WIP Wednesday - Orange you glad

Back again with a really crafty week.  My Dad was home sick Thursday and Friday with flu symptoms.  He had chills, was achy and a headache.  I knew he was going to be fine but this is the first time he has actually been sick since mom passed and it brought out some old anxieties in me.  Its hard when you have this urge to take care of someone even though you can't get there to do it.  Anyway, I think I caught whatever it was he had because Monday and Tuesday this week, I had similar symptoms.

Aside from getting sick, I had a great weekend.  I was able to finish my blanket by weaving in the ends, taking pictures and washing it.  I even have the post for Friday all ready queued up and ready to go.  Go me!  While it was a bit chilly, I was able to get some of the golden light before sunset to set off my blanket.  I can't wait to show everyone.

Other than that, this week was fairly laid back.  Other than knitting things and going home for church everything was pretty quiet.

 Shapely Boyfriend

It's alive!

The last time I posted about this was in January.  I did work on it through the winter but once spring came, I no longer was longing for a cardigan sweater.  I put it aside and figured that I would pick it up in the fall again.  Earlier this month I looked at the sweater and though I wanted to work on it, I delayed because I wasn't sure the original size was going to fit anymore.

I have been going to a nutritionist about my weight and she has me on a strict diet to help me lose weight.  I can't have fat, sugar, carbs, and dairy but I have lost 15 lbs so far, basically all I can eat is lean protein and veggies.  I figured that given my knitting speed, I wouldn't be able to wear it until next fall so I decided to make it with a 42 inch bust.

I began with a new skein of yarn and once that was used I ripped out the needles on the old sweater and started to use the yarn that was already knitted.  I was about 4 skeins into the sweater and I didn't want to rip it out and re ball it.  So I am carrying around 2 sweater, once that is growing and one that is shrinking.

What I didn't anticipate would be how much faster this is going.  I think because I understand the pattern I can just zoom through it.  In a week and a half, I have already surpassed what I made on the other sweater.  I just finished the waist shaping and have 8 more rows until the hip shaping.  I actually think that if I keep up this pace I may be able to finish it next week.  Thank goodness for large needles and chunky yarn!  I haven't been this fast on a project since my first hat.

Cherry Sundry

I haven't had a chance to work on this given my dedication and focus on the shapely boyfriend cardigan.

Quaker Foxhunt

Well the new skein of yarn came in last week but I haven't restarted it yet.  This skein is actually wound with the orange on the outside, so now the internal debate begins orange first or green first.   I am actually going to wait until November to start.  If I dedicate to working on this project like I have on the cardigan, I may be able to turn it in for nerd wars.

So that's all for this week.

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

Check out my new meme Movie Madness Monday

<3 Heather

Movie Madness Monday 17

Welcome back.  This is a weekly meme where bloggers can share their thoughts on movies.  Any movie review is welcome including, new releases, old favorites or new found favorites.

What I am Reviewing:

Ghostbusters

image from imdb.com

Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!

This was on Saturday night and given the upcoming Halloween holiday, I had to watch it.  This movie came out before I was born but I remember watching it as a kid and I loved the cartoons.  So really this was a great movie to reminisce about Halloween's past.

I was a clown, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, A Dalmatian, a Hershey Kiss, a playing card, a witch, and an M&M.  In college I was a bar wench, a gypsy, a pirate and a 50s girl (Poodle Skirt).  All of these my mom made me.  Some with lots of planning others with a little more than a week before I was going out (mostly the college ones).

As far as the movie, 3 former college professors come together to fight paranormal activity in NYC.  Things are a little shakey at first but soon they are rock stars of the city and hire on a 4th member to the team.  During all of their battles with ghosts, some weird stuff happens at a large apartment building in Central Park West.

Two of the penthouse residents are possessed to open an other worldly portal.  The Ghostbusters come to save the day and battle a huge Stay Puft Marshmallow man.  Get the chocolate, I'm thinking s'mores!.

Do you have any movies that you love from Halloween?

What I have reviewed:

Sense and Sensibility
Perks of Being a Wallflower
Don Jon
Lars and the Real Girl
Rise of the Guardians
Star Trek: Into Darkness
We're the Millers
Pitch Perfect
Die Hard
The Decoy Bride
Despicable Me 2
Monsters University
Much Ado About Nothing - Now available on BlueRay

What I want to see:

CBGB - 10/11/2013
Kill Your Darlings - 10/16/2013
Carrie - 10/18/2013
About Time - 11/08/2013
Hunger Games: Catching Fire - 11/22/2013
Frozen - 11/27/2013
Out of the Furnace - 12/06/2013
Savings Mr. Banks - 12/13/2013
American Hustle - 12/25/2013
August: Osage County - 12/25/2013

