Eat.Knit.Sleep

So, I've been a really negligent blogger. I don't have the typical excuse because I've been negligent on Ravelry as well. Truth be told, I haven't been knitting and spinning very much. This is not a good thing, as I am still sitting in a room full of yarn.

At first, I was just busy, and never doing things that it was easy to knit while doing. Work, school, some mile relationship crisis, the usual. Then, something surprising happened. I'd find myself watching TV or on a long car ride, sometimes even with my knitting with me, and I just wouldn't knit. You know, like I used to do before I knit.

So clearly, I've lost my knitting mojo. What is ironic is that I've actually enjoyed what I've been knitting! (Don't bother checking Ravelry -- I haven't been updating there either). Anyway, I want my mojo back! I love knitting and spinning and I'm still enjoying reading blogs (and lust after yarn) so I'm not too sick.

I have this new kick ass laptop (Macbook Pro thank you very much). This should be a blogging machine!
Of course, I need to work on my photo skills and the Digital SLR I was dreaming about would be nice.

Instead, I've been obsessively reading and buying books on nutrition, diet, and food (not weight loss per se, health) as a procrastination method against the massive project due tomorrow for school. Did I mention, big project, due tomorrow, yet I'm posting for the first time in a month at 10:15PM?

So off I go, I just wanted to let you know where I was at, and that I hope to be back soon.

Posted by Jenny at 08:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

and have knitting to show. I plan to catch up on blogs and ravelry this weekend.

Posted by Jenny at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, someone unsubscribed to my blog since the last time I posted so I must be getting pretty boring.

Anyhoo, I haven't posted because I haven't been doing much knitting and I just got a new computer this weekend (Macbook Pro baby!) so I've been playing around with that.

I did knit almost all of a
Gretel hat with the orange handspun I showed you and it wasn't until I ran out of yarn that I realized that somewhere along the line my gauge went completely off. Oops! I took a picture but I think it accidently got cleaned off my iMac before I gave it to C.

This week is spring break which means I don't have class, but it also means that I'm less than 2 weeks away from my first midterm and my first paper in almost 7 years. Not fun. So I should go hit the books. I just wanted to check in.

Posted by Jenny at 04:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Ok, so I have some housekeeping to do here, and I'm at work so no photos. Sorry.

1. That was really fun to come out of lurkdom and give out the Make my Day awards to some of my favorite bloggers, although it was REALLY hard to narrow down my huge blogroll to just a few. I've gotten really behind in my blog reading so that was fun.

2. Pay if Forward. Mama E generously is Paying it Forward and making me something handmade. Same thing goes to you all. First 3 commenters get something handmade from me.

3. Project Spectrum. Need to really play along this year. The Elements theme is awesome.

That's all I've got, but I'm going to start instituting some structure to this here blog to make it easier for me to post. I spend all this time thinking of posts, and then never get around to writing them and that isn't fun for me or fun for you.

Have a great weekend you guys!

Posted by Jenny at 01:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So it made my day yesterday to see that I made someone else's day. Marianne listed me as one of the blogs that Made her Day.

I found Art is the Handmaid of Human Good when there was a good possibility C and I would move to Lowell, MA and I kept reading because of her wonderful photos. Thanks Marianne you make my day too!

The official rules are: *Official rules “Give the award to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times.”

So in no particular order:

1. Concateknit Elisa's blog was one of the first I started reading when I found knitblogs. She seemed to be at the same level of skill as I was and her blog always made me laugh. She has become one of my true friends in the blogworld.

2. Wry Punster Another blog I've been reading since early on, and I relate to Elspeth, more as a person in that stage of life than a knitter, because she knits faster and better than I ever could.

3. Claudia Who doesn't know Claudia? I always like her take on things, her beautiful knitting and her photos. Plus I have a thing for tandem bikes.

4. Sknitty Beautiful knitting, and beautiful FO pictures. I've always enjoyed Jillian's blog.

5. Not knit related, but Go Fug Yourself. Just 'cause.

6. Grumperina I have half of Kathy's blog bookmarked for future reference, and the other half is good reading too.

7. Yarnstorm A true must read. Beautiful photos, and the amazing way Jane thinks about color makes my morning.

8. What Housework? I love the title, and Jessie makes me want to move to Vermont, buy a farm and buy her yarn and roving.

9. The Woolen Rabbit Everytime I read this blog I get inspired (or a buy something).

I read many blogs, and have many in my bloglines that I don't get to as often as I'd like, but these are my recent faves.

Off to bed for me good night.

