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October. Already!?!

Posted on by kymhretz

I must’ve missed September. I can’t imagine how it’s already October. We have been in a huge detox mode here at my house. Maybe that is why I feel I missed it, too busy. I’ve been working my way through closets and drawers and cupboards. I’ve also made a commitment too use up any excess we have in the pantry, freezer and toiletry cupboard. I’ve always had spare this and extra that. It has gotten excessive. I think it’s is because we have such a large family I needed to have a lot of back stock. Like shampoo. When 7 people are showering in one bathroom you go through so much of it that having only one back up meant I might not have time to get to the store before we were well into the back up bottle or even completely out. But now, we are so few living at home and we have 3 showers it takes forever to use up a bottle, I hardly need to have a back up, let alone more than one. Hence the rethinking. And the sorting. As a plus, I haven’t seen the inside of a Target since at least August.

As I’m spending a portion of my free time clearing out things I’ve got less knitting time.  I’m working on all the same projects and I’ve started a few new ones.  As I went through my closest I decided to make the lifestyle choice of only wearing sweaters I hand knit. I donated all my store bought sweaters  and am determined.  Therefore, I started a sweater for myself. My daughter, Hanna, also started the same sweater for herself; so we are having a KAL. We are knitting the Louise Cardigan by Carrie Bostick Hoge. I really like the simplicity of the design and the playfulness of the colors. I’m quite aways into the sweater and I really like the yarn and the gauge I’m getting. I’m using Cascade Eco Plus wool. It is one of my go to yarns.

 

I’ve found the Louise Cardigan to be somewhat challenging. I’ve made pretty good notes of what I did  and hopefully can explain to Hanna so her first hand knit sweater goes smoothly. The pattern has some omissions on important parts and directions that aren’t very clear. I’m particularly frustrated because I purchased this pattern for $7, I feel that if a pattern is being sold there is an expectation of clear instructions and any errors get caught through test knitting and proof reading. I looked through Ravelry at all the notes other knitters made while making this. I didn’t see anyone else having too many issues so it is possible I’m the one with the problem and not the pattern. Here’s a link to my project notes.
Another new project I started is the Mitten Garland Advent Wreath by Kathy Lewinski.  I am not very good at color work, Fairisle, so I thought this would be a great way to brush up on my skills. I’m using Knitpicks Palette yarns. I grabbed two different color packs. Peppermint Icicle and Herbal Wreath. I’m using a 47″ #0 circular needle for magicloop. It’s a slow process. I’ve knit and ripped out the first mitten no less than 7 times trying to get my tension even. I think I’m there but it really requires a lot on mental concentration. Like, nothing I’ve knit in awhile. It’ll be interesting to see if my speed and focus catch up to my usual level. I’m not sure if I’ll get all 24 knit, for sure not for this Christmas!

 

Today I filmed a video about knitting the Heel Turn section of a sock. If you want to check it out here’s the link. I get a lot of questions from new sock knitters regarding the gap in this section like what do I mean “The Gap?” so I hope this is helpful.
Until next time, happy knitting.

 

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Knit all the Things

Posted on by kymhretz

I can’t be the only one. I’m not alone in this, right!?!

I spent weeks, even months looking forward to our vacation. An entire week off with my husband, two daughters, two sons, my mom and her friend, my uncle and his wife and children. This would be lovely, with us all from different parts of the country we rarely get to be with so many at the same time. A week in Colorado. We rented a home, a larger car, made plans to go to Estes Park, The Stanley Hotel, A Tiger/Rockies game or two…quality time with our loved ones. And lots of just time to be, to relax and visit.

I packed my Kindle, with a book nearly finished and 3 new ones borrowed and downloaded from the library. I like to read in bed before I sleep or early morning over the first cup of coffee. I left my computer at home to keep me focused.

