Kid's Cardigan

Finished (well, pretty much.... Need to weave in ends and pick buttons...) with the cardigan. I think it looks pretty good.

New project

I am starting another project. This time it is from Vogue Patterns (number 2064) here is the link: http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v2064-products-4262.php?page_id=311

Everything is coming along very nicely... well, except for the fact that I sewed the darts on the wrong side of the fabric, and sewed the wrong sides together. I'm going to have to tear it out. I have a feeling it will take forever. That's alright, though.. It'll look great when I'm done.

Well

The world didn't end. Hooray! The Doctor saved us, yet again!


In other news-

the world didn't end. Is it wrong that I'm mildly disappointed? Probably. But on the plus side, it means that I can do more crafting... nothing wrong with that, eh?

Also, look at what I sketched today on the ole Ipad:

New temptations

Wouldn't it be wonderful to do exactly what you wanted to do in life? How does one even begin to know what they want to do, though? I'm almost thirty and I'm still trying to figure this out... I'm well beyond the point of, "when I grow up." There is no more 'up' to grow.

Something that I've considered (for no small amount of time, mind you) is to write a blog. But, and I'm sure you've all heard this before, I have no idea where to get started. I could write a blog about my crafting. I could write a blog reviewing things (art, music, a technique, etc.). I could write a blog about how to do something... I have no idea, really... or rather, I have too many ideas.

I suppose an excellent way to do this is to note all of the blogs that I really enjoy and read on a regular basis. Most of them are DIY sorts of blogs that I return to for inspiration. For example, for drafting/ sewing help (in general) I found a lovely site called http://www.ikatbag.com/ which has been a lot of fun to read and I love her projects. She has a lot of illustrations that I find to be helpful and nice to work with.

Another example: http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/ All sorts of wonderful here. SO MANY PROJECTS!!! I can't even begin to try them all (which might be a goal in and of itself.) A lot of trendy things to try, but a lot of practical things as well...

One of my favorites is a long-term goal sort of thing: http://zerowastehome.blogspot.com/ A lot of fantastic recommendations for simplified, eco-friendly living. Something I think we can all get behind. I wish that I had the sort of dedication and drive to do /every/ single thing that she does. It's inspirational and difficult (or so I imagine).

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ is a site that I just recently discovered. There are links to EVERYTHING.

Perhaps at the very least, I can write a blog about art projects and new discoveries. Perhaps, next year, I can try to do some sort of art project a day. Even a small one.

For now, I leave you with a coffee cup that I want to either buy or make myself (as soon as I figure out the technique...)

Commissioned

to knit! Fantastic! Granted, it's someone that I know and it's a quick little project, but it's still nice to have been hired to do something that I love to do... (oh, is that what it feels like? Feels great... just so you know.)

So, I'm making a kid's cardigan for my friend's friend's daughter. First time that I've made something for a kid... and I'm hoping that I'm doing it correctly. It looks pretty good so far. The pattern is a top-down raglan (which is very easy to knit.) The yarn is Plymouth Encore Worsted. It's a blue/green mix. An acrylic/ wool blend. It's not what I would have chosen, but I didn't, so it is. ^_^

It's not entirely disagreable to work with, but I did have a devil of a time trying to get it to pull from the center correctly. When it gets knotted, it is not terribly amusing to try to fix.

I've almost finished the body of the cardigan. I'll need to pick up stitches for the button band and I still need to work the sleeves. I've decided to knit them in the round as opposed to flat (so much simpler in the round).

Edit: here is a picture. Yes, it is horrible (having been taken by the ipad), but it is a picture!

Huzzah!

I am finished with my coat! It looks great. I would post pictures of it, but the lighting is terrible and it is night. Tomorrow is another day, however. ^_^ I'm quite pleased with how it turned out and feel like I'm getting much better at this sewing thing. Now, it's just a matter of practicing more and more and getting bolder in what I want to try to do.

One step closer

to finishing my coat. I hate sewing buttons. and I still have 14 left... blech. Other than that, everything is going swimmingly. All of the buttonholes, though, are complete. Tomorrow will be the day to finish, methinks.... and then, pictures!!

Buttons were purchased at the Button Emporium (downtown Portland)- they have absolutely /every/ kind of button you could possibly hope for. http://www.buttonemporium.com/ is the website. Check it out. They only seem to have a small sampling online of all the buttons in store, but it was pretty impressive.

