Year In Review

So - at the end of December 2007 I set out some goals for the new year. How did I do? *blog a little more regularly and a little bit more about sewing :) Well I blogged almost daily - some days more than once. I'm not sure I blogged more about sewing. *try not to blog without photos I totally nailed this one. I did not post once without a photo. Some days it's difficult, but when I'm rambling on about nothing it's much nicer to have photos. *sew with better quality fabric I didn't do so well with this one. I have some better quality fabric in the cupboard and it will be making an appearance in 2009. *attempt new things - whether it's knit pattern drafting, or sewing outside my comfort zone A little bit. I created my own sock pattern. I joined a lace knit along and the Great Coat Sew Along (which is becoming my January 2009 project). *get back into walking the dogs Totally failed at this one. We got a little more regular with weekend walks but still aren't back into the routine of week day walks. In 2007, I also posted that a goal was Joy. Unfortunately, I didn't do so well with this one. I have come to the conclusion that I hate the location of the studio. I love the layout and the stuff that is in there, but I hate that it's in the basement. It's cold and I feel like I'm being punished. So - in 2009, what can I do about that? I can either figure out how to make it more pleasurable or give up sewing. There really is no other place in my home to relocate the studio.

First Project of 2009

Custom dyed sock yarn in Philadelphia Eagles colors. Made for the man who loves the Eagles. They were originally intended to be finished in time for his birthday, but I didn't have the yarn yet. So, they went on vacation. Started on December 27th finished on January 2nd. Toe up construction. Both at the same time. Magic Looping. 32 stitch cast on. Increased to 72 stitches. 32 on the instep needle. 40 on the foot. 2x2 ribbing on the instep. 1x1 ribbing around the arch. Afterthought heel over 40 stitches. Still need to figure a few things out. Like when I do an afterthought heel on 60% of the stitches - I don't know how big it's going to be. Often I end up with a longer foot than I wanted. They could have been a little longer through the leg - there was yarn left over. Also, JB says they aren't really snug at the top. They stay up, but they aren't snug. Yes, I did switch to 1x1 ribbing for the last little bit (6 rows). Maybe I need to do more "cuff" at the top of the socks. Anyway - there you have it. The first finished project of 2009.

Snow Dogs

The Dogs on Thursday gang asked to see photos of our pups playing in the snow. Well in Western Washington we usually get one snowfall a year and most of years it's gone within a day. This year we have been lucky. Beau loves to get out in the front yard with JB and run. Can you see the big slobbery goober on his nose? Hey - look at me! See how pretty I am? If I wasn't such a doof I could have been a contender for Best in Show!

More running through the yard. His favorite thing to do when in the front is to run into the back yard and wait to be called - then he runs out front full speed ahead. Because he's a scent hound he is never allowed out without supervision. He would let his nose control his brain.

This last photo cracks me up. Click on it to get a good look at his face. This is Hank the stainless steel heron that is in our yard. It's by the ponds in the back (across from the deck). Anyway, apparently, things you've seen for years look totally different when they are covered with snow. Big goob!