Knittin' Kitten

Yarn Harlot Ideas for Xmas Presents - Part Four, The Final Chapter

2012-01-19T21:29:00.001-05:00

I really wanted to finish this. And I am waiting for a work process to run. So I figured it was a good time for it.

Day 23 - Gift Certificates
In some ways, I like the idea. In others, not as much. Not very personal, but always useful.

Of course this is said by someone that has one from *two* Christmases ago. *sigh* Great gift, but I kept thinking I would use it to buy the yarn for an alpaca coat for the Eldest Munchkin. Which would run about $20-30 *more* than the rather generous gift certificate. And she will outgrow it... So it is still sitting here unused!

Day 24 - Respect & Day 25 - The Proper Way to Receive a Knitted Gift

These two are intertwined. I will leave it to the pro to explain it best.

I am pretty blessed for the most part. DH appreciates handknits having come from a family of women who knit. He has gotten pressies from his mom for multiple occasions because they take that long to finish.

EM is adorable. She asks "Who made this for me?" nearly every time she puts on something. Though we have tried to explain there are factories. She is still in a world where things can be handmade. It is wonderful.

On occasion, I have gifted things to people who don't appreciate them. And that is annoying. They do not get a second handknit.

On a related note...

I have one nephew who's wife loves the handknits I made her kids. The other was pleasant enough, but I don't think her kids ever wore them. Now the kids are all big enough that I don't think they fit anymore. There was a Tomten I made for the one who liked the handknits. I really have thought about asking to borrow it back since it would fit my Little Guy. But I really don't know if that is extremely rude.

I still am trying to figure out what to do with a bunch of handknits I made the EM. I don't want to simply frog them. But they are too small. I should try them on the doll I got her for Xmas. But I don't think they are small enough for an 18" doll. I am kinda surprised there isn't a Ravelry group for baby/kid clothing swaps. It would seem ideal to pass things along after we spent the time on them.

Back to work. Hoping to finish before 10... We shall see.

2012 Goals

2012-01-09T14:56:00.000-05:00

(Cross-posted to my personal journal too.)

I hate making resolutions. But the video-cast I watch, Round the Twist, went over what her goals were for 2012 and reviewed her 2011 ones. I think it is good for me to set some goals.

They are in no particular order.

- Spend time with friends or have some solo time without DH & the kids
I love my family dearly. But I need some solo time, either with friends or just doing something for me. I am not even putting a number on this. Though I did tell DH I think we could both use one night a month to ourselves where the other watches the kids. I think we could both use it. I know he would like to go shooting again. Been ages. And I would love to see some friends. Maybe I could even try finding a knit night somewhere local. I think it is a good thing for me and the family.

- Complete at least one pair of socks
My knitting has been all about the littles or gifts these days. I just checked my ravelry projects to discover that last thing I knit for me was 2010! So nothing for the entire last year... And what's more embarrassing is that the last pair of socks I knit were completed May 10, 2009. I have a pair that have been on my needles since December 29, 2010 that are toe-up. Done with the foot. Problem is they are very detailed cables. My brain isn't so good with that these days... I am thinking I just need to pick some yarn I like and make *simple* socks. I wear my handknit socks all the time during the winter. And the ones I have are getting pretty ratty with some.

- Put buttons on at least half of my WIPs with missing buttons
There are currently *seven* items that are knit but just missing buttons! (And one missing beads that need to be sewn into it.) That is pretty embarrassing. And the oldest has been there since 2008. Embarrassing also to admit there are 12 WIP currently listed... So 2/3rds are about missing button or beads. Of the other four, one might need to be frogged because it may no longer fit DD. One is the previously mentioned socks. Another is a scarf started in Nov. 2009. Only one is recent! (And I stalled on those as I have been mostly making up the pattern and just haven't had the brain power to figure out what to do with the heel turn... *blush*)

