Knitting Paragon

You just never know

2010-06-14T21:38:00.003-04:00

You just never know when I might pop back into this blog and give you an update.

I am busy knitting and blogging for Patons Yarns. Busy taking care of Boys A, B & C. Busy working full time with a commute from h-e-double-hockey-sticks, although not nearly as bad as it was in the winter. And busy with just regular-old life and that's just fine.

This week the twins are officially no longer 2nd graders. They are playing baseball and have their first game this week and outside of possibly running to third rather than first it should be a good time. Who am I kidding. Running to third is a good time!

Keep looking over at Patons for my knitting. It's all I have time to knit these days anyway.

Happy belated birthday

2010-04-21T09:55:00.006-04:00

Better late than never they always say. Look who turned a year old on April 2nd!

That was a busy weekend around our household. Baby C had his birthday and Boy A and Boy B were welcomed into the church and received Baptism, First Communion and were Confirmed. Then it was Easter Sunday and we had much to celebrate!

I am still knitting and blogging for Patons Yarns as knittinjen.

2010-02-21T22:21:00.004-05:00

Yeah, this blog is neglected. You can read my weekly knitting updates over at Patons. My knitting bag was in the van with us the night of the accident. It took some digging but all was recovered. It got dirty, wet, had glass and road dirt/gravel commingled with it but after some care it's all good.

The hat I was nearly finished with for Baby C is the Aviatrix and is a freebie (must be a member of Ravelry). I decided to see what a chunky yarn would result and figured that if it doesn't fit him this year it will eventually.

I think it will be cute. Actually, if I took 20 minutes it would be ready for wear but I've been concentrating on my Yarn Harlot Olympics project: The Traveling Woman shawl (mine will be more a shawlette). From my stash was the silk yarn I selected. I'm not nuts about this yarn, while I am nuts about the friend who gave it to me, it's just difficult to unknit (tink!) because it is very, very sticky. The colors are beautiful though AND I think I'll like the finished project.

I wish I knew more about this yarn but it didn't have a label other than handpainted silk and the yardage approximation...which is quite a lot. I could easily make more projects with the rest!

Angels all around

2010-02-04T14:19:00.004-05:00

On February 1, 2010 Boy A, Boy B and I were heading to religious education when someone hit black ice, lost control and broadsided us. We were sent into a tail spin and then rolled several times finally landing upside down.

We "walked" away

I credit the build of a Ford and many angels who were around us that night. We also had several passersby come to our aid prior to the arrival of emergency personnel. Even the young man who hit us helped.

Those of you who knew about the accident and have been helping, praying and just plain available to talk and listen - I thank you.

This event has forever changed us...

Well, well, well

2009-12-31T11:56:00.009-05:00

If you're still there, I'm still here. Wow how time flies. This baby is getting big!

Here are some shots from Christmas:

Yes...That's a black eye that Boy B is sporting!

Boy A with one of his many gifts

Knitting is still going on. You'll find more knitting content over at Patons (I'm "knittinjen").

Too cute

2009-08-18T20:12:00.003-04:00

Here's Baby C (the new little guy) sitting in his new Bumbo that grandma got him. These are taken this past weekend during our camping trip. Tomorrow he'll be 20 weeks. Does not seem possible!

Isn't he cute?!

Trader

2009-08-05T19:54:00.002-04:00

Call me a trader, turncoat, whatever you like, but I've gone over to the dark side and dun taught myself to crochet!

I've always had respect for folks who crochet. It and they deserve just as much as those who knit. Once I was paid to knit a child's poncho that had a crochet Fun Fur trim. That trim took me longer than all the knitting for the poncho. As an experienced knitter I know that having a newbie start with something like Fun Fur is just plain mean, so give me some credit that the crochet trim took a lot longer because of the yarn.

A few years back I was intrigued by amigurumi. Go ahead and Google it. It's down right cute and dare I say, done with crochet it's cuter than knitted. Gasp!

I recently caught the cute amigurumi bug again (this sounds worse than it really is, it really kinda sounds like a bad disease) anyway...I got a burr in my bonnet and decided to give crochet a go. I found it fascinating and easier to deal with during a car ride than fiddling with four sock needles (my usual go-to travel project).

So as I literally dream about making amigurumis and practice my newest craft I slack on doing my deadline knitting. Additionally, a co-worker is expecting quads (2 boys and 2 girls) and she simply needs some hand knits. Gotta run to finish the fourth item (will show pics later).

AKA KnittinJen

2009-06-28T10:56:00.002-04:00

Pen name, AKA, alter-ego: you choose the prefix, but you can also find me writing about my knitting adventures at the new Patons blog. Go check it out for yourself. And while you stop by there, make a comment now and again. Don't forget to check out the patterns and yarns. They are yummy!

Reveal

2009-06-25T22:34:00.002-04:00

This will be quick, as it is very late and tomorrow is another full day of work.

To reveal the news I wrote of a few weeks ago. Head on over to the new Patons Yarns blog where I am one of the regulars writing and knitting for them. Then give us a little shout out! We're craving some comments over there. There are three of us regulars who are working on some fun patterns from Patons and will be knitting and chatting about said knitting for months to come. Stop on by, we look forward to seeing you.

Be careful, though, there are some great free patterns to be had.

Awwww

2009-05-30T11:34:00.005-04:00

It cracks me up when a baby's hat slips down over their eyes. Babies tend to not think this is so funny, but at this moment in time this baby was sleeping. (Boy C at eight weeks.)

And just so I don't show preferential treatment here they all are together.

Really big news

2009-05-20T22:19:00.003-04:00

While I won't divulge the yarn company's name just yet I can share some really big news with y'all: A yarn company contacted me (ME!) to be one of three people to write for their new blog! Here's the offer: They present pattern options to me (from their extensive list), I choose the pattern I want to knit and they supply that pattern and yarn (also of my choice). They also offer a yarn stipend (payment in YARN!). Weekly, a new blog post from each of the contributors who write about the adventures in yarn, pattern, and the like. And a new project about every month. My first project is going to be some nice felted slippers and the yarn and pattern is on its way to me.

Whooohooo!

The blog is slated to kick off June 15th. As soon as I get the go-ahead I will most certainly post the link.

Another Whooohooo can't hurt, can it?

WHOOOHOOO!

Sleep deprivation

2009-05-11T11:17:00.002-04:00

Five a.m. is something I can work with. If I get myself into bed by 10 p.m., 5 a.m. isn't so bad. I gotta say, though, several days in a row of 3:00 or 3:30 a.m. is a killer. That's sleep deprivation.

There are two forms of therapy for sleep deprivation: knitting and holding a sleeping baby (this form is often better because I can sleep some too).

There are many knitting projects that I have completed these last few months. I even have pictures. Herein lies the problem: those pictures are either 1) still in the camera or 2) on the desktop computer instead of the laptop. Someday I'll share said photos on this here knitting blog.

After I take a nap.

Welcome my son

2009-04-25T06:38:00.007-04:00

Joining our family on April 2, 2009, our third boy: Boy C. He weighed in at 6 lbs 14 oz and 19 1/2 inches long. He's perfect. His big brothers: Boy A and Boy B love him lots and were excited to see him for the first time as were we.

Boy A holding his new brother

Boy B holding his new brother

This hat and sweater were a breeze to knit and the patterns were easy to follow. Click these links for the patterns: Child's Ear Hat and Baby Eyelet Cardi and just go for it! I used some yarn from my stash that a friend graciously gave to me from her stash. It is an acrylic blend but terribly soft and silky feeling. It striped this interesting pattern and I love that about it. The eyelets get lost in the yarn pattern, but that doesn't bother me much. Boy C is three weeks old in this picture but this is the outfit he wore home from the hospital.

Next on the knitting frontier is: Easy Baby Cardigan I am going to make this in at least the 6 month size for wearing this fall. Of course the knitting action will be in 30 minute intervals!

Are Michiganders crazy?

2009-03-17T09:37:00.004-04:00

We were out and about over the weekend. The weather is getting warmer and arguably this weekend was the warmest and sunniest days we have had in 2009. But the crazy comes in when you see people wearing tank tops, capris or shorts. The temperatures were nearing 60, and like I indicated, it was beautiful, but tank tops? Really. Is that necessary?

Think about what we wear in the fall. The leaves are changing and falling from trees making the ground all crunchy and colorful. Kids are getting new backpacks and pencils. Pumpkins are popping up on porches. Flannel sheets have found their way to beds. Sweatshirts, mittens and lap blankets are dug out to wear to the football games where it might drop down to 60 degrees (ooh, burrr!).

Do you see the irony and crazy here?

But, since this is a knitting blog, I'll get to knitting. I have knit a lot lately. I'm due to have this baby in just over two weeks. Knitting and babies just pretty much go together. Knitting and being taken off work early pretty much go together. I have both. I have completed three baby sweaters: Two for our baby and one for a co-worker. I have knit several baby caps, several pair of booties and am contemplating more. There is still a toe-up sock on needles that I have to rip back about a half inch (it's too big for me). Not sure what will be next on the needles, but these baby items are quick, portable (for the twice-weekly doctor appointments) and satisfying. Can't argue with that.

Baby it's cold outside

2009-01-13T12:43:00.003-05:00

What makes Michigan winters so much fun? Snow, sledding, fireplaces and then there's snow...

With winter just starting, we have already had more snow than usual. Around our house, that's a good thing. Snow means sledding and snowball fights. For those of you who know, however, really, really cold snow does not make snowballs, snowmen or forts and that is what we're in for here in the Great Lakes State. The temperature is supposed to drop to zero and the windchill will make it into the negatives.

All while the temp is dropping I'm cozy in the house with a favorite blanket, a Scottie (Duffy) snoring on my lap, Twilight and some knitting sitting next to my favorite chair. Love Michigan.

Updates

2009-01-11T11:27:00.003-05:00

The babe is 25 weeks along now and I have yet to feel the second trimester boost of energy. I am pretty sure I'm not going to. The twins are nearly 7 and are back into school from Christmas break. They are doing well and DH is finished with his masters degree. Whew.

We had to have our little Leo put "to sleep" shortly before Thanksgiving and with my over-emotional state, my heart was broken. We have since adopted a very nice Scottish Terrier, "Duffy." He's about 5-years-old and in a lot of ways like Leo. He's very calm and quiet and a good one-word description is Eyore. Daisy, the Golden Retriever, is so mellow that she took to him right away and the two of them get along quite well. The cat, however, is still trying to adjust.

I mentioned a while back that I did not knit much during the summer. I read a lot of books instead. Now that I am a little back into knitting again I have many projects on the neeedles at once. The Irish Hiking Scarf that I started last year is still coming along, a toe-up sock (that I need to still tear out some because it is too big), a Christmas stocking and a easy rib scarf for me. Oh, lest I forget, a pair of baby mitts that are in need of seaming, a baby sweater and about 15 more that I wish I could whip up. Mittens, socks, a hat for me, more baby items and the list goes on and on.

I have an excuse

2008-09-22T16:42:00.002-04:00

Okay, no excuse for not blogging between April and August, but my slacking since August, I have a good excuse for that. I am exhausted, nauseated and did I mention, exhausted?

Have you guessed yet?

And baby makes five...

The boys are going to be big brothers and are terribly excited, as are we. A little worried about my health, but all-in-all things are looking good. My friends and family know that I had a high-risk pregnancy with the twins and with that history and my current age, I'm automatically considered high-risk again. I am due in April. Since we never planned to have any more children, we have nothing to speak of left. One of my first thoughts was, "we don't even have a burp cloth anymore!"

But, the knitting possibilities. Eee-ousa! I have already finished a pair of booties and found a sweater pattern I think will do for either sex (since we won't know for some time and then might not get to know). My hope is to finish some projects early on before my hands go numb from "carpal tunnel syndrome" as they did in the middle of the second trimester.

Given that I am nauseated and exhausted I am not sure how much blogging I will get to. The blog may become more of a baby update than a knitting blog so be prepared. I still check Ravelry nearly every day and you can always PM me there (name: jepkey). If you aren't on Ravelry go check it out at ravelry.com. I think they still have a waiting list, but it isn't taking too long and there is a wealth of knitting info available plus a huge virtual knitting community.

Is blogging a drag?

2008-08-10T15:35:00.003-04:00

Or is summer just too much fun?

Blogging is not exactly a drag, but it is easy to drop the habit. I am now volunteering layout and design of our parish newsletter, which includes interviewing and writing a few features each quarter. We have had a somewhat busy summer with one week-long camping trip under out belts and a short one semi-planned for this coming weekend (and a few extra days).

I have not knit much since probably May. The afghan of varying squares is still in the works. I did complete a few of those. I have finished one dishrag (have not weaved in the ends), and have knit on the second of a pair of socks. I am near the finish line of that.

