Thursday, October 15, 2009

the Knitty Gritty

I'm back!!! Back to knitting, that is! I've been feeling "crafty" these days and have been itching for a fun project, so I dusted off my knitting needles and got back in the game.

Just to clarify, I am BY NO MEANS a professional knitter. Basically, on a whim, I bought a knitting book a few years ago and taught myself how to do it.

My very first project was a simple scarf. This little scarf actually ended up being pretty pricey as I bought really nice, super soft alpaca yarn.


The scarf turned out really well and I wear it all the time! I only made one small mistake - somehow I missed a stitch when I was about halfway done, so one half of the scarf is one stich smaller than the rest. You really can't tell though - you have to look pretty hard to find the error.


My next project was a striped scarf using this funky, curly yarn and much bigger needles.




I started this project about 2 years ago, completed 90% of the scarf, and hadn't picked it up since then!

So, my first order of business is to finish this scarf (which I can probably do tonight) then get started on something new!

I'm thinking I might do one more scarf (I love scarfs!) before I try something a little more complex. With my first scarf, I learned how to cast on stitches, perfect the knit stitch, and bind off my work when completed. With the second scarf, I learned how to use different balls of yarn to create colored stripes. With my third scarf, I would like to do a knit and purl combo to make a ribbed scarf. Fancy, yes!

Once I get three scarfs under my belt, I think I'll venture on to trying a hat!

Did I also mention that I really, really want to get a sewing machine?? Because I do. Imagine the possibilities! I could make curtains, throw pillows, monogram things (yes, I want a super expensive sewing machine!), quilts... I'm really channeling my inner domestic diva these days!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Fun with Friends

Lucky us - we got a brief visit from the Barnsby's on Thursday and Sunday this week! They were en route to Chicago and were able to stay the night with us both days (on the way there and back).

It was fun to let the boys play together - they hadn't seen each other in a couple of months.

Luke showing Andrew how to push the buttons on the truck:



Andrew - the Entertainer, Luke - the Observer



fun, fun!

(also, congrats to Scott for completing his first marathon in 3 hours and 9 minutes!! What an accomplishment!)

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Ready for Fall

"Dress Like a Farmer Day" at school:



Consignment Shopping

Two of my co-workers, Angela and Laura, have opened my eyes to the consignment world. It has totally revolutionized my way of shopping for baby clothes!! If you have kids and you are not consignment shopping, you DEFINITELY should check it out!!

I've been to two consignment sales to stock up for fall/winter clothes for Luke. Just to give you an idea of the savings, at the last sale I spent $42. Normally, I'd drop $42 at the Carter's store and come away with maybe a couple pairs of jammies. Or maybe two onesies and a pair of pants (if items were on sale!).

What can you get for $42 at a consignment sale? Let me tell you: 1 pair of overalls, 3 long-sleeved jammies, 5 pairs of pants, 1 short-sleeved collared shirt, 4 long-sleeved shirts, 1 heavy jacket, 1 hoodie, 1 sweater, 1 zip-up sweater, 1 long-sleeved button-up shirt, 4 long-sleeved collared shirts, and 2 books. Seriously! All that stuff for $42!!

I should also mention that it is good quality, name-brand items: Carters, BabyGap, Old Navy, etc.

I'm in love with consignment shopping!!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Gameday: LSU vs. UGA

* please note: Luke has bites all over his face. Most likely he got attacked on the playground at school (one of the teachers had some bites too).