Tag Archives: knit blogger

Old Lady Status Confirmed, St. Patrick’s Weekend Edition:

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St. Patrick’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. I’m Irish, I love day-drinking, I love parades, and I love green things. With each passing year, I find myself starting earlier and ending earlier, because hey, I must work the next day and I cannot deal with the Monday fuzzies that come after a long day of raging as if I still have the stamina.

The weekend began on Friday night, casting on a new green beanie that I tasked myself to finish before Sunday’s parade. It was that moment I was reminded just how old lady I am.

Ten reasons why I feel 90:

#1: My Friday night was a rager, I spent it frogging my knit beanie because I was practicing the dandelion stitch – the struggle.

Saturday, we went skiing with some friends at Pats Peak – It was a 40-degree day and the runs were a little slushy, but it will likely be our last trip of the season, so it had to be done. I don’t typically challenge myself on the slopes, until I’ve had at least 3 beers. Guinness’ is just what I needed. Post-lunch ski run was a short one, and my last. No one was hurt, and I was quite impressed with my form as I bolted down the mountain at 30 mph – swerving every which way screaming “yikes” on my way down.

Saturday night we went out to dinner/drinks with some friends at a restaurant in the neighborhood. It was a great time, with great peeps, and it’s when my old lady tendencies really kicked in.

#2 – I made the mistake of laying down to watch Friday. The hubs had to scrape me off the couch to go to dinner. I can’t help it, I love Ice Cube.

#3 – I cannot tolerate lines or waiting in them, especially at 7pm. Luckily, we had a reservation and walking by 40+ people standing in line was so rewarding. Suckers. Reservations, always.

After dinner we scoped out a spot by the bar that would hold 14ish people – victory! I was monitoring the waves of people coming in and out, and plotted our take-over.

#4 – I was scoping out a spot to stand by the bar where people would not bump into me for at least an hour. Give me my space or SOS to you.

#5 – Bathrooms at bars these days are like a mini soap opera. Has it always been that way? I do not remember being so open with my problems to strangers. Carissa, (if you are reading this), I agree with Ashley…Jonathan really isn’t worth it. I know it was his birthday, but you shouldn’t have texted him – he’s a total jerk and you deserve better.

#6 – Every guy in that bar looked like a member of One Direction, but shorter.

#7 – Sunday, we woke up at 9am and went to brunch at a bar down the street. They opened at 10am and you better believe we were there at 9:55 to secure a seat at the bar. I’m always prompt.

#8 – The perfect seat is the one on the end (by the waitress station), where there is only one person who has the option to sit next to you – hubs. The fewer people reaching over me to order their espresso martinis, the better.

Of course, I stuffed my face with a heavy breakfast that was way too much for 10am. I was trying to get a good base that would last. I could have sat there all day sipping bloody marys, I wish I could have.

#9 – (received the bar bill) <inner monologue>: “OMG. What have we done? Was it worth it? No. I should have stayed in, I’m too poor for this. How do people do this every weekend? I could have bought 8 large pizzas, or groceries for the week. It’s okay, it’s only money, I can always make more. It’s not okay.”

Connor McGregor was in the parade and that was the ONE thing we wanted to see. That, and the people watching, which never disappoints. We didn’t see him (apparently, he didn’t do the whole parade), but we did see lots of shenanigans on the streets afterward. Jabroniville.

#10 – Before returning to our apt, I insisted that we walk through the carnage, and to appreciate the fact of “thank God that’s not me” – “oh that poor girl” “did you see that girl’s pants..did she just? Omg!” – “I hope no one gets hit by a car” – “is that guy peeing or puking?”

It’s you’re** get it together meme makers.

Some key takeaways and highlights:

  • Fire department rescued a guy off the roof. He jumped from the roof next door and couldn’t get back.
  • Always bring an extra pair of jeans for your friend – because even adults have accidents (yes, it was gross).
  • People were literally hanging of their windows and no one died, and that is what matters.

