And that's a Wrap!

It's nearing the end of 2014 (at least in my time zone).  As is the case every year, it has it's challenges and its triumphs.  I did manage to run TWO half marathons, get within sight of goal health numbers, and my children are still alive (and healthy!).  And even with all that, there were definitely hurdles.  Work, home and school schedules are in constant competition to see which will cause something to break.  I definitely fought with major apathy the last few months.  I'm definitely going to try and turn that around.  New year, new start and all that worn out cliché. 

 

And with that "verbose" philosophical drivel on the end of the year; start of a new, here are some pictures of some things I managed to make in my "funk."

I made this scarf/wrap/cowl--whatever--from a kidsilk yarn.  Oh. My. Goodness.  It is so incredibly soft and so light.  Unfortunately, first attempt with lace-weight yearn  meant I didn't get the gauging right on this.  It should be able to wrap more than once, but oh well. 

I also made a couple scarves from balls from a mystery pack. The top should have been longer, but it was all I had.  It is a sort of bias and really is unfortunate not to have more of this yarn.  The second was from a ribbon yarn.  I adjusted the pattern so it wouldn't be as wide.  In both cases, I gave them to my oldest to give as gifts.  She gave them to her amiga and her amiga's sister. 

 



And this....FINALLY!...is my Passi Shawl.  I bought this kit the weekend of the Pittsburgh Marathon (my sub-30:00 PR for a 5K and fun relay).  I started it around Thanksgiving.  It was the first time I knit in the side of rows and first time crochet binding.  I did LOTS of "un-knitting" due to the pattern.  Lots of increases and decreases.  It's hard to see the detail here, but I'll try to take better pics once I weave in the ends and block it. 

And with that...the end.  Goodbye 2014 and best of luck for 2015!



A Look Back...Thoughts on My Running Journey

Today, I ran in the 2nd Annual EQT 10-miler.  I did the inaugural race last year and felt so incredibly accomplished and amazed at what I did.  Me, who couldn't run the mile in high school can now (some days better than others) run some distance.  

For those of you unaware of my running journey (or bored and just feel like taking the proverbial trip down memory lane), a few years ago, I told my husband I "just want to run a 5K to say I did it."  There was a Koemen 5K coming up and he said (essentially) just sign up and do it.  So, I signed up and on Mother's Day 2013, I ran my first 5K.  I did better than I expected given I "sort of" trained and had about three outdoor runs in the books.  It was an amazing feeling and *gasp* I LOVED it.  Running was fun and amazing and I wanted more.

I looked online trying to find another race and seeing if I could find any groups to run with that would welcome me.  I sign-up for the Great Race 10K--b/c it's only two 5Ks, right? and then stumbled upon the Fleet Feet Flyers group.  I signed up to do a 5-mile map--longest distance for me EVER (at the time).  It seemed as though everyone was on a bit of a high from marathon weekend.  I was introduced to so many people and found it to be such a fulfilling experience.  I ran that race and had an even better time than the 5K four months earlier.

In between, I signed up for the 2013 EQT 10-miler...having never run more than 5-6 miles.  I pushed myself through every long run to train.  Uphill, downhill, over bridges, through tunnels.  Every week, amazed to see the distance go up....7-8-9-10-11!!  I ran 11 miles?!?!?!  Through it all, amazing friends, great inspiration, lots of lessons learned and a little time alone.   Once more, an even BETTER time than the previous two races....and some lost weight while enjoying myself. 

A friend kept trying to convince me to do a half marathon.  I finally gave in and registered to do the Pro Football Hall of Fame Half Marathon...yet another inaugural race.  Black Friday 2013, I signed up for half marathon training.  Having been part of some amazing group runs and a long-run training schedule for EQT, I knew it would be good.  Result:  Awesomeness  (I reflected upon this in my "Idiot" post) with a couple "training" races in between.

So...back to today's second running (heehee) of EQT.  I had some time to reflect...especially since things started to fall apart.  I hadn't trained for EQT much and I knew it would be tough since I was doing nothing to really turn it around.  I considered transferring my bib numerous times.  But...I couldn't.  My friend ran the HOF with me even though she hardly had time to train.  It seemed it would be wrong of me to not race when the only reason I wasn't trained was my own laziness and lack of discipline.  (Not something legit like...oh...a new job and moving and stuff.)  

The other reason I couldn't transfer was I registered for a training program...with a shirt.  I could NOT wear that shirt and not run the event it was for.  I just couldn't.   It would not be right.  Sure, I cursed the Coach Karen-worthy hills.  But...it wasn't the Karen I cursed or even the hills; it was my own lack of effort on the training hills the weeks before the race.  

So really, what this whole rambling bit amounts to is this:  Running is what I put into it.  It's my race.  I crossed that finish line.  I got out there; I did it.  And why do I not just hang up my Brooks and call it a day?  Because I am not going to let the high school non-runner self get the best of me.  Because my 5-yr-old wants to be a racer like Mama and she plans to teach me to be fast.  (We made a deal that I'd teach her how to run further.)  Because my husband--who can't figure out why anybody would want to run let alone run  withouth being chased--says "I'm proud of you."  Because Karen--whom I admire immensely--said  "You are a great runner!"  Because....I AM A RUNNER and runners run!  