Books have kept me busy this summer. I have read something like five Nora Roberts and am currently into the latest from Mary Higgins Clark. For some, reading five books seems so small. I know people who can read a book in a weekend. I hate those people. I only wish I could do that. I can, if you count Good Night Moon.

Our Michigan weather has been such a pleasant surprise this summer. For many people it has been too cold and "not a summer at all!" But to me it has been wonderful. We have had very few hot and humid days and many more cooler and breezy days. We have had our air conditioning off for days now and it is wonderful sleeping weather. Today it has become overcast and chilly. It really feels like fall is just around the corner, even though I know it really isn't. It does make for a desire to knit.

The next project I would like to start is the sweater for D.H. I have Paton's Classic Merino wool in a rusty-red color and the cabled joby that I hope is not the death of me to complete. The Scarf Style book has a few intriguing patterns in it that I have thought about making. I certainly have something from the stash that could serve as a great scarf. I would like to make some more mittens and hats for charity and have an Irish Hiking scarf to finish that D.H. has been eye-balling since I cast on.

Given that you haven't read a post from this blog since April I don't want to overwhelm you too much by being gabby. There are pictures I should upload to share how tall the boys are now. First grade is just around the corner. (yeah! for mom) And now my sister can't yell at me for not updating my blog since, FOREVER!

I'm not dead

2008-04-30T20:13:00.002-04:00

Just no time to blog these days. I have been spending more and more time on Ravelry instead of blogging like a good little blogger. I also have been knitting. Oh, and since I received an iPod for Christmas, I've been listening to knitting podcasts, which lead me to all of these other cool blogs and sites and in turn get me into wanting to knit something new and different. There is also these little things called being a mom of twins, a full-time job, volunteering for church and well...anything else you can come up with.

I foolishly signed up for Summer of Socks 2008 just for, well, fun. I certainly love knitting socks, but am continuously amazed with the speed in which other bloggers crank these things out! I am lucky to get one done in under six months. I do concede, to myself, that I am doing other knitting as well. The current sock on the needles goes with me and I rarely knit on it when home during "real knitting time." However, I still want to beat myself up over how quickly others can finish a pair. Ultimately I would like to have Summer of Socks 2008 be an inspiration for trying something new. The first pair that I stepped out of my comfort zone were a bust. The Broadripple pattern, which I love, were way to small and since I would run out of yarn if I adjusted the size by either adding a repeat or changing needles, I frogged. I loved the pattern it was developing, though, so maybe Summer of Socks 2008 will help me along trying something new.

Retreat weekend

2008-04-13T20:21:00.004-04:00

I returned today from a retreat weekend of which I enjoyed. The tiny twin bed in a small, but adequate room that included a sink and small desk and chair was quiet. We had a communal shower and bathroom, reminiscent of college. I chuckled when it occured to me that the ages of the other women ranged from upper 30s to 95. We had terrible weather, but I did get out and walked the grounds Saturday morning.

The knitting opportunities were great. Because the bed was too soft I did not sleep well. I was up long before 6 a.m., showered and ready to go with a good two hours before breakfast, knitting filled the time.

I finished a pair of baby booties using some left over sock yarn. This pattern was easy to follow and I am sure I will make some more of these. This pair (photo to come) may go to an ex-knitting groupie. She is only an "ex" because she met a guy, married him and moved away. Her pregnancy was announced last week and these booties will probably find their home with her and their new baby, expected to enter this world in August.

Another project I worked on, this quiet weekend away from home, was the first of a pair of socks. One that I have had going for a while. I'm decreasing the toe. I tried to knit on the nearly hour drive home, but got car sick and had to quit after two rows. Bummer.

One of the other women who went with me (three of them) this weekend is also a knitter. She had the B-4 Bag pattern that I now have to have. I checked out the Ravelry projects to see what other colors people are using and man-o-man, this would be a great stash busting project and that might have to be my next project. I could felt it at the same time as I felt the Amanda's Squatty Sidekick I have nearly finished.

Good Friday

2008-03-21T19:30:00.003-04:00

Easter is early and the snow is falling. It is falling fast and a lot of it. Here in southcentral Michigan we are looking at a good ten inches by end of tomorrow. It is simply lovely. Truly, I love the stuff. I'm going to sit in the comfort of our little home and watch the ladies walking into church on Sunday in their new Easter dresses and white sandals. Haa! We will attend church on Saturday night to enjoy the deep tradition of Easter vigil. Easter day we are heading north to my in-laws for dinner.

Happy Easter.

5,000 ends = 94

2008-03-06T16:23:00.004-05:00

This post about the 5,000 ends may have been a bit of an exaggeration.

It is more accurately 94 ends.

Ninety-four.

Yes, I like the sweater, yes it is cute and to have that matching ribbon, well, that could not have been planned better. But 94 ends! What was I thinking? The kind ladies at my Tuesday night knitting group asked me if I would ever do that again. My shotgun answer was "NO!" But, truthfully, would you consider having another baby when asked that question immediately following labor? NO! We do it anyway don't we?

Please do not misunderstand me. In now way am I comparing weaving in 94 ends on a baby kimono with labor. It was just an analogy. It only feels like labor in my mind.

Finished

2008-02-26T16:49:00.004-05:00

First of the pair of clown mittens is finished. Whoot!

It has to be said that, the pattern by Kristin Nicholas could not have been more clear. It was simple. I did adjust the position of the thumb, however, by knitting several rows after the ribbing before starting the thumb gusset.

Mind you, the term: "clown mitten" is all me. Not at all to do with Kristin. Kristin has a gift. A gift that was not given to me. During this project I discovered in myself, that I am a bit afraid of color. I did not think I was one of those people, but apparently, I am. Now that I am aware, I can begin the 10 steps to self discovery and work my way out of the darkness of matchy-matchy.

The second of the pair is on the needles and nearly half of the corrugated rib is complete. I decided I better cast on right away or I may have a "second mitten syndrome." Particularly since I am accustomed to knitting and finishing two mittens at once.

The colors, incidentally, are not appearing very well (at least on my monitor) the palm/thumb part is fuchia and pretty bright-grass green. (It appears to be mint and pink to me). The rib is turquoise and red and the other dark rows are navy not black.

Clown mitten

2008-02-24T08:43:00.004-05:00

Dear Husband and the Boys picked up the book I have been wanting for a few months. For the first several days, I just read it and looked at the pretty color combinations. Then I found myself thinking about what yarn I have in the stash that I could make a colorful pair of mittens. The pattern I am following is, "Olivia's Mittens" and while it is not difficult Fair Isle, it does have a bit of it going on in the cuffs. Kristin calls it, "corrugated rib." Pretty simple stuff really.

The stash digging resulted in these:

A part of me likes this first attempt a knitting mittens in the round (all the mittens I have knit were on straights and I could do both mittens at the same time, which I find handy when you want them to be the same exact size). Incidentally, the use of the word, "handy" was an intended pun. Back to the clown mitten:

Tell me what you think.

I somehow escaped it

2008-02-18T09:02:00.004-05:00

While I have had a runny/stuffy nose, I have escaped the plague that has gone through our little home. Whew.

The Boys and I are off today observing President's Day. I have this book on hold at Barnes and Noble for the next few days. I had hoped to go out there today (the closest B&N store is 35 miles north) but the roads are looking a bit slick and probably not worth the trip. Possibly tomorrow would workout. It's knitting night tomorrow and I might just have to take a detour.

I have been wanting this book for about three months now. And now that I am in this KAL, I probably should actually get going on something of Kristin's! While I do not have any project specifically in mind, I have some stash that keeps swirling around in my head as possibilities. She designs some cute mittens and fingerless mitts, and since I love mittens, I'm thinking that might be the first project. I have never made mittens on double points (gasp!...I know many of you have never made them on straights, but I find making both at the same time wonderful. It's like doing a little magic trick.)

Since I have a sneaking suspicion that Kristin's mittens will be double point jobbies, I will have to buck up and get'er done.

The One-Piece Baby Kimono for the co-worker is knitted. Now the 5,000 ends will begin. I need to take a photo of it and all of those ends, but it is pretty gray outside and the pic will not be its best. Look for that picture later.

The Irish Hiking Scarf is going well. I worked on it on and off most of yesterday and have it about half done. Scarves just take SO long. I love making them, but enough is enough already! But ain't he pretty?

We share

2008-02-12T18:39:00.000-05:00

There has been this thing going around our community for about two weeks now. First, children were getting it and passing it along in school. Then, happily bringing it home to moms and dads, who gladly took it to work to share. We have had people out for days at work. Bronchitis, and strangely enough, pneumonia have been fairly common terms.

On a personal level, the Boys had the stuff last weekend (over a week ago) and the beginning of last week. Dear Husband started his share at the end of last week. It was ironic that the Boys didn't have school yesterday, but DH would not have gone to work anyway. He didn't go today. Dear Husband rarely misses work.

Today we received word that yet another co-worker is out and will be for the remainder of the week. Late this afternoon, the plague has had its way with me. I've got it. I am tired. My glands are actually hurting (rarely does this happen to me) and my nose is running like Wilma Rudolph. I'm going downhill fast.

I cannot miss work. See above. I am said co-worker's back up for a major portion of her job functions.

Airborne here I come.

Count me in

2008-02-08T22:18:00.000-05:00

The latest knit along. It's going to be beautiful.

5,000 ends

2008-02-03T19:24:00.000-05:00

The one-piece baby kimono from this book, which has been on my needles for coming on three weeks, is full of blue stripey goodness; and. about. five. thousand. ends. to weave in. A more accurate number might be 55 so far (still have the second shoulder/front to finish), but to a person who hates ends, 55 does, in fact, equal 5,000.

This would be a good time for an end-weaving fairy to enter my life. Come on. There is a tooth fairy, why can't there be a end-weaving fairy? I mean, how productive is a tooth fairy anyway? All he/she does is fly in and grab a tooth that has already fallen out. The freed tooth is usually quick to find, the fairy drops some change and then flies out. Big deal. It's not like the damn fairy had to work much. I say we need dish washing fairies, laundry fairies, lawn mowing fairies and an end-weaving fairy.

Our wedding day

2008-01-25T19:23:00.000-05:00

We will be celebrating our eighth anniversary on Monday, January 28th. This weekend the Boys are heading to grandma & grandpa's house for an overnight and we are heading to a movie and dinner. Truth be known, we'll probably rent a movie, come home, pop some corn and end up falling asleep by 10 p.m., but we'll see...even so, this has been an awesome eight years.

Happy birthday

2008-01-21T10:51:00.000-05:00

Boy A at 6 months

Boy B at six months

Together at 15 months. (Boy A is in yellow, Boy B in green)

And here they are being a little silly this fall before starting school (Boy A is in front, Boy B in back):

Oh how time flies.

We have a big day planned. When dad comes home from working a half day, we are going to their favorite restaurant, "Big Boy" then to the bowling alley. They have never been. Then, this evening my mom and sister are coming over for their favorite meal: macaroni and cheese surprise (the surprise is ground beef). Then chocolate cake. Yum.

Six years ago today, after a long and strict bed-rest pregnancy, we were heading to town for an anniversary dinner before my 1 p.m. appointment for a stress test on the babies. We knew this would be the day. Sure enough, my blood pressure forced a C-section delivery of two perfect boys. Even though they were four weeks early they were both over 5 lbs. It had been a long road, but one worth taking every curve and bump.

Happy birthday my boys.

Ravelry

2008-01-19T20:45:00.001-05:00

Playing catch up

2008-01-19T15:41:00.000-05:00

Halloween:

Boy B is the ghost and Boy A is the frog. I know the frog costume is creepy, but he was happy.

We drove to my brother-in-law's to trick or treat in their town with their cousin who is a little older. It rained and rained, and then rained some more while we roamed the neighborhoods, all while the boys begged for candy. (The alm

Christmas:

Frosting cookies (well, eating frosting...same thing).

Christmas Eve with my family. One of the many gifts from grandma were cap guns. I had a headache by the end of the afternoon. The boys love them.

Christmas morning came early. 3:20 a.m. early. These parents did not cave, however, we sent them back to bed to wait until at least 6 a.m. Of course, that doesn't mean we slept.

Boy A has been wanting a dolly for two years. Red is his favorite color. You can imagine his surprise when he woke to find this:

Santa was good to us all. It was a very Cars Christmas at our home. My Santa brought me many gift certificates, a bubbly and hot foot bath and a new purse. DH received the software he had been wanting for the toy he got for his birthday.

I did do some knitting between the middle of October and the new year. I made a "necklet scarf" (my own pattern and sorry, no photo) for one of the doctors I work with. The Andean Silk from Knitpicks was great to work with. I used pitch (black) and have some left over to make another scarf. I also knitted a purse for my mom based on the Sophie Bag pattern. I made mom's a little larger. I also made a pocket thingy that goes inside to hold small items and her phone.

