Legal Stitches

Snowman Hat

2010-01-02T23:16:00.001-08:00

Easy Lacy Girly Hat -- I WON!

2009-11-07T07:15:00.000-08:00

This hat is hands down the most gorgeous item I've ever knitted. I love it! In fact, I loved the pattern so much that I had to frog and start over 4 times before it finally stuck. This was my first lace pattern and I kept forgetting the yarn overs and thus dropped stitches all over the place. It really is an easy pattern, it just took me A LOT of concentration because it was easy to get lost.

This is knit in Pattons Wool on size 6 needles in the child size and it is WAY too long! I should have stopped around 6.5 inches (it is close to 8 as per the pattern).

Alice Wrist Warmers

2009-11-01T11:41:00.000-08:00

I knitted these for a friend in exchange for some baby-sitting -- the best swap EVER! The pattern is based on a character from Twilight according to the pattern here. Yarn is Lion Brand Wool-Ease.

Super easy, but the thumb hole directions are a tad confusing (just very poorly written).

Christmas Bell

2009-08-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

My mom sent me a box full of old knitting and crafting magazines and pattern books from the 60's, 70's and 80's. It has been a lot of fun sorting through them! Amongst the rubble I found a (somewhat vague) pattern for knitted Christmas bells. In fact, I found the same exact pattern FOUR TIMES. I guess my mom really liked it!

I knit one and it is super cute, quick and easy.

Christmas Bell

Use any needle and yarn.

Cast on 14 stitches leaving a 6" tail for sewing.

Row 1: Knit 10, purl 4
Row 2: Knit

Repeat rows until there are 22 ridges (44 rows). Bind off leaving a 12" tail for sewing.

Sew together cast on and bind off edges on wrong side. Sew together top of bell using the cast off tail by weaving through every other stitch and pulling tight. String bell on to tail. Thread tail through to right side and crochet a hanger or leave a loop and secure on wrong side of bell.

Mitered Hanging Towel

2009-04-27T16:48:00.001-07:00

I am making these to match the dish rags. LOVE this towel! Not as quick to knit as a dish rag, but the end result is worth it. It still needs its button.

Dishclothes

2009-04-27T16:39:00.000-07:00

I can't stop making them. Seriously. I think it is because they take about 2 hours from start to finish -- instant gratification. I can't decide whether to give them away, open an Etsy shop or sell them at a craft bazaar this Fall/Winter. It's a good thing I have a gigantic stash of cotton yarn! The pattern is here. I get impatient and knit 38 rows before I start decreasing. Sad.

(And yes, I still have to weave in the ends)

Sue's Palindrome Scarf

2009-04-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

I made this Palindrome Scarf for my sister-in-law, Sue. It Cascade 220 Heather (don't remember the color). I love it! The Palindrome is basically a reversible Irish Hiking Scarf. It knit up into a nice hefty scarf.

My First Sweater?

2009-03-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

I have yet to knit a "real" sweater. I have only managed to accomplish the Mason-Dixie Baby Kimono. The new Knitty is out and oh my, I am in love with the Steggie! I'm thinking my little man may need one to grow in to! The best part is that at only 3 months, he has LOTS of time to grow so if it is too big, we can just use it later. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to make it too small so pretty much this is a no-fail option for my first sweater!

Grandma's Dishcloth

2009-03-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

This is not technically my first dishcloth, but it is the first one I like! It is also the FIRST THING I have made that I am keeping or myself!

Yarn is Lily Sugar N Cream Stripes and size 10 needles. I think it used about half the ball. I've already cast on another!

The pattern:
Cast on 4 stitches
K1 YO knit to end of row
Repeat until you have 40-50 stitches
K1 K2TOG YO K2TOG Knit to end of row
Until you have 4 stitches
Bind off.

Seriously it is THAT easy. It only took me a few hours!

Late Christmas Present!

2009-01-27T10:39:00.001-08:00

I can't wait to try them out!

I can't wait to try them out!

Cappuccino Cupcake Hat

2008-11-03T12:23:00.000-08:00

Knit in an attempt to see if a baby boy could wear a cupcake hat. I don't think so. I'll add some sparkles to the frosting and call it good for a girl!

Same pattern and yarn as here. I altered the pattern and rather than casting on 80, I'm guessing I cast on about 50??? I don't know, I can't remember! It's just a smaller version.

Teeny Tiny Santa Hat

2008-11-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

Knit in the round (rather than flat). Hoping it isn't still too big for a tiny head! Pattern is found here. Yarn is Caron Simply Soft (white) and Lion Brand Wool-Ease (red). Pom pom is out of some white acrylic in stash.

I Knit!

2008-10-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

Well, actually, I crocheted... 6 tiny scarves in an attempt to finish a little girl's stocking before Christmas. Just an I-Cord and two snowmen and it's all ready to go. I actually knit it 2 years ago, but Baby 2 ended up being a boy and pink was not acceptable on his stocking! Thankfully, Baby 3 is a girl and she is the lucky recipient of this pretty piece.

And now I'm thinking of whipping up a tiny newborn santa hat....

Crochet Doodle

2008-09-09T08:33:00.001-07:00

My friend (we met as college roommates our freshman year) has started a crochet blog and her projects are just gorgeous! It has spurred me to pick up my needles again (now that I'm not nauseated constantly) and finish a sweater/bootie/hat set for Baby Gabel to wear home from the hospital.

You can check out Maria's blog Crochet Doodle here!

Finished: Pink Cupcake

2008-02-24T15:53:00.001-08:00

It is just too cute! It was very quick and easy. The most frustrating part was the pom pom. This was my first and what a pain! I need to find a different method.... I am still sewing on beads as sprinkles.

Cupcake Hat

2008-02-22T08:56:00.000-08:00

I found this Cupcake Hat pattern and just about died -- it is so adorable! I cast one on immediately without anyone in mind for it. Then we received an invite to a 1 year birthday party in a few weeks for which this will be perfect! Not that we use hats that often in Vegas, but this baby is on the balder side so she'll use it for a while and can save it for next winter.