Finally! Some FOs

I'd like to say the last few weeks were spent busily crafting away.  Unfortunately, work and family and apathy took up most of my time.  That said, I did manage to do a few things.  Here is the run-down.

Sometime back, I purchased a KnitPicks dish towel kit.  It consists of four fiber colors.  I now have two complete.   The green was the most recent accomplishment.  It isn't incredibly difficult, just sort of time consuming.  I didn't block this one and I'm not sure the point.  If these get used, it isn't like they are going to be blocked each time they go through the wash.  

I made a few small "things."  A "grumpy octopus" travel sleeve for a friend's birthday.  Super quick even though, he looks a bit more drunk than grumpy.  I used my small DPNs for a pin cushion for another friend.  (As an aside, you really should head over to her blog and check out all the super cool and creative things she has going on.  I'm in total envy of her artistic-ness and how she's able to make time to do this and everything else!) I kind of like this one.  The only reason I used DPNs was because I didn't have straights in the small size. Thankfully, not many stitches to try to keep from falling off the end. I made a small headband, too, though, this is an example of the type of yarn making a difference.  I used acrylic yarn I had leftover from something else.  Between learning to use DPNs for circular knitting and the yarn, it wasn't the best of results.  Not bad; just not the best.  

I finally finished the sweater for my oldest.  It is a little big, but this should mean it lasts her through the next school year, too.  I think it took me over a month just to get the buttons and pockets attached.  Inexcusable!  

I had a request from my Mother-in-Law (MIL) to make her Chatsworth Cowl for Christmas.  I had it done and finally blocked it this week.  Blocking round items is exactly the purpose of a foam roller, right???  I do love how the lace turned out.  This looks so much nicer than the one I made for myself.  It helped I knew I would have plenty of yarn leftover.  The first time I made it, I was so afraid I'd run out.  

 

I made a couple hats this week, too.  The first was from a book and used some leftover yarn from a sweater.  I made this toddler size and really should have made child.  I forgot my "little" one has a big head.  I think it still turned out cute.    

I made a men's hat, too, from a tweed I had in my stash.  After my husband adamantly told me he didn't want / need a hat, I decided I'll give it to FIL for Christmas.  If it's warn even once, it's worth it.  (I had to use Peek-a-boo Bear as a model and...his head is a tad small.) 

I'm sort of futzing around at this point.  I need to think Christmas gifts, but not clue what to make.  I have less teachers this year, but don't want to make the same thing as last year.  Sadly, I really need to finish some WIPs and bust through my stash.  I keep thinking, we will move in a few years and I really don't want to pack all of this up.  I feel the itch to buy stuff, though, so trying really hard to keep it all in check.  Stupid job.  I'm sure if I didn't have to actually show up and do *gasp* work, I'd totally have more time to do crafty "stuff."

I despise running (& runners!)

I really do love to run and, in my experience, runners have such a warm, inviting community.  I would really be lost (both figuratively and literally) without my running family.  

August 28, 2014.  The (not so) Great Race.  It was a beautiful morning.  I had no issues getting into town, parking.  Even the shuttle to the start was pretty easy and I had more than enough time to settle in.  I braved a port-o-potty.  I found a place along the start waiting to get things underway. 

As I waited a family started to gather near me.  Now, I do find it great when people have support anywhere along the way.  There were a couple young boys who seemed excited their dad / uncle / older brother was going to race.  This is all well and good until they started to just creep toward me to the point I had to keep moving.  I was essentially invisible to them.  Seriously, it is a big road and it wasn't like people were lining up for the inevitable gun start.  

That aside, the race started.  I felt like it would be OK.  I periodically checked my Garmin and slowed myself down when I saw I was at my (trained) pace.  Mile 1 went by pretty quickly and was sub-11:00.  Still a bit too fast given I had 5.2 miles left to go.  Mile 2 was very similar and I desperately wanted to find a water stop.  I really was not hydrated well enough and it was much warmer than last year.  I felt like my calf was starting to cramp which then prompted paranoia and fears of collapsing in the street.  Yes, my imagination sometimes runs a bit amok.  Mile 4 just sucked.  It was an uphill and I gave in and walked.  There is nothing wrong with walking.  It's just slower (generally) than running and I REALLY wanted to get to my car.  I finally made it to the end.  I was about six minutes slower than last year.  Oh well.  I had no illusions of it being a PR.

But about my (temporary) distaste for runners.  I mentioned the family who (unnecessarily) crowded me at the start.  But along the course.  My goodness.  If some of these people pass in their motor vehicles the way they pass running, they must have extraordinary insurance premiums!  People were weaving into spaces that, really, the fact nobody ended up having legs tangled in a heap on the road was miraculous.  Then there were those who felt having elbows out as if they were chickens was "good form."  Dude, chickens can't fly so why impersonate a chicken when trying to run?  This isn't me criticizing so much as thinking of the safety of others.  Some of us are...um....vertically challenged.  Like I need an extraneous elbow to the head.

