New Resolutions and projects

 I've decided to start each post with my resolutions or to-do list.  That's accountability (just like Brenda said in her post)-- say it in public--maybe it'll make me more accountable.

New Year's resolutions:
--post more often on this blog.
--finish Master Knitter Level 3--or at least most of it.
--continue with year 3 of the yarn diet (I'm loving shopping in the stash).
--fitness and weight resolutions
--get back to sewing
--get my last bit of renos finished
--lots of unfinished projects finished (maybe 1 per month).
--added:  to read and comment on my friends' blogs more often.
--added on Jan. 21--work on my sewing room--goal is to finish all the UFO's there, too, as well as the mending and ironing.  I also plan to sift through my knitting magazines and get rid of those that I know I will never knit from, and that don't illustrate some interesting techniques.
--Jan 21--this year I have to finish the cross-stitched stockings (2 out of 6) and tree skirts (2 out of 4).

 I just finished a Prayer Blanket for a  sick little girl in our community.  She wasn't well, not gaining, and it turned out she is allergic to gluten, dairy, eggs and nuts (that's what I remember).  Her mom has adjusted the family's diet, and the little girl often refuses to eat.

Did I mention that I have had a sweater design accepted by Cast-On Magazine?
I submitted some sketches and some scans of swatches, and got the news on Dec. 20.  The deadline for submitting the multi-sized pattern, charts and schematics, as well as the sample sweater which will be worn by the model for the photoshoot is:  Everything at the office in Ohio on or before January 24th.  They ordered the yarn, which didn't arrive until Jan. 3. The holiday season and an extended family party on Jan. 11th--I think I was crazy to accept this.  BUT--I sent the sweater away on the 15th (it arrived today), and I e-mailed all the paper work on Friday, the 17th.  I had to re-do the schematics to be print-ready.  She told me she is editing the pattern, but haven't heard of any changes.  Here's a little glimpse:

I already have 4 more ideas for design submissions, but this time, I'll have more of the work done before I pitch my idea.  (Lesson learned).

I have a bridesmaid's dress to alter--I took it apart, but it is navy and black, so I'll have to re-assemble it in daylight.  Will finish it on Thursday, since tomorrow I am going with the Handi-Bus to take some Long-Term care residents to the city for a "Wheel Chair Dance"--that is a hoot, and they do so appreciate the opportunity to get out and hear some good old fashioned music, and dance, and tap their feet and clap their hands.

 The first of my UFO's (unfinished objects) that I resurrected will now be worked on till finished.  This is constructed all in squares.  The sleeves are bigger squares than those of the body, and, while I don't mind the boxy body, I don't like the huge bottom of the sleeves.  I have already finished the sleeve squares and two body squares.  I entertained the idea of using the sewing machine and serger to taper the  sleeves, but then I decided to try to re-knit them to a proper sleeve shape.  This will involve some back-and-forth stranded knitting, but I don't mind purling stranded.  Also short rows will come into play.  BUT I will not be ripping out the original sleeves until I'm sure the alternate plan will be an improvement over sew-and-cut.

 --The next UFO will be the Brennan Cardigan.  This has stockinette stitch main parts knit separately from ribbed side panels, which are then seamed together, so I will try the knitting machine for the st st, and hand-knit the ribbed parts.

After 2 UFO's I will knit something new.  I think it will be Blish by Nora Gaughan.  I have a nice grey/natural white
 Briggs and Little Heritage for that.  Interesting, since I don't like ponchos and I don't like batwing sleeves, but I am really attracted to this design.

Before I can carry out my intention to read more blogs, I will have to tidy up my blog lists--many of them haven't posted over a year, so I will reluctantly delete these.  It's interesting how you can enjoy reading a blog, and yet not have much to comment. But I will try.

At the end of March, my Catholic Women's League Council is hosting the annual Zone Meeting.  As a gift to the attendees, I have decided to make about 25 of the Pocket Crosses.  I give these to the children who receive First Communion each year.

This isn't getting at my resolutions, so ,
Till next time:  The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness. (Honore de Balzac)