GWP Beach Weekend!

Last weekend was beach weekend with one of my knitting groups.  We rented a fabulous house right on the water on Oak Island.  And this year I actually got to go from Thursday night to Sunday!

Friday I knit these for the boys...

(they're all ready drunks and they can swim in their wine glass, such fun!)

and worked on my shawl...

Saturday we went to Knitting up a Storm in North Myrtle Beach - definitely one of my favorite shops here in the South!  I bought this Lantern Moon bag...

(Actually Leslie and I discussed it, I decided I didn't need it, she bought it and then I took it from her instead of her paying me back the money she owed me... but who really needs the whole story?)

And I started a new sweater...

What a great weekend!!!

Finished!

(loved the light on this one)

(not sure why I look jaundiced)

(up close)

Blocking!

Oh yea, it's time to block!  I finished knitting last night and today I started thinking about how I was going to block it without blocking wires.  I'm not a perfectionist, but with the amount of time I've spent on this project, I really want it to come out nice.  I came across this post by Velma of Colorbomb Creations, which used a yoga mat.  And not only do I have an old yoga mat, but I know where it is.

After a nice bath in Soak, the shawl was ready to pin.  It's all pinned and I'm waiting for it to dry... I'm in serious need of patience - I think I've checked it 10 times all ready today!  I can't wait give it to my mom for Mother's Day!

Busy Busy!

I know it's been just over a month since I last posted and for the record I'm still alive. I've been so busy since returning from Maine, then I got sick, and then my parents arrived - it's been crazy!

Speaking of crazy - NC weather is crazy. In mid-January my kids got two days off from school for 6 inches of snow! Wow 6 whole inches! You can see how thrilled they are....

Well, actually they did have fun... but two days off for this much snow?!? really now??

Then this past weekend it was in the 70s. GORGEOUS!!!! We spent Sunday at the beach with my parents. (yes they're making "sand angels" - it's February!)

The knitting is going fabulous as well - I've finished a few more gifts and done some work for a friend. Now I'm working on my super easy (read super boring to knit) raglan wrap sweater. It's going to so cute when I'm done... it's just horribly boring to knit. I've had to throw in a few lace projects here and there just to keep interested. But again - it will be very nice when done... very soft and flattering (I hope!)

And my new business is going well. I'm trying to get on top of that as well, but with everything else I worry I'm not putting enough effort into it. Hopefully over the next week or so I can get back to it - there's only so much time in a week!

Orange Moebius Cowl done!

That was fast! It's been a while since I've done any moebius projects (I went crazy with them for a while last year), so it was nice to do one and have it come out so perfect. I can't wait to wear this with some of my sweaters. I love orange!

And now onto the baby sweater. It's not that I don't love to do it, it's that the project is a bit tedious. So I plan to reward myself - after I complete the back I can do my Drops headband, then I have to do front. I'll have to come up with another reward after I do it. So far I've done the first 10 rows, so that's progress!

And today I signed up for the National Body Challenge. In the past year, I've lost 35 lbs and gained 5 back. My goal for the next 6 months is to lose another 20. After the National Body Challenge I'm going to join Weight Watchers online - I just need something to keep me on track. It's so exciting - I've seen myself change a lot in the last year, it will be fun to see the changes this year!

Snow day!

Snow, sleet, ice... boy do I love Maine. Seriously, I've had enough of this weather. I didn't go outside all day. I did make 4 dozen cookies and candy. This week I'm going to two cookie swaps, so it had to be done. For the cookie swaps I made my "White Chocolate Peppermint Bark" - not exactly a cookie, but then no one else will bring the same one!

White Chocolate Peppermint Bark
12oz package white chocolate chips
15 mini-candy canes or 5 regular candy canes
1. Crush candy canes into very small pieces.
2. Place white chocolate in microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1 minute. Stir. Heat again for 30 seconds. Stir. This may take more intervals – just don’t let it go too long in microwave without stirring.
3. Pour candy cane pieces in melted white chocolate and stir.
4. Pour mixture on wax paper and smooth out so it’s about ¼” thick. Let cool.

5. Break into 1-2” pieces.

I did manage to get some knitting done this weekend. Since I have some left over homespun I couldn't help myself and made a headband. It's very Christmasy and cute! I did an easy cable - 6 by 6 (3 red, 3 white). I love easy projects like this.

I'm still working on my sweater. The ribbon is not going to work - it's just too bid to sinch. So now I'm going to leave it loose and add a hood. Should be cute and comfortable just like that. As soon as it's done I'll post the pictures!