And the finish.  GRRRRR...I was tired and felt sick and just wanted water when I finally finished.  This would be great if people kept moving.  Water acquired, it was off to get an orange.  Another gripe:  people who obtain their desired post-race "goody" and proceed to stand there or walk along the tables....Get out of the way!!  I left the park after that; no reason to stick around.  What amazed me was the number of runners (not so likely a non-runner would be wearing a race bib) who just strolled along the sidewalks and streets.  When I say "stroll," I mean...walking slower than I did when 9-months pregnant with Helga.  It didn't help  matters that the tailgaters were already starting to descend upon town.  

Thankfully, I made it home for lunch and nap-time.  Oh, it was such a nice nap.  I woke up still feeling worn out, but...ah...a nap.  Today, I feel aches in places I forgot are used when running.  My calf is still a bit tender.  I'll need to give it some TLC to work it out and strengthen it up.  Focus.  I must focus.  The 10-miler really isn't that far away and I am determined to make a better showing. 

Tomorrow, I'll love running, again.  I'll go back to feeling like my fellow runners are some of the best people in the world.  I'll recover and move on.  One mile at a time.  

"One Foot in Front of the Other"

That's what I keep telling myself.  Each step adds up to miles.  Each step has me closer to healthy numbers.  

Almost two weeks ago, I faced the bathroom scale.  Now, let me take a moment to say, I do not obsess over the number on the scale I don't go into a frenzy trying to drop pounds to reach some (unrealistic, unattainable and unhealthy) weight.  The scale just happens to be the most convenient tool to provide immediate feedback on progress.  It's not exactly convenient (or pleasant) to get glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, etc. checked.  OK, yes, I know some of those can be done pretty easily (blood pressure check at the pharmacy, anyone?), but it doesn't really mean much without some of the other numbers and they all sort of inter-relate.  

So where was I?  That's right, facing the proverbial music and seeing how much my 4+ months of healthful neglect set me back.  I over-estimated how much I put on (though, it was certainly enough!).  Scale faced, I made nice withe the treadmill.  Of course, being it was neglected for so long, I couldn't just go all out and run for 90 minutes.  That would just be cruel...yeah..that's it.  It has *nothing* to do with the fact running for 30 minutes is an effort or anything like that.  (heehee).  I did manage to work up to about 5 miles after a few tries.  Nothing like mindless movies (Sweet Home Alabama, perhaps?) to help make the time go by.

And then, a bit of hiatus.  Can it even be called a hiatus when it's only a few days?  I had my second weekend of Pilates Teacher training.  Intermediate everything.  By everything I mean:  mat, Reformer, Chair, Pedi-Pole, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector and Cadillac.   It is a ton of information to absorb, learn and know in a few days' time.  Sunday was a true test for me.  We each had to lead a warm up using the beginner mat order.  This meant, having to teach the other student and our teacher / mentor.  EEEK!!  It was not perfect, but I do feel I could successfully teach a beginner mat class.  Not too bad considering I did one very clunky practice session with my husband prior to this past weekend.  I'm not so good at the homework / studying part of learning.  Somehow, I do need to get my practice teaching hours in.  At some point in the next couple years (being realistic, here), I hope I can test out and become certified.  In the meantime, I need to keep practicing, learning and find time to get in some additional experience teaching.

This Sunday, I plan to rejoin my running group.  I miss that crew SO much.  I do enjoy being on a trail myself and the solitude and peace.  Being with a group, though....oh, how I made it through some tough miles with the just a simple "good job" said by someone as he or she passed by.  Simple, but so effective.

And with that, I think I'll just make myself a cup of tea and relax not feeling the least big guilty about the pizza we had for dinner.

In health!

A Couple Weeks in Review

It's been a lazy, but busy last couple of weeks.  I am not sure if it's that I need more hours in a day or more energy for a day or maybe just an assistant.  

I was on vacation a couple weeks ago (Aug 11-ish) and we spent the time at "the lake" with my in-laws.  It rained far too much for playing outside.  The rain brought cooler temperatures, so made being outside even more of a challenge.  This would be perfect crafting weather if there weren't a couple little kiddos to occupy, laundry to be done, meals to be prepared and clean-up or sleep to be had. 

And then...back to work.  I don't dislike my job; I just dislike that I have to go to my job.  Everyday.  And do work.  Yes, I know...it's called "work" for a reason.  And...yes, I'm paid to perform a specific function and it isn't running, doing Pilates or crafting.  It would be great if those things could be done as a job and I could earn something even close to my "real job" salary, but....I think it would take a lot of work to make that happen and then I'm not sure how much fun it would be and then....well....I'd be in the same spot I am now. 

I suppose it does make project progress even that much of an accomplishment to me, though.  I did finish the "Frozen" inspired "Anna cape".  Yes, it's green, but that is the favorite color of the intended recipient (whom, I am quite confident will not wear it, anyway) and it's  yarn I had on hand.  I know the pom-poms aren't right, but I couldn't figure them out.  

I also managed to get these guys finished.  I was asked to make two of them (special order) and the other will eventually be shipped off to a friend as a surprise.  The girls loaded him up with lots of hugs.  So I know there is a crazy, over-worked lady who is gonna feel some love. (The one in the middle is perfectly imperfect and he is awesome).