Do you think a boy could wear one if it was done in "boy" colors? My DH thinks if I did a chocolate cupcake with white frosting, a boy could definitely wear it. His opinion surprised me -- I thought he'd be totally against a boy wearing a cupcake! Thoughts?

Edited (Dec 4, 2008): the pattern is linked above!

Pattern (and a completed photo if you want to see how cute it is!) can be found here.

Alligator Scarf

2008-02-18T12:10:00.000-08:00

It's done! Very cute, very easy and fairly quick. Switching to 7s didn't seem to make a difference.

I'm not too thrilled with Morehouse Farms. You have to buy the kit to get the pattern (and I didn't use the yarn) and the only send the pattern for the kit you buy (child or adult). Now, I can figure out how to make it bigger, but give me a break. I wish they'd just print them both and send them. $17 for a pattern and yarn is a bit steep, if you ask me. I love their stuff and would've definitely done business with them again if I didn't feel like they were nickel and diming me.

Off it goes to its intended recipient....

I love this!

2008-02-12T13:33:00.001-08:00

Morehouse Farms Baby Alligator Scarf... for a couple of little alligators in my life! I opted to switch out the 100% hand wash only wool that came with the kit for Lion Brand Wool Ease -- much better for toddler use! I started on a size 6 needles, but I just switched to 7. It seemed a bit tight on the 6s and the increases were killer.

Log Cabin Knitting

2008-02-04T12:43:00.001-08:00

I'm working on my first log cabin blankie. I looked at a lot of projects on Ravelry for color ideas. One of my favorite ideas is to make each log cabin strip out of a different stitch pattern. The blankets turn out beautifully! So I got myself an inexpensive stitch pattern dictionary... and away I go! That gray stripe on the right is a stockinette with a "curl" every so often -- I think I'll avoid stockinette for the rest of the blanket. Of course the edges curl and the fabric is much bigger than the other patterns. We'll see how it goes when I get all the edges worked in.

I didn't want to invest $100 in yarn (even for a kid sized version!) and I wanted it to be washable for mom. After reading reviews on either Ravelry or Knitter's Review (can't remember which) I decided to try Lion Brand Wool Ease. Many knitters like it and it seems last longer without pilling badly. So far, it has knit up very nicely.

What Kind of Yarn are You?

2008-01-10T07:39:00.001-08:00

Mohair – A smooth, polished surface
“Mohair is warmer than wool, with larger, flatter scales that contribute to an overall silky-smooth appearance. The fiber absorbs dye readily and, thanks to that smooth surface, reflects it back brilliantly.” –The Knitter’s Book of Yarn

Mohairs are positive and confident. You always strive to make a good first impression because you are a proud person, and you care a good deal about what people think of you. You are careful with your words and are always tactful. You enjoy having a broad base of support and respect from those whom you come in contact. You attract this with your warm, sunny, and inquisitive personality.

Irish Hiking Scarf

2007-12-17T10:58:00.000-08:00

The other project is done! So I'm on to an Irish Hiking Scarf for Mitch. And I think my Ireland travel buddy needs one too. My first cable project -- much easier than I anticipated. Looking forward to adding cables to hats and mittens!

This yarn is Lamb's Pride worsted weight in Charcoal Heather. It's an 85/15 blend of wool and mohair and it is sooo soft! Doesn't show off the cables as much as I'd like, but it'll be a dream to wear.

Just bought a book dedicated to all things knit from Harry Potter. I'm looking forward to letting Sarah pick out a few projects from it!

Mittens!

2007-12-12T09:05:00.000-08:00

I've been searching for a mitten pattern I like and I think I found one. Gifted by Kate Gilbert. This is Lamb's Pride Bulky, knit on 10.5 needles, size Child Small. Took me about an hour.

Baby Boy Kimono

2007-12-12T09:00:00.001-08:00

Little Ricardo is due in March and his mama's baby shower is in January. I added button holes to this one! Needs blocking and buttons.

Rockstar Hedgie

2007-12-12T08:55:00.000-08:00

For Lissy's 8th Birthday on November 27th. He needs eyes... then he's off.

Scarf

2007-12-12T08:51:00.000-08:00

KARIN! YOU MAY NOT LOOK!!

Multi-directional Scarf using Noro Kureyon 102, 159 and 154. Loving it!

Potato Chip Scarf

2007-12-10T07:18:00.000-08:00

I am not much of a scarf knitter. Mostly because knitting six feet of garter stitch seems like a slow death to me. Last year for Christmas, however, the call came in for a scarf for my younger, not youngest, sister. She had generously given away the one I made for her when I was learning to knit to a friend who fell in love with it.

When I made the potato chip scarf, I had a short amount of time and no super bulky in the stash so I used a Lion Brand super bulky yarn. She asked for colorful, the yarn was definitely that! I'm still not sure how I feel about the scarf. I needed longer circs, that was for sure! And the look on her face when she opened the gift... yeah.

After Christmas the younger but not youngest sister received a knitted hat or something from another friend and she told me "it looks like she bought it!" (meaning it was really good knitting). OUCH!

So this year I've regrouped. I'm using Noro Kureyon (and she has no idea what that means)in the multidirectional pattern. I had two 102s, but need 3. LYS doesn't have so instead I opted to use three different colors. I hope it turns out! Pictures after the gift is given, I promise! Might even look like she bought it in a store!

Baby Girl Layette

2007-11-12T09:08:00.000-08:00

This layette is for little Zowie Carvalho due to arrive on or about December 19th. Her shower was this weekend -- we did a tea party and it was a good time!

Benjamin's Stocking

2007-10-30T19:51:00.000-07:00

And it's done! In only about 2 weeks time. I think it's my favorite one yet. It is definitely my hubby's favorite one!

Knit in KnitPicks Wool of the Andes (carbon twist; grass; evergreen; white; cranberry).

Merry Christmas, Little Guy!