Posted by Jenny at 09:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

So, yeah . . . I'd been putting off writing a big New Year's round up post because I didn't have time, and here we are 3 weeks into the month.

I knew the days were passing, but today was the final straw -- Even C asked me (via google chat) why it had been so long since I posted.

So I decided to forgo the whole New Year's round up and just write about what I was currently working on (as in the exact second that C chatted me). Yeah, you know what Carole and Margene have been up to right?

Yeah, of course you do, it is January 21st!

So I took some pictures of some wool I have been washing (which included some Spunky Club fiber and some wool that came with my wheel), and some of what I am spinning now (more Spunky Club). Yeah, can't find my camera cable at all.

So, as I spend today doing homework (homework!), laundry, watching spinning videos on You Tube, and actually spinning, I guess I will write a short writeup. Not of what I accomplished in 2007 (nor a recap of the first 3 weeks of 2008 which haven't been so hot) but about what my plans are. Not resolutions per se, but plans.

1. Lose weight and feel healthy. What I'm doing towards this is taking yoga twice a week, which I am really enjoying. I also bought a treadmill so my biggest excuses for not running aren't applicable. Dark outside? Bad weather? Who cares! I've also rejoined Weight Watchers online. I'm not very overweight (actually I'm probably at the high side of normal) but I need to nip things in the bud, and frankly no exercise and no paying attention to what I eat isn't going to prevent me from becoming fat.

2. Get my shit together. Literally and figuratively. The more emotionally messed up I am and unhappy I am the more my world becomes physically messy, which leads to more stress and unhappiness, and I'm sure you can see the downward spiral here. This is especially tricky when my lovely BF is a bit of a neat freak, and has higher standards than some other men. I'm taking on a lot this year and I need to start getting organized.

3. Be happy and enjoy life and plan for a happy future. This is tied directly to Number 1 and Number 2. When I'm tired, and lethargic, and sad and living in a pigsty, this is impossible. Yoga and running are things that I actually enjoy when I make time to do it. I've started back to school this month towards my teacher certification, and it feels good. I also need to spend more time enjoying my hobbies like knitting and spinning. I buy beautiful fiber and yarn and I do so faster than I use it and then the guilt comes. I'm not going on a yarn diet, because I don't see anything wrong with buying yarn/fiber if I will enjoy it, and I'm not enjoying what I purchase now because the lethargy has hit my craftiness too. This stops now.

I don't want to set myself up for failure by being too specific in my goals but these are essentials to a good life, and the life that I want to lead. I must go work on organizing (and finding my camera cable), doing my homework and laundry, and getting ready for yoga tonight. I love days off!

Go Giants!

Posted by Jenny at 03:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

and not told you . . .

After frogging my Secret of the Stole, which I will get back to with a vengeance. Someday.

I needed something else that was challenging, new, and matched my winter coat.

Enter Ufserud:

Horrible photo, as it is before my coffee right now, my first color work, and incidentally, my first hat.

Enjoy. I am.

Posted by Jenny at 07:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So last week or so I won a contest on the YoYo Knits.

Alyson sent me this:

Which contained this:

I love it!

So, I'm feeling much better today. Slept a lot last night and C and I went out to lunch and to get a new shade for our deck door. We are planning on going mountain biking tomorrow.

I've spent some time working on neatening my office and turning this

into this

It is some beautiful brown Cascade 220 Heathers destined to become the Bluebell Boatneck (warning: Ravelry link) from Fitted Knits . At the rate I've been knitting I decided casting on for a Fall sweater makes the most sense. Of course, given Murphy's Law this means I will finish this sweater while it is still hot out.

Also, yesterday C got a call from a headhunter about a possible interview for a position in Lowell, MA. Anyone have some thoughts on the area? I've been doing some research and it seems like a city that might be turning around. Last time I was there (probably late 1980s) it was pretty dodgy. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Posted by Jenny at 05:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

It is horrible that I keep track of this, but someone unsubscribed to my bloglines. I'm sorry if I bored you to death? Although I'm not particularly surprised.

I found my camera cable so I can provide a little bit of entertainment in that way. So I have finished a few items since last I showed photos.

Finished Sockapalooza socks already received by my pal. They are Tofutsie and a slip stich rib from Sensational Knitted Socks.

I also finished a dishcloth, that I may not have blogged about at all.

And a Daisy sweater, which I think is adorable for a baby just 10 days old.

I also did some frogging. I apparently think I am Shrek sized.