I finished my "jelly cakes" quilt top, too.  All I needed to do was cut the strips for the final border and then attach it.  I have no idea why it took me so many weeks to do something that took less than an hour (pressing included) to actually finish.  I admit, I had to take a step back and just stare at it in awe.  It's hard to believe I put this together and it actually looks...*gasp*...nice!  It will be some time before I can finish the whole quilt.  I need to piece together the back, layer it all together, bast it (I'm going to see how spray basting works.), quilt it and then do the binding.  This is about queen-size so it is definitely space intensive--something I don't really have any to spare.  The spray basting requires a space outside (well-ventilated) and I know our little porch is not big enough.  

In and among all of this (and work...did I mention I had to work?), I worked on the Demetra Cardigan, too, and I am so happy with how it looks (so far).  It seems to work up (relatively) quickly and I have not had to "un-knit" very much at all.  It's been a positive learning experience, too.  I used a cable cast-on to start--much easier than guessing to do the long-tail cast-on method.  I also had to do increases using the "make one (M1)" method.  It turned out nicely.  I found I dropped a stitch a few rows back and had to recover it and opted not to rip back.  I think I felt so good about it, I didn't even panic.  Or...maybe that was just the calming effects of watching "Outlander" while knitting.  Either way, no panic is a good thing.  I may be able to finish this within a week or so.  I still have to do my first-time attaching pockets and also a different "bind-off" for the main sweater.  I really hope this turns out nicely once it's been soaked / cleaned and dried.  I know there are a couple snags in it (so....I did a little bit of knitting in bad lighting.  ).  

And now...I am off to try for some sleep.  Tomorrow (you guessed it), I have to go to work.  

Vacation Packages

How awesome it was to order something and have it delivered to my vacation destination. I knew my order wouldn't arrive at home before I left. I admit I was a little worried it wouldn't arrive here because I'm in a tourist area away from any major post offices. In fact I think it made 4 stops along the way before he came out for delivery.

That aside, I'm pretty excited my order of yarn arrived bringing lots of  anticipation and excitement to start on some new projects. 

The first one i want to start is a child's sweater.  The pattern is Demetra Cardigan from Knit Picks.  

I need to get these two guys finished first, though. :(

We'll see how it goes.

(Sorry about the odd order and crazy formatting   First post from my phone and not impressed!)

On the Run...Sort of

Fall race season will start before I'm ready for it.  Heck...summer is almost over and I'm not exactly ready to face that, either.  This probably wouldn't matter, except, I'm already registered for two fall races.  A 10k end of September and a 10-miler in November.  Not a big deal if I'd kept up the fitness and nutrition regimen of spring race season.

So here I am trying to start over.  I forced myself to get dressed in running attire and my Brooks

and hit the road.  I managed just over 1 mile. That's a far cry from the half marathon end of April. True I am in the mountains and are hills but that's really no excuse I like a fitness.

Maybe tomorrow, I can make it a mile and a half.

UPDATE: I dI'd do 1.5 today and it felt awesome in the rain.  I stopped since it started to rain harder, my Garmin was dangerously low on battery, I was near the house.  Mostly for the first reason though since the "Moms" were likely starting to fret that I was out in the rain.  This was confirmed when I came in and my mom said she was almost about to get her car keys to come out for me. 

Pretty Surprises

I recently placed an order for Fyberspates DK yarn (silk / merino) to make a cowl for my mother-in-law.  Can't remember if I mentioned (and too lazy to look) she saw my Chatsworth cowl and asked for one for Christmas.  

(Here is what it looks like complete finished (blocked and all).

So, anyway, I went onto Craftsy's website and ordered and figured I'd maybe order the DPNs I need for a class project.  Yes, I did order a whole set of DPNs, but all are small size for the likes of socks.  I'm sure I'll figure out how to use them and it won't be a total waste.  On top of these "necessities," I decided to grab a "mystery bag" while I was at it.  I really do not need this extra yearn.  I haven't figured out what to do with the last "mystery" stash or even what I intentionally bought.  Ordered it all anyway.

As I wait for it all to arrive, I figured I really need to get moving on using up yarn.  After a few restarts and a LOT of un-knitting, I finally finished my Liesl cardigan.  I'll be honest, it still needs a button (it has a buttonhole, though!), but still wearable.  I think I'd like to try it with a lighter yarn next time.  (Yup, a next time!)

That's one ball of yarn gone.  (Yeah, one, but how much am I going to get?)  And then....the mail arrives with a package  I know holds some yarn-y goodness.  I have to make myself sit through dinner and get the kids sorted first.  Then I open it and, oh how yummy!  I know the picture doesn't do some of the colors justice, but so nice.  The teal yarn is the Fyberspates I purchased intentionally.  My "mystery" bag came with another hank of the same yarn.  If I'd only known.....

Now the question is, what will I make with these?  Hmmm.....

Learning New Things

Have you ever had someone who taught something and did such an amazing job that you were doing things you didn't think you would be ready for? Maybe it's just me and my innate ability to under-estimate myself at almost every turn.

I experienced this many times in Pilates where I had anxiety there was no way I could do Russian splits or some crazy one-arm + one-leg now do "x" moves and then was able to do it.  (I'm a long way from those days since my diet and exercise habits went on holiday and I'm not sure when they plan to return.  I should send out a search party).  Great instructors.

More recently, though, I gained a great boost in crafty confidence with my Craftsy class  Knit Lab: In the Round.  Stefanie Japel is the instructor in this class and also the beginner Knit Lab class I also took.  In fairness, I should express my surprise from the first class.  It involved lace, increases, decreases, cast-on, bind off...did I mention LACE?!  Yeah...and it was EASY.

