December Crochet

THE STITCHES
I learned a whole bunch of new stitches in December... Multiple stitches in one photo are labeled in the photo.*these are not new stitches, but it is a picture of several of them together
I think the pineapple pattern is part of why I started crocheting :)
Around the post, front and back

V Stitch
Mesh Stitch (unblocked, it is supposed to be squares)
Fishnet ;)
Half Doubles
Afghan / Tunisian / Idiot Stitch, side one
Afghan Stitch, side two
Monk's Cord

THE PROJECTS

If I followed a pattern, is is from the Stitch & Bitch Happy Hooker book, recommended by the amazing Carla, go buy it if you're interested in learning to crochet!

This hat has been the bane of my existance, four tries and it's still not done :( The black will not unravel, and I keep reducing the stitches too much.

Pretty hat, has the opposite problem of the pink hat - the bottom of this one grew too big, and once again, the yarn does not unravel.

Black Chenille, with ribbon, for Deb (Who is fabulous!)

Green with pink & green ribbon; smaller black chenille
Dark Teal Shell Scarf, and my first guy hat, for Dan-the-greatTeal Hat & Scarf, for Elaine-the-gorgeous (as soon as I fringe the scarf...)

Set for the cutest family ever...

For my Mom, Stepdad, Sis-in-law, nieces, and nephews. All of whom rock :)

The beautiful Carla, in her muffin hat and scarf

The adorable Gabby, dynamite in red

The front and back of the Cherry bag, a thank you for a special Cherry ;)

It's A New Year...

Five Indulgences of 2007
Indulgence #1: A week's vacation in Seattle or California, where I will visit my friends in each place and do touristy things if they appeal. Preferably during a season where the weather there is better than the weather here.

Well, not this past year, but I did move to a new house, spend three days doing touristy things in Chicago during the summer, and went to Cherry Con in Covington, Kentucky.
Indulgence #2: a 90 minute, full body massage by Carla's former masseuse. I bought a 60 minute massage there for someone else as a Christmas present, does that count?
Indulgence #3: A teacher for digital imaging. I did get an instructional DVD about developing digital photographic workflow, which helped some...
Indulgence #4: I will take time to paint this year. I painted a huge basement, then did a very intricate hand paint job in my bedroom. No, it's not "art", but it is painting. I did do some other craft projects involing painting, also.
Indulgence #5: I will adopt two cats this year.I acquired three cats when I moved, making this the only indulgence that I fulfilled without qualifications :)

So... Once again, Jenny-the-amazing has an end of the year post I feel compelled to imitate.

Lousy Things About 2007:

1. Same job :(

2. And I worked Halloween, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.

3. I did not see several of my friends, even the ones who live near by.

4. I missed Talk Like A Pirate Day AND Global Orgasm day.

5. I still am not blogging on a regular basis.

6. There is something wrong with my digital camera. Sometimes, it signals that it is in focus, but the finished picture is blurry. Also, it's very temperamental in interior light situations - more so than before. (It's never really liked candle light or house lamps, but it now hates conference rooms now, too.)

Great Things About 2007:

1. New place

Really, this one has a subset of great things- terrific roommates (both of the guys cook and clean, as well as being great people to hang out with. How lucky am I?), three cats, home office, bedroom that I love...

2. I won at NaNo, and have a book I still want to finish writing as a result.

3. Will Write for Wine!

4. Cherry Con

Again, a subset of things to love- wonderful people, amazing giveaways, nice hotel, great roommate.

5. I learned how to crochet. (Pictures of December's accomplishments forthcoming...)

Now, it's time to look ahead. Since it was so much fun, I'm doing the Indulgences for 2008, as well.

Indulgence #1: Crochet a queen size afghan for my bedroom. I have some yarn, an afghan I love that my mom promised to teach me how to duplicate the stitch on, and a newly discovered appreciation for crochet. Also, keep playing with different kinds of yarn and stitches.
Indulgence #2: Trip to California. RWA Conference, Vixen, the Drawing Club, maybe lunch with the amazing Doug, possibly some tourist activity...
Indulgence #3: Paint. I know, this is one from last year, but still very important to me.
Indulgence #4: Believe in my ability as a storyteller. Finish the first book, and start another - NaNo again, when the time comes.
Indulgence #5: Wine. Loving the Will Write for Wine podcasts, and trying new wines semi-regularly.