The Post In Which I Check In On Create for March

Three months ago, I shared that my word for this year is create. I also shared some goals to go along with my word create. It's time to check in again.



~Design & publish at least six knitting patterns.
*Self-published Rescue Me, Chin Boy, and Show Me the Stars (Doctor Who Inspired Socks) on March 29th and it has been truly amazing! Thank you so, so, so, so, so, so, so much to everyone who has purchased, queued, favorited, etc. my new pattern.
*Writing & knitting another pattern right now (a baby blanket).
*Two hat patterns need to be written up and given to test knitters so I can release them hopefully by the end of April.
*Have an idea for the another pattern, but it's only in the sketching stage.

~Knit enough pairs of socks that I can stop wearing store bought ones.
*Four pairs completed for me. And another pair on the needles now.
*Plus one pair for a friend.

~Knit my second ever sweater.
*Looked through some patterns. Haven't found the right one yet. The actual knitting won't occur until after we move to Scotland.

~Knit at least six preemie hats to donate to charity.
*2 down, 4 to go.

~Consistently journal.
*Continuing to journal almost daily even if it's just a few sentences each day.

~Continue keeping a list of the eucharisteo/gifts/joys/Thanksgivings in my life.
*Over #1900 now.



Finished Projects
Socks on a Plane for Katie ~ From Laura Linneman's pattern Socks on a Plane. Knit on US 1.5 (2.5mm) needles with Berroco Comfort Sock in the Beach House colorway. These were a birthday gift for my sweet friend Katie.




Junction Shawl for Mom A. ~ From Lee Meredith's (Leethal) pattern Junction. Knit on US 5 (3.75mm) needles with Knit Picks Comfy Fingering Weight in the Bison & Peony colorways. My mother-in-law saw my Junction shawl & asked me to knit one for her.




2013 Top Down Preemie Hat #2 - From the Top Down Preemie Hat pattern that I designed. Knit on US 2.5 (3.0 mm) needles with Universal Yarn Patchwork in the Island Breeze colorway.




Camden Cap for Momma W. ~ From Camden Cap by Woolly Wormhead. Knit on US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 6 (4.0 mm) needles with Kraemer Yarns Perfection Worsted in the Quartz & Sky colorways. This is for my Momma.




Camden Cap for Damaris ~ From Camden Cap by Woolly Wormhead. Knit on US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 6 (4.0 mm) needles with Kraemer Yarns Perfection Worsted in the Quartz & Sky colorways. This is for my Damaris.




Camden Cap for Me! ~ From Camden Cap by Woolly Wormhead. Knit on US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 6 (4.0 mm) needles with Berroco Comfort Solids & Heathers in the Rosebud colorway & Lucci Yarn Sequins in the Cranberry (except it's not Cranberry, it's more like Hot Pink!!!!! But definitely Not Cranberry!!!!!) colorway. This is the 5th time I've knit this pattern (and probably will be the last time!). This hat is for me.




Level Up Socks ~ From the Level Up Socks pattern by Heather Kinne. Knit on US 1.5 (2.5 mm) needles with Knit Picks Stroll Tonal in the Summer Blooms Tonal colorway. I modified this pattern to knit them toe up instead of cuff down. These socks are for me.




I have two other finished projects that are gifts so I won't share those until after they are gifted, so expect those next month.



Current Works in Progress
Currently Unnamed Baby Blanket Design ~ I'm designing this pattern. Knitting on US 5 (3.75mm) needles with leftover soft yarns from my stash. This will be a gift for friends.

There and Back Again Socks ~ From the There & Back Again Socks pattern by Dawn Hansen. Knit on US 1.5 (2.5 mm) needles with Knit Picks Comfy Fingering Weight in the Bison & Peony colorways. These socks will be for me.