Anyway, back to my "in the round" class.  I haven't done all the projects since I didn't have the needles at the time.  DPNs will have to wait another day to be tackled.  This meant the first project I did from the class was the Saw Tooth Hat.  Never mind this is actually worked w/o a seam (and it fits me!).  It has colorwork--something I did not anticipate doing anytime soon.   

The last project in the class was a cable and lace cowl.  I didn't anticipate having any issues with the lace.  It couldn't be that hard (said only because I did lacework in a previous class with Stefanie.)  Cables, being in the round and using "special" stash yarn...this was going to be interesting.  I did learn I should pay more attention to the written and charted pattern instructions.  I missed an element in the lace section, but I'm not upset with it.  The cable portion would be better had I read the instructions properly in the first two repeats.  A part of me wishes I'd ripped back to where it was right, but, I'm good with it. And the crazy part...I cable knit.  Yeah, crazy.  I am NOT a good knitter and that I was able to do this...If this is beginner level, I am really afraid to know what "intermediate" and "advanced" patterns are.  .  

Given my confidence in the last two projects, I opted to switch over to do my Crochet-a-Long workshop I signed up for.  It was for a "Chatsworth Cowl."  The yarn itself made me nervous.  This is a one-skein project and reading the workshop comments, I was a little worried 1) I would run out of yarn 2) I'd make a mistake and the yarn would get caught and I would lose a chunk of it and 3) this would be really hard and I would not be able to do it.  I did end up with extra yarn since I crocheted it a bit tight.  I still like how it turned out.  My first crochet lace and it's wearable.  So much so, my Mother-in-Law asked me to make her one.  What, what, WHAT???

This has me started on my next anxiety-inducing project.  A cardigan (with cap sleeves) for myself.  Oh wow...this is going to be interesting.  Here is my progress at the end of yesterday (when I started it).

So all of this "yarny" goodness from one great instructor:  Stefanie Japel.  Love her classes, love her patterns.  I don't even think twice if her name is attached to it.  That's how great, I think she is. :)

Hope you have the chance to learn something knew and see how scary it really wasn't.  

Holy Exhaustion, Batman!

Confession:  I stumbled upon old episodes of "Batman" Sunday morning before I went off to class--sorry!

This weekend started a new adventure into Pilates Teacher Training. I admit this is entirely crazy.  I mean 1) I have no ambition to open my own studio and 2) I don't see myself as the "teacher" type.  Yet....here I am.  I plunked down my cash, made the commitment and am enrolled in a totally quality training program.  (Seriously, where else would one get training from a person who is a Second Generation and a Third Generation Instructor? --no joke, look it up).  I do love Pilates, though, and it's changed me in so many ways.

• It makes me feel taller (I'm only 5'1" so every little bit helps)
• I can (finally) run more than a block
• I have better overall strength and stability
• BONUS:  I sometimes feel like a total bad-ass after doing crazy stuff

One weekend down and it is truly exhausting.  There is the physical aspect, but the mental aspect is completely not expected (yet, obvious).  There is just so much to learn and so much to remember.  Factor in having to actually "teach" to classmates.  Over-whelmed.  By midway Friday, I seriously doubted my ability to do this.  And then I stepped back and thought of things I do that I would never think I could do. 

At work, I sometimes speak with VPs, Directors.  I create policies and processes and the associated governance.  I get to tell people "no." At home, I have two little people that  I am responsible for molding into responsible big people.  There is no manual for that (sure, lots of advice and studies, but it isn't like actual instructions).  I realize these are both very different "things," but they are both challenges and both have their own set of consequences  Why exactly did (do) I think teaching would be impossible.  

By Saturday, I felt much better about it all.  Of course through Saturday and Sunday, there was so much more material to add to what I already had stuffed in my brain from Friday.  The "teaching" part started to feel a little bit more natural.  Still awkward, mind you, but not quite as nerve-wracking as Friday.  It could be confidence or beginning to have more familiarity with my classmates.  Whatever it was, it at least helped things be less uncomfortable.  

So....a couple months for me to practice what I learned and see what I can imprint to my mind before the next weekend of training.  Eeeek......Live in the moment; live in the moment; live in the moment.  Maybe all of this will help me figure out what I really want and where I belong.  Still feeling very lost. 

Lost and Alone In the Dark

At some point, I know there will be a spark, a light, a map.  Until then, I guess I'll just stumble around and see if I find myself on some path or other.

Running is note even a crawl.  I have a 10K and a 10 mile race this fall (Sept & Nov, respectively) and am nowhere near trained for it.  I'm not eating right and can't even say I have a base level of fitness--should be fun to start Teacher Training this weekend.  (What was I thinking?!?!)

I'm pretty stalled on all my projects.  We went away for the weekend.  A part of me had this little "fantasy" of being able to pack up my machine, quilt pieces and at least get the thing sandwiched together and a start on the "ditching."  Yeah, right.  My bag of yarn barely fit in the car.  My only crafting for the weekend was to finish the seem on one of the "Punky Penguins" and stuff it.  I have yet to finish even one I was asked for.  I suppose, I did do some artsy things with the girls on Saturday--we played with stickers and such. While fun and great quality time, not exactly productive.