That has led me to add...
- Finish at least half of the WIPs
Here is the list so I know when checking my goals:
Mary Janes for DD Daughter - 30% done
Simple Shrug for 18" Doll - Missing single button
Shrug for DD - Missing single button
Maeve Socks - 55% done
Suri Bias Scarf - 50% done (though could end any time really)
Baby Jacket with Moss Stitch Edges - Missing buttons
Crest of the Wave Scarf - Missing beads
Aviatrix Hat for Ella - Missing single button (embarrassing as E never wore it because of the missing button but it fits LG)
Simple Cardi for Bella Ella - Missing buttons
Flora Dress - 40% done
Cardigan for My Hobbit Elanor - Missing buttons
Beaded Evening Bag/Purse - Missing button

- Have at least three dates with my DH
We have gotten out a few times. But embarrassingly few. I think it is time for us to get out a bit more. It does take money as we have to have someone watch the littles. Though I appreciate when my SIL watched them for free when we were down in southern NJ.

- Spin
I haven't spun. At all. Since DH was born back in Sept. 2009. Over two years ago. Kinda embarrassing. I miss it.

- Get back to some activity
Since the gym in my building closed their space where they had classes, I haven't been doing much of anything at all. With the new apartment, I rarely make the walk from the house to the PATH. The old place didn't have any useful transit. Where as the new place has a bus that picks me up half a block from the house and drops me in front of the train. I keep swearing I will make the walk in the morning. But I am always running late. So it doesn't happen often. I am hopeful that when I am done breastfeeding the Little Guy that I will have a bit more time at work because I won't be having to pump. That should be right around the start of spring. So I am hoping that even if I don't join a gym again, I can start taking lunch hours again and go for walks. It would be good.

I will see how it goes. I really don't know how many of these I will reach. But we can see. *smile* Figure it is good to set some goals.

I Love My Husband

2012-01-02T21:02:00.003-05:00

Okay. This is about sewing and not knitting, but I had to share.

My DH got me a sewing machine for Christmas. I rarely ask for something specific. I like being surprised. But I really wanted a new machine.

I had two machines, one is an industrial machine DH got me about 8-9 years ago. Love it. But it is super powerful and not good for small, detail work. The other is a Kenmore I have had at least 15-20 years.

The problem with the Brother is that things are really off with it. I used it to sew cotton velvet, faux fur, interfacing and boning for this stunning dress. It was modeled on a Jane Seymour dress. I didn't have the industrial machine at the time (guess what prompted that). Frankly, it was a lot more than the little machine could handle. It hasn't worked right since. The tension goes off no matter how much I adjust it. The stitches aren't even. Basically, I end up with a load of problems when I try to use it.

I did say I wanted one-step buttonholes. I really loathe sewing buttonholes when it is such work. And given I wanted this machine to sew things for the kids & DD 18" doll, I figured that function would get a fair bit of use. And if you have read my blog, you know my relationship with buttons isn't a good one. *laugh* So anything that makes it harder is likely to mean I never *actually* will do it. Yes, I am a lazy sewer as well as a lazy knitter. Why do you ask? *grin*

Of course, I didn't state it in a way that parse to DH since he isn't a sewer. So he got me a machine that does buttonholes. The slow, 4-step way. *groan* I have messed up many a project with my buttonholes. Thank heavens when I was doing my medieval sewing most of the time they didn't have buttons. Otherwise they would never get done.

So for the first time ever, I asked him to exchange a gift for me. I never do that. But I figured this will be with me for many years to come with any luck. So I want it to have the abilities I desire.

He was so sweet about it. He went out as soon as possible to exchange it. (We saw family the two days after Christmas.) We talked about what I would love. And he got me the Brother SQ9050 100-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine with Alphabet Font.

Wow. Wow. Wow!

I have to say I didn't know sewing could be so good. *grin*

I *love* the machine! It sews like a dream. It has more stitches than I will ever use. But man, it is soooo good.

I did a sampler with some stitches and such to test drive it. Love the sampler.

It does 7 different button holes even. And get this, it will *sew on the button*. Yep. You tell it the distance between the button holes. It does the rest. And did I mention the one-step buttonhole? Gets better. The foot has a spot for the button. You put the button in the slot and it *figures out* how to do it all. *le sigh*

It is sooo sweet.

