Good Things.

And just like that, July is almost over. Summer seems to be flying by, doesn't it? I'm trying to savor every moment I can. Lots of good things happening this month... a few highlights.

1. First, if you follow me on instagram, you already saw this one. I posted that it was a pretty awesome work day because I had just gotten my business license for starting my private practice here in the Bay Area providing behavioral and educational consultation to families and children with autism. Yes, that means I'm staying here in the Bay Area.



2. But this guy was here last week for a job interview. Crossing fingers.



3. And staying here means more time with Magpie. Goodness, her smile just melts my heart.





4. I've also been able to focus on my health. Thank you all so much for your kind comments on my post last week! It has been awesome to have friends and knitters join in my challenge groups too- we're doing this together!



5. I've been really enjoying time to cook healthy recipes too. I'm finding the 21 Day Fix program something I can LIVE on!



I made all that!! Well, not the strawberries. The most requested recipe has been for those fabulous blueberry muffins (no sugar or flour?!??! well, almond flour doesn't count in my book) . Here's the recipe.



The entire family loved the Taco Turkey Meat from the new Fixate cookbook. Plus it is one of the 2 for one meals...you make Grandmas's Marinara Sauce and use it in the Taco Meat, and now I have the Marinara Sauce made for another recipe too. Quite a few of the recipes are like that.



6. I also released a new design last week. Kenmare Lace Hat is on sale for one more day! This hat is knit with the lovely Anzula Croquet, a new yarn that was released at TNNA. It is just fabulous and I loved the drape!






And there is an awesome special if you combine it with the Kenmare Lace Fingerless Gloves.



7. This weekend we leave for vacation at the cabin. This will be my view pretty much everyday.



I can't wait!!

What good things are going on with you guys as this month is winding down? I'd love to hear.

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Good Things.

Two very good things.

1. This past weekend I wasn't at TNNA, the knitting industry's trade show, but my designs were. I love working with Anzula Yarns, and I have a new design that I'll be releasing soon featuring their new yarn, Croquet. Can you see it below?

Cannon Beach in For Better or Worsted, at Anzula's Booth at TNNA

There is one day left of TNNA, so if you are there, be sure to stop by Anzula in Booth #747 to see my designs and then stop by Deep South Fibers in Booth #1048, my wholesale distributor to order them! 

2. One reason I'm not at TNNA is because at the end of June, I'm moving to Anchorage, Alaska! Yes, this San Francisco Bay Area born and raised girlie is going on an Alaska Adventure! I have an exciting job opportunity working at a small, ABA company with children with autism, and I'll be able to see that new special guy everyday too! My current job has been really stressful given my health issues this past few years, so I'm looking forward to a little less responsibility, while still doing the same work. I'll still be home every few months for my preventative treatments, so I'm hoping I won't miss my family too much (who am I kidding! I'm heartbroken that I won't be seeing Magpie, Lil Snowboarder, and Lil Guy whenever I want, but thank goodness for FaceTime!). 

To help celebrate, I'm having an Alaska Adventure sale on all my patterns $6.00 or less all month long! Receive 20% off by entering the code: adventure  This includes my new pattern, Kenmare Lace Fingerless Gloves, which is already on sale until June 10.

Lots of good things happening. Hope good things are happening for you too!

xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Good Things.

1. 49ers are going to the Super Bowl! 

2. Being a SF Giants fan, Notre Dame alum, and a 49er faithful this year!!  World Series Champs, making it to the BCS, and now the Super Bowl, I can't complain :)  I think though Mimi is up there pulling some strings this year!

3. Blocking.  It is magic. I purposely chose this stitch pattern because I wanted more lace, more openness.  This was enhanced even more after blocking....I'm in love with this one.



4. Test knitters. Seriously, without them, I don't know what I would do.  Thank you ladies.  You know who you are.

5. New, or more like reformatted, and slightly new, designs.







I added a slouchy hat version to the Blackberry Brambles Hat and Cowl Set.  This new set is knit out of Fyberspates Scrumptious Aran, and it is just that.  So lovely!

Special thank you to Leslie for sharing her awesome smile, and to Tricia for capturing it so well!



And Jill for the pattern layout.  I've been keeping Jill busy all week with TNNA prep....more on that later! Thanks Jill.

Blackberry Brambles is on sale for $4.50 through February 4, 2013!   

6. Gorgeous new yarn that supports a good cause.  I've been meaning to try Fleur de Fiber Yarns, dyed by a wonderful sock camper friend, Angela, and her fundraiser for a family affected by the Sandy Hook tragedy was a good reason to try.  She's continuing the fundraiser through the end of January, check out her etsy shop.



Plus, she included tea with the yarn.  Talk about perfect :)  The lovely skein on the right is a laceweight seacell rayon and silk blend that I am just dying to cast on.  Colorway Clover, of course.

7.  A new KAL in the IGK Ravelry Group.  Come cast on a Naylor Street hat or Cotty Fingerless gloves!  Both patterns are on sale through February 4th too.  Disco has already finished hers!

8. Reading blogposts by some of my favorite blogging friends who are getting back into the swing of blogging.  I love it! Keep it up Disco, Tapmouse, Cockeyed, Cupcakefaerie, SnBLeslie, and Knittinggolfer.  Anyone else back on the blogging train that I missed, let me know!

9. Time off work for studying for my boards test next week.  So much studying to do, but at least I'm not working, right?!

10. Empty knitting needles. Not exactly a good thing, but I really don't want any projects to distract me from studying right now.  So I'm thinking to maybe cast on something mindless to keep my fingers busy for the next 6 days while I study...suggestions?  Toasty Mitts? Melody Scarf (but that cast on may require too much concentration)? I'm thinking maybe plain vanilla socks for dad? Help...

11. Downton Abbey. Yes.

What good things are happening with you guys?  I want to hear...a girl has to take a few study breaks, right?

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

The First Good Things.

1. Less than 24 hours until Notre Dame plays in the National Championship!!  Go Irish!



2.  Friends who know you take this stuff seriously and ensure you celebrate in style!

3. Childhood memories and a bestest friend in the whole wide world who helps remind you of them.



When we were in the 4th or 5th grade, a group of us girls made our own library.  We kept our index card box on our desks and checked out books at recess, etc.  Back before Kindles :) My best friend is home for the week and she brought this for me!  I love the date stamper the best I think.

4. Healthy food made for the week!  We made Winter Minestrone again (it was a hit!!) and a fabulous turkey chili.  So, so good. 





5.  Lazy mornings.  I've certainly enjoyed them the past few days.  Oh, Monday morning, you are going to hurt. 

6. Tea.  I now have a tea stash too.  Fortunately it is much smaller than the yarn stash. 

7. Downton Abbey Season 3 started tonight!! It was lovely!!



And I enjoyed it properly :)  Sunday nights are going to be good for the next few weeks.

Back to work tomorrow.  But I can't complain about the goods things so far this year.

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

P.S. New Year Sale! 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.