A Gift for Liz

My aunt and godmother, Liz, started chemotherapy this week, so I made a little care package for her.

First, some earrings inspired by a pair we saw at an artist's open house over Thanksgiving.  The chain is sterling silver, which is so beautiful I decided it was worth the extra cost.  I really like the texture on the heart charms.  The chain is so delicate that I was afraid it would slip through the tiny space in the jump rings.  I decided to try soldering for the first time.  It worked out well.  I am really happy with how these earrings turned out, and it was fun to use my new tools.

 I also made her a chemo hat.  I chose the softest yarn I could find in my stash and found the button at JoAnn's.

 Pattern:  Robin's Egg Blue Hat
Needles:  Size 10 straight

I knit this flat instead of in the round because I could not find my size 10 circular needles.  I need to get more organized.  I'm pretty happy with the results and I hope she really likes it.

New Beading Tools

I love my new tools!  They are comfortable and easy to use, and they come with their own storage case!!  It's really too exciting for words.  I am currently using my new tools to make a pair of earrings for my godmother.  Pictures will be here soon :)

Yoda Hat Progress

Pattern:  Lion Brand Earflap Hat

Size I crochet hook

Yarn:  Not sure.  I got it free on Craigslist :)

 Right now I just want to use it as a crocheted bowl :)

I am using the Lion Brand pattern as a base and then will be adding some large Yoda ears.  I wanted to add eyes too, but Hubby doesn't want them(and the hat is for him after all).  So far the pattern is really easy; all I have left is the earflaps.  I am hoping to be finished this week, so I can start a cute, soft hat for my aunt who will soon be starting chemo treatments.

Finally, Swirl is Complete

Pattern:  Swirl by Kristin Omdahl

I added a bunch of extra rows because the original pattern turned out too small.  I also made my own sleeves.  I crocheted a simple tube, then added a ruffle at the ends.

 I still need to find the perfect pin to use as a closure, but I am loving my new sweater/wrap.

You can check out my Ravelry page for this project here.

Random Sunday Ramblings

1. The A to Z challenge, which I participated in on my Project 365 blog, is over.  I survived!  And now I should be back to posting more regularly on this blog.

2.  I bought a Kindle Fire recently.  My husband convinced me to buy it for myself; he even made the purchase for me.  I never thought I would want an e-reader, but now that I have it, I love it.  I can use it to view knitting/crochet patterns, read books, surf the web, etc., etc.

3.  Speaking of crochet patterns, I am trying to crochet a Yoda hat for my husband.  More details to come later.

4.  I finished the Swirl sweater that I have been working on for two years.  I even wore it one day!  I'm still searching for the perfect pin/brooch to use as a closure, but I have a pin I can use temporarily.  I will post pictures soon, maybe tomorrow.

5.  I'm thinking of making some barefoot sandals.

6.  I also want to make a crochet jellyfish.

What's going on in your life right now?

Sparkly Blue Nails

I have always had difficulties with my nails.  For as long as I can remember, I have been a nailbiter.  I go through phases where I let my nails grow, but eventually I always end up destroying them again.  The strange thing is that I have been able to let my nails grow during some of the most stressful times of my life and have destroyed them when feeling totally calm and at peace.

As I mentioned in a recent post, Pinterest has sparked my interest in nail art.  I thought it would be a great inspiration for me to keep my nails healthy.  So this weekend I tried painting my nails for the first time in many many years.  Sorry for the blurry pic :)

Sally Hansen's Blew Me Away covered with Old Navy's Holiday

It's really weird having blue nails but I am totally digging it.  They surprise me every time I see them and have made me smile so many times today :)  I can't wait to try the next color and, hopefully, get better at applying nail polish.

Eat, Pray, Love ... Inspire!

A friend of mine gave me this book after seeing on my Pinterest board that I wanted to read it.  I have already seen the movie, but had not read the book.  I started reading a couple of days ago and I am in love!

I love Elizabeth Gilbert's writing style in this book.  I have never read anything else by her, so I don't know if she always writes this way.  But I am inspired.  I have already started writing a series of autobiographical essays.  I have been wanting to write a memoir of sorts, so it's nice to feel a little inspiration :)

BTW:  I know I have been neglecting this blog a little recently.  I am trying to stick with my New Year's resolution of blogging more regularly, but I have been distracted this month by the A to Z challenge that I am participating in on my other blog.  There are over 1,000 blogs participating, and I have been trying to visit as many of them as possible.  It's a little daunting, but it's fun to see all the different blogs that are out there.  You can visit them here, if you like :)