Some Problems

Last Angry Bird hat

There is knitting--not that there's much to share (Actually, I'm farther along than picutred above--almost ready to start decreases with an inch to go).  At least I'm on my last Christmas gift.  I decided to work a black Angry Bird rather than a yellow one.  It'll be interesting to modify the facial features.  Hope this fits my oldest nephew.

School books with binder

Anyways I'm currently facing  a couple of problems with regard to lack of time for knitting.  The first problem is school--specifically homework.  There's lots of reading, especially since I'm enrolled in 2 courses.  Free time is limited.  After supper and the dishes, I'm doing homework.  When I'm done with that, I have little brain power or energy to knit.

Smartphone with Candy Crush Soda app

My other problem is my new phone.  My previous phone was a small flip one.  Very old school in size and function: small and no real internet access.  Now I have a smartphone--with apps! Oh the apps!  Specifically Candy Crush Soda.  That is my downfall.  At naptime, I used knit and now I "crush candy".  See the problem?  Welcome to my world.

No Mojo :(

Finished socks :)

So the socks got finished.  Yay!  Even with readings, assignments and a group project taking up my free time, I managed to pick at the project long enough to finally finish. I'd like to say that once finished, I immediately cast on something else.  But that didn't happen.  No.  Instead I was stuck--more like, lost in quagmire.  What to make next?

Fits great!

I thought long and hard, but couldn't make up my mind.  Do I make more worsted socks (enjoyed using Glenna C.'s worsted sock so much, I wanted to make more)?  My sock drawer was certainly lacking a nice pair of thick--almost "workman-type"--socks.

Maybe a beret?  With winter still around, I'd been itching to finally make that matching hat for my lovely cowl (I'd even printed off a bunch of beret patterns ages ago).  And hats are often quick projects, especially in worsted weight.

But I also needed mittens--specifically toddler mittens.  I had the pattern and lots of leftover yarn from Christmas.  Many a toddler at work often needed an extra pair and the spares at work were often too big for their wee hands.

Then there was that list of waiting WIPs.  Some of those projects needed just a little time . . . .

What did I do instead?  Nothing.  Nyet.  Nada. I made no choice, so sadly there was no knitting.  And now, my little peeps, I am feeling the withdrawals.  The fingers are itchy and twitchy.  My jaw is clenched.  My stomach is in knots.  I gotta grab some needles and string quick before I stab someone in the eye . . . 
:(

Coming Up for Air

Books, papers and more on dining table

Yup, ensconced in papers and books--sadly, none of them are crafty related.  One major project is just about complete and ready for mailing.  The joys of distance education--although to date, I've been able to submit essays, projects, tests & exams online.  Even discussions & classes have all been online via video or audio chat rooms or conferencing. Sadly, I've still two more months of classes left--along with a research essay, another project and a test.

Almost finished mitten

At least there has been knitting!  Yup, there's a mitten almost done.  It's just missing it's thumb. 

Two in-progress  mittens 

And the second mitten has been started too.  Slowly it grows.  Will it be finished before winter's end?  Judging by this season's unusually snowy, icy cold weather, this winter season threatens to extend well into March.  Besides, I live on the east coast.  I'm not seeing anything remotely resembling spring until late April.  After all, I live in a province where snow storms can threaten as late as April 30th.  So I'm sure to get some mitten use before spring arrives in.

Enjoy your week!  
Later

Up to My Eyeballs

No, not up to my eyeballs in yarn (I wish!!).  Rather up to my eyeballs in homework: lectures to watch, chapters to read, notes to study and research . . . ugh!  Remind me not to take TWO courses at the same time.  So NOT doin' that again.

Sunflowers

Meanwhile, I can soothe my jagged nerves by looking at the garden.  Check out my sunflowers. 

Tall Sunflowers

Soooooo tall--love 'em!  The tallest one has got to be over 2 meters.  I purposely planted them close to the deck so they could be anchored to the railings.  

Black-eyed Susans

My sunflowers are surrounded by wildflowers.  Lovely blooms erupted in red, white, purple and blues.  Definitely planting these wildflowers again.  Most are now spent, but the black-eyed susans are still in bloom.  And they're lovely.

Have a good week! :)

School's In

 Back to the books!

photo courtesy of foter.com

Besides working full-time, caring for a family and dabbling on the family hobby farm, I'm now back "at school".  Last year I tested the waters--so to speak--and stuck to one course per semester.  This year I've upped the ante.  Instead of one course, I've enrolled in TWO courses this semester (developmental psychology and intro sociology/anthropology).  My one concern: When will I knit?!

Vacations and Homework and Books

Yup, its a mish-mash this week!  First off I'm on vacation.  You'd think I'd have loads of time knitting or crocheting.  Not so much.  Not even a little bit.  Instead I'm watching online lectures and reading my textbook in-between excursions to the beach and park with the kids (well at least I'm getting some fun time with the kids).  Instead of knitting and crocheting, I'm dragging along my textbook and binder.  At least my hard work is paying off: my first test mark was good--very good.  Not bad for an old broad working full-time, living on a farm and caring for her family.  I still has "smart-itude"!


At least I can spend my nights perusing some craft books I forgot to share.  Absolutely love Wendy Bernard's Custom Knits 2--well worth owning!  There are some cute patterns, but more important she addresses how to modify and change the pattern to suit size, age and even gender.

The other book I got was Shirley Paden's Knitwear Design Workshop.  Fair warning: there's a lot of math, but there's a lot of useful information about how to design your own sweater (based on your measurements and your swatches).  She starts with basic patterns and then teaches you how to modify and change the design.  My only complaint is that the book focuses on sweater pieces rather than knitting in the round.  Still, it is a useful primer.

I fear that for now my craft time is nil.  Maybe once I've finished my course at the end of August, I can squeeze in some knitting--at least until my next course starts in September!

Back to School

So while my kids are enjoying the first week of summer vacation, I'm busy with homework and a project for my online psychology course.  My plan is to eventually end up with a degree in Child Studies, but for now I'm working on my first course--and its been years since I was last in school!

My Psych Textbook

Thus far, I've been diligent.  Every night after work, I study the material whether its reading, making notes or watching my class.  But doubts creep into my brain:  Will I remember everything for the test?  Am I still smart enough?  Can I write a paper that sounds semi-intelligent?  Or will my brain suddenly implode?  Its tough being a 40-something working mom going back to school part-time . . . 


And nary a craft has been attempted this past week.  No time for knitting or crochet, although I do confess to attending knit night (a welcome indulgence).  Sadly that was the extent of my crafting ventures.

Crochet Tote

At least my school bag looks neat.  I made this tote a few years ago for the Blog Bernat (can't believe it was in 2010).  Its the perfect size for my text, binder and pencil case.  There's no liner, but I suppose one could easily insert one--if one could sew.


Here's hoping you have a good week.  You know what I'll be doin'.  ;)