New Beginnings

Today was definitely a date for the history books. It was a day that I never thought I'd see during my lifetime or at least, not this early, but never the less, it was a day of hope, promise and change. Today, I saw an eloquent man, husband, and father take the oath of office, and boy did he shine. These next 4 years are going to be trying for all of us, but after seeing what I saw today, the bonding of strangers, and of family and friends, I think, we're all going to be alright.

Now, enough of my blabbering. I hope all of you are alive, kicking, screaming and crafting large in 2009. Although I've been a little quiet, my hands have been busy. I crochet embroidered on She's Got Legs for my co-worker and added crocheted ties at the top so that they'd stay up with no problem. She loved them.

I finished scarf #1 a personal pattern for my other co-worker Judy. She loved it. She ran around the office all day telling everyone she had an Andrea original. I smiled. It's always so nice to know that something you put a lot of effort into is well received. She been wearing it ever since.

I'm still working on the woodland scarf. I'm on skein #4. I was thinking that I had to do maybe one more skein after this, but I might not have to. I'll see after I finish this one. I'm hoping that I'll be done by this weekend.This past weekend I picked up the burnish tunic that I started before the holidays. I finished the body and am now working on the sleeves.

In keeping with my resolutions, I started a crochet blanket on New Years night. I haven't gotten to far because I haven't worked on it in over a week, but still, it already covers my lap. I started with a granny square, and then built the blanket out from there. I also started spinning again. Sorry, I didn't take a picture. I have 1 1/2 spools done so far, so I'll be plying soon. I saw where Amanda's been dying her roving. That is something I would like to try this year as I purchased some dye and some cormo roving a year and a half ago just for that purpose. But, I'm not ready yet. Plus, I have a ton of roving here that needs to be spun up and knitted.

Back in the fall, I started a new design, but put it down once the holidays came around to get the holiday knitting done. Over the weekend, I pulled it out and reviewed my notes. Hopefully, I'll have something new to show soon. All I can tell you right now, is that I like what I'm seeing so far. I haven't forgotten the pattern for Victoria. I have to have it test knitted. I'm hoping to have the pattern out by this Spring.

As for sewing news, nothing much is going on at the House of Andrea. I'm pretty much just in the planning stages. I picked up the January issue of Burda World of Fashion. I love this issue.

December's issue was really good too. There were a few patterns to relax in for those lazy weekends. I have yet to make a pattern out of one of these magazines, but I'm trying to get up the courage. I'm thinking I might start small first. Like this vest for starters which is in the plaid section of the January issue.I have a bolt of muslin. I figure I can start there first and build from there. What are you all up to?

2008 FOs & 2009 Goals

A year of creativity, and what a year it was. 1. handbag 2. wedding garter 3. (110 were made) hand sewn ribbon flowers 4. crochet felted clutch 5. (2) shawls/neck wraps 6. manicure socks for knitpicks 7. knit pouches (5 were made) 8. Wedding handbag 9. Lap Blanket and pillow 10. Victoria 11. Minimalist Cardi 12. New Look 6648 13& 14. (2) Half-pi shawls 15. Baby jacket w/moss stitch edging 16. Selbu Modern 17. Puffs Slouchy Hat 18. Socks on 2 Circulars 19. Nepal Vest 20. Butterick 5529 21. Cobblestone 22. She's Got Legs 23. Vogue 8138. 24. Shawl Collar Pullover 25. Bobble Tam

Not pictured are: Flower Basket Shawl, 12 knit flowers, (4) pairs of Butterick 4604 (pants only), crochet shawl, and secret project right now for knit picks (2 of them are done)

Grand total: 160 items


I sat here this morning reviewing my goals for 2008. I wanted to see which ones I actually accomplished. To my surprise, I didn't do too bad.

1. Get hitched on Memorial Day weekend to a wonderful man whom I love and adore.

My biggest FO which was #1 on the list. I have to admit that I'm loving every minute of it!!

2. Knit, Crochet and Sew more.

Of my FOs for 2008, I did 32 knit items, 3 crochet items, 15 sew items and 110 ribbon flowers which I sewed by hand.

