2023 New Year Goals

I hate saying resolutions.  Never goes well for me.  But I decided to put in some goals for the year.  Been mulling them over since before the New Year started.  Just been busy so haven't put them to (virtual) paper.

Be more active -

Since breaking my ankle, I feel as if I aged 10 years in a couple months.  I am sssslllloooowwww...  There was a good six months where other than PT, I really was moving as little as possible.  I know I am super out of shape & need to work towards getting movement in on a regular basis.

Get to a crafting group once a month -

Haven't been getting to them very often.  We have a weekly virtual one through work.  Work has been busy & I don't see it letting up...  But it is good for me to check in & see what people are up to.  So I really want to push myself to commit to at least once a month.  More would be better.  I also think at least once this year I should get back to the local crafting group. It's been a really long time.  There are reasons but not posting them in a public place...

Finish a project this year -

Setting the bar low I know.  But I have been gaming a lot & not really crafting these days.  Just want to get something done.

Get together with a friend in person at least once this year -

I know, another low bar. But I have been struggling a lot with getting out at all...  I think with switching to fully work from home, I have gotten even more introverted.  It is a struggle for me to go out these days.  But I really should see people in person.  I hope this one happens.  To be honest though, these days most of my friends aren't local.  I had the opportunity last year to see a friend I haven't seen in ages.  But the logistics didn't work out.  She is in NYC but was going to the NY Ren Faire which is close.  But it was a chilly day & being outdoors wasn't in the cards for that weekend.

At the rate I am going these days, best to post this as is & commit to it.   I think I am forgetting some things.  But figure better to add them than not post my list.  

2020 Goals

I know, been a while!

Better late than never with the goals, right...?  *laugh*

Listen to the Fuck This Knit podcast & they were discussing goals.  I decided to give some a try this year. Trying not to go crazy but also would like to do some things!

I am listing my fiber related ones first since this is my fiber blog.  But also listing the non-fiber ones too.

Fiber Related - 

Finish DH Sweater
Just needs a button band!  Right.  And pockets.  But he is telling to skip the pockets as he just wants it DONE!  Poor guy has been super patient.  Started in Oct. 2012 & nearly done since 2014!  *Sigh*

Knit Myself a Sweater
Bought myself a few sweater qtys of yarn!  So have the yarn.  Just need to get moving!  Though see above!  Should come first...in theory... *laugh*

SOCKS!
Nearly all my socks blew out at once in our old apartment.  Swear the floors liked to eat them!  DH and I could really use some new socks.  I really want to finish the long languishing socks that I need to add a true afterthought heel to them.  Which is why they have been zzzzing since SSK in 2016!  I watched a great video tutorial by Amy Florence of Stranded Dyeworks podcast. (Wish this was on my podcast feeds but seems to be YouTube only.)  Seems somewhat appropriate as I met her at SSK & may have even knit those socks while chatting with her in a large group before I even knew who she was!  *laugh*

Also, DH definitely could use some warm socks!

Weave At Least Two Projects
Really want to finish the napkins on the loom. https://ravel.me/akasha/crn The warp is on the loom. But stalled as the pattern doesn't have picks per inch.  And I have yet to figure out the measuring paper so they match.  Since it is a kit, it needs to be good about not going over the amount.  And it's a rigid heddle kit.  So the loom waste can't be too much. 

Working Down the Stash
Have a whole lot of stash!  Really need to work on knitting from the stash.  Have loads of goodies...  Though more fiber stash may be okay.  Have a lot less fiber stash...  But I would like the overall amount to go down from 2020 to 2021!

Get to the Work Fiber Group More
Love the group name - Random Crafty Penguins.  And really like the group.  Ever since things started with my former boss in Dec. 2018 though now, work has been crazy.  I think I have gone 2-3 times in all of 2019!!  Think it would really help my sanity to get back to the meetings.

Non-Fiber Goals -

Getting In More Activity
I have let that slide a lot & not doing me any favors.  Not committing to anything specific.  But need to move more.

Find a Therapist
Work has been pretty stressful over the past year or so.  They have improved but still non-stop crazy busy.  I need to talk with someone.  Thinking I should check about call in as that way I can do it at home on days DH is working.  Want to post it here as I am trying to take my own advice.  I believe a person shouldn't be embarrassed about talking to a health care professional about mental health.  Just as important as seeing a general physician!

Get My Mammogram & Gyno Appointment
Finally found a local primary care doc I like.  Even got my my physical! Hooray for that.  Loving Valley Medical.  Good group practice.  It's huge progress! 

But I am overdue for my mammogram & gyno appointments.  Thinking I should change to a local gyno.  I like the OB I see. She is part of the group practice I started with when I became pregnant with my Elder Munchkin.  Loved the doc I started with. But she stopped participating with my insurance.  But I don't love her.  And she always runs late.  So it is generally at least an hour wait which is really irksome.  Tried morning appointments in hopes that it was just that she starts to run late.  But nope.  2-3 hours for a quick checkup where I only spend about 10-15 minutes with the doc! 

Think it may also be good to switch to a gyno only without an OB since I am done with that.  But not sure how many are only gyno these days.  Did get some recommendations from my primary care doc.  So need to check out if they take my insurance and their reviews.

Drink More Water
Know this helps my alertness & overall feeling better. Dehydration is no one's friend!

Read More
I have gotten out of the habit of reading on the bus.  Also haven't been reading before bed.  Really important overall!

