Adorably Alice

Despite my best intentions, I have yet to revisit my 2009 NaNoWriMo novel.

After writing more than 60K words in a 30 day period (that fell just before finals week and in the midst of holiday knitting), I told myself I would take a break from the novel during December and revisit it for revision and heavy editing in January.

Well, it’s an hour away from February 1, and I haven’t even opened the file.

My goal for February is to revise and edit the first third of the novel. I have the ideas swimming in my head, I just haven’t been very good at sitting down and adding them to the store.

..maybe this signifies that I need to hang out with writing friends more. I need to find a writing group maybe. Something to keep me motivated and focused.

Also, I think I’m going to get a book with writing prompts. If I can try to write something every day, no matter how short it may be, maybe I can get more of a writing mindset.

I used to write everyday. If I wasn’t writing for me, I was writing for an RPG (oh yes, I did RPGs, and I freaking loved them…but alas, they all died). I wish I knew what happened that made me stop all of a sudden.

February Goals (Got this idea from Cid’s latest blog post)

Writing Goals:

• Write something everyday.
• Revise/Edit first third of “Tangled Dreams”

Crafting Goals:

• Dye a skein of yarn each week.
• Knit a small project each week.
• Finish fingerless gloves.
• Make lots of soap.
• Finish KrisKnits Jan. KAL
• Add something to YP store each week.

Wedding Goals:

• Finish downloading music for reception.
• Organize music list/special dances.
• Order cake topper.
• Finish paying florist.
• Finish paying minister.
• Finish paying venue.
• Go to Mom’s house one weekend and finish wedding favors.

Social Goals (cause I need to get out more):

• Go to Sunday afternoon knitting group every week.
• Find a writing group.
• Start extra knitting night with Jen, Candace and anyone else who wants to join.

Academic Goals:

• Just keep up with the reading/notes/homework.

A week or two ago, I began experimenting with hand-painting my own yarn.

A few days ago, I created an amazingly beautiful colorway. I had a “Valentine’s Day” theme in mind, and I could not be more pleased with the results.

I used Plymouth Yarn’s “Dye for Me – Happy Feet”. It’s 480yds of sock-weight yarn consisting of 90% super-wash merino wool and 10% nylon. Bought it from a great little website: Got Yarn?

I dyed this skein with Wilton’s food coloring, and the results are gorgeous.

“Candy Hearts”

Drying on the patio

Yarn Pr0n!

...love...

Be my valentine.

Candy Hearts

I’d love to hear what you think about my colorway, so please leave a comment!

I also ordered a table-top swift from The Knit Store. Great quality, and it works amazingly. I’m so glad I did not have to shell out $60 (or more) for a swift. All in all, I paid about $30 for my swift, S&H included.

Isn’t it pretty?

Oak table-top swift.

Since I’m having so much fun dying and hand-painting yarn, I bought more blank yarn and a starter acid dye kit from KnitPicks. I already have some yarn soaking and I’ll dye something new tonight…