Happy-Go-Lucky Knitter

Knitting Project Organization

2012-02-09T13:06:00.005-06:00

I have decided with my new mission to stay home and knit, I cannot possibly start that until my knitting is organized. So many projects that I have started and either got frustrated or just stopped because I found something much more fun to start! I remember when I first started knitting...I was working on this scarf...you can see it started out one width and went to another....

When I moved to Illinois I joined a knitting group and I kept telling them that I only knit one project at a time. Then I saw all the awesome things the people in the group were knitting and I started another project and it all went downhill from there.

Lately I have been teaching myself crochet patterns, working on some dishcloths, one of which I gave to my Mom and it replaced the very well loved knitted dishcloth she was using when I went for my visit.

I have started a market bag, even though my last one was a complete failure, shows that i have no ability to design a pattern on the fly....hopefully this one will be better.

I will be doing some major updating of my ravelry page this weekend with all the updates on my current Work in Progress inventory. I really need to get a grasp on where I stand with a lot of these projects. I also am going to make an effort to show up for more knitting group meetings, it is so nice to hang out with a group of crafty women who are all very nice and we all enjoy each others company.

Almost Christmas!

2011-12-22T13:57:00.002-06:00

December has just flown by, I spent all my free time trying to finish my Mom's present...and I accomplished it! I sent it along with this quote from one of my favorite knitting book authors:

"the opportunity to knit a gift is - to your knitter, a chance to make the love that they feel in their hearts tangible, visible and warm...Each stitch contains the most precious thing a knitter can give - time and talent, and every person who receives said gift of time and talent should be nothing short of stunned with joy and gratitude. Think about it. Other people are going to spend 20 minutes at the mall picking out a present for you. Your knitter loves you so much that their gift to you took hours and hours and hours of time that nobody else deserved." -Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

It is so true, a couple times I have knitted gifts for people and I feel like they just don't understand how meaningful it really is. I know my Mom does, that's why I enjoy making her things, and this one turned out way better than the last one.

I am looking forward to Christmas, we are spending Christmas Eve with Anthony's Aunt and her husband, we enjoy their company and it will be nice to have a new experience. My brother in law and his fiance are settled in their new place just in time for the holidays, which is really nice for everyone.

Thankfulness

2011-12-01T14:06:00.004-06:00

Some people posted every day what they were thankful for the whole month of November. Now it's December 1st and I have a whole lot of thankfulness that I should express. I am so very grateful that I have two loving parents and a wonderful family that are very caring. I am also thankful for my husband and his family, they have been so welcoming and understanding. Friends are hard to find, good friends even harder, and although I don't have a billion friends, I have a few really good ones that I am so very, very thankful for. Last but definitely not least, I am thankful for GOD watching over all the above mentioned and myself, without being surrounded with love I would not be the person I am today. I know that every experience I have had was part of the plan, and I am very thankful that the plan got me to where I am today, the happiest I have ever been (other than being a child of course!!)

Now we go on to December, it's quite cool to have little kids in the family and experience the holidays with them, seeing the sparkle in their eye that I remember once having in my heart. Shopping and creating gifts for everyone in the family, this is what makes it one of my favorite times of the year. Thinking about what would make some one's Christmas a little brighter. Being invited to go to gingerbread house making parties, cookie parties and just being with family are some of the things I am looking forward to this season.

First Thankgiving as a Swiderski...

2011-11-16T13:20:00.002-06:00

Wow! I can't believe in just a week Anthony and I will be hosting our first Thanksgiving as a married couple for 10 people! I am starting to get nervous about menus and cooking....I know they will be appreciative no matter how it turns out. Last Thanksgiving Anthony's Mom put together a beautiful meal and it was so nice to be surrounded with family. I can't wait for everyone to put aside all of their issues and have one day to just be grateful and enjoy the company of the family.

I am sad to not have my family around for the holidays, but I have quite a few good friends and an in law family that has welcomed me with open arms. Spending my first holiday with my new husband, as a married couple, it will be very special just to be with each other.
I will get to see my Mom in January, but it doesn't make the holidays any easier knowing that, we both miss each other a lot. Especially since we got so close when she was here, our relationship changed - for the better!! It means a lot to me to be so close to my Mom and we both wish we were closer in proximity but we both love our lives in the places we are now. She went to visit my cousins this past month and it was so touching to hear that she was welcomed with open arms and that she really grew a lot closer to them and their family. I hope to visit my cousins this year with Anthony so we have a chance to be involved with their new families...

Back to yarn I go....

2011-10-20T14:21:00.003-05:00

Now that we are back and slowly getting back into reality...it's time to get back to knitting..

First I have been sitting on this Malabrigo since last year Stitches event and it's time to put it on needles...

I also made a hat for a friend's baby at work, that didn't fit at all, so I am making a replacement, my first time trying Argyle....we shall see, so far I have taken it out once. I also started a market bag, but I think I will pick up the old wool cable bag and finish that, it's really close to being done, before I finish the market bag.

Day 9 and Day 10 in Italy

2011-10-16T08:31:00.003-05:00

We walked to town to pick up a few last minute things and some breakfast, which consisted of a pannini since we were eating at about 10:30....

On our walk back to the villa it started to rain, and it rained all day. Gave us time to pack and have a relaxing day inside. The rain broke just in time for dinner and we decided to have beer and pizza, for our last night in Positano.

In the morning, at 4:30 am, we woke up to begin our trek to the airport. We arrived at the airport about 3 hours before our flight, we flew from Rome to Munich, then Munich to O'Hare. It was a very long day, we were both awake for about 26 hours by the time we got home...but we were both so glad to see our furry family when we arrived home!
CIAO!!

Day 8 in Italy

2011-10-16T07:42:00.005-05:00

We woke up in the morning and went down to the beach restaurants for some breakfast. And we updated this blog, then we walked back to the villa. Took it easy to prepare for our big cooking class at 3:30. We were both so excited, we had walked by the restaurant that the class was going to be taught at many times and it was very busy, so we hoped for a really good lesson. When we arrived for our lesson we meet two friendly women from Dallas and Washington DC that would be taking the class with us. The chef and the manager teach the class together, because the chef doesn't speak enough English to teach by himself, so the manager translates. First thing we start was chopping up eggplant, then the let the eggplant sit (I am not going to give his secrets away, for that you will have to go to Italy :)) while we chop up the tomatoes. Get the fresh tomato sauce started cooking, very simple but it was an Amalfi signature tomato sauce. We then started the gnocchi, which was really what we were hoping to learn. We also made homemade Scalatelli which is an Amalfi specialty, I asked the chef why and he said because it was created there. In the end we ended up with a delicious plate of food...

