Close to my Heart

Cards and a Meme

It's been a long time since I've posted any cards here.  I've neglected papercrafting and my Etsy shop since purchasing my spinning wheel and becoming an obsessed spinner.  The last couple cards I've made have been simple and quick. 

This card was for a dear friend's birthday a few weeks ago:

And this one, sadly was for a co-worker who lost her mother earlier this week:

Jackie tagged me for a meme, so I will close with that. Today is the first Farmer's Market of the season for my community, so I'm headed there this morning.

• I am:  who I am
• I think: I am a thoughtful, caring person
• I know: I am a homebody
• I want: to travel
• I have: lots of purses!
• I wish: I was more motivated to clean my house more
• I hate: prejudice
• I miss: My Granny who died almost 24 years ago
• I fear: loosing my loved ones
• I feel: content
• I hear: the television
• I crave: sweets
• I wonder: why people can have no compassion for people less fortunate than them
• I regret: that I didn't travel in my youth
• I love: my husband
• I ache: can't think of an answer
• I care: about children
• I always: need my morning coffee
• I am not: athletic
• I believe: in fate
• I dance: rarely but sure love it when I do!
• I sing: while listening to music in my car
• I cry: easily
• I don't always: listen as well as I should
• I fight: for what I believe in
• I write: for my blog, Ravelry forums, and lots of emails at work
  
• I win: can't think of an answer to this one
• I lose: or to this one.  I'm not a competitive person

I'm not going to tag anyone.  If you've made it this far....have a great Sunday!

Not a year in review...

Well,  I had great plans to write a year in review type post here, but that just isn't going to happen.  I also had great plans to blog more while I was on vacation.  I return to work tomorrow, and obviously that never happened either.  I will say that 2007 proved to be a year where the majority of  my knitting seemed to consist only of socks.  My Gallery (see sidebar) is hopelessly out of date (was hoping to remedy that while on vacation too....never happened. I'm thinking that I won't create a new Gallery for 2008 but will just list my projects over on Ravelry) but I know that I haven't completed any new garments since it was last updated.  So, in 2007 I knit only two sweaters (malabrigo top down cardi and the pinwheel), two shawls (one still needs to be blocked) knit one bag, crocheted two bags, as well as lots of socks. I will always have socks on the needles, but really want to accomplish more than that in the New Year.

My first Finished Object in 2008 will likely be Mr Greenjeans:

Unfortunately, this sweater isn't as close to being done as it would appear in this picture.  I'm going to frog back to about two inches above where the cable rib pattern begins, as it is too low on my body.  I was initially going to leave it, but know I will enjoy this sweater more if it fits properly.  I've really been enjoying the cable rib pattern (it knits up much quicker than I thought it would thanks to cabling without a cable needle) so I really can't complain.  Maybe I am a process knitter after all?

2007 was also the year that I got into papercrafting and started my Etsy store.  It's been a lot of fun, gives my hands a break (since I do have some carpal tunnel like symptoms), and I've met an awesome group of fellow Canadian Etsians in the forums.  I also enjoy having a Finished Object in much less time than while knitting or crocheting.  Here's one of my last card creations for 2007, again using a Stamping Bella stamp. 

I made three of these cards as a thank-you to some awesome friends who supported me in my journey to a promotion at work.  I chose this particular stamp as we had recently enjoyed a day at the spa together, which ended with a soak and a clay scrub.

More camaraderie was enjoyed through knitting events such as retreats and fiber festivals.  I met lots of fellow knit bloggers for the first time this year, including Peg, Lisa, Raven, Michelle, Shannon (just yesterday, finally, even though she lives only a kilometer or two away from me), and even the Yarn Harlot herself.  I also enjoyed continuing friendships with Shelley and Uli.

I don't make New Year's resolutions, but I do have hopes for the 2008.  I want to spin more, I haven't touched my spindle for a couple months at least.  Was also planning to do that during Christmas vacation....  I will start Kauni as soon as Mr. Greenjeans is off the needles (really!).  I want to add more pages to my scrapbook and not just make cards.  And of course I need to eat healthier, exercise more, and loose some weight.  And I look forward to some interesting challenges ahead at work as I start my new position on January 7th.