My kindle is so much easier to read on than
the kindle app on my IPAD, probably
the best purchase of 2017

Then, well thought out I see now an overly ambitious array assortment of knitting projects of varying skill levels to keep my mind engaged or not. With the plan to finish Hanna’s sweater, for car knitting. Two pair of socks [one pair had a sock finished and about 10 rows of the second, the other almost done with the first sock leg] for pick up and knit a bit knitting while visiting. Plus a very basic garter stitch shawl to calm my mind while we wind down the night back at the house visiting with my nuclear family.

info on individual projects in previous blog posts
Here I am now, returned home, needing a vacation from my vacation. It was so nice to see how much my cousins have grown and get to know them at this older stage. My favorite part was probably watching the camaraderie between my girls, they’re 16 years apart in age with 4 boys between them and live too far apart, but have a mutual love and affection that will bless them for their entire lives. Each have matured into beautiful independent, intelligent, funny woman, as different as can be. Different in a way that helps them bloom in each others presence which only enhances their individual strengths. My son is charming and funny and I never get to see enough of him. I’m very thankful these three came with us, being adults they really could chose to vacation anywhere and they chose to be with us, makes me feel very lucky. 
So, you probably can guess I never finished the almost finished book, didn’t finish Hanna’s sweater, still have a second sock in each pair to do, and didn’t even make a dent in my shawl. I’m not alone in this, right!?! Do you find you go on vacation to be too busy to be on vacation? 
I’m thankful for the time away, with my loved ones, but I’m so happy to be home. I returned home to a freshly painted house that needed to be put back in order, lots of laundry, catching up to do everywhere. But it was a great week. I did renew my commitment of life plan to make my home the perfect place to vacation. Maybe a house in the woods, near by a lake or river and close enough to wander into town to shop and go to museums. I’m almost there, living in the desert in the 2nd most populated city in New Mexico with a pond in my yard. You agree don’t you? It’ll do for now. Off to feed the Koi…..

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Surviving Recovery

Posted on by kymhretz

I a little less than two weeks ago I had a hysterectomy. This was a very welcome thing, it took hoops to go through for the insurance and I’m so very glad it’s behind me. I have no doubt my quality of life will be 100% better once I’ve fully recovered.

I’ve been making a good effort to make healthy food choices, with appropriate serving sizes.  I am not doing much other than knitting in the way of excersise. I’ve walked a bit but I’m worried about ripping stitches so I go slow and not too far from home.  
I go for my two week check up tomorrow and hope to have all my restrictions removed.  Probably wishful thinking.  
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A time to Reflect and Reinvent

Posted on by kymhretz

Life is full of changes. I see them daily in my personal world and those around me. Small changes, big changes, unexpected changes and greatly anticipated changes.

I’ve spent a fair amount of time reflecting on myself and where changes would best be suited. Certainly my Heath would benefit from change. I’ve decided that this is the most important place to focus my immediate changes. But I also need to adjust in other areas.

I’m hoping to use this space to hold myself accountable, Facing the challenges of eating healthy, appropriate quantities of food. Making a genuine effort to exercise. To find a balance in my life that keeps me and my family living healthy and happy.

I also need to revamp my household freeing life of clutter and excess of things. I really need to take the time to enjoy my beautiful home and gardens in a way that I’ve neglected the last few years.

I’m also going to be more present in the daily planning and care of my family. I’m going to cease day not just survive it.

It’s Mother’s Day and I am very proud to have such lovely, intelligent kids, all of whom are adults living their own exciting lives. Today, I am thankful they always think of me and make time to show me they care, each in their own individual way.

I’ve been blessed in my life and I plan to savor it and make it last as long as possible!

Here’s to the Good Life!

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Ok, I think we should just be friends….

Posted on by kymhretz

I know we’ve spent a lot of time together this year but it’s just not working out. Yes, it’s true, I love that you give me so many reasons to knit with wool. Okay, and I do love the way you encourage me to wear the things I knit with wool, too. It’s also true that you’re beautiful when you glisten in the sunlight and so peaceful looking when gather up gently on the naked tree branches. All wet and heavy.

Maybe at another time we could try things again. Not today, though.

I’ve met some else. We’ve gotten close in the last few weeks. We’ve walked the dogs. Gone on bikes rides. Just enjoyed being together, outside, in the sun.

It started out innocent enough.

I don’t mean to rub your face in it, but… I’m sorry, truly I am… This new relationship, it’s so full of promise. I want to explore my options. You know, that old adage? Don’t settle on the first season. Experience two or three before you decide. I think it goes back to Debutantes and balls….