2013 Projects To Date:
I thought it would be neat to keep a list of all the projects I knit during 2013.

Baby Blankets
*Currently Unnamed Baby Blanket Design (my own pattern design to be released later this year) - in progress

Hats
*Tristan Hat for James - completed 01/06/13
*Tristan Hat for Michael - completed 01/09/13
*Rambled Hat for Wyatt - completed 01/10/13
*2013 Top Down Preemie Hat #1 (my own pattern design which is available for free here) - completed 01/11/13
*Camden Cap for Lola - completed 01/13/13
*2013 Top Down Preemie Hat #2 (my own pattern design which is available for free here) ~ Completed 03/02/13
*Camden Cap for Momma W. ~ Completed 03/07/13
*Camden Cap for Damaris ~ Completed 03/10/13
*Camden Cap for Me ~ Completed 03/15/13
*Dallas Cowboys Hat (my own pattern design to be released soon) ~ Completed 03/16/13 (will share next month as it is a gift)
*Texas Flag Hat (my own pattern design to be released soon) ~ Completed 03/22/13 (will share next month as it is a gift)

Shawls
*Junction Shawl for Mom A. - Completed 02/27/13

Socks
*Rescue Me, Chin Boy, and Show Me the Stars (Doctor Who Inspired Socks) (my own pattern design which can be purchased here) - completed 01/01/13
*Mix Match Leftover Socks - completed 01/03/13
*AfterThought Heel Socks - completed 01/27/13
*Socks on a Plane for Katie - completed 02/23/13
*There and Back Again Socks - in progress



As always, find all my completed projects plus what's currently on my needles on Ravelry:

The Post In Which Doctor Who Inspires Socks

Rescue Me, Chin Boy, and Show Me the Stars
(Doctor Who Inspired Socks)

Releasing on Friday, March 29, 2013, just in time for Doctor Who Series 7 Part 2 which airs beginning Saturday, March 30, 2013.

~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲

When I saw this yarn, I knew I wanted to use it for an amazing pair of socks. The silver in it instantly brought to mind the sparkle of stars. As I pondered possibilities, the thoughts of stars kept coming back to me again and again. I eventually merged together several ideas and began knitting these socks.

After getting a couple of pattern repeats in, I began to giggle & commanded the attention of my 13 year old daughter Damaris (who is also a knitter and a bigger Doctor Who fan than I am). I just had to show her what was happening.

Because you see, not only were there the beautiful 6 pointed stars I had designed, but there were also waves that invoked thoughts of wibbly wobbly timey wimey stuff. (Here’s the quote for those who are wondering: “People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint - it’s more like a big ball of wibbly wobbly…timey wimey…stuff.” The Tenth Doctor, Doctor Who 3.10 Blink)

At that point, we decided that these socks demanded to be named something Doctor Who related and we came up with the name Rescue Me, Chin Boy, and Show Me the Stars from this quote: “Rescue me, Chin Boy, and show me the stars.” ~ “Clara” Oswin Oswald, Doctor Who 7.1 Asylum of the Daleks

And if you’re not a Doctor Who fan, never fear! This pattern is subtle enough that you can simply call it Show Me the Stars and never mention the Doctor Who reference.

Happy Knitting!

Available for purchase now at http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rescue-me-chin-boy-and-show-me-the-stars-doctor-who-inspired-socks



~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲

These socks are knit using the magic loop method (although the purchaser could easily adapt it for two circulars or double points).

Judy’s Magic Cast On and Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off are used in this pattern.

Knitter needs to be comfortable with the following techniques: SSK, KFB, slipping stitches both knitwise and purlwise, yarnovers, and working with yarn held in front / working with yarn held in back.

This pattern includes instructions for 64 stitch and 72 stitch socks.

Huge thanks to my amazing test knitters: Amy (Knitnmom), Julee (Crojulee), and Jennie (javajennie). ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲~✲

For the first week after this pattern releases, after you purchase this pattern, send me a private message on Ravelry (send the private message to JavaPurl) with the Ravelry username of 1 person you want to gift this pattern to and I will gift it to them (and let them know you’re the one who gave it to them) for FREE!!!!! I will process all of the free gifted pattern by midnight (central time) on April 10th.

In addition, for the first week after this pattern releases, for every 10 purchases of this pattern, I will do a random number generator and the chosen number/person will receive a refund of the purchase price of this pattern. I will announce everyone who is a winner (who will receive a refund) on the Geeky Girls Knit Podcast on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 and will process all the refunds by midnight (central time) on April 10th.

Both of these offers are valid from Friday, March 29, 2013 through Saturday, April 6, 2013 at midnight (central time) only. You must contact me no later than midnight (central time) on April 6th if you purchase the pattern and want to gift it to a friend for free. After that time, the offer will no longer be valid.