Two Kids, Three Stockings

2007-10-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

That math is just not right. But that's what you get when you knit a stocking for a kid that has yet to be born and you don't know the gender and you still choose to use pink in the stocking. Yup. Baby Campbell 2 is Benjamin and he needs a stocking without the pink. After putting it off ALL YEAR -- I'm fair isling my little heart away. Because I'm in a hurry -- I making WAY too many mistakes. It drives me nuts! I'd really prefer to frog the whole thing, but then poor Benjamin wouldn't have a stocking come Christmas and I just can't do it to the kid. He won't notice the mistakes and that's all that matters, right? Right!

The top picture is Benjamin's new stocking (I'm actually quite a bit further now). The middle picture shows Noah's blue stocking on the left and the girly stocking on the right. The last one is the little girl stocking that is just waiting to belong to a little girl... someday, we hope!

One change this time -- I'm blocking the stocking. I think I'll be happier with the end result. And since my fair isle is such a mess, it's the least I can do!

Baby Boy Layette

2007-09-25T13:32:00.001-07:00

This is for a baby shower this weekend: Kimono, hat, and booties! Loving the booties as they are so quick and easy. It all goes in to the sports themed basket behind it with a blanket underneath for filler. Hope she likes it because I really do. Turned out much cuter than I had anticipated.

Pink Kimono & Bib

2007-09-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

I am knitting for a baby shower in November. This is the Mason Dixon bib o' love. It is SO BORING to knit! I wanted to make a few, but I'm not sure I can handle the mind numbing boredom....

Another kimono. It still needs ribbon for ties. Knit in Sugar N Creme. These things are addicting. I'm fighting the urge to start another one.

First Sweater

2007-09-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

It took me almost three years of knitting to get to it, but finally -- my first sweater! Kind of. I'm not really sure it counts since it was knit all in one piece. This is the Heartbreakingly Cute Baby Kimon from Mason-Dixon Knitting. It is knit in Peaches N Creme. I added a crochet edge for a little bit of contrast. Instead of putting on ribbons to hold it closed, I sewed on some Velcro and added a button for decoration. I'm working on a hat to go with it for a baby shower at the end of the month.

Mackinac Bridge Walking Hats

2007-08-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

The Campbell Family is heading to Northern Michigan to walk the Mackinac Bridge over Labor Day weekend and requested hats to keep the boys warm at 5 AM. Because I'm on a tight time crunch, I opted for a quick pattern. I used the Simple Baby Cap 2 from Itty Bitty Hats by Susan Anderson. I used some Caron yarn I have on hand (acrylic so mom can wash them!). They still looked plain after adding the fleece toppers so I sewed on some baseball themed buttons! Unfortunately, no one makes bridge buttons! I'm still finishing up the 2nd hat and am planning to make it an exact replica of this one.

Ruby Red Booties

2007-07-15T23:03:00.000-07:00

I whipped these up for a baby shower this weekend. I'm trying them in different colors and yarns to see if I can get a set done for ANOTHER baby shower NEXT weekend! :-)

I attached the card to the booties just in case there was any question as to what kind of booties they are!

I don't remember the booties being so big, but it's been a while. They are too small for Ella, but not by much. The pattern says 6-12 months, I think....!

Secret Pal: Revealed!

2007-06-20T18:29:00.001-07:00

I received my final SP10 package in the mail yesterday and oh my goodness!! I am completely spoiled rotten! My secret pal was Debbie Hartley. The pictures don't even get all of the stuff she sent me b/c little hand started to pull things out of the pictures so I had to stop taking them. The three balls of Noro are about to become a Booga Bag (woo hoo!!)on our vacation next week. If 2 kids will let me knit, that is. I also received 2 books to read on the beach (we're going to San Diego). And some gorgeous Lantern Moon dpns and a very cute sheep measuring tape. I love, love, love the gorgeous knitting tote that conveniently matches the 2 smaller bags sent earlier!

Thank you so much, Debbie! I look forward to reading your blog more in depth!

Mini-Band Camp

2007-06-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

Last Friday and Saturday Mitch had a mini-band camp up at school. We went to help out and eat dinner. One of the parents had a Centennial High School teddy bear and another one brought balloons. The balloon won Ella over. It's funny how she LOVES balloons -- no one told her they were fun or anything.

Shame on me & another hedgie

2007-06-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

I have been a knitting SLACKER lately! And I am SO SICK of hedgehogs! :-) I need to do at least 3 more, but thankfully not until the fall! Here is the latest one -- for Dani.

I am really lacking in creative juices here. I need to do something baby for a baby shower on July 14. After two baby blankets, I don't do those anymore! So I'm searching for a sweater pattern. But I have the Itty Bitty Hats book and I'd like to do something fun out of there as well. But a toy would certainly last longer.... I am stuck! :-) I better decide soon....

I finished the latest book on Blossom street.... review forthcoming.

He's catching on....

2007-05-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

I have a fully knitted Hedgie waiting to be tossed in to the washing machine. I just made the switch to cloth diapers so I'm a bit tired of the daily interaction with said machine so the poor hedgie just sits...patiently waiting... (not to mention the young lass whose brithday was April 29th is still waiting).

When my husband walked in to the house yesterday, the hedgie was sitting forelornly on the table and my husband asked: "When your going to felt that?" I asked him to repeat it and then just grinned and giggled.

I don't think in his wildest dreams he'd ever imagined he'd know what felting is....!

N.B. I asked for a pair of size 3 Addi Turbos for Mother's Day. I didn't get them (or any other knitting items despite numerous emails with blatant hints). Apparently there is a steep learning curve from knowing terminology to actual purchasing.

Thanks, Secret Pal!

2007-05-08T16:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I received the most beautiful package today from my SP10 pal. I got a book by Debbie Macomber (the one I have yet to read); a case for my circulars; a case for all those little things you always need with you as a knitter that matches the circular case; the COOLEST pair of knitting socks; size 1 DPNS; stitch holders; stitch markers; needle point covers; some lovely soap and a hank of Knit Picks Shadow in Grape Jelly that is just gorgeous! My favorite part is the pattern book: Soulful Knitting: Gifts for the Soul, from the Soul. I've been looking for a shawl pattern and there is one in there that instantly struck a chord with me!

Sorry for the bad picture -- I can't find my camera anywhere and I have about 10 minutes before I am invaded by my husband and 2 teenagers.

