A for Effort

I also don’t believe February is too late for yearly goals.  Waiting a bit has a couple a benefits.  I can sort of see how the year is beginning to go.  And I can put a couple of January  accomplishments on the list of goals, only to see them marked off ‘toot sweet’!

Look at meee!  Already the whiz!

So anyway.

Under growing and learning and  increasing skills,

1.      Learn and hone new knitting/spinning skills.

a.       Take seaming classes

                                                              i.      January (MSK)

                                                            ii.      February (FiberFest)

                                                          iii.      Knit seamed things

b.      Take spinning workshop at EPWM (?)

c.       Enter handknit skeins in:

                                                              i.      EPWM

                                                            ii.      Larimer Co Fair

                                                          iii.      Boulder Co Fair

d.      Take dyeing classes

                                                              i.      February (Lambspun-fair premium)

                                                            ii.      May (NCWG-natural)

e.       Learn to blend fibers with drum carder

2.      Household inventory

3.      Participate in neighborhood garage sale (June)

4.      Increase photography/photoshop skills

a.       Figure this one out

5.      Quilt

            a.   #4

            b.   #5

6.      Renew/learn new quilting techniques

a.       Doll quilts for Grandbebe girls

b.      Machine quilting

c.       Ornaments

7.      Yard

a.       Raised beds

b.      Cold frame

8.      Health

a.       Exercise more often than not

b.      Ride to work starting in May or sooner

c.       Get some hiking in this year

d.      Get a grip on this post HRT wgt gain.

So I am going to figure out how to post this as an additional page over there in the margin and hopefully we will see how far we get this year.  If nothing else, I will be well on my way for a list of goals next year!

Goals

Well, I am into the 4^th quarter.  I should take a look at that list/outline/catalog/inventory of goals/guidelines/efforts to be made and see where I am falling short/making headway/treading water.

Quilt.  I have two one bebe quilt to complete to start.  At a minimum.
Update: 9-patches cut out and matched up, ready for piecing, and four sewn.

Knitting. I would like to continue with my sweaters, expanding to pullovers, and also continue my sock knitting.  I am thinking to try some colorwork this year. And fearlessly learn new techniques as I go.

Update: one bulky pullover completed, and a couple of cardigans, too.  Continuing to hone current skills.I am marking colorwork off the list for this year. Don’t feel inclined.

An east coast trip, maybe timed for a trip during Rhinebeck.

Update:maybe Rhinebeck next year.

Continue growing the photography/photoshop skills.

The photography skilz grow with use, but not really channeled.  The photoshop skilz really need expanding beyond what I use.

Quilt… see above

Commute by bike (May-Oct) at least 600 miles.

Update:Made it to about 250.  Work and yoga schedules cut into the routine.  Darn it!

Hike 40 miles.

Update:Made it to 31.5mi. Better than last year.

Snowshoe.

Make soap.

Maintain low sat fat diet and continue regular exercise.

Update:continue to work the diet and exercise routine (yoga and swimming seem to help the back issues).  Unfortunately, neither has resulted in losing, or even maintaining, last years wgt.

quilt… see above

Knit/spin from stash (exceptions only when deals are spectacular and/or for souvenirs)

Update:yes, well, there have been some outrageous deals this year, and then there is trying to justify what I bought as Estes Park as souvenir…but I would rather concentrate on the dollar a skein deals I got (again) from someone who had owned an LYS in a previous life.

Overall, not too bad.  I am sorry I didn’t make it to either the Maryland Sheep and Wool or Rhinebeck, but I have Estes close by.  The exercise/diet weight thing continues to befuddle, but all I can do is keep on doing what I can to take care of this aging body the best I can.  I am glad I have found swimming is helping my back, after I put away the beautiful, but evil, handbag.  Perhaps next year, biking will be able to play a bigger part again.  I was glad that the Guy and I were able to hike as much as we were by the time the September vacay rolled around.

The quilting and knitting is ongoing, and is the photography.  Always learning, never quit.

And I will speak more of the stash enhancement at a later date.  It…was…intoxicating!

