A New Beginning

Well hello there.  I feel as though I almost have to re-introduce myself since I haven't posted 4 months.  Really it's not you, my lovely readers, it's me.  I have wanted to post a couple times but I wanted to do a re-cap post and that thought was daunting.  Also, I have these fleeting moments where I need to post things but get swept away my work and life.  Anyway, I am using the new(ish) year to start with a clean slate and new beginning.

Hello there!

So no time like the present right?  It's time to stop making excuses and get back to what I enjoy which is sharing with all of you.

Really this hobby is a bit cathartic, I can write out what's going on and just let it go into the world and off of my shoulders.  I have missed that and hope to find a better time to incorporate this into my week.

So what has been going on in my life over the last few months?  Well lots of love and laughter that is for sure.

September:

Joe went to Atlanta for work and brought me back a magnet from the Georgia Aquarium.  This cute little sea otter keeps an eye on me at work.

Cute little sea otter magnet

I was also celebrating new beginnings with Jenn's Bridal Shower.  Her aunt and mom did a lot of the work to design the decor and decorate.  They did such a beautiful job.

Don't forget the Bachlorette party!

Of course you need a selfie!

October:

October ushered in more exciting things including Hockey Games,

 Jenn and Ryan's Wedding,

and Halloween.

Pebbles and BamBam!

November:

There was some general laziness after the weeks of hectic crazy running and before the holiday season ramped up.

And a bit of pampering

December:

Lots of baking and prepping for the Christmas Holidays

So I hope that fills you in on some of the big and little things the past few months.  Can't wait to show you more.  Also, what you don't see is about 5 finished objects to brag about.  Stay tuned

<3

Heather

WIP Wednesday - Slimer Green

Hello all, I admit that I am still in a funk over the Pens performance during the Eastern Conference Finals.  Really this was a cup or bust year and the fans expected a lot.  Overall, I enjoyed the playoffs this season and will probably watch the finals and hope for Chicago to win.

In other news, I painted my nails on Monday and the color reminds me of Slimer from the Ghostbusters.  I like the color but every now and then as I type it catches my eye and I am blinded by bright nail color.

It's really green

Since the Pens are out of the running, I have actually started to work on other WIPs for a bit of variation.

Hue Shift Afghan

Hue Shift

It's really coming along

So I am up to the solid peach block.  The end of this 25 block is in sight.  This is good TV knitting project and I am still trying to get one block done a day.  I feel like that is a good goal to get this project moving along.

The Flash Square

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom. I'm the Flash

So I am sorta cheating on WIP-ogamy goal with this project.  Some would say sorta cheating is like being a little bit pregnant, but I have an explanation.

This blanket project has been going on for a year already so beginning a new square doesn't count as starting a new project.  This is like starting another square in the Hue Shift, it just isn't connected yet.

I measured the height of the first column of squares and the blanket is most likely going to measure 3' X 3'.  Which is okay, I was hoping for a bigger blanket closer to 5' long by 3' wide.  Once everything is joined I am going to try and block it a bit to make it bigger.  Also aside from joining I need to go over all of the super hero squares and mend some wholes the color work caused.

Tropical Ginger Hitchhiker
Candy Skein Leftie

I did get some work accomplished with these shawls but it was minimal and I didn't get pictures this morning.  I have 33 teeth on the hitchhiker and will probably stop at 42 and decide if I want to make more.

The Leftie is coming along and I am now in my third repeat of the colors.  Red is done and now onto pink.

Anyway, that was my week.  Hope yours is going well.

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

<3 Heather

And the stress just plummeted....

Well, that was quick and brutal.  If you had told me last year that the Pens would have a shorten season, finished first in the East and made it to the conference finals I would have done a jig and then laughed.

One year later after a demoralizing exit from the playoffs against the Flyers, the Pens won two rounds and were primed for the conference finals. I honestly do not know what happened.  They appeared the be healthy but I think they forgot they had to play.

The Bruins swept the Pens.  The Pens which were one of the highest scoring teams were shut out twice in the same series and scored only 2 goals.

Seriously who let out the Pod Penguins?

Image from Wikipedia

Here is a series Recap:

Opponent:  Boston Bruins
Game 1: BRUINS 3 - PENS 0
Game 2: BRUINS 6 - PENS 1
Game 3: PENS 1 - BRUINS 2 (OT)
Game 4: PENS 0 - BRUINS 1

Unfortunately, I am so hollow after the series.  I did my part but the players just stopped producing and there is nothing more as a fan that I could have done.  The worst part is that I wanted a cup for Jerome Iginla, Brandon Morrow and Douglas Murray.  I wanted Duper to feel like he had an actual stake in the cup.  I just wanted a Pens tattoo with my bestie to mark the occasion.

