What a heel

I'm working on the Nutkin sock for a Christmas present with Plymouth Sockotta yarn (cotton/wool). I really enjoy the pattern. It's easy to remember and works up quickly even with small needles. (I'm using a 2.5mm, where the pattern calls for a 1.5mm) That makes up for the larger size I need. Anyway, all this includes a short row heel. I tried it several times, and after frogging more than my patience allows, just switched to a regular back-and-forth heel (sl1, k1, p the w side) and pondered about that short-row heel. Why does it even exist? Sure it keeps you from working back and forth, but what's so intimidating about picking up stitches? I suppose we al have our preferences. I look for fast and easy. I admire those that try to keep the "old ways" alive, but I guess my gauge is too loose. oh well.

Everybody is getting socks or Mitts this year. I just don't have the time I had last year what with school and work taking up all my extra time. I went to all the trouble of setting up a sewing room, begging Mother for some space, and have only stepped foot in it to clean or add a box of projects long overdue.

Finals week is Dec 9th. after that, the time is MINE. All. Mine. ( I hope, anyway)

Catching up a bit, yah?

The Socks were made for my mother's best friend, Kathy. She is also a great quilting guru among our "Blockheads" quilt group. Kathy retired this year, which, to me is a great accomplishment. I am proud to know her, and hope she has many happy creating years ahead. Anyway, these socks are wool, and I made them big so she can run them through the cold water wash and they will felt down just a little. They make great slouchy house socks (that's what I call them anyway) I have a pair. They are nice for sleeping in on cold nights, and to putter around in the mornings. (I don't like slippers much. They make my feet sweat.)

The Wallquilts are something I made a while ago out of Laurel Burch fabrics, gold fabric paint, and Amish Black Kona cotton. I have these for sale at DonTerra Gallery in Sisters, Oregon. I think the Green one already sold. You can check them out at: http://www.donterra.com and find my name in the Artist Registry.

I like to make stuff. All kinds of stuff. Even when I have to study rational expressions in my Algebra class, I still make stuff.

Love it!

Time- or lack thereof

After reading a blog (okay, it's the Harlot's) about moms and how we selflessly sacrifice our time, and our interests for everyone else in our family, it made me think about how much time we, as mothers, do actually give up.
I'm going to school three nights a week. (to get a degree, to make better money, for the family).
I work a full-time job, (to make money to provide for my family)
I knit and sew and crochet and make stuff when I can (to sell, and provide nice things for my family)

I guide and correct my children, in order to (hopefully) raise productive members of society. which takes time. which is what I don't seem to have (above entries mentioned).

So, where do we, as mothers, actually get to do a few things for ourselves? And when if we do, why do we feel guilty? Is there some unspoken rule that says: You have had a child. Give up your life forever. The end. that's it. So everything that I might want to do, just for me, just for a little while, is.. bad?

Why?