After days of eating hearty, heavy meals designed to quench a lust for food, my body is ready to detox. The build-up of… well, everything has been kinda dragging me around physically the past few days. I haven't had the energy to do much of anything, even knit. So, I've decided I'm going to start working toward detoxing this body of mine, and getting it used to eating healthier. I know, I know... new years resolutions don't last, but I'm really not considering this a new years resolution. It's more of a lifestyle change.

Here's what I'm up to:
• I've been slowly weaning out eating meat. I probably only eat it about 3 times a week, which is better than before. It's so hard to digest, so it uses up valuable energy. Nuts, Legumes and Beans will be added to my diet slowly as I find fun recipes for them.

• I plan on incorporating more Raw foods into my diet. I was amazed when I realized this… how many uncooked foods do I eat? Raw vegetables and fruits? Not very many. They're easier to digest and cooking them destroys lots of helpful enzymes that our bodies could really use.

• I've started a new blog (in addition to this one). The main purpose is so that I can see what I'm eating. I'm hoping that by keeping a journal of what goes into my body I'll be more aware of what I decided to consume. It worked with money, so I'm thinking that it will work with food too. It's worth a try.

I'll probably not talk much more about this whole thing on here, as that's what the other blog is for. But right now, knitting is just not what's on my mind. So, if I'm quiet here, check the other one… it may be more chatty.

It's over.

December 26th, 2007

As much as I like Christmas, it really wears me out. I seriously could not drag myself out of bed this morning. I ended up leaving for work about 15 minutes later than usual. Half way down my street I realized that I had left my lunch on the kitchen table, so I had to turn around to get that. Thankfully, there were not many cars on the road, so I still, somehow, got to work on time…

I finished the second sock on Christmas morning, after arriving at Jim's uncle's house... where the recipient could easily have seen me working on it. Fortunately, he was busy making breakfast, so I was able to hide on the couch where he couldn't see. They did end up a little big for him, which I'm pretty bummed about. I really wanted them to be perfect. But, what's perfect anyway? He seemed to enjoy them despite their imperfectness. I need to start earlier next year... and get shoe sizes.

I also gave these socks to Karen (my step-mom). She was amazed that I had the time to knit them up. I'm pretty sure they'll fit her. I'm slowly working down the list of people who haven't received knit gifts. Someday everyone will have received something.

2007

December 19th, 2007

Here is a survey that I found on a friends MySpace page.

As 2007 comes to an end...

01) Where did you begin 2007?
I think I was sleeping.

02) What was your status by Valentine's Day?
Still in love with James. Is that what this is asking?

03) Were you in school (anytime this year)?
Nope.

04) How did you earn your money?
Working at CEY, tech editing for Interweave Crochet, and submitting knit and crochet designs to multiple publications.

05) Did you have to go to the hospital?
I don't think so.

06) Did you have any encounters with the police?
No! (knock on wood, the year's not over yet…)

07) Where did you go on holidays?
Since it didn't specify which holidays:
Easter: Stayed home
Earth Day: I went to the Flatbread company to see the tree they planted. I missed the actual planting…
Memorial Day: I was just returning from Hawaii, so I think I slept all day.
4th of July: Stayed home with friends most of the day, then wandered into the center for fireworks in the rain.
Halloween: Stayed at home with friends. We had a party the weekend after… still at home... I don't get out much…
Thanksgiving: Oi. Everywhere.
Christmas: Is next week, but I'll be at my Mom's on the eve, then with Jim's mom's family in the morning, and my dad's in the evening.

08) What did you purchase that was over $1000
My bicycle was the most expensive thing I bought, and that was under $400.

09) Did you know anybody who got married?
Yes, but I didn't go to any weddings.

10) Did you know anyone that passed away?
Yes. Alison, you're missed. I love you.

11) Did you move anywhere?
I move around every day. I just haven't moved my stuff anywhere, it's all in the same place.

12) What concerts/shows did you go to?
I see a concert at my apartment very often. James—my favorite band.

13) Are you registered to vote?
Yep

15) Where do you live now?
That can have a multitude of answers. I think the most accurate one is that I live in my body.

16) Describe your birthday?
um... is it a bad thing that I can't remember my birthday?

17) What's one thing you thought you'd never do but did in 2007?
I've started working with Pam Allen; met Kim Werker a few times; registered to go on a retreat; did a juice fast for 1 day… I'm sure there's more

18) What has been your favorite moment?
They've all been enjoyable.

19) Any new additions to your family?
Mozart, or fuzzy little rascle.

20.) What was your best month?
Wow, a whole month... um... June?

21.) What was your worst month?
I can't say that any one particular month of the other 11 was especially "bad"

22) Made new friends?
Sure.

23) Favorite Night out?
I've had a few favorite nights in… but I don't go "out" much.

Sock 1.