Goals for 2011

After reviewing and revamping last years list, I have added to and edited it, and the results are as follows…

• Quilt.  I have two bebe quilts to complete.  At a minimum.
• Knitting. I would like to continue with my sweaters, expanding to pullovers, and also continue my sock knitting.  I am thinking to try some colorwork this year. And fearlessly learn new techniques as I go.
• An east coast trip, maybe timed for a trip during Rhinebeck.
• Continue growing the photography/photoshop skills.
• Quilt…
• Commute by bike (May-Oct) at least 600 miles.
• Hike 40 miles.
• Snowshoe.
• Make soap.
• Maintain low sat fat diet and continue regular exercise.
• quilt…
• Knit/spin from stash (exceptions only when deals are spectacular and/or for souvenirs)

(List to be amended as needed/desired/required!)

I would say the pre-eminent goal of the year is to finish up the baby quilts.  I am behind in that.  Having said that, I must admit to watching two groups on Ravelry, one dedicated to those desiring to learn stranded colorwork (also known as fairisle), and another whose goal is to knit a holiday ornament a month.

Now the holiday ornament a month group has provided a glimpse of the patterns available, and some are very, very fun looking.  However, the whole concept of an ornament a month has given me a thought as to how to go about making these little quilted ornaments I have not been able to get around to making.

I am not sure about the colorwork thing.  It looks….complicated.  But man do those sweaters sure look pretty when all finished up.

In the meantime?  I have been knitting on something not even in my queue.

Almost EOY

And time for assessing how I did with my goals.  After giving them the old look-over, I am feeling pretty good.  So good, in fact, I am sort of kind of maybe a little excited about thinking what I might put on 'next years list of things I might set my mind to doing'.

• Finish Grandbebe Bean’s quilt, for one. (last qtr-Pending. Still.) (last qtr-Stitches have been made, so progress.) (Well…there it sits…) But I am getting the stitchin’ bug…
• Knit sweaters (in particular Feb Lady Sweater and EZ’s Green Sweater. (last qtr- Check, and 2 others on the needles. That’s right. Another FLS, and Peasy!) (last qtr-Another FLS and a Sunkist cardi (Sunkist from handdyed handspun) are completed, along with a Sweet Peasy. Finessing this goal now to pullovers…) (I have plans for 2 Feb Baby Sweaters for Christmas, but no pullover plans in the immediate queue.) One FBS is done, and the second is in progress. ( EZ’s Green Sweater is shelved until Schoolhouse Press does downloadable patterns.)
• Knit more socks (2 3 4 pair). (last qtr-2 adult and a couple for the bebes, but I am only counting the two adult pairs.) (last qtr- 2 more adult pair finished) (2 and ½ pair complete, and at least 3 pair planned for Christmas knitting.) Finished the ½ pair, and 3 other pair for Christmas.  One more to go.
• Go to Philly (week penciled in). Done! Spectacularly!!
• Go to Yellowstone (reservations made). (last qtr -Lists are drawn up! Packing is happening! Days are being counted!) (Oh. My. Stars! What a time was had by all! Where can we go next???)
• Take a photography class (scheduled). (last qtr-Done! Still practicing.) (last qtr-And still practicing.) (And still…) Ongoing…
• Learn to dye? (maybe) (last qtr-Actually. Yeah.) (last qtr - Bought lots of Easter Egg dye on sale…) (Dyed some ‘batches’ in the old blue enamel canning pot.) I am counting this as good.
• Commute by bike (starting in May) at least 600 miles. (last qtr-One month out from starting!) (last qtr - 220 miles.) (New bike and 600+ miles.) Made it.
• Hike 40 miles. (last qtr- Hmmm…probably 6 so far?) (Maybe 28 so far.) 70%
• Snowshoe. (last qtr-Uh. Didn’t happen this year.) But maybe this winter…
• Brush off the soap making skilz. (Last qtr - Fresh research. Inventory of supplies. Progress…) (If I don’t make some soon, there won’t be any for Christmas.) Used up stockpiled melt’n pour for felted soups, and that is progress.

Of course, with a few exceptions, some of these will just be continued, or even upgraded, but golly, what can I add to learn new! Or maybe, what skills to revive?  Or rather, what old lessons need to be dusted off?

