Hello 2025

Going into is honestly a bit scary. I have no idea what the future brings. All I know is I need more direction in my life. My hope is that by tweaking a few things, it will be one of my best years. 

This year, Chad and I will be working harder on our finances. We will be doing a no spend year (more to come on that). As we do so, we will work harder on paying off debt and building some sort of homestead on our kettle plot of land. I'm hoping this bring us closer together.

My crafting will have a new theme. This will be the gear of gifts. I will be making gifts for friends and family throughout the year. This will save money and break down my yarn stash a bit. I am already working on Eric's birthday present. I will for sure blog about this as I go as well as recap last year's theme, the year of the sweater, in future posts. 

I hope to finish my degree this year, but this is a very scary thing for me. All I have left is my internship unless I get procrastinate too long. Then, I will have to take a few more classes as well. I really want this to be done. I am just not good at being around new people and searching for something like this is terrifying. 

I will continue to work on my faith journey this year. I love that prayer and scripture reading have become a part of my morning routine. I want to incorporate General Confidence talks and regular "Come, Follow Me" study as well. My hope is to also make it to the temple at least once a month outside of our twice a month shift as ordinance workers. I am at a point in my life where I crave spiritual guidance. The more I learn about the Lord and His plan, the more I want to develop my relationship with Him. I hope I am in a better spot by the end of the year than I am now as I continue to grow my faith and knowledge. 

It is scary going into a new year. I hope that these goals will give me the direction and discipline I need in my life. 

Sweater Progress

 

This sweater has been one of the hardest knitting projects I have worked on. It has also been fun to see come to shape. I have finished the yoke and already split for the arms. I am currently working on the body and need to do about an inch and a half of stockenette more before I start the shaping. I'm hoping that I can to the rest of the shaping right the first time because I really don't want to have to pull out more mistakes. I can already tell that I am going to love this sweater and can't wait to be able to wear it. 

Harry Potter Sweater Progress

 

My Harry Potter Time-Turner sweater is coming a long a bit slower than I had hoped. I can't just sit and mindlessly knit this sweater, so I have to work on it when doing something that doesn't require much brain power like watching certain shows. Also, this sweater is kit with fingering weight yarn. (I'm not sure why I didn't think it would take a while to knit a sweater out of such light weight yarn.) Even though it is taking longer than I had expected, I am loving the process! I have already learned from this pattern, and know I will learn more as I go. 

Time Changer Sweater Update

 

Now that I have passed the German short rows and increases for the yoke of the sweater, I am working on the color work section and loving it. Have I messed up a few times and had to tink back a bit? Yes, but I have stitch markers in and don't have to go back too far to fix it. Each row is a bit more time consuming than knitting with one color, but after only 6 of the 19 rows done, I am already seeing the time changer take shape. I love watching things take shape as I knit or crochet. That's why I keep doing it. 

Harder Than I Thought

 

I have finished 3 sweaters so far this year, and each one has been hard in different ways. When I started this sweater, I knew the colorwork would be hard, but I figured the rest would be fairly easy. At least I wouldn't have to seem it together. Right? I was wrong. 

I have gotten to the part where I add the color to create Hermione's time turner. It was not easy to get here. At first, I struggled with learning German short rows. With some help from YouTube, I got that figured out and only had take out that part to redo it once. As I was doing this part, I also ran into an issue with the pattern not making sense, so I found a project page on Ravelry that rewrote the two lines that were written poorly. Then, I had a counting issue (it's hard to not lose count with that many stitches while making increases). I used stitch counters ever 10 to 15 stitches depending on the row to help with that. The problem with this part was the first increase row did not have the stitches to match what was written. I got that part figured out and continued on. Now, I am adding the colored pattern and fighting my own counting issues again. Why is it that counting while crafting is so much harder than counting in every day life?

I will do more updates on the progress of this sweater like I did for the mittens a while back. I'm quite excited to make it! I hope it comes out as beautiful and fun as I imagined when I ordered the yarn. 

Cabled Sweater

 

I finished the beautiful sweater a couple of weeks ago, but I waited to take pictures because it has been too hot to put more than a few seconds. 

