My Geeky Love of Project Planning

My Geek Confession

Yes, I am such a geek when it comes to being organized and planning! My daughter makes fun of me when I get excited about a spreadsheet or accounting program. What can I say? I'm a geek!!

So speaking of My Geeky Love of Project Planning, I found a gorgeous and I mean gorgeous tote bag pattern on Ravelry just the other day. I of course saved it into my Library, but I couldn't just leave it in there. I kept looking at it and pulling up everyone's project info. I really do not have the time or yarn to do the project right now. I have way too many other projects that I need to conquer and complete, but there isn't anything wrong with "planning the project", right?

The project is The Enchanted Garden Tote by Courtney Laube. Now this isn't just some ordinary tote it is definitely Enchanted!! You have to use 3 different patterns to complete this tote. Yes, you read correctly, 3 different patterns! It will be a challenge. I will have to only have this pattern on my docket when it comes time to begin.

Picture courtesy of AFwifeCrochetNut 

Picture courtesy of AFwifeCrochetNut

Now isn't that just a beautiful project!! I have printed all of the patterns, which came to over 100 pages. I placed them in a 3 hole folder with tabs. I have highlighted areas that I need to keep an eye on when I begin the project such as when to switch from pattern to pattern. Yes, you have to work with all 3 patterns at the same time. Like, you might need to use pattern 1 for rows 1 - 7 and then pattern 3 for rows 9-13 then back to pattern 1 for rows 14 - 16 and then pattern 2 for rows 17 - 21 and so forth and so forth. So I am definitely reading this complete project prior to beginning it.

I have actually set up its own board in my Pinterest account. I am looking at different color schemes and pinning other completed projects to this board. I just love the looks of this project and if the first one turns out great then I will make more as Christmas presents to a few of my sweet family members (only the sweet ones though)!

That is my Geek Confession for this week. Everyone have a great rest of the week!!

Cheers,

Winnie

Progress Report & New Queued Projects

Hello everyone!! We have had a very warm week here in the Wasatch Mountains. At least most of all the snow over my eaves have melted. I was starting to worry about the ice slab over my kitchen windows. We are expecting snow next week so yay!! It is a busy week in our town due to President's Week or Winter Break. Lots of people in town!! I think we have had maybe one week of little to no tourists here and luckily that was the week my son was visiting. It is what it is when you live in a resort town. I wouldn't change where I live for anything.

Just a quick progress report on how I am hooking along on my baby blanket. I am half way done and very pleased with how the colors are working up so lovely together.

I have also queued some new projects in my Ravelry account. My sister is going to Amsterdam next month and I wanted to make her a few items to keep her warm during her visit. She lives in Florida so really has no good beanies or scarves for wet cold weather.

A cute pairing of a cross over long double crochet stitch cowl and hat. A very well written pattern at Crochet n Crafts blog. I love finding matching items made by the same person who also writes great patterns. I plan on using a very pretty cardinal color. My sister has dark brown hair and looks great in all shades of reds.

Love this poncho by Garnstudio. The neck is actually knit so I will be using a rib crochet stitch for my neck instead. I plan on using a pretty oxford grey for both the poncho and cable twist beanie.
All patterns are free and have a link to the website or blog.

Everyone enjoy your weekend. I have a 3 day weekend, so I will be savoring every minute of it!!
I will leave you with some bright colored flowers. I have a few bulb plants on my kitchen counter absorbing all the luscious sunlight they can each day. This week my planter of daffodils bloomed and has just brighten my kitchen wonderfully.

Bright yellow daffodils with a nice hot mug of coffee to get my weekend started. Since tomorrow is Valentine's Day I thought the XOXO mug was appropriate.

Cheers,
Winnie

What's in the Project Bag?

Hello everyone! It has been unusually cold around here in the Wasatch Mountains, but this weekend it has warmed up considerably. Maybe some of the piles of snow will melt out of my courtyard.

I last wrote about working up a baby afghan for my boss. I finally received all the yarn I think I need. I had to order from 3 different websites, but finally received the colors that my boss likes. Also luckily today I received an email from Amazon showing that the Lion Brand Organic Cotton is in stock on their website as well. Bonus is that they are all available through Prime. So I might order a few more skeins just in case I need more.

So What's in the Project Bag?

I am loving the color combo! I was going to go with a ripple pattern but when I began hooking it up I just didn't like how this particular yarn looked. I decided to go with my Tried and True stitch the Linen Stitch. The bonus about this stitch is not only the stripey goodness it does, but it is a pattern that I can watch TV and hook at the same time without worrying about a missed stitch.

While waiting on the Lion Brand Natural Organic Cotton yarn to ship, I started on another project. I am using the gorgeous yarn my dear hubby gave me for Christmas. I did order another color through Craftsy. I really vibrant mustard yellow.

My camera didn't really pick up the yellow color all that well. I am working on a Spicy Diamond Blanket. It will be a long term project. This is one pattern that I cannot be distracted while working on. I came across the pattern on Pinterest and although I should have just pinned it I had to begin this project!!

This is the blanket that Kristen made up and provided such a wonderful pattern and tutorial on her website, Haak maar Raak.

I really loved that she also provided a layout template that you can print out blank. I played around with my layout and came up with the one you see in my project bin above. One thing I do love about searching for a project is the planning. 

On a different note, my son was in town this week and we were able to hang out and catch up. We enjoyed the empty slopes during the week.

He can be such a nut and always makes me laugh. But I am proud of the young man he has become.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Cheers,

Winnie