Cut Back on Screen Time
This has impacted things a lot.  I tend to be goofing off on my phone way too much.  On the bus & while watching tv or movies.  It has also impacted my crafting & reading time which isn't good either.  I took a look at some apps to help limit my phone time.  Think it could help in the long run.  Could be useful to see how much time I am actually on my phone.  A bit scared frankly!

WOW!

That is a longer list than I intended.  So I am stopping now.  We will see how this goes!  But wanted to put it out there so I can look back on it.  Though my goals in past years have been spotty...  But hey, being human means trying and failing.  But the point is to keep trying!

If anyone actually still reads this (other than DH Helllllloooo! *waving hands*) & know of some good healthy habit apps and/or time limit ones for Android, let me know. 

For phone time, I tried YourHour first and really not my thing.  Seemed to want to track all my usage.   And about how many times I unlock my phone & sets a limit on that.  Didn't cared for it.  I really want to track certain things like games & social media.  I am not concern about my phone or texting time as I do it so little.  *laugh*  Screen Time seems better for what I want.  Hoping it works well.  If not, there are a few dozen other apps to try!

For healthy habits, I am trying HabitBull & Habit Now.  Similar in style honestly.  Though for both, it really seems like I need to come up with each task.  Which I like & dislike.  Though really hoping it isn't one of those free to start & then give us all your money which seems to be common in the comments for Habit apps!  A lot of them give you a few things, but either you can't track them long term without paying for them or they don't store the data.  I will give them a shot.  Or maybe take a look for a new one if they don't pan out!

Hoping that 2020 is a good year for fiber & health!

2016 Goals - What Happened & What About 2017?

So again, Carin from Round the Twist got me thinking about goals.  She says she didn't set any last year.  But I swear she did.  I have been too lazy to check.  *laugh*

My Goals for 2016 - Yes or No?

Participate in all the SSK KALs

Yes!  Thrilled with that.

Got into SSK again this year.  Can't wait to see what the KALs are.

Socks - Complete three pairs
No. 

Completed a pair in January 2016 that I started Oct. 2015. 

Finished Socks on a Plane as one of the SSK KALs in June.

Have the Bolshevik Muppet Socks finished *except* the afterthought heel by the plane trip home from SSK. Did I get a heel done in 5 months?!!  NOPE!  *sigh*

Darning

Big fat no.  Not one pair...  Not even part of a pair.  Nada.

Finish DH's Sweater

*sigh*  Nope. Don't know why really...

A Spin on Spin the Bin - Spinning 12 bits of fiber

Nope.  Spun one thing before the TdF then 4 fibers during it.  Spun no silk which was part of this goal.

So out of four, I failed on three.  *head hung low*

What about 2017?

I think I am taking a year off goals.  I wish I could say they help me.  But this year was not so good.

I may change my mind.  But the more I think on it, the more meh I feel.

I think I would like to work on some of last year's goals.  But I am not etching them in stone. Or keystokes.  *grin*

Something I learned.  I don't think I can do SSK & commit to the Tour de Fleece.  Though this year, I am driving so I can bring my own wheel.  I can spin at SSK which I couldn't last year since I borrowed a wheel for classes only.   

But I realize that I get kind burnt out with TdF and often don't spin at all until November or December.  And between TdF & then SSK, I was just too fried.  I haven't touched my wheel SINCE SSK IN JULY!  (Other than completing some TdF plying.)  Not good.

It is especially not good as I really should have practiced what I learned in Maggie Casey's classes.  She was awesome.  And had I practiced what I learned when I got home, it would have been so much smarter.

Though I also confess that wheel struggles at SSK made me reluctant to spin when I got home...    I did finishing plying what as on the wheel.  But then I just stopped.  I think it was a valuable lesson.  I need to practice what I learn during SSK.  And if I have been so focused on spinning for the TdF, it won't happen.

I think this year, I might try to participate a bit in TdF, but NON DOUBLE BUMP MADNESS this year!  *laugh*  A braid or two of Into the Whirl.  Maybe some other stuff. But not committing to daily progress reports, pics, etc..  If I am spending time & money on spinning classes, I want to practice after my classes.

We will see what I think when the time comes & what is happening the the SSK KALs.

I think if I say one thing as a goal it is to try and craft regularly.  I have been playing too many games and not crafting as much.  Knitting or spinning both kinda faltered.  And I know that isn't good for my sanity!!

Not committing to every day.  But at least a little as time permits!

Another Year When Carin Has Me Thinking about Goals

Carin from the Round the Twist podcast mentioned goals for 2015.  And looking back, I realize that she has inspired me for several years in the past.

I wasn't going to take on any goals.  But listening to hers, I was inspired to set a few. 

I am not going overboard.  Here's what I am thinking.

Participate in all the SSK KALs
I am still stunned I got a spot in the Super Summer Knitogether this year.  I have been listening to the Knit Girllls for many years.  But this is the first year I tried for a spot.  And I got in!  I am super excited.

They are having five KALs before SSK.  Each one earns tickets for raffles.

Charity KAL - Items made for certain charities and brought to SSK - runs right up to SSK
Romi Hill 11/20/15-1/31/16
babycocktails - Thea Colman 2/1/16-3/31/16
mercedesknits - Mercedes Tarasovich 4/1/16-5/31/16
Pattern by any SSK participant including teachers: 6/1/16-7/15/16

I can earn one ticket for every 100 yards.  I can also earn 2 tickets for using one of the SSK vendors.  And 2 for handspun.  Coolness.