Hmmmm, looks like I just wrote an end of year post, how'd that happen?  I wish each of you New Year filled whatever makes you happy!

Two weeks

Wow, I can't quite believe the time that has elapsed since my last post.  I have  been knitting though, and have two finished projects to show you today.  First, the fifth and final pair of Christmas gift socks:

Yarn is ONline Supersocke 100 Holiday Color 90 in colourway 1001.

I also finished an early gift for myself:

Beautiful, yummy cashmere which feels SO soft around my neck.  Pattern is a shop pattern from Fun Knits.  Hand dyed yarn is from Sweatermaker, also available from Fun Knits.

Part of the reason I've been absent from the blog and only lurking and not commenting on friend's blogs, is because I've been busy studying for a selection panel at work.  I'm happy to report that all went well, and I have received a promotion into a supervisory position.  I'm moving departments so will have a bit of a learning curve, but I am SO pumped and excited about this that I've been lying awake at night thinking about it.  I have been ready for a change for a while, and am so thrilled to have this opportunity.  I anticipate a bit of a learning curve and longer work hours (as well as going away for some training in February), so I'm sure the blog will once again be neglected in the new year.  But as I said,  I'm excited and  really looking forward to some new challenges.  I officially start the new position on January 14th.

I'm on vacation here shortly, I work on Monday and then am off until December 31.  I'm looking forward to having a bit of time on my hands (the Christmas knitting is pretty much done and the shopping completed as well, just wrapping left to do) so I plan to blog much sooner than two weeks from now.  I have some cards and things to show you.  Bye for now!

Catch Up

So did anyone even notice that I've been gone for a bit?  I knew I was going to have a busy couple weeks and was going to post about taking a blog break.  Then I thought that I would still have a few minutes to blog and wouldn't need the break.  Well that never happened.  Here's a recap of the last couple weeks:

Had a bad fall while skating, hurt my knee, and was off the ice for two weeks.  Just back this week and the knee is feeling much better now.  I was really nervous going back on Monday, and could really feel the tension in my skates.  I actually hemmed and hawed about going back, and am now really glad that I got "back on the horse" so to speak.

I've been devoting more time to my Etsy store and have been making more sales.  I have a few Christmas cards up as well as more of my Knitters Gift Tags (which are doing quite well, thank you if any of my purchasers are amongst my blog readers) including some in Christmas cards.

Busy in the evenings overall, few evenings home these days.  Am only home tonight because a meeting was thankfully postponed until next week.

Continuing to knit on the Leaf Lace Shawl I showed you in my last post, but unblocked lace on needles isn't too exciting to show.  Just picture more rows than shown in that last post.  Really enjoying this knit though.  Lace knitting is definitely about the process, because I don't have a lot of need for shawls in my everyday life (although I like to picture myself needing them).

Finished my September socks almost down to the wire.  I'm part of the

and just always have to finish at least one pair per month.  Here they are:

Apologies for the picture, there's been nothing but rain and clouds the last several days.  Yarn is Panda Cotton, top down, 3 X 1 rib on 56 stitches, standard heel, German round toe.

Bought this great boxy bag on Etsy:

It arrived today and I love it!  Highly recommend Etsy seller ZigZagStitches.  A girl can never have too many sock project bags!

So there's a quick recap for anyone still there.  Back soon, hopefully!

Seven Random Facts, and Fibre Fest Weekend Ahead

Long time no post.  It's been a rather busy week, and I haven't been motivated to blog.  I'm overdue in posting my Seven Random Facts, I was tagged by Lizz a good week ago.  So here goes.