December 18th, 2007

The first sock is finished! I'm using this pattern. I found on Ravelry that someone had knit this sock using Alpaca Sox… which is the yarn I've been wanting to use… so, I figured it was do-able. Once I got started I realized that I basically had to refigure all the numbers because the gauge was really different. I cast on 64 sts, then divided in half for the heel flap. Worked the heel flap for 1.5", did some fun short-rowing to turn the heel, then picked up 23 sts on 1 side of the heel flap, and 22 on the other. The extra stitch on one side is to assure that there is a seed stitch at each end of the instep. For the gusset, I just decreased every other round until I had 69 stitches remaining. Then knit straight to the toe. I'm not exactly sure how I decreased for the toe… I'll have to look at that closely when I do the second sock.

This whole sock-knitting thing can be pretty fun now that I'm understanding it more. I can't say, yet, that I'm completely 100% comfortable with designing my own sock patterns. The thin yarn just doesn't appeal to my knitting desires. However, it does take way too long to knit even one sock. This will be the last pair I knit for a while. I'm socked out… well, after the second one of this pair. It's gotta be done for Christmas morning…

off to knit…

Meditation?

December 17th, 2007

I'm not sure what else to write about today. I just got the urge to open up a blog post and start typing... and meditation is the first thing that popped into mind. So, I guess I'll ask myself: How is knitting like meditation? This seems like it's a constant question that pops into my mind—both, while I'm knitting, and while I'm meditating. So far, the best way I've been able to unite them is by counting—counting in sucession, or by making a number into a mantra. Mantras are something I've been playing with quite a bit lately. Some of my favorites are "Rama" and "Om mani padme hung" which means "Jewel of enlightment is in the heart of the lotus" or some variation there-of. I've been noticing that my mind has been defaulting to chanting one of these throughout the day, rather than meandering through the vast sea of meaningless thoughts. When I don't need to count anything in my knitting, one of these mantras pops in. The "Rama" one has turned into a pretty catchy song that is always stuck in my head.

Anyway... back to knitting... The body is also an important part of knitting, and each movement is a moment available for mindfulness. By watching, feeling and experiencing each part of the stitch as it is occuring we can be in the moment. The act of inserting the needle into the next stitch, wrapping the yarn around, pulling through the stitch... are all actions that we can take for granted, and we do them THOUSANDS if not millions of times throughout the creation of our work. I'm not saying that we should get down on ourselves for missing the experience of so many stitches, but that by being aware of the opportunity we can open ourselves up a little each time we do happen to notice a stitch being created. I've been doing this, not only with knitting, but with so many things in life; stopping at a red light; reaching for a doornob; taking a bite to eat. It's not only a way of being more in the moment with what is actually going on, it quiets the mind and makes it more open and available for more important thoughts, or design inspirations...

A good read:

December 14th, 2007

http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter07/FEATwin07MK.html

Great news!

December 13th, 2007

Last week I e-mailed the lodge about the Mindful Knitting retreat and they told me that there was no space available, but there may be next week (this week). I was so giddy when I received the e-mail this morning telling me that there is a space available for me! I would need to share a cabin with up to 3 other knitters, but that's fine with me. I doubt I'll be bringing anything with me that I would need to be concerned with being stolen. Plus, aren't the type of people who would go to something like this the type of people who you would think are trustworthy?

I think that sharing a cabin with other people will make me more likely to socalize. I'm not the social type, believe it or not. I get very uncomfortable when in the presence of lots of people I don't know… but I'm working on accepting that and what-not. This whole situation isn't one that I would usually plop myself into, but something is really pulling me in this direction, so I can't ignore that force, and I'm excited to learn from it.

In other news… I did actually start working on those Christmas socks over the weekend. I'm really glad I did because size 2 needles are smaller than I thought, and this first sock seems to be taking me forever! I'm only on the heel flap. I'm hoping that I can finish it up this weekend and get the second one started. I may even have a little time tonight to work on it, as the cold white stuff is supposed to be attacking our area cutting my work-day short. Woo!

There are lots of magazine design deadlines looming over my head around the beginning of January that I just can't get myself to design for. The juices just aren't in me right now. I guess I'll have to be okay with that, since it's what "is", but it's somewhat… sad is not the right word, but it's the only one that comes to mind. I love the process of submitting designs, forgetting about them, then getting an e-mail or phone call out of the blue from a magazine telling me that they want one of them. It's a great feeling. But I guess it's not what's in the cards right now. Maybe after I finish these socks…

Weekend wonder…

December 7th, 2007

I actually have this weekend to myself. By that, I mean that I don't have any knitting or crocheting obligations. No magazine projects to work on, no tech editing... nothing with a deadline that I'm actually able to work on yet. So, what am I going to do? Here are the posibilities, in no particular order:

• Design crochet projects for Interweave Crochet's Fall 08 and/or Gifts issue.

• Design knit projects for Soho Publishing's many magazines.

• Knit a pair of Christmas socks.

• Knit or crochet a hat for my Secret Santa recipient.

• Continue working on my crochet sweater (the one for me)!

Maybe I'll do a little of each. I do definitely need to get something for my Secret Santa, as we're exchanging gifts on Monday... but wether or not it's handmade is another story. I guess we'll see how things go. The Christmas sock… well, I obviously still have time there… sorta. So, that might take a back seat to all the others.

