I'm going to cry

I have to share this, but I got to my destination with my knitting in tow, and you will never guess. I go to my bag and I realize it's OPEN! My knitting is GONE!!! How did this happen??? Where did I lose it?? Thankfully I had two projects in my bag, otherwise I would cry right now. Whats even better is I lost the dishcloth (just a $3 ball of crochet yarn and not my usual $8.50 cotton yarn) project and the cheap second hand knitting needles (0.50cents) I brought and not my expensive bamboo needles or my expensive yarn sweater project! So I am thankful for small mercies and have no hope of finding that project again, as I would have lost it either on the main road or at the park. Once you lose something at the park its highly unlikely you will ever find it again.

That's not going to stop me from taking the same path again tonight in hopes of finding said cheap project because I was really enjoying it.

Anyway I am re-knitting this baby sweater in this beautiful colorway of red, blue, yellow and green. I loved it the first time I knitted, so I decided to knit it 0-3 months size and I am enjoying it just as much!

I enjoyed knitting my first diagonal square dishcloth it was coming along quite nicely until I lost it, it was the first time I ever knit a diagonal square and it was knitting up fairly quickish.

So we are in the process of moving, the yarn was one of the first things to be packed and boy was I surprised, I am STILL packing my craft corner up (3 banana boxes, 4 giant black rubbish bags), like why do I have so much?

Things are slowly getting in order, I've found my wedding dress and it is quite nice, the extra 4 staying with us have moved on, the house is almost packed, things are moving.

Well that's about all from me, I hope to update you with a "yay I've found my project," but we will see.

Oh #KnitOm starts tomorrow! Yus

~~Happy Knitting~~

Another count down!

Hi y'all!

Well I have some exciting news!

My friend and I have a business website in the works! I am so excited, we are also now on Facebook, WIX and Instagram, so now I am running two blogs! Which I will post on weekly (providing I am not in hospital). This one I'll keep up for my personal blog & personal knitting, the other one will be updated to let people know what we are up to for the business. I am so excited!

We've got a few bits and pieces made: hats, jewellery, booties, stitch markers the list just goes on.

Feel free to have a nosy: Our BLOG!

Also heres a few photos I've been meaning to up load:
 The Sweater I made!
 A hamper I am making!

I've been such a busy bee!

But guess what is coming back! #KNITOM ! 1st of October, I am so excited. Same rules as last time just keep knitting this time for 30 minutes a day! Can't wait.

Hello

Hi Guys,

At the moment, things keep coming and going.

BUT my knitting has never been better I have to dedicate a day where I upload photos I have knitted this gorgeous little jersey that I'd love to share with you! 

I'll tell you a bit about it.

It's knitted in this gorgeous 8 ply Col bolt Blue and it has a lot of stockinette as the top back and yoke and this sweet little bottom half of the sweater in an almost basket rib type stitch. I've sewn blue stars on it as the buttons of the sweater and it's just darling! Knitted in Newborn size and boy am I CLUCKY :) 

Here's a link to the pattern! Enjoy!

I also completed the Friday Night mystery knit hat ! That was soooo much fun.

I've started another little baby jersey too because they are just so darling!

Also I'm knitting a blanket for my daughter in the feather and fan repeat pattern out of a purple cake just for fun <3

Knit Om is coming back too! 1st of October guys. I am so excited :D 

The Swing Of Things

So, there is much to be said about trying to get back into the swing of things, I've been neglecting my blog. Which is bad of me I know. But my goodness, there is chaos in the house. I haven't had time to do half the stuff I NEED to get done.

A little bit about my personal life:
I am a writer, a mother, I work at a video store/post office/gluten free grocery/engraving & key cutting shop (yes that is all in the same building), I volunteer for 3 places: Salvation Army, Plunket and Loved for life (although right now hardly finding the time), I also have decided to start a very small Knitting Business. I am also planning my wedding to the love of my life which is October 21st! Almost only just a month away. We are also in the process of moving home. I have a 4 year old's birthday to help plan and a baby gender reveal party to plan, PLUS in November I am a bridesmaid. This is going to be a hectic end of year.

So as you can understand this blog has been sidelined a little, and my personal knitting is suffering just a little.

This is my current wish list that I need to keep a current record so this blog page is as good as a place as any :)


Mystery Knit - This because I really would like to participate in my first mystery knitting night, I think it would be fun so it NEEDS to be tonight.
Baby Sweater - This needs finishing by WEDNESDAY
Booties - This needs to be finished as well by TOMORROW for twins I've already done one pair in white, now to do the tan pair. These booties look so cute honestly CLICK! They are little baby ugg boots, so cute.

