Slow as Christmas

The socks are coming along s l o w l y; I'm just starting to turn the heel-- haven't had much of a chance to sit and knit today. Posted a picture (below) of my next great knitting adventure. I'm looking forward to starting my flowers shawl (Cherry Hill's "Moody Blues"). Never thought I'd do the lace thing, but I'm looking forward to this project! (Maybe I'll start saving the change under the cushions, afford myself a skein of Lorna's Laces Heaven someday!)

Took Meg to the fabric store today, picked up some fabric to make a case for my DPN's. They're currently rolling around in my Lantern Moon zipper pocket, and they tend to slide out when I open it. I found several online, but figure that the cases I could buy with the money I'm willing to spend aren't as nice as the one I can make. I'll let you know!

I checked out a yoga studio today, too. I took some classes years ago, not long after Katie was born, and really enjoyed them-- but I had to have Mom watch Katie, which became just too far to drive once we moved out to Katy. Joey just started Tae Kwon Do at a really nice place near our house, and plans to go at least three times a week. He says it's a great workout, and he's already making friends there. I can't let him get ahead of me on the fitness thing! We're doing Weight Watchers together, and he's way ahead (they say men do lose it easier!), but I have lost almost 10 lbs. after 5 weeks-- I feel better, no matter what Joey's doing! You know, I never thought of myself as a Weight Watchers "type," but it has been a great experience. I can't believe the stuff I was eating on a regular basis-- enough points to support a 300 lb. person on some days! There haven't been any MAJOR changes; I don't weigh or measure anything (I "eyeball" it), I just make better choices. I guess adding more exercise on a regular basis is a pretty major change, but it doesn't feel like it. Maybe I'll stick with it this time!

Anyway, Yoga West was beautiful-- large, calm, cool room in tans; incense burning (not too strong, though!); natural light-- really nice. I talked one of the owners, Cathy, and she was just wonderful. I'm planning to go to a class tomorrow after I drop Meg off at preschool. I'm really looking forward to starting!

"Moody Blues" Flower Shawl 

Recently finished baby gift!

I'm still learning how to post stuff; got my first pic up, and I'm excited! These are the booties I knitted for Haylee (best friend's new baby). I had to order extra ribbon, since I wanted more than was in the kit. Artemis sells gorgeous hand-dyed ribbons; although the color ("abalone") didn't match the ribbon from the kit exactly, I really love the darker colors. I used fray-check on the edges, painted on with a small paintbrush, since the ribbon edges aren't "finished." I did buy extra ribbon for ribbon embroidery; maybe I can add some ribbon flowers to a knitted piece eventually!

Debby Ware "Girly Girl" booties, first pair! 

Just Starting!

I've read so many blogs the last few weeks, that I decided to start my own. I've developed a passion for knitting the last six months, and I've gotten some great ideas and inspiration from the blogs of other knitters. Maybe I'll even get brave and post a few of my projects here!

I just finished a pair of baby booties from the Debby Ware pattern/kit-- the flower booties with bobbles. The project was challenging, and although they certainly do not look professional, I'm delighted that I was able to conquer the pattern! They are a gift for my best friend from high school, Lisa. She has a beautiful new baby girl, Haylee, and I actually finished the darn things before Haylee set off for college! (She's 2 months old now-- I just have to get them in the mail before she outgrows them!)

I started a pair of socks with Lorna's Laces Baltic Sea yarn and the Knitting Pure and Simple pattern; my mom needs a pair of socks that won't show the dirt from her wheelchair maneuvering in Crested Butte, so I'm planning on giving them to her for Mother's Day. I'm chomping at the bit to start a felted change purse (pattern from HelloKnitty.com); think I'll check out Twisted Yarns this afternoon, buy a skein of Noro Kureyon to satisfy my craving for new yarn. If God lets me live long enough to finish all of my projects, I will never die.

I'm also heading to Zebos Coffee shop; I'm hoping that they'll let our NEW KATY MEETUP KNITTING GROUP meet there! For a long time now, I've been worried that I'm the only knitter out here west of Houston, but I'm not! Can't wait to hang out with other knitters, to share tips and inspiration! Anyway, I'm feeding most of my addictions today (yarn, good coffee), so it should be a happy Saturday!