This is a cute earflap hap, great for both genders and sized from newborn through adult. It is available on Raverly for $1.99 including cottage licence to knit this for yourself or others.

Lots of new patterns now available. Click the pictures to be taken to the patterns Raverly page.

Be Kind

Be Loving

Be Peaceful
And lastly, my newest for sale pattern. Chloe Grace

I love knitting. I love knitting bags. And apparently I am kinda a snob when it comes to both.

I thought I would write up some of my experiences through trial and error and share them with others so that they too can find the infamous perfect bag. I am married to a techie, love gadgets, an anal type A personality and a mother to 3 homeschool kids ages 2-7- this makes finding just the right mix of style and function an on going hunt.

Here is a list of things you would find me carrying around, so you have a point a reference when it comes to my pro’s and con’s:
Namaste Wallet
Namaste Skinny Mini
Addi Lace Click set
10+ oz of worsted weight yarn and a current project
My nook, eReader
Phone
Keys
Ipod & headphones
Chapstick
Sticky Notes
Sunglasses case
and random kids things, like a diaper, wipes, books, snacks, water bottle and the like.

My gateway bag was the Namaste Zuma. I love Namaste products and most of my stash consists of their bags.
Pros: Opens really wide so I can easily find everything I need. Lots of pockets including outside pockets (a must have for phones and keys). I like the open concept on the inside, leaves room for yarn and personal items. Since I mainly use circular needles the front pockets are ideal for keeping them organized. However since I recently bought an Addi Click set this does not fit as neatly.
Cons: I carry this bag a lot when I have a small project happening, since I can’t get the bag closed with my personal items and more then 6 oz of yarn.

My second bag was the Namaste Monroe.
Pro’s: Has lots of structure, stands up on its own! Love the pattern/magazine slots, very handy in keeping things organized. The different area’s are very helpful in keeping personal and knitting separate.
Con’s: Not a great bag for larger projects as there is not enough room for extra yarn and the current project. No outside pockets for phones/keys. Deep and narrow, doesn’t always work for finding things quickly and easily.

This summer I purchased a used Namaste Malibu.
Pro’s: Very stylish, the hobo bags that all my non-crazed-knitting friends are carrying, now comes in a knitters version. Holds a ton! I could easily get sweater sized projects in this bag and carry my personal items.
Con’s: The zippered divider really messes me up. Its imply’s that there is organization in the bag, but really, it doesn’t work well. I constantly lose things inside here, and since there is no outside pockets for phones or keys, I was constantly rummaging inside trying to find the keys in a parking lot with 3 little kids in tow… not the best idea.

Next up is the Namaste Newport. Also bought used since this is a discontinued style.
Pro’s: Very comfortable straps, great shape, a bit wider then the monroe, but less structured. Middle divider holds either my Addi Clicks or my Nook.
Con’s: Doesn’t hold my personal items and sweater quantities of yarn without over flowing. No outside pockets.

Most recently I purchased a used Jordana Paige Knitter’s Satchel.
Pro’s: It has an outside pocket! Nice straps, and the inside organization is a big change from the typical Namaste format. Holds everything, including a child’s sweaters worth of yarn (-minus the kids items) and still closes. Similar to the Zuma in that it opens wide and I can see everything at a glance without any dividers.
Con’s: So far, I don’t really care for the snapping clip style closure, little too Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman style for me. I would much prefer a magnetic closure or the messenger style. So its possible that I will be saving up for a Rio Style soon. I also think its meant for people that use long straight needles as this bag is very wide but not very tall. (I will update in a future post on how I like this bag after carrying it for a while)

If you have any questions or comments feel free to share. I love to find new bags, styles and designs. Having yet to find that perfect bag that holds what I want and has the organization that I need, I am open to suggestions!

Time keeps marching on, thats for sure!