Wait for Blue Ray

The World's End - Now available on Blue Ray
This is the End - Now available on Blue Ray
Now You See Me  - Now available on Blue Ray
The Bling Ring - Now available on Blue Ray
Hangover 3 - Now available on Blue Ray
The Heat - Now available on Blue Ray
Pacific Rim - Now available on Blue Ray

Girl Most Likely - Available November 5
Man of Steel - Available November 12
To Do List - Available November 19
Fast and Furious 6 - Available December 10

The Spectacular Now - Coming Soon
Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters - Coming Soon

If you are participating in Movie Madness Monday, fill out Mr. Link Below. You do not have to comment but please link back to this post in your post to get the word out!

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - One Step Forward....Two Steps Back

Another busy day and I forgot to take pictures this morning to blog.  Anyway, I just took some pictures so I am ready to go.  While I did get out and enjoy the weekend.  Becky and her husband moved to Philly this weekend.  I also got news that Jenn is engaged to her boyfriend.  Looks like I will be a bridesmaid again soon.

Cherry Sundry

Pretty Houndstooth

So I made some progress on this shawl.  Aside from it growing the pattern is keeping me entertained and it's super easy to work.

It's growing!

Quaker Foxhunt

So I have some frustrating news.  I lost my project.  My shawl, my needles, my yarn, my project bag.  I dropped them after knit night and lost them.  Ugh!  I was able to call the Twisted Fiber Arts and got another skein but I still have to replace my bag and Chiagoo tips.  Gah!  So basically to be continued...

White Centered Granny Blanket

As promised no more photos until the official photo shoot.  I did manage to get 75% of the ends weaved in at knit night last week.  I think I will be able to finish it this week and then pictures!

So that's all for this week.

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

Check out my new meme Movie Madness Monday

<3 Heather

Movie Madness Monday 16

Welcome back.  This is a weekly meme where bloggers can share their thoughts on movies.  Any movie review is welcome including, new releases, old favorites or new found favorites.

What I am Reviewing:

Sense and Sensibility

Now I must admit, until recently I never caught the Austen bug but I was aware of Sense and Sensibility and even watched it many moons ago. Anyway, lately I have been reading some of Austin's work and enjoying it immensely.  So this weekend when I found it playing on cable, I made myself a cup of tea and got my knitting out.

While the credits opened, I suddenly remember reading a review of Sense and Sensibility a few weeks ago from the Knitlit Twit.  She regularly posts about the movies she's watching and links up here with her updates.  I am so happy to share this experience even though we are miles apart.

Anyway, the story is fairly simple.  Two young sisters, their mother and baby sister are left destitute after the death of their father.  They are given a tiny inheritance from their half brother and move to a cottage in Devon.

Both sisters meet suitors during this time and the main story line compares the experiences between Elinor and Marianne.  Elinor is the eldest and most sensible of the sisters.  She meets Edward Farrars (Brother to her sister in law Fanny) when he comes to visit.  The two have lovely chemistry and the spark of love is ignited.  Alas, Fanny (a spoiled and snobbish harpy) does not approve of the match and the small family leave for their new cottage.

In Devon, Marianne meets both Colonel Brandon and  Willoughby.  Brandon is a friend of their mother's cousin who takes an instant liking to Marianne though he is older.  Willoughby happens upon Marianne after falling on a hill and twisting her ankle.  His handsome face and heroic actions win the heart of Marianne.  In contrast to Elinor, Marianne and in turn Willoughby are demonstrative of their affection.

As with any love story their are challenges to overcome and hearts to mend.  The movie and in turn the book have twists and turns which always nice for a quiet Sunday afternoon.

What I have reviewed:

Perks of Being a Wallflower
Don Jon
Lars and the Real Girl
Rise of the Guardians
Star Trek: Into Darkness
We're the Millers
Pitch Perfect
Die Hard
The Decoy Bride
Despicable Me 2
Monsters University
Much Ado About Nothing - Now available on BlueRay

What I want to see:

CBGB - 10/11/2013
Kill Your Darlings - 10/16/2013
Carrie - 10/18/2013
About Time - 11/08/2013
Hunger Games: Catching Fire - 11/22/2013
Frozen - 11/27/2013
Out of the Furnace - 12/06/2013
Savings Mr. Banks - 12/13/2013
American Hustle - 12/25/2013
August: Osage County - 12/25/2013

Wait for Blue Ray

The World's End - Now available on Blue Ray
This is the End - Now available on Blue Ray
Now You See Me  - Now available on Blue Ray
The Bling Ring - Now available on Blue Ray
Hangover 3 - Now available on Blue Ray
The Heat - Now available on Blue Ray
Pacific Rim - Now available on Blue Ray

Girl Most Likely - Available November 5
Man of Steel - Available November 12
To Do List - Available November 19
Fast and Furious 6 - Available December 10

The Spectacular Now - Coming Soon
Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters - Coming Soon

If you are participating in Movie Madness Monday, fill out Mr. Link Below. You do not have to comment but please link back to this post in your post to get the word out!

