2015 Goals: January Update

So I set some goals for 2015, and I thought, more to help keep me on track than anything else, I would post a monthly update to see where things stand. Since it's the last day of the month, it seems like a good time to see how it's going, so here we go!

1. Make a granny square every weekday of 2015: So far, so good! I've managed to make one each day. One day it was made minutes before midnight, but done, so it counts!

2. Read 40 books, with 30 of them being from the Rory Gilmore Reading List: I've read 6 books already total and 3 from the RGRL, so I think that's a pretty good pace!

3. Organize three years worth of digital pictures: I've been through three months this month. I figure if I can do 3 months of pictures each month this year, I'll get my three years of pictures done! I started with September 2006, so we'll see where I end!

4. Organize scrapbooking items/keepsakes: Done and done! Everything is done already. I thought it would take more time, but once I jumped in, I just kept going. Plus everything was all spread out and a big mess. Since I finished that, I went ahead and worked on organizing some other areas too and it's gorgeous and I love it and I hope we can keep it that way!

5. Finish a train embroidery project: I've spent quite some time stitching. I can tell that work has been done ... however, there's still so much to do. I will keep pushing though!

6. Make money from my knitting: I have one crochet "job" that I won't finish for a while, but it can count, right? And here's to hoping it opens some more doors?

7. On the blogging side of things, it's to blog twice a week: Nope, right now I'm averaging once a week. But I figure that's okay. At the end of the year, I hope the average will be twice a week!

8. Also related to blogging, I need to be a better commenter on other blogs: Yep, I've upped the comments I'm leaving and it feels good to do so!


Overall, things are going well. I'd like to blog more, but, also given my progress on the other goals (with one already done!) I'm not going to sweat it for now.

In general I'm also trying to stay on top of chores and just being more organized in general. This does not come naturally to me, so it's not always easy! I'm trying though. And really that's all I can do! And I've finally found a system that is helping me more than any other thing I've tried has helped. I've been using it for a few months now, so it's well tested.

Of course, I need to blog about that, and the books I've read, and share pictures of my granny-square-a-weekday, and of my embroidery. Wait, why aren't I blogging twice a week? I've got a lot to catch up on! 

A wee bit of crocheting

While knitting will always be number one in my heart, I do sometimes like to take a break and get some crocheting done. I especially like to do some crochet for baby blankets, and so I whipped this lovely blanket up a few months ago.

This blanket was especially important for me to make. I can't say why here, but I can say this: all the stars aligned and the making of this blanket was perfect. And will always feel a bit special to me.

Even though this blanket is going to a little girl, I wanted to make it gender neutral, in case that little girl gets some siblings someday and mom will want to wrap the next baby up. Also, I looked at the gift registry and saw the bedding they picked had a lot of brown in it. It was both, but the first reason sounds so much more romantic, right?

Anyway, this blanket whipped up pretty quickly. I added one more repeat of the pattern so it would be a bit bigger. (I do that a lot because I want these blanket to last for longer than the newborn phase). It was an easy pattern to follow and nice to make. I did misread the pattern at first so I had to restart it once, but thankfully I figured it out pretty quickly!

I love this blanket. Here are the details:

• Pattern name: Peter (you need a ravelry account to view it. Which, if you knit or crochet you should have. And it's free, so win-win!). 
• Yarn used: Caron simply soft ... I think 4, I didn't pay attention
• Hook: H
• Modifications: added one more repeat of the pattern to the width of the blanket

Overall, I'm really pleased with how this blanket turned out! 

Blue!

So, I told you there were lots of babies coming soon and I had been busy making baby blankets!

Shortly after Christmas we had a double baby shower to go to - two of my cousins, both expecting, due very close together! One cousin knew that her and her husband would be welcoming a baby boy, so I set out to make a nice blanket. I used some of the same blue/white mix I used to make some blankets last year because I loved working with it so much. I searched ravelry for the perfect pattern and landed on this lovely crocheted blanket!

The yarn is bernat baby - the main part is a blue/white mix and the border is just blue. I worked with I think an H hook? I'm not 100 percent sure on that, but it's probably close enough!

This pattern was nice - easy to remember and I think turned out lovely.

The second blanket needed to be unisex because we weren't sure if there would be a little boy or girl coming. I had a yellow blanket that I had made last year, just waiting for a baby who needed it. So I washed it, wrapped it, and found it a new home.

Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of this blanket. It was knit from a book I own (and have made several blankets from). I knit it with two strands of yarn - one yellow and one white, so it's nice and neutral but not bright yellow.

