Goals

I don't do resolutions, because I never stick to them. Instead, I have set some goals for myself this year.

In no particular order, I would like to accomplish the following:

Spin 12 pounds of fiber

Knit/spin down my stash before purchasing more or swiping stuff from my Etsy/Hyena Cart stock

Make a quilt a month.

Make something for myself each month

Do not buy fabric on a whim, only for a project that will be finished within the month of purchase.

Keep up with my blog

I would also like to start doing fun holiday things with/for my kids. I always have big plans, but never follow through & it's time I start making time for them!

So far, I'm making great progress! I have knit a Honey Cowl for myself from stashed yarn.

I also knit a Regina for my Step Grandmother's birthday out of scrap yarn.

I have already spun & plied over a half pound of yarn!

Christmas Candy merino

Wood Sprite BFL

Out With The Old...

Wow, it's been a long time since I've attempted to blog. Almost as long since I've even glanced at any of the blogs I follow.

2011 was a crazy, busy year. I took on far too many projects & customs & got more than a little burnt out. After taking some time away from customs to reflect & regroup, I am ready to enter the new year with a fresh start.

It was a difficult decision to make, but I will not be taking many custom orders in 2012. I will be focusing on ready to ship items, with the occasional custom offered in very limited numbers.

I have been working on writing my first knitting pattern & hope to have it ready for release for the January Capella stocking. I will also be joining the ranks of Their Own Knitted World & I find it is a huge compliment to be in a group with so many talented knitters.

As the year winds down, I am frantically trying to finish up my current UFO's (un-finished objects) so I can start the new year with a completely blank slate.

I am challenging myself to only purchase fabrics or yarns needed to complete a specific project. No more buying just because it's pretty & I must be realistic & let go of supplies I will not be using. I have a group of friends that are entering the challenge with me, which should make it easier for all of us to stick to our plan.

Tour de Fleece

So, did I mention that I got a spinning wheel from my awesome husband for Christmas? Well, I did. I was all excited & attempted to spin a little here & there when I had a few extra minutes in Jan, Feb & March. Then, I got frustrated that it wasn't just clicking & well, poor Betty (yes, I named my wheel) has been sitting in the corner of my craft area ever since, just begging for some attention.

Enter le Tour de Fleece. JUST the motivation I needed to get Betty the workout she so rightfully deserves. What the heck is the Tour de Fleece, you ask? It's a group on Ravelry for those of us that need motivation to, um, actually spin the fiber that we have been collecting & petting. And motivate, it did!
The TDF started yesterday & runs along with the Tour de France ;) I spun a couple ounces of the lovely purpley yarn on the right last night after the girls went to bed. I then spent the better part of today ignoring my children & household duties to finish spinning & then plying the two lovelies below :) (Don't worry, I didn't really ignore my kids, I just didn't follow them around cleaning up the little pathes of destruction, i.e. toys & clothing). Oh & did I mention, I dyed the fiber myself? That's another new hobby of mine, but we can talk more on that subject at a later date.
Not too bad for the first two days of the event, eh?

Celebrating Seuss

Dr. Seuss is a HUGE favorite in this house. We read his stories over & over & they never get old. In honor of his upcoming birthday, I will be doing a special Seuss themed stocking. I've got several cute sets in the works & some hand dyed yarns inspired by a couple books/characters as well. I'm still not 100% sure where I will stock yet...Hyena Cart? Etsy? Both? All I know for sure is March 2nd is the day, so keep an eye out.

I've got a stack of several prints from the latest Suess line from Robert Kaufman, as well as some discontinued prints I've been hoarding. I will be offering lots of new goodies & may bring back an old favorite or two as well.

Knitting Christmas

Now that it's officially over, I can share some of my handmade projects. I am so blessed to have a family that appreciates hand crafted gifts & I enjoy creating new things for them whenever possible.

This year, it was mostly knit items that were gifted, but I did make the hubby a new case for his Nook & a squishy velour pillow case.

Nana got a Cedar Leaf Shawlette. I absolutely adore this pattern & used one of my favorite yarn bases Madelinetosh Vintage in Kale.

My Dad works at a nuclear plant, so I just had to make him a mutated fish hat. We've always joked if you ate the fish from their cooling pond, you would glow in the dark. LOL
This is just one out of a set of four holiday wash/dish cloths I made my Mother-in-Law. She got a shawl for her birthday in November, so I kept her presents simple this year :hides:
For my teenage stepsons (and my pre-teen & teen nephews) that are too cool to wear a scarf in the chilly Illinois weather, a cool mustache cowl. These were a huge hit & they have been wearing them indoors even! Knit using my own Shelby Merino Superwash Wool in Grasshopper.
My Great Grandmother has lovely blue eyes & this color looks fabulous on her with her silver hair. It's also knit from Tosh Vintage in Baltic.
Bad lighting, but this Boneyard Shawl is also knit from the same dye lot of Baltic & looks fab together.

Sneak Peek

The fundraiser items have started to arrive. I got a box of squishy soft Malabrigo yarn today that will become a couple newborn sets. I plan to have one girly set, a boy set & hopefully a gender neutral set if time allows. This yarn is so unbelievably soft & absolutely perfect for wrapping a newborn in.

Here's a couple of my recent knitting projects:

This hat was knit from the Truffula Tree yarn I kettle dyed.

Part of a custom order for Shane. Still have a couple matching dresses to finish up.

Fundraiser

In September, I will be holding a fundraiser on my hyenacart shop to raise money for Operation Smile. All monies will be donated in honor of sweet little Carter. I am currently looking for donations, if anyone is interested in donating a handmade item, yarn or a knitting slot, please contact me at pinkebody@yahoo.com or simply leave a comment here with your contact information so I can get in touch with you.

It only takes $240 for one operation, which will change the recipients life forever.

You can also donate directly via TeamCarter's One Smile page.