I like that most of them are two months long.  So it is a good chunk of time & completely doable.  

SocksComplete three pairs this year.  And yes, I am counting the pair currently on the needles and nearly done.  But hey, it is something. 
 I should set a higher goal.  But I have been lagging on socks lately.  I get past the foot & then just stall on the leg.  Feels like I should be done, but it isn't.

I just checked.  I only knit *two* pairs for all of last year.  So three is an increase!  I wear my handknit socks all the time.  So I definitely need more!

Darning 
Thinking about my socks.  I realize that I should *darn* some of the pairs I have that have holes that can be repaired!  So my goal is for two pairs to get fixed. 

Finish DH's Sweater
I started it in 2012!!  For the Year of the Sweater.  Again, Carin from Round the Twist inspired me.  It needs a buttonband & buttons.  That is it.  But I fowled it up and haven't had the heart to rip it out and start again.  *sigh*  So close...

I fear it may wait until Stash Dash in May.  But so long as it is this year, I will be happy.  DH might be happier sooner however.  But it has been a warm winter so far.

A Spin on Spin the Bin
I am still trying to find details on this.  Lara form the Knit Girllls has done it several years.  Leslie is doing it this year unofficially.  I think I may have already missed the deadline to join in the group. 

In looking at the Knit Girllls group, I have decided on a different spin on this.

I want to spin 12 bits of fiber.  I say 12 but am not locking in what they are.  This way I can spin things as they come into the house rather than locking in things now. 

Also, I say bits of fiber rather than braids or batts.  This is because one of those should be some silk. And they aren't in the standard braids or such.

I went crazy at NY S&W shortly after I started spinning.  I have multiple bits of silk.  I have an entire silk kit with different types of silk.   And wanna guess how much I have actually spun?!  I have spun part of a silk hankie with a spindle.  But other than that, I haven't spun any pure silk.  And even the spindle one, I haven't spun the whole hankie!

I have even bought the download video of Spinning Luxury Fibers Volume 1: Silk when Interweave was having a sale.  But I don't think I have watched it yet.  Or certainly not all of it.

I think those are good goals.  They make sense and are completely achievable.  So hooray for that.

Wish me luck.

Goals for 2013 & 2014

I am crossposting to both my personal journal & knitting one since they overlap so much.

First, last year's goals & what happened. 

- Finish the Maeve socks
Done!  Hooray

- Have at least five dates with my DH
I think so.  We squeezed some in during that last week.  I think we made it.

- Get more activity into my routine
Honestly...  Fail.  I really didn't do it.

- Lose weight in a healthy manner
Again.  Nope.  Didn't happen.

- Get any buttons or beads on finished WIPs within four months of finishing the knitting portion
Success.  But then again, I think I am also avoiding projects with buttons...

- Get out solo and/or have an evening with a friend
Got out with Meredith once which was really good.

- Sleep training with DSI won't go into this insanity.  But suffice it to say, it should have been done already... *sigh*
Done.  But it does require redoing from time to time.  He started creeping on the bedtime again & fussing.  So there is more of it again.  But seems to be working okay.

So all in all, not bad.  Most were successful.  The diet and exercise were the biggies on the nope side.  But all in all, not too shabby.

Now for the 2014 Goals

- Get more activity into my routine
Gonna put this at the top of the list.  It is very important for so many reasons...

- Lose weight in a healthy manner
Relisting for the obvious reasons.

- More solo time for me & DH
I really think it is critical for both DH & I to have some time for ourselves.  It is good for the mental health.  We had talked about taking one night a month for ourselves.  But it didn't happen.  Maybe if I put it here, we might get it to happen.

- Get my resume completed
Things with the merger are still happening.  The big systems stuff is early 2015.  So I really should have my resume brushed up & maybe contact some headhunters in the publishing field.  I really love publishing and think I would like to continue in it.

- Finish sweater for DH
I really would like to finish the sweater.  It was cast on in the fall of 2012...

- 12 socks in 12 months
Realistically, this one may not happen.  But you know what?  It is great to try and push it.  I have had four pairs of handknit socks die since fall.  I need to make more.  I joined a very open group on Ravelry that goal is to knit 12 pairs in 2014.  http://www.ravelry.com/groups/dozen-pairs-of-socks-in-2014  But they welcome anyone to set their own goals.  They have a beginner & advanced pattern for each month.  But you can also do your own thing.  My kind of group.  I am *terrible* about staying with just one thing. *laugh*

I know I could set more goals, but I think this is good. 

2013 Goals

I am cross posting this to my personal & knitting journals.  I like that the goals are mixed and think it helps.

- Finish the Maeve socks
Yes. I said it.  *gulp*  But I really want to get them off the WIPs list!  And they will look incredible.  And no, that doesn't mean make them ankle length.  *laugh*  They are already ankle length.  So binding them off doesn't count.  *grin*

- Have at least five dates with my DH
Hey, time to up the anty.  We need the time out together.  Our 10th anniversary is this year.  We need to do something special.  I really want to figure out a way to get a night alone without the kids for our anniversary in April.  It is critical that we get some time together without the Littles.  I love them.  But we also really need some time for us.

- Get more activity into my routine
I am hoping that when the nicer weather returns we can do more of this as a family.  I am also hoping maybe I can find some Wii games that I like that will enable me to work out more at home.  Since I have been approved for two days working from home again for 2013, I need to take advantage of that.  I am thinking that sometimes that needs to be me taking an actual lunch hour & working out during that time.