The owner was very nice and helped me pick out buttons. It was one of those nice moments, where the customer wasn't smothered with unwanted help, but was helped only when I asked for it. Always a bonus.

So close!

Getting closer to finishing my coat! It looks pretty amazing (pictures will be forthcoming) and I'm quite pleased with my color choices and my growing skills as a seamstress. The next step will be trying to develop my own pattern. What I would like to do is create an Avenger-themed wardrobe.. probably with an emphasis on Black Widow, Hawkeye, and (of course Loki) because those are the most similar to my color palettes anyway.

Also, I did some painting throughout the week. It was so nice to be able to do something like that again. It's been a while. I'm most pleased with my Raven painting. Unfortunately, you can't really see all of the brush strokes or variation in color...

Winter coat

So, here are some pictures of the coat that I am sewing. The photos do not do the wool justice at all (and I am not that great of a photographer), but you can get a sense of how it's coming along. It's been a lot of fun so far, but also quite challenging because of the multiple layers of wool that need to be sewn through. 

But, this definitely has been a confidence-builder and has taught me a couple of useful tricks and an understanding of how wool needs to be  worked... 

For anyone that cares

Okay, so you remember how I was working on my Catwoman costume? Well, I found a website that specializes in creating comic-book props and such.. The work looks pretty nice and there is a facebook page to go with it. This site is called http://www.comic-props.com/

If any of you are even tempted to buy something from this website, my recommendation is DON'T!!!

I ordered a pair of the Catwoman goggles back in September (early September, at that...) and I've still yet to recieve them. The man that owns the store hasn't not been very helpful in making sure that I've recieved my item (obviously) and has been almost possible to contact. I've tried calling, texting, emailing, facebook-messaging... the whole nine yards, just short of going to Texas (where he's located) and physically picking up my stuff.

As far as I can tell, this website is a huge scam! I've been on a couple of cosplaying websites (you know, after I'd made the purchase... because I'm an idiot) and have seen that a few people have actually received their stuff, but there is an overwhelming number of people that haven't.

I've been pretty chill with regards to this nonsense... chalked up not recieving the goggles in time for Halloween as being a particularly busy time of the year... it happens, and I adapted... but almost 3 MONTHS from the time I ordered the damn thing? This is ridiculous!! I've also requested a refund (duh) and haven't heard anything from him. How do you deal with this bullshit? because I sure would like to know...

Don't buy things from these people... the odds are that you'll just be losing money and you'll never see the thing that you ordered.

Time to work

Starting construction of my coat today. All the pieces are cut out and ready to go. I've just got to figure out the stitch length that I need to work at. Apparently, if I use too short of a stitch length, I run the risk of cutting through the fabric. Luckily, I've got plenty of extra fabric to use. ^_^

Tonight, I get to go to a special Star Trek thing at the cinema today. I can't wait: "Measure of a Man" and "Q"!

Cutting

Started to cut into the wool yesterday. It is a lot more difficult than I suspected.. perhaps my scissors need to be sharpened (this is definitely a possibility). But, it's coming along nicely. I only cut out three pieces. Tomorrow is going to be a good day to work on stuff.

The wool is so beautiful! It's a peacock blue/ turquoise color that is absolutely stunning.

Happy Turkey Day

Today, of course, is Thanksgiving. I'm still trying to get some of my projects done. No new artwork (unless you count the Green Arrow drawing that I did for work.) I don't remember if I'd written about it or not, but I did end up finishing my sweater... you know, that one made out of the absolutely gorgeous Madelinetosh vintage... I love this sweater. I want to wear it all the time because it is warm and soft and perfect. Maybe not perfect, but pretty close. I'm hoping that I'll get a couple of pictures of it today (as I'm wearing it to my family's house, the odds are good that I'll have at least one picture)...

Other than that, I managed to get a bit of my coat started. That is to say that S. helped me to make adjustments to the pattern so that it would fit my freakishly long body, broad shoulders, and relatively narrow waist. I learned how to lengthen a pattern using waxed paper... and how to change the generic pattern markings to better fit in the places that it should. I can't wait to actually cut into the wool... Don't get me wrong, the very /idea/ of cutting into that exsquisite fabric is exhilirating and frightening. So beautiful and expensive.

I'm sure it will be fine.. I've read on numerous other blogs that wool is a relatively forgiving fabric. I hope that is the case.