I have been wanting to make a cabled sweater for a long time. When I saw pictures of this one done for daughters and granddaughters in a knitting Facebook group, I fell in love immediately and was excited to see that the Lion Brand yarn website was selling kit for it and the yarn was on sale  I was able to get all of the yarn I needed plus some die about $40! It’s really hard to buy enough yarn that isn’t scratchy for this price. I order it right away and eagerly awaited its arrival.

I started the project I called my “Taylor Swift” sweater because the pattern was inspired by the “Cardigan” video in April and finished it in late May. It was such a fun project, and I had a hard time putting it down. The only thing I would have liked better would have been it if was knit as one piece rather than having to stitch it together. Overall, I loved knitting this and would not be opposed to knitting it again.

Needles Needed

I planned to start my next sweater today. I had it all planned out. It is a pattern inspired by Hermione’s time turner from Harry Potter. The original pattern calls for a red sweater with gold details, but I decided on gray with red details. The yarn was delivered last week, but I wanted to finish the baby sweater first. 

This afternoon when I was done working, I sat down with the pattern book and yarn and looked at the needle size recommendations to make sure I pulled the right ones out of the bag. I don’t have the needles I need. I need size 2 circulars to do the ribbing at the beginning. Such a bummer! I’ll have to wait until I get paid on Friday and make a trip to Hobby Lobby. Maybe I can finish my poncho while I wait. 

Baby Sweater

 

My best friend’s daughter is having a baby. I can’t let this occasion go by without making something for the baby. I have leftover yarn from my sweater (finished picture will be posted later) that was perfect for this special person’s baby. I looked through several patterns before deciding to make this cute cap sleeved sweater that I was going to make my niece 7 years ago but couldn’t figure out how to follow the pattern. This was the perfect time to figure it out. Thankfully, it was very easy to follow this time because I have grown a lot in this craft. I would have to say I am ver pleased with the results. All I have left to do is sew on the buttons and ship it out. I hope the parents like it as much as I do. 

Noel’s Sweater Done

 

I finally finished Noel’s sweater. I am happy with the final product, but I will hopefully never use this yarn again. It was awful to work with. The pattern was well written and there was video support. I probably would have enjoyed this challenging pattern if the yarn had been better quality. Noel is very happy with the sweater. That makes the struggles I had totally worth it. 

This is the Seasons Cardigan by Ozetta: Hailey Smedley. I purchased the pattern through Ravelry for $6.00. It was a really good deal considering all of the video support. It was almost like taking a class on how to make the sweater. According to the pattern measurements, I would have made an extra small, but she wanted it a bit bigger and asked for a small. She also asked for it to be a bit longer than the pattern said because she didn’t want a cropped sweater. I also made the sleeves one in longer.

I can’t say I venture into fisherman’s rib again any time soon, but it was fun leaning something new. 

Knitting and Crocheting Plans

I have kind of lofty knitting and crocheting goals for this year. My main goal is to knit 3 sweaters. I also have plans for 2 afghans, throw pillows for the couches, some hats, and at least one poncho other than the one I am currently making. Of course, I will finish the things that have been started and take one or two things out of “timeout.”

I have good start on the sweaters. Noel picked out her year and pattern months ago, and I have been actively working on it for about a month and a half. 

Then, I’m going to make the Poison Apple Pullover from the Knitting with Disney book. It will be a great Halloween sweater and nice enough to wear anywhere.

I will wrap up the sweaters with a Christmas sweater. (Was there any doubt that I would?) I have narrowed down three patterns. I’m thinking it will depend on when I finish the Poison Apple Pullover and if I still want to do color work. 

For my couches, I am going to make an afghan and pillows with Friends references from my Friends crochet book. I will be changing the background color to match.

I know other things will be made/completed. Of course, I’ll blog about it as I go. 

Taking Shape

 

I have been knitting on Noel’s sweater whenever I get the chance lately, and I’m starting to like the process now that I understand the raglan increases and fisherman’s rib. I am about 6 inches from the collar and seeing the shape of the shoulders which is quite exciting. I still have a bit to go before I separate the sleeves, and I know once I do that the rest of the body will go fast. I showed Noel my progress last night and she was excited. She said she hopes it done by March so she can wear it. Honestly, I hope so, too. I’m having fun knitting and learning this pattern, but I have other things I want to knit this year as well. 