Also I have a friend who is trying for a baby so I absolutely MUST put a baby care package together for her future baby.

Keep a look out for future patterns as I think I currently have 6 in the works as well.

Micro-Preemie Ruffle Hat - FREE PATTERN

Micro-Preemie Ruffle Hat

PICTURE TO COME

Materials used:

15grams wool (If donating to a hospital please use materials requested, if making for a dolls hat DK yarn will suffice)
4.5mm Crochet Hook
4.00mm Knitting Needle
Scissors
Darning Needle


Chain 34

Single Crochet for 4 rows

When complete simply place the 4.00mm knitting needle into the top stitches, as if to chain a fifth row.

Knit for 10 rows

K2tog, K2 rep until end of row (25)

Knit across

K1, K2tog rep until end of row (17)

Knit across

*K2tog* rep until last stitch, k1 (9)

Knit across

Using Darning needle, thread through the remaining stitches and pull, sew up the hat using the method of a blanket stitch.

        If you would like to reproduce this item for selling, donating or personal use PLEASE feel free. 

                        However please do NOT sell my pattern. 

                                     © 2017 'Jasmine'sKnittingBlog.blogspot.co.nz' All Rights Reserved

*If you would like to share this pattern please link the pattern to those you would like to share it with. Do not copy or reproduce my pattern.*
                                       **Protected by the New Zealand copyright laws.**

                                   Any Photos posted with patterns are also © copyright protected.

I'm Baacck

 Hi Guys,

Sorry I've been away so long, lots has been happening and not in a good way. But I am back. So yay.

I've sent my cowl and scarf away finally. I still have my W.I.P bin, but I had to say good bye to some  of my books. About 200 of them, it was really hard. But it was for a good cause. I ran out of room in my wool shelf. So I had to make more room.

My apologies for the blurry photos.
So heres my mini stash still looking at ways to organise it but it's no longer in boxes. I had quite a lot of wool I purchased last month, most of it's in here.

I am most proud of finally being able to find sparkly wool. I've been looking all over for them! I finally found them in a little gem of a wool shop which has literally all the things I've been looking: Opal sock yarn, sparkly yarn, interchangeable needles... So yay no more having to buy online, while it's not a LYS it's going to become my go to first. It's half an hour away but it's so worth it.

I've also become extremely addicted to knitting in the past, but now its worse! :D
I've joined like 7 Facebook pages about knitting. I comment on them almost daily.

I have quite a few patterns to upload too! I hope that I put them up soon, I really need too. I'm currently working on a MicroPreemie hat. It's a crochet/knitting pattern. I will upload it on a seperate page.

Happy Knitting!

New Look

Hi all,

First, before the grumbling begins, here is a photo of my daughter sporting her headband (which she loves, which is great because she doesn't like wearing hats.)

I've picked up where I left off on my daughters Bolero, now that my friend is living with us she has cracked down on my W.I.Ps, she's locked down my stash and holding my knitting needles ransom. I am not allowed to cast on a new project until I have finished my W.I.Ps despite the fact I joined a group on Facebook to help with this and we start in January as part of the challenge. Nope, she doesn't want to hear it. She wants me to finish off all projects before starting another one. Seeing as how both her and my sister are both knitting Unicorns*, I am now out voted. I swear they take glee in torturing me. I am not even allowed to look up new patterns on the internet, even though we just went to the second-hand store and purchased 40 new patterns between the two of us. Grumble, grumble.

I suppose it's not a bad thing working on one thing at a time, weaving in ends, washing and blocking.... At least my daughter should still fit the Bolero if I finish it this week. Which would be nice. Although so saying that I've started a little wish list of items I'd like to knit. But first the Bolero, then the gloves, then the scarf (then upload that pattern), then the baby hats and the other items I am sure I am forgetting about.

Here is a link to the Bolero Pattern. I have to say Marianna's lazy daisy days blog is amazing for patterns, if you haven't checked her out yet I suggest you do so. Marianna does a lot of charity knits and uploads the patterns for free on her blog. A few are for purchase, but only because she needs the money to keep doing what's she is doing, which is understandable.

