new year, new resolutions

I've never been much for new year's resolutions, but I think this year I'd like to try.
Maybe if I write them down here, I'll be able to follow through and get them done, so here goes....

1. Always have a project on the needles. I have lots of stash *and potential future stash, so this shouldn't be too hard.
2. Work on a way to sell some product. I LOVE to felt, but you can only have so many bags.
3. Practice pilates every day. Even if this means studying anatomy. October is the goal for my practical that I've set for myself, and it's closer than I'd like to think about.
4. Get back to doing cardio. I just have to force myself to put on the shoes and go.
5. Contribute to this blog at least once a week. I have it, I need to use it. (study html for dummies)

I think that's enough. The rest will come if I do these things.
I know, it's worked before and I can make it work now.
Happy New Year!

finished prosperous plum

Prosperous plum is finished and blocked.

Now I'm working on finishing sand and shore sweater.

I'm very proud of myself for finishing ALL of my Christmas knitting. It's done, packaged, labeled and ready to be gifted. :)

Pilates Training

I've been busy this week doing pilates training, so there' s not much knitting progress.
I did get my fishing organizer, it was a great thing to find on the porch after a long day of studying pilates. Of course, I had to dig in immediately and organize my needles.
This is great! It works well, holds all my circs and dp's, and doesn't take up a lot of space.
Next up, finishing prosperous plum, and a little christmas knitting. (in my spare time)

attempting to get a bit organized

My needles keep mulitplying and the system I have for storing them is not really working.
So, I went online this weekend to the bass pro shop and bought myself a little present
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_13318_100011010_100000000_100011000_CROSSSELL_PP_P2_2?hvarTarget=browse&hvarClassCode=11&hvarDept=100&cmid=PP_P2_2&pageView=image&hvarTextId=13318&hvarSubCode=10&jumpToPage=1&currentPage=0
who'd have thought that fishing gear would work well for knitting!
Just goes to show ya......
On another note, prosperous plum is about 85% done, just the straps and the stitching around the neck and armholes to finish.
Next up, the sweater that I started last spring. The front and back are done, sleeves left to go.
They take a bit of concentration, though, so maybe later, after the STOTT reformer training is all done.

Now THIS is cool

I won a contest!!
And it's a knitting contest, too.
Over on Barbara Delinsky's blog, I won the family knitting contest.
www.barbaradelinsky.com/blog
I can hardly wait to see my new yarn. This is very cool.
(pics to follow)
I also got into the 2008 Rockin' Sock club this week.
The first installment arrives in Feb. and I'm excited!
The newest IK arrived this week too.
All in all, it's been a red letter week!

just an update

Well, I started on "prosperous plum" for the second time.
The first got almost done, and, in spite of "getting gauge", came out large enough for me and both doggies. Off to the frog pond it went. I stewed on it a bit, did some christmas gift knitting, and now I'm back to it, and about 1/2 way done.
Pics to follow.
Also excited to get the message that the STR sock club is open for 2008.
Must be home at 10 am to get my sign up in!
Updates to follow.

Dishcloths anyone?

I'm pretty proud of my first attempt at designing, even if it was something as simple as a boxer dish cloth. The photo doesn't entirely do it justice, but I think it turned out pretty good.

Now, I just need to write the pattern down so it can be duplicated.

I've also been working on some other cloths and soap sacks to be holiday gifts for clients, etc.

The STR socks are done for my friend, and I used some of the leftovers to make little mini-sock earrings. Photos to follow.

Representing at the Mayor's Race

Yesterday, I walked the 6.2 miles of the Mayor's Race in Portland.

It's part of the Portland marathon, and quite a big deal.

It was really cool at the end to see the Marathon runners passing by on their way to the finish line. Most of those guys didn't LOOK like they'd just run 26 miles.

Had a great time, made some converts, and didn't even get rained on.

Next year, I need to look into doing the "nordic walking" event. I think I missed out on all the fun free stuff at the end because I did the non-competitive mayor's race.

Love that free stuff.

I've not posted

I've not been very good about posting anything, but there's really not much to share.

I've been sick all week and just trying to hang on. You know you don't feel good when you don't even have the energy to knit.

On a happy note, though, finished the waving lace socks, and started on the lotus blossom tank. I'm a little concerned on the sizing for the tank, but we'll see. Also not too sure about the 100 percent bamboo yarn. The color is OK, although it doesn't look anything like the one in the mag. It just seems a bit dense and scratchy. We'll see.....

edited to add in a photo of the finished lotus blossom

eye candy friday

no knitting, but I couldn't pass this up, there will be some sock progress soon.
I'm also expecting my bamboo yarn any day for the lotus tank.
Suppose they'd pitch me out if I knitted at the WW staff meeting?
Wouldn't be too bad either way.

Buying on the internet is soooo easy

Happy Memorial Day. I've been working busily on my lace socks with the Sundara Cherry Tree. They're turning out great, in spite of my worries that there will not be enough yarn. Now I'm thinking there's going to be JUST enough to finish. Pics when they're done I went on line today and bought some Southwest trading company bamboo to do the lotus tank.I think this will be a grea challenge. I liked the turquiose color that it's made in, so I decided to go with that. Also got some brown sheep cotton fleece to do rusted root. It's kind of a nice pink color. which to start first! The weather is supposed to be nice and warm here this week, so much yard work to do. Doggies will enjoy sitting out on the nice warm porch in the sun.

Some FO's, and gratuitious doggie pics

Here are some socks that I finshed recently.
The pinkish ones are the Rock and Weave socks with STR
Rhodonite. The purple and green ones are Falling Cedars with STR
Tide Pool. I think I'm addicted to STR.
Now I need to decide what to start next. I'd like to do a summer tank top or shell,
but I may be forced to start on Rusted Root.

As promised, some doggie photos:

The black and white one is booboo. He's a labmation, and quite proud of it.

The boxer baby is cinnamon brown. She the PRINCESS.

Look how much she's grown just since she came home with us in January

Welcome to the first day of my blog

Well, here it is, my brand new blog. I hope to show some knitting, some gardening, and some cute critters here. Well see how this works.