What an interesting and theraputic weekend this has been so far. I had planned on going to NY with some friends, but on thursday my mom was admitted to the hospital. So I decided to stay home for a few reasons:

1. Friday night when I came home from the hospital I was a "basket case" to quote my brain at the time. And I didn't feel like I had the energy to venture away from home.

2. I wanted to be around for emotional support for my mom, and to keep myself sane by being near by.

3. So I could be easily reachable when they received results from certain tests done on Saturday morning.

4. So I could get work done.

Friday night when I left the hospital, my mind was bouncing around in all sorts of different directions, none of which were much help since they were all different possible story lines which may or may never happen; but it was hard to let them go. After talking with J. for a little while I realized that I needed something to keep me focused in the moment and away from the chaos in my mind... Knitting!

This is really the first time I've used knitting as a necessary form of concentration. I had to get concentrated, focused, still. Luckily I hadn't yet cast on for this 4th mystery project, so I pulled out my needles and provisionally cast on 232 sts—that certainly took some concentration. In fact, the whole beginning of the pattern took quite a bit of concentration. I must have sat there for about an hour focusing on knitting only. It quieted my mind enough to bring me back to reality and to realize that I really don't need to worry, that everything will work out okay. It always does. But of course, there was still that doubt lingering...

Anyway, my mom is out of the hospital now, but there are still tests to be run and we're not in-the-clear yet, but it's comforting knowing that she's at home and comfortable. I really don't know what I would have done with myself this weekend if I didn't have my knitting to fall onto... and yoga (jeesh, my class this morning was rough!).

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Breathe

September 18th, 2008

The balancing act between life and sanity has been an interesting one lately. I enjoy a challenge, so I tend to take on a lot of things all at the same time. I've realized lately that there needs to be some sort of balance between work and play to help me keep my focus. The "work" aspect of my life (which is also generally play), wants to take over, so in order to counter-act pushing too far in that direction I've begun a yoga class.

Since this is my knitting-related blog, I'll spare you my rants and raves of how much I love it (you can read those here)... and I'll talk about some knitting things... (but seriously, the yoga rocks!)

I'm 95% finished with sweater #3. Can you believe it? We're almost there. One more to go! I'm planning on sewing on the buttons and working the final touch tonight so I can send it off the the magazine tomorrow. Phew.

Next on my knitting list is the final-of-the-four sweaters. My goal is to have it finished by October 10th (at the latest!) to leave some time for photography and wiggle room. My friends and I are planning on going to New York city this weekend to visit some other friends. I'm hoping to have a pattern started so I can knit during the 4 hour bus rides to and from. That's a lot of knitting time! I was psyched when they said they'd be down for taking the bus. J. is bringing his guitar, so he wasn't too keen on the idea at first, but there's totally no way that I'm driving or trying to find parking anywhere in NY city.

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Two Down/Two To Go

September 5th, 2008

Ahh... Another one done and gone. What a great feeling.
I designed and knit the body of this one in the round, which means there was much less seaming involved with this sweater compared to the last one. Seemed like a breeze to seam this one up.

I've moved on to sweater number three which is also knit in the round and in a rather chunky yarn. I need to get this one to the publisher by the 22nd, so I've only got 2 more weeks to finish it up. I'm pretty confident that it's not going to take much longer since I'm up to the armholes already, but I keep myself slightly nervous anyway just to be sure I don't stress out at the last minute.

It kind of reminds me of my college homework. I would have each class once a week and if I scheduled my homework out over the week I didn't have any issues. But when I procrastinated and waited until the day before, that's when I was up until 3AM and ready to pull my hair out. I've learned a lot from going through that for 4 years. Let's just say I've gotten much better about keeping things moving—it's SO much less stressful.

I also have another tech editing project coming my way by Saturday. This time it's 25 sweater projects—wheeeee. I'm a little excited, and yet again, slightly nervous about getting it to them as soon as possible while trying to finish knitting these sweaters. I'll just take it a day at a time and it will all get done. Always does...

I love tech editing sweaters. These are all by one designer too, so hopefully they're consistently written and I'll learn! That's the best part!

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Comments! (hopefully)

September 3rd, 2008

I was reading through Kim Werker's blog, and she mentions something about using a new commenting option... so I investigated... found some information that would make it work in regular HTML and plugged it in. Now, hopefully it'll work. You'll probably see lots of test comments from me over the next few posts... well, that is if no one else posts any test comments.

Please feel free to give it a try! Let me know how you guys feel about it, and if there's anything that I might be able to do to make it better. I feel like I've missed out on a lot of blogging perks by not being able to communicate with you through comments. FINALLY this may be a solution to that :)

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My Raw journey

Patterns for Sale

Tweed Beret

Violet, the Slouchy Head Friend

Lush Woven Scarf

Petal Socks

River of Life Socks

Crochet Motif Cardigan

Beatrice Ribbed Tie Coat