And as you may or may not have noticed there is a new look to the blog, I was getting tired of the old lay out and thought I'd have a play around on blogger. I think I've settled on something that I love. I do have a few more things to add on there though, hopefully, I can figure out how to do that soon.

I finished the no pattern blanket for my friend's baby Peanut, I will get her to help me write out the simple pattern and we will upload it on to this blog together. Stay tuned for the patterns.

~~Happy Knitting~~

The Dark Side

So, I have crossed over to the dark side. I am only new to this so it may only just be a phase. I have a hazy recollection of how it happened. It started off as an innocent, 'how do you manage to do that?' I was curious. You know how the saying goes; "curiosity killed the cat," well consider me killed. However, I do love the end of the saying "but satisfaction brought him back." Well consider me satisfied, coz damn!

                                                                     Here it is:

My first crochet project, it is half done, there are a few things that need doing, weaving in the ends and edging needs to begin but we will get there.

If you could see what I could see right now you'd crack up laughing, I love having my extended family here. Little Lu-Bun is goofy grinning at me while I am blogging. So adorable. Wish I was quick enough to take a photo.

I've been slowly getting my act together though, my UFO's I am relooking at the patterns and trying to find my spot again. The shawlette is almost complete. Then I have a few more items to make.

The weaving in has been done and edging has begun on the crochet blanket. I am already planning my next crochet project....

~Happy Knitting~

I've joined a support group

Hi All

Sorry, I haven't been around much, work has kept me so busy. Like working everyday kind of busy and the house is utter chaos but in a nice way. Having Jade here and her two kids have been amazing. Although tonight they are all staying over at her dad's. So it's a quite night here... which is suddenly unusual and I never knew how quiet the house was before.

 I've had to join a support group on Facebook. I was one a knitting page and I saw a post about UFO's it interested me. It said that this woman had so many UFOs and she wanted to get them under control, so she created another page created and dedicated to finishing UFOs the goal is to have 0 UFOs in 2018.  I knew I had issues with my UFOs, I have 6 of them.

I am looking forward to finishing these, but I can't help casting on more items! It's a problem I swear. I'd love to know if anyone has any tips.

The child's scarf I am working on is my own pattern though, I am trying it out so far I am not too enthusiastic about it. But hey at least I am trying. I would like to upload two more free patterns soon so keep an eye out for those.

 Item: Gloves                                                                                Item: Child's Scarf
Intended Recipient: Sister                                                           Intended Recipient: Charity    
Started: May                                                                                Started: Last month

<- Item: Headband
Intended Recipient: Daughter
Started: Yesterday


  Item: Baby hat ->
Intended Recipient: Charity Knit
Started: Last month

 Item: Borrello
Intended Recipient: Daughter                            My WIP/UFO binStarted: 3 months ago
  

Item: Shawlette
Intended Recipient: Charity Knit
Started: A few days ago

A Hectic Start

Greetings,

A lot has been happening and changing at my house at the moment. My family arrived (my best friend and her 2 kids)! Which I am so happy about. That means though currently there are 7 people in the house: 4 adults 3 kids 1 car... Yeah, I don't know how this is going to go but hey I am not complaining. 

Even though there are more adults to kids in the house, they still have more energy than us and keep each other up until past their bedtimes. I am hoping things will mellow out soon enough as they realise this is a semi-permanent thing. They arrived at 4 P.M Wednesday. Which don't even get me started on Wednesday it was busy, busy, busy!

I've started a knitting/crochet group! Now I have to put advertisements up I will be doing that tonight. I wonder how many people will show up. I am not holding my breath I am pretty sure it's only going to be 4-5 people (including myself).


The shawlette I've been knitting had been put on hold due to me crumbling to the ground in pain and unable to concentrate on a big "mini" project.

However, you know how I said I was going to be monogamous with this project?? Haha... yeah... I am not. I've knitted this really cute adorable tester headband which was intended for my daughter but it was too small so I am knitting the second one in a bigger size for her. Hope it fits.

The kids are awake go to go!
~~ Happy Knitting ~~

Days 29-30

Hi all

The coffee pot is full let's get down to business. 

Day 29

Today I did the unthinkable (well for me anyway), my mum has been trying to instil in me for I don't know how long that I need to declutter my stuff. I literally have over 500 books. Not even jokings, I have clothes in my closet that don't fit me that I've had since I was 7! I have handbags that were given to me that have never been used since I was 9. I have loads of stuff. Like the house is bursting at the seams (pun intended). So it all started with organising my daughter's room we have semi-permanent house guests moving in on Tuesday the 1st 2 adults 2 kids. So we are putting all the kids in the same room (that will be fun), so I've been clearing out the guest room too. Getting my junk out of both rooms.