- Lose weight in a healthy manner
I need to get serious about losing weight.  Not just making half hearted attempts.  *sigh*  This one is rough.  I don't know if the answer is going back to Weight Watchers again or trying something new.  I know WW works.  And looking for something new requires time & energy I don't have.

With the merger stuff, I also need to be prepared if I get laid off.  I don't want to think about it, but I need to be realistic about it.  And there is a whole lot of biased against fat people.  It is one of the last remaining prejudges that is not only socially acceptable but in fact actively cultivated.

I am not at a healthy weight currently.  And I really need to keep up with the kids.  That will only get more true as they get older.  And if I am not moving, they aren't going to move much over time as well.  So it is very critical to make this a priority for the coming year.

- Get any buttons or beads on finished WIPs within four months of finishing the knitting portion
It felt good to not see so many items lingering in my WIPs that are waiting for buttons.  I still have the elastic issue for the dress for DD.  But otherwise my WIPs are just that *in progress*.  That feels much better than having them linger.  I was going to say two months.  But I know sometimes it takes a bit longer to *find* affordable buttons.  I have some lovely singleton or pairs of buttons.  However, I really don't have a sweater's worth even for the littles lying around.  So it takes time to find ones that won't break the bank.

- Get out solo and/or have an evening with a friendI would really like some solo time.  I also think this could include getting to one of the fiber fests.  I was sick for Maryland S&W and then too broke to make the trip to Rhinebeck (which of course came after a bout of illness tore through the house too so I was exhausted anyhow.)  So I really want to make one of the fiber fests this year.  *crosses fingers*  I really miss going.  *sigh*

- Sleep training with DSI won't go into this insanity.  But suffice it to say, it should have been done already... *sigh*

I think that is plenty for the coming year.  *sighs*  Feeling like there is too much when I look at the list.  That doesn't include the things I need to have happen in prep for the possible/impending merger.  I want to say I feel confident it will all be okay.  But it is all one big question mark.  And I don't know what I can do other than prepare what I can... *crosses fingers it all goes well* 

Frankly, I am current just hoping to be employed this time next year...

2012 Goals

I did okay with my 2012 goals.  I am feeling good about what I did.  Some weren't met, but I overall I feel okay. 

- Spend time with friends or have some solo time without DH & the kidsI lucked out that my dear friend Meredith got a job that is right around the corner from my job.  So we have lunch 1-2 times a month.  And a coworker has become a great friend.  We meet about 1-2 times a month.  Yes, it is confined to lunch, but they are one-on-one interaction with friends.  And I got very lucky and saw my dear friend Karen twice this year.  Given she is in AZ, that is terrific!  We have had multiple years when we haven't gotten to see each other.  I did also get to the girls weekend with some of DD's college friends & their wives.  That was great.

So no, I didn't get a lot of solo me time.  But I have gotten to connect more with friends which makes a huge difference!  Definitely happy that I have gotten some more time with friends.

- Complete at least one pair of socksDone!  I am proud to say I actually got *four* pairs done.  Woohoo.  *happy dance*  (Wish that one pair didn't have cashmere...*sigh*  Too itchy to wear long.  I know...I am weird.)

- Put buttons on at least half of my WIPs with missing buttonsThere were 12 WIPs.  Seven missing buttons & one waiting on beads.

Out of the eight that were missing buttons or beads, they are all done!
Finished:Simple Shrug for 18" Doll
Shrug for DD
Baby Jacket with Moss Stitch Edges
Aviatrix Hat for Ella - ended up on Will!  Too small for E
Simple Cardi for Bella Ella
Cardigan for My Hobbit Elanor
Beaded Evening Bag/Purse
Crest of the Wave Scarf

The remaining 2011 WIPs & Status:Suri Bias Scarf - Done
Flora Dress - Completed knitting but waiting on elastic which I swear I purchased already & won't find until I buy more elastic
Mary Janes for DD Daughter - need to frog.  Put in hibernation list but really need to reclaim the yarn.
Maeve Socks - 55% done - I don't honestly know if I touched these other than stealing one of the needles for something else...

The Maeve socks are beautiful.  The yarn is amazing and the color is intense and lovely.  So what's the deal you ask?  Cables.  Ornate cables that take a lot of attention.  A 16 row chart with things happening every row.   I still blame pregnancy hormones for casting on cabled socks three months before DS due date.  They are beautiful and need to be done!

- Have at least three dates with my DHI really thought I missed this one!  I was talking with DH about my goals (he asked me on New Years Eve if I had met my knitting goals sweetie that he is to remember.)  I had said I thought we only got out twice during the summer.  But then he reminded me that my darling SIL watched the kids while we went out to see a movie.  So three dates.  Hey, wait!  We also went out to breakfast while his sister was visiting the NJ shore during the summer.  So four!  Go us!

- SpinI did the Tour de Fleece.  Though as per usual with the Tour de Fleece, I use so much spinning mojo for that time that it drops off afterwards.  Though I did spin some yarn for DD's floating teaching assistant who is a knitter during December.  So I am thrilled.

- Get back to some activityThis was my biggest fail.  *sigh*  I am happy that I am walking to the PATH in the mornings.  I drop DD at school and then walk to the train station.  But that is only three days a week as I am currently working two days from home.  Mind you, most of the time on those days I am still walking her to school & then going home.  So that is some walking five days a week.  That is a major improvement.  But that is about it really.