I get the impression that my SP10 pal is a MUCH more advanced knitter than I am and I'm really excited to finally "meet" her next month.

Now I don't know whether to do the socks or try to make a shawl with the Shadow yarn and the DPNs.... hmmmm.....

Yes, I am still knitting!

2007-05-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

Just not that much right now. Thankfully there are only 20 days or so left of school and then I'm hoping to have more downtime! But I am almost finished with another hedgie (it was due April 29) and then I'm going to cast on those wonderful socks from my SP10 Secret Pal. I'm feeling the need to knit with small needles. But the pattern is written for ladies Medium, which I am most definitely not. I went from Large pre-baby to XL post-baby. So I need to figure out how to make an 8, an 11! :-)

Book Review: The Friday Night Knitting Club

2007-04-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

Wow. I just finished the book and Wow. This book was everything that Ann Hood's book was not. It is wonderfully written in a unique style.

The story focuses on Georgia Walker, owner of a yarn store in NYC, and her regular customers who make up a Friday Night knitting group. Kate Jacobs, the author, manages to weave together a story that realistically intertwines the lives the members of the club. Like the Hood book, there is tragedy, but it is realistic and it is combined with so many moments of pure joy in the lives of the characters. While Hood's book centers around the knitting group and branches out awkwardly in to other areas of the character's lives, Jacob's book is fluid and moves from one scene to another, but always comes back to the yarn store. Knitting is a part of life and it means different things to different people, but it isn't the circle from which all things eminate.

This is a great story with a few surprises that I refuse to let on. My only regret is that I missed a book signing by Jacobs when she was in Vegas a few weeks ago. I've heard that Hollywood is planning to make this in to a movie and I hope so!

Go get it from the library or bookstore and enjoy it!

Casting on and Reading

2007-04-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

I am busily finishing up all my "homework". I can't wait until May 1!! This has left very little time for anything much less knitting (you should see the laundry). But I have managed to sneak in (a few pages at a time) "The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs. Book review forthcoming.

I also managed to cast on and finish the front of a hedgehog for a niece whose birthday is April 29. So I MUST finish that soon in order to send it off to NYC in time! Thankfully, I can probably give myself a few hours this weekend and do the back.

That's it for now. Sorry about the lack of anything lately... I will NEVER put off all this work until the end again. From now, I do little bites throughout the entire term.

(Please someone hold me to that!)

Look what I got...

2007-04-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

My postal "person" doesn't like to bring packages to my door so I headed to the post office today to get my package. Thankfully, it has cooled down so I took DD for a little stroll over to the post office. As the mail worker dude was handing me the envelope he says, "Here's your yarn." It struck me as very funny (maybe because I hadn't ordered it and yet he knew what it was?).... :-)

Anyway... I got a hank of Chewy Spaghetti (that is the coolest name!) yarn to make a pair of cabled socks! Two things I want to knit and have yet to do -- cables and socks. I've made stockings... and a wee baby sock to learn, but never anything for anyone to actuall wear! I'm very excited! And the color of the yarn is perfect! It reminds me of Easter eggs.

Now if I could just find time to cast on....

It all came is some very pretty tissue paper, which was destroyed by this innocent looking chap. He's cute when he's sleeping.

And a bunny cake....

2007-04-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

Here is my creative outlet for the weekend!

My LYS

2007-04-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

My LYS is actually a quilt shop with yarn on the side. I love going there. I'm not really a "regular" so to speak, but the people are still friendly (some LYS's -- not so much). They have a frequent shopper program that is totally reachable (you don't have to purchase $1,000 to get $5 back!) and every single month you get a coupon for 20% off of your total yarn/book purchase! Plus all patterns are always 30% off. And the prices are reasonable. I love the teacher there and the yarn portion of the store is really taking off.

So I headed there yesterday with my monthly coupon to get some goodies for my SP10 pal and suddenly realized how boring this LYS really is. For me, for normal knitting they have what I need -- Cascade 220; Debbie Bliss; Noro, etc. But if you want something nice or really pretty... or a cute little doo-dad... not so much. I was kind of disappointed because I really want to support my LYS, but I think the rest of the pacakges for SP10 will be purchased on-line so I can get her something beautiful. I may also venture out the to 2 other LYS's in town....

Which leads me to another point... my city is currently 1.4 million people and growing daily. How is it that we have only 2 full-time, yarn only stores and 1 quilt store with a side of yarn?? We had 3 full-time stores, but one had to shut down. I read the Harlot's page and am following the represent thingy. If there really are so many of us... how does a city this large only support 1-2 yarn shops? Hmmmm... one is kinda snooty and I think LYS owners need to be aware of that -- you never know who the new person in the shop is! And coffee -- why oh why don't any of them sell or offer tea/coffee?? And somewhere to sit down and look at the pattern books? I'm thinking yarn shops need to be more like bookstores -- beverages, comfy seating, and good light! :-)

Happy Easter! I'm baking today instead of knitting. I found a shawl on Elann that I fell in love with. Sadly, I can't come up with $30 to get the yarn... it's a rainbow shawl in Adara (I think). I love color! :-) But I digress... happy easter and I'll throw up a picture the bird's nests; bunny cake; and basket cupcakes I'm baking today!

Bunny -- Finished!

2007-04-02T23:13:00.000-07:00

Here is the bunny -- all finished! It is the first time I've put nose and a mouth on a toy. Turned out well. I tied a bow around his/her neck and sent him/her off to Philly. I forgot the cotton-tail though... oh well!

It's been busy around here today with a seder for 15 adults and 4 kids tonight. But now we're done. DH is home all week on Spring Break. It's nice to have him around, but distracting. I can't get my "normal" routine to work. That's OK -- I love having him around!

I took this picture of Ella this morning outside. Wow, huh?!?!