It started with the bookshelves. I decided my daughter didn't need 200 books (most of which I have passed on to her so I didn't have to part with any). Then I was like well if I am getting rid of some of those books surely I can part with ten of mine? I did, I parted with 79+ books (79 is when I stopped counting but trust me I parted with more). Then my sister came home and cleared out our junk cupboard. It's now an art and craft cupboard yay!

I have grown up with mum teaching me two things:
1. Don't part with it, you never know when it may come in handy!
2. You need to get rid of this junk you don't use!

So as you can see, it confused me a lot growing up. I didn't know what was junk and what was going to come in handy one day... So I've grown up with some minor hoarding issues. It has taken me 22 years to admit this to myself, but now I have I can't stop. I've got 14 boxes of stuff to get rid of so I will be having a garage sale. Because it isn't stuff to throw away, it's stuff I genuinely took really good care of. I don't keep actual rubbish or newspapers, I had two piles, rubbish and garage sale.

REFLECTIONS:
- Reflect on an experience that challenged you this month, but also helped you grow.

Those socks, man those were a definite challenge but I did learn plenty of techniques with it.

- What is one accomplishment that you are particularly proud of this month?

I'm still glowing from my decluttering spree! But that's not knitting related. Knitting wise I am proud that I got so much done! 

- Reflect on how committing to a 30-day challenge has been good for you

I got my bum into gear and finished off some W.I.Ps, I made Christmas presents which I was going to put off for another month or two. I've learnt plenty of new techniques, I've had so much fun.

Day 30

So the 30th of July was the last day of Commit-To-Knit #KnitOm. I am disappointed that it is completed but I am not disappointed for what I have achieved. I've learnt new techniques, I've had a few failures and many successes. Plus I got this blog started. So hey all in and all it has been a wonderful experience!

I have had wonderful communication with Becky, the organizer of challenge and whom also runs the blog and Facebook page of #KnitOm. There will be another live challenge in October, I look forward to that.

A little summary:

I've knitted 2 hats, started a third, knit one scarf, started a second, learnt some new knitting techniques, had a failure of a sock, wrote a knitting pattern, finished off a lot of W.I.Ps  now I am down to only 2! I started an Instagram. I think that's about it.

FINISHED OBJECT:

Logan's scarf. Although it's too thin so I will just start again, I will keep this one but I'll knit him a new one :) with a different pattern this time. 

CURRENT PROJECT:

I've decided to knit a shawlette instead of another cowl in this colour. I've started this one to check off my list so, this one is knitting up fast too I am really enjoying it, so much so that I am thinking I will exclusively knit this!

                                                        ~~~~~~Happy Knitting ~~~~~~~~

Day 28

Day 28

I am casting off Logan's scarf! Whoo! I am so happy that is over with.

Today is the last day of #Sockstar challenge and it has me stumped. The toe is too wide, the foot is too short. I don't know what I did wrong, but I've asked for help on the page. While I wait for the answer I am going to finish casting-off the scarf.

Okay, that's it! I swear. I am being made fun of by the knitting goddess. I've angered her somehow. Here's the story of the failed sock. 

Story Time

Once upon a time in a far away land, a young knitter tried to be ambitious. It started off with her being lulled into a false sense of security. She measured her foot the way she was supposed. Timed it by .09. Got the measurements she was supposed to follow. This girl even went one step further by underlining the parts of the pattern she had to follow as determined by the pattern.

The first task was to use Judy's Magic Cast-On, that was a difficult technique. But the young knitter was determined. She watched tutorials on repeat until she understood it. This was the first step in knitting the toe-up sock, it was also the first step to her demise.

The second task was to knit in the round and work on the toe. The young knitter has only ever knitted in the round once, it was a cup-cake hat, which made her cry and was so painful but she stuck that hat out.* Getting back to the sock: working the toe seemed very easy to the young knitter, yes she had to work on a long circular knitting needle, but working with a few stitches on a long needle was frustrating it was over as quickly as it began.

The third task knit the foot. The young knitter was very happy to do this. At last something easy to knit! Or so she thought, little did she know this is when the knitting goddess decided to toy with the girl. 2 inches worked on the foot, the young knitter saw the sock starting to take shape, this is when it dawned on the young knitter something was wrong. The toe was very wide. She shrugged it off, she knew someone with wide feet she could gift the socks too. At least she was making progress. 

