Friday, March 2, 2012

Friday Mishmash

So I *may* have mentioned a time or two that I've taken up knitting (I know, you're all thinking "oh REALLY" ?? lol).  Well.  I've amassed a little collection of yarn ends, and decided to be nice and put the yarn outside for the birds to nest with.  I even cut them into smaller strips to make it more manageable for them, because I am thoughtful like that...but do you think the birds care?  Apparently not!  And now I have a distraction every time I glance out my window. 
Yarn, day one.  Perfect for nest building.  Free!  Enough for everyone.
Five days later, yarn is untouched, but I saw the coolest bird - ooh, someone's finally going for the yarn!
Nope.  This red-bellied woodpecker just hopped all around the tree trunk, eating bugs.  I literally can't give this yarn away!  And there it sits, mocking me.  Birds.  What's their deal?!?

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In knitting news (you knew this was coming, didn't you?), I have to tell you about my most recent trip to the knitting store.  I ended up running out of yarn on the scarf that I was making, so not only did I need to go there and get another skein, I also needed to get the bulldozer lady to show me how to start it on the scarf - I watched a couple of YouTube demos, but as with most things knitting, it confused me.  Guess what?  The bulldozer lady was quite pleasant and helpful - it was a nice experience!  While I was there, another woman came in with similar questions to mine, and we both said that what we needed was not a class in how TO knit, but rather, one in how to UNDO...or fix mistakes.  Well, bulldozer lady (I can't call her that anymore seeing as I had such an improved encounter with her) offered to set up a "Boo Boo" class, so next Thursday, that's where I'll be.  Which will be nice considering that the very next day I had to run by the shop again, because I'd messed up on a stitch and couldn't get it fixed on my own.  Apparently it's not uncommon to drop stitches and make mistakes, but being able to fix them versus unraveling the entire project is a much better option.

Here's my latest creation:
I started this scarf on size 8 needles but wasn't thrilled with it. Made a mistake and unraveled the entire thing.  Lather, rinse, repeat two more times!  Finally I used smaller needles (size 7) and that did the trick - I really liked how it looked with a smaller gauge.  It took me a lot longer than I thought it would to knit it, but I think that's partly due to the smaller needles (and partly due to how many times I restarted it!).  

Henry was very attached to the scarf and spent many hours in my lap as I knitted it.  This scarf is made of 75% acrylic, 25% wool, 2% Henry, 2% Kip and 1% Paco.  It has bonus fur!
Dis my scarf.  You make for me, rite?  (um, sorry Hen, but no)

Not to be outdone, Paco modeled it:
I look mahvellous.  Dese my colors.
I added a little hibiscus charm (my blog flower!) as my "signature" since this scarf will be a gift. 

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Speaking of knitting (I promise, this is the last time I'll mention it - today), I think my Sit and Knit diet is actually working.  Well, that, along with the running.  I feel smaller, and even Jeff mentioned that I look like I've lost weight.  I'll take it!  I felt particularly curvy and cute in my new running/about town top yesterday, so I took a couple of pictures...after seeing them, I'm not sure there's much of a difference, but I feel good, so there's that.
And yes, it's the beginning of March and I'm in short sleeves and sandals...loving this "winter"!

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Here's outfit #4 for my Saturday running club challenge:
 
I loved this color combo!  Finally bought a new jacket (thank you for the tremendous sale, Running Warehouse), and I layered it with a lime green shirt, old Lucy vest (it was a cold morning), my nifty lime green hat that I found on clearance for something like two bucks, and my running skirt/capri combo.
Taken after I did 3.5 miles, with the last half mile all running - yes, that is the look of victory on my face!

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We have a fun weekend planned - Kelly and Chuck are coming in on Saturday, and we'll catch up over dinner; then on Sunday morning, it's the Armadillo Dash!  Jeff will be running the half marathon, while the rest of us (and my running club, and running buddy Jenny) will be running the 5K.  I'm so excited - this is my first official race since I've been able to run again, and while I know I can't run the entire thing without some walking, I'm just thrilled to be back in the game!  I will tell you that my secret hope is to finish in 40 minutes, but really, just crossing that finish line as a participant is going to be AWESOME!!!

Have a great weekend!!

22 comments:

  1. OMGosh how on earth did you just start knitting and get that good?
    I really do lack the crafty gene entirely.have a fantastic socializing and running painfree weekend.

    xo

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  2. I've fallen for Henry - he could be Jimmie Dale Gilmore's brother. How cute! And so is your gift scarf - that charm is adorable. I am enjoying your knitting escapades - as well as your fashion athletic gear.