Santa did get two dance games for the Wii but it is Just Dance Disney & Kids.  But they were mainly for the kids.  I have ordered Your Shape which is a fitness game with a camera.  I also got Dance on Broadway which is another dance game.  Silly, but I am hoping the kids like some of the songs so they will dance with me.  That has been the most fun about the dance games for the Wii. 

- The late addition - Four sweaters in 2012I added this in Feb. after listening to a Round the Twist episode about how 2012 would be the year of the sweater.  The goal was one for DH, DS, DD and her 18" doll.  Two out of four were done. *sigh* 

DS got a vest that was completed in March.  Looks adorable & should see if it still fits.  DD's was finished Sept. but of course lingered on buttons for two months.  It is kinda big though.  I made the 6 so she would have room to grow into it.  Probably should have done the 4.

DH's was cast on end of October.  Then I got involved with Xmas knitting...  So it has been lingering.  He said he wanted a certain sweater based on something he read in a Star Trek book over a decade ago.  It is your basic cardigan with pockets.  AKA super dull.  Of course since then he said he would have been happy with a dozen other things.  *laugh*  But it is good tv knitting. 

It cracks me up that I haven't finished the *littlest* sweater of the lot, the one for the 18" doll.  The pattern is to match DD's.  So I think since hers doesn't fit her well yet, I haven't been as motivated to finish it.  Also, I sometimes wonder if I don't love her 18" doll more than she does.  *grin*

So I met most of my goals.  And didn't meet a couple.  But overall not bad.

I just watched the Round the Twist podcast where she reviewed her goals.  And guess what?  She didn't meet one for the four.  *laugh*  Mind you, she had a whirlwind year that ended with her getting married in November.  So you can't blame her.  She decided this year there aren't goals, but just to enjoy knitting.



I will follow this post with my 2013 goals.  Figure this is long enough already!

Feeling Productive

I have had an amazingly productive couple weeks.  A lot was that Saturday I sat down and focused on all the WIP that were lingering with missing buttons & such.  I also finished a scarf that had been started in 2009.  Woohoo!


The 2012 goal was "Put buttons on at least half of my WIPs with missing buttons".  I have met that and kicked its tush.  There were 8 with missing buttons & 1 with missing beads.  I am down to ONE!  Woohoo.  I am feeling very accomplished.  We are not gonna talk about the one that has been done all but *one* missing button since 2008...  *laugh*

WIP as of Jan. 2012 & Status
Done - Simple Shrug for 18" Doll - Done 1/29
Shrug for DD - Done 1/29
Baby Jacket with Moss Stitch Edges - Done 2/6
Aviatrix Hat for Ella - Done 2/6
Crest of the Wave Scarf - Done 11/11
Suri Bias Scarf - Done 11/17
Beaded Evening Bag/Purse - Done 11/17
Simple Cardi for Bella Ella - Done 11/17

Still WIPs -
Maeve Socks -
These are back in the rotation after months of being in limbo.  They are challenging still with all the cables.  But they are being worked on which is something.

Flora Dress -
The knitting done but needs elastic added to the body which I bought and can't find.  *sigh*  I fear it may be too small by next year when DD could wear it.

Mary Janes for DD Daughter -
Think these are too small & need to get frogged.

Cardigan for My Hobbit Elanor -
*blush*  Still missing the #@*$ buttons.  Mind you, they are toggles so they require i-cord rather than just attaching.  However, this sweater too small for DD and may be too small for the Little Guy if I don't get them on there soon!

Items with Buttons New for 2012 -
Phoebe Sweater for DD Elanor - Done 11/17

Finished Projects -
I have actually finished SIX, yes six in the past nine days!  It is astounding.  Though a whole lot were adding buttons.  But I did complete a scarf in two days for Elder Munchkin out of some handspun.  It was bulky, but still.  Add to that the Vernal Equinox Shawl Surprise was completed October 29 and the Lady Bianca socks were done on the 20th.  That makes eight projects in a month!  Mind you, four of those were adding buttons or in one case beads.  But hey, it is a win!

I need to take pics of these things though.  There are a whole lot of Needs Picture icons on them.  *laugh*  (I do that so the sidebar code doesn't get mucked up.  It doesn't seem able to handle it if there isn't a pic.  Though I bet Casey on Ravelry has changed the code & it could probably do it now.  But I am too lazy to go deal with new code.  *laugh*)

I went to take a pic of EM with her scarf.  But I left my phone at home today!  So no pics.  *grumblegrowl*  Ah well.  Another day.

I have too much work to go over all the finished objects.  I should take some pics and then talk about them all.

It is nice to feel productive!

2012 Goals Update

(I started this three weeks ago and then managed to forget about it.  *sigh*  It has been so busy it is crazy...)

Time to access my 2012 goals.  I will cross post this to my personal journal as well as I posted the original on both.

- Spend time with friends or have some solo time without DH & the kids
I am happy that I have gotten to have lunch with a friend.  I am staying hopeful again happen soon.  *crosses fingers*  Still need to focus on this more.

- Complete at least one pair of socks
Done!  I should post pics and do the write up on the blog.  But I haven't.  Here is the Ravelry link.

- Put buttons on at least half of my WIPs with missing buttons
Four are done.  So yes.  Half are done.  But honestly, I really need to finish the rest.  Though I still haven't found buttons for one.  Another doesn't fit Eldest Munchkin anymore.  And I am not sure it will fit Little Guy.  I need to check.  The other is that embarrassing one that is missing *a single button* since 2008. 