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Progress!

That week was a whirl-wind of stuff that required my attention.  I managed to get it all done but boy am I beat.

It's really sad that the middle of one of my favorite months has passed and I haven't gotten out to enjoy fall.  I plan on getting out this weekend to get some great pictures and enjoy the crisp air before winter comes.

Aside from that, this week has been slow compared to last week.  It's a lovely reprieve from the crazy.

Cherry Sundry

Hounds tooth!

While I am annoyed that my scale decided to break (just as I needed to weigh the remaining red yarn), I am thankful that the designer noted a stitch count to attain before starting the hounds tooth section.  I am in love with the brown color I picked and couldn't wait to get started with the pattern section.  I know its hard to see but there are a few rows of brown and red popping through near the cable.

New pattern!

Quaker Foxhunt

Orange you glad I made progress?

I showed the little bit of progress I made last week.  The best thing about triangular shawls is that in the beginning a little bit of work equates to a lot of progress.  The motivating factor in this project is the changing yarn.  My next color is red and I am about 3/4s of the way to the color change.  I just want to see the color change and then the next.  So must keep knitting.

Lovely Foxhunt yarn from Twisted Fiber Arts.

How can you not be motivated to get through this skein of yarn?  This is my first skein from Meg at Twisted Fiber Arts, and it's the first club shipment for the fall.  This club's theme is Downton Abbey and I chose the yarns from the "Upstairs" collection.  Can't you just imagine a fox hunt when looking at this yarn?

I love the alternating knit and garter sections.

You may have noticed but I had a bit of a love affair with garter this summer.  I knit 2 hitchhikers, and started the Sundry and Happy Street.  Needless to say, I am garter-ed out.  This shawl is helping me to transition to other things.  The design alternates between garter sections and stockinette to create a rippling pattern.  It's a nice change of pace to purl once and a while.

So that's all for this week.

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

Check out my new meme Movie Madness Monday

<3 Heather

Movie Madness Monday 15

Welcome back.  This is a weekly meme where bloggers can share their thoughts on movies.  Any movie review is welcome including, new releases, old favorites or new found favorites.

What I am Reviewing:

Perks of Being a Wallflower

I do apologize for getting this meme up late.  I have good intentions Sunday night to post ahead and schedule it for Monday but then I get caught up in something.  Anyway, it may actually be a good thing that I waited because I was able to watch the Perks of Being a Wallflower.

I have to say that this movie combined a couple weaknesses of mine, A. Set in Pittsburgh B. Harry Potter actor/actress C. YA book adaptation.  Needless to say, this has been on my list to check out.

I must point out that I no longer get hung up on the necessity that the movie be a carbon copy of the book.  Really after watching enough Harry Potter movies, I have learned to just accept the movie as art and an homage to the source material.  Really it makes your viewing experience better when you stop critiquing a scene because something is missing.

While reading this book, I envisioned Charlie as social inept and backward throughout the whole narrative.  However, when watching the film I was struck by how much Charlie reminded me of me as a High School freshman.  I was shy and quiet.  I hung out with juniors and seniors who pulled me into their group. I also sort of kept my distance and observed more than take part.

This doesn't mean that I was unable to hold a conversation, laugh, joke, smile and be goofy.  That is what I saw in Charlie.  The friendship with Sam and Patrick enabled him to come out of his shell and grow.  To me that growth wasn't apparent in the book.  I was a little shocked at how much I related to his interactions with his friends during the movie.

Over time, I realized by shyness and quiet demeanor are more defense mechanisms to avoid a poor first impression.  I know that once I get to know someone and can trust their friendship, I am not usually shy or quiet.  Alas, that is not the case for Charlie.

All in all, the movie was good and I hope you check it out.

