Monday, April 18, 2011

this and that

I can't believe that it's been over a week since I've been in this space (almost two!)  - This is a busy season...we've been busy with baseball,
Mckenzie's junior high play (she was fabulous...simply fabulous),
 and Maggie's AAU basketball season. 
 It's been a whirlwind of activity.  I'm enjoying being present no matter where I find myself.  This is a new thing for me.  The calendar which has typically stressed me out is slowly losing it's fear factor.  Instead of worrying about what's coming next, I'm learning to enjoy where I am.  When I look ahead at all of the filled in squares, I breathe a prayer of thanksgiving for the abundant life with which we've been blesed.  
A couple of weeks ago, I found a bit of time to sew some spring mug mats.  You might remember that I made some of these back in December and they were a huge hit! 
I was in need of a spring one and so I made up a couple of extra ones for birthday and thank you gifts.  These are a great way to use of scraps and feel good about completing something. 
I am also hot on the heels (get it?! ) of finishing my pleated ballet flats.  I have one foot done and I've learned so much.  I LOVE knitting on two circular needles.  This is so much faster than trucking around on 4 double points.  Watch this video and you'll get the gist of how it works.  I'm always amazed by people who can blaze a new trail with knitting....I'm simply a trail follower. 
I still have a bit to figure out with these flats because on one side I keep getting 'holes' where I hide my wraps.  I'm not sure what is happening there, but I know when I figure it out, I'll have learned something else new in regards to knitting.  It's a good thing I'm working on these now in spring....I might have them figured out by fall just in time to knit up some Christmas gifts.  Sheesh. 
I have a couple of Lolas cut out waiting for some sewing time....but that's about it.  My creative time has been swallowed up with driving to practices and rehearsals and games....but that's ok.  I wouldn't want to be anywhere else!  I hope that wherever you are, you're able to enjoy the moments that make up your days!  Have a great week friends. 

21 comments:

Sally said...

what wonderful growth in you! Love those mats, too....
...knitting thought: are you picking up the wrap when coming back to them? I know with toe-up socks, if you don't lift the wrap with the other stitch, it makes a hole. just a thought -- i think the flats are lovely!!

Meg said...

I love seeing what you've been up to! Those slippers are fantastic. I just found a scarf pattern that I'm going to use for Xmas gifts that has lots of wraps and turns--I'll be getting lots of practice on this! I know what you mean about the spring calendar and stress. This year, I'm trying to learn to ride the wave (and enjoy the ride while we're at it) instead of fighting against it.

Larissa said...

So much goodness going on! McKenzie looks beautiful all dressed for her role - she has such a wonderful smile! Our calendar squares are overflowing also but it kinda makes me happy because at the end of each day i cannot believe all that we were able to accomplish! Love your ballet flats - and love that you can wear the one you finished while working on the second. (i agree with sally re:picking up the wraps - try & see if it helps) I just cast on for a thermis cowl - i love mine so much i plan on knitting several for christmas/ hanukkah gifts.

I don't have much creative time these days but trying, just like you, to enjoy all that i do have. Not sure when my kiddos will go back to school since a tornado hit gloucester on saturday and destroyed one of our middle schools (we have two). My kiddos are home today but it looks like Ezra will only have AM school and the 600 displaced middle schoolers will be using his school for Pm school. Best part is that no one was hurt and that there are only 34 days of school left - can not wait til summer! Have a wonderful week friend!

Gingercake said...

love mug rugs! I am looking forward to making some soon too. Your lola's are going to be cute!

Designs on 47th Street said...

There is always so much to love when I come visiting your blog Lisa. I love your attitude about not being so in tune to the calendar. I'm sure you have it figured out by now just how fast our children grow up. I sure enjoyed seeing the pictures of your children in action. I just know they are really good kids. Love seeing your latest projects as always. :)
Donna

Christina said...

" I'm enjoying being present no matter where I find myself. This is a new thing for me. The calendar which has typically stressed me out is slowly losing it's fear factor." Me too. It's such a great gift to be able to look ahead to a very full summer with anticipation instead of panic! (Most of the time, at least; i'm still learning.) : )

Your projects are just lovely as usual. You're encouraging me to try knitting again. After all, if you can learn to use two sets of circular needles, I can learn to use one set, right? And the owls make me feel like squealing a little inside because they're so cute. : )

At Home Mommy Knits said...

I love your mug mats...so beautiful! The ballet flats look like just the thing to wrap up your feet in after all the running around you guys are doing :)

Tracy said...

Oh, I just love this post, Lisa! And especially the celebration of abundance of life, of breathing through some tough spots, but always showing up no matter what's on the calender, no matter what the day holds. I admire that a lot! :o) Wonderful all the good happening with the kids just now. End of year is always a mad dash, isn't it? LOVE your pretty mug mat--love those fabrics. And those ballet slippers are so sweet! I lately knit some slippers, but not so elegant as those. I must give those ballet slippers a try. I'm very intrigued about the knitting with tow circs--must see that link. Thanks for sharing! Happy Days ((HUGS))

From All Stitched Up said...

I enjoy seeing your busy life. I miss the sports. Being outside in the spring watching kids have fun - nothing is better. I'm going to make mug mats - I need to quilt a small baby quilt and bought a walking foot. I'll quilt the mug mats and practice with my walking foot. Thanks for the great idea. Sally is 100% right on the wraps but I agree they are hard. I hope you continue to enjoy everything.

Kristyn Knits said...

Looks like everyone is enjoying the season...but what's jaq been up too? I love hearing about your personal growth. How wonderful to not be controlled by the calendar and "what's next." I'm trying to practice that as well. There wasn't a doubt that you would figure out the slippers. They look great on you! And of course the mug mats are adorable...you always mix and match wonderful fabrics together. xoxo

LesleyAnn said...

Love. Love. Love your mug mats! Is there a site where I can learn to sew the binding, please? I can't figure out how to do that ... but I want one of those mats! So I'll have to learn. ha

Meadow Walk said...

I am telling you, ya need an etsy shop! pllleeeeaaase I need a Lola! and a spring mat. or three. Do it out of pity for your readers who cannot sew....:-)

--michelle

Leslie said...

What great projects! You have such diverse things going on. I would love to be able to make some ballet flats...but i don't know if I am up to it. I'm going to go have a look at the links. They are adorable!

Gigi said...

Oh those busy days of raising children. How well I remember!
Love those sweet little slippers -- so cute!
Happy Easter to you all!
GG

Anonymous said...

Thanks for an inspirational post about being present in our blessedly busy lives. The ballet flats look great, I can't really see any holes?

Gloria said...

It looks like some wonderful moments you are having here....:) Plenty to enjoy. I love your Spring mats and owl pillows!

We are headed off to a baseball game in a few minutes for our grandson. I think this is his third or fourth game of the season. It has been so much fun watching his very first baseball season. Precious moments!

Have a happy Easter!!

xoxo...Gloria

Tiffani said...

Thank you for the reminder to pbe present in what is at hand! April is such a busy month and it's easy to just rush, rush, rush, without thinking about any of it.

Tonya Gunn said...

Beautifully busy - I love your spring mug mats and those owls will be adorable.
Warm wishes, tonya

Liz said...

I adore those slippers. Circular needles sound scary to me!

Mary said...

Love those Lolas

rosemary said...

Beautiful mug mats, and those slippers are cute. I know what you mean by a full calendar, but boy does it ever feel good when you get through a busy day, and think "we did it!".