Cheeky Little Monkey pattern in the Winter Knitcircus

I've been a really bad blogger but mostly because life has blindsided me for the last few months. Long story short, I lost my job in July, Thing 1 was hospitalized (he's fine now) in August and my dearest Grandmother passed away in September. Major suckitude to put it mildly.

However, the fog is starting to lift (at least I hope it is) and some good news came my way today. A couple of my patterns were published in the Winter issue of Knitcircus that went live this morning. I introduce to you the Cheeky Binky Ball and the Woobie blanket.

I'm thrilled to be a part of this beautiful Knitcircus issue. They truly were a top notch organization to work with. To celebrate this issue going live, I'm giving away a Winter Knitcircus pattern collection to one of my blog readers. To enter, please take a look at the Winter Knitcircus issue and in the comments, let me know which of the lovely patterns (other than the Binky balls and Woobie) that you might consider knitting. I will choose the winner at 10 am EST on Saturday, November 13th.

ETA - Congratulations, Kris M. you won the Winter Issue of KnitCircus prize!

And if you can't get enough of the Cheeky Little Monkeys, stop by my Etsy shop to buy an original handknit/felted Cheeky.

Long time gone

*Singing the Dixie Chicks song Long Time Gone*

Yes, I've been away from the blog. I'm not entirely sure anyone read it anymore or has really missed me so I have mixed emotions about blogging. I get real time feedback from peeps on Twitter and sometimes on the Ravelry forums but not much feedback on the blog. I don't need tons of comments but it is nice to know if its read or even missed. Lack of comments = not missed in my book and therefore, I haven't posted.

Anyhoo, I've been busy with the now 6 month old puppy. Her name is Twinkle and she's tons of fun, laid back and crazy all in one.



King Thing is (finally) on a weightloss adventure and has been very successful. Thing 1 is driving, has a job, a very lovely girlfriend and will be a senior next year...



Thing 2 had an amazing 1st year in public school and is getting ready for high school next year. Eeep! Beach season is upon us this weekend after a very long and trying winter. We took our first cruise with Royal Carribean to Cozumel and Belize in April. What a blast! No one got sea sick and we're dying to go again. I'm still knitting and spinning and have my job.



I really miss my real life spinning and knitting friends but it seems like life has been crazy for everyone. Hopefully, I'll be able to connect with many of you this summer. If you want to keep up with me, I'm on Twitter (theindigomuse) and would love to visit with you there too. Don't be a stranger. Stop by and say "Hi".

Raise your hand if you're tired of snow...

Um, yeah, I'm over all of the snow we've gotten. Its pretty to look at but its keeping The Things home from schooll WAY too much and they've lost almost all of their school vacations leading up to Spring Break. (((sigh))) Either way, Spring is closer than it ever was before and I'm going to keep my eyes on the prize - warmer weather!

So, to keep myself from going stir crazy, I've been knitting, spinning and nesting for the new baby. Here's what's been happening round these parts...

Southern Cross Fiber Cashmere/Merino spun sportweight on my Majacraft Little Gem...



A new design - Felted Kawaii Strawberry Hottie (hotwater bottle) Cozy. Pattern coming soon...



Look Maw, I'm knitting lace. LACE!!! Traveling Woman shawlette



Cedar Leaf Shawl. A birthday gift for a dear friend...



A Cheeky Little Monkey making snow angels...



Speaking of Cheekies, as part of the Help for Haiti campaign that Ravelry launched, I'm donating 50% of gross proceeds from my patterns sales to Haitian relief efforts through February 15th. AND King Thing's company is going to match our gift dollar for dollar.

I've began offering two of my online knitting workshops as "on-demand". That means that they'll be available anytime instead of having to wait for a workshop to start on a particular date. You simply register with your payment through Paypal and within 24 hours, you will be sent the login link to the workshop website. For more information, visit the site at http://theindigomuse.ning.com

That's it for now. Hopefully, I'll have new puppy pictures next week if the weather cooperates. Can't. Wait!

New addition to our family in February

First of all, I'm not pregnant. 40 and pregnant would not be funny especially when the boys are this close to graduating and starting their own lives. That would NOT be funny at all.

Instead, we're adding a sweet little fluffybutt to our family in February. Another Corgi girl...



We're pretty excited and can't wait to hear barking round these parts again. Its been a little over two years since sweet Mavis left us and we're finally ready for another furry friend. The countdown has begun.

BTW, local peeps: Anyone use a vet in Salem? Not sure I can go back Mavis' vet because of the memories. Might need to suck it up though because they were/are very kind, pet loving people.

I'm still alive though I don't blog much. I don't get many comments or clicks from the blog so I'm not sure anyone reads it anymore. If you want to keep up with what I'm doing daily, look me up on Twitter - theindigomuse . If you haven't already joined Indigomuse's Fiber Workshop, stop by for a visit and register today. January's online knitting workshop offerings and registration information is on the front page.

I've done a bit of spinning, loads of knitting and a bunch of designing. Here are a few of projects that have come off the needles recently...



If you click on the pictures, you'll get more details. I'm not even going to whinge about family, reminisce about the holidays and gab about much of anything self indulgent because I'd rather the energy be positively focused on the people of Haiti. The Yarn Harlot is sending up the knit signal and calling knitters to give again. Anything you can give is appreciated. Together, we can make a difference. Kiss your loved ones and tell your friends and family you love them. Today is all we have. Tomorrow is promised to no one. (((hugs)))