can't wait to see what I get!!

Pictures of hat in process to come.