The fourth task knit the heel. This is where things get really weird. The heel so soon? The young knitter pondered. This is where she asked for guidance from the great Facebook Lord. Why so soon. Turned out the young knitter read an instruction wrong, time to backtrack. This is when the young knitter's frustration was the most apparent. The sock fit over both of her feet.

What fate lays in store for the sock? Time for it to be unpicked.

* A hat which is now enjoyed by a 4-year-old despite the mistakes! 

 All-in-all I've enjoyed knitting this sock... But I think it's time to unpick the sock and start a new project in the mean time. When I have a clear brain I will re-tackle this sock. Becuase I really want a pair of socks out of this yarn.

Day 27

Hi

I've been really enjoying my socks. I love knitting them so much! 

 LOOK, here's what I've done so far and my gauge! Proof that they have been made.

I am on my last repeat of the scarf I am knitting for Logan. I can finally see the end with the stupid thing. I am looking forward to it being finished. I have even had a cup of coffee just so I can stay awake and hopefully,/ finish knitting it tonight. 

Day 27 Reflections

I know I haven't been doing the reflections every day but at least if I do them every now and again I don't feel so bad! :) 

REFLECTIONS:

- What are you grateful for today?

I am grateful that the scarf is almost finished and that I learnt Judy's Magic cast-on! 
- Think about a difficult situation from your past. With hindsight, are you now able to see the good that came from that situation?

No, I guess that's why my family joke around and call me "pessimistic". But I've never really tried looking for the good in the bad... Maybe I should start? 
- Are you experience a real challenge right now? Look for the blessing in it. Can you find it?

No I am not, for the first time in a while I am happy and life is still and I am loving every moment.

Short and sweet blog for day 27! 

Day 26

                                                                        Greetings

             A Wee Rant

Ok, first a little rant. I am really hating the issues I am having with my phone. I think that the battery is dying as now it won't charge at all. There goes photos for a while. Sorry guys. Which really sucks, because I would love to show you the progress on the sock I am knitting!

Also, I was really getting into my Instagram! Now that's on hold again.

I am just really over not having any consistency with photos and the blog I really do apologize to those who actually read this blog. 
Okay, rant over.

                                                                     W.I.PS

So I am working on my first ever sock, working toe-up. To me, I never started to try socks because circular needles intimidated me, also knitting the toe and heel also intimidated me, but now I am like what was I so intimidated about. I am loving this tutorial from Dana, honestly, if you have never knit socks before check out #SockVirgin on Facebook. Here is the sign-up link. I wish I could show you my gauge as well for the socks, my gauge was perfect! I even washed and blocked said gauge and even though I thought I had made a mistake by throwing it in the drier (whoops!) it was luckily still in the delicate-bag so it didn't felt. In fact it came out looking exactly the same as when it went in the washer. It does feel a bit weird though throwing a small swatch/gauge into the washing machine.

Still working away on Logan's scarf. I think I am almost done with it. Well I am kind of hopeful that it's almost finished. I'd love nothing more than to be done with it already, I am honestly not feeling the love. But I am letting it guilt me, I haven't put it in the W.I.P bin it's sitting on my chair. Ready and waiting. Stupid thing.

                                                       On Other News

I've started filming my first Vlog, which I will upload to Youtube. I will keep you posted on when it's released. Well it's in the process of being filmed. It's not going to be a long one, I aim on doing a 15 minute introduction video.  

                                            Socks, Socks, Socks

So as I have been sitting here, working round after round on my socks. Which just look beautiful by the way, that yarn I purchased is just like a little piece of heaven to me. I've been wondering, how many socks can I knit in a month? Don't worry I am not setting a challenge for August, because I want to finish off my knitting goal first. But come Socktember September or Socktober October I will set a mini challenge for myself I think.  You know what that means?? Oh no, I will have to toddle off to the yarn shop over the hill and buy more yarn! What a catastrophe. I have to be careful though, I don't want to be over-zealous and catch second-sock-itis, that's a real thing you know. I wonder if I can convert my best-friend-who-happens-to-be-a-knitter-too to knit socks? I mean when you first learn things it can be very daunting. But I can't say I see whats to be feared of these socks anymore. I even want to rent out the sock a-la-carte book out and actually use it!

