A Knitting Affair

So I have been playing around with the layout of my blog. Maybe a new change in its looks will inspire me to write more, considering that this will be my fourth post for 2009. I am pretty lame this year with my posting. I keep saying that I will post more – but I’m not, so I’m not going to say it.

I have finished some projects this year and this post will be considered “the update” for 2009.

Fitted Raglan Shawl
by Stefanie Japel
Completed 21.10.2009
Project Details

Clapotis
by Kate Gilbert
Finished 13.10.2009
Project Details

Central Park Hoodie
by Heather Lodinsky
Finished 12.10.2009
Project Details

All in All life is going pretty well. I really like my job, Cameron is awesome and in grade one. Whitley is as goofy as ever. As for knitting I am working on my hourglass sweater. I started it a long long time ago, put in bust darts, didn’t like them so threw it into the wip pile until I decided what I wanted to do with it. I decided to rip back to the darts and reknit that portion. And, since I finished my Central Park Hoodie and Clapotis I allowed myself to start the Tree Jacket in black malabrigo.

I am taking Stephanie Japel’s online class for the Raglan Fitted Shawl. It is being knit out of Fleece Artist Somoko in earth tones.

Started on US 4’s but found the knit to be too tight. Ripped and restarted on US 6’s. Like the way the fabric drapes much better. Have completed 3 repeats and am enjoying the knit so far! I know I don’t have enough yarn to do the whole shawl so I will be adding a contrast color for the last section. Not sure which color yet, that will depend on when I use up this yarn and the color I want to bring out.

My goodness it has been a long time since I have posted. No I haven’t fallen off of the face of the earth I have just been busy with life and all things that involves.

I have a new job that is fantastic – challenging and definitely not boring – except when my computer at work crashes like it did this week.

On the knitting front, well you can see most of it in Ravelry. I have been knitting a lot and I haven’t been purchasing that much yarn which is also good. I am not on a yarn diet, I am more on a “get some projects done” mode. The two projects that I am very actively working on is my Girasole shawl and my Log Cabin Love.

The rest of my life is going great. Cameron started grade one and he is so excited. I have spent the summer with the horses and continuing working on being healthy!

I am going to work at posting more! promise. And, thanks for reading.

I know I know. I have a lot to catch you all up on. But, my camera died and I haven’t felt like taking the pictures off of it. I will. Just not right now.

The trip.

OMG it was amazing. Words can’t describe it. I will be going back and if I am traveling it will be back there. Basically the trip consisted of some knitting, lots of reading, the beach, the pool, great food, fresh mussels, and lots of wine. Oh, and the partying, dinner was at midnight and the party started at 3 am. Not a lifestyle I could live for a long time – though the afternoon siesta’s were fantastic.

The Job.

When I came home from vacation I started putting out resume’s again. I also signed up with a temp agency. I have turned a few jobs down as they didn’t fit well. I had an interview today and they offered me the position and although there is no starbucks in the building, there is free parking which will same me almost 600 a month. I start tomorrow (nothing like giving me a day or two). It is a one yearish mat leave which for me is perfect, if they have a position at the end of it and I like it there then I can stay and if I don’t I can move on legitmately stating that it was mat leave coverage.

Knitting.

I am working on a shawl but need to pick up another ball of noro sock as I made the shawl bigger than what was called for. I am also working on a chevron scarf and started the hourglass sweater out of malabrigo. I am doing the sweater smaller so that it won’t be huge on me (*fingers crossed*).

Healthy me.

I have had to get some new clothing for the job and am now in medium shirts for the most part! I was a 2x this time last year. Funny how much a year can make a difference. I also got some great purchases, expensive jackets at more than half price off. I would not have purchased them before because of my weight but now …

So there you have it. Oh, and I’m 34 next monday. Yikes!

In 1.5 sleeps (1.5 because tomorrow night I won’t sleep much) I am off for a fun in the sun vacation. Have happy holidays and all that. I might even have something to show knitting wise due to the 20+ hours of travel (one way) that I will be doing on friday.

