finally!

Hello all, I'm sad to report that the world hasn't changed from a 24 hour day, so I'm stuck juggling with all of my pursuits (knitting, running, reading, cross-stitch) and making them fit into my spare time. But, FINALLY I have managed in the midst of running and knitting to actually come out with 2 new patterns for your knitting pleasure. White Water Rapids is a v-neck cardigan in the colours of rocks and water edged with wavy lace frills and Impressions is 3 pairs of stranded socks combining colour with twisted stitches. Both were fun patterns to design and knit and I'm looking forward to wearing them very soon as we are already in September, where did the summer go??

Chilli & Lace

Well, it's been quite a time in my Needle Beetle life, recently (okay Mar. 1) I ran my very first half marathon "The Chilli-Half" (21k/13 miles) and actually finished in a "half" decent time, 2 hours 13 minutes 58 seconds. For a runner, it's all about your time, so seconds do count. I'm now in training for Run for the Toad, a 25k held at Pinehurst Conservation. It's a 12 1/2k loop of trails, hills, rocks, roots, gravel and mud. What a combo, best parts I've heard are the incredible scenery and gourmet luncheon after the race, yum.

I've decided to complement my running with weight training, and have found that my knitting time has been drastically reduced, (where do those hours go???), so bear with me while I break into my new routine and stretch the days from 24 hours to 36 hours (I can do that, right?). I do have 3 designs percolating in my brain as well as on paper, and when things have settled down, I plan to offer them. In the meantime, here's another sneak peek.

March into Spring

It's almost spring, I can't believe it, where has the time gone?! Today I finally found some time to scan some pics. Thank goodness. I've been busy running, busy knitting, busy with everything. My son is becoming quite the photographer and when I developed my last set of pics, I was pleased to see he caught me in action. Here I am coming into the finish line at the Oktoberfest Run in Waterloo last year.

And, in the second photo you can see the getup we wore for the Santa Jingle last December. What a tough run that was, such a cold chilly day. The third photo was taken at the Resolution Run, you've got it, New Year's Day. And even though I've been running non-stop, I've also been managing to find time for knitting too.

Check out the scan of one of my latest designs to be announced this year. It's knit with Briggs and Little Regal 2 ply. Love those colours together. Stay tuned for more photos and commentary. I really have been busy!