Sleepless

2007-03-30T00:59:00.000-07:00

That's me tonight and it has been happening way too often lately. Not sure if it is cabin fever (I've been home ALL WEEK with no outside adult interaction due to a sick baby) or this cold that makes lying down not pleasant. Usually when this happens I go out to the living room and knit. But at the moment there is a snoring male in every room of the house! So here I sit on DH's laptop in complete darkness except the light of the computer screen...sniffling... wanting to be tired. HOPING that DD sleeps in tomorrow! Tomorrow night is "Girl's Night" out -- California Pizza Kitchen and Ethel's Chocolate lounge at the Fashion Show Mall! YAY! Hopefully I won't be too tired and cranky to want to NOT go. I organized it so I really need to be able to be there. Plus I obviously need to GET OUT!

I did manage to work on the donkey from the nativity tonight and I finished the body. We finally got rid of the old couch. So now I'm down to a reasonable amount of furniture. We've been living with 2 adults, 2 teenagers, 2 cats, 1 baby with 2 couches, a rocker/glider, and an overstuffed chair with an ottoman in a 900 square foot apartment. TOO MUCH!

I took a tiny bit of NyQuil... it's going to kick at any minute, I just know it!

What is that thing?

2007-03-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

This litte one (who just turned 1!)....

Got this for her birthday from me....

Her grandma thinks I should make these porcupines and sell them. I have yet to include an "this a hedgehog" with the gift because I'm curious if the receiver will know what it is!

The Bunny, the bunny, oh I ate the bunny!

2007-03-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

That title is for all you Veggie Tales fans....

Here is the Fiber Trends bunny in Cascade 220 pre-felting. Thanks to March Madness, I was able to finish it quite quickly. Thanks to a teething baby, I have yet been able to felt it. But I hope to accomplish that today.

So now I'm debating what to cast on next. Cousin Dani will be 6 at the end of April so she will need a hedgehog, but all I have is blue yarn to cast on with. She may have to deal. I also am WAY behind on the nativity so I may finish Mary before anything else. I spent an entire HOUR in front of the TV with nothing to knit...debating what to pick up next.

It has finally cooled off in Vegas -- low 70s instead of the high 80s. Much nicer for March! And only 1 week left until Spring Break! Woo Hoo! Next Tuesday is state proficiency testing so the boys both have the day off and DH is taking the day off and we head UP UP UP to the snow for the day (the boys are from Hawaii and have never seen it).

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2007-03-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Our littlest leprechaun (and the only one at home today!).

We will be ensconced in front of the March Madness today (with a run to McDonald's for Shamrock Shakes), which means I will be knitting! I'm working on a Fiber Trends bunny pattern in purple Cascade 220 for Sarah for Easter. Hoping to get it done this weekend (riigghhtt!!).

Knitting for Teenagers

2007-03-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

We added two new members to our family this week -- both teenage boys. They needed a place to stay and we happen to love them so here they are. I want to make them something... but what do you knit for teenage boys? The older one likes Harry Potter, but I'm not sure it's "cool" for a boy to wear an HP scarf (now a teen girl could totally get away with it)plus it's getting to be warm here (88 degrees yesterday). They did like the purple hedgehog and mentioned making a blue one so it'd look like Sonic the Hedgehog (it's a drive-in, fast food place in parts of the U.S.). A new group of people to knit for.... hmmmm.....

Laying the Hedgehogs to rest.....

2007-03-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

The second hedgehog is done. I've named her "Henrietta". Love the way the colors turned out. This was also my first time felting Cascade 220 and all I can say is "WOW!!!". I will be felting lots of Cascade 220 in the future. Speaking of which, the next project is another Fiber Trends pattern -- a rabbit for Sarah for Easter using that same purple Cascade yarn as the hedgehog.

Off to cast-on the rabbit~

P.S. I saw on a blog that you can knit the hedgehog pattern in to a LADYBUG!! HELLO!?!? Why didn't someone tell me and can anyone tell me HOW to do that?? I assume you just use black yarn for the body and then red for the short rows

Hedgie v.2 (and a donkey)

2007-03-08T07:23:00.000-08:00

The second hedgie is on the needles. The front knits up so fast! But then I let the poor little gal languish as I dread picking up the stitches to start the back (I am HORRIBLE at and DETEST picking up stitches, but it is a necessary evil in knitting). This one has to be done (and felted and dried) by March 24th in order to meet it's owner -- 1 year old Alison! I am in love with the color (even though DH has pointed out that REAL hedgehogs aren't purple and multi-colored -- no imagination, that one!), but then I love multi-colored and rainbowed anything!

Pulled out the SnB book last night to actually "learn" how to pick up stitches. Huh. Who knew it could be THAT easy! No more dreading for me!

Notice the hedgie's photo shoot background... our (DH and I, not the hedgie and I) anniversary was on Tuesday. Pretty flowers and lots o' cards!

Also on the needles... the donkey for the nativity. Let's see... I'm supposed to have 3 sheep and Mary completed. HA! Now it wasn't all my fault. Our group didn't like the "flesh" colored yarn for Mary's face and appendages so we needed some time to find a good color (ended up using cream and adding blush). And after the hedgehog I need to do a bunny for one sweet girl in Philly and then another hedgehog for a birthday at the end of April. Poor, poor, little donkey...

Do you like my donkey "model"?? Move over Vanna... Felix is in the wings!

Book Review: The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood

2007-03-04T10:25:00.000-08:00

I thought I would do something a bit new and review a knitting novel I just finished. I say "review" but really, it's just my opinion and you can take it or leave it. Let me say also that prior to learning to knit, I was an avid reader. I'd read a book a day, easily. But once I learned to knit -- I didn't want to waste precious knitting time reading. Now I just read occasionally and mostly non-fiction works.

"The Knitting Circle" revolves around the story of Mary and a recent loss in her immediate family (I'll try not to give too much away). Mary joins a knitting circle in order to not deal with life and try to find something to fill the void she now feels in her life. As the book evolves, we meet the other members of the knitting circle (there are about 8) and learn about their lives.

I had several issues with this book. First, the book deals entirely with tragedy. Every single character had a significant tragedy -- the book is laden with death -- and the one character whose story ends with life is highly underplayed. Second, there was a bit (not a lot, but a bit) of sex in the book that I felt was misplaced and misused. It was like the obligatory sex scene movie makers throw in whether or not it's necessary. The book was written well, but it's not brilliant and it's certainly not the best writing available on the market.

