Finished Object Friday - Princess Plume

I got this one done this summer when I finally cracked open my Twisted Fiber Arts Evolution skein in July.  The yarn was a gorgeous pink to purple with a lovely reddish tinge in between.  The color was called 12 Princesses after the Grimm's Fairy Tale.

I wanted to make a hat that had some nice work but would show off the color evolution so I picked Plumeable because I liked the little lace pattern but it wouldn't take away from the color changes.

See all the pretty colors?

I currently wear the hat in equal rotation with some other hats I have made or have been gifted.  Though the the colors on this one do brighten the dull gray days.

Ravelry Page - Princess Plume

Pattern - Plumeable

Needles - US 5 /3.75 mm
Yarn - Twisted Fiber Arts - Queen
Colors - 12 Princesses evolution (Spring 2014 Fairy Tale Club)
Duration - 10 Days

Check out more Finished Objects at Tami's Amis!

<3 Heather

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 - Borders

Hello everyone I only have time for a quick post today but I do have a nice and juicy project update for you all.

Today is really dreary and I have on my Shapely Boyfriend Cardigan to keep me warm at work.  I would rather have a hug from my real boyfriend though.  

Warm Sweater

Hue Shift Afghan

Half way done with the border

I am so in love with this blanket.  It has kept me warm as the summer nights cool when I have been working on this blanket.  I am considering backing the blanket because of all of my weaved in ends but I probably won't do that.

I bound off each side with a size 9 needle to give the edge some give and I think it will square up nicely once the other two sides are on.  Hope to pick up all of the stitches tonight.

That's it for this week.

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis

<3 Heather

The Highs and Lows of Life

So one of the reasons for my lack of posting lately has been some major changes in my life which are both good and bad.  I guess we can start with the good.

The Highs

Saturday July 5th, I went on an amazing date with a wonderful guy.  We met on eharmony and this was our first time meeting each other.  I was nervous but really had no idea that my life would change during that lunch.

So he decided to try on my glasses

Joe made me laugh and swept me off my feet in one afternoon.  He turned out to be everything I ever mentioned about a guy and more.  He is nerdy and sweet, kind and funny, and makes me want to be a better person.

Aren't we cute?

Seriously people I am in LOVE.  Since that date, we have been inseparable and I can't describe how happy I have been.  I don't really remember what life was like before July 5th.  Really this has been one of the major causes of my distraction and I wouldn't change I for the world.  :-)

The Lows

A couple things have really made this time suck too.  While I am deliriously happy and in love, I am also stressed out.

I made the decision earlier in July to break my lease and move home.  Between school tuition payments and my medical bills I just couldn't make things work anymore.  Dad has been awesome and is helping me break my lease.  The original plan was to be out by the end of September but that took a quick detour on July 29th.

It was a normal work day and I was plugging through email when my dad calls out of the blue.  He asks me if I'm sitting down and proceeds to tell me that he's been let go from his job.  What a crazy turn of events.  So I moved up breaking my lease and the past three weekends have been spent moving stuff home.  I am about half way done with getting the stuff moved but it's still a sad sight.

I love my little place but I know this is the right thing to do.  So I am sorry that things have been a bit quiet around here.  I think once everything is settled down, I should be back to my regularly scheduled programming here.

<3 Heather

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes (Update 5)

Image by Wade Kelly

I have another collage photo to post.  I realized that I like these monthly look backs on how I am changing and improving my life since the surgery.

I wouldn't say things have decreased to a crawl but I haven't been to the gym in ages.  Unfortunately life has gotten in the way but I think I should be able to find a better routine come September.

I have lost 103.4 lbs since my surgery in December for a total of 133.4 since September.  While I am not always seeing the scale wins, I am now mostly wearing size 18 pants.  I was super pumped on Sunday when I was able to wear size 18 jeans from the Gap and a Large T shirt.  I think the last time I wore a Tshirt that didn't have an X in was Fall semester freshman year of college.  Score!

In news about my hair saga, I am starting to grow some back.  It's weird because when i have my hair down I can feel all of the short strands on top of my head.  Hopefully they grow quickly.

All in all I feel great!

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Still Distracted

Geez the summer is slipping away fast and I am still super busy.  I wanted to pop in and say hello and show you some progress I've made so far this summer.

Got another manicure

Hue Shift Afghan

working on the border

So this is an older picture but I wanted to show you all how the border is working up.  I actually cast off this side and am working on the other side.  I really think I chose well with the camel.  I work on this thing in fits and spurts but I am making progress.  It's great TV knitting because it's mindless while keeping my hands busy.