I released my first for sale pattern, My Keiki Overalls! It’s is available for $8 for the personal version or $25 for a sellers version. I have already seen a good response since its been tested and released. I am glad I stuck to my guns and didn’t compromise what I wanted to do. You can find it here… http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/my-keiki-overalls or on our HC.

In other yearly goals, I am about a week behind in my bible reading but quickly catching up. I finished another book, Max Lucado’s newest one. It was really a great quick read. “Outlive Your Life”. With all the current events going on it was really poignant. Currently I am reading “An Eye for Miracles” by Dr. Paul Risser, another fascinating book that has been put into my life for this particular season.

This week marks 14 weeks into the new year so therefor I should be 14 personal projects in and I am currently wrapping up number 12- a vest for Zack to wear for Easter. I am quickly going to catch up and actually get ahead since I have 2 Easter shrugs to knit for the girls and about 10 pairs of shorts just waiting for a spare moment to get knit up- all quick and easy projects.

I have decided to do “Relay for Life” this year. In honor of many family and friends that have recently lost their personal battles to cancer. My grandfather passed away last August from a very aggressive form of Lung Cancer and I would really like to honor his memory. I am raising funds for the American Cancer Society until June. I will also be doing a special stocking with proceeds going towards this charity.

Little behind on my biweekly check-ins.

Everything is going. Ben’s company closed Monday so he has been home this last week which has drastically changed our lives for the better. Hopefully a job will present itself soon, but for right now we are just enjoying getting to spend some time with him.
Bible reading is still right on track. I am working on my 3rd book of the year, the newest from Max Lucado that I got for my birthday when we went to the Third Day concert. Its really convicting in the area of helping others.
I am working on knit project number 7 of 52.
I have been walking with my best friend in the morning 3 days a week so that is very helpful.
Family time/Couple time has been on track as well. We are getting to go on a date on Valentines Day this year which is pretty much amazing.

Life is calling so off I go.

I am all about progress and not perfection these days. Daily moving towards the goals I have before me and the life I desire. My goals are keeping me on the path I wish to walk on this year, so far.

I am still on track with my daily Bible reading, and so far I am working on my 5th knit project for us, but I will be getting side tracked here very shortly with some custom work. Currently I am working on a very sweet sleeper for Addyson, I finished an amazing cowl for myself as well as got my hubby’s 2nd glove done (a wip from December) and 2 pairs of longies. I have finished my second book this year, “The Friday Night Knitting Club”- which was suppose to be a sweet fun read, but hit way to close to home in the last 50 pages. Family days have been derailed a couple times, but for the most part we unplug the media for a couple hours and spend time resting, reading and being together. But the whole eating well, drinking water and working out has been neglected, as I am just trying to cope with the stress of my husband losing his job in 12 days. One day, my crutch will not be chocolate, but for now, it will have to do. lol And unfortunately, insomnia has struck recently-which is why I am writing at midnight…

In great amazing and fantastic news… I am an Aunt again. My newest little niece was born today. I was able to hold her and snuggle her for a few precious moments today and of course, makes me want another baby so much more. Seems like everyone is having new snuggly babes in this season!

Well just about 2 weeks into 2011 and I wanted to keep myself accountable to the goals I have set.

So far I am perfectly on track with my bible reading!
I am doing it daily when I wake up, so another good report there.
I have missed a couple prayer sessions but have done more then missed.
Missed devotions and rest time this weekend due to a crazy busy family out of town/birthday weekend. Won’t be happening again.
Not been drinking nearly enough water. But I have been making my reliv shake every morning and working out a couple times a week. Nothing too intense yet, just some xbox kinnect games, walking with the kids, type of thing.
I was able to finish 1 book (The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman) and am 1/2 way through book number 2 the “Friday Night Knitting Club”.
My proudest moment, was working out a surprise date for my hubby this last Friday for his birthday. Snuck away without the kids to a pizzeria with amazing food and then off to the Gathering.
I am behind on my 52n52, had to finish up 3 customs first, but those are all done and I have a beautiful pair of longies on the needles for Addy right now. Plan on whipping through this and getting her a hoody, another pair of longies and a dress done in the next 2 weeks.