Is the book worth reading? Maybe, but I'd choose Debbie Macombers Blossom Street books over this one in a heartbeat. The knitting theme is there, but it's certainly not cheerful. I'm sure people out there use knitting as therapy (I learned to knit while in the bouts of a serious depression), but isn't there some joy in life and in knitting??

Give it a try and let me know what you think! I'm awaiting "Friday Night Knit Club" and will let you know what I think of that as well!

In the queue(ueueue)

2007-03-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

I'm a good speller. Really. I just can't figure out "that" word in the title.

I felt the need to blog, but I don't feel like sorting through the 500 pictures (really, we have 500) on the camera right now to go to the end to get to the recent knitting pictures. So I'll dig something up to post with this. So for today -- a list of items I plan to knit between know and Christmas:

1) Hedgehogs for Friend, Cousin1 and Cousin2 DD1 and DD2

2) Pants for DD

3) Log-Cabin blanket for... me!

4) Finish the clogs for DH

5) SOCKS FOR EVERYONE!!

6) Christmas stocking for Middle Sis

7) Booga Bag

8) Finish the Sushi Wallet

What I need to buy: yarn for almost all of it (except the clogs and stocking)!!

I took the camera to Wal-Mart and the pictures are now on 2 CDs -- I just want to make sure that they are actually on there before I delete the memories to free up room for new ones!

Off to find a picture to put up....

Henry the Hedgie

2007-02-27T07:38:00.000-08:00

Here he is! The first hedgie is finished and I have named him Henry. Ok, he's not exactly completed because I can't find the eyes I bought to put on him, but ALMOST! And I got him done in time to be sent off to a new home for a birthday gift. I had to take a picture of him in his real environment -- he just didn't look right sitting on the table. He was a lot of fun to make, but man all that COUNTING!

Hedgie Pictures

2007-02-21T07:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, here's the hog... all ripped back and ready to try the short rows again!

Hedgehogs

2007-02-20T21:48:00.000-08:00

So I'm knitting the Fiber Trends Hedgehogs for 2 little ones birthdays in March (thanks to my sister who sent me a shoebox FULL of Fun Fur!). I whipped through the front... and agonized over picking up the stitches to start the back. Got to the 3rd set of short rows... and his back wasn't centered. His left side was all knit up, but the right side had nothing on it. So I've ripped it back to the knit 39 to start the first set again and noticed that 39 stitches in from 75 total... would put me a little off center, but I think that makes sense with short rows??? I'm frustrated because I want to get one done already!! And no pictures because I'm tired and the camera STILL has about 500 pictures on it and I'd have to go throuh all of those to get to my pitiful little hedgehog...

SP10 Questionnaire

2007-02-18T09:27:00.000-08:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I am just getting in to the "better" yarns and love it! Noro is on my list to buy (Oh the COLOR!). I'm thinking of trying out cotton b/c I live in the desert and it would seem the cotton blends would be better for socks/sweaters. The only thing I hate is novelty yarn (despite the plethora of fun fur for the hedgehog frenzy)!

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

You are supposed to store them in something?!?! (ha ha) Right now they are just thrown in to one of the many bags I use! Really, it's a mess. I really want the KnitPicks options or the pink Denise Interchangeables.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting since the fall of 2004, but took a break during my pregnancy from Nov 05-August 06. I am self-taught, mostly, with a few lessons from my LYS. I consider myself an intermediate knitter.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

I do! Amazon is on the sidebar.

5. What's your favorite scent?

Depends on what it's for -- candles are pumpkin/peach/melon; lotions cherry/melons; love to smell fresh roses and lilacs! Oh and eucalyptus!

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Chocolate!! I love cupcakes, anything with cupcakes on it!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

My other creative outlet is cooking, but I REALLY want to learn to spin!! I am also planning to start dyeing.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Hmmm... my husband is a professional musician, and yet I rarely listen to music! But I am open to anything -- I detest rap, though! When I listen to music it's mostly songs from my church, Lincoln Brewster or Matt Redman. I do have my beloved Pink iPod, but I mostly listen to podcasts on it.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I LOVE ALL HUES OF PURPLE! I am also a pink person. Can't think of anything I can't stand. I just love bright (not neon) colors!

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I am married and have 2 daughters -- one 7 months and the other is 7 years. We share custody across the U.S. of the oldest and we miss her a lot! I have 2 gray kitties, Felix and Violet. We just took in 2 of my husband's students to live with us (it's a really long story but they were basically homeless) so we are now a "family" of 6!

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

I live in the desert so rarely, but we do use them for a few weeks a year! I like to knit them for our friends and family in New York and Michigan, though! I think about doing a lace shawl as that may be a bit more appropriate for my climate.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I love knitting toys at the moment! I am working on the FiberTrends Hedgehogs right now and am involved in a Nativity Knit Along (using Sirdar/Alan Dart's pattern). I want to get in to socks and I need to do a sweater!! I'm just scared to knit anything that has to fit someone!! I'd also like to Log Cabin and do the Noro "Lizard" blanket on Knitty.

13. What are you knitting right now?

The hedgehogs (above)... the Nativity (above) and that's it, really. I just finished the Sushi Wallet -- my first felting! I love anything to do with sushi!!

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

They are the best kind of gifts to get!!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I am an Addi Turbo girl to boot. I'd love to try the KnitPicks aluminum circulars, though. I usually do everything on circular just b/c it makes more sense (to me) to just buy the circulars (as you can straight knit on them as well). But I'm trying to convince myself to get the KnitPicks Options or Denise Interchangeables.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

My husband! Ha ha Other than that, no.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

FiberTrend clogs that I started in November 2005 (and then I got pregnant and sick) and now I can't figure out where I am in the pattern (with the 2nd clog 99.9% done!!). Trying not to have to frog it!

18. What is your favorite holiday?

I LOVE ALL HOLIDAYS!! My goal is to find 1 holiday each month and decorate and celebrate it! If I had to choose one... I'd say birthdays!

