I attempted to knit several times over the last seven years. Anyone who tried to teach could not do it "backwards" as it was put since I'm a sinister southpaw. Recently, my best friend began knitting, self-taught no less, and encouraged me try again. I thought that youtube should surely have some videos for lefties wanting to knit. Still recently, I discovered my sister-in-law crochets and she suggested I try that since handedness is less an issue. Too impatient to wait for her to teach me, I bookmarked tons of youtube videos and five bucks later was crocheting. It was some kinda instant gratification to begin a project with one hook, one skein of yarn, and  knowing the basic chain stitch and the single crochet stitch. The chain stitch is the equivalent of "casting on" in knitting. 

My red scarf is affectionately known as the "beautiful disaster" because my stitches are too tight and it got messy on some of those turns, but I made it. I used a Susan Bates aluminum I9 hook and Red Hearts 7 oz. yarn and have a nice bit remaining.

Once i stopped practicing the chain stitch and decided to make a finished piece, I joined the Crochetville forum. I was promptly introduced to two of the best resources yet: NexStitch and Art of Crochet: Stitch Video Guide. Their high-quality videos are short, clear, and easy to follow.

I'm already in love with this craft. It's going to be another economical way to make things for my family and gift giving. And who doesn't like handmade goodies? Well, I've got some super cute apple green yarn and another hook, K10.5, which is slightly bigger than the I9. Notice the sequential lettering and numbering? Anyway, you'll just have to stay tuned to see what I attempt next.

Happy Hooking!

I did an exercise with the Mr. a week ago where we wrote down our master plans then exchanged lists with each other. A few days later, we hit a major bump in our marriage. As I reflect on my spirituality and what improvements I need to make to get over this hump, I thought more about my life goals. We both need to know where we want to go as individuals and as a couple. I've always thought myself attuned to what I wanted whereas my husband recently realized he never sits still long enough to ponder such things. I started my life list so I can not only keep track of what I accomplish but what I don't and why AND how the list evolves. 


We are all constantly evolving beings whose goals must follow suit or we may be crushed under the weight of expectations that may no longer be what is destined. 


A few of my goals are to become an advanced swimmer, finish my undergrad degree, write a homeschool curriculum, and complete a 5k marathon. You can check out the complete list here. I'll hyperlink each item to my goal completion posts. 


I can tell you that I'm actively working on my Bachelor's degree in Sociology, homeschooling my son, practicing my chain stitch, and reading breastfeeding literature.


Do you have a life list? What items are you actively pursuing?


Happy living!