Early start for the New Year?

Time to start brainstorming some goals for the upcoming year (and possibly for the end of this one):

-more artwork. I've been told that I have some talent- perhaps I can start actually using it to earn some money.
-finish comic book pages. It's disappointing how little I've done and I'd like to remedy that.
- more sewing. I'd like to be able to make a perfect shirt for myself... perhaps even draft some of my own patterns (probably start simple with some sweaters or something...)
- finish my knitting that's been sitting on my needles for what seems like forever... (Central Park Hoodie Jacket- so close, yet so far away!!!)
-bust through some of my stashed yarn and fabric (that way I can get more... bwahahaa!)

sounds like a good start... hopefully this weekend, I will be able to start work on my winter coat project.. :D

Yule-tide presents

Went for a long walk today and went to Joann's fabric. They had a sale on cotton flannel. I stocked up and bought a total of 5 yards for, like 9 dollars. A pretty sweet deal. I'm going to be making some reusable kitchen towels (essentially to replace paper towels.) I'm pretty excited about doing this and ended up getting some terry cloth as well. I think it will turn out well... and the best part is that it's a useful present that is cheap and easy to make. Win!

Halloween and projects

Halloween was a lot of fun! The costume turned out great! I'll post a picture (yay!) I'm so pleased with how the cowl turned out. I used craft foam to keep the shape of the ears.

Other projects:

I've been making a bunch of scarves out of the remnants of my fabric stash. That's been a lot of fun. I think what I'll be doing next is creating a quilt out of the rest of the scraps.

Yesterday, I made a sloper for my winter coat (I'm so glad that I did because it gives me an /excellent/ idea of what I will need to adjust in the pattern... and I'll be able to use the modified pieces as pattern pieces instead!!) This will be great! The size twelve is comically large on me and this will be a nice way to get better acquainted with pattern modification. I need to make a dress form for myself to make this process easier.

That will be the next project. :)

Picture of my costume's cowl

so, here is the project that I've been working on.. I'm going to have to say that I'm pretty pleased with the overall look of it so far (this being my first project where I've essentially created each piece from scratch...) and just have to figure out the dimensions for the ears, how to make them stand up straight (I'm thinking either wire or attempting to use a heavy interfacing), and how to attach them to the cowl.

Cat in the Hat... so to speak

One of my latest projects has been for Halloween- by far my favorite holiday... ever.

This year (and for potential cons of the future), I decided to go as Catwoman. Not just any Catwoman, though... specifically the Catwoman from the Hush Batman series (you know, the one drawn by Jim Lee...) It's got a lot of my favorite things: goggles, bullwhip, catsuit, boots, gloves, and a fantastic hat.

Well, I didn't want to do the main body of the work (that's to say the catsuit...) and a couple of lovely ladies from work (who have their own Etsy store- Dubard... check it out) did that for me.

They also crafted a hat for me... I decided that it wasn't quite accurate enough. As such, I took out all of the seams, got some extra material, and plan on adding a middle panel (I believe that this will allow it to lie flatter on my head and that it will be more comfortable in general.) In addition, I will be adding a larger band around the bottom of the hat (to encircle my neck). I will hand sew the ears onto the hat... probably making them have dimension by forming them around wire.

Hopefully this will turn out the way I want it. The fabric is fairly specific and I don't relish the idea of having a mismatched outfit.

New Fabric

So, I'm going to be buying some new fabric today for my coat project. It's going to be a rich turquoise color of melton coating wool. Two words: "Absolutely" and "gorgeous".

my projects

just an update:

working on several projects at the moment. I've got a knitting, sewing, and art project going on.

Knitting: out of Madelinetosh Vintage, I am making the Agnes pullover. Almost done. I just need to set in the sleeves and knit up the neck... I've been procrastinating, but now that the weather is changing, I'm beginning to feel more motivated. Also, I'm still working on my Central Park Hoodie jacket. It's lookin' pretty amazing... however, the going is slow- so many stitches to keep track of!!!


Sewing: Started getting the materials for a new winter coat (as my black one is looking pretty shabby at the moment). Very slow going because it is incredibly expensive- quality wool coating is not cheap, my friends. Planning on a peacock blue coat with either a deep purple, black, or gun-metal grey lining. Black contrast stitching.... as per the usual. I finished my great tunic and my black obi belt. They turned out pretty well, but I learned an important thing- I do not like mandarin collars... they look horrible on me... so, the goal will be to put on nice tall, folded over collars on all future shirts.