3. Hang out more with my Girlfriends and my mother.

I still do this.

4. Find time to read more. (This one's hard as I knit in my spare time.)

Finding time to read more is still hard, but not as hard as it use to be. I'm into audio books now and I love them. It took a little getting use to, but it works well with the crafting.

5. Stay true and in tune to myself and the fi.

One of the things I love most about Mr. D is that he doesn't want to change me, and I don't want to change him either. Communication is a big part of one's relationship. We both try to encourage each other to do things not only together but also apart. Our relationship grows from it, and I learn more and more from him everyday.

6. Continue date night with the fi, even after the wedding.

We still go on date night. Most of the time it's to eat sushi. But sometimes it's just going to the bookstore or sitting down and watching a movie together. It's great.

7. Set up a date night with my mother after the wedding, so she doesn't feel left out of my life.

I see my mother at least once a week, sometime even 2 times.

8. Save more money.

I'm working on it.

9. Blog more.

I'm working on it. 2008 I posted 40 times, in 2007 I posted 33 times.

10. Get more organized and neat.

I'm working on this too.

11. Curse less.

I'm doing a lot better in this department.

12. Try to be less stressed out.

This has been a very big accomplishment, especially since the wedding. Every November since my mother's incident 3 years ago, I've broken out with eczema. This was the first year, my fingers are still crossed that I didn't get it.

13. Workout more.

I've fallen down on this one. I start then stop, then start and stop again. I'm hoping 2009 is better.

14. Have fun.

I have no trouble doing this.

15. Design and publish more patterns

I didn't do as well as I'd hoped on this one but I did do one new pattern.


I'm very curious to see what 2009 has in store, but in the meantime, I'm going to get started on some of the goals I have planned for myself.

1. Organize and catalog my knitting stash.

2. Organize and catalog my sewing stash.

3. Design more with a structured purpose. I want to see if I can come up with a collection and in a timely manner according to the seasons. I want to design something every month or every other month, experiment with yarn more.

4. Sew more. Challenge myself by making a whole wardrobe. Learn new techniques. I don't want to be afraid of trying something new. I want to try a BWOF pattern. I only have like 4 of the magazines.

5. Educate myself more in knitting and sewing. Go on design excursions, maybe take a class in sewing. Visit NY. Read more again.

6. Workout. Drop 1 more dress size.

7. Start spinning again.

8. Cook more. Have fun in the kitchen.

I want to thank all of you so very much for your wonderful support and the awesome feedback that you've given me over this past year. You all make blogging worthwhile.

Happy New Year!!!

Wishing you and yours a healthy and prosperous 2009. May all that you hope and wish for come true and more.

She's Got Legs!!

I've got a new pattern on Ravelry.


You can download the PDF here.

Happy Holidays!!!!

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful holiday. I know that I am. Yesterday was a quiet and productive day. Mr. D had to work yesterday morning so I made sure Cobblestone was in full view so he could wear it to work if he would like. To my delight, he did. Here's a picture I took of him after we ate dinner late night. The sleeves were too long so I wash it on Tuesday night. I was going to wash it by hand in the tub until Sheila gave me the trick of using a lingerie bag in the washing machine. Thanks girl!! I then threw it in the dryer and watched it until it was the size I wanted.

I also finished the shawl collar sweater for my mom. She also wanted to wear her sweater yesterday, so my camera was having a field day.

Since I've been behind in my sewing, I put myself on lock down this week and got busy. I finally finished the collar on McCall 5529. The pattern called for doing an invisible hem on the inside to tack the collar down. I decided to do my own thing and did stitch in the ditch instead. Here I am in my favorite jacket to date. I also wore it Christmas Eve at church. I must say it was a nicer outfit than this one, but I didn't have my camera with me, so this one will have to do. One of my co-workers was nice enough to take this picture for me.

Yesterday I made 3 pairs of pants for my mother, also a Christmas gift. Sorry I have no pictures, but she was thrilled. I have 3 more pairs to make for her so I'll be busy over the next few days.

