Copycatting

I'm a huge fan of the Knitmore Girls podcast. I thought it was cute that Gigi will knit through all of the patterns in a book. I'm so easily distracted by all of the free new things that come up every day that sometimes I can't even concentrate on what I'm doing right now. However, I'm really considering the Gigi way. I've already discussed Inspired Cable Knits and will probably make alot of the projects in it. But then - have you seen the new French Girl Knits? Holy cow! Seriously, I want to make everything in it. If you're at all interested in romantic, elegant, bohemian chic then you must see this book. Actually, the patterns are so pretty that almost any style would work with it. It's also one of the books that lists the size of yarn used, not the exact yarn and makes you find what weight it is to sub it out. I much prefer the yarn listed as " x many yards of worsted weight, we used such-and-such". So go look at this book.
Do you listen to KnitTherapy? She mentions me in the latest episode. She has to have surgery again, so please pray for her!
No pictures again. Sorry. I don't have much to show right now but I'm working on some things and I saw a tripod at Dollar Tree that will alleviate the shaky hand problem.
Have a happy day!

Guess What!!

I'm so excited and flattered right now. A sweet friend of mine, Gazebo Gal on ravelry, has written a pattern for me! It's called the B'licious tank. I'm itching to start it - but I can't find my size three needles, darn it. I can tell from reading the pattern that it's going to be a pretty top. I'll have to make myself something equally pretty to wear on my bottom half - a flowy skirt, maybe.
I've spent the past couple of nights spending quality time with the Doctor. David Tennant is so adorable and yummy. I know I'll miss him. I'm rewatching season four and it's so emotional for me - maybe it's the way Donna sees and reacts to the things that happen.
It's snowing again. I know it's still January but it's felt like a long winter.

A New Addiction

I have a new favorite thing that I wanted to share. When the boy child was a baby - about 9 years ago - I met with a lady from India who sells clothing out of her home. I bought a pashmina - a large shawl made of Himalayan cashmere. I never wore it because I didn't want to mess it up. I wrapped up in it recently since it's been so fracking cold and now I don't want to live without it. I found a few on ebay that are smaller and a bit thinner - nice but not exactly what I want. Of course, the ebay ones are a ton cheaper. I'm on the lookout for a couple more great big ones - four feet by six feet at least. While I'm looking I'll evjoy what I have and hope that you all get to wrap up in one. Don't think that I'm not still loving my handmade ones, though - I have a big crocheted stole on my chair for chill emergencies. As long as it's super cold out I'll be wrapped in something snuggly and hope you are, too.

I've finished my first House Cup assignment of this term - a patronus against seasonal depresson. What do you think? It's the tubey I'd planned made out of Simply Soft. It's not perfect but I like it.

Random Thoughts

I've had alot of little thoughts go through my brain recently and decided to share. Here goes!
First, I think it's so sad that kids only want money for gifts. Gifts are so special and personal and when you get The Gift from someone you love it makes your heart melt and your soul sing. I love when I find The Right Gift for someone - you know, the exact thing they would love that they would never think to look for on their own. If all you ever get is money and gift cards, how will you ever feel that warm, loving and loved feeling? Now, don't get me wrong, I like gift cards sometimes and I love the prepackaged gifty sets of bath stuff and candles and cologne, but a little something very personal is just so wonderful. Besides, the gifty stuff is much better at the clearance sale!
What is the big appeal of being bad? I've made it a lifestyle to be nice to people. Sometimes I slip a bit (crammed grocery stores, ex husband, etc) but I would rather have people think of me fondly rather than "that bitch". I mean, when I die I'd like for people to remember how I could have a conversation with a four-year-old that rambled like crazy or how I was an encouraging influence on someone. I'd hate to thing that anyone would say "man, I'm glad that rotten bitch is gone - the world is better off". Alot of the media seems to push the bad thing, though. It's hard to teach niceness to kids when all of the characters on television are sassy and mouthy and get into trouble - have you watched iCarly? Sam is bad. She's never adequately taken care of, either. Her badness overshadows Carly's niceness too much. (Spencer rocks. Just saying.) Let's all try to do nice things today - for family, friends, strangers, anyone. Let me know how you feel about the nice thing.
Jenny and I were talking the other day about the most popular knitting patterns on ravelry and it turns out that most of them are from knitty. Most of my projects are from knitty. It's absolutely possible to knit only from there and never get bored. The pattern archive covers any possible need or want - although I will most likely never make a womb. Amy Singer is such a genius. Tell me about your knitty thoughts! Share what you've made so we can admire your skills!
My parents and brother gave my new family a wii for Christmas this year. Eric is addicted. He spent all of last weekend playing Resident Evil 4, only stopping to sleep and get a beverage. It took him about 44 hours of game time to beat it. Now he's going through it again. I need to find him a new game - and find a new place to watch my shows!
I didn't make any resolutions. I have, however, given myself a fresh start by getting a pretty serious haircut. I'd had the same basic style for over 15 years. That's a really long time! Now it's shorter and curlier and alot more fun and fabulous. I've been wearing mascara, too. It's kind of fun to do housework with full makeup and a spritz of cologne - cheesy but fun. You should try it!
My Aunt Laurie has an etsy shop now - I'll be adding a link on the side. She sews beautiful bags and purses. My knitting bag is one that she made, in fact. She is an awesome sewer - she taught it for awhile and is so couture in quality. The bags are elegant and richly detailed. If you're in need please give her a look!
I think that's all for now. If any more thought come along I'll share them, too!
Have a great weekend!