1.  I'm a 70s girl through and through.  I have Sirius Satellite Radio in my car, which has over 110 stations, but 99% of the time, I listen to the 70s station.  Really must branch out!
2.  In evidence of my Asian Ancestry, I'd rather eat rice than potatoes any day.  And I prefer plain steamed rice with soy sauce, don't like the fancy pilafs that much.
3.  I'm not a morning person AT ALL, but do get up fairly early on work days so that I have time to drink coffee and read blogs.  REALLY hate it when people comment that I'm not a morning person, particularly in the morning.  Just leave me alone, please!
4.  I'm somewhat of a neat freak, yet you'd never know if if you saw my messy pantry and completely out of control spare bedroom.  I try not to look at either but really need to do a major organization.
5.  I've been crafting from a young age, but the medium varies with time.  I've made candles, soap, and cross stitched.  Nothing is more relaxing though than playing with yarn. 
6.  I have a fear of sewing machines and will NEVER be a seamstress or quilter as a result.  My main memory from grade 8 home ec class is the somewhat senile teacher constantly screaming "don't drop the pressure foot!"  I did try to sew as a young adult but it is just not my thing.  I have great admiration for the talented quilters and seamstresses out there though.
7.  I love to change into my sleep wear right after work if I have no plans for the evening.  Friends and family make fun of me for that, but I've never understood the point of changing from work clothes to more casual attire, to only have to change again to go to sleep!  And it annoys me when I get bugged about this too!

Well that wasn't so hard, hope I haven't bored you. 

Vacation countdown is now here.  Four more work days, then I'm off for about 10 days.  I'll start my vacation by heading to Victoria for the Fibre Festival.  I'm going to be taking a beginning spinning class, but what I'm most looking forward to is finally getting to experience the Yarn Harlot in person.  Sometimes I feel like I'm the only knitting blogger who hasn't heard Stephanie speak in person!  By next week at this time, I'll no longer be n the minority.

Speaking of the Yarn Harlot, have you ever tried to explain her to Muggles?  Someone promoting books, very funny, hundreds of people turn out to listen to her?  Most people just look at you like you're crazy!  Other crafters seem to get it though, I was telling the owner of the Scrapbook store I frequent about my plans for next weekend the other day, and she thought it sounded wonderful!

Hopefully I'll  post again before I leave for Victoria, and have pictures to share too.  Blog entries without are rather boring.  Thanks if you've made it this far!

Energy

I'm having an awesome week, for a number of reasons:

1.  I feel extremely happy and well rested. I have more energy than I've had in MONTHS!
2.  Skating was awesome Monday night.  Newly sharpened skates make such a difference and improved my skating considerably.
3.  I've had some of the best sleeps I've had in AGES.  Two nights in a five day period where I didn't have to get up during the night.  I NEVER sleep through the night!
4.  Back to my noon hour workouts.  Feels SO good!
5.  Finished my second pair of socks this month:

They're made of Opal 6 Ply 1711 and they knit up really, really fast.  More socks for Joe, who is so very appreciative of them! And with all the blue white,and gray, these definitely are my February item for Project Spectrum. Just noticed that these colours run for March as well, I guess I didn't need to rush so much!
6.  I feel like I'm getting my knitting mojo back, and know exactly what projects I plan to cast on in the next few days (but am actually going to lengthen the Malabrigo Cardi sleeves first, which in itself I'm thrilled that I really want to do)
7.  I'm having fun Stamping and getting to know that online Community.
8.  I sold something on Etsy this morning within MINUTES of listing.  Made me very very happy.  It's a knitting related item, and I have another set available:

(Click on the picture to go to my Etsy store)
9. The days are getting longer.  Spring is coming, and I even saw a couple fat robins this morning.  Never mind that it has snowed a bit today!
10.  Life is GOOD!   

On Vox: VACAY!!!!

 

   
   

MEME

   

» Read more on Vox

   

Blog Fodder

Since my last post, I've made pretty good progress on the Lacy Cardi, and all going well, should finish the knitting this coming weekend.  Both sleeves are now done, the back was finished a while back, and I'm well into one of the front pieces.

I've joined a couple new KALs:

I plan to use this yarn, Silver Thaw that has been in my stash for about 1 1/2 years

to knit this.