Cold Day

 

When I woke up this morning, it was -12F outside, and I had brunch plans with one of my best friends. I didn’t want to change my plans, so I made sure to dress as warm as I could. I have never been happier about how many warm things I have knit! Along with a pair of jeans, t shirt, hoodie and winter coat, I work hand knit mittens, socks, and hat. It was still a bit cold because it was so cold outside, but I was warmer than I would have been if I did not have my hand knits. They really are warmer than most of the store bought stuff I have. 

Challenging Knit

 

I started to knit a sweater for Noel a little while ago. She found some yarn at Michaels that she loved. Then, we found a pattern that excited her. Since the button band is knit on at the same time as the body with double points, I found it challenging to keep the stitches from sliding off of them as I knit. The only solution I could think of was to buy the rubber things that can be put on the ends, but I didn’t buy them until after Christmas because I didn’t know if Chad would get me the pretty ones I had on my wish list. He didn’t buy any, so I bought them myself. 

I sat down with this sweater again after dinner last night. It uses fisherman’s rib which I have never done before, so I watched the next video that was provided by the pattern creater (these alone make the purchase price completely worth it). The problem I had was I was not completely sure where I left off and there was a funky stitch a few rows back. I ended up spending about an hour thinking back three rows before my family became too distracting to keep going. 

I will sit down with it again today after work to figure it out. Last time I counted, I was missing one stitch. I don’t know if I dropped one as I knit back or didn’t pick up enough stitches from the collar. I hope it will be obvious when I seclude myself again. 

Between the slippery yarn and changing patterns, this sweater may be the hardest thing I have ever knit. 

Finished in Time

 I forgot to write about Eric’s and Peyton’s socks. I am happy to say that I finished both pair before they came over on Christmas Day. In all honesty, the last one was finished that afternoon before they were tucked into stockings. This was a big accomplishment for me. I don’t think I have ever knit two pairs of socks in one month. I have yet receive confirmation about how well they fit, but they seemed happy with them that night. I hope they get a lot of use. 

Random Thoughts of the Week

I have had a lot of random thoughts going through my head lately. They have invaded so much that I’ve been struggling to sleep the last few nights. Some are political or religious in nature, and others come from who knows where. 

First: New York is trying to force Chic-fil-a to be open on Sundays? That is wrong in so many levels. I understand they have donated to anti-LBGTQ organizations. That is not a good thing. This is not how to retaliate. Maybe they could kick the restaurant out of their state? They wouldn’t do that because they enjoy the tax revenue they get from all of the people buying the delicious food. Maybe they could boycott the restaurant because they don’t agree with their values? That’s what a normal person would do. (In my opinion.) Instead of doing these things, they want them to go against their beliefs and open the one day a week that would breach RELIGIOUS practices. Is that even constitutional? I would think not. Religious freedom and free commerce are protected under the constitution of the United States. Also, the argument that people will be starving while they travel on Christmas Eve is lame. Are there no other restaurants travelers can go to that day? As they wage this war against this business, are they doing the same to other businesses that choose to close their doors one day a week? 

Ok. That is probably the most heavy one. It just makes me mad that so many government officials don’t know or care about the liberties granted us by our founding fathers. 

Second: I love Christmas more each year. We may not be able to make this one as nice as the last couple of years due to inflation, but I am determined to make it as perfect as I can. I know I have gotten everyone things they didn’t ask for, but I hope they like them. Seriously, what are Eric and Peyton going to think about the taco holders? Was that a dumb idea? Hopefully, they at least get a chuckle out of them. Also, I want more Christmas sweaters. 

Third: I have great friends. I really don’t mind that I don’t have a lot of them. I feel like I have carefully curated the ones I have. I don’t feel ill towards most of the people in my life that I don’t regularly spend time with. I just choose to be friends with people that I feel a genuine connection. I get invited to parties with other people and enjoy being around them, but I don’t think I could create a deep bond with that many people. 