In the past few weeks I have finished the Christmas stocking (out of stashed acrylic yarns) and have a good five inches into the second of four we'll need. I made a baby kimono: from this book.

You need to know that this is all I had left. Seriously.

I got down to the last few rows and had my knitting group praying that I had enough to finish and bind off. With six stitches left to bind off — I ran out. I had to cannibolize from one of the longer tails enough to finish off those six. Of course, using the mattress stitch means no worries about the seaming yarn showing. White yarn worked just fine.

I also made this pair of multi-colored booties and mom made one and a half of the white pair (I finished it off and seamed them). Last night, while watching the boys roller skate for two hours, I whipped out a pair of baby mitts (thumbless). If you want to know the patterns to the booties or baby mitts, place a comment at the end of this blog entry and I'll lead you right to them. They are free!

The baby kimono, booties and mitts are for a local charity.

This brings us to the boys' birthday. It is this Monday, January 21. They will be 6-years-old. It is hard to believe that six years ago today, I was ballooning up into pre-eclampsia and DH and I both knew that, when I had my check-up on that day (also a Monday), I would be having a couple of babies, not just a check-up. We purposely ate at Red Lobster to somewhat celebrate our anniversary (it's the 28th) before going to the appointment. That stunt cost me not having the C-section until 7 p.m. The food was great though!

Currently, I am working on another baby kimono for someone at my office who requested one to purchase. I have many things I want to knit including some great garter stitch mittens for the boys and myself. The Baby Surprise Jacket pattern arrived at my door last week. I still have a sock on needles (who doesn't?).

Whew!

What a relief it is to have all of this off my shoulders!

Oh, and by the way, you can find me on Ravelry these days. I am still working on loading pictures of projects and stash, etc., but if you're a Raveler, come on over and look me up! Now I need to get a Ravelry button on my blog.

My work is never done...

Zillion things

2008-01-15T15:49:00.001-05:00

What is a person to do? It has been since before Halloween that I wrote a post. Friends and relatives are pestering me to write and I want to write. I have things to write about. I have pictures to make those writings more interesting. I simply have many things to say, but...

Here's the conundrum:

Do I: A) post a zillion things with a zillion pictures all at once or do I: B) post chronologically but slowly so not to overwhelm you? What do you think? Does it even matter? Am I just procrasting even more by asking you? (don't answer that)

I better run to get my camera and start uploading all of the pictures. Beginning with Halloween costumes. Oh boy!

Just tired

2007-11-07T18:57:00.001-05:00

If you are a regular reader, I'm sorry to say that I am tired and that is the best excuse I can come up with for not posting pictures of the Boys in their Halloween costumes, or any other posts since October 29th.

My knitting mojo left me last week and weekend. It is not quite back in full force. It isn't just a feeling of not wanting to knit (gasp!) it is more that I can not make knitting work out. I have started and frogged a scarf no less than four times. You read right. A scarf. The Sophie Bag I have been knitting for my mom is nearing the finish line, but I had other projects I wanted to get started and because of the knitting mojo leaving, have been afraid to finish the Sophie for fear it'll not work out.

I have stash enhancement to show off. Although not exciting to many knitters, I finally ordered from Knitpicks and got some nice alpaca for the aforementioned scarf. And some Swish, their superwash wool in DK weight to make some cozy bummin' around socks. These purchases are thanks to my brother who gives me smart gifts every Christmas (they come in an envelope and are accepted nearly everywhere). The American Express gift card. Now that Christmas, 2007 is just around the corner, I figured it was time to use the gift card I received Christmas, 2006! Plus, I still have money left and I was told by customer service at Knitpicks that their catalog is out in the mail. Yeah baby.

It's all about Halloween costumes

2007-10-29T18:14:00.000-04:00

Very brief post. Still working on making a prince into a frog and a boy into a ghost. Pictures later. Send good vibes my way.

Knitting instructor

2007-10-23T17:40:00.001-04:00

Whoa. I got the call. I will be teaching beginning knitting and intermediate knitting at one of our libraries. December is the magic month and the timing for that little extra money could not be better. I have to go now to plan the classes. This is exciting stuff man!

How old am I?

2007-10-22T19:17:00.000-04:00

I forgot about my own birthday. Well, I didn't forget that I turned another year older, but I did forget to blog about it!

The three "boys" in my life took me to my favorite restaurant: Red Lobster the evening of my birthday (October 18). Otherwise, it was just another ordinary day (and that is a good thing).

DH got us a fine pair of these. And I have had fun playing around with it to learn all it can do. Which includes online capabilities.

P.S. I won't say what year it was that this photo was taken, but I could get Bazooka bubble gum for a penny.

Oh for the love of Fall!

2007-10-13T07:55:00.000-04:00

It has finally arrived here in South Central Michigan. If Fall does not get a knitter in the mood to knit, nothing will. I have a new sock on the needles using that blueberry hill colorway of Cherry Tree Hill and am still plugging away on Boy A's blanket.

My family (mom, sister and brother), DH, the Boys, and I went to dinner last night at Romano's Macaroni Grill to celebrate DH and my birthdays. (Mine is coming up next week.) My brother took photos and maybe he will share some that I will upload later.

Mom got me a book I have been wanting: Knit Together: Discover God's Pattern for Your Life. I cracked it open last night and think I will enjoy it immensely. The combination of spirituality and knitting just works for me.

In the meantime, it is Saturday; the sun has just come up and DH has already been at work for an hour. I have the usual housework and laundry to do, the entertainment of two five-year-old boys and then the homecoming of the Michigan State University football game tonight to look forward to. Go Spartans.

What is with the heat?

2007-10-08T16:15:00.000-04:00

I live in Michigan and October is supposed to be a glorious time of year. Beautiful fall colors both on the trees and begining to fall onto the ground. It is supposed to be breezy with chilly sweatshirt-wearing kind of nights. It should be great football weather. It should be the best time of year for riding horses. It should be the absolute perfect weather for bringing out fun scarves and fingerless mitts to wear with jean jackets.

It's 85 freaking degrees. Need I say more?

Meltdown Sunday

2007-10-07T10:45:00.000-04:00

The natives are restless and even though it is the season of fall, the weather is middle of summer. Excruciatingly hot. Humid. Wrong, just wrong. The boys do not want to go outside, yet are killing each other from being couped up.

If I had taken a photo of Boy B and his face immediately following the tear down of his pillow fort by Boy A. Tears, screaming, red-faced faced frustration. Screaming shortly followed with, "it's ruined! it can't be fixed. EVER."

Soon followed by chasing up and down stairs, and around the house. It included someone throwing a toy that of course, didn't hit target Boy, but Daisy instead. Oh, the injustice of being a family pet. Your work is never done.

Happy birthday Dear Husband

2007-10-04T16:50:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow my Dear Husband is another year older. He is a husband, father, supervisor, brother, uncle, son, friend, grad student and a full time church employee who is beyond ready to be finished with school that it cannot come quickly enough.

He sacrifices for his family daily. He cares about everyone he comes in contact with. He forgoes sleep nearly every night to study. He never misses an opportunity to do things for others and he takes a lot of grief from me.

He likes to take naps. He enjoys getting massages. He loves our boys enough to be the kind of dad who listens, but who also disciplines and sets limits. He is funny, clever, trustworthy and very good at reaching things in the top cupboards. He is Too Tall, Schemp and P.C.; he is Dear Husband.

Socks, stash and a blanket

2007-10-01T11:49:00.000-04:00

Do not adjust your computers. Blurry picture not the fault of your set.

My sock in progress is coming along. This is my first stepping out of my comfort zone sock. The pattern is free at Knitty and can be found here.

Like many knitters, I have quite a stash. Not just of yarn but also of patterns. I love them nearly as much as the yarn. For many years I have liked magazines and books. Years ago, before I took up knitting to my current (obsessive) level, I bought Family Circle Easy Knitting magazines whenever I found them in stores. Eventually, a subscription was necessary.

I could not get enough of looking at the pictures and reading the articles. Something about how those garments looked and how they were hand made just amazed me. Certainly, I would not be able to make any of them, or if any, very few. Mittens, hats, scarves, yes, but lace, socks, and sweaters? No way.

Times, they are a changin’.

This past Labor Day weekend I finally decided to try one of the many patterns I often look at and started this sock. I zipped along the top with little trouble and truly, the pattern is not difficult. I zoomed along past the heel and gusset and now working on the foot. I am not sure why I was ever thinking I could not do this.

Here is another pattern that intrigues me and I know lots of the online world is making Monkeys. I also love the Embossed Leaves from Interweave Knits that this blogger made this summer. Both patterns seem to intimidate me a bit, but if ya’all can do it, I guess I can. If nothing else, I can appreciate the thought, the math, the work, the fiber, the time and the...everything that goes into these sorts of patterns. I will remind myself of that comment when I am ripping out, throwing my needles and a tangled start of a sock across the room and starting over.

This is Boy A’s blanket. The multi-directional scarf pattern is the base of this first square. The plan is to finish the short row square and then “frame” the edges with solid burgundy. Frankly, this square is going fairly quickly, even including that I had to rip out I would say, four gazillion yards. Even given that, it seems to be going along faster than did Boy B’s blanket. That might be because I have only had to work garter stitch the whole time. I also have no other looming projects on my plate.

Socks in progress do not count, Repeat After Me: there should always be a sock on the needles. Always. Very good...now go get one started.

Meet Leo:

2007-09-29T10:25:00.001-04:00

He has that innocent look about him, but don't be fooled. Not for one second.

When I got home from work a few nights ago, I noticed Leo was not on the couch, like normal, but I got into doing other things and forgot. About 5:40 I went out back to call him and asked the boys if they had seen him. Boy A proceeds to tell me that they (him, Boy B and the Babysitter) had kind of looked for him, but did not know where he was. The Babysitter did not mention any of this before she left...(she apparently thought he just went under the deck).

Shortly after realizing that Leo must have gotten out of the fenced-in back yard, Boy B starts the tears and moootzing and the, “I waaaant LEEEEOOOO.” I suggested we drive around and look for him. The boys and I got in the van and started combing the neighborhood. We drove over to the office where the Babysitter was (DH's office) and went in to find out when she had last seen him. She figured about 4:30. She and her mother decide to go out looking too.

So, we keep driving around, the boys keep mooootzing and eventually we head back home because friends were coming over for a quick meal, some knitting by us women and a meeting for the men. It ended up that the Babysitter and her mom stopped and asked someone who was out with their dog if they had seen a little black and white shaved shih tzu. YEP! They had him and had called the number on his tag (our old phone number, which is disconnected) and figured they’d call the vet’s office the next day.

Leo was home before we got back there and did he ever sleep hard that night. He was literally passed out on the chair when I went to bed at 10 p.m. And the Babysitter's mom commented that at least her daughter only lost our dog, not our child. Good one.

FOs (finished objects)

2007-09-25T16:43:00.001-04:00

Prefelting:

Postfelting:

This would be why these were made. The plum and grey are made from Patons Classic Merino wool. This was the first time I have felted this wool and they shrunk very quickly. Love that. These are made from that classic pattern (if it is not a classic pattern, it should be) which can be found here. If you have not made a pair of these (or a few more) you should. The pattern is ingenious and the results are wonderful. Comfy-cozy, warm but not itchy or sweaty and just plain cute. Go on, you know you want to make them.

May the road rise up to meet you

2007-09-25T16:22:00.000-04:00

Whew! Boy B's blanket is finished. He loves it and refers to it as "The Road Blanket." Remember me saying that this yarn was in my stash and that I had lots of the royal blue and once he decided upon that, asked him what other color he wanted with it? He announced, "yellow." Of course, the one color I didn't have. Happily I went to Knit Night (this was last fall/winter) and word got out I needed some yellow. Low and behold a fellow knitter had this yellow, and plenty of it. She happily handed it over and Boy B said, "yes! I like that."

The evening I finished off his blanket and told him it was done, save the blocking process (no time for that) he decided he was not, in fact, all that crazy about the yellow and asked me why I chose that color. And people say girls are fickle!

Don't get me wrong. He LOVES the blanket. As previously mentioned he calls it The Road Blanket and often uses it to drive Hot Wheels and Match Cars on it. Shortly after gaining full possession of said blanket, he said, "mom, thanks so much for making me this blanket, I love it." Everyone together now: Awwwwww

Incidentally, The Road Blanket is not straight, the gauge is terrible and since it is not blocked, it curls under, it curls over, it's just downright awful! Although, the positives about this blanket include (aside from Boy B loving it and that is really all that matters) is I made up the patterns myself. All four patches are different sizes on purpose. I did use a stitch pattern from this book, the Aztec-like yellow portion. A pattern I would use again if given the opportunity.