How did you spend your St. Pat’s day weekend?

~Bailey

Pasta, Bagels, Pizza, Yarn Stores, and more Pizza

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This past weekend I had a bachelorette party in NYC so naturally, I had to plan out what to see and do in my short amount of time there. Like any place I visit, my priorities are food, snacks, yarn stores and more food.  Carbs, mostly. I can’t shock my system with greens while I’m gallivanting the streets.

Bagels, pizza and pasta, is there really anything else you need in life?  Probably.  But not when you’re in NY.  My carb-o-loaded diet started Friday afternoon, with a couple cold beers to cool me down on the Amtrak.  I had to, that train was stuffy AF.

Friday evening, we indulged in some apps, homemade pasta, a bottle of wine and were in bed early because Saturday’s festivities were sure to be a 20+ hour day.  Avocado toast with fried artichokes and homemade Tagliatelle – I am still dreaming about it, Aunt Jakes, I love you.  Do you ever wish you had multiple stomachs, so you could eat more without getting full?  I think that to myself after every good meal.

Saturday we were up by 7:30am, and bolted to “Best Bagel & Coffee” by 8.  Yes, it’s considered ‘touristy” but whatever. It’s good..and we were there early enough to NOT have to wait outside in line. 

After a successful binge, we roamed the streets for a couple hours to burn some calories.  Note to self – if you REALLY want to burn out the calories, step in a pile of s**t, or look at the street curbs to see the gritty details of what was NOT thrown out properly the night before – it’ll make you puke.

We did both.  I won’t go into the graphic details, but we walked by some Indian restaurant that apparently ran out of garbage bags, so they just dumped their trash in the streets instead.  It looked like a war zone.  I don’t even know if it was food – gross.  Also, I stepped in s**t in the middle of the sidewalk, I think it was from a dog, but who knows.  I skidded my shoe for 4 blocks in search of some grass to clean my precious sneaker.  Good luck finding grass, by the way.

In the afternoon, I was on the hunt for yarn stores and ended up going to School Products Yarn (oldest yarn store in NYC), because it was the only one within walking distance that was OPEN on a Saturday.  Lion Brand was CLOSED.  How is that even possible?  Why would any store in NYC be closed on a Saturday?  Tragic.

Saturday late afternoon and into Sunday morning (4am) was focused around the Bachelorette party for a friend of mine.  Wine fests, bar hopping, comedy shows, more bar hopping, and late night pizza runs before bed – it was glorious.  You really can’t go wrong with anything you do – but you must be mentally prepped.  

Mentally preppy in my cozy black scarf

It was day-light savings time, so when 2am (3am) struck we were hurried out of the bar which was a bummer.  Luckily, the Uber driver (or whoever that guy was that gave us a ride) pulled over for us to pick up a couple of slices on the way back to the hotel.  We stuffed our faces and were passed out ~4:30am. 

We walked over 25k steps that day – THAT is why I was tired, not because It was 6 hours past my bed time, or because I started drinking at 3pm.  I’m so young (old) and vibrant (lazy) that I slept in a ‘question mark’ pose against the window for the 4-hour train ride home. 

What a trip.  I loved it and need to go back ASAP.  What is your favorite thing to do when you visit NYC?  Why are stores closed on Saturdays (Lion Brand, FAO Schwartz – I’m looking at YOU!)?

WIP on the Slopes

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For those of you who are hunkered down this week trying to keep warm and out of the -30 something temps, I feel for you (I’m looking at you, Midwest fam).  I’m mostly jealous though, because I could use a couple days to hide out (as if I don’t already do that every weekend).  Boston is always late to the winter misery.  One day it’s 50 degrees, the next day its 0.  One day we get snow, the next we get rain and it all melts away. Nothing sticks enough to be considered “inconvenient”.

