Madrona....

This year I had the pleasure of experiencing Madrona classes for the first time. On Saturday I took a mitre sock class with my good friend Lisa Ellis. I have knitted mitre squares before and I was very curious how to incorporate that into socks. Well, let's just say I was a bit surprised. First, I do have to say that the instructor was really very nice. Second, on a sadder note, I wasn't impressed with the class. I did love seeing all her beautiful designs and how mitres were incorporated into different garments, but the class was just basically following the pattern and asking for help when needed. I think it was something I could have done on my own and saved a little bit of money. I am, however, looking forward to making a small purse that was also included with the sock/booties pattern. I did have a great time shopping in the marketplace and seeing and feeling all the beautiful yarn. I am very happy to say that I kept my wallet closed and walked out with only a Lantern Moon turtle tape measure. For those of you who know how big my stash is you would have been very impressed with me :) I know I am...

I think I will considering taking some more classes next year. Maybe something that will challenge me a little bit more or teach me something new. If you have never gone before check it out. It is worth it if you would really like to further your knitting skills. I look forward to next year!

Valentine's Day...

I've never been much into Valentine's Day, after all, my husband should express his love for me all year long right? I think Valentine's Day is one BIG commercial for retailers. I do get something for my kids though, they are kids and they love it. Today I was reading an email from Kathleen Cubley from Knitting Daily and I loved what she had to say :

Celebrate Your Love Affair with Knitting

When most people talk about their Valentine, they're usually talking about a person. Well, one of my Valentines this year is going to be to my knitting! I love it so much, let me count the ways:

1. It fills my life with color.
2. It encourages my creativity.
3. It keeps my hands busy.
4. It introduces me to new people who share my love for the craft.
5. It loves to travel.
6. It likes the same TV shows that I like.
7. It keeps the same schedule as I do; if I want to knit in the middle of the night, it's there for me.
8. It likes to change bags as much as I do!
9. It challenges me.
10. It keeps me company, even when I'm cranky.

Can you put it any better than that? I think every year I will now be following in her footsteps with my new Valentine's Day motto!

Kal...

Today was a crazy day at my knitting group. Three of us are working on the February Lady Sweater for the knit along and that's going pretty good. The other two are working on the #85 wavy vest, which I decided to attempt to make at the same time as the other sweater. Well, I'm not sure how well this is going to work out. The pattern is 12 pages with every row written out in detail, which is good. But, wrapping my brain around the 20 stitch repeat pattern is another story. I've ripped out two times now, 3rd times a charm right? I hope so... I know some of the stitches I did backwards but it seems to look somewhat OK. Should I keep going or should I start over? I'm afraid to do another 8 row repeat for fear that my mistakes will look even worse. Oh what to do, what to do. I don't think I like this "challenge yourself" thing. I already have problems with finishing projects and I would hate for this one to be frogged. After all, it is a really pretty pattern. I think I'll cross my fingers and keep the needles going. After all, I do have that new year's resolution I need to stick to. Wish me luck!

Made a yarn run today with Lisa out to Allyn Knit Shop (http://www.allynknitandspin.com). I just have to say, Lois is such a sweet lady. She is always happy and smiling and such a joy to talk to. If you haven't been to her shop it is worth the trip. Today I bought my yarn to start my second knit along sweater, well vest I mean. There wasn't a color I wanted in the Lamb's Pride so I settled for Cascade 128 in a pretty golden color (I guess that is what you would call it). Hopefully I will like it just as much when it is knit up. I still think I am a little crazy for attempting to knit 2 sweaters at the same time. We'll see how this goes... my husband may be admitting me to the psycho ward sooner that expected!

A gift from a friend...

Today was like Christmas all over again. A good friend of mine, designer Lisa Ellis, has a new booklet out with 6 wonderful, beautiful sweaters and today at knitting group she gave us all a copy. Along with that, her wonderful husband gave us desktop calendars with beautiful pictures taken by Cannon. It's so much fun getting gifts when your not expecting it. Lisa's book can be found at:

http://www.leisurearts.com/items/4517/Wardrobe-Favorites/c/Knitting/s/newest/default.aspx

Also today, our amazing knitting group started a KAL (knit along). After numerous emails (that irritated our husbands, lol) and looking at a ton of sweaters on http://www.ravelry.com/ we narrowed it down to 2. With 5 ladies, and 5 different body types, you can imagine how hard it was to find a sweater that we all could agree on. So, after much deliberation, three of us are making the February Lady Sweater ( http://www.flintknits.com/blog/?p=151) and the other two will be making the Wavy Textured Hooded Vest (http://www.sweaterbabe.com/knitting-patterns/wavy-textured-hooded-vest.htm). I will be making the Feb. sweater but am seriously considering making the vest on the side. Am I NUTS? After reading the 12 page pattern I think I might be. But, hey, I'm always up for a challenge. After all, I was told today that I NEEDED to challenge myself. How can I pass that up? So, Sue and Lisa, watch out cuz here I come!

SimazenThings.com

Good News... my website is now up and running with a few products that are available for purchase. Visit www.simazenthings.com often to see what's new, just click on "purchase creations". Products will be added daily until I get everything listed. All items are handmade by either my sister or myself. Only top quality materials are used in everything that we make. Please don't hesitate to ask questions or offer advice, I can use all the help I can get. This is all new to me so please be patient with any bumps along the way (I'm sure there may be a few). I'm really looking forward to this new venture. Check us out!!

Happy New Year!

I know I'm a little late but Happy New Year! Ringing in the new year brought out many emotions in me this year, not sure why. I contemplated making a whole list of new year's resolutions that would ultimately not be followed through on. Seems to be my motto these days, come up with wonderful ideas, start new projects and not complete them. So, my one and only new year's resolution this year is just to FINISH things that I start. I figured with only having one resolution I should be able to keep it. Did you make any new year's resolutions this year? I would love to hear what they are.

Christmas came and went pretty quick, as it does every year. After months and months of knitting mostly hats, and the rush of trying to get them all done before Christmas, I didn't quite know what to do with myself or what project to start next after the holidays. I've never felt like that before when it comes to knitting. I always have in the back of my mind what I want to do next. I found myself at a loss, it was an odd feeling. Then the inspiration came back to me once my wonderful knitting group started back up. What wonderful and inspirational ladies I knit with. Lisa, the awesome designer who always has a project or two (or three or four) going that inspires me to move beyond my comfort zone and is always so positive. Sue, the most incredible sweater knitter who always has an answer for everything imaginable (and a never ending list of favorite patterns on ravelry which I enjoy stealing from her :). Kristen, always full of wonderful ideas, is so insightful and inspires me to be a better person. And, last but not least, Leslie, the beginner, who is really becoming a wonderful knitter. It's been fun watching her go from scarves to sweaters. These women bring a smile to my face every week. It has been such a pleasure knitting with them for the last couple of years and I look forward to many more. It really is true (as corny as it sounds) that knitting can change a persons life. The gift of fun and friendship that is formed is priceless. My life has been forever changed and I THANK YOU!