Lofty Goals for 2014

So, as you probably know, we've given up extra spending for 2014. As a result, I seem to have set some lofty personal goals for 2014. In January, I have plans for 2 KAL's, a shawl, a pair of socks, a hat, starting an afghan, and sewing on my new sewing machine. Everything is planned to work only from my stash and nothing new is needed (except a steel crochet hook size 10). Now, I could start today if I wanted, but I tend to be honest about (almost) everything, so while I wait, I've been working on small projects. Today I did this chunky hat (from stash) and this bookmark (from a gift). I'm starting to worry about my goals for January, but I suppose I can always amend them if I need to--it's ok.

Ohmegherd!

I added to my stash these past couple of days--the moratorium is approaching!!!--and I wanted to share their beauty with you. Madelinetosh Tosh Cakes, marigoldjen, and Desert Vista Dyeworks. I'm going to miss buying yarn..... But getting out of debt is very important and we are both giving up all our extras for 365 days to try and make it all happen. And seriously--I have enough yarn to get through the year. Now if I can remember to not look on Etsy or accidentally click links in web pages of pretty yarn...

Finished

I went home for Christmas with three projects that needed to be finished. I set a goal to complete all my projects by the end of the year and with the calm and quiet of my parents house, I finished my socks and my moss stitch wash cloth. I also made awesome progress on my needlepoint. So, this weekend, I've been trying to do small crafts I've been putting off which you can see was a hand stitched felt wallet (I seriously hate hand stitching). And today, I forced myself to finish my needlepoint flower project--4 episodes of Hawaii Five-0 (the old one), an episode of The Streets of San Francisco, Cannon, The Rockford Files, and Kojak later, this bad boy is done!

Pre Christmas Crafting

Pictured below are 15 mini skeins of evil. They look nice enough--until you try to wind them. 10 of these little buggers needed to be untangled. I was very unhappy. Very. Unhappy. What should have taken a about 15-20 minutes took over an hour. I finally succeeded in making a gradient ball of yarn, but sheesh!

The third picture is of an awesome Hobby Lobby find--can't wait to decorate it and put all my bits and bobs away! And the last picture is of my yarn Andrew got me for Christmas--a subscription to Yarnbox! Score!

I know what you're thinking...

...and yes, I am stockpiling. In just 10 days I will be cut off from yarn and other frivolous spending. So, I picked up some yarn today. Picture one is Malabrigo Rastita and madelinetosh Vintage (2). I also picked up a double pointed needle organizer that I'm using to organize my interchangeable needles. Picture 2 is from Desert Vista Dyeworks. It is the 12 Stripes of Christmas mini skeins. And Susan is so awesome because she included a ton of cute freebies! Picture 3 is my almost finished sock in Desert Vista Dyeworks' "Rainbow Grannies" color way in honor of my favorite blogger--Lucy from Attic24. And the final picture was an impulse buy from MarigoldJen. My stash is crazy, but that's cool--I have a year to use it up!

Today's FO's

Found this lovely bracelet picture that I will be trying once I get enough rainbow looms! Ha! I think you need 4 to do this and some people (Andrew) think the 2 I have is enough. Silly boy!

I worked more on my needlepoint and I finally finished the yellows. I finished up the kumihimo bracelet mom started on Sunday. And I hacked a project off of craftgawker to make this lovely wreath. (Styrofoam wreath, bows, stick pins, ta da!)

One day until vacation

Found this funny ecard that sums me up pretty nicely. This evening I worked on my needlepoint pillow and got all the medium yellow finished (it took almost 2 hours--sheesh!!). And then as I was sorting through my rainbow loom bands I decided I needed a glittery glow in the dark Starburst bracelet. Tomorrow I'm going to try the rhombus!

End of the year crafting

I like to start my new year with a completely clean crafting plate. So, I've finished all my big projects except for a pair of socks pictured below. As a result of this crafting mantra, I've been doing lots of small craft things and I love how these things give almost instant gratification. I'm working up my cotton stash into washcloths and I've become addicted to my rainbow loom! More quick projects to come!

My week in crafts

Since I'm addicted to instagram, I have been neglecting my blog. Not on purpose, but my instagram will not send to my blog for some crazy reason. I'll work on it. Or you could just follow me on Instagram: michelejm

Any how, here's my week. I found this picture of a cool wreath, bought to bows, have the wreath form, decided to go to bed early and never got started. Sooooo, this is on my to-do list for the week. I finally finished the evil Barb's Koigu Ruffle Scarf. I should have known I would dislike the pattern by the name (Barb), but I didn't catch on until the scarf was well underway. Still not quite sure I like it... And the last picture shows my indecision. All major projects are finished except a pair of socks and I don't want to carry over any projects into 2014. As a result, I'm working on multiple quick projects so I don't have to concentrate too hard, I can just relax and "be." The hat I finished in one day, a kumihimo bracelet, a washcloth in a pattern by Creating Laura and a bookmark pattern from the Loopy Ewe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Mad mad world

This cat represents how I've been feeling the past couple of days. I was assaulted at work this week. It was very traumatic for me. I've been assaulted in the past--hit, kicked, punched--but this one was different. It makes me question the world and how we are preparing our children to cope with real life. I'm no longer going to discuss this incident--my aching body and broken heart will heal--but what of the rest of the world?

More color

You know of my obsession with perler beads? Well, today I'm working on Instagram key chains (the kids will love them!) and I made the Christmas tree from the perler idea book. Pictures tomorrow!!

Many many colors

I resisted for so so so long! The rainbow loom craze just was not going to suck me in. I'm. So. Weak. Two looms and 5000 bands later, I spend my free time making bracelets for my students. And giving away bands if the girls need them. It's very therapeutic right now. I need the calming effect of them--and the quick gratification of a completed object.