Kayla

So lately I have mostly been working on really simple, easy projects (aka. lots of stockinette stitch). I initially started going for simple projects because, at the time, I was working two jobs, and did not want my down time to be too complicated (interesting) since I needed to concentrate on my jobs. Well, now I'm essentially jobless until I can start my PhD program, so I'm trying (between fixing up stuff in the house) to get a few things done. I did manage to get another Sunflowers Cami done, though I need to block it and get some pics up. I also did get this lovely baby set done for my good friend, Heidi, who had her little baby girl, Kayla, earlier this week!

Also, last night, I was able to get another little gift done for Kayla. I started out the evening with only about half of the dress done, but I was determined to finish it since today I will be visiting them, and since my PhD program starts on Monday, God only knows when I'll be able to visit again soon. Also, I made it for a newborn, so time was of the essence. I started out the evening with this much done:

And finished it up this morning!:

How freakin' cute is this? And it only took one skein to make!

New home updates!

So, it has been a few weeks since we moved in. The first thing I did was to transform my office from child's room to grey retreat: (this process took much longer than the pictures would imply)

 

 

New name, new home...

So, I've decided to re-name my blog to be somewhat more accurate, and much less pretentious. Welcome, now, to Homemade Zen, my blog about knitting, crocheting, organizing, and getting things done. My goal all along has been to cut back on my crafting clutter, and finish up old projects to make way for new ones, which has only been well, marginally successful so far. I definitely have more projects in the works, but getting the old ones done, well, not so much...

Lately, I've been spending a lot of time organizing in an attempt to get ready for our impending move to Athens. I was (miraculously) accepted to the PhD program at UGA in Anthropology, so David and I are packing up and moving down there in the next couple months. We are actually buying a house (a first for us), which is exciting and stressful, all at the same time. I have managed to clean out my makeup bag (and then buy new makeup!), and will be working on getting my nail polishes cleaned up, packing up stuff for storage, and e-baying stuff that just needs to go before we move out.. lots to do!

I will probably be cutting back some more after messing around with some of the makeup, a lot was old and just didn't work for me anymore. It's just the beginning of my organizing streak!

2012 Wrap-Up

I can't believe it's February already! I have not had a lot of time for blogging (or much else) since August last year because I managed to land a teaching gig at GSU! So, between two jobs, needless to say there isn't much time for anything else. I was able to finish up a few more projects before the end of the year.

 Hattie and Tigerlillies were the last two big projects I was able to get done before the end of the year: Both are designs by Heather Dixon, and I really like both of the finished pieces. I'm even thinking of wearing Hattie to on my birthday, depending on the weather:

After these were done, I was able to finish up two (very easy) baby blankets, my yoga mat bag, one hat (which I forgot to take a picture of), and two sets of fingerless mittens. So, in total, I was able to finish:

1 dress
1 shrug
1 camisole
2 shawls
2 stockings
2 pillows
2 scarves
3 sweaters
3 blankets
4 mittens
13 hats

There was one project I didn't list on here yet, mostly because it isn't really finished until I can get it properly decorated -- probably with some shisha embroidery. This would be the belly dance costumes that I made for myself and my belly dance partner, Stephanie. They are black and pink, and really cute, just not completely done yet.

I'm really happy with what I finished last year, though I'm thinking this year I will not have as much time to dedicate to crafting -- We'll see though!