2007-09-18T20:36:00.000-04:00

Today my youngest brother-in-law, Matt (Monk) is legal and it cannot be possible. I first met him when he was a wee 4-year-old. We have watched him play a lot of basketball, meet a lot of girls, graduate from high school and move on to college. Now a junior studying occupational therapy and an all-around nice young man. I know, he's cute too.

I had to be fair and had to upload two pictures from this summer. One with Boy B (first photo) and one with Boy A (second photo). These were taken at my inlaw's home in northern Michigan and the "boys" were enjoying milk and sweet treats. One of the many things I have always been able to count on with my husband's family is they can exist on milk and sweets, such as cake, brownies, cookies, etc. I will have to share some of the other things that I know to be true, but tonight is all about our new drinking-age brother. Have a great one, Matt, and remember to give away the keys tonight!

First fishing trip

2007-09-09T12:15:00.000-04:00

Several weeks ago, Dear Husband needed some extra, extra quiet time to write his grad work papers so I took the boys and picked up a friend and headed north a couple of hours to go fishing. This was the trip where Evan was acquired.

The fishing could not have been better if I had planned it myself. Only seconds after dropping their lines into the water, they would catch a fish. It was ridiculous and exciting!

Boy A is proudly showing off his first catch. While Boy B enjoyed fishing he especially enjoyed "fishing" from the live well on the boat. Thankfully, my friend loves to fish and she handled all the murdering of worms and removal of hooks. The weather cooperated beautifully and the hospitality of the folks who opened up their home, boat, and Gator to us were wonderful. It is truly a blessing to have good friends.

(For those of you wondering, while Dear Husband did not finish those papers that weekend, he did accomplish quite a bit and they are, thankfully, finished now. He has already begun the new semester's class too.)

The boys are back!

2007-09-06T18:56:00.000-04:00

Full day kindergarten is truly a joy. They had an "out of uniform" day the first day of school and it was a half day. They began wearing their uniforms the second day of school and I could not believe how grown up they look. Like little school boys (duh)!

Their uniforms have to be navy pants (or shorts), either white or red shirt (long or short sleeves). Thankfully, Boy A's favorite color is red and Boy B doesn't care what he wears. Whew.

Now for some true colors to show:

And now for the long awaited...knitting!

Finished socks for Dear Husband and a Broadripple sock (free pattern here) started for me using Cascade Fixation. I have since turned the heel and am past the gusset. I had a night of making fleece tie blankets for the boys' rest time in the afternoons. They could not take their bedtime blankies and leave them at school so grandma bought them new fleece and I cut and tied them one evening. That hacked out some serious sock knitting time.

To add insult to injury, it is looking like the sock is not going to fit me. I am liking the way the pattern of the top looks to be a fingerless mitten though. I feel a conversion of pattern coming on. Still, the disappointment of the sock not fitting me is deep. Two options have occurred to me. One being I could add a few stitches to the lace pattern, but to make it turn out correctly that would be several stitches and I have heard that a few stitches can make a big difference with a sock and its ability to stay up. The other option is to go up a needle size. These options end up not really being options at all when I only have two balls of this yarn and fear that I am not going to have enough as it is let alone after monkeying around.

To any experienced sock knitter out there, what would you do? I should just accept the fact that someone else is going to enjoy these nice socks, shouldn't I

Darn swatch goddess. She really isn't joking around. (Graphic content: to those reading, I did not do a swatch. GASP! End of graphic content)

It is coming...eventually

2007-08-24T18:34:00.000-04:00

I am a winter person. I look better in cool colors, I love snow storms, I love to wear mittens and scarves and I love goofy hats on kids. I love it when it is cold enough at night to dig out the Hudson Bay Company blanket and wear those warm felted clogs on my chilly feet. They need to take a long hot (and rough and tumble) bath to really finish them off and I cannot wait.

This evening we had a storm pass through that is supposed to bring some cooler weather. It has been hot and humid for quite some time and I get just plain ole' grumpy in the heat and look forward to changing colors, crunchy leaves, jean jackets and all that goes with fall.

A little stash enhancement happened last week. I had the opportunity to sneak out of work early on Friday (don't tell the bosses) and meet up with some girl friends from my old town for dinner out and take in the Lugnuts baseball game. But first, I stopped at the LYS (by local I mean 35 minutes away) for their annual ginormous sale. It had started on Thursday and I contemplated waiting until Saturday, but thankfully I came to my senses! They were somewhat picked over for what I had in mind to get, Aurora 8, but of course I changed my mind.

This picture is horrible, but the yarn is lovely. Blueberry Hill Sockittome by Cherry Tree Hill and I have never been so indulgent. I now need to find a sock pattern to run with with this. It has wonderful varied shades of violets, plums, teals, midnight blue and burgundy. Oooh luscious.

But wait, there's more.

This Rio De La Plata kettle dyed handspun 100% wool was a steal. Whoa mama, it was regularly $12.50 and in my home for five bucks each! This photo does not do it justice. It is great shade of deep violet to the palest lavender. It practically jumped into my basket screaming, "Sophie Bag, Sophie Bag." (I have made a bulky version of the Sophie on size US 13 needles and love the size).

But wait, there's even more.

Lastly, is five balls of "Cyprus Mohair." Again, jewel tones of blues and purples twisted with black. I am often leery of mohair as my experience is it can be itchy, but a sample scarf was available for fondling and I did just that. I see a scarf and possibly enough for some fingerless mitts. But even if I only make a scarf these were also a steal. Regularly $6.50 for under $2.00 each! It was like getting away with something naughty. Muuuwhaaaa.

Welcome to our family

2007-08-14T19:23:00.000-04:00

Snips, snails and puppy dog tails, that's what little boys are made of...

This little guy is Evan. He came home from the boys' first fishing trip in a large coffee can. Since Evan survived, it seemed only fitting that he should get the treatment in his new home. He now is living in a predator-free environment. It is a rather large tank with all the fix'ins (including live crickets) that cost more than most outfits I buy. Evan has inspired me to want to write a series of books about a traveling frog. J.K. Rowling watch out.

Like father, like son(s)

2007-08-08T20:32:00.001-04:00

It could be a papa duck and his ducklings; it could be follow-the-leader; it could be monkey see, monkey do; it could be men in training.

You pick.

I pick just plain cute.

Aaaah, the beach life

2007-08-08T19:21:00.000-04:00

There is not much to compare to relaxing at the beach. Sunny days and cool nights.

We had nearly perfect weather. Of the nine days we were up north it rained for a few hours one day, and Michigan needs rain, so we did not complain. The above photos are taken at Burt Lake State Park. Burt Lake, the fourth largest inland lake in Michigan, was gorgeous as always. Boy B is sporting the push-up pose and Boy A is deep in thought as usual. Lake Michigan was, at least at Petoskey State Park, sadly low by probably two feet. An abundance of algae available at the park for probably the first 50 feet from the beach, but the boys braved it nevertheless. Boy B kept calling it "L G" (say it out loud and you'll understand the humor there.)

I spent some time knitting, quite a bit of time reading the fourth Harry Potter book, "The Goblet of Fire," bike riding, and generally playing with the boys. Dear Husband did some homework, quite a few naps and a little golf. He also did most of the water duty with the boys. Boy B is becoming a pretty good swimmer. Boy A is still working on his confidence and liked wearing the arm swimmies.

The second sock for DH is nearly finished. I am decreasing the toe and will probably finish that before the weekend. I have socks on the brain, so I am thinking of casting on another pair (for me this time). I want to use the Fixation yarn I have, but have read some blogs that indicate that this yarn is rather different to knit with, so I think I will knit my first (insert GASP! here) sock swatch. The boys and I are going out of town again this weekend. We're heading north again to a friend's cottage for only one night, but they have want to go fishing, so we are going fishing. I intend to have the sock ready for serious boat knitting.

Speaking of boating. Oh my, what an adventure we had last week! We rented a pontoon for a day and took it along the Inland Waterway, which includes (but not limited to) Crooked Lake, Pickerall Lake, Burt Lake, many channels and Lake Huron. If you go from (or to) Lake Huron you have to go through a lock. There is also a small lock between Crooked Lake and Crooked River. The lock was a neat experience, but that isn't the adventure of which I speak. The adventure would be getting out on Burt Lake (remember I said it's the fourth largest inland lake?) with three foot waves and four children under the age of nine. (Friends of ours joined us who have two girls, girls that scream. Hear me saying...boys just don't scream that much). We started taking on some serious water. Once I slapped some sense into DH, who thought the whole thing was cool, he slowed down. By that time, we were literally in the middle of the lake and had to ride these waves into some serious sea sickness. Boy A was in tears thinking we were going to sink. Boy B was uncontrollably giggling and I was slowly turning green and praying I wasn't going to see that cold cut sandwich I ate for lunch.

Good times.

Is that you, Harry?

2007-07-26T14:52:00.000-04:00

I'm
a Hufflepuff!

Clearly this is the talk of the blogging town. It is just remarkable to me that a series of books have touched so many lives, not just young, but of all ages. I also would have never thought I would be a Hufflepuff, I thought for sure I would be a Gryffindor. If you want some fun free Harry Potter patterns and need to know the House Colors go here and make some for charity, you and yours!

Personally, I am reading book four, The Goblet of Fire and my awesome mom picked up books five and six and I am happily awaiting until book seven is released in paperback.

On the knitting front, I still have a blue and yellow blankie on the needles for Boy B and sock number two (for Dear Hubbo) is beyond the turning of the heel. I zoomed through several dishrags from an old pattern from a friend's mom. It utilizes short rows, ends up round and turns out the perfect size for one hand (just what I like in a dishrag).

I have had the pleasure of hosting a friend at my house once a week for knitting. She knew how to knit and purl before coming over, but has really taken off with finishing some projects and she has knitted countless dish cloths.

I have gotten familiar with our local library and have found some great knitting books. I currently have Big Girl Knits. It's very fun. It has some really nice patterns. The big (no pun intended) question is not whether I want to make one of these patterns, or whether I can make one of them, it's more of whether I can afford to make one. It is fun to dream, however.

We are escaping south central Michigan for the upper lower (Michiganders, you know what I mean). We are heading north for some much needed time together. After the incident last week, that shook my world (and I think probably shook us more than the boys) we need this break. (for those who do not know about the incident, Boy A was left at a city park by the daycare provider. The daycare was unaware that he was left behind, until the police contacted them, over an hour after leaving the park! I was at my office when I received a call from an officer who (thankfully) told me everything was fine, but that he was with Boy A at the park...the most important thing is he is fine and our worse nightmare did not come true for us that afternoon.)

So, we are off to the north on Saturday for the WHOLE week. We are taking bikes, swim suits, golf clubs, books and, what else? OH YEAH, knitting. We are staying at my in-laws "big house" that is in a golf course development (they rent it to vacationers) and I plan to spend at least a few days at Lake Michigan and/or Burt Lake.

Hot summer nights

2007-06-27T19:10:00.000-04:00

I believe south-central and mid Michigan is somewhat known for being hot and muggy in the thick of summer. We have been very lucky (as far as I am concerned) that we have not had a lot of humid weather so far. Humidity and 90+ degrees is usually an August thing.

But thinking about this weather to come, and having had some evenings already, it gets me thinking about knitting blankets for the boys. Why? you may ask? Because I started Boy B's blanket when we were still under cool weather and I am still plugging away. I have been completely entertained by a pattern I found in one of my pattern books, The Encyclopedia of Knitting, a book I have had around for quite some time (translation: more years than I care to remember). Half of the blanket is a pattern I made up and have cleverly convinced Boy B that it looks like roads and he could drive his Matchbox/Hotwheels cars on it. He is very excited and keeps asking me if it is finished yet (not as clever as I thought--but I digress). The pattern that I am now knitting (from the that book I mentioned) is enough to keep me entertained without stressing me out. Every other row is purl, so it seems to be just right. Plus, I'm always entertained by what every row brings to the whole picture (a nifty Aztec-looking pattern knitting in nother better than acid yellow).

In the meantime of knitting this blanket, hot weather or not, is a sock in progress. This is only my seventh sock and it is for my dear husband. I started knitting it quite some time ago (again, longer than I'd like to admit--but will say it was before I started the blanket) and had a heck of a time going from turning the heel back to three needles. The pattern I was using was incorrect (an old pattern from the 1960s) and as many times as I kept trying, the darn pattern would NOT correct itself. Go figure.