    Enjoy your run with Kelly and Chuck! Sounds like a blast.

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  3. I used to put yarn in an old suet cage, but I never had birds interested in it. I love your pets - sooo cute. And that scarf, wow, you've become a professional!

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  4. Awwww Hen and Paco look so cute! I think you should knit them their own scarves... ooooh or maybe give Hen the scraps the birds won't take?

    If it wasn't my birthday weekend extravaganza I would be writhing with jealousy over the meetup and the race. Since I'll be fairly occupied I won't be able to dwell on it but instead I'll be cheering loudly for all of you from CT. I predict you do 40 minutes - and probably even better!

    Run Shelley run!

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  5. I'm with Carla, you are too good too fast. I would still be working on those wash cloths. I loved the pic of Paco, he look very stylish. He was born to be a model.

    And so do you in your cute running outfit. It makes me very happy that you are participating in the 5K. It's like your dreams are coming true. You deserve it!!

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  6. I love the idea of colorful bird nests, so I hope the birds take you up on your offer! Also I love the running clothes and the scarf! Great color combination of yarn!

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  7. Wow - from no knitting to full scarves and talking about needles sizes and stuff way over my head LOL!

    Have a fantastic race, Shelley! I will be virtually cheering you across the finish line. Get someone to take that shot of you crossing the line for sure!

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  8. Yes, your knitting has improved at an extraordinary rate! Don't you love how these new yarns are made, I mean how the colors change? They didn't used to be like that. The idea for a 'boo boo' class is outstanding. I don't think I've ever seen one offered, but it should be standard at all knit shops. Of course, if they teach you to fix your boo boos, you won't have to come back to the shop to get them fixed, and they might miss out on a few sales... I love how you put fringe one color at one end and the other color at the other end.

    That bird is beautiful!

    Good luck on your race! I'm not even going to tell you to take it easy. Just take ibuprofen before and after LOL!

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  9. Shelley I'm so excited for you that you will be running a race again Sunday. Have lots of fun at it my friend.

    I love your scarf and love Pace wearing it even more.

    I have no idea what a scircular needle connectec with a cord is :) I use regular needles that are 15 inches long, all my needles have that length.

    Have a great weekend my friend.

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  10. I laughed out loud at the scarf details "1% Paco!" Love your running outfit, those would be my colors too. And woot to Jeff on doing another 1/2 - so exciting!

    I ran at lunch today - in 23 degree weather (well, it was 34, but with the wind chill it felt like 23). Cannot wait for spring! Oh wait, we are supposed to get six inches of snow tonight? WTF?!

    Have fun with Kelly and Chuck - tell her I said hello!

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  11. Be safe and have fun! Enjoy your visit with K & C!

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  12. Yeah for getting to do a race! I love the running outfit. That lime green is cute. Love the colors on that scarf!

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  13. Your running wardrobe collection is enviable! Mine is so pathetic--I really need to add to it as I only have two sports bras, and that's not compatible with running 4-5 days a week:(

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  14. You are a knitting fiend! Better be careful, or your basement could end up looking like mine - bins of yarn everywhere. And I haven't knit in months :-(

    After seeing your cute running outfits I feel the need to spruce myself up for running group tomorrow. You are so fashionable!

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  15. Oh Shelley, I laughed out loud at your scarf model. Paco AND Henry are both adorable. Have a great time at the race and hanging out with Kelly and Chuck.

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  16. Maybe the yarn you put out is too bright for the birds, try earth tones and see if that works. Yarn would be the perfect nest liner, really. Your scarf is beautiful! Love the models too, they are too cute :).

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  17. Love the color combo on the new running outfit. I'd suggest spreading the pieces of yarn a bit so they seem easier to pick up. There was a mockingbird nest on the side of our house that had some red ribbon wound in it. I took it down and gave it to my little granddaughter to take for show and tell.

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  18. Love the outfit Shelley!

    So cute! Great job on finishing the last 1/2 mile without stopping!

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  19. Hope you had a great weekend!

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  20. LOL I love that Henry and Paco modeled the scarf; too hilarious! Boy, you have gotten good at knitting. And yes, you are looking more fit too. It's paying off! (Or maybe it's still all the exercise, LOL.)

    Cute running outfit too! Hope you are having a great weekend too.

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  21. I love that you put your signature/trademark on your scarf. I also laughed out loud that the gift scarf comes preworn by Paco. Haha. It's a pretty scarf. Chrissy

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