Art project: A while ago, I painted a Medusa for my friend, D. He'd never seen my painting and I'd decided to fix that. It turned out pretty well. Today, I've been working on a new refereeing poster as the old one had mistakes and I wanted to update my style. So far, so good...

In addition to the Medusa, I'm working on another refereeing comic strip for the club. I made a lot of progress today... I would say about halfway done (most of the ink work has been done, just a few more panels to sketch, ink, and add text to and it will be complete.) 

eventually I may post some pictures on this blog...

back to work..

^_^

Checking back

Just took a look at my goals for the New Year. I'm actually pretty surprised by how well I've been doing. I actually managed to check off most of the items of my list. The only thing that I really need to get to is finishing up the comic book pages.

I'd like to try and figure out what I want to do with my life. I feel very dissatisfied with the way that my professional life is at the moment. My social life could use some improvement as well, but I'm happy to say that I'm still quite pleased with my married life and I've got a pretty active recreational aspect as well (crafting, reading, etc.)

I've been getting more and more into yoga and feel that I'm been strengthening myself both physically and mentally. Although, I believe I've become dumber since I've not been studying as much.

New goals:

- Keep developing my craft skills (I've almost finished a pretty nice linen blouse- just need to add buttons... photos will be added when it's done. I even used some fancy couture techniques...)
- Review some of my college textbooks and complete some of the exercises. It'd be great to keep practicing my french.
- Continue work on my comic book pages. I /really/ need to catch up with my writer.
- Figure out how I can market my skills and become self-employed (and make enough money that I can go part-time or 3/4 time at work.)

Knitting wise, I've not been doing too much. I've started another Central Park Hoodie (CPH) that is more a jacket than anything else. I need to invest in a ball-winder and swift so that I can wind my yarn into cakes, but they are just so damned expensive.

It's been a while

Here I am again. I am no good at this blogging thing. I've been so busy with work and various other projects that I just haven't had the time to do this. I've recently started to do more sewing and a bit of knitting (still slowly plugging away at the coat project).

I've not been very happy at work recently. I've come to the conclusion that I'm just not meant to do this sort of work... and, having giving it some serious thought, I've decided that I would be happiest being self-employed. I'd love to be able to market my crafting. I'm going to keep working on my knitting, of course, but I'm also going to develop/ hone my sewing as well.

I've had a couple of successful projects (which is encouraging) and I've learned a lot of the tricks. I ordered a new sewing book geared towards haute couture (certainly not getting into high fashion, but the idea of personalized, sewn garments appeals to me greatly.)

The next step will be to figure out how to market myself. I look forward to the creation of my own wardrobe, but I really can't wait to try to make things for another person- probably will start with the handsome lad. It'll be pretty cool because I'll be able to make designs, knits, etc. and incorporate them into my work.

Rededication

I worked at Virginia Beach this last week as an armorer. I helped setup the venue, ensure the safe, smooth running of the competition, and tore down the venue. It doesn't sound like much, but it was a lot of hard work and involved around 12 hour days.

It was one of the best experiences I've had in a long while. As such, I would like to continue to develop as an armorer and build a more refined skill set. This will involve studying the materials section of the FIE regulations, practicing what I know in a dynamic environment (going into the club), and being hired more often.

I'm glad that I'll be obligated to go into the club because I would like to try to start fencing again. I know that I wasn't feeling particularly enthusiastic about it, but it just feels like I should try for the 2016 games.

Fencing is such a difficult subject for me. "It's complicated" hardly begins to describe how I feel about it.

We'll see how this is going to go and how long I can stay focused. It's been a long time since I've felt the desire to fence.

Finished Gemini

The title says it all... I really need to get pictures up.. le sigh...

Quadrennials

Olympic selection years always depress me. I listen to who made the team and I feel like dieing a little. It's probably for the best, though. I feel like I am useless. I deserve to be working in a grocery store- I can't make any of my dreams happen. No matter how hard you work, it really comes down to whether or not you have the guts to actually reach out and take what you want. I didn't.

I'm scared to go back and really start fencing again. I remember all the frustration and anger that I felt. I remember how terrible I felt after a competition. Most of all I remember how terrible of a person I could be. I don't want to lose myself like that.