I confess that given the letters are only about 1/4" high, they won't get used a ton. But it is sweet knowing they are there. And when the kids need things labeled, there is something fun about being able to sew labels for them! And it is so easy. You type in the number for each letter and it does it all for you. Soooo cool and super easy.

The first project I decided to sew was a skirt for the 18" doll Santa got Elanor for Christmas. I went stash diving. Though it is funny how much fabric I still have and how little I think I can actually use for stuff I want to do now. I built my stash when I was doing medieval recreation. So the thrust is so different. I can't imagine using at least 3/4th of the fabrics since they aren't machine wash!

The item I pulled out was a brown cotton velvet skirt. I think I bought this when Karen and I worked together and would haunt the $10 stores. So I know it was $10 or less. So I figured if DD ruined the skirt, who cares? It was cheap.

I looked at the patterns and decided on McCall pattern M6257. I figured I could replicate the skirt for Elanor. So I cut out what I thought would work for her.

Though I made an error with Elanor's skirt. It is tighter than I would like. But it does fit. It just won't fit for very long which is too bad. But I can keep the pieces and maybe build it out if she loves it.

The doll skirt came out really well. It looks cute. Though I am annoyed with the pattern. The front of the skirt has a waistband which is a separate piece. Which was *smaller* than the front of the skirt! Ummm... What?! I trimmed it a bit but there was no reason it should be more narrow than the front. The illustration shows the edges matching up too. So it definitely seems like a pattern error. I checked the paper pattern and they are indeed different widths.

Also, a pet peeve of mine that I had forgotten. If something needs to be cut on the fold, *MARK IT ON THE PATTERN PIECE*. Not on a line next to the pattern piece. Not in the written part. *On the piece itself*. What is more frustrating is that out of five pieces, only two had it marked on the piece itself that it was supposed to be on the fold. *groan* Glad I checked thoroughly. That is easy with five pieces. I hate to see what would happen with their people sized patterns. *sigh* But I will be cautious.

The completed piece is very cute & fits well. So I am happy. But it definitely tells me proceed with caution. It bugs me because the point of buying a pattern is that someone else should have done the work for you. The fitting, the figuring out what works best. And if I hadn't caught the errors, I would have had to toss pieces. And it already took some creative piece placement to get the pieces cut out of the remainder of the skirt.

I am definitely enjoying the sewing machine. I am still debating if I am going to add a decorative stitched border to the edge. Not sure it would work with this pattern. So I may just make something else. *grin*

Wish I had more time off. Back to the office tomorrow. It has been lovely having some time home!

Yarn Harlot Ideas for Xmas Presents - Part Three

2011-12-22T16:21:00.002-05:00

It continues.

Day 17 - Yarn.
The obvious one. *laugh* I have my Loopy Ewe wishlist, Knit Picks, Etsy and I did have a Kaboodle on that hasn't been updated in eons.

Day 18 - Manicure.
You know, I could use one! Been eons. I can't recall the last time I did that...

Day 19 - Knitting Magazine.
I confess that I have more interest in knitting magazines now that they are in e-format. I have been tempted by Interweave Knits or Spin Off CD of their collected magazines. I had a Spin Off subscription for year. And while I loved it, that was pre-kids. Paper was appealing then. These days, not so much! *grin* I also like being able to have a pattern in e-format. Makes it so much simpler.

Day 20 - Time.
Mmmmm.... *sigh* I could go for that. Most of all, I would love it for someone to watch the kids. Give DH & I a break...

Day 21 - Audiobooks.
I wish I were more of an audiobook fan. The only ones I have listened to and enjoyed are the Dresden File ones read by James Marsters. They are great. But that is in addition to the books. Listening to a book just doesn't have the same feel. I think if I had a car commute instead of train they would have more appeal.

Day 22 - "gift of kindness, and generosity and help"
Interesting one... I definitely think that is a good one.

Curious to see what the last days bring. It is fun seeing what thoughts I have. And getting to do a bit of daydreaming. Always fun.