Hmmm....I'm thinking.

End Of Quarter

Well, another quarter has come and gone, and it's time to check in with The List of Goals.

• Finish Grandbebe Bean’s quilt, for one. (last qtr-Pending. Still.) (last qtr-Stitches have been made, so progress.) Well…there it sits…
• Knit sweaters (in particular Feb Lady Sweater and EZ’s Green Sweater). (last qtr- Check, and 2 others on the needles. That’s right. Another FLS, and Peasy!) (last qtr-Another FLS and a Sunkist cardi (Sunkist from handdyed handspun) are completed, along with a Sweet Peasy. Finessing this goal now to pullovers…) I have plans for 2 Feb Baby Sweaters for Christmas, but no pullover plans in the immediate queue ( EZ’s Green Sweater is shelved until Schoolhouse Press does downloadable patterns.)
• Knit more socks (2 3 4 pair). (last qtr-2 adult and a couple for the bebes, but I am only counting the two adult pairs.) (last qtr- 2 more adult pair finished) 2 and ½ pair complete, and at least 3 pair planned for Christmas knitting.
• Go to Philly (week penciled in). Done! Spectacularly!!
• Go to Yellowstone (reservations made). (last qtr -Lists are drawn up! Packing is happening! Days are being counted!) Oh. My. Stars! What a time was had by all! Where can we go next???
• Take a photography class (scheduled). (last qtr-Done! Still practicing.) (last qtr-And still practicing.) And still…
• Learn to dye? (maybe) (last qtr-Actually. Yeah.) (last qtr - Bought lots of Easter Egg dye on sale…) Dyed some ‘batches’ in the old blue enamel canning pot.
• Commute by bike (starting in May) at least 600 miles. (last qtr-One month out from starting!) (last qtr - 220 miles.) New bike and 600+ miles. Made it.
• Hike 40 miles. (last qtr- Hmmm…probably 6 so far?) Maybe 28 so far.
• Snowshoe. (last qtr-Uh. Didn’t happen this year.) But maybe this winter..
• Brush off the soap making skilz. (Last qtr - Fresh research. Inventory of supplies. Progress…) If I don’t make some soon, there won’t be any for Christmas.

• Learn some different spinning skilz. (last qtr-Navajo! New wheel! Taking the workshop at the Wool Market!) (last qtr - Using new techniques learned at the EPWM workshop. Contemplating a Spinning 201 class at Shuttles this fall.) Signed up for the Spinning 201 class at Shuttles, starting in November. Joined the Weaving/Spinning Guild.
• Improve photoshop skilz. (last qtr -Some gains made.) Ongoing…
• Paint upstairs rooms. (last qtr - Rearranged a craft room without painting. More expeditious that way.) Working on re-carpeting and painting the MBR and bath.
• Rail fence section in the yard.
• Sew some. (last qtr -Some. But minimal.) Plans for Xmas gifts.
• Stay honest. Be open. Remember the lessons that brought me here. (last qtr-Now what were they again?) (last qtr -Kidding! Still working this one. Hard.) With the job and med ins challenges, this one has had a work-out this quarter.
Okay. Not so bad really. And yet I see some glaring omissions and some things I really really wanted to get done.
The thing about lists and goals for me is a lesson about balance. Balance in how I see my accomplishments. Balance in how I talk to myself about what I have done and haven’t done. Balance in what I go after and how I go after it. Balance in how I let the list guide me.
Deep breath. There’s the list. Some things are done, and done well. (Well done?) Some will be off the list at the end of the year. Some won’t.
And there will be a new list of goals to work on for 2011. Some of these will be on that list…carry-overs…as it were.

End Of Quarter

And time for a check in. What was I hoping to accomplish by the end of the year? And are there deletions, corrections, or additions to be made to the list? Well, let’s have a look see….Back on the 5th of January, I wrote:

• Finish Grandbebe Bean’s quilt, for one. Pending. Still.

• Knit sweaters (in particular Feb Lady Sweater and EZ’s Green Sweater). Check, and 2 others on the needles. That’s right. Another FLS, and Peasy!

