Knitting....Finally

So I never really have posted any of my knitted projects. I know that trying to describe something is futile compared to posting a picture. So, Julianna, this is for you. Candace's Knitting Expo:

Project #1 - Hat for my Sis - Free Pattern stolen from Jo's blog.

Doesn't she sport it well? She was made to wear hats! That's my dad looking super cool in the back ground! :)

Much to Julianna's disappointment, my sister loved the hat. I always freak out a little when making hats because I'm the model and I have an unusually small head.
**Note: This hat did come out way too big, but I was able to improvise, cut out the first ring from the very top and sew it up. A good knitter could tell, but the recipient couldn't so I guess that's o.k.

Project #2 - The Falling Leaf hat that was originally for mom, but Courtney stole it! :) Mom said she would wear it WAY more than she would. She's right. Pattern from Knitty.



I LOVED this hat and selfishly wanted to keep it for myself. The pattern was my first attempt at a "lace" pattern, and it just turned out so well. But, what am I going to do with a hat like that in FL. Also, it was an easy decision since the whole tiny head thing played a factor yet again! :)

Project #3 - Green Sweaterlette (I'm glad my sister likes knit-wear. She is an awesome recipient!) P.S. I also made one for myself in purple merino. The sleeves and body are both slightly shorter than this one, but essential the same. I love it!
It goes great with a white T and jeans. Pattern - Randomly found free online - lots of errors in the written pattern, though. Guess you can't complain much if it's free!

Up close

Back

Front

Project #4 - The Purse - I carry it almost every day. Pattern from Knitty

I love the diamond pattern - very fun and cleaver.

The second strap acts as a nifty closure

I even broke out the old sewing machine and lined it. It was pretty much a necessity because (as I have learned) knitting is much more "stretchy" than crochet, and the purse would have quickly lost its shape without the lining.

Project #5 - Mom's Head Warmer (see Jo, I made one too! :) Actually two-another went to my mother in law) - Pattern from Knitty

Mom doesn't really like to wear hats because she says they don't fit right due to her hair. She really liked this and said it did the trick.

Project #6 - The most beautiful hat ever (ok so I finally kept something for myself. I was lucky enough to have exactly (and I mean exactly) enough yarn to make two of these hats - the other went to my sister in law.)

I love how the top looks like a flower! Thank you super cool yarn!

I also really dig the cable stitches all around. I found this pattern free and randomly online. Free online patterns are hit and miss. This one was definitely a hit. I think this pattern would look equally as beautiful in a solid color - you would be able to really see the cables better that way.

Project #7 - Inspirational Booties for Emma Kate
So I got this fabulous pattern book - Simple Knits for Cherished Babys. It has some beautiful patterns in it. I've made these, along with a different bootie pattern (only one so far), as well as a knitted teady bear I just finished this weekend (he's cute, but he definitely looks hand made! Maybe I'll do better next time. I haven't quite mastered the art of seaming.)
Anywho, I have a couple other patterns lined up from that book. Babie stuff is just too much fun to knit. It's probably my favorite thing. So here are the booties:

As you can see, they are knit (garter stitch) all in one piece - very cleaver.

Here's a finished one before the trim work.

Finished! I went with something totally different I thought would fit the mommy and baby's personality better. They turned out really well if I do say so myself. I love these because they are so simple and even a slower than snot knitter like myself can whip these out rather quickly. I'll definitely be using this pattern again.

So there you have it. About a half a year's worth of projects. Better late than never, eh?

Romantic Simplicity

Anyone who knows me well knows I'm about as low maintenance as they come. What you may not know is that I have never been a fan of Valentine's Day. In my opinion, it's about the LEAST romantic day of the year. Let me explain.... V-Day is a day where you are expected to be romantic. That's kind of an oxymoron to me. Romance isn't in the gift giving, card exchanging, or flower sending. It's the moments that come unexpectedly. When your sweetie does something for you "just because". Those are the times when the romance shines brightest.

Besides, I have been blessed with a husband who shows his love to me every day (well most every day....no one's perfect. :)). I suppose that's a big reason that V-Day is just another day to me.

O.K. so I won't be a total pessimist regarding this day of romance. It does bring a reminder that it is important to show love to the ones you care for, and continue to build your relationship with the spouse.

Nick and I had a most wonderful evening... He bought steak and shrimp to grill. We made salad and bruchetta with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for appetizers, and toasted the evening with a bottle of white wine. Then we watched a movie from good 'ole Blockbuster. What a fantastic way to celebrate - a quiet evening, good food, and wonderful conversation reminiscing about the day we met.... I'll choose that any day over waiting outside for 2 hours while people smoke waiting to be seated in a crowded restaurant.

Ah, I guess "they" are right...it really is the simple things in life.

Speaking of which, our college friends Josh and Rebekah T. came for a quick visit on their way to see Rebekah's parents along with their kids - two of the most adorable children I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Ethan is all boy at 3 1/2 and loves his Thomas the Train pals. He is also quite a big eater. He got down on those chicken strips and french fries! :) Ellianna is a beautiful 11 month old little girl. Gorgeous blue eyes and a smile that could win over any one. I had the distinct pleasure of holding her during the church service this Sunday. She danced with the music, slept during the sermon, and smiled sweetly as the pastor blessed her during communion. What more could you ask for? Seriously?

The only complaint I have is that currently I have a nasty stomach virus of some sort. It's been in full swing since Friday, and it's term in office is way past due. I am able to go to work and stuff, but I'm exhausted and uncomfortable. So, I am praying that this will pass soon. I have a big week at work and school... Apparently it's going around - my boss had it, and my co-worker that sits next to me is out sick today.

Other than that, I can't complain in the least. I am truly blessed with all that I have. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you also!

P.S. If Nick will ever load pictures on to the computer, I will post knitting pictures as requested by Julianna. It will prove to be an explosion of yarn! I also have a couple Christmas pics as well.

40 Days of Community

Some of you may heard of Rick Warren and his book "Purpose Driven Life". Well, a couple of years ago our church - St. Paul Lutheran - did a "40 Days of Purpose" during Lent. It was awesome, and it really focused on building your relationship with God on an individual level. This year we are doing "40 Days of Community". This takes it a step further and focuses on "what in the world are WE here for". As a church, as the body of Christ, what are we called to do together? It fits perfectly with our new mission statement - Connecting the Community to Christ. I am excited about going through this study and all the wonderful things that will come from this.
The Sunday before last, everyone participated in a day of prayer and fasting to prepare us for what God will be doing in the coming weeks and ask his blessing upon this journey. This Sunday started off the first day, and so far the daily devotions have been really good. We had our first small group gathering last night and mainly focused on how we are called to love one another and what that means. How can we reach out to others in Christ's love?
It was pretty profound to really take a closer look at 1 Corin.13. It's a passage that I have read countless times and could probably recite if I had to - at least most of it. But when I really stoped and studied it, I heard God speak the words in a whole different way.
Take out your Bible and read it. God is telling us just how important it is to love. He says if we do not love, nothing we say, nothing we know, nothing we believe, nothing we give, and nothing we accomplish matters at all.
It's pretty convicting to read this and other passages regarding love. How many times have I failed to show love to others around me? Thanks be to God for His bountiful grace that covers my many sins and short comings.
May you be blessed by the love that you give and the love that you receive this week and always.