A Year of Projects Update - 1st September!

Wow its the first already and its almost the start of a new term for me and Thomas.  Thomas goes back on Wednesday - year 1 already - time flies!  I go back on Tuesday but we have effectively 2 days of INSET so only 2 days this week with students - hurrah!  I think we are all ready - at least we have tomorrow to sort out the loose ends.
It is also my husbands birthday tomorrow - I was going to get him tickets to the Goodwood revival that we have been going to for a few years, but it is sold out - what is going on there!  Should have got the tickets earlier - but have instead got him a days hire of a Caterham 7.  He loves these cars and I can't afford to buy one so a day will have to do!!
Didn't post last week as we were on holiday in Somerset staying with my mum and dad again.  We had a lovely week - went to Creally Park, Clarks village (to get shoes!) and had a beautiful day at the beech - posted about these Here.

Anyway - this is not what this post should be about.
This post should really be about beads!!
I signed up for the Morticia KAL with Boo knits on Ravelry 2 weeks ago and have since been following the KAL thread.  It has become very obvious that I should be worried about beads!!  I have never done beading before so this is new to me.
I have, therefore been looking through many bead stores online - I have purchased some basic clear beads in the correct size, but since then have seen many more.  The question I have, is that if I end up purchasing millions of beads (which is wholly possible) and I can't stand beading - what am I going to do with them?!  A possible answer is coming up later!
This week I have completed a couple more hexipuffs and made a good start on both the Gradient sweater and the first crocodile scarf.
The Gradient is nearly finished as you can see here on my project page

I am really pleased with this - especially as it is my first sweater - hopefully will finish this weekend.

Pictured with the sweater is my answer to the beads issue!!

In one of the magazines I have been reading I saw an advert for row counters that were pieces of jewelry.  I had a close look and thought that I could probably do that!!  So I went to my local Hobbycraft, perused the beads and jewelry making section and came up with this.

I am very happy with this to the extent that I reckon, with more beads I could make a few more of these as presents!!

The crocodile scarf is also progressing but not as fast as I want to finish the sweater.

I have also signed up for another mystery KAL with the Amy Miller group (the designer of Little Gradient).  I have gone for 4 cowls (as opposed to 4 mitts) and hopefully these will be up sometime today.  There will be 4 patterns released each week of September - hopefully to use some of my stash - although I know I will probably find a way to invest in more!

In summary, my list now looks like this:
Firstly, gifts for Christmas

For Daniel and Lily -  a toy- ?dragon and rabbit using stash yarn

For the sisters in law - wristwarmers - finished 14/08/13 

For my mum and brother - pot covers 

For Thomas and Luke - crocodile scarf  - one started

For my mum and mil - dishcloths and bag - finished 3 cloths!

Then, there's all the projects just for me

• Finish tote bag  - hurrah - finished 04/07

Hat for me - finished 09/08/13

Socks for me - definitely using my A Stash Addict yarn

Placemats - in time for Christmas I hope!

Scarf for the husband

Shawl for me - Dragonfly wings by Boo knits - will be my next project - finished 14/07

Winter hats for the boys

Additions!

Little Gradient for Thomas - Nearly finished

Hexipuffs - more made

Bonnet for SCBU - finished 14/08/13

Vanilla socks as first sock project - yarn bought from Mellifera yarns

MKAL  with One skein - scarflette - finished 26/07/13

MKAL with Boo Knits - Morticia - start 01/10/13

MKAL with Amy Miller group - start 01/09/13