I don't know how I should feel. I know that I feel like I've wasted time. That people were right about me- it /was/ a huge waste of time to teach me how to fence... especially knowing now that I'd just quit and whine about how "good" I used to be.

I'm afraid of failure... failing again, at any rate.


Olympic selection years always depress me...

Finished my first sewn project

I finished my first project. A simple tote bag with some pockets. It turned out reasonably well. I'm glad that I'll get better at this sewing thing, though. Just need to practice. There were only a couple of flubs... and I didn't tie in very many ends. That will definitely be something to fix for the next project... ^_^

I'm thinking a simple sweatshirt or a t-shirt... something squarish and simple... that will be the best way to practice.

Also, I've been keeping up with my knitting. I'm about halfway done with Gemini. It's looking great- I am still concerned about if I have enough yarn, though. Three skeins left of the Lepur linen. It's a delight to work with, but it's frustrating having only 126 yards to work with.

I feel really good about the fact that I've been doing so well on my projects. I can't wait to learn more things about sewing and to start making some of my wardrobe (in any case, to supplement the items that I've knitted.)

Learning new tricks

I recently invested in a sewing machine... I would like to become an all around crafted and believe that it would be a lot of fun to make my own clothes, bags, accessories, etc... Between the knitting and this sewing business, I think I will be pretty well set. I would really like to start a business, but can't seem to get a cohesive idea. I'd like it to involve my block prints, my knitting, and my new sewing venture. The trick will be to find the time to create back stock. In any case, wish me luck. On a separate note: I /finally/ finished my Delphine top!!! It looks amazing. Pictures will hopefully be posted tomorrow.

Looking back

It's always interesting to go back and look at things that I have written in my other blog. There were definitely a lot of fun adventures had and a lot of wonderful photos taken. It's a pity that I had to abandon it. I suppose that's inaccurate... I didn't /have/ to abandon it, but I did indeed choose to. Inevitably, we can't choose our readership (not that anyone actually reads my stupid thoughts anyway), but it is made really difficult to want to write when we know that our families are reading... especially if they are assholes.

That's the way of it.

But, now I have this blog and while my writing will be far more banal and boring (and, alas, fewer pictures- because, really, who cares about my knitting or other artistic ventures?) I will try to keep the writing fresh and fun.

To start, I managed to find a pair of new work shoes that I am very pleased with. Dr. Marten's are not only stylish, but practical and comfortable. Tomorrow will be a great day to break them in. I wish that I had've been able to find a tall pair of boots, but they were so damned difficult to get on (way more effort than I was willing to make for work boots, in any case.) I ended up getting a pair with a zip on the side but short boots (like ankle boots, I guess).

Et voila! That's the end for this entry. More retrospective/ introspective writing to come...

Finishing projects

Today was so gorgeous that I had to go for a walk. Inevitably, that ended up at the LYS. It moved to a new location and it is AMAZING! I think it has the potential to become one of my favorite spots on earth. There was a staff member there who was incredibly helpful and gave me a lot of great suggestions.

Since I saw so many FANTASTIC fibers today, I made it a point to finish some of my projects that have been on my needles for quite some time. I finished two today. "Citron" and my "Knotty" gloves. Tomorrow, I hope to pick back on the "Delphine" project that I've been working on for ever. I'm a bit nervous because I haven't worked on it in quite some time, so I'm not really sure which direction I need to be working back from. It'll take a bit of brain-work, but I think I'll manage. I've only got a couple more projects to finish.

Also, since I've got a reasonable amount of scraps, I'm going to try to knit some amigurumi from Hansi Singh's wonderful book, "Amigurumi Knits". The colors won't be quite right, but it'll burn through some of the yarn I've got left over. I love this book. There are a lot of clever designs and it definitely has been giving me some inspiration. At the very least, I am going to change the some of the designs.

Upcoming projects:
- Satine (floaty tunic). I plan on knitting this up in Knitpicks Aloft. I am determined to finish a mohair project. I have a feeling that I will go insane.

- Gemini: I want to use Lenpur linen (rowan), but it is a bit expensive. It would be ideal to have four skeins of either the Jungle, Lagoon, or Incense colorway... preferably the Jungle.

So that's what's new for me... I will be getting some pictures up (hopefully in the near future).

