Vortex Shawl...update

So, my first shawl is coming along swimmingly! I use swimmingly bc it sort of reminds me of deep dark colors of the sea...the colors you don't see until you're further down into the ocean, into the habitats, into the life and depth of something that is still unknown to most of us. Scary ahd hypnotic, yet familiar and serene, because of the amount of beauty which is immersed into you. You're forced to shut everything out, the day to day, the noises, the sounds, which make land so complicated. You look around you and realize these are living creatures which have their own status, lives, deaths, triumphs and failures...they're just as alive as we are and just as blessed but we cannot wrap our heads around this blessing because it is so different from our own...and yet so the same.

I'm sorry where was I? Oh yes, shawl.

Okay, so the shawl is about 50% done. I am totally totally in love with it and cannot be happier with my choice on the first project. I like this project because one, it is very simple pattern, easy to memorize and 2, it is forcing me to learn to make sure to pay attention to repeats, use markers and also really actually READ a pattern.

(I'm definitely a 'skimmer', you know the one's that half read everything and then go back and go 'oh what did i do wrong?' only to realize they skimmed past half the instructions.)

So, I give this shawl 2 thumbs up on beginning circular shawl options. My next task is one I'm hoping to start this week as my sister has decided on her birthday gift. woohoo! another shawl, in the works.



pattern on ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vortex-shawl

Happiness Hump Day

It's Wednesday!! :) you know what that means? That's right, happiness at your fingertips.

Happiness is....

a warm dog at your side.

Happiness is....

your favorite cup of tea.

Happiness is....

a text message from your best friend.

Happiness is....

a call from your nephew.

Happiness is....

making a friend laugh.

Happiness is....

a hug from your parent.

Happiness is....

finding happiness in the day to day.

My apologies...

I have been a terrible blogger for most of July. I wanted to let you all know that I didn't forget about you!! :)

I'll do updates this week and then also, will let you know about next projects to tackle. My sister's birthday is coming up in September and she actually already saw her present..a skein of yarn and now she's picking out what I'm to do with it over the next week, so I'm hoping to be able to post the 'before I get started pics' on Sunday.

Anyway, I hope you all have been fabulous, enjoy August, hope it's not nearly as hot there as it is here...95-100 for the last 3 weeks and looks to continue for most of this week. It'll be a small day in heaven once we are at 85 again & can't believe that I'm looking forward to it.

Have I mentioned I melt in summer? If not, then you know what I'm really doing which is mostly picking up parts of me which have fallen off. Gah!

Anyway, much peace, love and purl!

-Nicole

Sunday Knit update

Hola Mi Senoritas and Senors...sorry watching Golden Girls and conversing in Italian. None of that which I stated is italian..but as close as it gets....now where was I..oh yeah.

Hello Beautiful new followers and the rest of my knitting brigade! :)

I'm so sorry I've been such a slacker on updating my blog this week. A couple of things have gone on which are beyond my control which require my full attention. I am (maybe) moving by next weekend, so this weekend has been chocked full of hassles and pains which come with any move. Although, some of them are almost to the point I don't think I WILL move, which is a whole other blog entry on its own.

However, I did manage to login (ha!) so I am leaving you with a flashback to an older blog.

October 2009: Karen Yarn

I have this lovely set of yarn via my best friend. It's called "Karen" as it reminds me so much of my stepmom in the colors. She's a fanatic about purples, teals and greens.

I absolutely love how this knits up and how delicate yet sturdy it is...plus the pattern is helpful in making it look beautiful. I can't take credit for the colors or the pattern, just the knitting of it!

If you would like to check out where I got my yarn, you can go to http://undonesweater.etsy.com.

For this pattern, it's from http://www.knittingonthenet.com/patterns/scarfdiageyelet.htm

This is one of my favorite websites as a lot of the scarf patterns are easy, yet beautiful and also easy to memorize so they are great knits in front of the tv.

I know my stepmom will love this as much as I am loving knitting it! I'm naming this particular scarf and hat set "Grapevines" as it reminds me of lattice work with climbing ivy and grapes.

Happiness Hump Day

Today is normally the day I post about what made me happy today. This will be a stretch as had a rough day. I did take a nice long nap and naps are my way to reconcile any stress or anxiety happening. I feel a little better.

So my happiness things today are....

1. Sadie,my dog. She is such an amazing dog. She always knows how to make me feel good and even get me to laugh when I am grumpy. I love her more than anything.

2. Twizzlers

3. My nephew, Fboy, is such a crack up. He's totally hit the terrible 3's and I love it every second...but then I don't have to live with it. ;)

4. My friends. I seriously love my friends and there are times I know that they were brought into my life because they are SO the opposite of me and keep me grounded.

5. Cherry Diet Dr. Pepper. yeah...you make me happy

I feel a little better now after that exercise too. Remember to count blessings, bc they are blessings for a reason.

30 days of Lists: day 14

Things I love about...Friday July 8th.

1. My work day flew by
2. I had amazing sushi
3. I reconnected with my friend (whom is also my boss and don't tell me that is tough)
4. we saw Better Than Ezra
5. We had the most amazing sushi EVER
6. I tried a new sushi roll with fried calamari
7. We had a blast dancing and singing at the top of our lungs
8. We were the most fun people there (okay maybe not but sure felt like it)
9. I was able to discuss some fears openly about my job and life
10. The only thing which could have made my day better was if my BFF was there to enjoy the festvities

What about you? can you make a list of things you love?

30 days of Lists: day 13

Day 13 is DIY to try. It's funny how learning knitting has suddenly inspired me to try all sorts of crafty things. I sort of feel as these are things I wish I had learned many years ago, but never too late to try anything.

1. Continue trying out new knitting techniques, yarns, ideas
2. learn to crochet
3. learn to hand sew
4. learn to machine sew
5. take up card making


I think that will keep me quite busy for a while. ha! Not only am I going to enjoy going to 'formal' education but will also enjoy working on arts/crafts more. Yippee!!

What about you? is there anything you know you would like to try this year? maybe something you've laid away to restart?