Now that I'm cruising past the gusset and well into the foot it's back to being fun and mindless knitting. Knitting that travels well. Knitting that goes to work and entertains me during the last 40 minutes of my lunch. Knitting that goes to the dentist with me. Knitting that goes outside in the 90 degree and humid heat and even though seems to be a gigantic sock (this is for a man, remember) it doesn't cover my legs and make me hotter. You just gotta love knitting like that.

Have you signed up?

2007-05-31T20:33:00.000-04:00

This is fixin' to be a nice e-newsletter. Check this out: Knitting Daily. I am knitting daily, are you?

We are moved. We are settled.

2007-05-15T07:56:00.000-04:00

It is a sweet little house. It is bright and sunny and it doesn't smell funny. It cool and breezy and we like it. (I couldn't think of anything that rhymes with breezy--where is my mom when I need her?).

Mother's Day was gorgeous here in south central Michigan. It was in the cool 70s and I was treated like a queen. The men of my house served me french toast and sausage. They left me home while they went to church (I went on Saturday evening) and I got to watch a movie of MY choice. We had my mom, sister and brother over. My brother just returned from the Philippines (vacation) and brought us all little gifts from there. He bought himself a new guitar so he played that while the rest of the hillbillies sat around on our back deck. I say hillbillies, because that's all I could think of when we were sitting there singing camping songs without a fire.

Tonight is the last Tuesday night Knitting Night. We're having our annual appetizer night. Some people knit a bit, but most sit and visit and eat. I have not been able to attend this year as much as I like. With moving nearly 40 miles away and gas prices it has just been too much. Plus, winter driving is not my favorite thing. Thankfully, I have been able to go these last several weeks and have enjoyed it thoroughly, like I haven't missed a thing.

Boy B's blanket is about half done. I picked up (with acid yellow) 80 plus stitches last night on the side of the first panel (royal blue) and will start knitting the new pattern tonight. A pattern that is undecided at the moment.

We're moving...again

2007-04-15T11:00:00.000-04:00

Yes, it is true. We are moving. Again. The weekend of April 28 is our goal to truck things from this house to the "new" one.

Our address is not changing much either. Just enough to keep everyone on their toes. We're moving right

next

door.

Yes, you read that right. We're moving into the house right next to us and here's the reasons why: It's a little bit bigger. It's got a finished (completely!) basement, it has a second full bath, new siding, newer windows, and a DISHWASHER! Okay, the dishwasher isn't really a reason for us moving there, but it helps.

The house has hardwood floors throughout, except for the bath and kitchen, which are ceramic tile. The basement has the same ceramic tile and is a very nice barely off-white--white. The two bedrooms upstairs as well as the living room both need a good paint job, which we'll do after moving in. The basement has a huge full bath that has an extra-large shower stall (no tub) and the vanity is really nice. It has 6 drawers (big drawers!) so I have already claimed it as, "mom and dad's bathroom." The upstairs bath is nice, it's got the good ole' blue tile in the tub area, but there is a pedestal sink with enough floor space that the boys' step stool can stay in there and still be out of the way!

We went out and bought (for the first time since we have been married) a nice dining set. It's an oval oak table with 6 chairs. We get that next Friday and it will look so nice in the finished dining room. That room is quite large and has been tastefully decorated including a chair-rail. It's got a nice sized pantry in there and plenty of room for a buffet when we decide to make another large purchase.

Okay, enough about the new house. I'll leave you with this: Imagine us literally carrying things down the sidewalk to the house next door and not having to load things onto a truck. Heeee. One other thing, is there any rule about whether you need to remove your sheets from mattresses when you're only carrying them across your backyards? Hmmmmm. What do you think?

No excuses

2007-04-05T19:16:00.000-04:00

I recently participated in a Knitting into the Mystery Retreat and enjoyed myself so much. Several reasons to find enjoyment in that: 1. A day spent with friends. 2. A day spent not hearing, "ma. MA!" 3. A day spent not doing laundry. 4. A day in spiritual renewal, and finally 5. A day spent in guilt-free knitting!

We have this beautiful retreat center about an hour north of us. It is located on 90+ acres and always has great quiet places, great food, and even the drive is pleasant.

Since the last time I blogged, I finally had a picture upload. I have finished the pair of my felted clogs, but they are not felted. I have made a few log cabin squares for an afghan I have been working on for a very long time. I still have the prayer shawl I started at the retreat going and since I spent some of my gift certificate the LYS, I now have some cool things speaking to me each night. I long to knit them, but feel guilty with other projects on the needles already.

I picked up a great book, Knitting for Peace, from the bookstore at the retreat center. At first glance, it has a few cute little (and simple) patterns that I certainly didn't need, but after really reading it, it's a great reference for wonderful charities that need our help. Every day, all year around. Wonderful stories of just how these charities began and how those people reached out.

While blogsurfing at my regular "waves" this week; check out this knitalong. Free pattern found there too! I am not a huge Harry Potter fan, but Boy B loves the movies and will most likely read those books someday.

P.S. No excuses for not blogging more regularly. It is what it is, and life is still good whether I've blogged or not.

Well...I'll be darned, it worked

2007-03-15T21:17:00.000-04:00

FINALLY! A photo is uploaded. Albeit an old photo, but a photo none-the-less! This is our cute boys on their birthday (January 21) overwhelmed with wonder!

I promise more knitting content and knitting pictures to come. It is 9 p.m. now and I am done knitting the second sole of the first felted clog knitted, but not joined with the finished clog. The second clog is ready for its sole too. These felted clogs for me made from Patons Classic Merino I had in the stash.

Blogger is being stupid

2007-03-09T08:06:00.000-05:00

I have decided, and I will admit, in writing, I am a slacker. Although, I have some great reasons (alright--excuses) for why I have not put any pictures up and have not posted regularly. Two of those reasons are Boy A and Boy B. Boy B has especially been fighting some sort of crud (or better expressed as a train of crud--one car after another, after another, and so on).

Another reason (alright, excuse. Stop badgering me!) is a full time job outside the home. A 40-hour job that feels like 60 hours. Unfortunately, I cannot even say I have been knitting instead of posting! (Loser.) Although, I did finish DH's ribbed hat and after he wore his old hat when snow blowing this week, I figured he doesn't like the new hat. He assured me he likes it so much, he does not want to, "get it all gas-smelly."

I have not taken a picture of the ribbed hat and DH has stolen, I mean, borrowed my camera, printer, and photo paper for a big work event that will consume his life today and tomorrow (and all night). Let's just say it involves about a zillion middle schoolers, music, dancing, Mass, and general pubescent fun.

Back to my reasons for slacking. (okay! excuses) I had surgery again. Without the details, this was a bit more involved, but still outpatient and completed with only sedation. Nevertheless, I am home today still resting. I am hoping to get a felted clog finished.

I have tried, for two days, to upload a picture. Any picture, and stupid Blogger will not upload for who knows why. I should know since this is free. What do I want? Perfection? I think not. So, I apologize for more text and no pictures.

P.S. have you seen that the MagKnits and Knitty both have new patterns available?

Just because it has been so long

2007-03-01T19:41:00.000-05:00

I figured I better get to posting about something. We have just been the typical busy family. We took the boys to see Charlotte's Web on the big screen this past weekend. They got a bit antsy toward the last 20 minutes, but could have been a lot worse. The movie is cute. One I hope we purchase for the library.

Last week, February 19th, I had off for President's Day. With not working that day, I still put in 48 hours. Clearly, that contributed to the no posting on the blog thing.

I have started knitting a new hat for DH. It's from some wool I had in the stash. Lion Brand merino and is a nice blue and some variegated of the same. It is 2x2 rib knitted in the round and I am counting on the stretchiness of ribbing that it will fit. I am about 5 or so inches into what will be a few more before beginning the decreases.

The felted clogs for me are still waiting and my feet have been freezing now for two weeks. Not sure why I haven't just finished them, but tonight, while wearing a pair of DH's socks with my holey-falling-apart clogs I will find some quiet time to go a few more rounds. I must.

Happy March. It coming in like a lion means it will go out like a lamb. I love winter, but after a lot of rain, sleet, freezing rain, etc. today, and freezing feet, I'm thinking Spring.

Working from home

2007-02-18T15:17:00.000-05:00

This week brought an unwelcome visitor: streptococcal (strep) bacteria. Boy B first, DH next and Boy A shortly thereafter. Mom has so far escaped the crud. But, after DH missed two days in his office (trying to work from home) I needed to stay home on Friday.

For the first time ever, I have the capabilities to work from home. Not that it will be a practice, no, warm bodies are needed in our office, but the occasional times like this will be okay'd. YEAH! I actually wasn't able to do any work on Friday, but with DH home today, was able to finish all I had hoped. Let's hear it for a team-based work environment and a flexible work schedule and flexible and understanding co-workers and boss! Go Team!

On the knitting front. I finished a dishcloth from the Mason-Dixon Knitting book. Check out their funny website/blog at: http://www.masondixonknitting.com/

I will get a picture of that up soon. I am still slowly working on the first of my new pair of felted clogs. I was very tempted (but resisted) to buy some wool at Wal-Mart yesterday. My mom had given me some Lion Brand wool, but one skein too few to make the clogs (for my size). But as I said, I resisted. I am using wool that has been in my stash longer than the new stuff mom gave me.

DH has lost his one and only hat I have ever knitted him. EXCUSE to knit a hat! Whoohoo. He is outside with Boy A playing on the huge mounds of snow in the parking lot across from our house as I write this (Boy B is sleeping and surely going to freak when he wakes to find dad and brother already outside!). The point I am getting to is DH is out there without a topper and only a ear-covering headband. Burrrr. Better go get some of that wool out of the stash and get knitting.

Ruining a little felting

2007-02-10T10:06:00.000-05:00

The Yarn Harlot wrote a post on January 12, 2007 titled, "ruining a little knitting." I just had to take that a little further. Not many can say that they ruined felting. I mean, if it is felted, then it actually is ruined. Well, I am gifted. I did it! I ruined something worse, that is supposed to be ruined. Truly gifted.

No pictures yet. They are dripping wet. But here is a pic of how good they looked (and if I had gargantuan feet should have kept them in this neat knitted state).

As my husband says, "no point crying over spilled milk." I must trudge on with new knitting and begin ruining some new things. Use those gifts.

Much needed knitting pictures

2007-01-29T21:31:00.000-05:00

I have been putting off pics for too long. Here are some to catch up from what I have been telling you about.

Gynormus Fuzzy Feet slipper to be felted. A little story for those of you who know me and my fetish for pens, as I worked on the first Fuzzy Feet I grabbed one of several pens I have in my knitting notions bag and low and behold it is the same green and bright blue that I'm knitting with! No joke. Pantone could not have made a better match. Since number two of the pair is nearly finished, I'll take a photo of that one with it's sidekick, The Pen and you can decide for yourself. (By the way, the second Fuzzy Feet has been on hold to finish the kids’ mittens that were of higher priority. (We finally got some real Michigan winter weather.) Try this pattern. The only error I found (and it may be correct since mine I printed a long time ago) is when you divide for the heel it says to knit 10 when, in fact, you will knit 20.

The two pairs of mittens for the boys: red for Boy A and black for Boy B. The red have been worn daily for the past week, the black were taken to school today, but the wind chill proved too cold for outside recess. The red pair are from Paton's Classic Merino wool and the black from Cascade 220. As I mentioned in a previous post, it was nice to knit with real wool on "regular-sized" needles as I have done so much felting with real wool, therefore, using the kindergarten pencil-sized needles, size 11 and up. I knitted these using an old mitten pattern a friend gave me that I have used for every pair of the boys' mittens over the years. It is a nice pattern that has sizes ranging from 2-year-old to men's. It can either be worked in the round or as I did, flat. I knit both mittens at the same time to ensure the same size and it makes me feel like I finish faster. I will tell you the author/maker of the pattern another time. It is late; I'm chilled and ready to dive under the covers.

The wool mittens

2007-01-26T20:27:00.000-05:00

The boys turned 5 on the 21st and we had a family get-together on Saturday. On Sunday morning (they're actual birthday) Boy B walked to the living room after sleeping in a bit and questioned whether today was his actual birthday. I answered, yes. He then said, as serious as a heart attack, that he didn't feel any different. I decided that this too, should be applied to being 40, until morning arrives and my knees crack and back aches just stepping out of bed. Hmmmm is it possible that I feel different? Yeah, thought so.

As for some knitting content! I finished Boy A's 100% wool mittens. He has been gleefully wearing them all week. They're the favorite color, red. Boy B's are slated to be finished this weekend. His are black but only because I did not have royal blue in the stash and black was the alternative to match his coat. Boy A's are made from good ole' Patons Classic Merino wool. Boy B's are from Cascade 220. So far they are both nice yarns to work with. I have not made many things with wool without felting it, therefore, using huge needles and sometimes double strands. It is terribly nice to just knit with wool and think how this would have been what my grandmother used (only her's was scratchier).