Oh I also need to order a sock blocker online. They don't sell them in any yarn store I've ever been in.  Or I can make one using wire. I think I will do that using this tutorial. Don't you just love the internet? It has almost anything on it.

New Techniques (to me) & Day 25

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hi All~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

New Techniques To Me

A list of new techniques I have never, ever done before as a knitter:

1. Swatch & Gauge
2. Block
3. Knit Socks
4. Buy expensive a** yarn
5. Knit in the round
6. Work with needles smaller than 3.75mm

So, here's a little today on swatches and gauges, some knitters love them, some knitters loathe them. I understand their purpose, and today I've created two, I'll tell you the first one came out perfect. Perfect tension, perfect gauge. Although I've never knitted a gauge before for reasons I will go into soon. Perfect or so I thought. I read the e-mail from Dana:

"The gauge for our Sock pattern is 8 stitches and 12 rows per 1 inch/2.5 centimeters using 2.25mm (US 1 ) needles in stockinette stitch.  That is my gauge."

OK so I C/O 8 sts knit for 12 rows. It measures EXACTLY as written. BUT then I read this:

"Knitting in the round is different than knitting flat because there are no wrong side rows, so we will work our gauge swatch without wrong side rows (no purls).   However to make swatching quick, and consume as little yarn as possible,  there is an easy way to work a gauge swatch in the round but flat." 

I watch the video and I am like, shaking my head, palm on face. This is an utter nightmare! So I C/O as video instructed. So I am knitting away I get to Row 23 and I stuff up! Now my pattern is in GARTER stitch which won't help with my gauge. I feel like I am wasting my pretty 100 grams of yarn on gauges. Anyway now I am washing it and I will block it when it's dry tomorrow. The instructions say wash as you intend to (cold machine wash), so that's where it currently is at the moment. I intend to block it to. Which I find hilarious because this is the first pattern where I've actually gone and made a gauge, washed & blocked something.

I'll have to take and upload photos as proof.
Once I've blocked my swatch and measured it I can actually Cast-On the sock dun-dun-dun.

Day 25

Well, I am sorry to say that I have only knitted on the gauge swatch today. It took some time as well, my daughter and I are both still unwell. I am NOT going to make my goal for this challenge, but I am NOT going to let that get me down, I still have EVERY intention to knit my goal even if it takes 2 months and not 1.

I am definitely enjoying this music as I knit though. It has taken me almost a full month to work through this 3 hour relaxing music from youtube.

Day 24

 Hi All

Warning: This blog post contains a lot of photos.

Crafting Time: My First Knitting Journal

Time to back into my daily journaling for this challenge (hopefully), I think I've managed to kick the worst of this flu.

Yesterday, was quite fun I managed to get a start on a few things that I'd like to share with you all.
I needed to get a knitting journal (and when I say need, I mean wanted but that's the same thing right?) I have lots of crafting stuff at home and have never really sat down and used it. Anyway, I changed the cover of the journal as it was this awful green clear folder cover. 

                    Crafting Time:  Stitch Markers Galore 

I also got started on my Christmas List. In which there are 3 on my list who would like stitch markers for Christmas what better way to fulfil that by making them?? So I got a little carried away I wanted to make 12 stitch markers I ended up making 40 (only 35 pictured don't know why... but trust me there is a gothic set too) 

So I made way too many of them but I love them! They are so cute I want to make more. I specifically love the butterfly set the most. I think they absolutely gorgeous. So now I have the fun thing of deciding who these go to for Christmas BUT what should I do with the rest??

Sock Star Challenge

I just received my first e-mail! Which I will be reading after I've finished composing this blog. The first email I've had a glance over it's about swatches and gauges. 

Challenge On the Horizon?

As we are nearing the end of the 30-Day-Commit-To-Knit I find myself feeling a little upset. I have loved this challenge and while I haven't completed my list (I still have a fair chunk of it to complete), I have enjoyed every minute. The reflections, sharing what I have done, seeing what others have done and the e-mailing. It has just been the best thing I have done for myself in a while. I look forward to taking part of this one again. It won't be until October but I have definitely enjoyed myself. 

                                     Current W.I.PS
I couldn't be bothered taking photos of these but trust me they are coming along. Logan's scarf I've just finished the second repeat. The girl's child-sized hat is coming along slowly but surely.

Days 17-23

Hi guys,

So I've been pretty sick with the flu and asthma so not much knitting has been done. Even my knitting needles have barely been touched.