I have a knit-along and a crochet-along that I have not made it beyond winding the yarn.  A shawl kit I purchased and just about all of my UFOs I mentioned a couple weeks ago.  To add to all of it, I started on a "Frozen Inspired Anna Cape" using some mill-end yarn my mom gave me--it's not very easy to work with and the gauge is way off.  Just the few rows of the collar, I think it would fit me.  Oh well.

I did some clean-up of my fabric stash since I have a three-drawer plastic rolling "thing" we brought back.  I used some tips from Happy Zombie.  I still have a lot to do before I can put things in the closet and get things out without practically removing everything.  When I sat down to do some crochet, my husband turned off the light.  So literally, I am in the dark and have no real motivation to go to a light.

And if any of this is not proof enough, I'm randomly watching Craftsy classes and sort of browsing.  I look at Amy Butler's site and get a bit depressed.  I mean, the creativity and the passion....I'm just in awe and amazement.  It isn't all something within my taste, but I just love what she comes up with.  Beautiful fabrics from vibrant to soothing and decor and garments.

Then there is Amy Gibson's blog over at Stitchery Dickory Dock.  Whenever I read one of her blog posts, it makes me just feel so emotional.  She just comes across as so honest and just sincere.  I read her posts and am not envious of her, but really want to know how she pulls it together and how she does it.  She led the 2012 BOM (the one I made it through March) and just creative and fun and educational.

After all that, I am still lost and it is still dark.  Tomorrow is another day.

"No, I'm an idiot"

Yes, that's right.  I'm an idiot.  I fully admit it.  Let me explain.

I ran this past Sunday for the first time since May 18th.  My local running club (whom I have grown to love very much) hosts free Sunday runs of a few varying distances.  Had I kept up with running post half marathon training, it would not be surprising for me to without question figure I could definitely do the 5.3 mile option, but maybe choose the 10 mile.  Yeah, I know that's crazy, but remember I was trained (and completed in 2:18:43) a half marathon just three weeks before the last run.  Which does remind me...that was a bit of "idiot" moment there.  I did a half marathon in Columbus, OH the weekend of April 27, then did a 5K on May 3rd and participated in the Pittsburgh relay on May 4th.  Yeah, genius.

Anyway, I digress.  Sunday's run.  Having done nothing, I really should have opted to do the 3 mile run.  Get the legs moving, see some running friends, get out of the house.  Just ease into it.  But that would be wise.  I opted to go from zero to 5.3 miles.  Oh yeah, and this spanned, if I counted correctly, six bridges (translated:  much uphill).  Mile 1 was great.  Mile 2...eh.  Miles 3-5...really regretted my decision, but it was carry on or have a long (slow) walk back to my car.  I absolutely (and unashamedly) admit I took full advantage of the friend I was running with not having water with her.  "Do you need to stop here for water?"  Yeah...there is something to be said for going past a couple hotels.  

Two days later, my legs are still a bit sore.  I am an idiot.

But, friends, it doesn't end there.  Oh no.  That just isn't enough.  Let's move onto my myriad of (and I have time, when???) projects. Specifically, quilts.

I have my jelly cakes quilt started on "sew-cation."  I really hoped to baste and start the quilting this weekend.  It's a holiday, so an opportunity to capitalize on the extra day.  A lofty idea given only the blocks were pieced together.  This didn't take into account the following still needing to be done:  

• buy solid fabric for first border,
• buy batting,
• cut, piece and attach first border,
• cut, piece and attach second border,
• piece together backing

Theoretically, that should all be possible in a weekend and a couple evenings.  Ha. Ha. HA!

Reminder--I'm an idiot.

Rather than work on the border (which I did procure the fabric on Saturday), I opted to revisit the Craftsy 2012 Block-of-the-Month.  January blocks were complete some time back, but I'd never completed the others.  So rather than work on the quilt I could put well on it's way to being complete, I opted to work on the blocks for February and March.  Brilliant.  

And if that wasn't enough to raise a "What are you thinking?'....add in my evenings.  Monday, I went out to purchase the batting and was home in time to watch "24."  This is probably the only show I watch all week, so it was a bit of an obligation.  One border done.  But...the rest of the list still needs doing.  None of that for tonight (Tuesday) since I had a bit of a dinner date (which I am ever so thankful for and had a lovely time) and no sewing.  The rest of the pre-holiday evenings are a bit tied up.  

So for the record, one last time.  I am an Idiot.

An Ode to My Favorite Tools

I was passengering in the car on Friday on a little bit of a road trip.  Given I had time and daylight, I thought I'd work on one of the penguins I'm crocheting.  In the midst of getting things transferred from my work backpack to my car bag, my Furls hook ended up in the trunk.  Thankfully, my straight set was in my bag.  And while my straight hooks are perfectly fine and they work and I used them for years, those were two long hours without my Furls.  It got  me thinking....it's easy to take the tools we use for granted.  

