The Challenge

Cindy and I challenged each other to do something completely different integrating say, knitting with sewing. I wanted to make shoes, with a denim sole, possibly but the problem lies with the junction of knitting with sewing. I've got several cast off shoes that look like crap- or the soles of shoes, anyhow. I'm THIS close, this near coming to something that will work, then I wont have to make booties and I'll have cute little footwear.

Ruffles

I incorporated ruffles into a little tunic in baby yellow to go with a little cabled tam. Problem was, I only feel comfortable knitting ruffles from the top down, and sweaters from the bottom up. So I knit the bottom, with the sweet little ruffle, then picked up the cast on stitches and started the sweater....there's a distinct nearly open lacework pattern which I deplored until Cindy suggest I thread some ribbon around it, and make it part of the design. Good idea Cindy.
Started Rita's bikini in shocking pink. Some problems, because I am rib stitching the edges to keep it from rolling around. But..it'll be cute. Still thinking about trying to come up with my own tankini type design. We'll see.
I haven't been sewing at all. I love it, but, like knitting, I sometimes think I'm just not very good.
Life has been happier for me the last few weeks. I don't know, maybe some of the bill-pressure off. I kind of think I can sail this ship somehow. At least everyone but SFMC are off my back. For now. Who knows about next year?
It's cold and icky out right now. Don't know what I'll do with my day off.

Ugh!

The dark orchid hat and cardigan didn't go as I expected. Boo! The little hat is small but cute but the cardigan...it needs some work. I just gave up for now.
Well, it's official. After making about thirty spelling errors on the above part of the post, I realize I can't do shit without my glasses. I had to locate and put them on my face.
So,Bug bought me the shocking pink yarn I requested (and a lovely stuffed bear) and I am thinking of Rita's pink bikini. I hope it's as adorable as I plan. I'm also working on a yellow top to go with the little hat I made. I started with a ruffled bottom, then started the top to make it a short sleeved sort of sweater. I tried to add a row of open lacework and boy did that turn out ugly, so I stopped, went to sleep and figured I'd have a better handle on it this morning. I do. It has to go. I'll take it down to the junction of flaring ruffle and see what I can come up with. It's cute as can be though.
It's my Friday and I am not doing a lot on my weekend except cleaning, laundry and knitting. And FISHING! I want to try my new pole. I'll have to get a new license, since mine expired 12-21-10. Last year I didn't get it until summer. I'm going to have my money's worth this year.

Spring

It's been warm and sunny most days since the terrible winter storm. I've been knitting a bit. But I also bought a new fishing rod so I can see I wont be sitting at home holding a doll hat forever.
My brother visited. We hadn't seen6 each other in ten years. I enjoyed it immensely and the old man was nice enough. I don't know what will happen when mom can't take care of herself. Danny is in his 60s and I'm going on 50 , Wrong blog for this! Must keep knitting...

More Storms

I am no good at winter, but this one has been an especially bad bee-otch. There are more inches of snow in the forecast and I'm already dreading shoveling - though I shoveled nothing the last time around, sat in a hat and bathrobe and blanket with a sinus infection, under a pile of dogs. That's a pretty good day off at the best of times.
Finished the hood for my nephew and started another for Bug, who has worn the first one I made a lot.
The bad thing about this weather is it throws you into hibernation mode- eat and sleep. And let me tell you the scales have reflected quite accurately what my jeans have been telling me for a week. I'm going to get hugely fat if I don't put the brakes on right now. And I refuse to be fat. Life isn't kind to big girls, and it's a constant pain to bear so much weight. My poor ole feet can't take another round of toting 270+ pounds.
So, I'm counting calories, trying to stay away from fatty foods and pop. All weak points with me. I did it once, and the idea of starting all over as a gigantic size 22 just fills me with terror. I can barely squeeze into 14s so it's time to get back on the diet horse. Oh well. Last time I started smoking shortly after making the commitment. This time...I'll just knit when I get hungry or crave a smoke.

Itty Bitty Sweaters

I made a white set and a 'bonbon' colored set, and now I'm working on a hood for my dear nephew. I haven't been sewing much as I'm just not in the mood and I'm afraid I'm just a crappy seamstress. I am far too ignorant to be good at it. It's sad but true.
The weather is threatening to turn bad again so we need to do some shopping and stocking up-though really, we have enough basics to do quite well.
I hate this weather.