Mr. D surprised me with these 3 books for Christmas. I was screaming with joy. The 1st book is Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama, the 2nd is A Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara Walker , and the 3rd is Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard. It only got better when I got a lovely gift certificate for Webs. I'll be surfing over there this weekend. I have my I on a few things. He also gave me a jewelry box, which I needed badly. My favorite perfume, Cool Water, and my yearly present, pajamas. My mother gave me money to go towards a serger. If you guys have any ideas on what brand name serger to go with, please let me know.

I'm sitting here doing this post, trying to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my day. Having 4 days off is great, but I guess I'm not use to not having anything to do. JoAnn Fabrics has a sale starting today, but I really don't need to go over there. I got my eyebrows threaded about a month ago and I'm starting to see some growth so I might go get them done today. That will also give me some incentive to stop at Franklin Mills Mall while I'm there and maybe I'll pop into Fabric Warehouse. I really don't need to go there either. I need to pick up a few more storage containers. I have fabric that needs putting away. I also have some knitting to do, and I just might pull my spinning wheel out this weekend. So what are you guys doing this weekend?

SP13 Question #2

Part A: Are you doing any holiday knitting?

Yes.

Part B: Have you finished?

I've finished most of my pieces, but I still have 3 pieces left. One of the pieces I finished was already delivered and was greatly received. Here's a picture of my boss with her much loved Bobble Tam.

I'm still working on my mom's shawl collar pullover. The actual sweater is done. I've been working on the collar this weekend. I plan to finish it today.
Anyway, I'd love to talk more but, I gotta go knit.

Over the River and Through The Woods

Last week I was surfing Ravelry for a pattern I could use. My BFF who is very dear to me asked me to make her a scarf for Christmas, and of course I said yes. She picked out her yarn, which by the way is Noro Silk Garden. I promised her I'd try to have it by Christmas, or shortly there after. She told me she didn't care as long as she got it. Anyway, in my search I found the Thrifty Knitter's Woodland Shawl Pattern. I'm follow the chart to do the pattern because it's easier for me but the instructions are written out for the pattern as well. I was not sure how I'd like this pattern but I don't like it, I love it and the way the colors are displayed in the Noro yarn. Here is what I have so far.

I'll try to put up a better picture later. I'm not crazy about this one, but it's the only one I have right now.

In other updates, I showed my McCall jacket to my mother the sewer last night. She was very proud of me. I explained to her that I was crazy about the collar and how it was fitting. I had basted on the collar and it wasn't fitting the way I wanted it to but I think it's the pattern. She told me it was fine and that I should just go ahead and stitch it the way it is, so I'll try and finish it by the weekend. I still have to finish sewing her pants before next week, so let's just say, I got lots of work to do.

In knitting news, I made a pair of leg warmers, my own design, for a work mate. I love the way they turned out. I think I posted a picture when I first started them. Well, I kept notes on what I did, so there will be a future pattern on this soon. I also finished putting my mother's sweater together except for the collar which I casted on for a few days ago. I only have 3 1/2 inches left to knit and that will be done, so stay turned for some pictures.

McCall 5529 Progress

So this is what I was doing yesterday. I'm very happy with the outcome so far. Even though I've known how to sew for years, I never made myself a jacket before. I guess I was intimidated by the whole process. I'm not now. This pattern was a wonderful choice and I will be attempting more jackets/blazers in the future. I still have to hem the sleeves and finish hemming the collar on the inside. Hopefully I'll have pictures of me in it later in the week along with a pattern review.

Now back to some major knitting.

SP13 Question #1

I'm a little late on this one. The first question for Secret Pal 13 is to write what I'm thankful for.

A little while back I had to do the Happiness Meme. One of my answers basically answers this question and I'll add a little more to it.

I am thankful for My husband and 2 dogs. They are my rock. My husband pushes me to do things and to always be outgoing. He listens when I need an ear, and gives me his shoulder when I need to lean on it. Byron(my older dog) has been around now for 16 years. He loves me unconditionally, and scolds me even when I don't need it. Jack(younger dog) just loves me.

I'm also thankful that I still have my mother and father around. No matter how much they nag me, I never get tired of hearing from them. I am thankful for my old friends and my new ones as well which include all of my knitting and crocheting buddies. You are always there supporting me every step of the way, and you push me even when I don't think I can do something.

