Farewell 2012

What a year.  It started with hanging out with dear friends, Zonda and Stacey, at TNNA in January.



Then there was knee surgery.  And crutches.  Crutches for 3 months!  I forgot just how long I was on crutches.  Boy, this January is going to be fabulous, working out and getting in shape and appreciating that my knee is much better!



Little Guy turned 5...





How could we forget that cake?!

In May, the pre-wedding celebrations began with the best bachelor/bachelorette party in the dugout at the SF Giants game, in the World Series Championship Season!!









Look, a Naylor Street hat in progress....wow, it took me a long time to get that pattern published :)



Then Little Guy's mom and I threw one heck of a Bridal Shower Tea Party.







One of the best things about that tea party was doing the tea research.  I'm addicted now!  No more diet coke for me in months...well, I think I had a diet coke on the plane ride home from Detroit in November...5 hours, I had run out of tea and there wasn't any sparkling water.  Cupcakefaerie says plane rides don't count.  I'm sticking with that :)





June brought a quick trip to Disneyland and LA for a family wedding....









My sister made her IGK modeling debut and she sure looked beautiful in Honey Bunches.

She looked even more beautiful at her wedding in July though.  Still brings me happy tears to think back on that gorgeous, perfect day in July this year.

 Photos courtesy of Teresa Halton Photography.

This shawl that I knit for her will be one of the next patterns in my new Sullivan Family Collection, in case you were on the fence about buying that e-book!  On sale through January 7, 2013 for $15 (6 patterns for $15!).       


Probably one of my faves, taken with a cell phone camera, but captured a perfect moment before she became Mrs. Gordon.



The rest of the summer included the Olympics, swimming, and some nice long weekends....











The fall brought new schools for Little Guy and Lil' Snowboarder and a busy busy September.





September also marked the one year of Mimi's passing.  I've missed her everyday this year.



October brought another surgery and some unexpected health problems that took a lot of my focus and energy until the end of November when my last tests gave me an all clear sign.  I'm really looking forward to a healthy 2013!  Two surgeries is a bit much for one year I think.

But October and November also involved some much needed vacations with my best knitting friends.  I really am blessed in the friends department.  I love you guys!!








Granlibakken






Since she just started it today, go "like" Jill's Design page on Facebook!  She's a rockstar in my book.  IGK Designs would not be where it is today without her.  From pattern layouts, to logos, to ads, to personalized tags for my sample knits, you name it, Jill can create it!





November also brought the Irish to #1.





And this past month of holiday celebrating has been a special one :)











What a year, filled with ups and downs, but many blessings.  Thank you all for being here for the ride!  Wishing you all a very happy new year! May 2013 be filled with peace, love, health, and happiness for us all!

Happy New Year!!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

P.S.  May it also be filled with knitting....and a sale to celebrate! I am so very grateful for each and every one of you and truly appreciate all the support as I continue designing!  From now through January 7, 2013, receive 20% off any individual Irish Girlie Knits Designs pattern (excluding Cotty Fingerless Gloves which are already on sale) and the Merrily Collection (excludes other Collections). No coupon needed.

A few more good things

Before the year ends, a few more good things to reflect on.

1.  Doggies.  One of the best things about this holiday week is more time hanging out with Bailey and Puddles.  Last week, it was pouring rain while we were in Folsom visiting my brother.  Guess who was sooooo happy to not only have a big backyard but to hang out in the rain?!!



Puddles.  Why, yes, when you name a dog Puddles, this may happen?!  Don't worry, we didn't let her stay out there too long, despite her scratching at the door to get back out once we brought her inside.  Crazy dog!



And while it rained outside, Bailey just slept.  My kind of dog :)

2. Rewatching Downton Abbey to prepare for Jan. 6!  Can't wait! No spoilers please :)

3. Some end of the year baking.  Stocking up Pa's freezer for him, since the healthy eating commences on January 1.  I won't be baking too much for awhile...but cooking yummy, healthy food there will be lots of!  Any help with the healthy recipe department, preferably low carb would be appreciated :)



A new scone recipe.  Pretty good, not sure I'd make it again....I love my easy cream scone recipe.

4. Football watching by the fire and knitting.  Though I'll admit, my knitting mojo has escaped me the past week or so.  This slouchy hat version of my blackberry brambles hat is slow going, not sure why.



5. New knitting with pretty yarn.



My next design will feature this lovely skein of Shine from Knitted Wit.  Beware, clicking that link brings up a whole bunch of gorgeous!!!  I can't wait to cast on!  Just need to finish that hat first.

6. New designs.  I have to say I still get excited every time someone buys and then KNITS one of my designs.  I'm so glad that many of you like the Cotty Fingerless Gloves.  Thank you!!  I promised to share a bit more about them, so here goes.

Notes: Instructions are written for fingerless gloves that are worked in the round.  Pattern is written for either fingering or worsted weight yarn, with two different lengths.  Charts are provided on the last page.

Shown here in The Plucky Knitter Primo Worsted, which is a dream to knit with!  And knit up quite fast for these.

And those picots....you know I love them!  I'm a bit partial to this Socks that Rock colorway, My Wild Irishgirlie.

Suggested Yarns:  ~115 (135) yards for heavy fingering weight version such as Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rocks mediumweight, Anzula Squishy, Hazel Knits Artisan Sock

~165 (185) yards for worsted weight version such as Plucky Knitter Primo Worsted, Sunshine Yarns Merino Worsted,  Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage

Materials:

Size US 2 ½ (3.0mm) or size to obtain gauge either DPNs or circular needles for fingering weight

Size US 6 (4.0mm) or size to obtain gauge either DPNs or circular needles for worsted weight

Gauge: 28 sts and 44 rows = 4” over st st for fingering weight version

 22 sts and 32 rows = 4” over st st  for worsted weight version

           

Size:

one size fits most adults                                      

Finished measurements:  3 ½” wide, unstretched and either 9" or 10 1/2" long                                                                                    

And they go well with tea.  I couldn't resist.  I'm hooked on DavidsTea! 

I've decided to offer the Cotty Fingerless Gloves on special for $4.00 through January 7, 2013.      

7. The final yarn purchase of 2012.  I splurged on this Cashmere Silk Lace yarn from Sunshine Yarns.  Goodness, it is heavenly!  

Dani's yarns are always more stunning in person....she's having an update on New Year's Day.  I won't be looking, but you know, you might want to.  I figured I could indulge in the lace skeins because I know exactly how many skeins of lace weight yarn I own.  Under 10 skeins.  Now if only I could get the sock yarn under control.

8. A Happy New Year Sale!  January is time for selfish knitting, right?!  Treat yourself to a new Irish Girlie Knits pattern.  I am so very grateful for each and every one of you and truly appreciate all the support as I continue designing!  From now through January 7, 2013, receive 20% off any individual Irish Girlie Knits Designs pattern (excluding Cotty Fingerless Gloves which are already on sale) and the Merrily Collection (excludes other Collections). No coupon needed. 

Any more good things on your end?  Special plans for New Year's Eve? Do tell.

Happy almost New Year!

xoxo Irishgirlieknits