Now I have a blanket to finish for a girl who was born not too long ago and am eagerly awaiting another baby's birth. I'm not sure if there will be a little girl or a little boy to knit for, so I'm going to try to make two blankets and give whichever one works best!

I love all these babies coming. I love making beautiful things for the littlest among us. There's something about it that makes me happy - it's life affirming really. New babies, families growing, so much happiness. It's lovely.

Baby blankets

There are quite a few babies coming soon and so, I've had to buckle down and make quite a few blankets!

This, of course, makes me very happy. Because babies - are so cute and are even cuter when you aren't the one waking up with them during the night. And because I love to knit. I've been crocheting a bit too. I'm excited to report that crochet is starting to feel more and more natural to me. I'm not sure it will ever be as natural as knitting, but it's getting there which makes me smile!

Anyway, a friend expecting a baby girl recently had a shower. I poured over patterns at etsy and picked just the right blanket to make her. Then I picked a second just the right blanket to make her, since both patterns called out to me!

First up is this darling blanket. The pattern is free and can be found here. However, I cast on 137 stitches to make the blanket larger. I used caron simply soft in pink and a size 10 needle and was so pleased at how it turned out!

{Please note: I forgot to take pictures so I literally took the ones I'm sharing in my car like 15 minutes before the shower started. So they aren't the best, but hopefully they aren't the worst LOL}

The second blanket was a ripple blanket with 3 colors. Again, I found the pattern on ravelry. However, I won't link to it. The pattern was wrong - something was off. I don't know enough about crochet to know it was wrong, but I knew enough to realize it was off. The decrease/increase (to make the ripple effect) weren't lining up, so I had to do a bit of tinkering to get it, but I pulled it off and I think it turned out so cute.

Again, I used caron simply soft yarn - I like this because it's soft, can be machine washed/dried and usually I can find the color I want! I used an H hook I think and two rows of each color.

I'm so pleased with how these blankets turned out! I would make them again in a heartbeat. They were fun to make and didn't take too long. I also think they both look great! If I had a little baby, I'd wrap her up in them in a heartbeat!

And another

There was a third little baby born this year that needed a blanket, and once again I reached for a crochet hook and yarn.

Now this blanket has quite the story behind it. I found one of those free patterns from the big box craft store and loved it. I bought the yarn it recommended (and how much it recommended). I did this several years ago.

I picked it up and began to work and realized I would have a blanket fit for a doll. So I thought, no problem! I'll just go to the store and get more yarn and crochet more rows and repeats than the pattern called for!

Do you know where this story is going? The yarn isn't made anymore. There was one that was close, but I knew put together, it would be obvious they were different. So back home and to the drawing board, because I liked the yarn and I wanted to use it!

I ended up using one strand of yarn (the pattern called for two), bumped up the crochet hook a bit and took off. After making the blanket I added an edging (the pattern didn't call for it) in the solid blue which I think made the sides look a lot nicer. In the end, I loved it. Sometimes things need to be tweaked. I don't often feel comfortable tweaking things, especially with crochet as I don't feel as comfortable with it. But it worked so well.

My cats especially loved this blanket! I may have to make them their own. They often cuddled up with it (but don't worry, I washed it really well before giving it to baby just in case!). This is another blanket I would make again if I had the chance!

Crochet!

So, I mostly stick to knitting, but every so often I reach for a crochet hook instead. I probably should crochet more than I do, but knitting was my first love and it's my default setting.

Earlier this year, we had some new babies arrive and I just knew I wanted to crochet some blankets for the little babes.

I made this lovely blanket. It's called the Baby Boy Wrapper. (side note: I'd totally make this for a girl too! But alas, this was made for some cute boys). I crocheted this blanket, and used a white/blue mix for the main blanket and a straight blue for the edging. I instantly fell in love with this blanket. So I made it again for another little boy.

I would absolutely crochet this up again for a little baby. It was fun to crochet and crochets up beautiful. The yarn I used (which I can't remember, or I'd tell you) was so soft and didn't feel too heavy. Oh, I loved it so much!

Crochet Saved My Life

*I was given the book, but not paid to write this review. As always though, my thoughts and opinions are my own. 

At the start of this year, or even maybe at the end of last year, I was contacted to see if I wanted a review copy of the book Crochet Saved My Life by Kathryn Vercillo. Yes, I am a terrible blogger, because only almost a year later I am ready to tell you all about this book. I still struggle with reading, especially non-fiction, so this book was difficult for me to get through {not because of the writing though, merely because of my brain}, but I figured, better late than never? And also, this book touched me in such a good way.