Exhibit A: Second Trekking Sock

The top finished sock is big and slouchy. The bottom sock was loose on C's size 13s and these socks are for me. Frogged and sent to their room without supper. Plan on recuperating with some of this:

I also frogged CeCe which I was really enjoying. I took it off the needles to frog back to fix a mistake and realized that it would fit around a person twice my size. This is even though I swatched and I was spot on. I'm going to try again in a smaller size but I need to do some more swatching.

This time of year is touch because I can't decide whether to squeeze one more summer project in, or to get started on fall. Tough call.

Posted by Jenny at 08:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dude, this is my 200th post!

And I'm still the loser with no camera cable. I swear it is in this room somewhere and I had it not too long ago!

I'm having one of those days. I didn't sleep well last night and I've been a little grumpy and fat today. I'm not sure the fat part has anything to do with the sleeping, but I feel particularly fat today. I'm sure that has nothing to do with the fact that I ate ice cream twice yesterday.

Our trip to New Hope was nice, although I'm very sunburnt right now. I'm sure that is helping a lot with the crankiness.

In knitting news, for some reason I realized only today as I started the toe decreases that the second Trekking sock is made for someone with the gout. Or elephantitis of the leg and foot. Or Shrek. I need to rip back, but I also need a break. Working on CeCe is a nice change from the stockinette sock and I hope to be able to show you soon.

I've also been spinning up my Celebration Shetland from the Spunky Club. I'm making a real effort to spin a little heavier, but I'm nervous about the plying because I suck ass at it. I'm thinking of making my own lazy kate (per Elspeth's advice and the fact that my Woolee WInder bobbins don't fit well on the Kate that came with my wheel).

I'm sleepy now, and am going to get ready for bed. Good night.

Posted by Jenny at 09:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I really didn't mean for it to be 2.5 weeks since I posted, and I do have things to show you. Sorry! I'm at work right now bored out of my mind, but I will show some of what I am working on as soon as I get home, and will start posting more often!

Posted by Jenny at 01:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I know it is not the new year, but the beginning of November serves as the beginning of MY next year . . . specifically my 26th year.

This has been a difficult year for me, and that difficulty has given me a myriad of excuses to be lazy . . .at work, in my relationship, my friendships, my "me" time, and this blog. So I've decided to make 2 resolutions for the month of November

1. I will blog almost everyday (I am giving myself some flexibility do to going away for my birthday and Thanksgiving)

2. I will post a photo on the blog at least 3 times a week.

3. I will do something physical every day.

4. I will start and maintain the Couch to 5K program.

Look for more tomorrow!

Posted by Jenny at 09:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Ok, I know I haven't posted in over a week, but are you guys over here at the new blog? I haven't been posting, because I haven't been knitting really.

Over Memorial Day weekend, Carlos and I tackled the yards. We planted flowers in the front, put some mulch down, and we rototilled the whole back yard. That pretty much took the whole weekend.

I've been pretty busy otherwise, trying to finish up my graphic design class, starting back at the gym, and on eDiets (thanks' Elisa for helping me make that decision), and some stress at work. Let's leave it at this . .. at this moment I still have a job, but I don't know what it is or how much it pays until the end of June. Fun.

Anyhoo, June is my month to get back on track with everything, so expect to see more here, and more improvements on the blog itself. I was especially shocked not to get any comments on the Oscar picture!

In June .. .Jenny will make an effort to post every day.
In June . . .Jenny will make an effort to actually knit (and spin) (and possibly sew)
In June . . .Jenny will post pictures of her progress in the above endeavors
In June . . .Jenny will (begin) to conquer Movable Type
In June . . . Jenny will blog about her weight loss efforts and not be embarrased that her weight is the same as it was before Elisa lost 22.5 pounds!!!

So let's start with what I can do at this moment . ..

I am still not done with the Tweedy Vest. It is difficult to knit Lamb's Pride when it is 90 degrees out.
I am still not done with Carlos' felted clog. He is not amused.
I am not done with the first Jaywalker, but am done with the gusset decreases so am on the final stretch.
I started River.

I weigh (as of this morning) 135 lbs (I'm taking the pound off for my running shoes). My goal is 110. 25 pounds starting now.

Posted by Jenny at 08:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

One Year! And what a strange long trip its been.

I don't really have time to write a long post here. I'm almost done with the transition over to the new site. However, I'm not really sure how to move my photo galleries over. Anyone with experience in Movable Type out there??

Anyhoo, since I haven't taken pictures of anything I promised I would (I will try to tonight), I will leave you with more stash.

This is some Louet Gems Pearl in a soft sage-y green I bought at Rosie's Yarn Cellar when I was in Philly for the Medeski Martin and Wood show.