Here is the 2011 WIPs list and status:

Done -
Simple Shrug for 18" Doll - Button added / done
Shrug for DD - Button added / done
Aviatrix Hat for Ella - Button added / done 
Baby Jacket with Moss Stitch Edges - Button added / done 

Still in Progress but Some Progress Made -
Crest of the Wave Scarf - Missing some beads - added about 1/4 to 1/3rd of them.  Taking longer than expected
Flora Dress - 90% done

For the Flora dress, I am ever so close.  *sigh*  I had 3 of the 4 straps done.  Was cranking along on the last one.  And bam.  Ran out of yarn.  *grumblegrowl*  So it either requires that I shorten the other by at least 2" each which also means reknitting the ends as they have the pattern on them.  Or just giving up and finding matching ribbon for straps instead (which is what the pattern actually calls for).

Suri Bias Scarf - 60% done (though could end any time really)

The Suri isn't any hurry as it is an Xmas present that is actually long enough that I could just end it where it is.  It is very mindless knitting but the yarn is a pain in the tush.  It is fluffy with a thread to bind it.  So if you don't catch the thread, it can be very bad.  I did a few rows recently after getting annoyed with the Flora Dress.  Didn't last long.  I am tempted to just say it is done and bind it off as I really am not a fan of the yarn.

Untouched -
Cardigan for My Hobbit Elanor - Missing buttons 
Simple Cardi for Bella Ella - Missing buttons
Mary Janes for DD Daughter - 30% done Maeve Socks - 55% done
Beaded Evening Bag/Purse - Missing button since 2008.

The Beaded Bag has been in limbo for way too long.  Problem is I finally figured out the perfect button for it.  And of course now I can't find it!!  *groan*  I really tried as I was seeing the recipient in March.  I really wish I could figure out where they are!!
 - Have at least three dates with my DH
We got out for a late lunch for our anniversary. So that is progress.  Woohoo.  Definitely nice spending time with him.  And we discovered an amazing beer bar in Jersey City!  So a big win.

I am thinking when summer Fridays come back that we should take at least one to go there and have a late lunch again.

- Spin
I have spun!  Woohoo!  And super thrilled about it.  I am about 80% done with spinning a 5+ oz Bullseye Bump from the Loop.

I am super sad I missed them at Maryland Sheep & Wool as I wanted to meet the woman who creates these amazing batts.  But due to some people being sick, that didn't happen.  But my amazing SIL actually waited on line to get me a Bullseye Bump.  Too wonderful!

- Get back to some activity
Nope.  That simple.  Haven't been good about it.  I feel happy that I actually walked from my doctor's office to my office once.  If I could manage to get out of the house in time in the mornings, I could walk from the house to the train station.  It is almost a mile.  I think I have done that 2-3 times since the new year at most.  *sigh* 

Almost three weeks ago I decided I was late anyhow, so the walk would do me good.  And guess what?  I tripped!  Fell and bruised a rib.  Two weeks of really nasty pain but it is finally getting better.  Hoping to be able to spin again this weekend.  But that was also put on hold since the fall.

- Knit Sweaters for the Family (added after the original post)
The plan is to knit for DH, the two kids & Eldest Munchkin's 18" doll.  Made a vest for Little Guy.  Love it and happy the weather dropped a bit so he could wear it a couple more times.  Started a sweater for EM which is about 30-40% done.  Looks cute.  I am making it big so she can wear it next winter.  Of course, if I were a smarter human, I would have done the doll one first as they are matching.  *laugh*  But I wanted to start EM's first.

I know DH will be last.  That is kinda the plan.  I need to find a pattern for it.  He is pretty good about things.  But I know he doesn't want anything too crazy.  The yarn is a heathered grey yarn (Lion Brand Wool-Ease Sportweight).  It is a superwash wool/acrylic blend.  I suspect it will be a pullover as he likes them. 

So there is progress.

Knitting While Away

Given I was traveling to Arizona, I took lots of knitting.  I wanted plane knitting and conference knitting.  Conference knitting has to be something super simple that I can knit under the table.  Plane knitting can require more attention and focus.

Of course, I was winding yarn at 12:30 am Friday night into Saturday morning I was leaving. I had to be up at 3:30 am to get to my 6:30 flight.  Whee...  I know...not my brightest move...  *laugh*

I decided to go with the Holden Shawlette by Mindy Wilkes (rav link) for the Unique Sheep Luxe in the Tudor gradient colorway.  I was leaning towards the Aeolian Shawl by Elizabeth Freeman but I think the yarn will be too busy and you will end up loosing the details which seems silly for the pattern & yarn.  The beauty of the Holden is that I can repeat the edging as many times as I have yarn for.  So that helps.

It calls for a size 6 needle. So I brought a size 6 with me.  Not a 5 or 7.  Just a 6.  I started it on the plane.  And it looked too loose for my liking.  I kept trying.  I knit some more.  I stopped.  I decided that I would try to get a size 5 while I was out with a friend that day.  But I didn't.  So I tried to knit a bit more, seeing if I could convince myself that it would block out well and look good.

So I knit some more.  And stared at it.  Pulled it a bit.  Tried to justify it on the size 6 needles.  Thinking maybe the yarn will plump up when I block it...  *laugh*  Yeah, I know...