There are only 121 days until next season.  That should fly by right?

#LetsGoPens

</3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Err Thursday? #2

Hello again, don't you just love the start of June?  I do.  I may not be a fan of the heat and humidity but early June is one of the best times of the year.  School is getting out, summer plans are being made and the season just brings a lovely energy to the community.

The temperature in early June is warm but not oppressive.  The nights are cool or as my mom would say "Good sleeping weather."  Plus the flowers are starting to bloom and perfume the air.

My favorite smell is honeysuckle that grows wild along some roads.  Particularly on the way home from my dad's house.  There is a stretch where the hillside is just full of the flowers and the air just smells sweet and clean.

It's those smells this morning on my way to work that reminded me that I should enjoy the weather before it gets too hot or too busy during the summer.

Speaking of busy, yesterday came and went and I forgot to take pictures so this post is a bit later than I would like but I wanted to update everyone on my progress.

Candy Skein Leftie

Lucky Shawl?

So it is with a frustrated heart that I update you all on the Penguins.  You may have noticed my series of playoff recap posts.  The Pens have made it deep into the playoffs and this round decides who goes on to the play for the Stanley Cup.  It is with a sad heart that I report to you that my beloved Pens are down 3 games in the best of 7 series.  The game tomorrow faces elimination and a sweep.  I am so distraught.

During the first game, I did my pregame rituals.  I got my knitting out, the shirt on the game on the ipad and started to watch.  It was an epic fail.  The next game not much better.  Last night, double overtime and a loss.  I don't know what else I can do but I keep working on the shawl to hope the good vibes help the team make an epic comeback.

Justice League Filler Squares

Just a square but it's going in an epic blanket

Before the round started, I wanted to work on something but didn't want to finish the Leftie too quickly so I started another filler square for my Justice League Blanket.  These blocks are fairly easy and mindless stockinette that can be taken anywhere.  The image above shows the 40 rows I have so far and I should get the rest done tonight at knit night.

Juego Sin Fin en el Verano (Endless Juego in Summer)

I ended up ripping this project out.  I just couldn't justify the time to make the shawl when I wasn't excited about doing the shawl or even wearing the shawl.  I learned a lot about using beads, reading charts and there are some aspects that were worth the time I took on the piece.  Instead I am going to use the yarn to make Lunar Tide.  It has a similar cable cast off that I can add beads too like the Juego and still have something that excites me and that I would wear.

Hue Shift Afghan

The latest addition to the afghan

Glamour Shot :)

I didn't work on this blanket but I did finally get some new pictures to show you.  Enjoy :)

Anyway, that was my week.  Hope yours is going well.

#letsgopens

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

<3 Heather

And the stress just escalated to epic levels....Round 3

Remember that breather I asked for after round 1?  Well we got it after round 2.  Eight whole days without Pens Hockey!  The Horror!

The Pens were so much better in the second round.  I don't know if it was dusting the rust off of the playoffs or just getting that first round win, but the series against Ottawa was so much better than the series against the Islanders.

Picture from the Open Practice in 2010 Training Camp #LetsGoPens

I was personally superstitious during this series.  for the first 4 games, I worked on the same project, wore the same shirt and listened to Mike Lange call the game on my ipad.  The fifth game was a bit different but I will talk about that below.

The lucky shawl.

Image from Ottawa Senators Wikipedia page

Here is a series Recap:

Opponent:  Ottawa Senators
Game 1: SENS 1 - PENS 4
Game 2: SENS 3 - PENS 4
Game 3: PENS 1 - SENS 2 (OT)
Game 4: PENS 7 - SENS 3
Game 5: SENS 2 - PENS 6

As I mentioned before, this series showed the greatness and drive the Penguins have.  The goal tending was superb on both sides from games 2 and 3.  In game 3. the Pens out shot and outplayed the Senators but their goalie was a brick wall and wouldn't let anything in.  The start of game 4 continued like game three but the onslaught of shots could not be stopped by the defense and Craig Anderson was just broken down and the third period was a shooting gallery.

The winning spirit was still strong in game 5.  My Friday was a bit of a mess.  I was off for the holiday weekend and had some vacation days to use before I lose them at the end of May.  I was home and put my keys in the wrong place, effectively locking myself out of my apartment when I went to leave for the game. I tried to break in but the door is solid (yay for a safe building!) so I had to call the emergency number to get someone to open my apartment.  $50 later for 5 seconds worth of a key turn, I was able to grab my keys and lock up.