I didn’t think you would hold it against me though. I was sure you could appreciate the charming gifts I’ve received. Sweet little buds innocently peeking out on the trees. And, please? How can anyone resist the temptation of tulips!?! Their freshness and promise of beautiful colors?

I thought you wanted me to be happy? It didn’t have to be this way. I was willing to try again later, in several months. Not now though. I’m done. This is the last straw. It’s OVER. I never want to see you again! LOOK at what you’ve DONE!


GO AWAY! FAR AWAY! Don’t come back or I’ll get out my shovel and shove you to the curb. DAMN you SNOW!

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Twitterific?

Posted on by kymhretz

I’ve been “Twittering” for a couple weeks now. I hear about it all the time, on TV, on the radio and even at the knitting shop. I only get the updates on the web and not that regular since I don’t get on the computer that much. I don’t like the random updates some celebrities do as I have so many to read through since last checking. Although the one from Marilyn today made me laugh and wonder why I was on the computer and not knitting on this rainy day!

So I think I’ll share about my knitting. I am focused and on task for the pair of socks each month for my man. I have the yarn chosen and have narrowed my pattern options [I think] to two for April. I will be finishing this months pair by the weekend.

I’m having a hard time keeping focused on the Duxbury Point Wrap I started last November. I’m at row 96 on the 144 (yes, a gross of rows) row repeat that needs to repeat 4 times which equals 576 rows, gross. I probably did not want to know that…..

I have great expectations of finishing my Norwegian Fair isle Socks which is fun to do and surprisingly relaxing, except when the dogs run off with my yarn!

Also, knitting related. I’m attending the Loopy Ewe Spring Fling in April that I’m very excited about it. We had planned to drive but now with airfare being close to the cost of gas [and a desire to not sit in a car for ten or eleven hours] we will probably fly. Flying is slightly out of my comfort zone, as I don’t do it often, the speed of time travel by plane is greatly appealing, however.

Since I mentioned the Fling, I should tell you that I am participating in a swap. It is intended so you get to know someone who also is attending the fling and therefore have a friend when you arrive. I have been partnered with Janice. She attended the first Fling last year and had a great time. I met her very briefly once before at the Midwest Fiber Festival in Illinois. I have put together her package and I chose some local things that matched her preferences and I am looking forward to her receiving them. I mailed them out today!

So, I hope it keeps raining and the rain barrels we put out Sunday fill up. I think I’ll leave a twitter and then go knit!

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Life and times

Posted on by kymhretz

I have lots of things to catch up on. My laptop died so I am begging and borrowing internet time from the husband and kids. At first I found it to be incredibly frustrating. Then I found it to be inconvenient. Now I find it practical.

I make notes throughout the day about things [I want to check out on-line] that I’ve heard about from friends, TV or radio. I therefore end up being very organized about my time. I’m focused and my mind doesn’t wander, along with my cursor, nearly as often! I am amazed at how much I can get done when I’m not on the computer.

That leads me to what’s going on. I’m finishing up all the unfinished knitting I have. I’m making a conscience effort to keep the clutter at bay. I am taking the time to actually cook breakfast and lunch for myself rather than eat quick, garbage food in front of the TV.

My big knitting goal this year, is to knit a pair of socks each month for my husband. I am proud to say, so far I’m 2 for 2 and have started the 3rd today. I am very excited about having 12 pairs of socks, just for him, by the end o the year. Some day I hope he will have enough to wear a different pair every day for a whole month. I know he appreciates my knitting and that makes knitting for him fun. Thanks, honey, I LOVE YOU! And, he doesn’t mind spending money on yarn. Bonus.

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Tagged

Posted on by kymhretz

Ok. So Knitwhit tagged me. These are the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random, arbitrary things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

1. I clean up dog poop several times a day.
2. I watch the Today show every day.
3. I compost.
4. I get grossed out seeing someone eat rare meat.
5. I knit lots of socks, but rarely wear them.
6. I sit “Indian” style on my couch!

Tagging; Kellie, Meliaballa,
Knittedbear,
Zarzuela,
Emily,
Tracey