So, I got a lot of "ohmygodwhodied" when I said I was stepping away from the blog for a breath. Honestly, I stepped away from pretty much everything. And, no, no one died. I'm sure someone somewhere died, but I didn't know them and it wasn't the cause of the emotional upheaval. I'll be honest, I needed a break. I needed to regroup.
Anyone who really knows me (Ahem. PC?) will attest that I crave routine. I like that we watch this show on Tuesdays and I do this activity on Fridays. I like to be busy, I like to do stuff, but I like to know well in advance that I am going to do it. So, in the interest of embracing my routine-loving self, I started a new one. The gym. Yup, this chubby gal is puffing away at the local gym (under the careful eye of my trainer...more about him some other day--- Steve rocks. I *Heart* Steve's training) 5 days a week (soon to be more!). Are you ready for this??
I.lift.weights.
I know!!! I am totally amazed myself! I lift them and I don't mind it so much. I like it better than the damn elliptical. I hate the elliptical. With the fire of a thousand suns, I hate that machine. But my thighs are smaller and it's probably b/c of it, so I'll hate it,but I'll hate it while i am making it work. Combine the crazy 1/2 hour each morning "power workouts" (no stopping--- just as fast, hard, heavy as you can go for 30 minutes) with some sensible eating and you have : a slimmer more streamlined Mini. Who is realizing her body can do some amazing things.
Now, there are a few goals. 1) we are heading to Disney in October--- I want to ride the rides comfortably. 2) zip line in NH--- I need to lose a little more until I can ride it, but then, I am doing it! 3) my 10 year college reunion (!!!) is next year. I'm going and I am looking fabulous. Other things: all of the little peeps in our lives are walking--- I'd like to be able to chase them. :)
Knitting: yup, been doing that. For Chloe. She's a yet-to-appear baby and I have been knitting a little for her. I am very close friends with her mom and so, i'll be knitting for this kid until she's in college.
Some photos this weekend. My guild is having some classes this weekend email me if you are interested:
The Metrowest Knitting Guild proudly presents
A Weekend of Knitting with
Joan McGowan-Michael
of White Lies Designs
April 12-13, 2008
New Arts Center, Newton MA
9:00 am-12 noon; 1:00-4:00 pm each day
Joan McGowan-Michael has been professionally designing clothing and
knitwear for over 25 years. Her company, White Lies Designs,
specializes in unique, vintage-inspired romantic knits for a wide
range of sizes.
She has appeared on local and national television programs including
DIY network’s Knitty Gritty, Shay Pendray’s Needlework Studio and Good
Evening Sacramento. Her designs and articles have been published in
Vogue Knitting, Interweave Knits, Knitters, Cast On, and other
knitting publications. She has contributed designs to numerous books
including Stitch-N-Bitch Nation and Big Girl Knits.
Her own book, Knitting Lingerie Style, was released in the Spring of
2007 and has received excellent reviews for its uniquely elegant and
innovative design aesthetic.
Visit her website at http://www.whiteliesdesigns.com and read this
story at http://www.whoknits.com
Come for one to four of the classes
Saturday AM (9am-12 noon): Vintage Knitting
Wondering what to do with all those old knitting patterns people
insist on giving you? What's old is new again and with just a little
tweaking, knitters can use those wonderful retro styles to add vintage
flavor to their sweater wardrobe.
Bring: Size 5 needles, 1 ball of DK weight soft wool
Saturday PM (1:00-4:00): Crochet for Knits
Have no fear; if you can knit--you can also crochet!
Sometimes knits cry out for the stability , prettiness or just the
fine finishing touch of a crocheted edge. Learn how to handle a hook
and work some simple crocheted finishes that lend added depth to your
knitted garments.
Homework: With size 6 needle and smooth worsted weight yarn, cast on
30 stitches and work in stockinette st until swatch measures 5 inches.
Bind off. Make two. IMPORTANT: Please steam press your swatches to
make them as flat as possible.
Bring: Your swatches, the same worsted weight yarn, size G or H
crochet hook.
Sunday AM (9:00-12:00 noon): Whip Your Knits into Shape!
Adding designer shaping touches to your knitted garments is easy once
you know a few simple rules and how to apply them. Flatter your
figure by shaping any garment as you knit it. Darts, ease, and short
row shaping are all important elements for a custom fit. Learn which
ones to use to play up your specific body type to its best advantage.
Homework: None.
Bring: Size 7 needles, stitch markers, ball of light colored smooth
worsted weight yarn.
Sunday PM (1:00-4:00 pm) Beading for Knits
Learn how to bead embellish your own knitted garments to give them
that glamorous touch. A plain cardigan or pullover becomes a gorgeous
heirloom in a matter of a few hours! Hand beaded sweaters sell for big
$$. Learn how to duplicate this luxurious look easily for very little
money.$5 per person additional materials fee.
Homework: With plain DK weight wool and size 5 needle cast on 30 sts
and work in stockinette for 6". Bind off. Single crochet around
outside to keep swatch from curling.
Bring: 6"x 6" swatch. Scissors. Sewing thread, white and black.
General Information
Location: The New Arts Center is located in Newtonville, MA at 61
Washington Park, just off Walnut Street and very close to the Star
Market that sits over the Mass Turnpike. Directions are available at
http://www.newartcenter.org
Lunch: Lunch is at your own expense. There are several sandwich shops
within walking distance of the New Arts Center, or you can bring your
own.
Cancellation Policy: Sorry, we cannot do refunds, but LeAnne will keep
a waiting list of those wanting to participate and will pass it along,
should you not be able to attend. Then, you are responsible for
finding a replacement and working out financial details with them on
your own. We cannot manage substitutions for you. Questions? Contact
Kate Skaare : kskaare@gmail.com
Course Fees:
One Course (Non-members) $50
Two or More Courses (Non-members) $45 each
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