Lastly, I am thankful for everything that I have, don't have, or I'm about to have. These are trying times that we live in, and there are so many people that are doing without, or who have lost love ones for very stupid and foolish reasons. It makes one feel very humble.

During this holiday season, I think we should all remember and keep in mind someone less fortunate than ourselves. I know I'm going too.

Weekend Updates and Sewing Mojo!!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday. Mine was very nice. My menu stays the same, since we only eat it once a year. The difference this year though was that I cooked a whole bird. I haven't done that in a few years. I've been doing turkey parts the last 3 years since everyone likes dark meat. I had spent enough on groceries over the past month, so that entitled me to a free bird. Here it is in all it's glory before it got the knife.



The other change this year was dessert. I made Apple Dumplings for the first time.

They were soooo good. I used this recipe. The only thing I changed was the nutmeg. I didn't have any so I used a teaspoon of vanilla instead. I also added dried cherries and raisins in the center of each apple and I sprinkled cinnamon sugar on each apple instead of plain cinnamon before wrapping the apples up in the dough.

In knitting news, I finished the Bobble Tam last week. I also finished cleaning up Cobblestone over the weekend. All the ends are weaved in and I kitchener stitched under the arms. This week I want to focus on finishing my mom's sweater. I also started a pair of leg warmers for a present to my co-worker (By the way, since I typed this, one leg is now done. I also have 2 more scarves to make.

Friday afternoon and Saturday morning I visited Fabric Warehouse. They had their final 40% off sale for the year. I came home with 3 huge bags of fabric and a long bolt of upholstery fabric for curtains for the living room. Mr. D saw the fabric and nicely asked me if we could use the fabric for the bedroom instead and I said yes. I'm not going to show you all the fabric now, but as I get projects started, I'll make sure to mention where I got the fabric from.

My mom likes wearing knit pants because they are easy to get on and off and since she's retired she's more in the casual mode. Sometimes knit pants are hard to find in the store so in my quest on Saturday I was able to find fabric for at least 6 pairs. I managed to cut out 3 pairs along with the pants for the Victoria Secret knock off that I should have finished a while back. The Victoria Secret knock off is done except for hemming. Sorry, no pictures yet. I even managed to sew up a pair of my mothers pants as well. I only have to hem them and finish the waist band. I'm using the pants from Butterick 4604.

I love these pants. I also cut out the fabric for McCalls 5529 for me last night. I doing View C.

The fabric I'm using is the one on the right. The fabric on the left is for a matching skirt.

Tonight I plan on doing all my markings. Hopefully I'll get to work on it some time this week. As you can tell, I got my sewing mojo back. I'm liking the instant gratification.

I ordered the Sewing by Nancy pattern that Adrienne made a recent jacket from (yes Sheila I did. Don't worry the $7.99 included shipping). The pattern is discontinued. On the cover there is a cowl neck dress that I want to make very badly. I already have fabric in my stash that I think will work.


This last little gadget I bought on Sunday. It's a Cone Thread Holder. Since I started sewing again, I noticing that I'm buying certain colors of thread more often. I figured that I'd try this holder and see how it works with my sewing machine. It's more cost effective too. I just purchased a cone with 3,000 yards of thread for $2.95 which by far is cheaper when you think about it than a spool of thread. I'll let you all know how I like it once I use it.

Nepal Vest and other Updates!!

Okay, so it's Wednesday and I'm trying to figure out where half the week has gone, but I'm not complaining. Two more days to the weekend, which will probably be as crazy as my week is right now.

To catch you up to speed, I sang Saturday night at a wedding, and my band played at the reception. The venue was gorgeous, and of course we did an awesome job!!

Sunday I taught the 1st day of a 3 week sock class. I think it went really well. They have their homework so I'm looking forward to see how they made out this week. So far I've only gotten one call. I make my socks on two 16 inch circular needles.She was having trouble figuring out what needle to use, so I told her to mark the needles, that way she'd know what needles she just finished working with. I hope the information helped.