Willow Square Blanket

Willow Squares!

I have gotten a few more squares done and I love the combination of colors.  I did however make a decision to rip out the single crochet row and add a double crochet row. I have a bit of rework to do but I think the end result will be a nicer, fuller blanket.

Oh La La!

It's a sweater!

I am really pleased with the progress on this sweater.  I really think the end result will be better than my original planned stripes.  But it's been to hot to think about a sweater.

That's it for this week.

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Distracted

So I missed posting last week because I forgot to take pictures and I kinda forgot to take pictures this week too.  I have been distracted lately.  Nothing bad just a combination of nice weather and a busy schedule.

I did splurge and get another manicure on Monday.  My last one chipped way to early for my liking because of all of the dishes and water I was around during the festival.  So I got a sparkly red color.

Shiny!

Anyway, between the nice weather and busy work days, I haven't really gotten much done craft wise, but I did start a hat.

Princess Plume

The yarn is an evolution from Twisted Fiber Arts in 12 Princesses.  I am really pleased with this evolution and this hat has been flying off the needles.  The pattern is Plumeable and is free on Ravelry.  I really liked the sample on the project page and knew I had to make it with my Twisted.
I have started on the decreases and hope to get it finished soon.

That's it for this week.

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis

<3 Heather

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes (Update 4)

Image by Wade Kelly

I have another collage photo to post.  I realized that I like these monthly look backs on how I am changing and improving my life since the surgery.

Things have been a bit slow going, lots of busy stuff for summer so the gym hasn't been a priority as much as it should.  I was able to do 25 push ups in a minute and 48 squats in a minute.  My mile time digressed a bit but I am working to get back in the swing of things.

I have lost 103.2 lbs since my surgery in December for a total of 130.2 since September.  I keep adding clothes to the donate basket and that is a huge win.  Though, I am running low on closet stock of pants.  I went and bought a size 18 and 16 jeans in prep for the next sizes.  The 18's I can get on and button but it's really not flattering right now.

Other than that things are good.  I have been thinking protein first and my hair is rebounding nicely.  Less is coming out when I wash or brush it.  Let me tell you that was a relief.

Sugar and I are not getting along and I have been having pain for eating to much of it.  Sugar and carbs are also causing me to get a bit dizzy and my blood sugar spikes.  Lovely but manageable.

All in all I feel great, my energy is amazing and I am really happy with my progress so far.

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Err Thursday? #5

What a crazy week!  I went from dull and sedate to busy and hectic in a short span of time.  Sunday was my ::cough:: 29th ::cough:: birthday and the whole weekend was busy with family and friends.

Friday, I took the day off of work and went to the pool.  Nothing to fancy just wanted to cool off and get some sun, though I made sure to lather on the sunscreen.

Such a beautiful day,

Because on Saturday, I went and got my first tattoo.  I had mentioned that I was getting this before (well at least I think I did, old age sure does creep up on you! ;-) ) that my aunt and were getting matching tattoos for my mom.  Where here is mine.

Mom loved angels.

The angle of the picture makes it look a little squatty but really it looks nice.  The redness is gone and it already peeled just need to let it finish healing.

Sunday, I had a lovely dinner with Aunt Becky and Aunt Fran before heading back to my apartment to watch the USA vs Portugal World Cup match.  So annoying :-/

Then as one final treat to myself, I got a manicure and pedicure on Monday after work.

Then this week is also the week of my church's festival.  I took off Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to help prep and work.  I did have good intentions to post yesterday but never left the hall to get home.  That was a long day.  I am not due  back until 3 pm today so I have some time to share with you.

So without further ado, let's talk about knitting :)

Oh La La!

So I finished the first part of the back and the right front.  I need to start on the left front soon.


Willow Square Blanket

I did manage to get 2 more squares done.  Love how all of the colors work together.

Blast Off Shrug

I finally got my swatch done.

That's it for this week.

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Borders

Things have been very dull lately.  Just work and home for the most part and knitting at night.

So without further ado, let's talk about knitting :)

Hue Shift Afghan

It's Alive!

I finished all of the sections and couldn't wait to put it together!  I used a crochet slip stitch to join because I am faster with a hook than a darning needle.  It created a ridge but there are so many ridges from picking up stitches that it really doesn't matter on the back.

Also, I needed to create a ridge so the pattern would line up.  I tried mattress stitch and whip stitch and both caused the squares to be slightly off from one another.  Given the optical attractiveness of the pattern, it would have bugged the crap out of me with the squares being slightly off in the center.

I still have some ends to weave in but its mainly along the seams which I can catch as a distraction from the border.