This past weekend we took advantage of the snow we got a couple weeks ago and went to Pat’s Peak to go skiing.  Yes, I skied..after I said I was done for the 100th time.  I can’t escape it, I need to keep trying until I don’t suck, I’ll forever be a “work in progress” on the mountain, and I’m okay with that.  This time was different because Pat’s Peak is known to be a bit more “beginner friendly.”

Instead of bringing my skis, I rented a shorter pair, they were more suitable for my novice skills (or lack thereof).  It was just me and the hubs, so I didn’t feel guilty about holding him back.  I found my green trails and was perfectly content cruising down at a reasonable speed, with little to no risk of colliding into others.  Who knew that shorter skis would give me more control?  I knew that, actually, and I am haunted by the fact I bought skis that are WAY too big.  Wa$te.

I only fell once, and toward the end of the day my ski app tracked me going 32.5 mph, which is a little scary.  I guess I can see the hype and why people like to escape to the mountains on the weekends.  It really is a perk, and the small light at the end of the very cold, dreary, wintery tunnel.  Making the best of the horrid winters is the only way New Englanders stay semi-sane.

It was an enjoyable weekend, which was a perfect prep for this upcoming weekend, which will be borderline intolerable for me since the Pats are in the Superbowl.

I love Superbowl for the commercials, but when the Pats are in it, like they usually are – I just want to hide.  The fans are crazy, especially when they lose, and when they win.  Hopefully it works out for them on Sunday.  If it doesn’t I’ll stay home from work and hide from the outside world, for my own safety, of course.  Go Rams!

Meet the Maker – Bailey edition

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Hello friends! The other half of our blog/insta has done her meet the maker post earlier this week, so in efforts to copy her fun facts, I thought I would share a little bit about myself:

I’m Bailey and I live in Boston with the hubs – I’ve been here ~5.5 years now – Whew.  I used to live in Illinois (grew up in a small town, moved to Chicago after college and lived there for 3 years).  I have been knitting for ~3 years and have been crocheting for 2.  I taught myself to crochet on YouTube – it’s much less intimidating than knitting, in my opinion – either way, they both complete me, and keep me sane.

Few fun facts:

  • I grew up in a town of ~30k people and couldn’t wait to get out – After living the city for almost 9 years, I can now say that I appreciate the small-town lifestyle.  I wish it didn’t take me so long.
  • I read 100 books/year for 2 years in a row.  My favorite book is The Nightingale – WW2 historical fiction novels are my weakness.
  • I think Maui is the most beautiful place in the world – I still have a lot to see, but Maui will always be my favorite trip, Italy is my #2. 

Maui ❤️

  • Hygge – I strive for it every day (see below)

Hygge on point

  • If I could only bring 5 things with me on a deserted island, one of them would be Chapstick.  I cannot live without it – I’m an addict, and therefore, their perfect customer.
  • If I ever go missing in a store, I can most likely be found in the blanket section (per above pic, I can never have enough).
  • I love furniture stores and have been scoping out the perfect la-z-boy for my future woman-cave.  I want a rocking one with arm rest compartments for my knits, and snacks.
  • I once watched Shawshank Redemption on repeat for 8-hours straight because I couldn’t find the remote – and I was okay with that – I’m that lazy.
  • I used to love embroidery, sewing and cross stitch when I was younger, I need to pick that back up again.

We would love to hear more about you in the comments!

Accessory Overload?

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What is your favorite thing about starting a new hobby?  Is it the excitement of learning something knew? Exercising your mind? The self-fulfillment of overcoming challenges? It could be one or all of these things.  For me, it’s the accessories that come with starting a new hobby.

I go overboard with all my hobbies.  For example, when I first ‘learned to ski’ I remember my favorite part of the sport was buying the outfit.  The pants, coat, undershirts, cozy leggings, gloves, goggles with blacked out lenses, and of course, the helmet (who gets excited over a helmet)?  Weirdo.