• Knit more socks (2 3 4 pair). 2 adult and a couple for the bebes, but I am only counting the two adult pairs.

• Go to Philly (week penciled in). Done! Spectacularly!!

• Go to Yellowstone (reservations made).

• Take a photography class (scheduled). Done! Still practicing.

• Learn to dye? (maybe) Actually. Yeah.

• Commute by bike (starting in May) at least 600 miles. One month out from starting!

• Hike 40 miles.

• Snowshoe. Uh. Didn’t happen this year.

• Brush off the soap making skilz.

• Learn some different spinning skilz. Navajo! New wheel! Taking the workshop at the Wool Market!

• Improve photoshop skilz.

• Paint upstairs rooms.

• Rail fence section in the yard.

• Sew some.

• Stay honest. Be open. Remember the lessons that brought me here. Now what were they again?  Kidding!


So I am feeling pretty good about all this.

Also, I am really glad I didn’t have anything in there about stashy commitments. You know, because I have been finding really good deals is all.

Too Much Fun

Friday, I stopped by the thrift store on my way. You know, just to see if there was a steamer. I’ve been reading again, you see.  This time about the handpaint dyeing technique. Steaming is required, and to me (again with the dedicated apparatus) to save my microwave and brand new stove, I opted to chance a thrift store find.

Which I did. Doesn’t have a lid, but some aluminum foil works dandy. For the price!

I got out my white wool top seconds and weighed a known quantity, tied it (with the suggested figure-8 technique to prevent tie-dye effects) (see how she learns!) and set it to soak. In gathering up the rest of the paraphanelia, I realized I didn’t have the foam brushes I thought I did. So off I tripped to the beauty supply place.

Again. I have been there now for a wig head (for blocking hats), hair picks ( for the DIY hackle), and now, applicator bottles. This time she asked if I wanted a frequent purchaser card.  I declined.  For now....

I mixed three colors of dye, and organized 'a protected area' (technical term) using an old shower curtain, laid out my saran wrap, the soaked roving on top of the wrap, and started squirting the dye. Wearing gloves, I pressed the dyes through the roving to make sure it got through the whole thickness.

When I was convinced the wool top was colorful enough, I wrapped it up in the saran wrap, making a big jelly roll, and placed it in the steamer for 35 minutes. After cooling, I removed the roll to the sink, unwrapped it, and rinsed in soapy water, followed by clear.  The colorful roving was allowed to dry.

The process didn’t go perfectly, but I learned some things. So...on the whole, a successful exercise.

• I will use a smaller amount of roving for the width of wrap I used.
• I know now to blot up the excess dye after ‘painting’.
• I understand what the soaking bath needs to be.

However, it turned out sort of pretty. The steamer worked. The kitchen didn’t end up dyed. So Wonderful Guy was amused by it all.

 

And. And! Not wanting to waste anything…

 

After a quick and dirty spin job, I had a bobbin of single ply ready to try my hand at Navajo plying. A quick check of my resources, and by that I mean I watched this again.

I had some leftover BFL single ply that I took off the bobbin trying to follow Miss Sara. She makes it looks so easy…

 

The resulting effort.  It's...not...immediately easy...

Then I watched it again.

And again. And again.

I loaded up the handpainted on Molly and went to it, and just kept at it. After some spits and starts, I filled a bobbin more or less. Then walked away and left it for a bit.

 

1st effort

The next day I wrapped that off, and looked at it. It was a practice exercise, certainly, and I was ready for my second attempt. I am getting much closer. Part of it will be getting the wheel tension dialed in, but of course, most of it is getting me dialed in! (Who am I kidding!)

 

2nd effort

But. But! I am loaded with ideas to try the handpainting again…

So there will be more with which to practice the Navajo plying.

See. It’s all good.

Finished!

And proud of it, I must say.

It fits.

It feels good.

I wore it to meet my old college friend for lunch on Sunday, and a woman who was leaving the restaurant as we were walking in said, ‘What a lovely sweater.’

I wanted to say ‘Heck yeah! I just sewed the buttons on this morning!’

But I didn’t. Instead, I said, ‘Thank you.’