19. Is there anything that you collect?

I collect nativities/creches. I currently have 12 of them and the more creative, the better! I have one that is a tea set!

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I'd love to try the "good" yarn out there. Cascade 220 is the farthest I've made it. I'd also like a pair of Brittany straight needles (because they are so pretty!). Books -- Big Girl Knits and really just ANYTHING with knitting (I have very few books). I have SnB and Itty Bitty Hats. I love magazines and I'd like the spinning magazine (that I can't think of right now).

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I'd like to learn socks, cables and lace.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I want to be!! I'm just intimidated by that small yarn and I only have 1 pair of size 2 needles that are in use with the nativity knit along. I do know how to do them using the Magic Loop -- just haven't done a set yet!

My feet just got BIG after my pregnancy. I'm in a US women's 10.5 WIDE.

23. When is your birthday?

September 17 (and 17 is my family's "number"!)

Just a little random fun....

2007-01-22T09:56:00.000-08:00

You Belong in Dublin

Friendly and down to earth, you want to enjoy Europe without snobbery or pretensions.
You're the perfect person to go wild on a pub crawl... or enjoy a quiet bike ride through the old part of town.

What European City Do You Belong In?

Sheep and Sushi

2007-01-21T13:14:00.000-08:00

All right the first sheep of the nativity KAL is (almost) completed. As usual, I just need some guidance on the assembly. His poor little face is a bit rough so I decided to wait and get help with the legs, ears, and tail.

I also ordered the Knit Sticks Sushi Wallet kit (from http://www.crazyyarnlady.com). She has them on sale until they are gone and the best price on the net! I just cast that on last night and only got 3 rows completed.

And my Christmas present from DH. The pink iPod. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this thing!! I hate spending large sums of money, but this was worth every cent.

Felix would NOT get off the table and leave me alone when I was having my little photo shoot. And then he took a liking to the sheep and decided to cuddle with it. So I gave up and here he is with all of the items (I finally whipped the iPod out to the other table and managed to get a shot before he realized what had happened).

A New Year and New Knitting

2007-01-07T20:05:00.000-08:00

I am starting 2007 off with a BANG!! One completed project and two on the needles. I had some willing (and unwilling) models for the pictures. Actually it all started with Felix who decided (after kneading it first) that he'd like to snuggle up to the sheep I'm knitting. I have joinded a knit along for a nativity. We knit one figure a month and by December we'll have a completed, knitted nativity. The sheep is the first figure. I actually have to make 3 of them. They are much bigger than I'd thought. The people figures (Mary, Joseph, Wisemen, etc) stand 10" tall! You can't actually see the sheep (it's white) but no matter because you can't tell it's a sheep right now anyway!

Then there is my future knitter. I set down the mitten I am knitting for my sister... and being almost 6 months old, the yarn went straight in to the mouth. But that's OK her aunt won't mind!

And finally... I asked DH to model the scarf (just to add to the fun pics) and this was all he would agree to. The faceless man I married (and Yes, that is a Jet's jersey and yes they lost).

Just for fun... we watched our Wolverines lose last weekend. We are still in mourning. But boy were we CUTE!

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T17:42:00.000-08:00

Welcome 2007!! We returned from Michigan yesterday -- after a very eventful holiday! A 5 month old with an ear infection and 6 adults and 1 kid with the stomach flu led to a Christmas never to be forgotten. But I had fun and it was great to have all of us in one place for an entire week (but we missed you, Matt!).

Miss Sarah had a good time. She went roller skating, swimming, arcading and movie-ing. It's hard to get bored in a house full of adults when you are the only kid (and there's only one baby to compete with).

I only got 2 knitted gifts completed. And I forgot to take a picture of the very colorful ruffled scarf I made for my sister. My vow this year is to begin today knitting for next Christmas! After I finish a scarf and mittens as a birthday gift for the OTHER sister!

The picture is of the two different Winter Wonderland stockings for the Campbells hanging on their mantle in KC. I'll be doing another one of those as well as Baby #2 decided to be a boy (Benjamin born Dec 14) and his dad would prefer he didn't have pink in his stocking! The goal is to use the stash to create a more "manly" look. I got too busy and didn't do the dangles.... I think maybe Noah will be the only Campbell with those.

I'm joining a nativity knit-along for the year. 1 piece per month will get me a knitted Nativity next December to add to my growing collection (I currently own 11 nativity scenes/sets).

Pictures of the scarf and mittens to come....

And 11 months later.... I'm back!

2006-10-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's been a while. The last time I posted was almost a year ago... and just before I found out that was pregnant. :-) Turns out God is a knitter too and he was busy with a project inside me. For some reason knitting while being pregnant made me extremely nauseous so I didn't do it. So for the past 11 months God has been busy knitting together the newest Gabel. She is the best project yet.... Ella Grace Gabel. As a lady at church said when she passed by Ella and I .... God does good work, doesn't He?

But now that I'm no longer sicker than a dog on a daily basis, I'm back to knitting in between diaper changes, feedings, play time, feedings.... Remember Noah's Stocking? (See below) Well, Noah is getting a younger sibling in December so he/she needs a stocking too. I changed the colorway and I rather like it. Let's just hope this one is a girl or some little guy is getting a very PINK stocking!

For you formed my inward parts;

You knit me in my mother's womb.

Psalm 139: 13

Bobbi Bear

2005-11-28T21:36:00.000-08:00

And here is the teddy bear from below. I'm still trying to get the nose and eyes spaced out right!

Corkscrew Hat

2005-11-28T21:34:00.000-08:00

My project on the trip to Michigan for Thanksgiving/Wedding. I also finished a smaller pink one that still needs the corkscrews! Fun, easy to make and oh so cute!

A side thought about Noah's Stocking

2005-11-20T23:54:00.000-08:00

I just realized that this very ROYAL blue stocking is going to the son of the Kansas City Royals BIGGEST fan... so perhaps it is fitting after all!

Noah's Stocking

2005-11-20T23:45:00.000-08:00

Here it is! The most advanced project yet -- Noah's Stocking. Actually it's called "Winter Wonderland", but since it's for Noah Campbell I refer to it as such.