I had an amazing epiphany today. I just finished re-reading “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman as 1 of my 11 in 2011. I have been trying to figure out what my children’s languages are as they are getting older and their personalities are emerging.
My oldest-Zackary-pretty apparent that his is words of affirmation, the kid lights up like a Christmas Tree whenever he is given a complement and is constantly tell me what a great Mom I am or that I make the best food ever. lol

My Epiphany came with Katarina, my almost 4 year old daughter. I thought hers might be act’s of service since she likes to do things with me, but whenever I ask her to do something for me she immediately throws up her hands and gives me attitude “Mom, I can’t do all this work!”. So then I was thinking it was receiving gifts because she loves to go shopping and is constantly asking me to take her shopping. But when I was re-reading the book, it said those that have receiving gifts as a primary love language usually keep everything very neat and special like- does not describe Kat at all. But then it dawned on me. She has been acting up since my son started first grade (we homeschool) and I have been spending tons of one on one time with him. Add in that Addyson still needs a lot of my time and attention focused on her just because she is 16 months old. Her love language is just simply Quality Time. She is jealous of the time I spend with her siblings. She wants to do things with me just to spend time with me, and of course the shopping is something that I only do with her since Zack hates shopping and Addy is still too little. It also explains why she is fabulous and attitude free when its just her and one adult and why she gets soooo whiny when I am working or asking her to do something herself. She hasn’t ever liked to be alone and so suddenly it has clicked in my mommy brain and now I know how to fill up her little love tank!

Twenty-Ten was a really hard year for me. I felt like I was just treading water and losing people right and left. 2011 is going to be better, with more victories then losses.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our Godto comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:1-3

‎”But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD. I will wait for the God of my salvation My God will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy Though I fall I will rise. Though I dwell in darkness, the LORD is a light for me.” Micah 7:7-8

‎”He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you. But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8

Some of my personal goals for the new year…

Spiritually
Read my Bible, again, cover to cover in 2011
more specifically, create a quiet time to do so every single day-make it a habit
pray everyday at 3pm
weekly devotions with my husband
Sabbath Rest. Weekly shutting down the things of this world in order to rejuvenate our spirit, as a family.

Physically:
Drink 64 oz of water daily
Take my vitamins
Work out 5 days a week
Lose 25 lbs

Mentally:
Read! I have stopped reading almost all together and I use to eat books for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Start small: read 11 books (non-children types. for pleasure) in 2011.
Knit! 52 projects in 52 weeks for us! I knit over 100 projects since March of 2010, but very few were for me and my family.
Teach! Zack will complete 1st grade and remember teaching him daily is one of the very most important tasks (even on the horrible, no good, very bad days). Guide our Thrivers to a deeper relationship with Christ. Keep up with my knitting class/group-accountability and fun!
Prioritize! Spend more time with my family doing things we love and less time wasting away time on the internet and other useless distractions.
Weekly Family Game Night and Monthly Date Night

I find I have been spending entirely too much time and energy on things that don’t really matter to me. So overall my goal is to find out this year what is important and to return to those things, which means other things may go to the wayside. Even good and important things may not really be good if they are keeping me from my calling.

Welcome 2011, I have been waiting for you.

I adore fall. The colors on the trees are just glorious and the weather turns a little chilly. Time for baking and snuggling under blankets with my knitting. It’s a time to be thankful for what you have been given and a time to reflect on the previous year. Personally, this year has had so many blessings and so much sadness. The Lord has provided me with support and encouragement through the loss of my loved ones. He is currently giving Ben time to find a job while his current company shuts down. We have come so far and been brought through so many things to waver in our faith now.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”

So in this season, I have much to be thankful for and to give praise to the Creator of the universe for He alone is good.