A citrus sort of day

Yesterday I began Citron. A free pattern found on knitty.com... I love this website for all of the great patterns. It's very inspiring. I've decided that it would be best to try my hand at designing a knitting pattern of my own and try to share with others and/or sell. I've been thinking about trying to sell some of my artwork at work. I've got a couple of block prints that I believe would work really well on a tote bag. Not only art, but practical, too! The best of both worlds. I was inspired by a tote bag that I found at Powell's books. It was a crappy tote bag (being flimsy and probably easy to tear) and was way too expensive. It would be nice to have a heavy duty bag with a super cool block print on it. That would also give me an opportunity to create more prints.

Progress has been made on the comic- I'm pretty pleased with it so far. The trouble is staying motivated enough to continue. It shall be an uphill battle, but I think it's going to be worth it. ^_^

Blood donation

So, I've been trying to donate blood for a while now... Nothing wrong with my blood, but the last couple of times I've been stabbed in the arm too much for comfort. Today, however, went well. Tomorrow, I am going to reward myself by going to the Body Worlds exhibit and stare and marvel at plasticized dead people. It should be a lot of fun ^_^.

Knitting wise- I've finished one of the mittens from the seasons kit (Knitpicks kit that I received for christmas.) It was a super easy and super fast knit. Also, it was my first experience with that specific kind of thumb gusset. That was pretty tricky (especially with the color stranding and it was difficult to keep track of all the stitches... you get the hang of it pretty quickly, but it's that initial two rows or so that are really frustrating.) Future endeavors include knitting the other mitten and the rest of the kit's mittens, Satine (floaty tunic), and finishing my Delphine that has been on my needles for what seems like FOREVER! I need to figure out where I left it (and, consequently, that I should be taking more notes!!), and pick back the neckline so that I can make it longer. In addition, I may change the neckline because I am not particularly happy with the way that it fits. It's finally large enough to get around me comfortably, but the neckline is still a bit too low and loose (the looseness will probably be dealt with when I add the ribbon...)

Other creative projects: tonight is also going to be a comic night. Gonna get some pages turned out and finished (hopefully) and I might begin knitting some more hats, mitts, gloves, etc... with yarn that I have left over from other projects... possibly to sell at work... or not at work. I think that I could do well with my knitting skills. It'll be nice to get through some of my leftover yarn, too.

An update

So, I haven't had much time to make any posts, but it has been a wonderfully successful debut to the new year. Got a more permanent position at the grocery store (it's been very fun- my coworkers are amazing!!)

In addition, did well at a recent competition. tied for third- it was great!

more later

Finally some photos

Here are some photos of the projects that I've been working on (only two, though- and they are finished projects...)

In the background you can see another project waiting to be knit. It is my third attempt to make the Delphine tank. Third time is a charm, I suppose...

Okay, so I may have stretched the truth...

I will be documenting the goals that I have for this year. It'll be easier to be able to check them off the list this way, I suppose. ^_^

- Go to a NAC (this is a given, as I'm somewhat obligated to do so this month...)
- Knit more (tricky given the fact that I don't have very much free time anymore...)
- Get a full-time job (hopefully at New Seasons or, even better, doing translation work...)
- Continue conquering my mental demons and get stronger (physically and mentally)
- Improve the greenery of the club (and I'm talking about environmental solutions, not shrubbery..)
- Finish comic book pages- catch up to my writer... (today was actually a big step because I was working on art projects that I should've finished ages ago...)


I'm sure that I'll have more, but this is a good start. Small, manageable goals that should be still challenging but feasible. ^_^

A New Year

I think that the overwhelming majority of people that I've spoken with are incredibly happy that 2011 is over and done with. It seems as though it was a pretty rough year for everyone. I contend, however, that despite it's difficulties that it also felt as though it went by /very/ quickly.

Having said that, I, too, am glad that 2011 is over. I am ready for a new, shiny year and all of the challenges that it will have. I get to compete this month (probably not ready, but it'll be fun anyway..) and I am effectively changing my original career path... I like the hard work involved with what I am currently doing, but also enjoy the interaction with my coworkers and (sometimes) the customers...

I could list all of the things that I want to accomplish in 2012- my resolutions, as it were, but I think that it is wholly unnecessary to do so. My goals will stay the same as they have been: learn new things on a regular basis, try to knit more, etc.. but there are so much more.

This was such a great beginning to the new year and I couldn't have chosen better people to start it with.