Fourth: I am so thankful for my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have been though a faith crisis and come back. I love my Savior and want to honor His sacrifice for me. I know the teaching of the Church are true. I am thankful my parents, especially my dad, raised me in this church. I have a testimony of eternal families. I know I will see my mom and brother again. 

Fifth: I am never going to finish these socks. What was I thinking? Maybe I can just give Eric one sock with the promise of the other one for his birthday…no. That probably a dumb idea. 

And these are just the thoughts that roll around continually. That doesn’t even count the little things here and there. How does one sleep when all of this is happening all of the time? Maybe I need psychological help…

Next Pair

 I have finished Peyton’s socks, and i have started Eric’s. The original yarn I chose for his looked a lot different when it was delivered. (One of these days I may learn to stop buying sock yarn online.) I kept trying to convince myself it would work, but I knew it was not something Eric would be drawn to. Once Noel had a chance to look at it and confirmed my suspicions, I had her help me pick out another yarn for his socks. This one has two shades of gray, a brown, and a dark red. It really looks like something he would pick out for himself. 

With 11 days until Christmas, 10 days to work on them, I have already finished the cuff and started the heal on the first one. My hope is to finish it this weekend and finish the other one next week. I am pushing myself to do them very fast. 

Many Projects on Needles and Hooks

 

I have many things on hooks and needles right now, and I am kind of loving it. I have the cushion I am making with my birthday yarn that is a little over half done and put on hold until I get the pillows stuffed in it so I can crochet around the rest. It’s not a huge priority and may wait until I am done with this semester’s classes. I have a shawl that I am mostly knitting at church because it is simple and doesn’t need much attention. Noel asked me to knit her a sweater and even picked out the yarn and pattern, so of course that has already been started. Then there are the socks I’m making for Eric and his girlfriend for Christmas because I have no idea what to get them. I had them approve the yarn and give me measurements, so they know what they are getting. I’m ok with that because I know they will be used. I am of course only making one sock at a time, but it is fast and easy. The last project in my sights has not been started yet but needs to be done for a January birthday for my friend’s daughter: boot cuffs. 

I love knitting and crocheting (mostly knitting). I love that people are recognizing this talent. It’s making it even more fun!

Hobby Time

My daughter has had a few emotional weeks, and the closer it gets to her birthday, the harder life seems to be for her. (I won’t go into details because it’s not my issues.) She isn’t a big fan of being comforted which breaks my heart because I just want to fix everything for her. 

Tonight, she just wanted to leave the house, so we headed out after dinner. First, we got gas (originally our only plan). Then, we headed over to Micheal’s to get craft supplies. As we walked through the store, she seemed to perk up a bit. She found some pints and supplies for a project she had in her head and asked me to make her a sweater. We left with everything she and I needed for these projects. I know it didn’t solve her problems, but my hope is that she will use this as a healthy coping mechanism. 

Weaving the Ends

 

On the back of my office chair, I have 2 shawls, a scarf, and a lap blanket. These are all projects I have finished over the past few months. They are not there because I get cold easy. It hasn’t been cold enough for such things for the most part. They aren’t there for decoration even though the lap blanket will probably stay for that reason. They are all there because I still need to weave in the ends. 

I love knitting and crocheting. Working with yarn to make something beautiful or useful is a stress relief. The problem is that I hate weaving in ends. I do it fairly quickly when I make hats or when I am making something for someone else. However, when it is something for me that I know I won’t be able to use for a while, I’m in no hurry to complete this dreaded step. I know that I will be kicking myself when I want to wear one of these or when I decide to sit down in front of the tv to do it all. For now, I will just adjust my “decorations” when they slide down each day. 

Tommy’s Hat

 I finished Tommy’s hat today. It felt good to finish something again. This was a really fast knit! Funny thing is that I have made this pattern twice for Eric, but it has never knit this fast. I am obviously getting faster when I knit, but I also think knitting in church helped. 

Now, I need to decide which yarn to use for Chris’s hat and make another one. (I am leaning towards the leftovers from Noel’s hat.)