12in11. Day 129.

A Challenge!

Yesterday, sifting through the Ravelry.com forums, I came across a group titled 12in11. Participants of the group are to select twelve projects to complete in 2011. Of course these are all yarn projects, be it knitting, crochet, spinning, dying, etc.

So my readers, I thought I'd pose the same challenge to you! Why not make 2011 a little more creative, and inspiring than last year? 12 projects isn't that hard, it could be 12 different complicated dinners to make, on per month. 12 5k marathons to run. 12 food festivals to go to.

For my 12 projects, on Ravelry.com I have selected a number of items I have already ordered yarn for, or have started, frogged, and haven't finished. Because I have so many projects on my plate, I didn't want to go, well, overboard. I have a tendency for doing this ... I doubt anyone has noticed.

Here is my ravelry.com, knitting & crochet, 12in11 list, not necessarily in order:

1. Selbu Modern


2. Amigurumi Penguin


3. Annie Hat


4. Subway Hat


5. Feather Dress



6. Museum Tunic


7. Lace and Broomstick Hat


8. Netted Clutch


9. Noro Striped Scarf


10. Fuzzy Mitten Lamb



11. Lace Panel Tunic


And, I am sneaking this one in here, for January. Like I said, I am not trying to go overboard, and this one is legitimate even though it is my pattern, and I finished it yesterday.
12. Diamond Slouchy Beret


What is your 12in11 list?

Round and Round. Day 19.

Round and round the circular knitting goes, where the knitting then frogging stops, nobody knows. I have to say that I am not 100% happy with my current knitting project, but I think it is really just my mood, and the sweater is fine. I went to my local and lovely yarn shop today to ask for help in picking out and using a new knitting tool. I have tried a lot of different activities in my life, and thus, frequented a lot of specialty shops, even if only for a short while. The women at the knitting store are always friendly and helpful, which I actually find surprising. Recently I have been looking for an invisible zipper foot for my Bernina sewing machine, and ever sewing/vacuum (because they always go together) store that I go into, the sales person has to act like a douche, insult my machine, and then somehow still expects me to buy something. Really? Why am I going to give you money if you insult something that I love. Next! The invisible zipper foot can wait for a better attitude. However, it is never like this at the yarn store. Granted, some yarn stores that I have been to have been snotty, but not this one. The shop-keepers are genuinely happy to see you AND help you, regardless of how little or new to the subject you are.

Besides getting the new knitting tool, today seemed, yet again, like a Project Hallway waste. I had lunch with Ramon at the shop, and I made some amazing progress on the Java Script Gallery on his new website, but other than that I just felt like it was about as grey as the clouds outside. By the way, what is up with the rain in Northern California in September?

This weekend will hopefully be more productive. I have a list of things that I want to get done. I think that part of my problem is actual "real-life" responsibilities, and also not having a proper sewing area set up. I have to clean up every thread and put everything away any time I am not actively—meaning, right that second—sewing, and if I want to cut anything ... well maybe I should just get a mop for the kitchen floor. Ramon has been so busy with the car that I haven't been able to enlist him in helping to set-up my sewing room/guest room, but, I could really use the help. I would really love a dedicated area. I think it would make all of the difference, or maybe I am just feeling grumpy today, and tomorrow will be a new day, hopefully bringing a new attitude.

So, I leave with a bit of inspiration of a different type: Old guys having a blast in a creative, though I am sure embarrassing, and a pushing-the-comfort-limits sort of way.

The copy in this thing is fucking spot-on. Good work dads, even though you are apparently from a church.

Dad Life from Church on the Move on Vimeo.