Speaking of my grandmother. I was not blessed to ever know her. She passed away terribly young. My older sister was only about a month old (and sis is 47) and grandma was only 41. (This is my mom's mother.) She (grandma) was the second eldest of 13 children and I knew my great grandmother very well. But, grandma had damaged her heart from having Scarlet Fever when she was young and ultimately died from pneumonia.

I am getting to my point, which is that a few weeks ago, mom brought me several totes of yarn that she wanted me to go through and take what I wanted. I was digging through the piles of acrylic picking this and that when I came to the bottom and found a pair of finished red and gray mittens. They are rather small, but would probably make a nice fit for a lady with lady hands (I am not one of those ladies). The mittens would definitely fit a child about middle school I'd say.

I held them up to mom, who was sitting in my living room, and asked where these came from and if she knew they were in all this yarn. She told me they were mittens her mother made on three needles and are the only knitted items she has of her mom's. She thought I might like to have them. Incidentally, my mom never learned to knit on three needles until I taught her last year.

The mittens have no "ladders" to act as a give-away of three-needle knitting. The wool is scratchy and the red and gray colors are not the least bit vibrant, but rather dull. There is one stitch that has popped out that needs repair. But these mittens are perfect in every way. They were made by my grandmother who probably made them well over 50 years ago and I now know I came from a line of knitting women. How lucky am I?

Here's my idea: to get one of those box frame jobbies and display them proudly near my knitting chair. DH will think that's weird, but grandma might just have to out rank him.

Illusion knitting

2007-01-13T20:00:00.000-05:00

I have tried my hand at this little technique and is it ever interesting. I may have a pic to upload in the next day or so. I swatched a scarf (meaning, I knitting one repeat of the illusion and if I continue it could easily turn into a scarf).

Fuzzy Feet have held my interest these last several days. I have been recuperating from minor (do self breast exams!) surgery and the day I had surgery, I didn't have to be in until 1 p.m., so I sat around the house with no food or water and finished off the first and since I didn't really feel like knitting the day after surgery, I started the second of the pair today and have it way past the heel and gusset. Yeah! Pics of those soon also.

Have a great Saturday night and better yet, a blessed Sunday!

Baby sweater woes

2007-01-08T19:18:00.000-05:00

Ever consider that the higher power is a dirty player of tricks? Yeah, me either, until I tried to finish a simple baby sweater.

Sure, I had a tight deadline, sure I had to work full time and be a mom who still does dishes by hand, sure I have had doctor appointments and events after work hours to attend; but come on! it's a BABY sweater.

To those who knew about this little project and my deadline of this evening will be sniggering (okay, screaming with laughter) at the fact that it must NOT be finished. It was a perfectly reasonable deadline.

The first pattern that I began knitting on New Year Eve went with me to Knitting Night on Tuesday. I knew things were bad then, but I kept plugging away and after going through the pattern several times and "walking" through the knitted piece I still cannot find my error(s). Mind you, this is a pattern that I have made before without problems. Twice in fact.

So, on Wednesday evening, after repeating the "walking" through the knitted piece several more times, I decided to chuck it aside and begin anew. I frantically tore through magazines and patterns to find a simple stitch, worsted weight, easily assembled baby sweater. Found it! Okay, here we go again. Started knitting away, zoomed through the back, finally finished the front last night and stayed up until after 10 p.m. finishing the sleeves. (Cute thing, really, seed stitch instead of the normal ribbing).

Not cute enough.

I knitted the d*mn thing to specs (I swear) and low and behold it is like a sweater dress with short sleeves! And not a sweater dress with any shape to it.

Enough said? I thought so.

Now get off the floor and move on. I have.

Serious case of indecision

2007-01-02T16:14:00.000-05:00

Happy 2007 everyone!

I am starting off the year right. I have at least three knitting projects on needles and seem to be incapable of deciding which should be finished first. Well, that isn't completely true. I have a baby sweater in the works. The Circle I joined at our new parish is having a baby shower for a local women's charity. The shower is Monday evening; I started the baby sweater yesterday.

Think I can finish it? If if I stay online longer, I won't! Here is a picture of my progress since yesterday late morning:

I know, it looks funny, but it will piece together correctly when the other front is finished (I hope).

There is an old saying that whatever you are doing on the first day of the new year you will be doing all year long. If that is true, we will be going to the movies (we saw, "Pursuit of Happyness") a lot (good, I love doing that), and I will be knitting (no brainer, I'd say).

Tonight is Knitting Night at K's. Whooohooo. Must go, must knit.

Happy Birthday LB

2006-12-31T12:49:00.000-05:00

Another year older. And more wise? She likes to cross stitch, read and garden. Past president of her local garden club and currently an active member. She enjoys being outside and works full-time. LB helps our mom take care of horses and has many dogs and cats.

Have a Happy one LB! You're my favorite sister.

And what's this?

2006-12-30T16:31:00.000-05:00

I started knitting with that one skein of charcoal black alpaca I got a while back. A lacy cowl seemed to be calling me. But after knitting only an inch or so, I am bored. Call me crazy, but if it does not feel right, if a project is speaking to me, I am going to set it aside. Seems rather unfair, but I know it will find it's way back to the needles for either the same project, or something new.

The yarn is lucious to handle though! I mean to say, much softness here. Never knitted with anything like it. Not being a die-hard all natural knitter (financial reasons) and all...this was my virgin alpaca experience.

The sock is coming along nicely. Knitted a few during lunch break once this week. The photo does not quite capture the wide ribbing for the "body" of the sock, but we tried.

Here is Boy A's little hands trying to help me.

This is a little something I started this afternoon. Using up some stash for Fuzzy Feet for me. My felted clogs are nearly crapped out. They have served me well. I completed them last year shortly before Christmas and wore them, for the first time, on Christmas eve.

Is this sad or what?

The Christmas Season has just begun

2006-12-28T18:46:00.000-05:00

Since Advent takes us right up to Christmas and the Season of Christmas continues well into January, it seems quite appropriate to share some photos.

After grandma, aunt and uncle came, this is only some of the presents they brought. The others would not fit near the tree and had to be moved so there could be a path through the living room and "office."

The toy for the big boy of the house had some assembly required. (a table saw)
In case you were wondering, there is seldom a photo of me at Christmas because I am the one usually behind the camera (smile).

Aaah, an extra holiday

2006-12-26T17:46:00.000-05:00

This is a short work week. Three days. Whoohoo. Next week will also be shortened to three days.

As for knitting content, I started this on the evening of the 23rd. Worked on it a lot on Christmas eve (while my mom, brother, sister, husband and the boys watched "Cars." Well, I watched too). But, on Christmas day, my left thumb protested. Shortly before leaving for 10:30 a.m. mass, it got all out-of-joint and decided to cause pain throughout the day and evening. The thumb kept me from knitting. I know, it is truly hard to believe. Serious pain would be one of the few things that would keep me from knitting.

At the in-laws last night, Boy B got sick. (This seems to be a trend, Boy A got sick while there on Thanksgiving day).

***GRAPHIC CONTENT FOLLOWING. SCROLL PAST IF YOU HAVE A SQUEAMISH TUMMY!***

Boy B began puking his guts out and proceeded to do that 4 times in under an hour. We packed up to head home with puke bucket, wash cloth and tissues in hand. He then proceeded to puke another 4 or 5 times with the grand finale of dry heaves. He slept in the car for about 20 minutes and went straight to bed with me who was thoroughly car sick from riding in the back with the T.V. on.

We slept well until I awoke to D.H. running from the living room to grab Boy A from the top bunk and dash around the corner, into the bath, just in time for him to puke in the toilet. They then went to the couch for the remainder of the night and Boy A puked one more time.

***GRAPHIC CONTENT COMPLETED.***

The knit is back. After wrapping my hand and therefore, imbolizing the thumb, it felt much better today, although range of motion is not completed restored, I have been able to knit. Thank God.

A time for sharing

2006-12-25T09:46:00.000-05:00

In a previous post a while back I mentioned that I have had the pleasure of teaching some very talented and giving ladies to knit. These two wonderful women were once co-workers of mine. The first picture is of two finished Sophie bags. Knitted and felted by K.C. She made them for friends.

The following hats were made up by P.S. (she's the one who made those great felted mittens/stockings for her family). She made this line of hats for a family that one of her son's class "adopted." This picture reminds me of some I have seen in magazines. Just makes me smile.

This photo is P.S.'s kids modeling the other items she made for gifts. This is a neat idea: this year, her family is exchanging hats, scarves and socks. (hello, knitter's dream!)

Merry Christmas all! Enjoy your day and smile when you see the kids playing with all their new stuff.

Surprise!

2006-12-21T19:49:00.000-05:00

This is the surprise I have been working on. It really is not much, but it's the small things in my life, really.

Can you guess what it is?

Well, here's a hint: Click on this blog link (and scroll down a bit).

Still don't know? Here is another pic. This is my first attempt at a sock without a pattern. I am using the general sock knitting directions from this prolific (and talented!) writer/blogger/knitter. Specifically the book, Knitting Rules!

If you have not added this book to your library. You are truly missing out. It is not for the knitting patterns but for the comic writing related to this fantastic lifestyle we knitters love. Ask Santa, there's still time.

Ho Ho Ho

2006-12-21T19:07:00.000-05:00

Three pairs of FiberTrends felted clogs finished for the men of the house. Boy A's (red and blue) are a bit long, but he approves and knows they will fit him for a while. Boy B (orange and blue) wants to wear his now and DH hopes they don't make his feet sweat (frankly, so do I).

Here are the single pictures that each of these clogs deserve.

My sister made the comment that the pictures I took at my mom's family Christmas celebration, "would end up on her blog," was true to form. Several were taken of one of my cousins who has a talent for falling asleep in the midst of chaos. (my husband can do this too and it actually makes me jealous; it takes me a combination of some serious tiredness, near silence and something to read--unless there a television show on that I have been looking forward to watching for weeks...then I can pass out without any trouble. Go figure). No pictures of the party today. Blogger will not upload any more on this entry. I just do not understand that.

Boy A's pre-felted clogs

2006-12-17T10:06:00.000-05:00

These have been completed for well over a week. I am just slow to blog.

I just had to take another picture of all three pairs before felting:

Felting went well on Friday, except for Boy B's orange and blue pair. I had a feeling that using two different brands of wool could pose a problem in felting speed. Sure enough. The orange felted much faster than the blue and I had to even pull them from the washer early. I am not disappointed with the blue yarn, but because I could not let it felt as much as I would've liked...they will probably wear out sooner than they should. The only solace is that Boy B does not like to wear things on his feet so I doubt he'll wear them much anyway.

Boy A, on the other hand, will probably wear his a lot. His red and blue pair could be felted more both to make the fabric denser and they are a bit too large TODAY. But, being nearly 5-years-old we know they won't be too big for too long!

Lastly, Dear Husband's fit wonderfully. He had a cute little grin when he wore the wet-bottomed thing up the stairs to show me. (I think that means he's happy with them.) His only comment was, "I'll be curious to see if my feet sweat in them." I told him that my feet always did in synthetic slippers too, but have never, ever sweat in the wool.

We are off to southwestern Michigan today for my mom's side of the family Christmas gathering. We all bring dishes to pass...usually lots of appetizers and desserts. My mom has brought homemade gifts for all of her grand nieces and nephews (and her grand children). The kids under 18 will have other presents to open as well. Good times for all. The weather is a warm 40+ degrees and a bit rainy, so the two hour drive should be no trouble at all.

Tis the Season

2006-12-16T10:56:00.000-05:00

It was only a matter of time for me to contract the crud that has been floating around our house for nearly a month. Sure enough. The thickening in the throat began a few days ago and by Thursday the cough and chest congestion is set in.

All I could think of was that commercial with the green globby guys "moving in" until...Mucinex (or whatever).

I have two more photos of the stash building to share. When I posted the last pics, these just would not upload. Who knows why?

These were my favorites from the goodies my friend gave me. The bag of three hanks is...are you ready for this?

SILK
I have not only never owned a real silk garment, but certainly never knitted with silk. And I cannot wait. Although, I have to do some research to determine what I can make with the amount I have. I was thinking about a pretty lacy (easy lace) wide scarf/shawl.

In the meantime, I have started another fun project and since I was home all day yesterday coughing and carrying on I got a good dent into the first (of the four fun things...it's a secret for now).

Stash building

2006-12-09T08:38:00.000-05:00

A good friend gave me a bunch of fun yarns. (Keep scrolling to see the pics.) But first, I want to write about friends.

It is so easy to know who your friends are:

They are those women (or sometimes men) who call shortly after you have thought about them.

They are those who go out of their way to meet you for coffee.

