Thanks for your support in my last post. I realize that my boss is just an immature jerk, and while I'm not really offended, I just dont know how much longer I can work for someone who I just dont respect.

But as the title suggests, this post is about happier things.

First up, Nursery School! This week the monkey had his first official day of real live school. We had intended to just put him in a two day a week class at the same place he was going for a "mommy and me class" (or in our case, "all mommies and one daddy class"). The teacher there convinced us that he was ready for the four day a week class, and since it's close to home and only two and half hours, we agreed. An added plus is that the husband will use that time to go to the gym, something he's been trying to fit in his schedule forever. So while in general I am

happy that he is in school learning and socializing, there is a little piece of me that is completely freaked out about it. Taking his picture on the front steps with his backpack was

completely surreal and brought me back to the times my parents did that to us. In any case, he was damn cute.

On day three the teacher told us he had to be in time out for not listening. Sigh. Let the games begin.

And of course a post about happy things has to include knitting. I finished up that shawl a few weeks ago and my brother's girlfriend seemed to love it. It looked great on her.

Pattern: Shape Shift Shawl from Interweave Crochet (Summer 2009)

Yarn: Knit Picks Gloss Lace in Celery - about three and half skeins

Mods: Added two extra buttons on each end (10)

Comments: It grew quite a bit when blocking, but I didn't mind the larger size. The drawstring idea is very cool, but you really have to tie it to make it stay. Also the button holes were too big, but you can really put the buttons through any of the holes without it looking funny. Would definitely make this again. My ravelry details here.

I also made another pair of the Mary Jane Skmimmers to match the Helena sweater I made previously.

I decided I don't love this pattern. The double soles throw the construction out of whack for me and its difficult for me to make two that look alike (or one that doesn't look slightly orthopedic). And I think the designer crochets very tightly because these come out more slipper like (flimsy) as opposed to being a real shoe as they appear in the designer's pictures.

Next up I am making my very first sweater, and for myself. I can't remember the last time I made something for myself. It's the "Hey Teach!" sweater from knitty out of Cotton Ease. I snagged this awesome magengta yarn on clearance ("azalea" colorway) and its pretty much my favoritist color in the world. Finished the back and have started the left front.

Lastly, I joined a gym. For the first time ever in my life. It's two blocks from my job, they cater to the Wall Street crowd (early mornings and late nights), its clean, bright, has tons of equipment and they were running a sale that gave me no excuse to refuse. I'm hoping I can start to fit in some exercise this way - I know that when everything else turns to shit, if you can at least feel good about yourself, you can deal with it. I'll let you know how it goes.

How was your week?

Pattern: Helena from Knitty

Yarn:  Cotton Ease in Berry; 2 skeins

Needles:  4 and 6

Mods:  This pattern calls for a dk weight yarn, but I obviously did this in worsted wieght.  Made the 12 month size - I think this is a bit bigger but its for a 9 month old who will wear this in the fall, so I think it's okay.  Made a button band instead of the ties.  Awesome, easy pattern.

Ravelry details HERE.

I'll make some matching Mary Janes in the car up to Maine, and maybe a hat...not sure yet.  And then it's on to my next project:

Shape Shifting Shawl from Interweave Crochet

Made with a tiny hook (1.75mm) and lace weight yarn!  I've never crocheted lace before so this should be interesting.  What I love about this pattern is that it has buttons along the bottom long edge so you can close up the sleeves and make it a shrug.  I think my brother's girlfriend will love it, especially in this beautiful shade of celery green.  The question is though - will I make the deadline of August 12th?  Probably not unless I do a lot of this while we're away next week - I would love to but I think my husband would kill me.  I do plan to get a chunk of this done in the very loooong car ride up and back - 10 hours!!

Well, off to the Maine woods!  Have a good week!

There is a little golf tournament going on over here (you may have heard of it) so my husband is going to spend the day there  - assuming the weather holds up.  I am doing the ultimate sacrifice by going to his parents house without him today - I hope God is watching and is tallying up these extra points I am sure to be earning.  At least I can do a little bit of shopping before I go - very exciting - the dollar store and Walmart - but two places my husband won't step foot in.

Due to the rain and the aforementioned golf on tv all day yesterday, I was able to move forward on getting my crafty mojo back.  First we went to Lowe's and purchased a cabinet so we can move our pantry from the boiler room into the garage - necessary to make room for my new space.  Went to the diner for lunch and then sat on the couch to knit for most of the day.  As the husband napped I even got to watch some of my own tv (including Dark Knight - totally didn't get the hype) which is not a common occurrence around here.  But look, I've actually managed to cross #1 off the list!

Patterns:  Tiramisu Blanket , Matching hat (my own design I made up as I went along) and Mary Jane Skimmers.  All made with peaches and cream dishcloth cotton.  As you can see I decided to nix the bib idea and made the hat instead.  I think they all came out pretty darn cute.  Those mary janes are adorable but it was very difficult for me to get guage.  My fingertips are still sore for crocheting as tightly as I could with a D hook.  Details for all will be posted on ravelry shortly.  So on to the Helena sweater, which I've already casted on for and knit a few rows.  Taking that to the in laws to see if I can get more done.  

I'm so excited to be making progress.  In searching around blogdom I've found a few other inspirational things.  Check out this awesome collage on Michelle's blog - she stole the idea and I want to do the same - is it totally me or what?? What I can't figure out is how I can avoid buying so many different papers for just a little tiny punch.  It would be great to do a collage-along or something so a bunch of people could all share or something....I'll have to think on that one a little more.  Also, please check out the newest project from Allegra - Petite Purls.  Is it so awesome - I need to add that little Jacques to my list!  

What's been inspiring you lately?