Monday was my mother's birthday. All I can tell you is that she's a trip. She didn't feel like getting dressed so I ordered, per her request of course dinner from Olive Garden and brought it to her along with her gift. We had a nice evening and watched the 2 Mr. Kissels. I left in the middle of the movie, but from what I saw, it was something else. I was still wired when I got home so I started putting together the Nepal Vest. I finished it last night and wore it to work today. I didn't tassel it, like in the pattern. Do you think I should?

Yesterday I wore my favorite skirt to work. It's #28, the A-line Skirt from Vogue Knitting Fall 2003. This pattern was my very first advance knitting pattern. The yarn is mohair and let me tell you, it scratches me like crazy, but I'll do anything to wear it. That means tights, workout leggings and a slip. It's worth it. I always get major compliments, and yesterday was not exception.

On Monday I casted on for Mr D's Socks. I have about 2-3 inches done of one sock. It's cute. I like the striping of the two different shades of blue with the black. I hope he likes them. I also started the mate to the sock for the sock class. I have 5 1/2 inches done. I'm knitting it along with the class so that they can see what they have to do as I go along. I like it because I get a pair of socks out of the deal.

The Bobble Tam is coming along. I guess I would have to say that about half way done. I'm almost on the 5th repeat of the pattern.

Burnish Tunic looks really good. I like the different shades of brown in it. I haven't worked on it in a few days but plan to tonight at knitting group. Hopefully I'll have a picture of it by the weekend.

I purchased Wall-e last night, so Mr. D and I plan to start watching it tonight when he gets home.

Miss Lisa and I are going to see Twilight on Friday night at the movies. We had to order the tickets ahead of time. They're selling out all over town due to the book's popularity. I for one can't wait to see it. Are any of you going to see the movie?

More Crafty Goodness!!

What's a girl to do when she already has a few projects on the needles? Hey, cast-on for more. I wanted instant gratification so Sunday night I started and finished Crafty Pants' pattern Pretty Puffs Slouchy Hat. I didn't expect this hat to go so quickly. The yarn I used was Katia Azteca. I have to give a shout out to Jen for taking these pictures for me. Thanks Jen!!

This yarn is pretty nice. Jen said it reminded her of Berroco Peruvia. The only difference is that Peruvia is 100% Wool and Azteca is a wool acrylic blend. Some of you know I have wool allergies so I don't have too many choices when it comes to yarn. The sad part is that the stupid thing still scratches me. I'm thinking of sewing in a piece of ribbon tape or knit fabric on the part that touches my forehead so that it doesn't scratch me. Right now since I am wearing it, I move it away from my forehead when it starts bothering me.

Project #2 which I casted-on for Monday at lunch is the burnish tunic by Kat Coyle from Fall 08 issue of Knitscene. I don't have any pictures yet, but I already did the decreases for the waist shaping. This baby is a quick knit. I'm liking it so far.

Last night I casted-on for another project. It's the Tunic Dress by Anadiomena of MoreKnits. This is the cutest dress. My co-worker's gran daughter just turned 1 and I haven't made anything for her yet. I thought this dress would be cute. I'm hoping to have pictures by the end of the weekend to show my progress.

On Wednesday I finished the sample sock for my Sock Class I'm teaching on Sunday. I think it looks pretty good. I finished typing up the pattern yesterday, and took the picture last night.

What are your plans for the weekend? I'm singing at a wedding tomorrow, and you already know I have the sock class on Sunday?

I hope you all have a great weekend!!

SP13 Questionaire

Wow!!!! 3 Posts in one week. I'm on a role.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I'm a natural kind of girl. Alpaca, Silk, Cashmere, Organic Wool (allergic to treated wools), Cotton, Bamboo. I pretty much will work with everything. Acrylic yarns are okay but I usually use them in blankets or items that I want to machine wash.


2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have a case for my crochet hooks, but nothing for my circular needles, so right now they're in their original ziplocks in a draw.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I've been knitting for 8 or 9 years now. I consider myself between intermediate and advanced because I haven't learned everything yet. I learned at a yarn shop in New Jersey.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes (Link)

5. What's your favorite scent? Citrus, Grapefruit, Anything that clean smelling. I'm not too much into the florals unless they are essential oils like lavender

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? swedish fish, green spearmint leaves

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

Card making, sewing, crochet. Yes I do spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Jazz, Classic House Music, R & B, Pop, Some Rock. Yes I can play MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

Baby Blue, Blook Red, Wine, Black. I like anything that looks good on me which seems to be warm colors right now.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I am a newly wed. I got married almost 6 months ago. We have 2 dogs.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Yes to all of that.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I like knitting garments/clothes, pretty much anything that I can wear. Accessories follow a close second.

