Baby Gifts

I like to knit gifts for babies and have a tried and true pattern for booties, but wanted to try a new one with thicker yarn. This is now my new favorite. It can be knit using Magic Loop Method and it is knit top down to the 2 needle bind-off at the end. Such a cute pattern! Baby Booties Without Seams (top down)

I also found a new pattern for hats. This is a very practical pattern and I love that it is so stretchy, that it will grow with the baby. I read Ravelry reviews that it lasted one baby until the age of 2! That makes sense. Ribbing is not always the most fun to knit, but combined with a cute pair of booties, it's such a cute gift idea.  This hat, too, was knit using Magic Loop method. I am still undecided on ties - perhaps i-cord.

Little Boy Blue Ribbed Baby Hat 

Both of these patterns can be knit with worsted weight yarn. 

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Getting in Shape

Dealing with chronic pain is not fun, so I've been researching stretching exercises to help build core strength, in addition to deep tissue massage.  Finally, I am at a point where I can start exercising again.  Here are a couple of  programs I've been doing: 

I began this program a couple years ago and didn't complete it, but did have fantastic results.  I started out by only being able to do 6 modified push-ups.  Gradually, I got to the point where I could do 35.  Now I've started again and hope to complete the program.  Into Week 3, I am able to do over 100 pushups broken up in to 5 sets.  It's amazing how good my upper body feels after doing pushups.  Doing pushups also helps with core strengthening.  If you've never done push-ups before, give it a try.  If I can do it, anyone can.  

The next program is not high impact - but a slow way to get into an exercise routine which is just what I need.  ACE's Kick-Start Workout.  I didn't want to go straight into my old exercise routine which is a lot of cardio, but build up to that level and that is just what this does.  

If nothing else, I am being proactive in getting my body in better shape and hopefully strengthening my core will help with the chronic pain issues.

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Honey Cowl: Done

Finished the Honey Cowl with Madelinetosh Tosh Dk in Mansfield Party colorway. Normally I'm not into pastels, but the vibrancy of this yarn makes me happy. I like both sides of the cowl - the long stitches is the right side, but the "wrong" side reminds me of the linen stitch and is equally nice.  This was pretty tight around my neck before blocking, but loosened nicely after blocking.  I might do another one with worsted weight yarn for those really cold months.

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