I'm sure for those of you who know me, you'll know why I jumped at a chance to get my hands on Crochet Saved My Life. Granted, I mostly knit, but in my world, knitting and crochet are cousins - different and yet related and both wonderful. I've written before about how knitting has been a grounding force in my life and something that helps me get through the tough times (here and here). On some days knitting feels like my lifeline. This book made me feel not alone in that.


Crochet Saved My Life explores how crochet can help people through tough times - mentally, emotionally, and physically. However, it does not say that crochet is the end all, be all. The book revolves around people's stories with some studies and facts thrown in. Vercillo recommends crochet (or knitting, or whatever is your thing) during hard times, not as a cure - but as something that can help you along with any treatments or medicines your doctors are giving you.

Reading other people's stories is what resonated with me. Knowing I am not alone in how I feel about working with yarn is wonderful. I read so many of the stories nodding my head in agreement or just thinking to myself yep, I so understand that! I would have liked to round up all the women who shared their stories int his book and have dinner with them all. I think I would have walked away feeling like I found some kindred spirits.

As a bonus, in addition to connecting me to these wonderful personal stories, the back of the book has some mindfulness exercises for crocheters. It also includes some finger/wrist stretches. I've used both and found them very helpful, especially when I'm feeling extra stressed or anxious.

Overall, I just really loved this book so very much. It resonated so much with me and made me feel less strange for relying on my knitting in hard times. I think, even though the focus is on crochet, anyone who works with this their hands (knitting, hand sewing, etc) will feel a connection to this book, to the stories, to the people in it. I highly recommend this book and encourage you to read it. I do have a warning though ... as you read it, it will make you want to pick up your yarn and hook and start to crochet!

I'll leave you with a few of my favorite quotations from the book. Parts that stood out extra to me, that I felt like I could have said myself!

"...part [of why it's relaxing] is thinking about who will receive the end product. It's difficult to be worried when you're thinking about how someone else is going to enjoy your handmade item" ~ Martha Stone

"When I crochet I don't think about how my body is now broken; I think about how I can create something beautiful and useful with my hook and either yarn or threat." ~Vicki Sulfaro

"The colors and feel of the yarn made me feel like I was home and that I fit once again and the pleasant click of my favorite red, aluminum hook against my wedding ring as I hook the yarn that weaves through my fingers is audible, tactile and grounding. There is no room for worry, for grieving, for regret, for analyzing when I focus on one stitch at a time. The process of healing take precedence." ~ Nessa

Crocheting

I've been crocheting a lot lately. Crocheting, like knitting, helps calm me.

I can't lie friends. It's been a stressful couple of weeks. All of which culminated today when I learned a friend passed away suddenly.

Hilarie. A wife. A mom of three. She was happy and upbeat. She loved her family. She loved her life. She always had a kind word and a hug to give when I needed it. Though, we never did hug in person. Hilarie and I met on the internet over 10 years. We were part of an AOL Board for moms due in September of 2002. We bonded so much, we as a group have been through other tragedies unfortunately. {This includes my cancer diagnosis, when the wonderful group of women rallied around me in amazing ways.} Somehow, even when AOL decided to shut it's group board's down, we managed to stay together. It's amazing. 40-some women, most of who haven't met in person, and yet such a part of my soul, of the mother I am today, of the person I am today. Truly.

And yesterday, Hilarie unexpectedly passed away. My heart is broken in more pieces than I can say. I am sad. I am angry. I am shocked by this news. My heart aches for the family who loved her, for the friends who will miss her smile and upbeat personality. It is all so unbelievable unfair.

So today I've cried a lot. I said fuck more times than I should. I asked for hugs and shoulders to cry on. And I crocheted.

I know. I know. It may sound silly. But I crocheted. And as the yarn passes between my fingers, and I wrap it around the hook, I realize it is more than yarn. It is a life-line. It is a life-line for me. Because I'm not that strong. What I want to do is climb into bed, throw the covers over my head and not climb back out until a date much farther down the road. So instead, I cut myself some slack, I lay down for a little bit, but I get out of bed again. And I crochet. And I will think of Hilarie and her family and her precious children.

A few of my favorite things!

I didn't make much for Christmas this year. I just knew I needed to be pressure-free and while I love making things to give to people, it can be stressful to finish everything on time! Plus, with my energy being non-existent, I was worried I just wouldn't have the energy to finish things.

I did manage to make two blankets though, and I LOVED them both. It was hard to give them away, but alas, I managed too!

