WIP Wednesday: Padma

To check out more creative goodness, visit Tami's Amis.

Padma is in pieces right now.  

I am crocheting Padma as part of a group on Ravelry that does monthly amigurumi CALs.  This little elephant was too cute to resist.

What are you making this week?

Weekly Inspiration

I love to organize everything that inspires me on Pinterest. Here are the highlights from this week.

This DIY pet feeding center is awesome, and I would love to make one, but considering all the medical problems we are having with our cat, I think we will be waiting a while before adding any more pets to our household.  

I love shrugs, so this bolero my be on my hook really soon.

I am a Star Trek fan and I especially love Jean Luc Picard, so it is hard for me to resist this Crochet Locutus.  I even have a friend who would definitely squee if she got this as a gift.  Hmmmmm.

I think that this Hugs and Kisses Cable Pattern would make a great scarf.

I love the idea of these tiny Rosemary Wreaths, especially since I have a huge rosemary plant in my yard.

What's inspiring you?

WIP Wednesday: More Baby Stuff

I am planning to spoil my sister's twins with as much handmade goodness as possible. Since I still have some of their sweater yarns left, I decided to make more goodies.  The mittens are almost complete.  I just have to weave in the ends, and I think I would like to line them with some fleece to make them even warmer.

Last night I started making another Banana Squish Scarf for each twin.  The pattern link is broken, so I am working from what I remember of the pattern right now.  I'm sure it will work out fine :)

If you are interested in seeing more WIPs or if you want to participate in WIP Wednesday, visit Tami's Amis.

What are you working on this week?

Snow Days Mandala

During December we had about 4 inches of snow and some record cold temperatures here in the Northwest which resulted in a week of snow days.  I had just finished reading a short book about drawing mandalas and created this reminder of that week.

FO: Baby Sweaters and Blankets

Pattern:  Baby's First Sweater

Needle:  US Size 8

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft and stash yarn

Ravelry Project Page

This sweater was really fun to knit.  It is knit in one piece, then seamed up the side and under the arm.  I decided to add an icord tie on the front instead of a button after seeing a project picture with a baby eating the button on his sweater.  I don't want my twin nephews to choke on something I made for them.  The sweaters are a little big for them now, but I hope they will bring them days of comfort in the future.

Pattern:  Star Blanket
Hook:  H
Yarn:  Caron Simply Soft and stash yarn
Ravelry Project Page

My new favorite baby blankets.  They are so beautiful.  I love the colors, the shape, everything!  My sister started using them immediately after receiving them.  I think she liked them.  I hope they become a treasured possession for years to come.

WIP Wednesday: Baby Mittens

I am working on some mittens for my sister's twins.  I am crocheting them in the same yarns that I used for their hats, scarves and sweaters.  I also want to knit them each another scarf.  I love making tiny things :)

                               

What are you working on?

New Year's Resolutions 2014

Another new year and once again it is time to review my resolutions from the past year and post my new goals for the coming year.  Always a fun time :)

Crafty Resolutions for 2013

1.  Start my Etsy shop and do some craft fairs

Yeah, this one did not happen.  I will continue to dream and work on this goal in 2014.

2.  Work on branding my blogs

I think I have made some progress on this goal.  I have decided on a schedule for both my craft and writing blog.  I will continue to work on this goal as my brand becomes more clear.

3.  Diet and exercise

This goal actually went pretty well. I started doing short 15 minute workouts before work 4 times a week, I got a new road bike and biked much more, and I counted calories through the majority of the year. ☺

4.  Try more new things, especially designing.

I did try some designing this year (Dobby for example), I tried nail art, and did some test-knitting.  ☺

5.  Participate in WIP Wednesday, FO Friday and Ravelry challenges
I participated in all three of these regular events and had a blast doing it.  ☺

Overall, it was a great year.  Now onto this year....

Crafty Resolutions for 2014
1.  Post about my crafty progress on this blog at least twice a week.
2.  Continue my Year of Pinterest, trying a different pin from one of my Pinterest boards each month.
3.  Start my Etsy store.
4.  Complete Craft Yarn Council classes to become a knit and crochet instructor.
5.  Complete my Cedar Grain sweater and my Groovyghan, then start a skull shawl.
6.  Take care of myself (floss, moisturize, exercise, eat well, etc.)

What are your goals for the new year?