Which we sat and enjoyed with the other members of our cooking class, as well as a couple of bottles of wine.

Seventh Day in Italy

2011-10-13T03:46:00.001-05:00

We got up and ready to board the boat at 9:15, when we got there the lady told us that if we really wanted to see the Grotto Azzuro that we were best to do that while on the island. We boarded the boat to the Isle of Capri with two New Zealanders as captain and first mate (husband and wife). We began our tour around the Amalfi coast and over to the Isle of Capri, all along the way seeing these remains of what we think were look out points for the Romans…..

Once we arrived at the Isle of Capri, we met a nice couple who also wanted to take the taxi to Annacapri, the other side of the island. We grabbed some delicious authentic pannini’s and headed to the other side of the island. Once we got there, we told the other couple we planned to go to Grotto Azzuro based on the advice of the first mate, they decided to come with us. We walked down small quaint streets for about an hour 20min then we found the grotto, which you must board a canoe and be escorted into through such a small hole everyone must lay flat on the canoe. Once inside the blue reflection of the light on the limestone is amazing, not to mention the canoe man singing in Italian the whole time….it was like nothing else either of us had ever seen.

We took the bus back to Anna Capri and walked around then jumped in a convertible taxi with our new buddies to catch the boat back to Positano. The boat stopped at white grotto, the green grotto and the blue grotto, at one point let people get out and swim, Anthony and I had both come prepared to swim. I was, however not prepared for how cold the water would be! We took the convertible taxi back to Capri..

Once back aboard the boat everyone enjoyed champagne as well as a few more sites along the Amalfi coast. The captain was talking about some amazing restaurant that he loved and we decided to make reservations and head there for dinner. So we waited, the restaurant is so high up the mountain that they have a pick up van for tourists. So we picked up and went to the restaurant, turned out to be my top 2 dinners and Anthony’s top 3….we had antipasto, pasta, bruchetta and moose for dessert. Then we head back to our villa, as our feet were very tired.

Sixth Day in Italy

2011-10-13T03:42:00.003-05:00

We started late so by the time we got ready and were in town it was lunch time. So we stopped at the restaurant we are taking our cooking class at and sat on the patio to have a little something to eat. We walked around Positano and made our reservation for an excursion tomorrow, also found the restaurant we want to eat at tonight. Then we walked back to our villa and took an afternoon to just relax and enjoy our view.
We made reservations for a restaurant I had seen online, that was part of the mountain…the ambience was so cool!! Anthony got the chefs special which was four courses and they were all delicious, we shared a bottle of wine and three hours later we headed back to our villa.

Fifth Day in Italy

2011-10-13T03:35:00.003-05:00

We decided it was a windy day and it would be a perfect day for Sorrento, we got the car and I drove us to Sorrento, we found some parking and followed the tourists into the city centre. A statue marked the city centre which was filled with outdoor cafes and alleys full of limoncello and local tourist shops. We walked down the alleys and found some nice things to bring home, then we headed to the water. It was a very windy day but we had a beautiful view of Mount Vesuvius. Then we found a lovely little place to eat lunch, of course it had to be seafood!! Anthony had a delicious homemade fuscilli with clams, prawns and mussels. I had popoli (octopus) and prawns with a side of bruscetta. We continued to walk around after lunch and found a delicious gelateria, apparently a very famous one, pictures all over the walls of famous Italians who have satisfied their sweet tooth.

We felt like being tourists some more and even though it didn’t make sense geographically, (because we had just gone North west of Positano to Sorrento, now we were thinking of going east of Positano to Amalfi) we went anyway. Anthony drove for the first time and boy did he enjoy it! They call the coastal road here, the road with 1000 turns and the Italians drive so fast, but they appreciated it when we pulled over and let them pass us. We got to Amalfi at about 4 and walked out to the dock then up and down the streets and alleys. We saw another church in the town’s center with about 100 steps to get in, and a beautiful fountain. We sat down at one of the cafes and I had a glass of wine, Anthony had a birra and we people watched for awhile. Then we came back to Positano and relaxed for a little while, eventually we decided to take a walk to Positano and have some dinner. We stopped at a little restaurant and had some very tasty homemade pasta, and a couple of glasses of wine.

Fourth Day in Italy

2011-10-09T12:48:00.002-05:00

We woke up and walked to the city centre to grab a bite to eat, we had walked by a little restaurant that had delicious desserts in the window and we went back there to see what brunch was like. We sat down, it was a beautiful, clear, sunny day and we heard lots of English being spoken around us. We soon figured out that there was a cruise that docked at Positano today. We introduced ourselves to a couple around us, turns out they were from Iowa, they had been travelling for a week in Italy and we asked them to take a photo of us. That’s the only part that is tough about traveling with two people, you never know when you can trust someone to take a picture and not run off with your camera. We had a nice coffee/hot chocolate with a delicious calzone. Then we walked all over in the shops, taking tons of pictures. Positano is old and yet it has been kept up, so it is beautiful!!

We found a few places that had some very unique pieces of hand painted ceramic, an art that is very popular in this town. Lots of stores with lemonchello which is an alcoholic beverage that is a signature drink of this area, they are famous for their lemons, so they have everything from lemon scented candles to lemon candy. We found a wine store and purchased some for later, to sip while we sit on our balcony and enjoy the view of the water. We picked up a brochure and spoke to a nice native about talking a boat to Isle of Capri, she said the best day will be Wednesday so we plan to go then, in hopes of calm waters so we can see the blue grotto.
Then we continued walking all over town, taking pictures of the views, buildings, unique doors and every once in awhile ourselves

Now we are sitting at a cafe, eating and enjoying a glass of wine...blog posting :)

Third Day in Italy

2011-10-09T12:43:00.002-05:00

We woke up and decided to go to the Villa Borghese Gardens, and as Anthony put it…. “I can’t go anywhere without taking public transportation” , so we took the Metra there, underground subway. That was an experience, we were a couple blocks from the main train station in Roma City Centre, so we headed there, downstairs to the entrance….or what we thought was the entrance. There were young girls standing by the ticket machine “helping you” buy a ticket, but of course asked for money for their service. It was a very simple machine to use, so that was kinda funny…I mean the screens were in Italian but it’s one price no matter how far you take the subway. We got our tickets and took an escalator down, then another, and another….we were amazed at how far underground the subway really was. We only had to ride to the 3rd stop, we got off and had to take 4 escalators to get back up to the street. Once we arrived at the Gardens we saw a 2 person side by side bicycle (rickshaw) that we rented for an hour and rode all around the gardens, saw statues, fountains, ponds and horses. Took lots of pictures, of course!

We left the gardens and went back to the B & B, picked up our luggage and headed back to the Termini to catch a bus back to the airport to rent our car. Picked up a delicious Panini on the way, picked up our car at the airport and it just took a few minutes for me to get my manual skills back! Then we started what was supposed to be a three and half hour drive to Positano. One wrong turn, we found our way back then we made another wrong turn and ended up in the middle of a city, we figured out how to get back to the main road and took the long and windy, barely two car road up the coast to Positano. We arrived a couple hours later than expected but our Villa owner still met with us and drove us to our Villa. We could hear the music from the city so we dropped our bags and headed down to the city, about 1000 meters to the city. Turns out they were celebrating Oktoberfest with birra, pizza and dulce on the pier, pizza and Birra for both of us! The pizza was cooked on woodfired oven that was in the back of a truck they pulled up to the end of the pier. A couple birra’s and we were ready for the uphill climb back to our Villa.

Second Day in Italy

2011-10-09T12:30:00.006-05:00

First thing the hot water did not work at our B & B, so we had to make use of our Italian dictionary and they were able to get it back on. We got ready, had a little breakfast and headed out the door in the direction of the Coliseum. We ended up following the advice of a friend and buying tickets for all three ruins at the Roman Forum. While walking around the forum we read our tourist book and talked about how many millions of people had walked on those stones, including Julius Caesar. We explored Palatine Hill ruins before making our way to the Coliseum. Anthony and I walked all around the Coliseum and the museum, took lots of pictures and despite the rain coming down off and on while we were there, we felt like we should move on.

While we were at the Coliseum we noticed these really large horses on the top of a building, and we set out to find that building. We walked to the building and we still don’t know what it was but there were guards protecting it and the statue at the top of the stairs in front. From there we set out to find lunch, we walked by a busy lunch pizzeria and decided to stop. Had a wonderful Margarita pizza for lunch as we discussed our route for the rest of the day. Since it was only one o’clock we decided to hit St Peters Basillica at Vatican City, on our way there was the Piazza Navona, which had been recommended by many friends at home before we left. Piazza Navona was beautiful, 3 amazing fountains and artists selling their work all around the area. We were snapping pictures left and right, catching the true Italian buildings, windows and doors, of course we took a few of ourselves. This whole time we tried to walk down small streets/alleys so we could really get a taste of Roma.

We crossed a bridge and headed to Vatican City, there we found what seemed like a very long line for St Peters. As we debated whether we would stay or go, we saw how fast the line was moving and got in line, before we knew it we were in St Peters, what a stunning church….we were amazed. We tried to get to the dome but we missed it by a few minutes and they were closing soon. So we headed back across the bridge and we had our hopes for seeing the Pantheon before it closed, we got there just in time! Another Italian monument that was amazingly preserved, I had read about the Pantheon and I was so happy to actually see it in person, such a mark in the world of architecture that I didn’t want to miss. Our feet were starting to hurt, I swear by this time we had walked 10 miles. Off we went to find somewhere cool to have a drink and relax, another place on our list was the Campo d Fiori, so we headed there. Found a great little restaurant where we had a drink and a couple of appetizers.

Time to walk back to our neck of the woods…. When we got back we dropped off our purchases and changed shoes, then we went to the Gelateria on the corner and had a wonderful little dish of Gelato while people watching on the corner. We went next door to grab a couple Italian birras and then headed back to the B & B.

First Day in Italy

2011-10-07T02:31:00.006-05:00

Our plan ride here was more difficult than we thought, for the simple fact that we had planned to sleep and didn’t get to do that. After each of us getting 1-2 hours of sleep, we arrived in Munich, which unfortunately is where we got our passport stamped, we were of course hoping for an Italian stamp

We both fell asleep in the airport during our layover, we took the quick one hour flight to Rome. Immediately we see out the window of the plane what a drastic difference in the housing in comparison to home and even Munich.

Once we arrived in Rome we found a big tour bus to take us to Roma Termini, the drive was very interesting, we passed by very poor parts that reminded me of Tijuana, but as soon as we started seeing old buildings in good condition I got very excited! I heard Anthony exclaiming “look Mary!!” and big grins when he saw all the cool alleys….

When we got off at the Termini we walked through it and found our way to the street our bed and breakfast was supposedly located on. Apparently here the numbers on one side of the street do not correlate with the other side at all! Which took us walking up and down the street to figure out…a nice man stopped us and asked what number we were looking for and pointed us in the right direction.

The B & B is an old building where there is just a door on the street that you ring the owners to buzz you in. As soon as we walked in we were greeted by the nice people who run/own it, we dropped our stuff off and hit the town. We started walking, snapping photos along the way, we saw a little alley with candles and a nice outside hosteria. We sat down and ate an amazing gnocchi with salmon crème sauce.

Then we walked to the Trevi fountain took some photos, watched all the people and started our 1.5 mile walk back to the B & B.

It's a sad moment as a knitter

2011-09-22T13:59:00.003-05:00

When you realize what you have been working on is never going to fit you....whether it be a hat (which you can usually find someone who you can give it to) or a sweater. Unfortunately for me, usually my sweaters are too big, but I have been working on the purple tank for so long, and I am so close to finishing it. I now realize it will not fit with out a miracle....a weight loss miracle that is. I started working on this top 3 years ago, I got frustrated and put it away, pulled it out of the wip stash and figured it out, with the help of my best friend....now I am really getting close to finishing and I am trying to see if there is a way to make it fit. I am NOT taking it off the needles, so there has to be another option...right??

Now I am getting discouraged from making any more knitted tops. I love making hats, scarfs, fingerless gloves and head pieces. So many tops I see patterns for but I just can't see myself starting them anymore....

So I am going to switch to thicker scarfs, market bags and finish the wips I have already...

The countdown begins!!

2011-09-13T13:28:00.003-05:00

We will be leaving for our honeymoon in just about 3 weeks!

Planning, reading and researching about all the things we can do during our time Italy. We are so excited, this will be Anthony's first time off American soil....

So many things to do and see in Rome, people are making suggestions of their favorite things to do, we only have two days though. And the pictures make it seem like no matter what we have time to do...it's still gonna be amazing!

All the amazing food that I am seeing pictures of, it's going to change my food education for sure! We decided that we are going to take a one day cooking class while we are there, I am researching different restaurants that offer the classes.

My Mom wants me to blog everyday while I am there, hopefully I will be able to find a little internet cafe that will allow me to do that.

Planning honeymoon

2011-08-11T07:32:00.002-05:00

We got approved vacation time amd we are starting to plan our trip.
I will have to get all my knitting projects ready! I have at least two projects that I really want to start. Yarn I bought at Stitches last year and its almost time for Stitches again... Then yesterday I stumbled upon nice new yarn shop in Highland Park. Owned by a young lady that seemed very nice and welcoming. So of course I skimmed her sale section and found some beatiful viscose/linen/cotton yarn at an unbeatable price. I could not pass it up.
I have the celtic bag, Anthonys blanket, purple tank, rose top, gray sweater...and probably something I am forgetting..

We found an awesome b & b for the first couple nights in Italy, a condo for the rest of the time.

I have been trying to work on Anthony's blanket on road trips...but it's just so big....I get a couple rows done and I am tired of it....I think this will be the last blanket....for awhile.

Wondering if I will find some amazing yarn shop in Italy...hmmm....will there be enough room in my suitcase??

Married Life begins...

2011-07-27T12:49:00.003-05:00

From Our Wedding

Slowly but surely we are getting used to being called a married couple, hearing husband and wife is strange....after years of wishing that I would someday find a man I would want to call my husband. I was so happy that day to see Anthony at the end of aisle. He bought me a beautiful vase that we had seen in a window back in January and he wrote a romantic letter....that made everyone in the room cry. I still can't tell the whole story without crying.

One of the most meaningful parts of the wedding was how many friends and family had traveled all the way here to be there for us. Seeing so many of my family members that I haven't seen, kids that I had never met...it was amazing. Everyone was together, some from both sides of my family. Everyone said it was a party like no other, and it will never happen again...well I hope it does happen again!

My Mom was here for three months, I was really impressed we were both able to work through the tough situations. Now we are trying to stay in touch with each and keep being involved in one another's life.

It seems though, I kept thinking after the wedding our life will calm down....however I am still waiting, it doesn't ever seem to calm down. We are going next week to the Dells with my in-laws, my brother in law and my future sister in law and their kids, should be fun.

More later.....

Mondays

2011-04-18T17:44:00.001-05:00

I usually have a severe case of the Mondays, but today I feel great! I got so much done this weekend. Having my Mom here has been such a wonderful help. I used to catch myself crying about all kinds of wedding stuff, I was wondering why that was happening. I know now that part of that was that my Mom wasn't here. I needed someone who really undestands me and someone who has the time to spend going all over finding and confirming things for the wedding.

Anthony's Mom is being very helpful and she was trying to make herself available. My bridesmaids are busy with school an d work so I cant call on them too much.

My good friend told me I have to start letting go of things and assigning them to people. I realize how hard that is for control freaks like me. Luckily I have been able to let people take over some things and I have been presently surprised with the results.

So far even family matters with thw wedding aren't that bad...everything is falling into place. Its really helping my stress level. Anthony is being very understanding with my slight bridezilla tendencies, he is trying to be helpful when he can, which is super awesome!

2011-03-31T09:53:00.005-05:00

Found a quote that inspired me to blog today....

"It's been said that everlasting friends go long periods of time without speaking and never question the friendship. These friends pick up like they just spoke yesterday, regardless of how long it has been or how far away they live, and they don't hold grudges. They understand that life is busy and you will ALWAYS love them."

That is the theme of my life, I am so lucky to have my hands full of friends that I can pick up the phone and pick up right where we left off the last time. Everyone's lives are so busy and it's hard to make time for all things you want to do, there are never enough hours in the day!

Now I am marrying into a family that is a total different dynamic then mine, parents still married that really love each other and enjoy each other's company. Family that lives close vs family that lives all over the country. Now my Mom has arrived in Chicago and I have to figure out how to make everyone feel included in helping me with the wedding. Although I have a lot figured out already, there are still so many things on my list of things that need to be done.

Yummy dinner last night...

2011-02-18T07:59:00.001-06:00

Not so yummy discussion...apparently I really upset my future in laws. I dont know about the whole wedding bridal shower thing. Some people say it should be a surprise, but Anthony is the only person who has ever been able to surprise me and he had to work really hard to accomplish that.
I know everything will work out but I feel bad...
I finally got blogger for my phone so updating my blog will be much easier

The wedding list goes on...

2011-02-02T13:39:00.004-06:00

One way that I know I am with the man I am supposed to marry and spend the rest of my life with is that I cry, happy tears....all the freakin time!! It started with the engagement, I cried for three days retelling the story of the engagement. Then when he told me the song he thought we should have our first dance to, I cried again. When I looked at our engagement photos it happened again...and it just keeps happening!! I never thought I would be so happy I would cry!

This has been such and exciting planning process, every weekend we are crossing things off our list and making progress, this week was a huge week for getting the rehearsal dinner figured out. I am so happy that my family will all be together since 1994...

Our wedding is going to be a fabulous and every bit of the planning is so much fun!

Too much to do, too little time

2010-12-26T19:52:00.002-06:00

Christmas was so much fun! So many great times with my future in laws and all of my fiance's family. As soon as it's over my brain starts going over time with what has to be done for the wedding and my future sister in laws baby shower. I agreed to plan her baby shower and I am very excited about planning such a special day for my future sister in law.

But the list seems to go on and on, I have a vacation day tomorrow and I hope to get the invitations worked out. Then I have to start getting serious about making a list of all things we need to do and their due dates.

Tastings and DJ picking are coming in January, which will make me feel a little better. Then my girls are picking their bridesmaids dresses in January.

Anthony is trying to be so helpful with the process and both of our Mothers are trying to help also. Everyone's help and advice is welcome, but it's proving to be very hard to find a kind and sensitive way to say that Anthony and my decisions are the only ones that matter.

Then today, I went to Anthony's Aunt's house and I find out that not only is his Grandma making a blanket for the baby that is coming in March to my future brother in law, but her's is already done....Now my 1/2 done blanket seems kinda pointless...so there goes my drive to finish it....I will do my best, I know mine will mean more, because the Mom actually requested I make one....but still....I hate making baby blankets and I am doing it again!!

My New Years resolution is to blog more...so here goes!!

Snow has arrived

2010-12-02T19:37:00.004-06:00

The snow just started yesterday, no surprise, December brings cold winds and the season for gloves, scarves and hats! Which of course is just lovely, cause I get to sport all the things I have knitted over the years.

So far this year has been such a wonderful time in my life, met the man of my dreams and planning my wedding. Unfortunately this has caused blogging and knitting to be put on hold, I haven't been able to work on many things that I have really wanted to, but I am working on projects for those I love. Just finished the giraffe...

Now I am working on some fingerless gloves for myself, I found this yarn on sale, and the last time I made these they ended up going home with my Mom! This pair is staying with me :)
This season I bought a new fabulous winter coat, which I of course got a great deal on and amazingly enough it's not black! It's charcoal grey with a faux fur hood, it will look great with these when they are done...

Last but not least, my future sister-in-law is expecting and she requested a hand knit blanket. But the baby is due in March and I am just not going to have time for knitting it, so I thought this would be the perfect time to practice my crochet, considering I have only made one thing and it was for a baby I never even got to meet :(

So here goes nothing!!

8 Months from the Wedding

2010-10-07T13:25:00.004-05:00

I am so excited!! The time is just flying by, I can't believe how fast it has gone already.

Our engagement photos are done, the save the dates have been created and are ready to be mailed. I just have to get the envelopes out and get those out to all the recipients.

We have made so much progress on the wedding checklist, now we have to find a florist and the search is on. We are going this Saturday to see the reception site all set up for someone else's big day, which is very exciting for me. These next few weeks we have a lot to do, I am trying so hard to fit everything in within reason. However that means I have not had a lot of time to knit, I finished the stuff animal I have been working on for months, I just have to give him a face :)

I have Christmas presents to start, I am only making one for my Mom and one for my FML but it's still gonna take some time. I have things I want to make for myself too, there just are not enough hours in the day.

Spring 2010!!

2010-05-25T15:38:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it's been 6 months almost since I have blogged. My life has changed dramatically since January!

First off, my Mom came for a visit in March, and in the middle of her visit my boyfriend proposed to me!! So I am now engaged and very busy with wedding plans, shopping, creatively deciding what I can do myself and what I will have to find someone else to do.

From Engagement 3-13-2010

Then my Mom left and things sort of got back to normal...

The cats and Pepper are starting to get along, beginning to play together. He is still jealous when I pet them, but we try to make sure he is always included too! He started doing this thing where he would go into the bedroom and sleep on the bed when we were in the living room with the cats. This made me very sad but he is getting more used to them everyday....slowly but surely I get to capture moments like this one...

From Chicago Wolves, Cubs and Blackhawks playoffs

As far as wedding plans go, we have already picked out our reception and DJ! Last weekend I even found my dress! So it is just moving right along...and really coming together.

I am so excited, my Irish relatives are coming and everything!!

But sadly this new crazy life has left little time for knitting, I work on dishclothes because those I know I can finish! But I am starting to work on my cousin's stuffed giraffe toy, finish the first two legs so far. Starting to go back to knitting group too, which is helping me manage some time to knit.

We have so many plans in the upcoming months, but I really want to make sure to blog more often!

2010....Here we go!!

2010-01-04T10:29:00.005-06:00

We brought in the New Year with a big bang!! Best New Years I have ever had!

The last few months have just flown by….

October we had a Halloween party at Anthony’s with both of our groups of friends, it was the first time most of them had ever been to his place. We had a good time and ended up at Cadillac Ranch to do some fabulous people (costume) watching.

My Mom was here in early November, she helped me with a ton of stuff around my house. We got a lot done, we had a great time. And it was the first time in a really long time that we enjoyed our entire visit with no disagreements...or at least none during the time she was visiting me. We drove down to Indiana to see where my Grandmother lived when she was still alive and we hashed a lot out in the car ride down, but we still had a good time :)

The rest of November was spent busily working on my house, tore the kitchen apart, painted the walls in all the rooms. Anthony was such a big help, painting, his Dad even came over when we were finished with the kitchen cabinets and painted the kitchen for me. He has such a kind family, I really do enjoy them.

I moved in with Anthony and put my house on the market right at the end of November.
We went to get our tree and came home with 2 new additions to the house….see the adorable photo below!

Christmas just came and went….I had a wonderful time, spending time with friends and his family. Then it was New Years and I just can’t believe how fast this year has gone.

I have not had much time for knitting. I really want to do so much, so many projects on needles and so many ideas about what I need to finish...and start…

Here’s my beginning of 2010 knitting project breakdown:

1.) Must finish projects

Pink Silk Top—Only top portion and seaming up to finish
Purple Corn Top—Back is done, front is almost done, need to seam this one up also
Gray Cable Sweater—Not even the first 5 inches done yet...but almost
Gloves—First hand done, working on the fingers
Afghan—Done with the first repeat….lots to go yet!
Celtic cable bag—Back done, front halfway done….still have sides, handles, seaming and felting to do
Taupe top—Ran out of yarn, hopefully Michaels will bring it back in Spring….or else it’s getting frogged!
Noro Scarf—weave in the ends….really it’s just sitting there waiting for that last step!
Anthony’s hat—have to add a couple inches, that should be done by the end of this week :)

I will leave some space here….in case I find something else in my wonderful stash of WIP’s

2.) Must start projects

Giraffe toy – got the yarn, got the pattern….gotta get it on the needles, it’s for a baby due in a week!
New Hat for me—got the yarn, got the pattern
Green/Brown Mittens—got the yarn, don’t know about the pattern yet….
Something with the tweed from Ireland—don’t know which pattern yet

So there it is….maybe my goal for 2010 should be to go back to one project at a time….nah! That’s too boring!

What a beautiful summer we are having

2009-08-13T09:07:00.005-05:00

Last week I was on vacation, I expected to get lots of knitting done, and have all kinds of photos to post up here. However, I found a roommate and I decided my week would be better spent getting my house and 2nd bedroom ready for a roommate. My boyfriend helped so much, every night after work he came over and helped me finish the room, and my best friend came over to help paint! I felt so lucky to have such wonderful people in my life.
Thursday I finally got to take a break and go with the future bride to the Arboretum to check out the place and meet with the florist. Snapped some pretty good pics while I was there....if I may say so myself...

From Morton Arboretum

Caught this big bumble bee hanging out on the flowers...in the 4 seasons garden...some pictures of the four season garden too...

From Morton Arboretum

But the best part was that I got a much needed vacation, now I am back at work...and boy does this week feel like it is dragging on forever...
I am almost to the hips of my green gable top, I finished everything but the ribbing on the retro shrug and I finished the back of the pink silk top, started the left front...only 3 more pieces left....and the top I never thought I would be able to do will be complete! :) I am going to do my best to take photos this weekend, I haven't updated ravelry in forever....I really need to do that.

Here are some more flower photos....

From Morton Arboretum

Sweet Spring Time!

2009-06-03T21:04:00.004-05:00

So, I finally finished the back of my corntastic tank! Of course I have not weaved in the ends but I can still say it's done....Dangit! Got to start on the front, which is a lot more interesting than the back, hopefully I will be done with it in time to wear it for Stitches at least.
I also bound off the baby blanket, got weave in the ends and mail it off but I am so glad to be done. Only took me a couple months.
My Mom is in Ireland right now, hanging out with the relatives....I am so jealous. I also miss her a lot, it's hard to be so far away from your family and then not even get to talk to them for a couple months. Luckily my Dad just called and said that he thinks his work will be sending him out here, in the next three weeks or so, I will be glad to see him, it's been too long.
I am also really starting to look forward to my trip in August, going to see a long lost friend in South Carolina and meet her 11 year old son for the first time. Last time I saw her he was still in the womb.
Got some pictures to order from the site for bike the drive, one of our group came out pretty nice. It was such a good experience, and totally unique for me, I have never done anything like that before.
I have been spending a lot of time out at the race track watching Anthony race, I am enjoying that environment too, and hopefully I will start picking up a little something about cars :)

That picture is from the last C-Factor event we went to, a little Irish bar in St. Charles, we had a great time...as usual. Loved that Anthony wore the shirt I bought him for his birthday too...and he looks very handsome in it!
Pepper went swimming for the first time a couple weeks ago, met this really nice lady at the dog park who walked out in the water and made him swim back. I was so proud, now I know he can do it!!
Anyway gotta get back to knitting, next time I will have some photos of my finished projects!

Memorial Day YEAH!!

2009-05-22T10:16:00.008-05:00

AHH AHH!!!
Baby blanket is still in progress, hopefully completed this weekend because next weekend is June already....I can't believe it. I have a knitting buddy as a roommate right now and another is moving in June 15th. So exciting, to have someone that I enjoy doing a hobby with :)
This weekend will be nice, lots of time to knit. Hopefully I will have time for a couple good walks with Pepper too! I have been wanting to do that for a couple weeks now. Sunday, Anthony and I are going with a few friends to do Bike the Drive along Lake Shore. They close it off to traffic and you bike for 30 miles....phew Here are a couple photos from last year...

I am really glad that I am doing something like this, new challenges!
Haven't had much time for knitting. But that will change with the weather, really wanting to finish some of the things i could be wearing!!
I will have more later...Still going to see my favorite band once a month....loving that. Mom will be here in September, that should be nice, I miss her.

Baby Blanket #3

2009-04-22T12:41:00.003-05:00

pinkblanket2
Originally uploaded by mary_pepper

Started a baby blanket for a friend at work :) Due in 2 months....so hopefully this one will make it BEFORE the baby is born!!

Blue Chiccabean Scarf

2009-04-22T12:41:00.001-05:00

bluescarf3
Originally uploaded by mary_pepper

Finally finished & I love it!! And it looks great with my new apple trench coat :)

Spring seems to be approaching

2009-04-22T11:41:00.005-05:00

Last year I didn't even get to see spring, so I am hoping this year will be different. I have finished and started a few projects...finished my chiccabean scarf, started another scarf and a baby blanket for a friend...I posted photos above...

I also had a great birthday!! Thanks to everyone, actually it was probably my best birthday ever!!

From Mary's 29th Birthday

On the dating note, still enjoying getting to know the new guy....since February....racing season starts this Saturday so we will see how I do out at the track! But everyone says we seem to really like each other, his family is super nice and he is a lot of fun!!
Here's pic of us from St Patty's Day

From St Patricks Day 2009

We are having a really good time! And now I am in search of a roommate again...Jenni had to move out and back in with her boyfriend. I will get my taxes back so I have a few weeks to hopefully find a new roomie. I thought I could get another knitter...but it looks like everyone is happy where they are.

My Birthday....one more year before the big 30!

2009-04-01T22:42:00.002-05:00

My last night as a 28 year old, so many things I want to do in the next few years. My dream of traveling in Europe to see all the things I want to see. Many of which I thought I would have done and seen by now! I can't believe I wasted so many years of my life just settling for an average life. So many things out there to see and experience...not to mention all the fabulous European yarn shops!!

I am so excited, I have a great network of friends....and I just met a fabulous guy! He is so sweet, funny and exciting. He challenges me to try new things and experience things I have been wishing I had been able to do the whole time I have lived here. We went biking for 20 miles down Lake Shore the weekend before last, it was amazing, beautiful, a little cold...but tolerable.

Tomorrow I have plans to have all my friends go to a live band karaoke, I love karaoke and I can't wait to have all my friends there to enjoy it with me!!
Took the next two days off of work, have lots of cleaning, knitting, relaxing and drinking to do :)

Hopefully the sun will come out and I can finally upload some pictures! I have been dying to show my progress on some of my projects. Having a knitter roommate has proved to be really inspirational. However she is moving out and back in with her boyfriend, which is really good for her....but I really don't know if there is anything better than living with your best friend...I will miss her terribly! Hopefully the boyfriend will let me share some time with her, now that I have been spoiled with her for a couple months!

My other best friend is getting married in September, it is so exciting to see someone going through that moment when they have found the person they want to spend the rest of their life with....all the things to plan and all the once in a lifetime moments. She looked absolutely gorgeous in her bridal dress when we went for our fitting, no one said it, because it was the shop sample. I can only imagine how beautiful she will look in her dress! So exciting!! Not to mention being a bridesmaid and getting to help your best friend through such a wonderful experience...is awesome too!

progress, progress, progress....I LOVE IT!!

2009-03-20T11:25:00.002-05:00

So, I finished my first shrug that I like...and bonus...it fits! Even though I had to bind off twice, the first time was way too tight...
I am making lots of progress on my lace scarf, I would say more than half way done. I started my cable aran sweater...just about to begin the complicated part...so we will see how that goes. :)
I also started the corntastic tank top...I am in the second group of decreases. And then this lady at my work, told me she couldn't tell anyone what she was having but she really wanted me to hand knit something for her new baby.
So she picked out the colors and the pattern...I bought the yarn last weekend and I am already about 5 inches into it!!! It's not that bad the colors are pretty and the pattern is a little boring, but boring is nice sometimes. The baby is not due until June, so I should be done by then.

On the single life front, keeping myself really busy. I recently met a really nice gentleman...and I am enjoying taking it slow and dating...I don't want to blog about it too much, cause I don't want to jinx it!

Finished finally!!

2009-02-25T13:56:00.003-06:00

So I finished my February Lady Sweater...which is very exciting...because I actually like it!! I am wearing it today to work, people compliment me on it...and when I say I made it, they don't believe me!! That is awesome! I have never knit something that people couldn't tell it was hand knit by me :)

Also, this whole dating thing has kinda made my life crazy...in a not so good way sometimes. I just have to be careful with my heart. Tonight my best girl friend and my roommate (who is my other best girlfriend) are coming over for dinner. I am so excited to have a nice calm night with my two best buds!!

Valentines Day sucked, I thought maybe this year would turn around my opinion that I hate Valentines Day but nope! Too good to be true! Fat Tuesday turned out to be better :)

I also finished my shrug yesterday but I cast off to tight, I have to re do it, which doesn't make me happy. But oh well. Finished my faux rib malabrigo scarf too, great colors, I satisfied with the finished product...I made it super long to wrap around many times and now it's like 45 outside! Of course.

Loving 2009!

2009-02-01T01:16:00.002-06:00

So far 2009 is great, mind you it's only February 1st, but still...
My best friend and knitting buddy has moved in with me and that is working out really well! And my social life is taking off, plans every weekend that I look forward to all week long. I am no longer focused on working too hard and not leaving any time for myself.
I am almost finished with my February Lady sweater, which is perfect...cause it's February. Yeah!!
Also, Pepper is loving the whole roomie situation, not only because he has a new friend in Lanie...but he is getting lots of attention from my roomie and her son :)
I started a faux rib malabrigo scarf which is turning out quite nice. And the last hat I made the newest baby, the Mom wrote me and said it fits wonderful, which was really nice to hear. Hopefully I will have pictures of the hat on the baby soon...
Anyway, the rest of my life is going well too, just started dating again at the end of 2008 and I am enjoying that.

Turning A New Leaf

2009-01-13T09:51:00.006-06:00

So, this year I have decided to build my network as much as possible, not being afraid to try new things to meet new people. Kinda like the new Jim Carrey movie the Yes Man, I am going to try to say Yes more than I say no. Like last night when I got home, I didn't feel like working out because my knee has been bothering me, but I did anyway and it actually helped! I am feeling much better today and I stopped walking like a gimp.
On the network front, I got a few different friends together on Friday for Girls Night Out and it worked out beautifully. I think they all had a good time.

I also have met this new friend that I have a lot of fun with and we are going to continue hanging out and doing fun stuff...like karaoke this weekend.
She is making it much easier for me to see the benefit of saying yes to things, I would have never met this group if I didn't have a neighbor that invited me to go with him to breakfast and the dog park with his dog park network.

Plus my ex has finally started treating me like a decent human being, hopefully things will just continue to get easier from here on out. Not sure how long it will take or if we will ever be able to be friends. But just receiving nicer e-mails is a nice change of pace.

I also said yes to a friend in the office who wanted me to make a hat to match an outfit for her unborn baby, I did it and she loved it....hopefully will be posting pics of that this weekend.

Welcome 2009!

2008-12-31T11:00:00.002-06:00

From Christmas 2008

I am super excited about 2009! I think it will bring lots of new experiences to my life, starting out with 6 days off to catch up with all my knitting, and my knitting buddies.
I got to spend a lot of time with My Mom during the Christmas holiday, for the first time ever we spent 8 days together and did not get in one big fight! Wow! We are growing up!

From Christmas 2008

It was hard though, during the month of December many of my friends were busy with their own lives and I couldn't keep myself as busy as I was in November. Got a beautiful Christmas tree.

From Christmas 2008

Thank goodness for wonderful friends like The Horvath Family, we went to their house for Christmas and had a great time!!

From Christmas 2008

Can't believe it's almost Christmas

2008-12-15T23:30:00.002-06:00

Here I am not quite done with my Mom's Christmas present, wishing that I could just be done already!! So many exciting things I have planned for my knitting future that I won't allow myself to work on until I am done with my unselfish knitting. I have passed the halfway point of the february lady sweater, I have a hand and pinky done of my first real glove. And I started a great scarf with cables and lace that I just love as well as the beautiful yarn I bought for my aran sweater. The fact is it's 11 below with the wind chill factor and I should be really inspired to finish. However being single has kept me quite busy, and I am unable to find as much time to knit as I used to.
My cats went to their new home this weekend, which is quite depressing for me. But I can't be everything to 3 animals. I found them a great home with a nice family and they will have a wonderful life.
So now it is just me and my wonderful dog, who spent his first day ever all by himself out of the crate and did a great job! He didn't chew up anything, I was so proud!

Giving Thanks

2008-11-25T09:28:00.004-06:00

Everyone talks about giving thanks at this time of year. It is sad to me that most only think about what they are thankful for once or twice a year. I am thankful everyday, I think that is because I grew up in a religious house that instilled in me to be thankful for every moment. You only get good things in your life when you are thankful for what you already have!! I am so grateful that I have good friends, my health and a wonderful job...on a lighter note below is a link to the root beer chugging video that we had at our office!! (We ran a "The Office" Decathlon) this was one of my events...I didn't win but my boss made me a root beer bong for the occasion :)

I didn't use it, but you should have seen the faces on my competitors!!
This week I hope to finish lots of projects or at least make a lot of progress, hopefully I will have some great pics next week.

Time For Change

2008-11-11T09:29:00.000-06:00

I am so proud of our country, electing a man like Barack Obama!! I am excited to see how he can turn it around, I think he is going to improve our relations with our allies and do his best to help the economy. It really inspired me to see that our country does see the mistakes of our past decisions, we acted as 1 and took the election by a landslide. Some are afraid that Obama will raise the taxes, you know he probably will, but we have put ourselves in a real crunch with our deficit and there aren't very many ways to get out of a billion dollar problem.

Personally I have made some big changes this month too, I finally faced the fact the although I love my fiance very much, he probably is being hindered by my personality. I have taken care of him through injuries and I realize now I needed to let go and let him complete school on his own. So we have broken up, I found strength in that phrase "If you love it, let it go" I love him very much and I want to continue being there to support him emotionally but I think it is better for both of us if we are not together anymore.

Ok, enough sad, sobbing truths, this is the happygoluckyknitter page, so I must admit I am very excited today about my new finished projects. I started this scarf probably 8 months ago and I hated it! My knitting buddy suggested I cast off and add buttons, now I love it!! Found the perfect buttons last night and sewed them on. While I was at it, I figured I would sew on the button for the 2nd caliormetry. I got to wear them both today and I really love them both now!! I will post pictures soon. With the 20 degree weather I have decided it's time to finish the cable blanket I started last winter. So I am almost done with the second to last panel! Then I will go back to the winter cabin blanket! Before you know it I will be satisfied and maybe start making blankets for others....nah...I am a selfish knitter! Only my Mom appreciates my hand knits, and if I start a blanket now for her, maybe I will have it done by next Christmas! Hopefully my new single life will give me lots of time to knit and I will actually finish some of the 20 projects I currently have on needles! Oh well, I have severe knitting ADD, must knit many things at one time. I was never like this before, until I joined my wonderful knitting group and they drive me crazy with great ideas!!

Being Grateful

2008-10-20T10:30:00.000-05:00

I am so lucky that I am now surrounded by family and friends that I really love and appreciate. Being grateful and kind to those that bring positive light into your life is so important. My friend was moving back to warmer weather and she gave me her beautiful new coats that she would no longer need. I absolutely love them and I think of her when ever I wear them! I thank her all the time, because I am sincerely grateful. I recently have made a few items for friends and relatives that have had babies, although I just did it because I enjoy the craft of knitting. Being thanked and receiving thank you notes and e-mail updates on the new babies makes me feel appreciated and loved. I have been so thankful that my change in my surrounding has resulted in a much better life for myself and my family.
Here are some photos and notes about the new additions to this world!
Victoria Anne Haber

Just wanted you to know how perfect the gift was, and that Victoria insists on it whenever she naps, travels in the car or lays on the couch.We took her on her first road trip this weekend to Phillip Island a few hours away, and stayed with friends. They too remarked at how inseparable she is with her blanket. I told them my cousin made it by hand and showed them the initials sewed in, and they were awestruck. They talked about how generous they perceive Americans to be compared to Australian families, so you see you not only gave our little girl a treasured gift, but you are doing your part in foreign relations as well!
Thanks again Mary, will send you video of her snuggling with it. Hope you guys are sooper!

Luke Edward Royster

Flooding

2008-09-15T13:55:00.000-05:00

This is my first real flood that hit close to home. Last year we had a big storm and lost power for a few days, but nothing like this. When you see on the news people using kayaks to go down the street, you never picture yourself seeing that. I have to say that none of the streets I live near were under that much of water, but all these photos were taken less than 1.5 miles from my house...

It was a very scary day, the rain just didn't stop. After living my whole life in a very dry climate I have always enjoyed the rain. Now I have a whole new understanding of a hurricane, and what happens to the rest of the country once the hurricane strikes. I went out Friday night and you could barely see a couple feet in front of you. Saturday night I almost got stuck in 2 feet of water, not believing a detour sign, following all the cars in front of me. One of the things I enjoyed most about living here, all the parks have little bodies of water...in most of the parks around me the bodies took over the park. You could no longer drive down the street next to the park because it was under 3 feet of water.
I am so sorry for all the people that lost their homes and I will pray for the families that lost loved ones.

August Already??

2008-08-08T13:43:00.000-05:00

Oh my, I cannot believe it is August already! Just a minute ago the summer was starting, now there's only a month left!
Last week of July I went to go see my Mom in Vancouver, we had a great time! Not to mention, I got lots of knitting done too!

I even got to knit on a yacht!

However my Mom's dog, Teton passed away 5 days after I left, so I must post these pictures in honor of him, it was the last few photos taken before he moved up to Heaven.

He was such an awesome friend and he will be missed!

My knitting buddies and I just got back from the Stitch 'n' Pitch game, it was a great game! White Sox versus Tigers and of course, we were the Sox good luck charm, they won the game in no time!
I will post pictures of that on my next post, we have to compile a few together from different cameras.
Also, I finished the tank top I have been knitting since February and I got some great compliments when I wore it. Still working on my fingerless gloves, some baby stuff, my blanket, another shrug and my first chart project. Hopefully I will make some serious progress this weekend.

8 Year Anniversary

2008-07-04T14:40:00.000-05:00

Today is our 8 year anniversary, we always say there are fireworks on our anniversary! This weekend I hope to teach my snorkie how to swim, we went today and dipped our feet in the pond. Slowly but surely he will learn.
I am learning how to knit with the yarn in my left hand, after 2 years of knitting with my right hand. My first project with the new style, feels like it is going so much faster, thanks to my friend in my knitting group...thanks Jen!
I also am taking on two socks on one circular needle.
Finally finished this weekend with the hanging of pictures around my house. No more frames on the floor!
What a beautiful day for the 4th of July, it has to be like 75 outside, we are so lucky!
Looking forward to the fireworks tonight, someday we will go to Indiana and be able set them off legally. Only about one month left before my vacation. I am super excited to go see my Mom, not to mention, tons of uninterrupted knitting time!

2008-06-23T20:11:00.000-05:00

I am so excited!! I finally finished my first pair of socks!!
They look a little different, but there for me, so that's ok.

I love that I conquered the 2nd sock all by myself. But without the knitting group these socks would never have been started.

Welcome to the Blogging World!!

2008-06-16T16:32:00.000-05:00

Ok, so all my knitting buddies have their own blogs and I finally am ready!!
Up to this point, I wasn't up for writing everyday, or even every week. But now their is so much to write about!