13. What are you knitting right now?

A pair of socks, a hat, a sweater, and I'm crocheting a blanket

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Yes, Yes Yes

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Circulars I can see my projects better. Aluminum first, bamboo second

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Yes to both

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

I think I still have a sweater I started the second year I was knitting stashed away in one of my containers.

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?

I have 2 favorite holidays. My first has always been Christmas, but now I have to add Memorial Day because I got married Memorial Day weekend and my birthday is on the Traditional Memorial Day.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Crystal Animals. Knitting magazines and books

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard. I subscribe to Vogue Knitting and Interweave Knits. I would love a pair of wooden cable needles.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Yes, anything I haven't learned yet. I haven't learned to spin cotton yet. I have the book Spin to Knit, but I'd like another book on spinning

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes. I wear a size 9 1/2.

23. When is your birthday?

May 30th

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

Yes, Andrea670

Selbu!!!!!!!

Kate you are a genius and this pattern is a work of art!! I love my Selbu Modern which I finished yesterday. Mr. D isn't crazy about my color choice, and said I should give the hat away. I told him he didn't know what he was talking about, and that he needed to get some color sense.

I have to teach a sock class that starts next weekend, so I'm in the middle of drafting a pattern for the class. This sock has been annoying because of the yarn I'm using. The sock yarn I'm using is Online Supersocke Cotton. It's 45% Cotton, 45% Wool and 15% Polyester. I had to cast-on for this thing 2 times and switch needles sizes once because the yarn is very stretchy. I think I have it now though, and it looks pretty good. I figure I'm going to have to have two different cast-on numbers depending on the yarn choices in the class. I already know that one of my students isn't using this yarn, so I'm going to swatch for her yarn by the end of the weekend. So basically I'll have 2 different patterns within a pattern(that's confusing. It will be the same pattern, the numbers will just be different.)

I started the hexagon blanket last weekend. I first saw this blanket on ravelry and thought it was gorgeous. It's also a great way to use up left over yarn. I'm in no rush with this project. I figure if I get one hexagon done a night or during the week, I'm good. It's a nice easy way to get my crochet on, and keep my skills/speed up. Since I can't get a hold of the actual pattern, I've been winging it. There are a few tutorials and a flickr group online that are pretty good.



So what are you doing this weekend? I hope it's fun!!! Have a great one!!

Cobblestone and Weekend Update!!

I finished Cobblestone last night. I got Mr. D to try it on with a blindfold of course. He looked so cute, but he wouldn't let me take a picture so this will have to do for now.

I'm very pleased with how it turned out. All that is left to do now is to weave in the ends and connect under the arms with the kitchener stitch.

I casted on for Monkey late Friday afternoon while at lunch and did 2 pattern repeats before going to bed. I ordered out for dinner since Mr. D was working till 10pm. While I was busy at the door handing out candy (We had quite a bit of trick or treaters this year), Jackson decided to knock my dinner down and indulge in my fries, the little pig. He ended up paying for it later with an upset tummy. I finished all the pattern repeats for Monkey on Saturday and did the heel flap on Sunday. I'm doing the pattern on #2 16 inch circulars. I think if I make this pattern again, which I probably will, I'm going to use a #1 needle.

Selbu Modern has been a little slow going, but of course that's because I was concentrating on Cobblestone. Since that's now done, hopefully I can finish it by the end of the week. I've already started the decreases. So it's looking good. I'm having the sudden urge to finish projects again.

I signed up for SP13. This will be my second secret pal, and I'm looking forward to it.

This post is a quickie because I have band practice tonight. I hope all of you are having a great week.

It's been a while since I've posted any pictures. That is due in part to me misplacing my camera. Well, I am picture less no more!! I am dancing around on the floor right now with a big cheesy grin on my face. Or at least I'm imagining this.