And I really meant it.

February Lady Sweater (Flint Knits)
Elsabeth Lavold Silky Wool (45% wool, 35% silk, 20% Nylon)

(Shout out to drjayjr on Ravelry for trading me one last skein. I needed about 1/3 of another more than I had.)

(Again.)

Coming Up in 2010

Well, just exactly do I think I want to try to do this next year?

• Finish Grandbebe Bean’s quilt, for one.
• Knit sweaters (in particular Feb Lady Sweater and EZ’s Green Sweater).
• Knit more socks (2 3 4 pair).
• Go to Philly (week penciled in).
• Go to Yellowstone (reservations made).
• Take a photography class (scheduled).
• Learn to dye? (maybe)
• Commute by bike (starting in May) at least 600 miles.
• Hike 40 miles.
• Snowshoe.

(somebody stop me!)

• Brush off the soap making skilz.
• Learn some different spinning skilz.
• Improve photoshop skilz.
• Paint upstairs rooms.
• Rail fence section in the yard.
• Sew some.
• Stay honest. Be open. Remember the lessons that brought me here.

That will do for now, I believe.

Cranking Into December

And time for a check on those goals I sort of pecked out in January. Sort of scary…but let’s take a look-see.

Quilt for Grandbebe Two  : )
Quilted ornaments for Christmas : (
Fence project for yard  : (
Knit and spin up stash (I am not sure I am exiting the year with less than I started…)
Hone photoshop skilz (Ongoing. I can certainly do some things I couldn’t at BOY)
Paper crafting efforts (I have made lots of cards. No scrapbooking to speak of. Well, no scrapbooking at all…)
Maintain serenity in spite of life's best efforts! (progress, not perfection)
Travels (Durango/Mesa Verde; Arches/Canyonlands) : )
House projects (new tankless water htr; pergola; painting/carpet; new stove, w/d) : )
Motorcycle ride : (
Start biking first of May : )
Copy music CD’s to computer : )
Organize recipes : )
Practice gratitude daily (Again with the progress not perfection!)

Well, there they are, more or less listed and /or summarized. And not as bad as I would have guessed. I didn’t completely bomb out, I guess.

I have one quilt still to go, but technically it isn’t on the list of goals, is it? Hopefully no others will go on the list this year, and I will have bit of a reprieve on the quilting front.

 

Another year passes with no quilted xmas ornamentation. Or fence project for the yard. I look at that as not having to come up with a completely new list from scratch for next year!

While I may not have any less stash than I started the year with, it has certainly rotated. I have accomplished much knitting and spinning through the year, so there hasn’t been a lot of stash growth.
I am okay with that one, and the photoshop and the papercraft efforts. As long as progress continues through next year, that is.

I am pleased with my ‘biking season’ even if my mileage was less than I hoped. I am up for the extended season in 2010 certainly.

We will plan new travels in the new year. Already one is going on the calendar for Yellowstone. (my favorite place on earth!) And it appears that we will travel there with Eldest and her ManFriend.

But! Lest I just re-hash last years list, which may have been a re-re-hash of the year before, I am putting on my thinking cap, do some out of the box brainstorming, set some blue sky goals!

Seriously. Am I just going to let this year happen? Granted, some great stuff cannot be planned/accounted for (See Atomic Sisters and tag team blogging!). But generally speaking, I love me a list that I can work toward checking some stuff off.

• Photography class (and telephoto lens)
• Learn different and varied spinning techniques.
• Knit some sweaters and some more socks. (February Lady Sweater is in the queue, and EZ "Green Sweater" pattern is going to be purchased, I promise you.)

There’s a start.
Other ideas to share in setting goals and aspirations for the upcoming year?

Finie...

...with the knitting part, at least, and by the end of the first month.

My first big de-stashing project of the year was the entrelac 'something', which turned into a shawl. I used up most of 12 balls of the Tesoro bought on sale at JoAnn's.

And now they are gone! (Mostly. I have partials balls of two colors left.)

And I know entrelac in theory and practice!

And I have a wunnerful, woolish shawl with which to wrap around me while sitting in my chair in front of the fire at night.