As soon as I got into my car, I pulled the lucky shawl out of it's project bag and turned the radio to 105.9 the X, which is the flagship station for the Pens radio broadcasts.  As I drove to my knit night, the Pens scored their first goal.

We usually meet at Panera but it was a birthday for Amy and she loves the Pens and wanted to watch and knit.  I suggested meeting at Primanti Bros since they would plenty of TVs to watch the game.

The lucky shawl.

Needless to say, I had my knitting and was listening to the radio broadcast in one ear to make sure all of my superstitions were still in effect.  The game was a good one but it was even better because it was shared with good friends.

WIP Wednesday - Superheroes

I have been hard at work this week and weekend.  I was off from work last Friday (and the rest of the weekend) and mostly spent the day doing laundry, reading and knitting.  I got all of my laundry washed and dried but I still have baskets of clothes to fold and hang.  I hate that step.

Since most of my weekend was spent knitting here is my update:

Candy Skein Leftie

Lucky Shawl at Primanti Bros for the Pens/Sens Game 5

The shawl was out and in progress during Wednesday and Friday's games.  As soon as the knitting bag was opened, they scored.  I know it sounds crazy but us superstitious fans must do their part too.

Since I am in hockey withdrawal until Saturday (when the Pens take on the Bruins in the Eastern Conference Finals) I decided to save the lucky shawl until the new series starts.  Those are going to be nail biters that will need the lucky shawl.

Juego Sin Fin en el Verano (Endless Juego in Summer)

I did another section of Clue Two of my Juego.  Now that all of the clues are out, the shawl looks really nice completed though I wonder where I will ever wear this shawl.  It's really not to my taste.  Perhaps I will give it away to my grandmother when it's done.

Justice League Filler Squares

Just a Blue Square

Since I was set aside my Leftie until the next series, I decided to work on the filler square that has been in progress since December (oops!).  This was just a plain blue square of 60X60 stitches but they are very important for the Justice League Blanket I have planned.  As of right now, I have the Red, Orange and Blue Squares complete.

Instead of jumping straight into another solid square I started to look at my plans and decided to put some squares together and see how the join would work.

A little bit of progress really motivates you

Once I started to weave in the seams I became really pleased with the result.  This method as shown in the video above does not show the join and it just looks like I switched yarns.  There is a bit of a ridge on the back but I am going to put a back on the blanket to hide all of the yarn tails and seams.

When this was done, I decided to start and ultimately finished another super hero square which I will show on Friday.  Now all that's left of this column is one solid green square.

Anyway, that was my week.  Hope yours is going well.

#letsgopens

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

<3 Heather

WIP Wedneday - Hockey Knitting

After watching game 1 last night of the Pens/Senators series, I have calmed down a bit.  The series is still going to hard fought and gritty but I liked the Pens play last night better than anything in the first series against the Islanders.

As I mentioned in my first playoff post, I really got into crochet and knitting during the 2009-2010 season because it was just enough distraction that I could watch the game but not get so invested that the vein in my forehead would pulse.

In all seriousness, it was bound that I would knit because I really liked to crochet but wanted to learn something new, so here we are 4ish years later and I am still working on new and interesting things.  But as any knitter in the Pens Rav Group will tell you, superstition is a very tricky thing.

Tropical Ginger Hitchhiker

Ooo Stripes!

During the first series, I picked up the Hitchhiker.  I had already started it and it's turning out really pretty and the pattern is super easy.  So why switch when one project is close to being done.  I have 32 teeth done and need to get to at least 42.

As the series went on, the Pens play was mediocre but I kept knitting and watching.  During the last game, I got so exasperated  I put my knitting down and picked up my ipad and started to read a book because it could block out the screen.  It wasn't an immediate recovery, but they ended up wining.  When I then thought back to the other games the Pens won, the hitchhiker was no where near my fingers when they played well.  So into the craft bag for you dear shawl.  See you on non- game days.

Candy Skein Leftie

So last night, I picked up the Leftie to knit the last part of the green leaf.  I had worked on it a bit last Thursday but didn't finish the row.  I wanted to finish the row and then I was going to go back to the hitchhiker.  However, when I looked up at the game while my hands worked the stitches I noticed the play on the screen.  These were not the pod penguins that showed up in series 1 these were the guys I knew and loved.  So my hands kept knitting.  I worked on that shawl all night.  Back and forth I went in the grey and the team was very dominant in the offensive zone.