With this being day #3 of having camera in hand, and without further ado, here is what I've been working on.

First up is Cobblestone for my wonderful husband, Mr. D. This is a very easy and mindless sweater to work up. It reminds me of a topdown when looking at it. I love how the sleeves are constructed in the round and then added to the yoke. When I first read the instructions for the yoke I got a little confused. That was due in part to me being a visual person. I threw caution to the wind and savored my ah hah moment when everything started to click. Another reason I like this sweater is because I'm working from my stash.

The yarn I am using is Cestari Seaspray(a silk blend 67% Cotton, 25% Wool and 8% Silk) from Chester Farms on #7 needles. I almost freaked out when I saw that I would need another skein of yarn. We purchased it at Maryland Sheep and Wool about 2 1/2 to 3 years ago. I went on Chester Farms website and luckily enough, they still carried it so I order 3 more skeins. For sizing I've been checking the sweater against one of Mr. D's sweatshirts, as this is a Christmas present. I also asked him to stay off my blog. He likes surprises, so I shouldn't have any problem there.

Project #2 is Selbu Modern.

I love this hat, and yes I should be done by now, but I've been concentrating on other things/projects which I'll talk about later. For this hat I'm using Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. This yarn has a bounce to it which I like. I'll let you know for sure though after I block it. I'm hoping it doesn't pill. That is one thing I don't like about her regular Cashmerino yarn.

Project #3 is from the Vogue Holiday issue which just came out. Has anyone seen this issue? I love this. I want to make quite a few patterns from this issue. One of which is #12 the Loopy Cabled Cardi. I want to wear it for Valentines Day. The pattern I'm working on right now is #31, the Bobble Tam. It's a present for my boss for the holidays. I'm using Rowan Felted Tweed.

In sewing news I had my scissors sharpened at JoAnn Fabrics on Monday. they have the sign up every once and a while and I decided to try it. They do a pretty good job, and I was pleased. It's definitely cheaper than buying a new pair.

I'm still working on my VS project (Sorry no pictures yet). I got my jacket done except for hemming, and I plan to cut the pants out as soon as I lengthen the pattern pieces. I'm also thinking about making lounge pants for Mr. D again. The pair I made him last year are a little snug in the thigh area so I need to cut the new pair or pairs a little wider.

That's pretty much it for now. I'll leave you with this picture from my honeymoon. I promised Heidi I'd show this crochet shawl I made a while back. I thought it complimented my gown well for formal night.

Update Wednesday!!

The house of Andrea has been a little quiet (yeah right). I can't wait till the weekend. Do you ever have one of those weeks where it seems like it will never end and you're just plain old tired? I didn't even want to get out of bed this morning. Anyway, I'm almost done the jacket portion of my VS knock off. I got a little side tracked week before last. I started to get this nasty sore throat which turned into a nasty sinus cold. Hence, sewing was at a dead end and Mucinex DM was my best friend. If you haven't tried it because of need, that's great. If there is a need for it in the future, stock up on it.

In knitting news, I finished the 17 inches I needed done on Cobblestone, and have since started working on the sleeves which are also almost done. I have this phobia of doing one sleeve at a time, so when I can, I always do my sleeves, and socks at the same time. Since Cobblestone is done in the round, sleeves included. I used this method that I learned a few years ago. I had taken a class on how to knit one sock in the round. After finishing the class, I was freaked out that I still had to make one more sock. I found Sheron's method, and never turned back. It makes things much easier, and I don't have to worry about whether both sleeves, or socks are the same length. Sorry I don't have any pictures right now, but I'm hoping to have some up by the weekend.

I know in my last post I said I'd wait till I finish what I have on the needles now, but I sometimes hang out in Rosie's during my lunch hour. Kate designed the lovely Selbu Modern. When I found out that she finally had the pattern up, I had to make it.

I'm making mine in pink and brown. The main color is pink.

I also started back on the Twilight Series. Thank you Robin. You are the best. CD's are my best friend now and I got the last one in the mail yesterday. That's it for now, I hope you all have a lovely rest of the week.