YoP 2014-15 List (a week late)

So my list is getting posted a week late but....
I didn't take part in last year's YoP but I'm back for 2014-15! We're expecting our second little girl in September so here's the rundown of what I hope to accomplish over the next year (starting July 1, 2014) as I adjust to stay at home life with two girls :)

1. Continue knitting at least ONE pair of socks per month

2. Make at least FIVE things off my current Ravelry queue (items 1-120) and try not to add to my queue more!

3. Make at least FIVE things from one of the many knitting/crocheting books I own that I haven't had a chance to go through yet.

4. Finish at least TWO of my current larger wips.

5. Make both girls Christmas stockings this year (and hopefully finish ones for my husband and I as well)

My goal for July though is to finish up a TON of baby gifts I have to make for friends! Most have to be done by August 1st because that's when the Mom's group that I'm a part of is having a baby shower for several us that are expecting! Here's THAT list! If you're a fan of FreshStitches, you'll be a fan of this list ;)

1. Stretch the Giraffe
2. Vera the Ladybug
3. Kepler the Lion
4. M. Richard the Whale
5. Jonathan the Bumblebee
6. Nelson the Owl

Just a short and sweet update of my list this week! I'll have plenty of finished baby gifts to show off next week! :)

WiP Wednesday 2/20/13

Wow do I have a lot to show you today! I went on a cast on spree last week and now have four knitting projects in progress. If you know me, I'm much more of a crocheter so for me to have that many knitting projects around is unusual!

First up, an Antler Cardigan by Tin Can Knits. I'm making this for my 18 month daughter in the 1-3 yr old size. I've already finished the sleeves and am working on the body in Red Heart Soft (color: Guacamole). For right now it's my easy whenever I have time project because I'm at the stockinette portion of things but once I get to the cables up top I'll have to use something else as a mindless project.

Next up...another hat. I'm making a Little Bough by Kydel. It's part of this month's KAL in her Ravelry group (which is ALMOST at 100 members, check it out) and I'm loving it so far! I'm using Stylecraft Special DK in the color Fondant. It's got easy cables but it's definitely one I have to pay attention to so it's usually reserved for when the little one is napping.

Third, I'm working on a Trillian shawl with some mill ends that I bought at AC Moore. I'm sure I won't even make a dent in this pile of mill ends working on this but I NEVER find sock yarn in those bags so I couldn't pass it up! It's another mindless knit that I can do whenever and I love it so far, it's squishy!

Last but certainly not least I started some Easy Peasy Socks by Stacey Trock. I had done a "practice" pair of socks awhile back with a child's pattern (that I'll absolutely make again) but decided I wanted to try a pair to fit myself. They're made in worsted weight which to me is perfect for a beginner getting to know the construction and details of making a sock. It's a little more instant gratification than sock yarn too since it goes much quicker. I figure they'll make some nice socks for inside my hiking boots or even just slipper socks for around the house! I'm using Vanna's Choice Baby in Pink Poodle.

I'm taking part in the Million Rows Challenge on Ravelry still and I'm up to 4,815 rows since September 2012. That's only counting FO's so the above aren't included just yet even though I've complete a total of 354 rows so far in those 4 projects.

Happy to be getting a few "firsts" out of the way too. First REAL pair of socks and first knit cardigan! I'm excited!

Don't forget to check out http://tamisamis.blogspot.com for plenty more WIP Wednesday posts!!

FO Friday

Keeping it short today as I have a sick toddler on my hands, argh! We're missing the snowstorm today but hope everyone who is in its path stays safe and warm!

Irving the Icebox monster was made for a big sister to be as a little gift :)

Hoping to have a picture of Miska on the little one soon but she's not in the mood (for good reason)

That's all for today! Time for more cuddles with the little one and Disney movies!

Too early for Christmas?

Over in the Pinterest group I participate in on Ravelry, we've started a "Twelve Months of Pinterest" where each month we do a project that will get us on the right track to getting ahead of the December holidays! For January, I chose to whip up a few tags using my Cricut Expression 2 and a simple stamp. Nothing too fancy but they're perfect to have on hand for cookie trays, neighbor gifts, and just for that stash of "just in case" gifts.

I'm not 100% sure I like the font that Winter Greetings is in so I may whip up a second batch using something else. Only took me about 15 minutes to whip up a pile of 24 tags for the stash.

Pinterest Catch-Up 2/2/13

Tried out some homemade fruit snacks this week courtesy of this pin. I followed the directions as written (using water and gelatin) and I have to say they're mighty tasty!

See those trays I used? Aren't they great?! I found them in the $1 section of Target a little more than a week ago. These were the only two shapes that they had but I may check the other Target near us to see if they have other ones.

I'm sure you're itching to see the finished product...right?

Voila! My strawberry flavored (yet raspberry and apple shaped) fruit snacks. The little one was quite cautious of them because she's never had fruit snacks before but I'm sure they'll grow on her. I do think the next time I might give it a try to use some V8 fusion juice in place of water to make it at least a LITTLE healthier because let's face it, it's sugar water in a solid form really :-P.

I would make them again though overall