New Year's Eve

We are on the verge of a new year, anticipating good things with our list of hopes and goals in hand and ready to begin checking them off. I wanted to complete all current projects and ring in the new year fresh while already dreaming of new projects to conquer. But time has a way of taking over and we, meaning me, seldom accomplish everything we set our hearts to complete. I wanted to finish the yellow knitted baby blanket before tomorrow but I got sidetracked by quilting. But I'm pleased with what I did accomplish and after 12 hours of top stitching I'm almost done with four quilts. All I have left to do is the binding. There is still hope and plenty of daylight and we don't have plans for this evening so I just might finish the knitted blanket after all!

Tomorrow will be a day of fresh starts and new beginnings. However, I am thankful for all this year has brought. Family is being restored and God is blessing us with adult relationships once thought lost. I look forward to all that God has for us in 2013!

The socks are finished!

I only have one Harry Potter movie to go but I did finish the socks. Do you know that socks play an important role in Harry Potter? Socks represent freedom from slavery and a life of servitude. At least they do for the house elf, Dobby. I was hoping to finish yesterday but my fingers weren't moving as quickly as my mind willed them and I ran out of time. Personally, I think there is a sense of freedom in knitting socks because most often when one is knitting handmade socks they are not from some serviceable yarn but rather something luxurious and luscious to the touch. This year I hope to knit more of them and find a really nice pair of shoes with which to wear them.

Today, I wrapped the warp on my new loom and did exactly what the instruction said NOT to do and nearly lost it all on the floor! I've watched videos, read instruction, practiced, and now I think I'm ready to go. All I'm waiting on is my 8 dent heddle that I ordered from KnitPicks because I didn't know you needed a bigger size for cotton yarn.

The next item to finish on my list is the infinity scarf I didn't complete before Christmas. I want to finish it before returning to school so I can wear it on the first day back. Tomorrow I may begin working with a Twilight marathon. The knitting seems appropriate - a sparkling silver gray scarf and blood red sweater!

Finishing

The house is clean and the Christmas decorations are put away. For many, December 26th is too early to put everything away but I need the time before returning to school to renew, refresh and at least pretend I have regained control of my world. For the next week I will eat leftovers, clean a few cabinets or closets and try to complete as many UFOs as possible. I'll post pictures as projects are completed. For today, I want to finish a pair of Basic Ribbed socks and maybe even the last of eight infinity scarves. However, let's be real, I also want to do some weaving on my new Kromski weaving loom so I may not complete as much as I think. We'll see. Of course, this is all while having a Harry Potter Marathon!

Christmas Day

We are so blessed to spend the holidays with those we love. We had a wonderful weekend with my brother, Richard. We took a trip down to Yuma to spend time with Gerrie and Casi and Rick and Nana and Papa. I'm always so touched that Rick's boys come and visit. I took each of the girls towel sets with knit dishcloths and they seemed to genuinely like them. This year I hope to stockpile handmade gifts and give them freely to those I love.

Last night we were blessed with a fabulous service at Palm Valley Church and heard Mia's testimony in such a profound way. I truly enjoyed going to church to celebrate the birth of our Savior. We then had the privilege of going to Jocelyn's house for our annual Christmas Eve spinach dip and enchiladas! We opened gifts and took pictures and even played a few games of UNO.

This morning I've already made quiche for breakfast and have everything ready to start cooking lunch. My Christmas present, a new Keurig machine, is already heated and ready to go. Jason has had his hot chocolate and I'm sipping my peppermint mocha at this moment.

I know today will be a day blessed with family and love for all.

Cup Cozies

Jason calls them cup sweaters and I gave fourteen away as gifts this week. I found this fabulous pattern on Pinterest and couldn't help myself. There is something about the texture or assortment of colors or immediate gratification that makes me want to make another even now. The angel ornaments are made with my embroidery machine. Each morning I would get up and shower and then set the machine up and get it ready to begin working on the angels. Depending on the morning and what I had going on I could often get two completed before leaving for work. The cup cozies required a little more of my attention but I love choosing the button to add the perfect amount of contrast and detail. Add Dollar Tree mugs, hot chocolate mix, homemade cookies and the gift is complete.