It's about time these tools get the attention they deserve (in no particular order)

Furls Crochet Hooks (www.furls.com)

Their website claims (in a nutshell) these hooks are a more natural feel and result in less fatigue and such when crocheting.  Yeah, I can tell you, it is absolutely NOT in my head; I can sit with these for much longer than standard hooks.  My hand doesn't get tired or cramp; my forearm doesn't get sore.  I think my stitching is more even, too.  Sure, each hook cost somewhere in the same vicinity of my entire interchangeable knitting needles, but....some days comfort (and, ok, these are beautiful!) is worth the price.  

The Binding Tool (http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=5582724174265582&Store_id=399&page_id=23&Item_ID=1500) 

I purchased this from Missouri Star Quilt Company, but am sure this can be purchased in other places.  To see this tool used and then actually use it to be sure a quilt binding has the proper overlap and such was so nice.  

Lantern Moon Knitting Needles

These came in a "mystery knit box" I received (and then a bonus set b/c they shipped an extra knit box instead of something else, but I digress) and I love them.  They are just so nice and smooth.  They don't have a metal "click" to them, but still a nice soothing sound.  Yarn slides along them nicely--not to slick and not too sticky (like plastic).  

There are so many  other tools I have that I use.  My trusty Kenmore sewing machine, Fiskars rotary cutter, mat and rulers, KnitPicks interchangeables (LOVE the color) and so on.  

What are your "must have" favorites?

UFO Sightings!!

I walked through the house tonight and was a little surprised (and embarrassed) by the UFOs I found scattered about.

• Penguin parts in the living room.
• A dishtowel requiring three rows & blocking until complete.
• A cowl that just needs the ends woven in and trimmed off.
• The quilt blocks that just requires the top half and bottom half (one seam!) be stitched and pressed.
• The two snap bags that are halfway complete (hidden under the January 2012 BOM).  

And that is just what is plainly visible!  It doesn't include the WIPs stuffed inside a closet or sewing basket like:

• The quilt top that needs pressed and mended before I call to schedule long-arming.
• A skirt that needs a hem (not that it would fit now anyway--2004?)
• "Footprints in the Sand" cross stitch (easily circa 1993)
• A flower needlepoint (likely to end up a pillow
• The second in a pair of tea towels
• A Care Bears cross stitch Christmas stocking
• I'm sure there is at least something else that isn't done!

As much as I want to look forward to what to start next (like my knit-along or crochet-along or the two twin quilts I have planned with the Moda Independence Trail fabric line pre-cuts I have), I suppose I should finish a thing or two (or three) before I start anything else.  

Any ideas on a good incentive plan?  Am I the only one with this kind of problem?

**update**
So just a quick update on the in-plain-sight UFOs

• A dishtowel requiring three rows & blocking until complete.--DONE
• A cowl that just needs the ends woven in and trimmed off.--DONE
• The quilt blocks that just requires the top half and bottom half (one seam!) be stitched and pressed.--DONE

Pin, no pin, unpin

Pin

Anybody who ever stitched two pieces of fabric together -- even if only in middle school / Jr. high Home Ec-- knows pinning is part of the rules to sewing.  Pinning and pressing are, I think, the two steps that are most often skipped b/c it's tedious work.  With some experience, I know these (and accurate cutting) are so important to having a successful finished product.  In quilting, it's even more important since we all want the edges and corners to (mostly) line up.  

I spoke with my neighbor about this  just yesterday.  She is an AMAZING sewist.  The daughter of a tailor and seamstress, I have every confidence she knows what she's talking about.  She pins everything.  And it shows.  Her one-of-a-kind handbags look better than anything I've seen in a store.  The detail and accuracy of the corners and edges is a testament to her skills.  

Ok, so what is  my point?  I suck at getting good results with pinning.  I line the seams of my blocks up, pin, sew and they still are off.  Sometimes, not too much, and other times, it's time to get out the seam-ripper and try again.  How timely it was to see a blog post come across my Facebook feed about nesting seems given my "jelly cakes" quilt top.

No Pin

The "Sew Can She" blog had a tip on nesting seams that involves NO PINNING.  You didn't read that incorrectly--check it out:  Sew Can She: Quick Quilting Tip Nesting Seams.  A chance to have blocks that line up AND not have to pin...what the hay...I'll try it!  I already had to rip apart two rows b/c the blocks were so misaligned.  I really had nothing to lose.  The picture below shows the results.  It worked!  It worked!  I admit, they aren't all aligned, but the most misaligned are equivalent to my best alignment when pinned.  This doesn't mean I will never pin again--far be it.  It just means, I probably won't when I need to line up seams. 

Unpinned

I found as I was trying to piece together rows during the girls' nap today, I realized I somehow mirrored the layout of my blocks.  I fixed the two rows I'd put together and had to either rely on my pictures to figure out the layout (in reverse) or redo the layout.  I opted to go by picture.  My opportunity to do this was after I'd put the youngest to bed while the oldest watched "Frozen"  (what? you haven't heard of that movie?!?!).  I'm sitting on the floor in the next room with my phone in hand trying to lay everything out in the proper order.  Isabel comes in, sits down and says "What are you doing?"  "I'm trying to fix a mistake I made."  "Mama, I want you to teach me to do that.  Because I'll be bigger and you're going to get old.  Like Rara.  And you won't be able to so I want to."  "Um, OK, Iz."  