It wasn’t the mountain, or the thought of scaling down it with grace and ease…it was the accessories.  All those outfits and ski gear that once pumped me up are now sitting in storage – guilty.  The only thing that would (maybe) get me back on the mountain is the thought of them laying in the basement, alone and unused.  I need to try to sell them to someone who will love and appreciate the accessories in ways that I never will.

Because accessories have feelings.

Then there is knitting.  A hobby I was sure wouldn’t be as much of an investment as ski gear.  It’s less of a commitment, more fun, and I’m less likely to be injured.  In the beginning, all this was true.

It didn’t take long for me to be 100% over the top so in love with it that I had to have the prettiest interchangeable needle set, double pointed needles, straight needles, and stitch markers I could get my paws on.  Yarn, oh the yarn.  I could write 10 posts on my yarn obsession alone, but will save that for another day.

The main point:

There are A LOT of knitting accessories, more than I ever imagined – and Instagram doesn’t help.  Below are the most recent indulgences I’ve treated myself to – NO REGRETS:

  • Knitting apparel (this cozy sweatshirt that encompasses everything I believe in):

  • This adorable pin that goes on my project bag:

  • This “project” bag that I need to replace ASAP. I have my eye on another..I told myself if I’m still dreaming about it after a couple week’s I’m buying it – Twig & Horn – look at how beautiful
  • The perfect knit chair, if you will.  This helps with posture and sits perfectly right in front of the fire, which is my fav spot – it even folds up and can be pushed under my couch when unused
  • For consideration:  glasses with lights on them, so I can see my knits in the dark, without having to turn on the main light in the room.
    p361256b

It’s gotten out of control, people.  Does anyone else get overly obsessed with accessories of the craft vs. the craft itself?  It adds to the excitement, in my opinion.  I can’t stop, won’t stop – So if you have a favorite knit accessory, please let me know what is it so I can buy it.

~Bailey

New Year, New (same) Me

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Happy 2019, everyone!  I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am relieved that the holidays have come and gone.  Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with family, friends, back-to-back weekend road trips, and most def the break from work.  The holidays landing on a Tuesday this year made me realize that all work weeks should be 3-days long.  Because everyone is more productive in a time-crunch, right?

We need more life, and less work.  #Team3DayWorkWeek

Preach!

This New Years weekend was spent in Killington, Vermont with a group of friends for skiing.  The Air B&B was right on Lake Bomoseen about 30-min away from the resort. It’s got to be one of my favorite rentals so far.  I should keep in touch with the owner in the event I hit the jackpot and never need to work again – I can retreat to VT and hide from reality.

Seriously though, the people are so nice/laid back, the pace is slow, the mountains are beautiful and so.many. trees.  Why can’t every day be that way?

Look at how perfect this set up was.  That fireplace, that couch – whew.  Who needs to ski?  Not me –  and I didn’t.  I opted to stay in, harness my JOMO (joy of missing out) moments and do what I do best.  Chill with knits – and be cozy AF.

In effort not to miss out on the ski-fun – I did get the mountain experience by treating myself to a massage, meeting up for drinks, and staring at everyone go down the mountain.  I’m not great on the slopes. Après ski is where I excel.

So many bloody marys…aka breakfast replacements.  There were 10 olives in that bad boy.

I also stopped by the Green Mountain Yarn & Fiber, because I always scope out the yarn stores.  It’s a must stop if you’re ever in the area.

I want this 🐻 for my living room 🧶

Anyway, the break was great overall – I spent time reflecting on the “New Year, New Me” motto, that I attempt every year.  It lasts about a week before reverting back to my usual self – which I’m 100% okay with.

This year I’m going to write goals down and hold myself accountable. It’s worth a try, and if I only follow through on one of these it’ll improve my life, and/or wallet.