Posted by Jenny at 06:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I know I haven't been posting all of the pictures I said I would. I've been very busy getting http://www.jennysbelly.com sorted out. I'm trying to get it looking the way that I want before I have you all check me out over there, so bear with me. I have been knitting, although not so much finishing up my Tweedy Vest. I'm loving the Lorna's Laces for the Jaywalkers so far. Stay tuned!

Posted by Jenny at 08:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So much for posting everyday in May . . .

Posted by Jenny at 06:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Posted by Jenny at 04:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Posted by Jenny at 08:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I know it's been a while since I posted. Things are good -- had some time off, started my new job on Tuesday which I like so far, and I've gotten some knitting done. Will post more later.

Posted by Jenny at 10:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

That was what the blogging gods said to my long picture filled, witty post last night. Will try again later.

Posted by Jenny at 08:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just wrote long post with pictures, secret pal stuff, knitting content and personal stuff and accidenlty deleted it. Am taking this as sign from the gods that although I am only 24 and it is pathetic to be this tired at 10:23 on a Friday night, I must read more of this  and passing out with my puppy. Must leave you with.

The pig is now dead:

Guess who did it:

I swear, if Oscar were human he'd be either a surgeon or an axe murderer. We brought him this toy 2 weeks ago. Within a day he had removed the squeaker with only a tiny hole in the pig. Slowly, but surely he starting pulling all the white fluff out and scattering around rooms then passing out like an alcoholic after a 3 day bender.

I leave you with that. Good night.

Posted by Jenny at 10:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Now that I am more settled into the new house, I am trying to get in the habit of blogging more.  It's been difficult, and  I think I may know why.  There's only so much I can say about my knitting.  I know, I know -- this is a knitting blog, but I am a slow, still beginning knitter, and there is only so much you can say about stockinette stich.

I don't think I've mentionned it before, but I am a big cycling fan, and most of this month has been occupied watching the Tour de France.   Today, Lance Armstrong won his unprecedented 7th Tour.

Congratulations to him, for his own personal triumph over cancer, is raising of awareness that cancer can be a beginning and not only an end, and for 50 million yellow bracelets. And thank him, for bringing awareness to the sport which will hopefully continue in the US now that he has retired.

I needed mindless knitting for the tour, so I knitted a Booga Bag! It's done, but not felted. I will post pictures later. I've since started Sitcom Chic. More later!

Posted by Jenny at 06:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Oh my god, I can't believe how long it has been since I posted. I am in the new house, at the new job, and things are finally getting to normal. I have't been knitting very much (although I do have one FO to show) and I've been horribly neglectful to my secret pal (who I will be sending an extra large package to tomorrow!) .

Things have been difficult. The move has been a real adjustment to home ownership and living in a new state. I like it ok, but I miss home, and I do think I want to move back when we can. Carlos is ready to move back now!

The new job is a similar mixed blessing. There are parts of it I like a lot and parts I am not that sure of. I will post some new pictures of the house, and the FO in a little bit.

Posted by Jenny at 08:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ok, that was supposed to be like a classic rock band greeting a city -- "Hello New York!"  I guess it doesn't translate to prose, does it. Oh well.

So, how do you start doing this? I'm trying this whole knit blog thing. I'm an original, what can I say.

Do I talk about who I am? Jenny. Where I live? NJ, now, but moving to PA in June. What I do? I have a job.  My family? I live with my BF and my adorable dog, Oscar.

I'm in the process of buying my first house with said BF. I just checked; I can use his name (which is Carlos, but I call him Andre).  This is a nervewracking experience to say the least, so I have to give a shoutout to every unmarried couple who has done this. I'm not trying to diminish the accomplishments of married couples, but Hey, you kind of dealt with the scary committment stuff when you tied the knot, no?

I'm knitting the chickcami right now from the awesome Bonne Marie: Click here for pattern

After having some issues with guage, and apparently smoking crack the first time I cast on, I've finally gotten almost to the raglan decreases, and I've really enjoyed knitting this. (I'll hope to have some pictures up for you tomorrow -- I have to borrow the boy's camera) I'm using some delicious yarn purchased from the WEBS anniversary sale: Artful Yarns Serenade. It's a soft cotton and angora (who'dve thunk) blend, but it sheds like crazy. 

Here's the link at WEBS: Color 6001 -- beautiful in person

Anyway, I'm being told that dinner is ready, and Oscar is ready, willing and able to take my place if I don't come over. It smells good . (Thanks, babe).

I'm excited to share some of myself with you all, and I'm excited to be a part of the upcoming Secret Pal 5. When I learn how to put buttons up, I will.

'Till next time . . .

Posted by Jenny at 05:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)