I knit on the vest for the Little Guy (rav link) for a while, hoping letting it sit would convince me it was the right thing to knit it on the 6s.  But the more I thought about it, the more I knew, I wouldn't be happy with it.  It just needed to be ripped out and knit on a smaller gauge needle if I would be happy with it.  *sigh*

Of course after finally committing to the Holden, I was looking for something else and found the Bitterroot pattern.  Now I am wondering if that wouldn't be a better fit. *laugh*  Decisions, decisions...

I did a lot of the vest under the table at conference.  It was going well.  And then...  I realized that I copied the same side of one sheet twice!  So I didn't have the last quarter of the pattern!!  *laugh*  Okay...  Thank goodness I brought more to knit right?!

So I cast on the Phoebe Sweater for my Eldest Munchkin.  It is a bottom-up seamless cardigan.  I *love* seamless sweaters.  *smile*  It is a super simple knit and ideal for conference knitting.  So I put a pretty good dent in that.

I decided I wanted to cast on my socks that I brought as well.  I decided to go with the Midnight Sky pattern - non-rav link with really large pic if you click on it  (Ravelry Link).  I got the pattern from the Decadently Dark club I was in a while back.  I couldn't lay my hands on the pattern and the designer was sweet enough to send me a new copy which is very cool of her as it is a pay pattern.  It is a beautiful pattern and I always think that it is good to support patterns that haven't been done to death.  It says three projects on Ravelry.  One the test knit.  The other says in progress with the yarn from the club (which I got in Aug. 2009). The last the one I started.

Posting mine is probably a bit of a joke.  Why you ask?  Because I have cast on the stitches for 1 1/2 socks.  Yes.  Not even all the stitches yet.  *laugh*  Mind you, when I am doing the two socks on two circs I always seem to have trouble getting the cast-on right!  *laugh*  I generally end up sliding one set of stitches on to something else because I have cast on the second one incorrectly.  Which I hate to admit is what is holding up the progress.  And since I wasn't at home I didn't have other needles to put it onto. Though I did have some stitch holders, so honestly, I could have done it...  Though I think what added to my procrastination is that I don't think two socks on two circs are great plane knitting.  Too many needles to make the person sitting next to you nervous.

Though if I had realized the seat between me and the other person would be open, I would have finished casting them on so I could knit them on the plane.  But with my luck, if I had them in my carry on, I would bet someone would have been in that middle seat.  *laugh*  So better left in my checked baggage!  *grin*

So as things stand, I have about 75% of the vest done for LG.  About 40-50% of the Phoebe sweater done for EM (it is the project I have been knitting on since getting home).  0.005% of the socks for me done.  0% of the shawl done.  Whee.

Much to my joy, I got a little spinning done last weekend...  A very little.  But I am so thrilled I got any done at all!  I pulled out a sample I got from an order I placed to test out my skills.  I am happy to report that muscle memory is a wonderful thing.  After only a bit of trial, it was looking about as good as my spinning ever looks.  I am not an expert spinner by any means.  But it was fairly decent.

So I pulled out the Bullseye Bump I got.  It is so wonderful to spin.  I am still debating if I will just knit this as a single or if I am going to Navajo ply it.  I *never* knit with singles I have spun.  I am not that strong a spinner so my singles are uneven in tension.  Plying helps balance that out.  But since I am planning to make a simple scarf for Elanor with this, it might be okay.  Some odd bias to it could be fun & funky.  We will see when I get the single spun how thick it is.  Because the bump has various fibers mixed in like recycled sari silk and such, it is unpredictable.  But I think Elanor will love the colors and the sparkle in it.

I am hoping to have some knitting time in the car this Sunday.  *crosses fingers*  As always, that will all depend on the kids...  But with any luck, maybe I can take a second try at the shawl.  Let's hope.  *smile*  Though I will also see if I can finish casting on my socks as they might also be nice car knitting.  But who knows...  I do wonder if trying to get two pairs of socks done in a year isn't a rather grand idea.  *laugh*  I recall knitting a pair of socks every month to two.  What a laughable idea these days... *chuckle*

I was just looking at my WIPs and realized I really should pick up the Flora Dress (rav link).  Because if I don't finish that quickly, it isn't going to fit Eldest Munchkin and I will just have to frog the whole thing.  I should check that it even fits her anymore.  I checked a couple months back but she has this nasty habit of continuing to grow.  *laugh*

In a Ravelry thread I read about updates for a yarn dyer I love, someone mentioned not having knitting time with kids which definitely seems true.  But she also said that she built her stash to save for retirement.  It seems like a fine idea to me.  Though to contrast that, I also caught up on the Yarn Harlot's blog.  And her post about how she only keeps things if she really loves them seems like a good policy.  But then again, I don't get given yarn or fiber as she does.  *laugh*  So 95% of the stuff I bought.  And the gifts I got I love.  There are some things I bought because they were cheap.  Like some acrylic I got for trying up yarn when I was dyeing my own what seems like ages ago...  Some is about it being cheap.  Which with the kids...  So I don't think I need to love all my yarn.  But I do need to think it is useful.  Mind you, there are more things I find useful these days with the kids.  So I suspect I won't be doing much culling should it ever actually get the time to do it.

I have a ton of work to do.  It has been a crazed week.  I have been up til 1 or 2 twice this week with work.  *sigh*  Best I get some done though I really just want a nap.  Ah well.  No rest for the wicked...or at least want to be wicked.  *chuckle*

That Carin Has Me Thinking about Goals Again...