  1. Order less pizza. We order in maybe 2x a week..sometimes more depending on the laziness.  I’m putting the delivery driver’s kid through college.
  2. Care less between the hours of 7-8am and 5-6pm (commuting time). If I could be more patient, it will likely have a ripple effect of greatness for the rest of the day.  It’s unnatural to have steam coming out of your ears by 7am, but it’s a daily occurrence.
  3. Deplete my yarn stash. I’m addicted to buying yarn with no project goals.  My apartment is closing in on me with containers. Someone stop me – SOS.
  4. Stop eating so much pasta! It’s cheap, it’s easy and…it’s easy.  However, I’m eating like I’m training for a marathon and I never run.
  5. Start running.

Do you ever make New Year’s goals that you never end up attaining?  For me, it’s going to be #3, 4 or maybe 5..I can already sense that I’m aiming too high.

– Bailey

Fiber Fests & Football

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Last weekend was jammed packed with activities.

Activity #1 – The Fiber Festival of New England.

Activity #2 –  Packers v. Patriots game @ Gillette Stadium.

Two opposite ends of the entertainment spectrum, but that is how I roll.

I’ll start with the fiber fest.  I realize I just went to one the weekend before in Asheville, but I couldn’t resist.  This one was about 2 hrs West of Boston in Springfield, MA.  It took some convincing to get the hubs to take me on this road trip.  I promised cool animals, a free lunch, and a pit stop to the new casino for his troubles.

Thank goodness for that casino, it sealed the deal.  He got to play craps for about an hour, and he ended up winning enough money for me to even out on my yarn splurge.  What’s yours is mine, amiright? – and that includes gambling earnings.

Anyway, this fiber fest was glorious, and seemed a bit larger than SAFF.  Hubs was such a great sport through it all.  He was on board with my plan to walk down every aisle and focus on one side at a time so I didn’t miss ANYTHING.  I have a system.   He was half paying attention, but that is 50% more than I thought.  He was a great photographer of all knitty things, and that is all I could ask for:

He thoroughly enjoyed the alpacas, who wouldn’t?  Just look at their cute furry heads. They’re my favorite.

#AlpacaWhisperer

I also overheard him talking to the owner of some super cute Angora rabbits.  Apparently, those (not so) little cuties shed enough fur to make ~1 sweater worth of yarn per year.  Don’t quote me on that, I’m a bad listener. (I googled it though, they produce 2 lbs of fur per year – that seems about right).

The animals were precious, they had beer at the concession stands, and I made it out with a couple very pretty skeins (neutral, obviously).  I’m quite proud of how well I controlled my spending in yarn paradise.  There were ladies there who brought their own carts for their loot.  I was jealous – I will be them in years to come, I hope.

4-hour round-trip road trip for a fest…what did I do with my time? Make a Green Bay Packers beanie for Sunday night football of course.

I had some buddies in town for the Packers v. Patriots game at Gillette Stadium and we pulled the trigger on going with them about 2 days in advance.  This took some convincing.  I have my Sunday routine – which is to catch up on everything that I procrastinated on the week before. If I went to the game, nothing would get done.  But then I realized nothing would probably get done anyway.  #FOMO

It’s Rogers v. Brady, I am a Packers fan, hubs is a Pats fan, how could we not go?  I decided to push off my responsibilities for another day (or week), and  just do it.

My hat > his hat

Door-to-door from start to finish was ~10 hours, I’m not kidding (including game duration and tailgating).  If you know anything about Gillette Stadium, you know to plan your trip to take at least 1.5 hours each way.  Even longer for us since we took the train.  It’s brutal.  Just imagine:  an overcrowded train at 12:45am full of medium to highly drunk fans.  I won’t bore you with the logistics, but just know that it was a great ONE time experience.

I will not be going to a Sunday night game there again.  Not because I had a terrible time, but because I was trapped in between train cars for over 1.5 hours, standing way too close to strangers past 1am.  I should have hitchhiked.

We had a blast even though the good guys (Packers) lost.   I’m grateful to have gone, but from now on I’ll just watch it from my couch, in the comfort of my own home, far, far away from people.  At least from home I can see the replays and not stand in long lines for beer and bathrooms.

~Bailey