I've made some small yet significant progress on the scarf. It's taken awhile but it will certainly be worth it once it's done. I managed 4 rows on day 17

REFLECTIONS:

- How does it feel to be unconscious? How does it feel to NOT know what you are doing moment to moment?
This question is in reflection to the task assigned for the day a mindfulness exercise. Termed like this pretty bad and displaced.
- What challenges did you face when you tried this exercise? What did you find hard?
Keeping an eye on what I was doing and not actually multitasking like I usually do. Although I probably got more knitting done in that ten minutes than I have all month. Although this scarf is taking forever.- What distractions keep you from living a more conscious life? How can you minimise them?
My never ending to-do list for the day, so much to do in such little time and energy. 

Day 18: No knitting was done. But I don't feel guilty about that, the flu is going around the house & sleep was far too important and vital for my health.

Day 19: 4 rows of a child's hat were cast on. I am using a grey and purple. I love this colour combo. Yes, I started another W.I.P but it's day 19! Guys! C'mon that scarf is sucking up my time. Yes it's important no it won't be abandoned but I really, really don't like knitting scarves. That's ok though I will do it for those who ask very nicely.

Day 20 was spent in the hospital. No knitting was done, everything is well.

Day 21-23 No knitting was done. Been taking care of my one-year-old and myself who both are still sick with the flu it's awful.

Will get back to knitting and blogging like normal when the household is better.

Day 16 & Sew it Sunday

                                                                 ~~Greetings~~

Self-Improvement

I've decided I have way too many W.I.Ps in my bin, I didn't think to take a photo of it before I started on it. But I think there were about 10 projects in there.
A sweater for my daughter
A dishcloth
2 small blankets
A glove
A bootie
A prem Hat
A 1-year-old
1 cowl
2 scarfs

A lot of these projects just needed sewing up and ends weaving in. So today for me is what I do every now and again "Sew it Sunday". Where my main priority is sewing up finished projects and weaving ends in.

All that's left in my W.I.P bin now is 2 scarves (that need finishing), the glove, the baby sweater and the bootie. 

   My Daughter sporting the slouchy beanie I created (she didn't want to keep on long enough to take better photos)

Day 15 Reflections:

- Write about a time you accomplished something that seemed impossible (or very difficult at the time)

When I was 15-16, I was writing a lot. I joined in challenges like 30-day-script (April - no longer available) challenge NaNoWriMo (Novemeber - Which I still do). That year I had no inspiration at all in April other than the last 3 days, in which I managed to write 106 pages of a script. My goal was 90 pages, the challenge was 100 pages. I was very happy with it. In November ( the main goal is 50,000 words, mine was 25,000) I completed 25,642 words (I can't believe I still remember that) anyway that novel got published. So I was very happy.

- What are some small actions that, if you made them part of your daily routine, would make a positive difference?

Implementing a system with knitting & writing. Something more than just sitting and doing it. I am trying to get my W.I.Ps down so I don't have more than one project on the go. It's not something I want. I want to work on one thing at a time. Not many.  I want to see progress, not feeling like I am sitting in the same place.

- Make a list of all your small wins this week.

1) I finally sewed up all the old projects that were sitting in my W.I.P bin
2) I bought some items to repurpose and have almost finished repurposing one project.
3) Brought the needles and Yarn I needed for SPECIFIC projects
4) I am 20 points away on Lincraft to get a $10 voucher
5) I've reorganised my wool again (trust me it needed it)

Day 16

I am trying my best not to start another project, the scarf I am knitting for Logan is slow going I am on the first repeat of 4. Row 3. I am really really banging my head against a brick wall. I can't wait for this to be finished. It needs to be finished as soon as possible. My goal is to have it finished next Sunday. 

Had to share this photo from the commit to Knit 30-Day Challenge Facebook page

Improvements to come & Day 15

        ~~ Greetings readers! ~~

First all I'd just like to apologise for not updating my blog daily. This was my goal for July's challenge #KnitOm but alas life got in the way.

Improvement Suggestions

It's been pointed out to me by a relative who reads my blog needs improvements and here are some things I SHOULD improve on:

- Blog is too short
- Blog is a mess
- No greetings
- Not consistent
- No subject matter


First of all, as I pointed out to said relative, the subject matter is KNITTING & this is a journal for me, mainly to keep track of my projects on #KnitOm & other challenges. Personal growth and all that jazz.