I've also joined

And finally, because I have nothing else to say, I present to you, Blog Fodder, those questions that everyone has been answering.  Useless information about me that you probably don't even care to know!

1. FIRST NAME? Brenda

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Not that I know of.

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? A couple months ago during a rough morning before work.

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? It's okay.  It's gotten rather messy now that I use a computer for almost everything though.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Cervelet Salami

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Sure!

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? You're reading it!  I've made various attempts at handwritten journals over the years, but always loose interest eventually.  I've been much more consistent here.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yep!

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Not a chance!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Hmmm, not one favourite.  Favourite comfort food cereal when I'm sick is Rice Krispees with bananas.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes, but only my workout shoes have ties, otherwise I try to avoid lace up shoes.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Not particularly.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Anything that has chocolate in it.

14. SHOE SIZE? 7

15. RED OR PINK? Pink

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? MY weight, and I feel that I'm lazy.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Granny

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Not real applicable here.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Jeans, orange striped shirt, slippers.

20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Two peanut butter cups (from the Halloween goodies) for dessert after leftover roast beef dinner.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Joe has the listings channel on the tv.  And I can hear Frisbee eating.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Well the first colour that comes to my head is magenta.

23. FAVORITE SMELL? Not sure.  Floral perfume, but can't beat the smell of a turkey dinner cooking or bread baking.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? A client at work.

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO?  Varies, can't really isolate one thing.  Maybe a compassionate person who cares about the underdog (there's the social worker in me!).

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? Sure, all the other bloggers who've posted this are all great.

27. FAVORITE DRINK? Hmmm, I have a few:  coffee, water, milk, coke

28. FAVORITE SPORT? Figure skating of course!

29. EYE COLOR? Brown

30. HAT SIZE? No idea!

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes

32. FAVORITE FOOD? Chocolate!

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Definitely happy endings.

35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer all the way!

36. HUGS OR KISSES? Both!

37. FAVORITE DESSERT? chocolate

38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND n/a

39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND n/a

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Been really bad at reading lately.  I have a few books on the go that I haven't touched for ages (hangs head in shame). 

41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE Pad? I have a mouse pad but there is no design on it.  So I guess the answer would be my mouse!

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Last night was skating, so I didn't really watch much except a King of Queens rerun.

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS ocean waves

44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Either or neither.

45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Hawaii

46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT Couldn't tell you! I'm not particularly artistic or athletic.....

47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?  Creston BC Canada

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Saw it on about a bazillion blogs!

to me!   

It 's a day off work today, and I'm looking forward to a quiet day with Joe, the kitties, and my knitting.  CeCe is almost done, just the neckband to knit and sew on.  She'll then need a good blocking before I can show her to you. 

Thanks for all the input about which socks to knit next.  I've changed my mind several times since the post, but will make a decision at some point today.  After all, I can't start the work week tomorrow without socks on the needles!

A WIP and A List

SO glad that tomorrow is Friday.  It's been a dull dreary week here weather wise, which I find really affects my energy level.  The weather is supposed to improve for the weekend, I sure hope it does.  We've had unseasonably cool temps here on the West Coast this week.  We've needed the rain that has fallen, but come on, it's the middle of July after all!  I'm writing this entry wearing my flannel nightgown.  That is just so wrong for this time of year!  My family teases me about being ready for bed so early in the evening, but why not get comfy?

As far as knitting goes, I've started my second CeCe.  I was inspired last week by Margene's beautiful sweater, so decided to cast on using Project Spectrum Purple Print Elann Sonata that has been in my stash for about three years (love using up stash yarn!).  I'm pleased with how it is turning out, and hope to make great progress this weekend.  It looks much nicer and the lace pattern is more evident in person than in the picture (but you can see it better if you click for a bigger view).  Thanks Margene for the inspiration, I would never have considered using a verigated yarn for this lacy sweater.

Finally, because I have nothing more to blog about, I've decided to show My LIfe's To Do List, as seen on many other blogs lately.  If you want to see how boring I really am, you can read the extended entry.