Thursday, November 15, 2007

Holiday Charity Knits?

Do you charity knit for the holidays?

Last year I participated in Knit Unto Others, which is hosted yearly by Carole & Margene. The concept is to charity knit during the last two weeks of November. At the end of the month, you send them an email stating what you knit & where you donated it to, and your name is entered into a drawing to win a prize from either Carole or Margene. Last year, I did win a prize from Margene, but honestly, just knowing that someones head was kept warm because of hats I knit, was gift enough.One of the charities I'll be knitting for again this year is Christmas Knits to help One at a Time Ministries, and Lynda just reminded me on her blog post that it's that time of year again. I'm sure there's a hat pattern or two I've been wanting to try that would be perfect for this charity. How about you?
On the health front, my doctor asked me to try some medication for the FMS and after being on it for 2 weeks, my pain levels have dropped by about 40%. YEAH! I've had a "bad" day here & there, but my overall daily pain is much improved. I've had no side effects from the medication (that I've noticed) so that's great, and DH has especially noticed a change in me since he can now give me a squeeze now & then without me screeching in pain.

The other good thing is that the NutriSystem diet is working. My body resisted for the first 10 days though, but now that it knows I'm sticking with it and not cheating, it finally gave up some pounds and as of today, day 15, I've lost 5.5 pounds. Some of the food is great and some of it is not so great, but I'm sorting through it so I can customize my next order. The best part is that I'm not ever hungry. That is definitely a first for me. I've never been on a diet where I haven't been completely miserable, and honestly it barely feels like I'm on a diet right now.

In actual knitting project news, there is actually quite a bit going on.

Recently Completed:
  • Cable Wave Scarf (my own design)
  • Thuja anklets originally knit for DH are now Thuja anklets for me
  • Exact same hat as I knit last year for my nephew, but now in a larger size
  • Practice baby booties from Cat Bordhi's latest book

In process:
After seeing this list, I think it's time to buckle down and get things blocked, felted, and photographed. Sheesh.

Jillian shared this on her blog and I'm passing along to all of you as well. There's a Veterans Day yarn sale going on over at Sonny & Shear. Use the coupon code VETERAN to save 20% off of your yarn purchases now through November 17, 2007 and all orders over $40 have free shipping. There are a lot of wonderful things that are unfortunately sold out, but I did snag some Lorna's Laces & Dream in Color. How could I not?

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the shout out Kristie!

I'm so glad the medication AND diet are working for you... I hope you just feel better and better :o)

Carole Knits said...

I had forgotten that you won a prize last year! Thanks for the shout out for Knit Unto Others.

Micki said...

Good news all around! I'm so happy the new meds and the diet are working for you, and I can't wait to see those knits. :)

Lara said...

You are so good to do charity knitting! If I had the time, I would. That statement alone sounds pretty selfish but I do have a lot on my plate.

Those clogs are huge! Can't wait to see your completed, I have been wanting to make some.

I am glad the medication is helping you! That is wonderful news. And congrats on loosing the pounds...it must feel so nice! Keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy for you that the medication is working!

As for the diet - WAY TO GO! Please send me some of your willpower; I seem to have misplaced mine. :-(

Sarah said...

I'm glad that you're feeling better (and lighter!).

That certainly is a long list of projects. I am closing in on my holiday knitting -- one pair of socks and a scarf to finish. Oh yeah, and my husband's sweater. Damn this job thing, interfering with my knitting time!

The A.D.D. Knitter said...

So glad you're feeling on the upswing, that is great news!!!

Karen said...

I'm so happy to hear your new medication is working well for you! And over 5 pounds???? Good for you. It's so great that you don't even feel like you're on a diet either. :)

Laura said...

I'm *so* glad you're feeling better, sweetie. And losing weight! Woohoo! :-) Great list of knitting projects. Love those felted clogs. LOL

slyn said...

I'm so glad you posted a picture of the clogs because I definitely was not picturing them as big as they actually are, that is so funny! Can't wait to see what they look like. I'm also interested in the candy wrapper socks, that is such a clever name for the pattern. And you have to block your sweater before you come or I'm leaving you at the airport!! It's too gorgeous not to be worn immediately!

Anonymous said...

Glad you're feeling so much better!

I'm a bad bad holiday knitter - I refuse. But, I do like knitting for Dulaan since I have a longer time period to knit.

abby said...

I love seeing pre-felted clogs. The size just cracks me up!

kathy b said...

I love the prefelt clogs too. They are sooo darling.
Thanks for the Sonny and Shear link. So glad you are feelng well. Happy thanksgiving.

Christine said...

WOO HOO for you! Glad you're feeling better, that's such a hard daily thing to deal with. Plus, WOOOO HOOOO on sticking with the diet!

I love the pic of the monster pre-felted clogs next to your toes!

Lara said...

Hey Kristie - Haven't heard from you in awhile....I hope you are doing well. I was thinking about you and just wanted to check in. We miss you!