Adding to my Stash

There were a lot of things on my To Do List for this weekend, and I'm doing a pretty good job at getting items done and crossed off the list! Is it bad that between "work on job applications," and "prepare lesson plan for interview," I listed "go to yarn store?" I hope not! I'm rapidly approaching the end of my Parchment Paper Socks, and I need a new project.

There are about a billion things I want to knit, but I managed to narrow it down to a few patterns. Finally, I decided to do a bag that I wanted to start last spring. May I present: The Firefly Bag!

Firefly bag [source].

I'm excited because I'll get another chance to try casting on without a seam, and knitting up. The pattern also calls for a double sided lining. I'm already itching to get down with a sewing machine and try my skills! Sewing is definitely on my long term To Do List, and with this pattern I'll be able to try sewing in pockets and a zipper. I found this beautiful dark blue, so there are a lot of possibilities for bright and fun lining fabrics.  Here are some sneak peeks at what I bought:

Yarn detail.

Midnight Blue Hempathy Yarn. It should be sturdy enough for all the random stuff I always end up putting in my bag!

For my handwashing.

 I was really excited to find the Eucalan wash. I'm never quite sure how to hand wash my knit items. I kind of swirl them around in warm water with some shampoo, and then rinse and gently squeeze out the excess water before laying them flat to dry. It's a huge pain, and I hate it! But this Eucalan doesn't need to be rinsed out! I can just soak my items, then dry. Did I mention that it smells delicious?

Have a happy (and productive) weekend!

Off the Needles!

I've been lazy about updating my blog, but I promise I haven't been lazy with my knitting! Here's a peek at the past few weeks month and a half of my life:

After I finished my Roheline Cardigan, I had some extra yarn. A lot of extra yarn. I ended up turning it into a pair of socks! I used the Looking Glass Socks pattern, and I think they came out beautifully.

Busy Bee

Detail on my sweater: Zig zag pattern.

Knitting fever has taken hold of me once again. I just finished the front of my Swimming Pullover, and started the sleeves. I was silly and forgot to buy the double pointed needles that I needed, so I had to delay the sleeves a few days. Luckily, I had picked up some extra sock yarn, and I used to it to hold me over. I found a great toe-up sock pattern to try a new cast on.  It's seamless and amazing! Now I have a problem: I have 2 current projects. This hasn't happened before, because I know that if I get distracted from a project, I may never go back and finish it. My challenge to myself is to finish both my sweater and my  new socks in a reasonable amount of time.

Beginning of my new socks!

I also started a Pinterest account! At first I wasn't sure if I would like it, but after looking around the site I'm convinced. If you would like to follow me, I'm Fiberequations.

Now I'm going to go whine... I led my rugby girls in the P90X ab ripper yesterday, so it hurts to move. Then I did a leg circuit today, and I'm pretty sure my legs are going to fall off. At least the soreness lets me know that I'm getting a good workout!

Obsession: Natural Wooden Products

My ideal hardwood floor... Wide, dark planks [source].

I'll admit it- I watch a lot of HGTV (the Home and Garden Network). A lot. Pretty much any show where they're doing a renovation or looking at real estate has me hooked! While watching (and silently arguing with homeowners when they make poor decorating choices), and I realized that I loooooove wood. Hardwood floors, beautiful furniture, and lately some interesting accessories. While I'm talking about hardwood floors can I give some advice? Stick with the basic layout. Don't choose to use herringbone or parquet patterns! Yuck. I will also admit that watching these shows gives me an urge to buy a fixer-upper and renovate! We'll see how that goes... Below are some of the wooden products on my List of Things to Buy When I Get a Full-time Job:

A Visit from Australia!

In case you didn't know, I spent spring of 2009 studying abroad in Brisbane, Australia. When I got back, I kind of talked about it ALL OF THE TIME. Because it was amazing.  I made some incredible friends, had a lot of fun, saw some amazing things, and even went to my college classes (mostly). I'm pretty crappy at keeping in touch with people, but I've managed to keep up with one friend, who stopped by during his month-long visit to the States.  Duncan was nice enough to come to school with me and answer all kinds of weird questions about Australia. We hit up the Pennsylvania Farm Show on one day, and then drove down to Washington D.C. and went sightseeing.  Ohmygosh, it's exhausting to be a tourist! Walking around for hours in sub-freezing temperatures counts as a workout, right?

DIY: Woven Scarf Knot

My sister came home from college with a cute new way to wear scarves!

I have to give her credit for showing me how to tie it (thanks Meg!), but you don't have to tell your friends where you got it from.  It's our little secret ;)  This knot is great because it lies flat, and doesn't get in your way.  It's really easy too!

Holiday Recap

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays! I got lots of lovely knitting goodies for Christmas (and a Kindle touch)! I'm not going to lie, I spent the past year wondering if I would like a Kindle. Everybody I know that has one looooves it, but I still thought reading on a screen would be weird. Now, I'm definitely a Kindle convert! I'm a little concerned that my knitting will suffer now that my love of reading has returned!

Among my knitting gifts I received sock forms to block my socks! I also got real knitting blocks (no more pinning my work down on cardboard boxes) and a sweater comb. All in all a very nice Christmas.

I've never been a big believer in New Year's resolutions, and haven't made any this year. I recently created a professional development plan for both my knitting and teaching. I plan on continuing to work towards those goals, and hope that 2012 is as amazing as 2011 was. The past year was busy, rewarding and exciting! I finished my student teaching, moved back in with my parents, and found a job I love. Throughout that, I managed to squeeze in lots of visits with The Boy. I rang in the new year surrounded by friends, an incredible boyfriend, and great food. Life couldn't be better.

P.S. my gift to you: a picture of my sister's silly cat with a bow. She didn't even realize it was on her...