January Update

Ok, technically it's February, but I haven't updated in a while, so I thought I'd share what I've been doing this past January.  Anyone else think it's insane it's already February???

Knitting:

One of my resolutions for this year was to successfully knit a pair of Cookie A. Socks. I decided to try and conquer Rick after trying once before back in 2011. I have been working off and on on these, but now that I have the cuff pattern down, it's going really fast! I am about half way into the required repeats but I think I am going to cut it short at 10 (instead of 18). I am not sure if they are stretchy enough to go that high up on my legs and I am not a fan of super long socks anyway.  I am a bit nervous about the rest of the socks, but I am sure it will go fine.

This month's project for the Knitting Monthly was a top from Kennita's new e-book, Tuscan Knits.  Although I was a bit hesitant at first to be spending MORE money on yarn, I fell in love when I started the project.  The structure of the it is so unique to me (knit flat and then seamed up the sides) and the stitch pattern was so easy. Pair that with the fabulous new yarn from Tahki Yarns and you get this gorgeous top. I finished it in a WEEK! That's what happens when you don't have school to worry about I guess. 

I've also been spinning on my Merino/silk that I have had for about 3 years now. I finally got all of the singles spun and have been working on plying.  I realized I had some 'bobbin' (toilet paper tubes) that were thicker than others, so I was trying to pair a thick with a thin, but I got to the point where I had more thin that thick. Luckily, I had some practice from the very beginning that was super thick, so I've been going back and attempting to unspin and respin that. We shall see if that works! I am really loving the feel of the yarn all plyed up. It's so squishy and bouncy. I think I will have close to 500 yards - enough for something extra special!

Art: 

Having graduated, I lost my studio space on campus.  So I moved all my stuff into the spare room of my apartment. I've been working on a painting there and it's been going ok.  The lighting isn't ideal and the ventilation is minimal (fan and window) but you do what you can. I am kinda liking my painting, but it's not there yet (but it's further along than this photo shows).

I also finally got hi-res images of all my gouache paintings. That being said, I am going to try something. As you probably know, I am very passionate about my local Relay For Life.  I have decided to sell fine art prints of a special gouache painting I am working on (see here what I have done so far) for $50 a piece.  $40 of that money will go to my Relay event. I haven't finished the specific painting to be sold, but I am taking advanced orders. If you know you will want one of my special cancer fighting knit worlds, feel free to comment or email me :) And of course, any donation is always accepted, even if you don't want a print in return. 

Life:

I've been working 30hours a week at my preschool for about a month now, and it's going ok. Those kids sure are crazy some days though! They wear me out, and I'm off work by 1...it's a miracle anything else gets done.  I've been binge watching movies from the library and of course knitting like crazy.  And trying to stay active. I hit the gym at least 3 times a week and enjoy every minute of it.

Why I felt you needed to know that is a mystery.  

I hope everyone has a great February. I have a feeling it's going to fly by :) 

~Lisa