Friday Photo(s)

I've always loved weekly features on other blogs and I decided I'd like to start one on mine! (And, let's face it, it'll be harder for me to avoid posting for over a week!)

I'm choosing a photo from way back when (which honestly doesn't seem like so long ago): 1991! 

Left to right: My sister, me, Evan and Drew (mom's friend's sons!)

My mom and her friend (the mother to the two boys) each took photos of us kids hanging out on my front steps. I have no idea why my sister is throwing up gang signs or why we ALL have the same haircut, but whatever, it was fun. 

I mostly want to discuss that awesome red Jeep in the corner. My sister and I had got that for Christmas in 1990. It was our annual joint present (we got one huge gift each year to share). I remember she wanted to drive it for a bit and she was allowed to, inside the house. Instead of, you know, driving it away from things, she decided to go straight for the Christmas tree...where our cat was sleeping. Luckily, the tree was on the coffee table. Upon impact, though, the tree toppled over and poor Buddy went flying. From then on, I wouldn't allow her to drive it. I was designated driver and she could be my passenger. I mean, a three year old is not capable of handling the speed of a battery powered Jeep! 

Slacker

So I've been slacking lately. I won't bore you with excuses, so let's get right in to it! 

I've been working on another gift exchange project recently. Actually two items for one exchange. Unfortunately, I already mailed out the hat. But I can tell you that I used the It All Comes Together Beret pattern (on ravelry). I used a nice wool blend in mustard. 

Because of the super quick deadline, I had to get that baby shipped out before I was late. BUT I've got part two still here and still unfinished! 

I'm using the Foreign Correspondent's Scarf pattern (on ravelry). I honestly can't remember what this yarn is. I bought it several years ago while on a trip in New York. I've loved the colors in it, but hadn't found a pattern for it yet. 

I really like the contrast between the slant of the pattern and the slant in the colors!

 

I've been able to catch up today thanks to a "snow day." The above picture shows just about how much snow we've currently got and let me tell you, I'm sorely disappointed. We were supposed to get anywhere from 4-10 inches and it was supposed to be our second Snowmageddon. Yeah...

At least I got a day off though! If any of you got some of the storm, I hope you were able to enjoy it!

Friday Fun with Kitty Caps!

Nick and I recently bought a new (to us) couch. Of course, as soon as we got it, Eleanor and Toby decided to play all over it and sometimes use it as a scratching post. Discipline doesn't work, especially on Ellie - she's a spiteful brat, and I can't hang out at home all day, ready to yell when they try to start clawing. Solution? KITTY CAPS!!!

I bought this set (pink glitter and hot pink) and also a clear set. But once I got home, I knew I'd use this set on both cats haha!

The directions say to trim the cat's nails before you apply. I was able to do that with Ellie but Toby freaked out when I got the clippers near him. In my opinion,  you don't NEED to do that, but it would help fit a little better. His are staying on just fine for now, though. 

Application was pretty easy, but I learned my lesson and will  have Nick help me next time. Ellie growled and bit me (just once), but it would have been so much easier with someone else applying the glue to each cap and just handing to me. 

And the final product!! I decided to give Toby the hot pink nails and Eleanor got the pink glitter!

So defeated.

So annoyed.

All in all, I'd really recommend these! They're reasonably priced, supposed to last 4-8 weeks AND the cats haven't snagged the couch anymore since I put them on!!

Date Night!

This year, Nick and I decided to celebrate Valentine's Day a day or so after the 14th...mostly to avoid crowds. Something you should know about me: I hate crowds. I get irritable and annoyed and can't handle anything until I'm where I'm supposed to be. This will make more sense in a minute. 

A couple days after we decided to hold off on any plans until the weekend, I found a deal for Medieval Times! Nick had JUST talked about how he wanted to go sometime. I'd never been either, so I figured we'd buy the deal and go! 

I don't know why I didn't realize....but the Friday after Valentine's Day is still a pretty busy day and especially at a place like Medieval Times.

These dudes were the show-openers.

Our knight is the Black and White....he was also the cutest

We got a grab bag of Valentine's Items! Two champagne glasses, two flags, a rose, a weird light up foam stick thing and...

our photo taken! (This was mid-freak out, so I'm surprised I look as happy as I do). 

I think I held it together pretty well, though. Once we got inside and seated, I was fine. Ok, I won't lie. Once I got my complimentary glass of champagne, I was fine. Once we got inside, I was able to fully relax and enjoy the show! 

Hope you had a great Valentine's too! Tell me what you ended up doing for the holiday! 

Tardis Shawl

If you're like me, you only recently heard of this site, but if you're more of an internetting-pro, I'm sure it's old news. Anyway, I recently (within the last year) started browsing reddit. Quickly, I found the Knitit subreddit and fell in love. I'm SO glad I did find it because recently there was a sign up for a Knitters vs Crocheters swap! How awesome! I immediately signed up and then became really nervous.

What if my match wants a huge blanket? What if their likes aren't that similar to mine and I'm unfamiliar with their likes?! What if they want something that's above my skill level?! What if, what if, what if!!!!!

As you can tell, I'm a crazy worrier and it's mostly all for naught. I was paired with someone who asked for a lace project (I've only ever done like two lace projects) and a Dr. Who themed item. I don't watch Dr. Who. OH NO!!!!!!

Luckily, I found Bigger on the Inside from Knitty's Spring/Summer 2012 edition!

First few rows of the lace portion

I actually just finished the shawl this evening. I still have to weave in ends and block it, but at least it's off the needles! 

Blurry Eleanor tries to get in close for a look.

By next time I'll have all the ends woven in and it'll be blocked.  I'm so excited to share the fully finished product!

Good morning!

Hello and welcome! My name is Shaye and I'm always knitting (and sometimes crocheting) and watching a whole lot of television while doing so.

I live in an apartment in Baltimore with my wonderful boyfriend Nick and our two kitties!

Toby

Eleanor

To be honest, those two will probably be a large part of this blog. Why? Because I love them and look how photogenic they are!

I'll be posting mostly about current knitting projects both for my etsy and friends/family, but with a little bit of travel, book, and tv talk thrown in. And of course cute kitty talk!

I'm so very excited to start writing about my life and experiences in general as well as discuss knitting projects! And while I know not everyone is as knitting-crazed as I am, I will be sure to incorporate other aspects of my life for everyone to enjoy!

Thank you for checking out my blog and I hope you stick around!