Knitter in Progress

I feel like the last two years have added about 30 to my life.  Lots of “downs” with very few “ups”.  Things seems to be slowly righting themselves and I’m trying to get back to some solid ground. I have had almost no time to pursue things I enjoy(like knitting, stitching, reading, exercise) and I’m really starting to see the toll that has taken on me, physically and mentally.  I’m going to be forcing myself to schedule time for these things.  Yesterday was the first time in a long time I was able to spend an afternoon knitting and it felt great.

I cannot wait for 2016 to be over.  This has been one of the longest, most stressful years in my life.  I am hard pressed most days to find something to be positive about.  My kiddos continue to be my light. I'm hopeful that 2017 will bring a positive change in my immediate circle but judging by the results of our November election, I'm guessing that as far as the nation goes 2017 will be another very long year. Here's to happier new year for everyone. :)

It has been an interesting year so far at Casa KiP to say the least.  Lots of changes, lots of rolling with the punches.  The biggest change for me is that I am working part time(25-30 hours per week).  It's been quite a change for all of us but we are getting settled in to a routine. Because of the changes, crafting time has been hard to come by but I have managed to get some things done by working on some focus pieces. As far as knitting goes the current rotation includes: --A pair of simple skyp socks --A hexagon sock scrap blanket And. . .hold on to your hats. . .I have been cross stitching! I decided to focus on one piece this year.  My HAED Storykeeper by Selina Fenech.  As with most of my stitching projects it has been in the WIP pile for far too long.  I have loved this piece since it was first released and I have been inspired to pick it as my focus piece for the year. I have also been using it for the HAED SAL on Facebook so when ...

1.  Top Five Finished Objects **Links to the patterns on Ravelry -- Pittsburgh Penguins Crackerjack Cowl, a visual reminder of the 2014-2015 season --2015 Felted Clogs , I wore out my first pair and I love them they are ugly but comfortable --Socks That Rock Pebble Beach Jaywalker socks, I love the pattern and the colorway. --First pair of socks without a pattern which is crazy because I've been knitting socks forever and I've never tried to knit a pair without a pattern until this year. -- Mystic Spiral socks, I wanted to try a new technique. 2.  Favorite Yarn Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Lightweight This has been my favorite yarn forever it seems.  I try all kinds of sock yarn but these colorways and this yarn always seems to be my favorite go to :) 3.  Favorite Inspirations Book:   The Divergent series by Veronica Roth.  I didn't read a lot this year and I got inspired to read these after I saw the first movie...

April 2015:  I received Neo Blythe doll, Jane Lefroy .  I LOVE her stock and she has a beautiful face and coloring.  She reminded me of Vinter Arden(who is one of my grail dolls).  I follow some Blythe happenings on Facebook and Flickr and when I started seeing pictures of Jane out of the box I was petrified.  This girl has crazy hair!  She has a TON of hair and for some reason Takara decided to try some sort of weird curliness in her hair.  It starts out smooth at the part and maybe 1/3 of the way down her head then it turns into an absolute rat's nest.  I was afraid to even take her out of the box.  August 2015: I finally come up with the courage to open Jane up.  She is beautiful but OMG that hair!  It's very soft in spots but I cannot even run my fingers through it.  I have been doing some research on Blythe hair and I have done a few spas on my other dolls but they seem like child's play when faced with Jane's disa...

Wow!  It doesn't seem that long since I have posted.  Life just keeps getting busier and busier. I have declared 2015 "The Year of Socks".  My goal is to finish at least one pair per month and if I could get 15 done in 2015 I would be thrilled!  I have joined the Socks from Stash group on Ravelry and it's been so fun.  Every month they have a theme so that keeps things interesting. So far I am on track: January: February: March: April(in progress):   I have also become addicted to Downton Abbey and have been binge watching that, of course, I start watching it now when there is only one season left! I'm still working my way through the Song of Ice and Fire books.  I'm on Dances with Dragons and that one is taking me forever. Happy crafting everyone!

So I just reviewed my summer to do list and I felt like I accomplished nothing but it looks like I got more done than I thought.  This summer was BORING.  It was a summer about nothing that went too fast. The kiddos are back in school and I am getting back into a routine. Here are a few summer knitting finishes: First up, my " Groovy " socks.  I had been wanting to knit this pattern for a while and I'm pleased with how they turned out.  The yarn is OnLine SuperSocke Neon Color.  It is bright and an odd grouping of colors but I love having wild colored socks. Next up, two pairs of   Felted Clogs .  One for me, one for DH.  Most of my friends have knit numerous pairs of these but these are the first pairs I have knit.  A friend knit pairs for each of my kiddos and I decided all of us needed a pair.  They aren't the prettiest things but they are warm and comfortable and that's what really matters for padding around the house. ...