Just as soon as 40 gazillion ends are woven in...a good way to while away super bowl time, I do believe...there will be a photo.

The MLCB is about 30% complete, and will mark the second big de-stashing effort. I am stoked with accomplishment. I must remember that I have other projects calling my name, also.

Oh, grand-mere...bebe quilts need your attention....oh yoohoo... Grandmere...Great Aunt Viva aka Dearest Sister is whupping your accomplishment up one side and down the other!

I was able to knit a bit on the MLCB while we were traveling about the countryside this weekend. Down to Boulder we did go to pick up my new bobbins for Betsy the Flying Lendrum. And Maggie, while writing up my ticket, also wrote in my Start Spinning book. She told me to spin the yarn of my dreams! Yes, I have been ordered by Maggie to find quviut fiber for spinning, and cashmere, and maybe some paco vicuna, too. I am pretty sure that is what she meant.

I am off to weave ends...or knit garter stitch...or cut quilt pieces...

Setting goals

I have been thinking some about goal setting lately, and how I go about doing that sort of thing.

Growing up, I don’t recall much discussion about ‘goals’, but there was certainly intent to accomplish things. The ‘goals’ were more along the lines of 4-H projects (pretty successful), and cleaning the room I shared with Dearest Sister (not so successful), and ‘getting things done’, in general. I don’t remember much of the idea that if I wanted to achieve some level of recognition, I needed to set my mind to it, and do the things required to accomplish that. It was a bit more hit and miss, like ‘well, try out and see!’ Without proper preparation, that often led to un-success. That led to trying only for things I know I could get, and not stretching out so much for achievement. At least I was encouraged to try.

Before the Dee-vorce, it seemed the X and I were just working to get by so much of the time, and the things we achieved we just sort of fell into, and couldn’t have done without a lot of help from others. I know it was a huge leap of faith when we returned to complete his higher education with three small children…babies, really…and it was an accomplishment for us both to finish our degrees at that time. What we do to satisfy that inner hunger for recognition is a huge motivator. What we do to help that person from whom we receive our self-esteem motivates equally. Like I said, it was a leap of faith, and lots of effort on our part working toward an end, and real achievement. But before and after? A lot of working to just get by.

After the Dee-vorce, when I was on my own, I was finally making my own decisions and setting my own goals. I determined to live on a budget, and what that budget was. I then determined when I could start contributing to my retirement program again, and how much to set aside for savings. I determined to keep myself out of debt. Sometimes my goals were more oriented to personal achievement, like my goal for hiking 100 miles. While it was easier sometimes to remain at home, I pushed myself to get out and socialize with my divorce recovery group, taking line dancing lessons, and in various other ways.

When Wonderful Guy and I started sharing time together, we talked about hopes and dreams and goals. We share some goals of places to travel (Hawaii next February), projects (more rooms painted), and some dreams (a little place in the mountains some day?) We also dream about retiring in 9 or 10 years.

Often, my own goals are in the form of a list. I have a long term list, and a short term list. My year long list shows things like starting this blog, learning to spin, and to knit socks, working on my photo editing, certain yard projects, installing more memory in my computer, etc. Short term list reminds me what I want to get done this week. (Sometimes Wonderful Guy knows about my lists and sometimes he does not!)

Most of these things take forethought, research, and planning to bring about. Sometimes it can be time-consuming, and tedious, and needs to be made a priority. However, I have rarely been disappointed when a goal is achieved.

I have sometimes come to the realization that a goal has slipped from my list, completely, or just for now. That doesn’t make me un-successful. (I verbalized that because I have some inner voices that would tell me otherwise.)

My 12-step program tells me that setting goals and working towards them is a good and appropriate way to achieve a healthy way of living. I set my goals personally; free from others might think, with my own self-care in mind. My goals have to do with me, not with fixing others. Without dreams and goals, I can end up…just working to get by everyday…without even thinking about what I am doing or why I am doing it.

So….I present….my first grown-up sized socks, knitted by magic loop. (Now, to mark that off my list…wha!!! ‘Learn to knit socks’ is not on my list? How can that be? Well, not to worry. I am not above adding something just so I can mark it off!)