And the "unpinning" (touching) part of this for me is that my 5-yr-old wants to learn a skill that doesn't involve a screwdriver, hammer or some other tool found at the hardware store.  This is the child who would rather help Dada change the oil in the car than help Mama bake bread; would rather watch Dada tune his RC truck than bead bracelets with Mama.  It has nothing to do with enforcing gender stereotypes (I'm truly thankful she wants to learn how to fix things and be knowledgeable of mechanical "things").  It is that she wants to learn quilting and she asked me, and I will do my best to teach her.  And...I'll tell her she has to pin everything. :)

In an effort not to end on a sappy note, this picture (below) shows how much is pieced together.  I have five rows done and the other six rows are 3/4 complete.  Barring any great mishaps, I think I'll have the blocks completely pieced together tomorrow (technically, today). I did order the fabric for the border, the backing and some extra to try my hand at a couple simple pillowcases.  I need to get a solid brown for one round of the border, but have some time.  I need to start work on a pair of matching twin quilts that I also purchased everything for....update on that coming up.  

 

Pilates Posture-ing

Despite a really crap night of sleep due to a sore throat and achy body, I still kept my Wednesday Pilates session at Pilates Sol (www.pilatessol.com).  I missed the last couple weeks and really looked forward to this.  

I am SO glad I went.  I actually felt better after I left than I did before I got there.  How often do you exercise when not feeling well and feel better afterward?  This is one of the things I absolutely love about Pilates.  Yes, I worked my body--it certainly was not an easy / lazy reformer workout.  I've had tougher, but Marcie (my teacher) is amazing and knows when it's time to push and when it's time to not push as hard.  Absolutely love her.  (I say this, but if she'd made me do the "series of 5" I'd probably be cursing her for the next three days).  

This had me thinking...why did it make me feel better?  It wasn't as if there is some miraculous Pilates move that has anesthetic properties to make my throat not hurt.  It does, however, make breathing easier.  Chest open, breathe, exhale move in opposition, controlled movement.  So I think breathing easier made the stuff irritating my throat to lessen.  The stretching / strengthening movements did help with the achy-ness alleviating the discomfort in my shoulders and back.

This then led me to think about why those areas were so achy. I'm sure it had *nothing* to do with my "sew-cation" and kneeling on the floor to cut pieces for quilt blocks or standing to press seems and layout blocks.  It probably had even less to do with sitting in an incredibly non-ergonomic seat to try to actually sew.  I know when I knit, crochet, sew....I do not sit with proper posture.  I didn't stand at the ironing board in with proper posture.  I basically let myself be a hunched, mushy lump.  It completely serves me right to be sore.  

What is the point of all this "posturing?"  Pilates is more than just going to get a (really good!) low-impact workout.  

Pilates is:

• strength.  
• flexibility
• confidence
• standing tall
• mind-body
• AMAZING

Pilates is physically possible for most people; but not for everyone.  It is not aggressive like weight lifting and it isn't as passive and some of the common Yoga methods.  It's sort of more passive-aggressive.  It's pretty pervasive, though, and, as I hope I got across, it can be such a part of daily life (in a good kinda way)

Sew-cation coming to a close

I took five days off of work for the purpose of sewing.  Yes, I took vacation to sew.  The kids still went to school and I sewed.

I did have a little bit of an agenda.  The first task was to create little drawstring bags for my eldest's Kindergarten-Prep graduation.  Nine kids (including her)....really, how hard could it be?  This was a free Craftsy class (http://www.craftsy.com/class/bag-making-basics-drawstring-bag-and-bucket-bag/149) intended for beginners.  In fairness, the pattern is NOT hard.  Just some straight cutting and straight sewing.--OK, I'll be honest.  I totally suck at both of those. I managed to complete ONE bag on Wednesday.  In fairness, I did manage to cut out 4-1/2 other bags.  One of them I cut a part of the exterior too short so had to do some creative grafting.  My option was to buy another fat quarter, but this was or 5-yr-olds.  I also managed to screw up the layout (and therefore cutting) of the lining for (of all people) my daughter's bag.  Thankfully, the exterior was John Deere fabric I had from another project and not a fat quarter.  Oh, the other "fun" part:  the drawstrings.  The drawstrings are a total pain and I swear it took almost as long to pull them right-side-out as it did to sew the pieces together.  Thursday, I managed to end the day with seven completed bags which left me with only two on Friday (my deadline).  SUCCESS!

The weekend was a bit of a bust since we spent Saturday at an airshow and Sunday is a bit of a lazy day.  I did break out the pre-cuts I purchased for a "Jelly Cakes" quilt.  The fabric is Sun-Kissed Spa by Michele D'Amore for Benartex.  I ordered it in 2012 (I only know this because I ran across the packing slip yesterday).  I have it laid out and hope to have it all pieced together today.  I will need to buy the fabric to put a border on it and the backing / binding.  We'll see how the day goes if I do that today or schlep the kids to find it next weekend.  Guess ther eis always the Internet route, too.  Here is how it's currently laid out.   

It ends up being short of a queen size, so I think I'm going to put a border around it.  I think I'm going to edge the blocks with a brown--maybe a solid Kona just to frame it and then a thicker border around that--just not sure if I want print or plain or which color.  Then to figure out the back.  If I go out, maybe will see if the LQS has anything from this line.  Though, guess I better get sewing if that has any chance of happening.