They are those who bring you homemade soup when they noticed you are not feeling quite yourself.

They are those who are never embarrassed when sitting with you knitting in public.

They are those who will set you straight when you're on a rant about something ultimately insignificant.

They are those who allow you to do for them.

They are those who do not think you are weird because you crave knitting and all that it is.

They are those who notice you need some time away from your children and take the kids for an evening.

They are those who you can count on for practically anything...

And they are those who give you good yarn!

That said...

There are a few more pictures, of even better yarn, that will not upload (is there a limit??) I'll try again this evening. Ugh.

KNIT something for a woman and...

2006-12-07T20:03:00.000-05:00

she'll be warm for a while. TEACH a woman to knit and she'll be warm for a lifetime.

Last year, I had the distinct pleasure of teaching a few co-workers to knit. The first showed an interest and after talking about how much I have enjoyed making things for family and friends, she started with her first cotton dishcloth. She began knitting at breaks and lunch time. As many of us, she began looking for free patterns and began building a fledgling stash.

The second friend, at this workplace, was rather adamant to not learn to knit. No problem. I understand the life of a full-time working mom who already has at least one other hobby (scrapbooking). No pressure. I come from the mindset that if you want to learn, you will show an interest and take an initiative. Knitting should not be forced. Afterall, it is a quieting, calming, soothing sort of thing.

Time passes and this second friend decides that she does, in fact, want to learn to knit. She likes the idea of portability that scrapbooking does not offer. Hence, another has been assimilated. The following picture is the felted mittens (Christmas stockings) for herself, hubby and two boys.

Great job, Grasshopper! You should be terribly proud, I certainly am!

FOs and WIP

2006-12-02T12:20:00.000-05:00

FO = Finished Object(s)
I could not remember if I posted a picture of Boy B's finished (pre-felted) pair of clogs so here it is.

WIP = Work In Progress
Boy A's first of his pair still needs the second sole knitted and "sewn" onto this WIP:

The surprise object(s) has been stewing in my brain and I plan to start spewing it out this weekend. While I could easily be one of those people who starts a project before completing another (by saying that, I'm saying that I am actually one of those people), I really want/need to get Boy A's red and blue clogs finished before casting on the surprise(s). Mostly because Boy A deserves that his are finished the same as his brother's.

That said, I need to go now and knit.

Orange & blue, soon to be felted, CLOGS

2006-11-28T18:56:00.000-05:00

Boy B's clogs are finished (actually completed on Sunday evening). Boy A's is on the needles and I didn't knit on Monday at all. I have not knitted yet today either. Work was gruesome today. Fighting a dilly of a headache and waves of nausea (no, mom, I'm not pregnant), but settled down in front of the 'puter with a hot cup of green tea from this new member of our kitchen. She's a beaute.

Dear Husband started his plan with the ploy that he knew what he was going to get ME for Christmas. (typically he is good at keeping these sorts of things a secret, but within minutes of mentioning that, he just came out and told me). Days go by and he's spending time looking up info online and talking more about this gizmo. The final step to his plan was to contact my mom to put her on this shopping mission: Go to Kohl's on this certain day because they're on sale, PLUS you get a free George Forman Grill (incidentally we have the gy-normous Forman grill now)...WAIT, there's more! Because if you go on this certain day...you'll get a senior citizen's discount too!

The shopping trip did not go off without a hitch, but the shortest version of the story is my mom and son-in-law talked back and forth and got all that they had planned. Mom quickly figured out that this would be DH's Christmas gift.

Clearly, this was his master plan. Not to get the gift for me for Christmas but to build it up enough that we all agree on how much we need it. Frankly it makes a damn good cup of coffee, latte, cappiccino and tea. I am not too proud to admit that.

Knitting content with pictures to return tomorrow.

P.S. anyone gone to one of these "knock-off purse" parties? My sister invited me to join her and mom to one of said parties and all three of us acquired something new. I got a Tommy Hilfiger satchel-type bag that is not so large it takes over the world, but large enough to carry my purse contents and some knitting (usually my sock-in-progress). It eliminates my daily carrying of purse, bag, and lunch bag to work. NICE.

Sick child and a long weekend

2006-11-26T08:53:00.000-05:00

We finally had to take Boy A to urgent care yesterday. Daddy took him while I stayed with Boy B. Not feeling all that hot myself, Boy B played outside in the unusually warm weather while I argued with him about the need for wearing shoes.

Boy A has an ear infection, but ate a good meal last night (DH made homemade mac & cheese). Boy A has been sleeping with mom and dad for three nights so we can be ready if the coughing fits turn into puking fits. Yeah. He'll be on the mend before we can blink an eye. So much for a extra long weekend to get a lot of knitting accomplished. As I mentioned, I'm not feeling quite myself, but have knitted a bit here and there and took a few pictures yesterday outside on the deck.

The second of Boy B's orange and blue clog is moving along. As I suspected, there will be plenty of yarn. I took a picture of his first finished clog with the tags from the yarn hanks. The blue yarn's tag is difficult to read. It is Bartlett Yarns and I have never used this yarn before. It seems to be the old scratchy wool I hated as a kid. But, rumor has it, it felts up nicely. It's wool...it should. The condundrum for me is whether I keep the left over hank or return it. Since it is so scratchy--a scarf it will never be. If it cannot be used for a wearable, what else could it be used for? Anything felted of course...but I have lots of wool.

Here is really the question: Do knitters return unused hanks of yarn?

A new knitter might not because they're building their stash and this is a good way to accomplish that. But a knitter who has a stash (and a conscience) might want to so as to purchase something new and different to make a specific item. That said, what will I do? When a knitter already possess wool for both felting and wearables and wants to make, say something with Koigu should said knitter return the one (or two) hanks of scratchy yarn?

On the other hand, the orange is a new Cascade (at least new to my LYS). Cascade 128. It is a bulky (although, not hugely bulky) and is 128 yards. I love that about Cascade yarns. What you read is what you get! Cascade 220 is 220 yards. It isn't that it is so clever, but it's that a yarn company was brave enough to simply name their yarn what it is. Love that. If you have never knitted with Cascade 220 or this 128. You must. Simply lovely I say. In fact, I think the 128 is even more "silky" than 220.

Do not forget that I have a surprise coming along. I might even have some pictures of it/them in the next week or so. Well, that is if I can buckle down and get another pair of clogs finished.

How cute are these?

2006-11-24T12:30:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine sent me these for my birthday (which was back in October--this is not a reflection on my friend, but of me. She sent them to me on time, I am just this late getting a picture and to blog about them). I think these are darling. I have used the breast cancer awareness stitch marker (the one with the ribbon).

Thanks friend (you know who you are).

Turkey coma

2006-11-24T11:47:00.000-05:00

I contained myself at the big feast yesterday. I did not eat so much that I was uncomfortable and yet had plenty and even had pie. My mother-in-law's turkey was awesome and my plate was primarily that with little bits of this and that.

The day after thanksgiving is known around here as "Black Friday." Not really sure why it has been coined that, other than those diehard shoppers are out so early, waiting for doors to stores to open. Long before the sun rises. Crazy Freaks.

I not only cannot imagine needing to get something THAT badly but cannot imagine why I would want to get up earlier than I need to for work every other day! Again I say, Crazy Freaks.

Now for some knitting. The following pictures of DH's felt clog (to be felted). I finished the second last night and started Boy B's orange and blue and am an hour or less away from finishing that and moving on to the second in his pair. THEN on to Boy A's red and blue.

Once a person can get a groove on with this ingenious pattern they really do just whip up in no time. Because I am your average dork when it comes to knitting, I had to start over on this first orange and blue one because I realized that I did not need to carry two strands of orange togehter (it is already bulky) duh. Even with this mishap, I was able to cruise through it. This is a love-hate relationship with the pattern. I will freely admit that it is ingenius and clever but it kicks my butt too! Must just be me.

Boy A is down with a little fever and terrible cough and runny nose. Surely Boy B will have it before too long. Boy A wanted me to make some pompoms this morning so we sat together with some yarn, a pompom maker, a blanket and a box of Kleenex to make a few fluff balls. Those fluff balls have got me thinking of what I might use them for. A little surprise I'm cooking up...

Happy Thanksgiving to all

2006-11-23T19:39:00.000-05:00

As I write this on the evening of Thanksgiving, I have the pair of giant clogs for daddy finished. Photos to come (need a little sunshine for a good pic).

Aside from a few blips here and there, I think I could finish one clog in about 5 or 6 hours if I had that kind of a block of time! Tonight the first of one of the boys' will find the needles. Boy A wants me to start with his. My plan is to felt all three pair together.

Once they're finished I am thinking of those Christmas stockings once again. After all, I joined Poormissfinch's knit-a-long (Mistletoes...or see my side bar) and really should apply myself to what I committed to.

Gotta go knit. Happy Turkey Day everyone and let's really remember those who spent the day without family or friends.

Golf club covers, orange pompoms and boys

2006-11-19T17:55:00.000-05:00

My self-imposed deadline of Thanksgiving is achievable. DH made the three orange pompoms last night (leaving little shards of orange acrylic yarn all over the living room--that he vacuumed this morning).

These photos of the boys were taken Saturday evening. Boy A is lounging in my favorite knitting chair while Daisy is reaching across him for her beloved tennis ball. Boy B just posed nicely.

How lucky and blessed am I?

One down, one to go

2006-11-18T18:34:00.000-05:00

Miyoshi waiting for me to sit next to her and knit the second giant clog.

I have not mentioned having a cat...We have two dogs too. Leo and Daisy. Leo is a black and white Shih Tzu who is about seven and has been with us for most of our marriage. Daisy, well, she's a Golden Retriever and a hairy monster. She will be two in the Spring and was Dear Husband's (DH) Father's Day gift last year. Despite a few mishaps (by mishap I mean she helped herself to just finished homemade goulash) with food from the counters or dining room table, she has been a good dog. Miyoshi tolerates them both. Frankly, Miyoshi tolerates US. Just as only a cat can.

My needles have been clicking with the two other golf club covers that will be delivered on Thanksgiving; my self-imposed deadline. Once those are finished the second clog for DH is started with the first row knitted. Once that is completed, the two pairs for the boys will be cranked out so that all can be felted happily together (note to self, buy a few zippered pillow cases).

In the meantime, my brain keeps thinking (by thinking, I mean dreaming) about all of the other cool things that could be had from the significant stash I have been quietly acquiring. Socks are becoming more of an interest again.

I have the second to this shorty sock on the needles and am making progress. A few hours with the inlaws last weekend enabled me to knit the heel flap, turn the heel and get into the gusset.

As for the winter knitting dreams, I saw a great video clip from Philosopher's Wool that definitely intrigues me. (Look for the few free patterns there too.) The cute little sampler purse is darling and looks like great practice. How about those felted purses? Yeah, I'm thinking I need one of them too!

Christmas stockings are also nagging at me to. Ugh. Well, not ugh. Knitting is knitting and the plans are as important as the process.

On that note...I think I'm going to have to make myself another pair of the felted clogs. Mine are coming up on a year (Christmas Eve was the first night I wore them) and the first layer of the heel/bottom is starting to disappear. I would like to make myself another purse. Any purse really. Feeling the love of another Sophie bag. I have some wonderful Paton's Merino to make some cute stripey number.

With my birthday gift certificates to this fantastic store (a local favorite of mine), I bought some fuschia and that great lime/grass green Cascade 220 just because I liked the colors. And! I bought one dark charcoal grey ball of alpaca that told me wants to be a lacy cowl. That ball of yarn ranks as one of the most expensive single skein of yarn I have purchased. (The sock yarn seen above is a Lorna's Laces and those were the most expensive thus far.)

Dreams are good. Plans are good. And the process is very good.

You know what they say about a guy with really big feet...

2006-11-12T13:38:00.000-05:00

Yeah, that their wife has to knit really big slippers! What did you think I was going to say??

This felted clog pattern from Fiber Trends is nothing short of amazing. That being said, this pattern kicks my butt every time I attempt it. I have mentioned this before. This pattern is my nemisis. While I made myself a pair last year I worked very hard to get them done. The first 7 rows are intense. With W&T, M1, k1, etc. bouncing back and forth. Thank goodness there are some straight knitting rows in there to let my brain cool off. This is one of those patterns that I cannot have the boys awake, cannot watch TV or carry on a conversation. Nevertheless, the results are worth every ounce of blood, sweat and tears.

I bought yarn a few days ago to make the boys each a pair. Boy A wanted red (for the primary color) and Boy B wanted orange. Once dad's are finished I will start the boys'. The nice thing about their birthday being only a few weeks after Christmas, if the knitting plans I have made fail, I have a few more weeks to finish up!

