August is the new July

How does that phrase go? ...Christmas in July...? Around here, it's certainly Christmas in August. Yesterday I started planning my holiday knitting and cast on a pair of fingerless mittens for a gift. This will be my first year where I've actually had time to plan ahead for Christmas gifts.

You know, I've never understood the stigma of giving/ receiving socks. I LOVE socks and they are practical. If I ever become proficient at knitting socks, I'd hope that my recipients would wear and love them too. But I don't think I'll have to worry about that this year, as I haven't made any progress on my first pair (still about three inches away from the heel. sheesh)

FO: Hearts for Olivia

2011 Knit Challenge: 25 down, 35 to go!

For Olivia's 21st birthday, I knit her a Hearts hat! (I realize hearts are definitely my motif of choice because I like them, but I think I should start to branch out...)

Yarns used: Cascade 220 in Aster (col no. 2419) and Light Navy Blue (col no. 2404)
Needles: US 7 and US 8 circulars

I think I've exhausted hats for now, will knit mittens. The more I think about holiday knitting, the more excited I become! I think a lot of folks on my Christmas list will be receiving mittens this year, rather than hats.

FO: Baby Blanket

2011 Knit/ Crochet Challenge: 24 down, 36 to go!

Zoinks! This took me one month and one day from start to finish! Realistically, it could have been knit in only a few days... good thing the baby isn't born yet!

close up

This seed stitch baby blanket is for my friend, Harmony, who is expecting a boy in October! I thought a Halloween blanket would be cute, but too seasonal. So I decided on Lion Brand Pound of Love in Turquoise.

It's 25"x32", although, I'm very embarrassed to say I bound off too tightly and the blanket is more trapezoid than rectangle... but you really only notice when you try to fold it.

Marathon training... eek!

Today was my first day of marathon training (1.5 miles) with Abbey, and I'm very pleased to say it went well. We ran at Big Sky's track, though I'm still not sure it's open to the public... Boy, who would have known how much a difference a running partner and steady pace makes?


I'm not sure how much marathon blogging I'll do here, since Becky has created a spanking new blog for us! It's marathongals and it'll be great to see each others' progress!

Thanks to Ashley and Karen, I have this beautiful picture of Maddie and the blanket I knit for her! Isn't she the cutest baby ever? <3 This photo made my day.

Whirlwind

This past week has passed both quickly and slowly. Nick and Julie's wedding was beautiful. Thank goodness it stopped raining! Although, I am disappointed I didn't take more pictures, especially since I hadn't seen some of my relatives in years. It was delightful to see them, and I am still overwhelmed by the love and support of friends and family who made it.

July was a very bad month for knitting! I only finished one thing; a baby blanket for Harmony. I still need to take photos, but I promise I'll post about it!

silly girl