What I have reviewed:

Don Jon
Lars and the Real Girl
Rise of the Guardians
Star Trek: Into Darkness
We're the Millers
Pitch Perfect
Die Hard
The Decoy Bride
Despicable Me 2
Monsters University
Much Ado About Nothing - Now available on BlueRay

What I want to see:

CBGB - 10/11/2013
Kill Your Darlings - 10/16/2013
Carrie - 10/18/2013
About Time - 11/08/2013
Hunger Games: Catching Fire - 11/22/2013
Frozen - 11/27/2013
Out of the Furnace - 12/06/2013
Savings Mr. Banks - 12/13/2013
American Hustle - 12/25/2013
August: Osage County - 12/25/2013

Wait for Blue Ray

The World's End - Now available on Blue Ray
This is the End - Now available on Blue Ray
Now You See Me  - Now available on Blue Ray
The Bling Ring - Now available on Blue Ray
Hangover 3 - Now available on Blue Ray
The Heat - Now available on Blue Ray
Pacific Rim - Now available on Blue Ray

Girl Most Likely - Available November 5
Man of Steel - Available November 12
To Do List - Available November 19
Fast and Furious 6 - Available December 10

The Spectacular Now - Coming Soon
Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters - Coming Soon

If you are participating in Movie Madness Monday, fill out Mr. Link Below. You do not have to comment but please link back to this post in your post to get the word out!

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Trudging up the Hill

Have you ever felt so busy that time just slips through your fingers?  These last two weeks have been like that for me.  Yesterday, I blinked and it was 3 pm and I didn't know where the day went.  Right now even I am furiously typing this on my lunch break before a meeting, doctors appt and class.  Sigh I am just going to keep trudging up the hill and hope tomorrow is better.

White Centered Granny Blanket

Adding the border!

So this is the last picture for awhile of this blanket.  I am actually all done with the crafting and now onto the mind numbing work of weaving in ends.  After that it's pictures and wash and then it will have a place of honor on the back of my couch.

Quaker Foxhunt

pretty little shawl~

Is a new project but I just couldn't resist starting.  The yarn is a continuous evolution of color from orange to brow with a lovely green in between.  It just screamed knit me now it's fall!

So that's all for this week.  Hopefully next week I will have an awesome finished object to share.

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

Check out my new meme Movie Madness Monday

<3 Heather

Movie Madness Monday 14

Welcome back.  This is a weekly meme where bloggers can share their thoughts on movies.  Any movie review is welcome including, new releases, old favorites or new found favorites.

What I am Reviewing:

Don Jon

image from imdb.com

I saw this movie opening weekend and really needed some time to digest it before I wrote about it. This doesn't mean that I hated the movie, in fact I loved the movie.  I just needed time to gather my thoughts before I wrote a review.

The plot is fairly simple, we meet a guy who has priorities in life one being his p*rn habit.  Funny enough, he does well with the ladies but just has a better experience with his computer versus the real thing.  While out with the "boys" he meets a girl he considers to be smokin' hot.  They don't fall madly in love at first sight but he does track her down and starts a relationship.

While our boy is busy trying to hide his habit from his girl, Barbara, she is fascinated with sappy movies. I don't want to give anything away but Jon's experience in this relationship begins to change his viewpoints on love, sex and media.

And after watching it, I too had to question my vice of trashy romance novels.  I have been reading them since I could sneak them out of my Great Grandmothers closet when i was 13.  Couple those with the crap on TV and movie and I wonder if I have a skewed sense of what a real relationship should look like.

While I still enjoy a good love story, I think there is more than the meet cute, the fight and make up.  Now to apply that to my own love life.


What I have reviewed:

Lars and the Real Girl
Rise of the Guardians
Star Trek: Into Darkness
We're the Millers
Pitch Perfect
Die Hard
The Decoy Bride
Despicable Me 2
Monsters University
Much Ado About Nothing - Now available on BlueRay

What I want to see:

CBGB - 10/11/2013
Kill Your Darlings - 10/16/2013
Carrie - 10/18/2013
About Time - 11/08/2013
Hunger Games: Catching Fire - 11/22/2013
Frozen - 11/27/2013
Out of the Furnace - 12/06/2013
Savings Mr. Banks - 12/13/2013
American Hustle - 12/25/2013
August: Osage County - 12/25/2013

Wait for Blue Ray

The World's End - Now available on Blue Ray
This is the End - Now available on Blue Ray
Now You See Me  - Now available on Blue Ray
The Bling Ring - Now available on Blue Ray
Hangover 3 - Now available on Blue Ray

The Heat - Available October 15
Pacific Rim - Available October 15
Girl Most Likely - Available November 5
Man of Steel - Available November 12
To Do List - Available November 19
Fast and Furious 6 - Available December 10

The Spectacular Now - Coming Soon
Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters - Coming Soon

If you are participating in Movie Madness Monday, fill out Mr. Link Below. You do not have to comment but please link back to this post in your post to get the word out!

<3 Heather

2013 - September Recap

Holy Guacamole!  This month went by way too fast.  I definately put the pedal to the metal to get work done on my White Centered Granny blanket.  I also got some decent progress on Cherry Sundry.

Movie Madness Monday is coming along well and I watched Rise of the Guardians and Lars and the Real Girl

<3 Heather