As always, find all my completed projects plus what's currently on my needles on Ravelry:




Image Credit: Clara & Timey Wimey

The Post In Which I Check In On Create for February

Two months ago, I shared that my word for this year is create. I also shared some goals to go along with my word create. It's time to check in again.



~Design & publish at least six knitting patterns.
*The pattern I submitted for publication was rejected. That's been tough to deal with emotionally. However, I've decided to self-publish it. It is with 3 test knitters right now with the plan to release it on March 29th.
*Writing & knitting another pattern right now (a baby blanket).
*Have an idea for the third pattern, but it's only in the sketching stage.

~Knit enough pairs of socks that I can stop wearing store bought ones.
*Three pairs completed. I'll share the third pair later this month after I self-publish it.
*I also knit another pair of socks in February but they are a gift for a friend.

~Knit my second ever sweater.
*Looked through some patterns. Haven't found the right one yet. The actual knitting won't occur until after we move to Scotland.

~Knit at least six preemie hats to donate to charity.
*2 down, 4 to go. #2 was knit in March though so I'll save it for next month's round-up.

~Consistently journal.
*Continuing to journal almost daily even if it's just a few sentences each day.

~Continue keeping a list of the eucharisteo/gifts/joys/Thanksgivings in my life.
*Made it to #1800 last week.



Finished Projects
Rambled Hat for Wyatt ~ From Rambled by Dani Sunshine. Knit on US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 6 (4.0 mm) needles with Rowan Baby Merino Silk DK in the Bluebird colorway & Universal Yarn Classic Shades in the Storm Clouds colorway. This hat was a Valentine's Day gift for my nephew Wyatt.





Camden Cap for Lola ~ From Camden Cap by Woolly Wormhead. Knit on US 5 (3.75 mm) &US 6 (4.0 mm) needles with Caron Simply Soft Solids in the Sunshine colorway & Universal Yarn Classic Worsted Impressions in the pink, red, & yellow colorway. After seeing & trying on the Camden Cap I made for my sister (her Momma), my 4 year old niece Lola asked for a Camden Cap in her size. I don’t have quite enough left of the yarn I used for her Momma’s hat, so I’m mixed a solid yellow in with it. This was her Valentine's Day present.





Current Works in Progress
Finished 02/27/13 ~ Will share pics in the next round-up ~ Junction Shawl for Mom A. ~ From Lee Meredith's (Leethal) pattern Junction. Knitting on US 5 (3.75mm) needles with Knit Picks Comfy Fingering Weight in the Bison & Peony colorways. My mother-in-law saw my Junction shawl & asked me to knit one for her.

Currently Unnamed Baby Blanket Design ~ I'm designing this pattern. Knitting on US 5 (3.75mm) needles with leftover soft yarns from my stash. This will be a gift for friends.

Camden Cap for Momma W. ~ From Camden Cap by Woolly Wormhead. Knitting on US 5 (3.75 mm) & US 6 (4.0 mm) needles with Kraemer Yarns Perfection Worsted in the Quartz & Sky colorways. This is for my Momma.



2013 Projects To Date:
I thought it would be neat to keep a list of all the projects I knit during 2013.

Baby Blankets
*Currently Unnamed Baby Blanket Design - in progress

Hats
*Tristan Hat for James - completed 01/06/13
*Tristan Hat for Michael - completed 01/09/13
*Rambled Hat for Wyatt - completed 01/10/13
*2013 Top Down Preemie Hat #1 - completed 01/11/13
*Camden Cap for Lola - completed 01/13/13
*2013 Top Down Preemie Hat #2 (pics next month) ~ Completed 03/02/13
*Camden Cap for Momma W. ~ in progress
*Camden Cap for Damaris ~ next up
*Camden Cap for Me ~ after the one above
*Dallas Cowboys Hat for Dad W. ~ and then this one (it's March Hat Knit-Along time for the Geeky Girls Knit Podcast group)

Shawls
*Junction Shawl for Mom A. - Completed 02/27/13

Socks
*Secret Project - completed 01/01/13 (will be revealed on March 29th)
*Mix Match Leftover Socks - completed 01/03/13
*AfterThought Heel Socks - completed 01/27/13
*Socks for a friend (will be revealed next month) - completed 02/23/13



As always, find all my completed projects plus what's currently on my needles on Ravelry:

The Post In Which There's Something Old & Something New

Well, now that the move to Scotland is decided (if you missed that big announcement, click here to see it), we've been sorting through boxes to discover what we can get rid of, what we can sell, what we want to keep, etc.