I swear, I should stop watching Carin's Round the Twist podcast because it keeps inspiring me to take on things!! *laugh*

She has been saying it is the year of the sweater for her.

I kept saying she is a faster knitter than I am...  But of course, hearing it again, the thoughts crept in...maybe I can do this.

So long as kids sweaters count, I think I am in.

My goal is to knit a sweater *and* put on the buttons on a sweater for DH, DD & DS as well as the 18" doll my DD has.  So four sweaters in a year.   *gulp*

And if I push myself, I should figure out what to do with the alpaca cardigan (rav link) I started for myself in deep hibernation.  It is too small for me at my current size.  I should decide what to do with it.  *sigh*  I am so not good about ripping projects with this much done and don't think the alpaca will do well with that.

For DH I have some sport weight yarn heather grey yarn I bought for him to make a sweater ages ago.  I said it would get started after I finished mine.  Hardly fair to hold to that given the deep freeze my sweater is in.

I have at least a half dozen sweaters queued for DD.  I have a book to make a matching one for her 18" doll.  I haven't decided if I just want to scale down a sweater or use one from Knits for Girls & Dolls book I got.  Though in looking at patterns for DS, I discovered the Phoebe's Sweater I have been wanting to get is in the weight of yarn I have already bought... Hmmm...  Could be a sign.  It comes with a doll pattern as well.  Though it might be small and need tweaking but of course in checking Ravelry someone has already posted the needed mods (another rav link).

DS is only 10 months old.  So of course I am thinking about taking the coward's way out and knitting his first.  *laugh*  But then again, DD loves anything knit for her and doubly so if the doll has one too.  Soo....  Decisions decisions!

2012 Goals

(Cross-posted to my personal journal too.)

I hate making resolutions.  But the video-cast I watch, Round the Twist, went over what her goals were for 2012 and reviewed her 2011 ones.  I think it is good for me to set some goals.

They are in no particular order.

- Spend time with friends or have some solo time without DH & the kids
I love my family dearly.  But I need some solo time, either with friends or just doing something for me.  I am not even putting a number on this.  Though I did tell DH I think we could both use one night a month to ourselves where the other watches the kids.  I think we could both use it.  I know he would like to go shooting again. Been ages.  And I would love to see some friends.  Maybe I could even try finding a knit night somewhere local.  I think it is a good thing for me and the family.

- Complete at least one pair of socks
My knitting has been all about the littles or gifts these days.  I just checked my ravelry projects to discover that last thing I knit for me was 2010!  So nothing for the entire last year...  And what's more embarrassing is that the last pair of socks I knit were completed May 10, 2009.  I have a pair that have been on my needles since December 29, 2010 that are toe-up.  Done with the foot.  Problem is they are very detailed cables.  My brain isn't so good with that these days...  I am thinking I just need to pick some yarn I like and make *simple* socks.  I wear my handknit socks all the time during the winter.  And the ones I have are getting pretty ratty with some.

- Put buttons on at least half of my WIPs with missing buttons
There are currently *seven* items that are knit but just missing buttons!  (And one missing beads that need to be sewn into it.) That is pretty embarrassing.  And the oldest has been there since 2008.  Embarrassing also to admit there are 12 WIP currently listed...  So 2/3rds are about missing button or beads.  Of the other four, one might need to be frogged because it may no longer fit DD.  One is the previously mentioned socks.  Another is a scarf started in Nov. 2009.  Only one is recent!  (And I stalled on those as I have been mostly making up the pattern and just haven't had the brain power to figure out what to do with the heel turn...  *blush*)

That has led me to add...
- Finish at least half of the WIPs
Here is the list so I know when checking my goals:
Mary Janes for DD Daughter - 30% done
Simple Shrug for 18" Doll - Missing single button
Shrug for DD - Missing single button
Maeve Socks - 55% done
Suri Bias Scarf - 50% done (though could end any time really)
Baby Jacket with Moss Stitch Edges - Missing buttons
Crest of the Wave Scarf - Missing beads
Aviatrix Hat for Ella - Missing single button (embarrassing as E never wore it because of the missing button but it fits LG)
Simple Cardi for Bella Ella - Missing buttons
Flora Dress - 40% done
Cardigan for My Hobbit Elanor - Missing buttons
Beaded Evening Bag/Purse - Missing button

- Have at least three dates with my DH
We have gotten out a few times.  But embarrassingly few.  I think it is time for us to get out a bit more.  It does take money as we have to have someone watch the littles.  Though I appreciate when my SIL watched them for free when we were down in southern NJ.

- Spin
I haven't spun.  At all. Since DH was born back in Sept. 2009.  Over two years ago.  Kinda embarrassing.  I miss it.

- Get back to some activity
Since the gym in my building closed their space where they had classes, I haven't been doing much of anything at all.  With the new apartment, I rarely make the walk from the house to the PATH.  The old place didn't have any useful transit.  Where as the new place has a bus that picks me up half a block from the house and drops me in front of the train.  I keep swearing I will make the walk in the morning.  But I am always running late.  So it doesn't happen often.  I am hopeful that when I am done breastfeeding the Little Guy that I will have a bit more time at work because I won't be having to pump.  That should be right around the start of spring.  So I am hoping that even if I don't join a gym again, I can start taking lunch hours again and go for walks.  It would be good.

I will see how it goes.  I really don't know how many of these I will reach.  But we can see.  *smile*  Figure it is good to set some goals.