The first blanket was crocheted. I had worked on it for almost two months. It is my first granny square project and I might just be in love with granny squares now!

The pattern I used can be found here {note: you must be a member to see it, but membership is free}. The pattern is actually for a baby blanket, and this blanket did not go to a baby, so I actually made 4 blankets and put them together to make the blanket big enough! I also changed the edging ever-so-slightly! I just love how this blanket came together. And there will definitely be more granny squares in my future!

I knitted another blanket too. This blanket was for a grab-bag gift exchange and knit up pretty quickly (which was good, since I started it very close to Christmas LOL!)

The yarn was variegated and the pattern came on the yarn package. It was quick to learn and one of those patterns that you don't really need to look at!

Again, I made the blanket larger than the pattern called for, which was good. I don't think I would have been happy with the size if I had just followed the pattern 100%. I'm actually working on a twin sister blanket right now. Not quite sure what I will do with it, but I'm sure I'll figure something out!

xoxo,
Brandie

P.S. I pre-wrote this before surgery so the blog wouldn't sit empty!

My weekend

my crochet so far

I've always wanted to go to knitting/quilting/sewing/crafting of some kind retreat. I've never managed to make it to one. Between the cost, logistics of getting there and back, what to do with the kids, and my anxiety over being in a room full of people I do not know and being too afraid to talk to them because I'll probably sound like an idiot issue, it's just never happened.

Earlier this year I was lamenting about all of this to my husband. About every two years, he goes on a week long camping trip to the Boundary Waters with his friends, and by my calculations, he owes me roughly 5 weeks of being able to do something by myself.

So we were talking and it hit me, since I couldn't get to a retreat myself, I would bring the retreat to me. And so I started to plan my craft weekend. I told the husband he had to vacate the house, and take the children with him. I talked about it on facebook and basically had an open-ended invitation (one of those, if you can read this, you are invited), and then waited for the weekend to arrive and hope that at least one person would show up.

Well, the weekend happened this past weekend. And it was glorious, at least for me. Four people were able to come and I (kind of) taught someone to knit. I also started a crochet project. It was awesome. I'm already planning next years event. It was exactly what I needed. There was time to myself and time to spend with others.

If I'm being honest, at first I felt bad. I mean, I kicked my husband and kids out of the house. (My mom was gracious enough to let them come over there). And then I was terrified no one would come. Because I would have felt doubly bad about making my family leave. But then I realized, it was okay. I am allowed to want time to myself. And my family did fine being gone. It wasn't that big of a deal.

And now? Now, I can not wait until next year! 

New Year, New Project!

This New Year's Eve I started a new project (I did this last year too - except I started something I still haven't finished ROFL!). Not only did I start a new project, but I started a whole new craft!

For Christmas a good friend gave me The Happy Hooker (no, it's not about that, it's about crocheting!)

Last night we celebrated the New Year with my parents. Since the current project I'm working on happens to be a gift in the works, I couldn't bring that to their house. So I grabbed my new book, yarn I had in the stash, and decided I would try to give this crochet thing a go. I have tried before, but never made it past a couple of stitches before completely not getting it and giving up, having decided a while ago that only knitting was in my crafting future!

But last night, I started this scarf and made some really good progress! I decided today that I simply must finish this project. That finishing it would be a great way to start the year ...

So I present to you my first project of 2010 and also my first crochet project ever!





I think I shall do this every year ... pick off a small project to start on the 31st and work through the first few days of the new year! It feels like such a nice way to start out the year =)

Because

Because yesterday was a sort of stinky day
Because I felt guilty for yelling at my daughter
Because I apologized to her for over-reacting
Because my tooth hurt terribly
Because dh wasn't really home yesterday
Because my son stayed up way too late ....

Because of all of that I decided last night to learn to crochet. And so I started. I won't tell you that it took me 3 hours to complete just what I got done! I won't tell you how many times I restarted - it might have been 5 but I lost count. I wont tell you how long it took me to figure out how to do a treble.

I will tell you that I can now chain, single crochet - in the round no less - and treble without looking up how to do it anymore.
It still feels awkward though - when knitting the yarn is in my right hand, with this I'm trying to manipulate in with the left.
I suppose I should have started with something slightly easier, but this really is fun (when I'm not yelling at the needle and yarn for not doing what I want it to do LOL). Besides, this happens to be ear-marked for someone ... so I gotta work through it.

Of course, I only have about 7 things on knitting needles waiting to be finished, some sewing projects to do and some reading to get done ... but all of that can wait for a few hours!