Snow Days

Yesterday I got a snow day from school and my wee one was already at the baby sitter's when the order was handed down, so what did I do? Everything but what I needed to do (homework). I made a cozy wool hat for my friend's two month old who needs a hat desperately. She's still wearing a newborn one that barely fits over her little head. Then I went to a gigantic JoAnn's superstore that I had never visited, I hit the Dollar Tree, Wal Mart, and a very nice scrapbook store I had never been to. Then we went and got new tires for the DH's car.

I got word today that my teacher is snowed in until she can get her driveway shoveled, and so our first class was canceled, but we are still on for the second class where I have a test. She said she'd most likely be out of there by 10, but then she has a 45 minute drive into town. So all that homework that I didn't quite get through on my first snow day will be done today. But all I really want to do is craft. Honestly.

Sadly, my blog is devoid of photographs for a little while longer, until my new card reader comes anyhow. Then again, I don't think anyone really reads this =)

Pizza Bento

I packed a bento for my hubby today. I am really having fun with doing this. The challenge of finding things he will eat cold is frustrating, but I've got at least four entrées figured out. Today he had pesto Parmesan focaccia bread with pizza sauce to dip it in, mozzarella cheese and an orange.

The problem with reheatables for him is that he works so much out of the building that there is no guarantee that he'll be near a microwave during his lunch hour.

Annnd... I've just been text messaged to let me know that his cheese, orange and pizza sauce are frozen solid from sitting in the car all morning. Poor guy, but how awesome is that? LOL

Obento!

I am working on a few things right now. First off, I've decided that I just don't like knitting, so I have not done any new knitting in months. I tried to start knitting a Ravenclaw scarf, but I pulled it out so I can crochet it instead. Knitting isn't for everyone, is it?

So projects-wise, I am working on a hat with Pattons SWS. I adore this yarn, it is so warm and silky. I've also started aforementioned Ravenclaw scarf in colors of navy and bronze. And I'm working on an ipod cozy for a personal swap over at Craftster.

On the home front, I've taken up a new practice of packing bento lunches for my hubby and Little Bea on days that they are out at work or daycare. I've also been packing them for myself on my school days except Thursday when I can eat at home before going in.

I am amazed at the work that goes into some of these lunches. It is truely like an art form. There is a large flickr group devoted to bento arrangement and prep. I am particularly inspired by Luckysundae's talent. Granted, my goal is just to get together a semi-healthy lunch in a box that my loved ones will actually eat. I think I am married to the pickiest man alive and add a 2 year old into the mix, there are only so many things I can put in the boxes and it requires me making at least two different things, so I try to pack them the night before.

That said, I need to go pack two snack bentos so that Little Bea and I can go to storytime at the library. Today is our first day and I am looking forward to it.

Crafty Life

I've been neglecting the blog again. I don't think anyone reads it anyhow, but the truth is, I don't have a whole lot to say. I've been crocheting a lot, and knitting not so much. I think that while I may knit some, that crochet is my needle art of choice. I feel much more comfortable with a hook in hand than fumbling around with a couple needles. It helps that I am relearning crochet after 5 or 6 years rather than just picking it up. I am, however, endeavoring to make a pair of socks on double pointed needles. It's slow going, but I am giving it a shot.

I got my beta invite to Ravelry and I am in love. In love, I tell you! I love the organizational features and being able to browse through all the WIP's and FO's. It is lovely. I've got a queue about a mile long. I started on a pattern I discovered through Ravelry a couple days ago called Seraphina's Shawl. I started it yesterday evening and I'm about 7 rows into it. I'm doing it in a Paton's Classic Merino Wool in Grey Mix. It may not drape as well as other yarns, but it will be warm for the winter. I've noticed a few screw ups so far, but I don't care enough to rip it out. Maybe if I were making it for someone else, but this project is mine, all mine!

I do need to stop making projects for Ryleigh and myself though because I have a super huge Christmas list I need to fulfill. I've done 2/18 gifts! I'm going to be a busy girl between now and Christmas. I've also got Christmas Cards to make. Luckily for me, Finals are December 3rd, and I've got about two weeks between then and Christmas to finish up what I cannot finish before then. It'll be so wonderful to have a whole month off to do nothing. During Winter and Spring terms, I've only got a week between the two, so I'll get rested up the best I can after Winter and go full force.

Uhoh, nap time is over. I guess this is the end of this entry. Sayonara :)

Learning Curve

Whoever gave me the brilliant idea to learn to crochet and knit at the same time, never give me an idea again, please. Trying to divide my time evenly among the two is killing me. I love crocheting because it is fast and so much easier for me to undo my mistakes. If I make a mistake in knitting, I don't have a freaking clue how to make it better. So I've frogged row after row after row and it is a little depressing.

I finished ONE of my wrist warmers and the other one has been started, but is no where close to finished. I've crocheted a pair of slippers for my daughter, a wash cloth and an iPod cozy for a swap I am doing. I've knit two dish cloths and started a scarf and a pair of socks. Nothing like going full speed, eh? I've also already managed to become a yarn stasher. So I've resolved to make no more purchases until I've finished at least two more projects (wash cloths not included).

On the school front, I've just finished midterms, sanity intact. Surprisingly, I did very well on all three of them. I'm taking today off and then I'll get back to work on my projects and schoolwork.

New Craft

It has been a long time since I have posted. I've been quite busy with life among other things. I am learning to crochet now between homework and playing with my daughter. It is a blast. It is so rhythmic and relaxing for me. So far, I've made an iPod case, a hat for myself and a hat for my girl.

Now I am working on my wrist warmers. I'm following the suggestion of a few ladies from craftster.org and rather than crocheting them on the round, doing them as a rectangle and sewing up the side. It may not be the most sophisticated method, but for someone of my limited talents, it will do the trick.

I am working them in front post double crochet and back post double crochet to get a ribbed look. They are a very soft acrylic yarn and I hope to have at least one of them done by Monday. I've got to get quite a bit of studying done between now and then though. This one is about one half done. I can't wait be cozy when they are finished!

Garage Sale

I had a Garage Sale yesterday and I'm going at it again today. I think it is some sort of torture. I lugged all this stuff out into our driveway with the hopes of making a little extra spending money for my trip next week and I made $13.95, plus a nice charcoal grill-- the neighbors didn't sell it, so they gave it to us.

The $13.95 was promptly divided among my helper and me. She didn't do much more than yammer at people from her play pen, but her Duck-Bank is a little bit fuller now than it was yesterday morning.

I'm hoping to attract the after-church crowd from the two churches down the street, so I guess I better go get set up for the day and get my munchkin fed before 8! :)