I guess the self-improvement thing would be good if I improve the blog. Maybe organise my thoughts more. I've probably talked about this before although, it is so hard to remember.

Day 14 Reflections:

- If you are completely honest with yourself, what beliefs or assumptions hold you back? Make a determined effort to release them.

Forgiveness is a hard concept for me, but I am working on it.

- What are 3 negative thoughts you don’t want to have any more? What can you do to let go?

Mainly self-deprecating thoughts. I've been going through a rough-patch of depression, I go through highs and lows of it, but I would really love to be healed from this. There is also not being able to forgive. Forgiveness has been hard for me, but that is something that I plan on fighting through and something I have been fighting through this year.

I am working my way through a 12-Step progress on forgiveness, and I have gotten help with my depression. So I know I am on my way. 

- What do you need to let go of in order to freely move forward in your life?

There's a few things to say the least that I need to let go of, I am aware of that. It's just 'lettting' go is not as easily done as said. 

On a less SOMBRE note
Photos are back!

Look below for current photos of W.I.PS! I have a phone again! We went out for a trip to Lincraft and the dollar store and I got myself 2 phone chargers. So I never, ever, have to live without my phone again. 

Current W.I.P:

Recipient: Logan
Item: Scarf
Pattern Link: Professors Scarf



Luna's Dreamer

So far there has been no new additions to the dreamer pattern, but I will upload it. I love it so darned much though. I have brilliant dreams of slipping stitches, purling & knitting. Ahh, bliss! 

Projects to CAST ON

I have dreamed a plenty, knitting is the main one on my mind! I have found glorious numerous amounts of patterns on Ravelry & AllFreeKnitting. I have two projects I so desperately want to knit for myself. I know for me! It's shocking and unbelievable I think I've only ever knitted one thing in my life for myself! I usually gift my knitted items away. I've knitted a cowl before I knew what a cowl was. It wasn't very good, it was thrown away a couple of years ago. I wish I had documented it before I had thrown it away. I can't believe I threw it away. I would never THROW projects away now, I'd frog it, knit something new. 
Sky Scarf Pattern Link - Free

Hitch Hiker Pattern Link - $4.62** NZD



** Changes in price may occur due to foreign exchange rates

Well, hows this for improvements on the blog? 

~~~Happy Knitting ~~~

Day 15 one row of Logans Scarf completed. 260 Sts across why did I think that it was going to knit up in a few days? Jokes on me.

Today I went thrift store shopping came home with numerous amounts of needles which have been placed in assorted buckets (my sisters and my needle buckets), so trying to find which ones I bought would be a mission and a half. But trust me... I bought heaps.

I also purchased a few patterns ten cents each whoop whoop!

A scarf and two Jerseys I plan on repurposing because I saw this really awesome video on Facebook about repurposing old sweaters and I thought well I'd practise on a scarf first and MAN there is a lot of white wool. Which is good because I need some more white wool. The jerseys are a light blue and a navy blue.

Then my sister decided she just needed to go over the hill to Lincraft to buy some wool. So obviously I tagged along because I needed some wool for the sock challenge and needles too.
I almost got a completely different colouring to the yarn because they had more in store than listed on their site! How does that happen??

Then as I've stated in this blog post I wanted to knit a hitch hiker, so I got some wool for that. Also some cotton yarn for dishcloths for Christmas gifts because who doesn't want a dishcloth for Christmas??

The email from Becky on #KnitOm is just amazing on day 15.
Here's a quote of it I would like to share with you, and this I find rings true to me. 

Over these past 15 days, you’ve come a long way. You have completed (or are well on your way to completing) your knitting project(s). And you got there by working on it a little bit, every day.

"One stitch at a time.

And although it is satisfying to see the results of our efforts - to see actual progress on our knitting - let’s not overlook the significance of making a commitment to do something, to start a new habit, and doing it every day!

It’s so easy for other people’s needs, wants and wishes to get prioritized over our own. It’s hard to find the time to do what really fulfills us, restores us, connects us."

Being a mum of a young toddler, of course, everything she needs or wants get prioritise over mine. She relies on me and the rest of her family to help her with little things. Yes, I am teaching her independence as she grows there are things she needed my help with last year that she doesn't need my help with now. But, she still needs me.

Also, Becky made a mention on the wow brain and the ow brain. I will probably go more into this later. But I do find it quite interesting. If you are interested in what this is I have skimmed over this article here.