I mentioned a while ago that I finished a pair of mittens to match the Sprout (seen on this page--scroll down a bit) and a scarf using the Harlot's (scroll down to Oct 12) clever pattern for a teen to match a rib hat. These were all part of the charity knitting that left here weeks ago.

The Christmas/Birthday list consists of the following:
Finish the Fiber Trends clogs for DH
Make a pair for each boy
Finish golf club covers for mother-in-law (actual self-imposed goal of Thanksgiving)

While that is not as long a list as most serious knitting bloggers...it is rather daunting to me. (Refer to second paragraph in this post. I will have to make 5 more using the nemisis pattern!) I will find the zone.

Who was that masked man?

2006-11-04T14:44:00.000-05:00

A little late on the Halloween costume pictures, but better late than never. Boy B is Batman and Boy A is a dinosaur. Heeee. They just make me laugh.

And just for some fall fun. Here are a few shots taken today. Playing with a "hovercraft" found in our yard a few weeks ago.

Knitting content to come. Have a beautiful fall weekend everyone!

You miss me?

2006-10-31T12:42:00.000-05:00

It has been a while. Life has a way of taking over my knitting blog. We're all doing well. The boys have been enjoying daycare and preschool immensely. Being Halloween and all, they're looking forward to tonight. Pictures of their costumes coming soon. I am home today with Boy B because he kept complaining of a stomach ache. It mysteriously disappeared as soon as I walked into school and said we're going home. Hmmm, interesting.

As for knitting. Lots has gone one around here. I finished the charity knitting last Saturday. Finished a teen scarf to match the ribbed hat, mittens to match the tassel "Sprout" hat and did a simple roll-brim black hat to match a scarf mom made. Incidentally, that along with the matching mittens were the top sellers for all the knitting projects at the sale. They went for a whopping, $22! Whoohoo. Just goes to show that people who aren't into knitting don't necessarily know what goes into a project. (both time and type of yarn). Those were made from one of the cheapest yarns in my stash. Well, they'll look darling on someone's little sweet girl. Pics of those to come as well. Got some catching up to do.

Take care all. And HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Alert the media

2006-10-02T20:34:00.000-04:00

Made to order. Made to fit. Fit like a

well...

like a glove baby!

The pattern notes are still notes. These fit me and I don't have those tiny, dainty, girly hands. This is why I'm so excited that they fit. The side of my brain that says I can, not only write this pattern--but can write it for many sizes is dreaming of adding this to a long list of life, for example: other knitting (lots!), learning a new 8-5 job, keeping up a house and raising twin boys (and being a wife is squeezed in there somewhere). Clearly, this side of my brain is the side that takes on more than the rest of me can chew. Why is that? It must be the side of my brain that also cannot say no. Hmmmm.

That said, a pattern for the fingerless mitts will magically appear one day. What day? Who knows.

Another thing I was thinking about this evening while running from work to pick up the boys at daycare is how many of the knitting bloggers seem to be Super Knitters. Is there some sort of legal drug they consume enabling them to knit faster than me? Many of these women knit intricate lace shawls faster than I can knit a baby hat in the round. What is UP with THAT? Maybe the drug is not legal...

While reading some of my favorite knitting blogs tonight. I found this cute Halloween/trick or treat bag (scroll down a bit). This is one of those things I'd like to knit for the boys before their "too old" for snarking candy from neighbors (and some strangers) But for this Halloween, these probably won't be happening. I would, however, consider this year if I already have orange and black wool.

Another charity hat is on the needles at less than a inch. Making a simple 2x2 rib hat knitting on straights. I love the colors of the variegated yarn mom gave me for the project. Mittens should follow...time permitting.

Another pic of the mitts. I'm lovin' them!

Nearly finished fingerless mitts

2006-10-01T10:09:00.000-04:00

I mentioned, over a week ago, that this dog would not give up without a fight. And fight I did. After working the mock cable rib cuff, that incidentally, I love; I had hoped to continue the whole mitt in the mock cable pattern and do the thumb gore in stockinette stitch and end with 2x2 rib. This dog needs more obedience classes, because I could not work out the mock cable pattern and the increases for the thumb gores at the same time. One would think a person with twins could automatically multi-task. Not this dog, at least not in this case.

Even as ordinary as this might be, I like the mock cable cuff and the stockinette "body." They truly are nearly finished and I will be wearing them soon. Our weather is turning so fall-ish and one can smell the winter snows in the air. This is my favorite season and soon we will be heading north for a long weekend. These fingerless mitts will come in handy to wear with a jean jacket.

This pattern is my own and I will be typing it up nicely and distributing it to some very talented knitters and good friends to be "tested." Once complete I'm thinking about submitting it to Knitty or Magknits. What do you think?

Fingerless Mitts

2006-09-26T19:33:00.000-04:00

This is they...Sad but true, I have not gotten as far on these as I had hoped. I am knitting them at the same time so they will be the exact same length. A mock cable on the "right side" but a nice 2x2 rib for the flip side and that is nice too.

I have got hung up on increasing for the thumb gore. I decided I would do that in stockinette stitch but have still had trouble getting it right, ripped back several rows several times. A thought crossed my mind, I oculd just keep going with the mock cable rib pattern to the end and just sew up the sides and leave a thumb "hole." I know I will like the actual thumb knitted, so that is the plan as of tonight.

Started the new job. I am enjoying it so far but am very tired. Between the learning curve of new software, a somewhat of a new language (medical) and not sleeping well at night. Ugh. I am thankful to be working.

Here is a nice shot of the flip side. By the way, this is Lion Brand Wool Ease worsted that I had in the stash. It may not be the real thing, but it is nice and will be adequate for this test pattern.

Mamma's gotta brand new....job

2006-09-20T18:33:00.000-04:00

That's right. I begin working tomorrow and the boys go to daycare. We visited daycare today after preschool, to see what it is going to be like. They did not want to leave. I take that as a good thing. We have the Spidey lunch bags ready and waiting for the goods to be packed and carried joyfully in their roller-backpacks and be on their merry way.

As for me, I have to decide what to wear so my morning is less of a disaster. Typically, I don't sleep well before starting something new...other than sleeping very well about two hours before the ole' alarm. Yeah, that's fun.

No new knitting except for a Christmas stocking for Mistletoes I started and will finish frogging to rethink the project. I originally planned on knitting felted Christmas mittens to be hung by the fireplace with care, but decided there is not enough of the right colors of wool. As a result, I thought I would do a nice striped big sock and try putting the boys' initials via intarsia. Clearly, that was a bust. I have never been able to handle intarsia. Think I need to speak with an expert and get some serious help. I know there is a trick to twisting the colors when you change and not carrying the color too tightly, but those tricks escape me.

Well maybe now that mamma has a new job, mamma can buy some new wool for big felted mittens.

Cooler weather

2006-09-19T08:13:00.000-04:00

Oh thank goodness, it has cooled off! The boys this a.m. They look so much more grown up with new jeans, polos and new light-up shoes.

Then there is knitting. Here is the fingerless mitt I frogged and tried to upload yesterday. I began my own pattern of knitting mitts flat so both will be finished at the same time. For some unknown reason, I can never get ribbing to look right when I'm knitting in the round, unless I've been able to knit several rows. Maybe it was the coffee I drank, but the join looks crappy! After several tries doing several things, I gave up and went to flat knitting. I don't have a picture of those just yet, but will later. Off to school, yeah!

Happy birthday Matt

2006-09-18T10:41:00.000-04:00

I nearly forgot that my brother-in-law's birthday is today. One month to the day from mine (give or take 20 years). Yes, my little Munk is another year older, a sophomore in college, and well over 6' tall.

Still being determined to upload a photo of my nearly finished fingerless mitt that I will promptly sit and frog, here is another try...

This dog will not give up without a fight. Will try again later!

Beautiful weather

2006-09-18T08:49:00.000-04:00

Most of the week was rainy and crummy. The boys first day of school was foggy and ended up with rain and proceeded to finish their three-day week in puddles. Friday, we woke to sunshine and a nice breeze. We had to take advantage, of course and get out the bikes. We went for a cruise of the neighborhood twice on Friday. They loved it. And they only hit my ankles once each.

As for knitting. More could have been finished. But here is some progress and completion. The model for this shot is Boy B. He was willing to get his picture taken in a pink and purple hat. He is secure in his masculinity. Frankly, he has always liked pink and since purple is his mom's favorite color he likes that too! Boy A tried the hat on several times as I was progressing, but really did not want proof of said things.

The new project is the fingerless mitts, pattern here at Midnight Knitter. I decided to not do a ribbed cuff. I thought I would like the little roll that results from stockinette and I do. Except the whole mitt it is a bit tight. The pattern says it is for "average woman." Clearly, I am not your average woman. Duh, should have thought of that. Nevertheless, the pattern is clearly written, easy to work and all-in-all a fun knit. It will be fun to frog and fuss with too! All I have left is the 2 or 3 rows of the thumb. Sad to frog. Maybe I should knit the other and give them to the church charity auction. There's a thought.

I knitted this with yarn from my stash and size US 8 needles; the pattern calls for US 7, thought that would make enough difference in size. A Lion Brand Wool Ease that has been around for several years. DH has a cool rib scarf and I have a pair of mittens that mom knitted me (long before I knew how to knit anything exept long strips of fabric known as a scarf).

Okay, for some unknown reason, I am unable to upload a picture of the mitt. Is this fate or what?

Mom knits too!

2006-09-15T08:46:00.000-04:00

My mom came over last night to take her youngest child and her two grandsons out to dinner and shopping (DH has class). The boys chose Target and some glow-in-the-dark Spidey t-shirts were had! Mom brought me a dish cloth she knitted for our new kitchen. And it matches these perfectly.

Mom taught me to knit when I was about 10 or 12 and watched me flirt with it on and off for years. Always teaching having to remind me how to purl and bind off. She encouraged me to use her extra yarns (acrylic wonders!) to make squares for an afghan. I have a basket full of squares all knitted in garter stitch in an array of scary colors. It would be a bit more encouraging if the squares were nice, large squares, but they are small less than 4" square! Then, an idea came to me to knit double the size of the original and long scarf-like strips to connect and edge with. However, still those squares and strips are in the basket all unattached. But hey, I used up some of her acrylic stash! Here's da'lovely dish cloth.

These days mom says I knit way past her. That's the best compliment for a teacher. For the student to go beyond the teacher. I hope she thinks so too. I really don't knit any better than her. I think I'm just into it more.

Now for the boys. Here are their new Spidey t-shirts. We made it through the first week of school. They are off today and Monday. Back to the grind Tuesday and probably with these tees. (Mom will have to get them washed and ready!)

Boy A loves red. Boy B loves blue. Yin and Yang in the flesh.

Hat progress

2006-09-14T12:48:00.000-04:00

Here she is in all her glory. I am happy with this yarn and not sure why I have not knitted that little girl poncho I bought the yarn for. It is rather "snaggy." It tends to grab my not-really-all-that-dry fingers, but aside from that, it certainly is fleece-like once knitted. Maybe I will get to that poncho soon. Our darling little God daughter (DH has several, we have one together) would look cute in the poncho and her birthday is coming up next month. Hmmm...

There is about 2 or 3 inches to go before working the 3-needle bind off for Sprout, and should be completed by nightfall.

I did not cast on the second sock as planned and have not done anything with the Mistletoes KnitAlong either! Better get busy finishing cleaning the house so I can play!

Charity hat no. 2

2006-09-13T13:47:00.000-04:00

I started this hat Sprout yesterday late afternoon thinking I would just whip right through to the finish line. Not so. The stars were not aligned for that. What they were aligned for was frog and repeat, frog and repeat. Finally, this morning, while the boys were at school, I got in a groove and this is where I am so far.

I have altered the pattern to suit me more (I know, not a big surprise). A 1x1 rib edge and a stockinette "body" instead of seed stitch. I am making the largest size (6/8 yrs), but started with 72 stitches for the ribbed and increased to 80 once I changed to the pink yarn. Because I do not have any aran weight yarn and am currently unemployed, the yarn is from my stash, it's TLC Amore, a worsted weight beauty, that once knitted up looks somewhat like a terry-cloth towel.

I did finally finish a shorty-sock this afternoon also. All I had left to do was graft the toe. A couple of obligatory shots of the sock.

So, as to avoid Second Sock syndrome, I will be casting on the twin by nightfall...even if no actual knitting will take place. My two most unfavorite parts of sock knitting is the casting on and then the grafting of the toe. I will say, this is the first time I have knit a sock with such a beautiful yarn. It's Lorna's Laces, Shepherd Sock and I am lovin' it. I chose to knit a shorty-sock so I would have enough of this pricey (for me) yarn to make a pair of fingerless mitts or a cute scarf. This sock took about half of a hank plus I have another in the stash.