Here is what has been accomplished so far

As they played, I realized I just found my playoff knitting.  But there is some credence to this project.  Tami from CandySkein is a Pens fan and since she dyed the yarn there was definitely good juju on the yarn.  Seriously, these things matter!

I know to those who may not follow the sport, this account seems a little silly but as hockey fans we are very superstitious.

It's only weird if it doesn't work!  (I know it's about football but it still applies here!)

Okay that's better.

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

<3 Heather

And the stress just escalated to epic levels....Round 2

I just recovered from the first round and the second round starts tonight...way to give us fans a breather.  I have no idea what to think of with this series because the Pens did not perform the way I had hoped.

#LetsGoPens

Here is a quick series recap:

Image from Islander's Wikipedia Page

Opponent:  New York Islanders
Game 1: NYI 0 - PENS 5
Game 2: NYI 4 - PENS 3
Game 3: PENS 5 - NYI 4 (OT)
Game 4: PENS 4 - NYI 6
Game 5: NYI 0 - PENS 4
Game 6: PENS 4 - NYI 3 (OT)

The series was back and forth.  The Pens were hot and shut down the team in 2 games and did just enough to win in the two over time wins.

The Islanders came out with no expectations and that is the scariest kind of team. Many thought the series would be a sweep but the pesky and talented team came to play and gave the Eastern Conference Leaders a run for their money.

In the 2010 playoffs, the Pens were surprised by a Montreal team that steam rolled the Capitals and trapped the Pens.

In the 2011 playoffs, the Pens made the playoffs despite Malkin out with an MCL injury and Crosby sidelined with concussion symptoms.  My expectations were not high but the team couldn't close out the series and Tampa Bay moved on.

Last season in the 2012 Playoffs, the Flyers just made my blood boil.  They instigated chaos and in return got the Pens away from their game.

In comparisons to the past couple of playoffs these games felt different.  There were flashes of brilliance and then tons of mistakes.  The series was really won in the special teams.  The power play was on point and the penalty kill really kept the games close.  All in all, this series added a few more gray hairs on my head.

My dad got to watch a practice this season.  This is Dad with Matt Nisknanen and Craig Adams

I think the funniest thing that I will remember from the series was during Game 6, I was at home watching the game with my dad.  We were synchronized with our comments during the game (read: swearing at the team)  There were moments at the exact same time the same curse word would leave our mouths.  Then we yelled at the announcer to call the game rather than give us some inane fact that didn't matter the play on the ice.

Dad and i are cursing in sync.This is how we roll.#letsgopens
— Heather (@hmg_PGH) May 11, 2013

So as I gear up for the Senators in the next series tonight I am anxious and nervous but I wouldn't want it any other way.

#LetsGoPens

<3 Heather

And the stress just escalated to epic levels....

Do you feel it?  Do you feel the palpitation and excitement in the city? There is a buzz and excitement that surrounds the city and pulses to it's own beat.

I have mentioned there are times of the year that are best for a sport fan.  While March Madness is a crazy time with so much basketball it makes your head spin and the Super Bowl is a great party, the NHL Playoffs are a completely different animal.

Seriously, every single time I think about the Penguins today, I have shivered in anticipation.  I am just a big ball of nerves and I am not even playing.  Yesterday started 2 months of non stop hockey.  While this condensed season has been non-stop these games are for the cup and that changes everything

Image from Wikipedia

I can't describe this feeling.  It's amazing and wonderful, and nerve wracking and heartbreaking.  I this is reason I started to knit because I needed a mild distraction so my blood pressure wouldn't spike while watching the games.

Me watching the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals

Seriously I can lose my mind while watching a game to intensely.  But I wouldn't have it any other way.  I hope to keep everyone updated on the games as well as my knitting.  I honestly have had a bit of a hiatus from knitting lately and haven't made much progress.

Video is from John Via ThePensBlog

So as we begin our game tonight, keep my sanity in mind.  #LETSGOPENS

<3 Heather

Hockey Night in Pittsburgh - 03/28/2013

I have been meaning to post this since I went to the game but you all know how busy I have been.  I am currently taking a break from my homework to do something a little fun and get this post up.

As many of you know I am a huge hockey fan and a fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins.  I had commented on the Let's Go Pens forums on Ravelry that I didn't think I would get to a game this season unless work gave me a ticket.  Low and behold as soon as I typed that thought, I was given a ticket with a few other co-workers to attend the 3/28/2013 game against the Jets.