Speaking of the border...

We have the start to a border

So based on the expert opinion of Samie (NotYourGram'sAfghan), I decided to go with a camel colored border vs a navy border.  That blue is bright in this picture, but in natural light is actually pretty dark and the colors would have been lost with the navy border.

I have 3 garter ridges done so far.  I am aiming for either 15 or 20 ridges and will make that call when I get that far.  I do need to switch cable lengths again.  I am using a cable that makes the needle set 60" long and its just too long.  Need to switch to something a little shorter so the stitches move easier as I knit the rows.

I did crochet two more  Willow Square Blanket squares but failed to get a picture this morning before work.  I hope that now all of my yarn is freed up from this blanket that I can get more done between border rows.

That's it for this week.

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - So Close

Nothing to thrilling or exciting going on this past week.  Work and life are moving along and before I know it, it's Wednesday and time for an update.

So without further ado, let's talk about knitting :)

Hue Shift Afghan

Almost done!

I can see the light at the end of the mitered square tunnel.  This has been a long time coming but I am so close to finishing this section.  I plan on getting it done this week and sewing all 4 sections together this weekend.

This is looking awesome!

I have been debating about a camel color for the edging vs navy.  The original called for black but since my dark blue is so rich I worry that it won't look right with the navy.  If you have thoughts or opinions please let me know to help me decide.

Oh La La!

Slowly progressing

I know it doesn't look like much but I am making progress with this project.  I get a few rows in when I get sick of mitered squares.  I have to knit this block until its 6.25 inches and I think it's at 5.5 right now.  The next step is the arm hole shaping then picking up from the provisional cast on for the fronts.

Blast Off Shrug

I messed up the pattern a bit but it's just a swatch ;-)

So I got another pattern repeat done on my swatch.  I have one more to go before I can wash and block it.  As of right now I am pretty sure I found my needle size and yarn.  Wish me luck.

That's it for this week.

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis

<3 Heather

Finished Object Friday - Hats Galore

So I sort of went on a hat making binge this past winter.  Alas I didn't really get around to telling the world about them but there is no time like the present right?

So here we go!

Pittsburgh Panthers Hat

P-I-T-T LETS GO PITT!!

I made this hat for as a Christamas Gift for Jenn's Fiance, Ryan.  As a fellow Pitt Grad, I knew I wanted to make him something blue and gold.  He is an insurance appraiser so I knew a nice hat would be the perfect thing for the rest of the cold winter.  

I found this pattern on ravelry because it showed a nice transition between the colors without screaming PITT!  I figured it would work in a work environment.  

The knitting was fairly easy even though I sort of mis-read the pattern and started the colorwork about 2 inches too early.  Oh well, I made it work and I think it turned out well.

Ravelry Page - Pittsburgh Panthers Hat

Pattern - Pittsburgh Steelers HatNeedles - US 7/4.5 mm
Yarn - Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted Solids & Heathers
Colors - 848 Navy, 460 Golden Glow
Duration - 10 Days

Recovery Katahdin

Lovely teal and brown

As a get well gift from work, I was sent oodles of yarn and two projects to work on.  It was a lot easier to knit and crochet while I recovered from surgery than to read.  I had the attention span of a gnat but stockinette in the round I could do from muscle memory.  Plus it was ever so forgiving when I put it down to nap for a bit.

So as I opened my lovely surprise gift, I knew I had to make this hat ASAP.  The pattern was awesome and taught me how to do a jog-less stripe which was awesome.  I loved this hat and wore most of the winter.

A little hat selfie

Ravelry Page - Recover Katahdin

Pattern - Katahdin
Needles - US 5 /3.75 mm and US 4/3.5 mm
Yarn - The Fibre Company Acadia
Colors - Blue Heron, Pinecone
Duration - 14 Days

Hurricane During High Tea

From the back

The lovely thing about evolutions is that they progress from one color to another.  This one went from a lovely plum purple color to a nice chocolate brown.  I made this hat with Jenn in mind even though it hasn't gotten to it's recipient.  I was really happy with the pattern and love the swirling purl rib that travels up the hat.  It was deceptively simple with a great result.

Ravelry Page - Hurricane During High Tea

Pattern - Hurricane Hat
Modifications - Cast on 101 Stitches
Needles - US 5 /3.75 mm and US 4/3.5 mm
Yarn - Twisted Fiber Arts
Colors - High Tea Evolution (Fall 2013 Downton Upstairs Club)
Duration - 13 Days

Check out more Finished Objects at Tami's Amis!

<3 Heather