Finished

The poncho is finally done. It needs a few beads for the decorative tie but it is complete. It will be the end of Nov. Before I can actually wear it though. It did turn cool this week but 69 degrees does not mean break out every sweater you own and wear it. If you did you would die of heat exhaustion by mid afternoon.

Okay. I started my next project it is a wrap from the Weekend Knitting book. It has great projects but the author's directions for her patterns are not always clear, but the designs are great. It has start out ok we will see if I get the instructions correct. While I am knitting I decide to catch the latest episode of Knitty Gritty on DIY. It is all about knitting with wire. Usually I learn something from each show but I was so bored with the guest and all the projects. I have hard enough time fighting with my circular needles so do you really think I want to learn to fuss with wire. Please....So has the self proclaimed crafty girl run out of ideas? Hmmmmm.

I will leave you with this fabu shot of Reagan. Don't know what she's doing but I found her just hanging her on the bar chairs. I've said it before she totally makes me laugh. She is always doing something cuckoo.

Organization

A few weeks a ago I organized my knitting patterns and got to thinking I needed to some how get my yarn and knitting tools listed and organized. Went to Books-a-Million.com and ordered three journals Stitch'n Bitch a knitter's design journal, KNIT a personal handbook, and Yarn Girls knitting journal. The reason I ordered 3 is because the descriptions in the books don't always tell you everything you need to know, besides I could give the ones I don't use as gifts to other knitters. I was right as I inspected each book. I liked certain things but not everything in them I could use.

First, the stitch'n bitch journal is the best of the three but way too small. The book is mostly graph paper to inspire you to create. That's great but a 5x7 page doesn't cut it for me. I write big and looking at tiny squares just makes me frustrated. I did like the needle inventory page and the yarn stash page but the book is just too small. Next, the KNIT journal is totally useless. It is not much bigger than the stich'n bitch book and contains practically nothing but graph paper. Lastly, is the Yarn girls journal. To start off it is a good size has pocket folder inserts and is spiral bound. It also includes a section for knitting fundamentals (all 3 books have a knitting basics section), and a project listing section.

Eventhough, I was not totally impressed with any one book. I am going to keep the Yarn Girls Knitting Journal and use it for listing my completed projects. I may have to reorganize this book later into a binder of my own. The project page ask for swatches, pictures, yarn sleeves and samples. I have entered 8 projects and the book is already not laying flat. Not good. I will worry with it later. I did make a binder for myself I have a page for listing yarn needles & crochet hooks and listed yarn I have in my stash in alphabetical order with the yarn sleeve information. This book will be handy when I am out and need to know if I have that needle or how much of a single yarn do I have. So go get yourself organized.

I am on vacation this week (YEAH!) I just finished weaving in the ends to the front side of the purse I am making so now I can finish the poncho. You know weaving in the ends is so not fun. It's a lot like when you sew having to hand sew seams or do darning. Hate it. I guess that's why when my husband needs a button sewn on it will sit in my sewing room FOREVER. Anyway..... Get your needles....On your mark....Find your yarn.........Get KNITTING!!!

I can't believe it has been a month since my last post. Shame on me. No excuses but let me explain. I had a little medical drama that lasted a couple of weeks. I have migraine headaches that have plagued me since I was a little girl. Last week has been doctor #3 I've seen this year. Anyway.....getting the right doctor and the right medication will be the key. The last doc I've seen actually has a clue and is willing to investigate and help me get treatment( I actually had a doctor say "Well you look fine what's wrong with you!" He was a dumb butt. I did not go back to him). I can't wait to be pain free. Yeah!

On to better things, I have knitted a bit. I finished one side of the purse project and I'm on to the other side. I haven't knitted much else. I am going to take my last vacation days before the retail holiday rush begins so....I hope to finish that notorious wrap and start some XMAS gifts next weekend. To help myself get some ideas I kinda went book ordering crazy at Books a Million.COM. They make it so easy if your a discount member you get free shipping and you can get pretty much anything really quick. Love that! I've thumbed thru a few books and absolutely love Great Knitted Gifts by Andrea and Gayle Shackleton. I have a ton of books and usually like a couple patterns from each that I plan to knit but I just covet and want to knit every single item in this book. Everyone should check it out. I give it 5 stars. I am truly inspired. That's the key. OK. The Knitting Experience Book 3: Color by Sally Melville is a different story. She inspires me with her techniques. She is fearless and I have learned a lot from Book 1: Knitting and Book 2: Purling but chic is stuck in the 80's as far as style. That was absolutely the worst design era so far and I don't prefer to live it again. I think I'm going to check out Knit Picks and see if they have any yarn I can use for Great knitted Gifts projects. I'll let you know.