I'm not sure how I feel about the colors (neither do Noah's parents) , but we had to start somewhere! They've actually grown on me... but that tends to happen when spend a month continuously knitting something. And let me tell you it's WAY more interesting than the plain old red ones I've done. All it needs now is Noah's name in the blank royal blue part up by the snowman dangles and it's all set to go to its new home in Kansas.

I've decided that I love Fair Isle (seen here in the snowflakes)! It was so much fun to do! And I think the next little Campbell will probably get less blue in his/hers. I'm just glad that it actually turned out OK and that it was done prior to December 24th!

I also finished the Teddy Bear, but gave it away to Baby Keyser without taking a picture. Ooops. Mommy Keyser promises to let me take a picture of it, though. Someday I'll get around to it. Now I just need to finish the slippers for my hubby, knit up another bear for the littlest Gabel, and I want to make a few hand-knitted mini-sweaters for the Christmas tree. Good thing I've got 10 hours of flying over Thanksgiving! Sleep?? Who needs sleep??

Current Projects

2005-10-31T08:32:00.000-08:00

Well, I have about 4 going right now. I am almost done with a pair of felted clog slippers for my husband for Christmas. Had him convinced they were just a pair of socks until about a week ago. I left the pattern out with the picture on it... ooops. I am also working on a Winter Wonderland stocking for one Mr. Noah Campbell. My first Fair Isle attempt. So far, so good.

And on the needles today... thanks to 10 hours of plane rides this weekend... a Bobbi Bear. Supposed to be for Miss. Sarah Gabel, but I have a baby shower this weekend and since he's pretty fast to knit up, this one might be going to the future Baby Keyser. We'll see!

Mr. Flurry

2005-10-31T08:30:00.000-08:00

This is Mr. Flurry.... he can't see yet and he only has a scarf thanks to Ms. Mandi Godwin who took pity on him one evening before dinner. He's in progress and once I get him all gussied up, I'll show you how cute he is!

Mini-sock

2005-10-31T08:10:00.000-08:00

Ok so it's really hard to find time to take pics and post when you are running around substitute teaching all week. But if you find the right position, it also leaves you with LOTS of time to knit!

I've had a pretty busy month. I learned to knit socks.... I haven't actually finished one that an actual person could wear, but in theory, I could do it! I am working on a regular sized pair, but I'm running out of time for Christmas present knitting so the sock knitting has been put on the back burner for now.

I have also almost completed a fun little project know as Mr. Flurry. Mine can't see yet, but thanks to Mandi Godwin (a student of my husband), he now has a scarf. I'll put up a finished pic if I ever get to it.

Felix with the Stocking

2005-10-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist posting this! Felix, our baby, loves to curl up on these stockings. I turned my back to type... and he went right to sleep.

Another stocking...

2005-10-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

Here it is. My second finished RED stocking! Sorry about the pic -- I can't figure out how to get it upright! So I'm now a stocking pro and sick of red yarn. Looks a lot like Matt's stocking, but the texture and color in real life is completely different. I got the COOL striped yarn for Karin's stocking, but am taking a short break to knit a Mr. Flurry (that's a snowman).

I also signed up to take a sock class next week. WOO HOO! I can't wait to learn to make these puppies. I've also started a knitting wish list/Christmas list for my ever patient, darling husband to use. He'll probably need help, though. His eyes just kind of glaze over when I start talking about needles, yarn or what not. But he pretends to listen. We had a very rough year last year so he's just happy that I've found something that I love to do and by golly, I actually am pretty good at!

I organized a weekend meeting of a local knitting club. We'll be meeting on Friday evenings -- can't wait to talk knitting with others who love it! We also went to an arts and crafts fair this weekend. Very, very little knitting. I wonder if that's because it takes so long to make anything, or if it doesn't sell.... hmmm.....

Christmas stocking

2005-09-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

This is my latest creation. It is for my almost brother-in-law, Matt. Turned out very well. It is the first time I've used good yarn from my YLS (rather than getting something at Jo-Ann's). LOVED, LOVED working with good yarn! It just gets expensive pretty quickly. I'm working on another one for a friend and ordered striping yarn to make one for a sister.

Moving on to footwear (kind of)....

2005-09-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

I found this pattern on-line and fell in love! I'd never attempted anything other than knit and purl, but I HAD to make these. Turned out pretty cute. Noah's mommy is a huge Wizard of Oz fan and she's promised a girl next time around so these are for her. Made with Lion Brand Glitterspun they are just adorable. I just need a new camera and some photography lessons.

My first baby blanket

2005-09-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

This is a baby blanket that I knit for Mr. Noah Campbell in Kansas City, Kansas. Noah was born March 10, 2005. I knit this on size 6 needles starting in mid-January and I thought by the time I got done, he'd be about 4 months old. But luckily the blanket it made to Noah's house a day before he did! I'm learning that I need to take better photos of my projects!

My first scarves

2005-09-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

Scarves I knit for my sisters last winter! The pink one was for Michelle and the blue for Karin. They loved them and I was pretty happy with my first knitting endeavor!

2005-09-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

This is "us" at a church picnic this past summer. Aren't we cute??

Just testing this out....

2005-09-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

So apparently I can post through email. Just testing this out!

We are called to be fruitful - not successful, not productive, not accomplished. Success comes from strength, stress, and human effort. Fruitfulness comes from vulnerability and the admission of our own weakness. Henri Nouwen

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Trying it again!

2005-09-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

Another blog that is! This time one about my most recent obsession -- KNITTING! I am in LOVE with this craft! Finally, something I can "express" myself through and who knew, I'm actually pretty decent at it. I started knitting sometime last fall. I taught myself through a $2 booklet purchased at Wal-Mart. With a little bit of phone help from mom, I soon finished my first scarf. That is, once I learned that if you use bigger needles and chunky yarn, you can actually finish something in less than a month. After knitting everyone I know scarves, I started on baby blankets. I've since moved on to my first set of baby booties and am now in the throes of Christmas stockings. Someday soon I am going to start a sweater and a pair of socks! I will try to post pics of my projects.