Mindfulness Knitting Retreat

December 5th, 2007

I've been studying mindfullness a lot lately. I listen to podcasts constantly. They are my companion during my 45 minute daily commute each day to and from work. I have been wanting to get myself to go onto a buddhist retreat here, but can't justify spending that much money to sit still all day. However... involve knitting to a mindfulness retreat and it just may be the perfect retreat. Plus, it's only 3 days. How could I not go. This is going to be my birthday present to myself. I'm saving my pennies, and I'll be there!

Crochet for me.

December 5th, 2007

So, since I've had some "spare" time the past few days. I've decided to use up some of my stash yarn by making myself one of my newest designs. It's something I came up with a few months ago that I've been waiting and waiting to submit to Interweave Crochet. I'm still planning on submitting it, so you'll only be able to see little portions of the garment.

After I did my original design swatch, I must have taken the gauge from it, because in my files, I had a sleeve written. For the needle size, I had 5/5.5 mm written down... now, that could either be an H or an I. For some reason, I chose the H, even though the fabric was pretty loose. I had about 12" of the sleeve worked before it dawned on me that I should double check the gauge. I'm really glad I did because it was WAY too tight. So, I did a much smaller gauge swatch on a J, and now it's perfect. I love the drape, and it's so soft. It really feels just like 100% cashmere, even though it's only a cashmere blend yarn.

I'm not too sure how far I'll get on this before I get sucked into another deadline project. But it doesn't matter when it gets done. It's fun to make.

Tiny, the turtle

December 3rd, 2007

Saturday night I received an e-mail request for small crochet designs, so to get my creative juices flowing I wandered onto Ravelry to see what kinds of small crochet things people are making. Of course, there's the amigurumi crowd, which I still can't pronounce. There are millions (I'm probably not exaggerating) of cute little crochet animal patterns for us to crochet. I think that the amigurumi designers that are out there are great, so I'm going to leave designing these little guys up to them. They seem to have it under control.

Anyway, since I got side-tracked by so much crochet cuteness, needless to say, I didn't do much designing. I did however pick up a few balls of stash yarn and a size C hook and whipped this little turtle up from a pattern on this page. Far too cute to pass up.

Mozart has claimed it as his before the legs were finished.

Freedom!

December 1st, 2007

Wow, December already. Where does the time go? I'm really happy to say that I've finished a few things that were eating up a lot of my time. Firstly, the Spring 2008 CEY pattern booklets are finally all tech edited and laid out. Which is basically the long, tedious part of getting them finished. Next week Joëlle and I will be proofing, and proofing… but as far as I'm concerned, the booklets are done.

Secondly, at home I've taken on a few tech editing jobs, and this morning I finished up the last Spring '08 pattern that I was working on for Interweave Crochet. I'm really enjoying editing crochet patterns. With each one, I learn something new. I feel that by becoming so intimate with each pattern—experiencing each and every stitch through my imagination—it's almost as if I have crocheted the garment myself. With this most recent pattern I learned more about a foundation double crochet stitch. It's not mastered yet, but the fundamentals are in the memory banks to be pulled out and used at any time. This garment also has some great raglan shaping done absolutely beautifully in a fun stitch pattern. Reading through this relatively simple pattern makes me really want to make one of these for myself, however, after trying on the model garment, I just don't think it's my style... as fun as the pattern sounds, I'd want to wear it after I spend the time making it.

As for my book project, I'm still working on creating my proposal. I have about... well, there are 8 swatches sitting beside me, but I could have sworn I was further along than that. I think there may be a few drawings that haven't been converted into swatch form yet. My goal is to have the proposal finished by the end of January. I'm still planning on talking to my boss at the beginning of the year about taking 1 day each week off, cutting my work week down to 4 days. I think it would really help me out significantly with getting some personal things done that I have my heart set on… such as finishing this book proposal, then the book itself, as well as working on more tech editing projects... which keep coming in. Because I'm only tech editing part-time, I feel like I've scheduled projects through February, which really excites me.

Over Thanksgiving weekend I randomly decided I needed to knit a pair of socks. I'm really picky about knit sock designs. The pattern really has to grab my attention. I need to keep interested, or else there will only be one sock (if that). A few weeks ago I was working with Pam on this CEY Web-Letter, and really fell in love with this sock design. Because this was such a spur-of-the-moment sock knitting decision, I didn't have any of the yarn that it called for on hand... or anything very similar for that matter… but, you may remember back on February 8th I had bought some Sirdar yarn that I intended on using for a pair of socks. So, I grabbed that yarn and started knitting away. I probably should have done a gauge swatch since the yarn was so different, but I figured that I usually knit tightly, and I was working on a size 2 needle, so I wasn't too worried. It actually didn't come out too much larger than expected. They're a little big for me, so they may be turned into a Christmas gift. Either way, they satisfied my sock-knitting craving temporarily.

Here they are on Ravelry.

My Raw journey

Patterns for Sale

Tweed Beret

Violet, the Slouchy Head Friend

Lush Woven Scarf

Petal Socks

River of Life Socks

Crochet Motif Cardigan

Beatrice Ribbed Tie Coat