As Damaris & I did some sorting today, we ran across a picture frame with a picture of Damaris and an audio recording of her saying her full name & her age of 2 years old. I saved it into a video so that we'd be able to keep it.


We also happened onto my wedding dress & veil. Damaris begged to try them on. I told her she has a long time to go until she can even think about getting married. LOL!


Just thought I'd share this something old & something new with yall. :)

We Have An Announcement!!!!!!

We Have An Announcement!!!!!!

The Post In Which I Check In On Create

One month ago, I shared that my word for this year is create. I also shared some goals to go along with my word create. I thought that today, one month in, would be a good time to check in.



~Design & publish at least six knitting patterns.
*Waiting to hear on one pattern I submitted for publication.
*Writing & knitting another pattern right now.
*Have an idea for the third pattern, but it's only in the sketching stage.

~Knit enough pairs of socks that I can stop wearing store bought ones.
*Three pairs completed, but I can only share two of them because one is the aforementioned pattern I've submitted for publication. See below for the other two pairs.

~Knit my second ever sweater.
*Looked through some patterns. Haven't found the right one yet. The actual knitting probably won't start until Septemberish.

~Knit at least six preemie hats to donate to charity.
*1 down, 5 to go. See below for #1.

~Consistently journal.
*I think I missed 1 day in January, but going strong on this & being blessed by it.

~Continue keeping a list of the eucharisteo/gifts/joys/Thanksgivings in my life.
*Going strong with this one as well.



Finished Projects
Mix Match Leftover Socks ~ From a pattern from my local yarn store Yarnies. Knit on US 1 (2.25 mm) needles with Regia Design Line by Kristin Nicholas Garden Effects in the Flower Garden colorway & Vice Sockalicious in the Amazingly Amy colorway. These socks are made from leftover yarn from two other pairs of socks. And these socks are for me! :)
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Tristan Hat for James & Tristan Hat for Michael ~ DROPS design's pattern, 135-31 "Tristan" - Hat in textured pattern. Knit on US 6 (4.0 mm), needles with Rowan Baby Merino Silk DK in the Bluebird colorway. These were birthday gifts for my brothers-in-law James & Michael.




2013 Top Down Preemie Hat #1 ~ My very own pattern, Top Down Preemie Hat. Knit on US 2.5 (3 mm) needles with Schachenmayr nomotta Bravo Jacquard Color in the Mulberry colorway. This hat will be donated to our local NICU.




AfterThought Heel Socks ~ From a pattern from my local yarn store Yarnies mixed with Laura Linneman's AfterThought Heel Socks pattern. Knit on US 1 (2.25 mm) needles with Regia Design Line Hand-dye Effect by Kaffe Fassett in the Balloon colorway & Regia Design Line Random Stripe by Kaffe Fassett in the Sizzle colorway. These socks are made from leftover yarn from another pair of socks & some leftover yarn that was gifted to me. And these socks are for me! :)




Current Works in Progress
Junction Shawl for Mom A. ~ From Lee Meredith's (Leethal) pattern Junction. Knitting on US 5 (3.75mm) needles with Knit Picks Comfy Fingering Weight in the Bison & Peony colorways. My mother-in-law saw my Junction shawl & asked me to knit one for her.

Currently Unnamed Baby Blanket Design ~ I'm designing this pattern. Knitting on US 5 (3.75mm) needles with leftover soft yarns from my stash. This will be a gift for friends.



2013 Projects To Date:
I thought it would be neat to keep a list of all the projects I knit during 2013.

Baby Blankets
*Currently Unnamed Baby Blanket Design - in progress

Hats
*Tristan Hat for James - completed 01/06/13
*Tristan Hat for Michael - completed 01/09/13
*Hat to be revealed later - completed 01/10/13
*2013 Top Down Preemie Hat #1 - completed 01/11/13
*Another hat to be revealed later - completed 01/13/13

Shawls
*Junction Shawl for Mom A. - in progress

Socks
*Secret Project - completed 01/01/13
*Mix Match Leftover Socks - completed 01/03/13
*AfterThought Heel Socks - completed 01/27/13



As always, find all my completed projects plus what's currently on my needles on Ravelry: