Could it be?

I’m truly not a big Christmas person. Maybe it’s because I was raised to just give gifts for no reason, or maybe I’m just really not all that sentimental. 

But then this year I bought a tree (after a fashion). Then I bought some ornaments. Then lights! I might actually be feeling a little twinge of that oft talked about Christmas Spirit. 

Maybe it’s wanting to make it special for my grandkids that is stirring this up ... I really want coming to Nana’s for Christmas to be memorable. Not just the presents, but the atmosphere and the food. Fingers crossed this is the first year of many to come. 

I have gotten some knitting done on my friends Burberry Socks  Just the gusset shaping and foot to do! 

The Top Secret Project continues at a good pace. It’s been a busy weekend at Dairy Queen getting ready for our weeks closing. I have. A few days that I have work to do and family celebrating, so I will need to jealously protect any spare hours for knitting. We do not miss deadlines. 

I’ve got the sleeve shaping all planned out. I think about doing two sleeves at the same time, but unless there is involved shaping/patterning I find it quicker to do one at a time. Or maybe it just feels that way ... not being any faster just thinking about it!! Back at it, with my nightcap of Golden Mylk  turmeric is supposed to help ulcerated stomachs, and it’s a lovely change from water. 

I hope so hard that even one of the yarn packages that I have ordered arrive tomorrow! I’ve been a little generous towards myself ♥️ 💞♥️

Shawls Organized

So my shawl collection has been steadily growing over the last couple of years and the corner of the shelf that I was hanging them on was becoming woefully inadequate. I’ve been looking for a solution that was functional, attractive, and not take up too much space. A quilt rack has become a shawl rack! 

It’s Mary Poppins (practically perfect) and has room for many more shawls - yay!! 

While I was in The City picking up the loom on Saturday, I was just up from The Purple Purl, so I popped in to see what was to see. I don’t get into Toronto much, there had to be something new in the last 3 (?) years. 

I picked up a skein of a new-to-me yarn from Leo & Roxy  The name was the clincher. “Son of a Nutcracker” is my go to safe swear at work; it was the last skein and it was like it was just meant for me. It will knit up like a candy cane with a hint of the green. Gotta get these knit up for Xmas — next year!! Realistic goals - lol. 

Click on the photo and enlarge the fibre content - I love their sense of humour. 

It’s beginning ...

So I haven’t ever had a Christmas tree for various reasons, (mostly I’m a Scrooge) but the kids will be coming up this year with my grandkids, and there’s nothing like babies to make you want to do things. 

So when I saw this tree at the Alliston Home Hardware, I knew that it was perfect! 

It takes up no floor space, which is becoming more and more a premium up in here, and suits my style. It looks painfully bare though!! I def need to go ornament shopping, but I don’t want just random generic ornaments, I want ornaments that have meaning, so it may take some years to deck out the tree. 

Craig and I dressed up for my works Christmas party last night.

We clean up well and the food at Tangle Creek was delicious and the company was delightful - all the Dairy Queens were beautifully turned out. 

I can share the afghan now that Julie has it. 

Have I mentioned that I love Bernard Blanket for afghans?!! Lol

I had the opportunity to buy a loom. The last few years at every yarn show I found myself looking at the Schact loom at the Gemini Fibre booth. I tried to justify the price and tell myself that I’d totally make all sorts of scarves, but I knew that knitting is my first love and I couldn’t just put her aside. So I just left the looms and kept thinking about them. 

An opportunity came up where a friend was selling her Cricket rigid heddle loom and it was a case of right time, right place. I couldn’t resist!!  

My sister jumped in to weaving with proper massive looms and her work is impressive and inspiring. I’m starting small, and while I have a loom now, with knitting deadlines looming (no pun intended) I’m not sure when I’ll get to YouTube and get it warped. But I am thrilled to have a new skill waiting to be learnt and mastered. I’m waiting to be inspired with a name for him/her. 

Top Secret Knitting has gone well today ... having live tv on the android box is a treat!! I watched my Vikings and Steelers take their games today. And I’ve indulged in some ridiculously trashy tv this evening - it’s easy to knit to. 

Secrets

I finished the blanket, but will wait to post a picture until it’s gifted. I am pleased with it. You all know what a fan of natural fibers, but at the risk of actually gushing, I am passionate about Bernat Blanket for blankets - adult and children. It is so cozy - both to knit with and snuggle into - and it washes well. The colour range is fabulous; something for everyone. 

My next project is a Top Secret Project, so that’s out. 

So I bring to you my latest yarn purchase! I’ve gone a little Turtlepurl fan girl lately. I’ve become a real fan of the dyed-to-match contrasting heel/toe skein. 

I know one young lady who will be stacking a claim to the Rasta. Winter is Coming and Dream Room are for my cold little piggies! My socks are starting to wear out at an alarming rate, so once I’m done the ones that I’ve promised for my workbesties, I’m onto socks for me. 

There are also cute puppy pics to fill the actually knitting gaps. 

I am also proud to share this year ago comparison pic.

I’ve been living la vida keto for 9 months now, and seeing a side-by-side like this makes every choice I’ve made worth it. It’s been a long row to hoe. Deciding to start and making that 100% commitment to myself was the key for me. I’ve done it (and continue to do it) one day at a time. It’s not a struggle; I enjoy the foods that I eat, and don’t generally long for sugars or breads. I choose the rare days that I moderately indulge in empty carbs, then get right back to the course that I’ve set myself upon. My knees are so much better, even the swelling on my (previously) broken ankle is significantly reduced!! 

The unrelated ulcer is further reducing my food choices, and I bitch every day about this, but I’m on new meds for that and have my fingers crossed that I’ll be able to have coffee, fizzy drinks, spices, and an occasional adult beverage again soon. 

Ok. Back to my TSP, while watching Ink Master on the buzztv android box that Helen sent me. This thing is terrific and I’m likely to subscribe to the live TV option to make watching my sports easier. Thanks Helen - this is epic knitting enabling!! 

Deadlines

So Hartwist is finished and ready to take up to Julie’s.

I’m going to deliver it in person rather than post it because I really want to see the new Namaste bags in person!

I was set to start on my next project, but I’m stuck at the cast on waiting for clarification - not an auspicious start. 

Fortunately, I have a few other deadlines to choose from, so my hands aren’t idle. 

This one is only kind of a surprise, but I’m trying to keep the colours a secret, and most of the pattern, so it’ll be black and white until it’s done and received. Petey is keenly watching my progress ... or rather watching me. He’s being especially clingy lately; not sure what that’s about.  He’s clearly feeling some kinda way, I wish that I could figure out what it is and/or why. 

Maybe he’ll settle down if I pick up the knitting again ...

Final Stretch

What a great weekend!! 

I am on the homestretch of Hartwist! After what felt like a never-ending collar, it is cast off and I’ve set in the first sleeve. 

I really do love finishing a garment. There is a skill to it, and I take as much pride in the quality of my finishing as I do with my knitting. It makes such a difference - poor seaming can detract from beautiful knitting.  

I need to be up early for work tomorrow, but I might just use concealer and foundation to cover staying up late to finish. Shhhhh!!! 

Craig and I had our pictures done yesterday. Craig and I really enjoyed going through the gallery and picking our favourites. I don’t usually think of myself as photogenic, but Jacqueline really captures some lovely moments and I’m so pleased with how the pictures came out. I am so excited to see the final proofs and get prints made!! 

Petey helped today. 

Petey has been extra special attached to me today. I even captured him giving me a look of pure love and devotion. 

He really is my best buddy. 

Photos

So I booked a mini photo session today for Craig and I to have our pictures taken. Even though most of our picture-perfect snow has melted, Drysdales still looked fantastic and Pink  Champagne Photography had a fabulous antique sofa and chair to brighten the scene. 

Craig & I took a couple amateur pics while we were waiting. I can’t wait to see what Jacqueline captured!! 

I am making progress on the collar ... still 9cm to go.

There are a lot of stitches to make this collar so voluptuous & cozy.!!

So I had a coffee this morning. This doesn’t seem so odd, except I quit coffee last Friday to help help my persistent ulcer. I’ve been slowly giving up the things that can irritate it and prevent it from healing. Coffee was putting me into rather severe pain, so it was the last to go. I suffered migraines for 2 days in the quitting, but it’s for a grater good. I’m doubling down on my ulcer meds (on Dr orders) for two weeks. If that doesn’t start to sort it out, it’s a referral to a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy. Totally not my idea of fun, so fingers crossed!! 

Back to this mornings coffee. I didn’t really miss food since I’ve switched to a ketogenic diet, but I desperately miss the taste of coffee.

It doesn’t look any different from any other coffee, but it is deeply different. It is soulless coffee. I don’t know if it’s just in my head but caffeine free coffee just doesn’t taste the same. It was good, but not the same. 

So I basically have no vices left. No alcohol, no sugar, no chocolate, and no coffee. I drink water. Just water. Sometimes an herbal tea. Then more water. 

So I’m going to go back to my collar and my water.