I have no knitting mojo at the moment. I am stuck. It sucks. I can’t decide what to do. I have started a few projects but they are just not jiving with my knitting mood. I would like to work on a sweater or vest but with the weight I am losing I don’t want to knit something that won’t fit me by the time that I am done it. So I have put those aside. I could knit some socks (we know I am not at a loss for sock yarn) but again, I can’t decide what yarn to use. I would love to do some scarves, but again … that whole motivation thing. I have been working on my blocks for the NYOBE and am almost done. Maybe then I will have more of a clue.

I was laid off at work last week. To be honest, it was kinda a godsend. Those whom I talk to on a regular basis are actually quite pleased with this turn of events and I can’t disagree. This has nothing to do with the lack of mojo, but amplifies it as I am at a time in my life where I can spend a time actually knitting. Frustrating. I have interviews this week and am gone on the 19th for my trip. If I don’t get an offer before I leave I will work through some agencies when I am back. The worst thing that happens is I get a job at ‘bucks (sorry Karen!!) or McDonalds or something. Just so long as I am doing something, anything!! As much as I long to be able to stay at home, I don’t think its something I could do long term. But hey, if you know anyone who is hiring and needs an executive assistant let me know!

On another front – WOW – am I ever excited to go away. I have been fake tanning. I am still white, but more off white! And, I can fit into Victoria Secret clothing. If I could show you my grin as I talk about this I would, but alas, my hair isn’t done. I even bought a bra that should have fit (well it did when I first got it) but after two weeks it is already getting gappy (yes I know thats not a word). I am in the under 20lbs to lose range and it  couldn’t feel better.  To think that I started off with wanting to lose 70+ lbs. Just awesome. So while I am eating right, exercising and looking for work, I am also cleaning and trying to organize some of my house so that it is nice to come home to. Cameron sidetracks that but I am doing my best to work around him.

So there you have it. In a nutshell. Oh, and even the spinning mojo is gone.

Well, I haven’t updated in a bit which is actually normal for me. So here is the low down on all that is going on.

1. Knitting Content – I will cover this part first so that you don’t have to read the personal stuff if you don’t want to.

Nati is complete. It was a very easy knit. The yarn calls for something bulky. I used two strands held together and find that it isn’t bulky at all. It also fits really well. I am glad that I knit it and may even do it again!

I have also been spinning. I am working on knitting socks and was supposed to do a secret project but am not motivated. So I started spinning again.

I have all of my “yarn” for my trip. I am planning on doing socks as they are light and simple AND I need to get some done. I am also working on my Block Exchange in Ravelry. I have half the blocks done, will be sending them out this week and will complete the rest in the next week or so.

2. Travel – Here is where the personal stuff starts so move on if you don’t want to read. David leaves tomorrow for Argentina. We had a great dinner tonight with his boys and got our arrangements straight. I will see him in 28 days (add one day due to the time difference) and it feels like it will be forever yet I know it is going to fly by (I hope!). He and his youngest are very excited and I am looking forward to hearing all the stories. But, I am anxious for December 19 to arrive.

3. Health – I started a health blog but I am not keeping that up either so I am most likely going to just post the stuff here. I have lost 47 lbs since January (stopped at the end of March and maintained my weight till Oct 27 when I started the weight loss journey again). I am 23lbs from my goal. When I reach it I will probably look at losing more since my target weight is at the high end of my suggested weight range. I would really like to lose another 10lbs before I head away but I am starting with Jillian Michaels 30 day shred video which is kick ass. So, if I change the fat to muscle but don’t lose the weight then its perfect! This weekend I had the first “I’m skinny” moment. People comment on the weight that I have lost but its different when I look at myself. I see me. Not the me that has lost the weight. Just me. I was getting ready to go to the High School City volleyball championships on Friday and as I was looking at myself to check my outfit I had that moment. It was pretty cool. I have also noticed that I am on the verge of dropping to the next size down in clothing. I put my jeans on and within 5 minutes they were feeling too big (after just coming out of the wash). It is a great feeling. Also, I put on a shirt that a month ago I couldn’t wear. It wouldn’t fit over my boobs and the sleeves were too tight on my arms to wear buttoned up. But, today I was able to wear the shirt AND have the buttons on my upper arms done up.

I am proud of myself for working so hard. I have a goal to be healthy for both me and Cameron. I want him to see his mom healthy and in shape. And it is happening!