The view from our seats!

So the seats were awesome, we got to enter through the Captain Morgan Club.  This was really nice because it was all inclusive. They had a bathroom without a line during intermission   Ladies you know how awesome that is.  They had 3 concession stands and the bar.  It was lovely and you could stay in that area for the entire game unless you wanted  something specific from the other concession stands.  I thought about running to get coffee but it wasn't worth leaving the area.

Anyway, we got there early so we could check out the warm up.  It's always cool watching the guys stretch and fly around the ice.  If there are kids down by the glass, they try and flip pucks to them from the warm up.  Overall it's one of my favorite parts because they all look so relaxed and happy before the pressure of the game sets in.

Got to love shooting drills

Then before they come out on the ice, there is anticipation in the hall from the locker room before they come onto the ice for the game.

This is before the 3rd Period

The game was really good.  Thomas Vokoun was in goal for an injured Fluery.  He and the defense stood on their head for a shutout.  The offense was on fire and Dupis was a goal short of a hat trick.  It was a relatively clean game and the penalties were a minimum.  I honestly feel that's when the pens are their best.  They play clean and hard, out working the other team.

Waiting for the start of the period face off

The game was good and I had a blast.  All I can say is Let's Go Pens!

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - It's a Hockey Night In Pittsburgh!

As a reminder, there is a giveaway going on so check out my Blogiversary Post for details.  Remember, the answers are in the blog so check out my old posts for the answers to the clues :)

Hello all, what a busy two weeks I have had.  Work is kinda crazy with a project going live and my class is a bit intense, but hockey is back!  I know that I am basically answering one of the questions for my Blogiversary (see big link above!) but I am just so happy to have hockey back on the air.

For those of you who may not know, the NHL was in a lockout due to contract re-negotiations for the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).  As a fan, this stoppage was annoying and frustrating but it's over an the excitement is pretty awesome.    I don't know what it about hockey.  I love the speed and precision of 6 players flying around on the ice a mile a minute.  It's intense and always can turn on you at any moment.

As a result, I love the Penguins.  They are my favorite but I love the sport.  The rivalries are great and the players and owners are amazing and generous.  Let's Go Pens!

Image from Wikipedia

But the best thing about hockey, is hockey knitting.  Seriously, a huge driver of my knitting and crocheting throughout the year is to keep my hands busy while I watch the game. While watching the playoffs in 2008 and the following year 2009 I could feel my blood pressure go up and my anxiety build as the games got more intense.  So when I started to knit, I realized how a bit of distraction kept me from throwing my TV out the window.  As a result, a ton of knitted objects are completed.

So this weekend when the season started, I made sure my knitting was handy and got so much done as a result.  Let's check out the yarny goodness!

Sun and Stars Trillian

I am so pleased with how the colors are coming together!

So this is really starting to get big.  I am about half way to the finished size before I start the final border.  I am in love with this pattern.  Seriously a great knit while watching any sporting event.  You zip across with garter stitch and then a bit of pattern and you zip back.

Really what I love is the yarn.  I had been acquiring skeins of Wollmeise over the summer but hadn't found the guts to crack open the hank and use the yarn.  Really the skeins are beautiful just to look at.  So with this pattern I knew it was time try out the yarn.

I am so happy with it.  The colors are intense and not bleed into my skin or my needles like some other saturated colored yarn I have tried.  but the colors are just popping in their own special way, I particularly love the way the color pooled in the middle there.  I feel like it's a shooting star amid a sea of sun beams and starry night.  I just keep picking it up to see what will happen next.

Hue Shift Afghan

All the pretty hues!

While this has been playing second fiddle to the Trillian Shawl above, I did manage to get two more squares done to finish the pink row.  I think finishing the row is a great driver to keep going and I know I will need to cast on for the second set of squares soon after I get done with this set.  I really love how these five colors look and can't wait to get the blues and greens.

Sweet Azalea Blanket

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend!

Although the Trillian has been the star of my crafting show lately, this one has been playing a supporting role. I suspect it's more about the character than the looks perhaps?   This blanket is made with the lovely pashmina base from Madelinetosh and it is so soft and luxurious.

But really, when you combine wool, silk and cashmere what wouldn't be soft and luxurious!   So thanks to the amazing yarn, I keep working at this shawl.  I want to finish the first skein soon so I can gauge the size of the finished shawl.

Well that's it for this week.    For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

And Remember, It's a great day for hockey!!

<3 Heather