Yarn Harlot Ideas for Xmas Presents - Part Two

2011-12-20T10:41:00.004-05:00

I like that the Yarn Harlot put together a list of ideas for the non-knitters to give knitters. Kinda fun posting my desires.

Day 10 - pottery. Funny thing is this year pottery has a lot of appeal. I broke the handle on my fav mug about 2-3 weeks ago. I am really sad about it. I miss it on a daily basis. Luckily I found the maker. I love etsy. But her current stock is mainly animals like horses & rabbits. Not really my thing. (Turns out the mug I had was made when Comet Hale Bopp was in the sky. But she liked the design and is going to create a new series with rockets & stars in the spring. Can't wait.

Though this still leaves me without a mug that fits my hand so beautifully. *sigh*

The Yarn Harlot & others swear by Jennie the Potter's items. I think her pieces are pretty. But I confess the prices tend to more than I want to spend on myself. So maybe as a present it would be nice.

I do wonder about a yarn bowl. They seem kinda neat. But with two kids under three and a cat in the house, I am not sure how practical they would be. The etsy search for yarn bowls got me looking at this site. Kinda like the more simple one but also like the black with hearts but there are a bunch that are really lovely. Like this one.

Day 11 - woolie wash. Have to say, that one is kinda brilliant. That Soak sampler would make the perfect stocking stuffer. I lean to Eucalan, but like Soak too. The less it smells, the better.

Day 12 - ANYTHING SMALL. You know, all those things a knitter can never put your hands on when needed. For me, it is cable needles. Just ask, DH. I am sure you will get a litany about it. Can't blame the guy given how often I lose them. I have purchased at least 5. I think I might have one in my notions bag right now. She also suggest the Knit-kit which I love. Best money I have spent given it means I have everything from a tape measure, row counter, scissors, crochet hook and yarn cutter in one thing large enough so that I don't lose it, but small & light enough that I can carry it with me. Love it. (Only thing I would change in hind sight. I would have gotten the red or some other bright color. Me and black... I love it. But sometimes it is hard to find in the bottom of my knitting bag when knitting in the car.)

She also mentioned darning needles. Best thing I *ever* did with my knitting tools...I kept the card my darning needles came on and put them back on it. Yes, it means I can lose them all at once. But it does mean I can actually lay my hands on them when needed. Though one of the two large ones has taken up residence in the Knit-kit. Fits in the back and is get to have at any time.

Day 13 - A scale. Kinda a brilliant suggestion. One I wouldn't have thought of. I have one already. Though some day I should get a new one.

Day 14 - Knitting related ornaments. Not really my thing. But a cute idea for some folks. Though believe me some of the DIY ideas would be awesome if one of the kids made them for me when they got older.

Day 15 - an iPad. *grumblegrowl* Say tablet!! *shakes head* I really hate people that assume a tablet = iPad. You can get a good Android tablet for less than you would spend on a similar iPad and there is an sd card so you can expand it.

I already have a tablet. And yes, I like the idea of having my patterns on it. Nope. I haven't transferred all my patterns to it.

Why? Because tablets suck up energy and batteries drain. I put a pattern on DH Kindle when he got it, thinking that would be amazing. Honestly, not so much. I know the Kindle isn't as good as a tablet with charts and such. But it retains the words *even when you turn it off* which makes a huge difference. (Given how much ereaders have come down, I do confess I have considered getting a base model Nook for ebooks & patterns. But then I think about lugging around another device...)

Day 16 - Magazine holders. Not a big magazine gal. I confess I am way more tempted by Interweave now that they have it in e-format.

Gotta scoot!

Yarn Harlot Ideas for Xmas Presents

2011-12-19T11:42:00.003-05:00

Things have been crazed so I haven't been keeping up on any blogs. But today is actually a quiet day with work. I have some database items that have to be run and while they are running, I can't work in the database.

So it was the perfect excuse to catch up on some blog reading.

The Yarn Harlot has suggestions for Non-Knitter to give to those Knitters in their lives:
http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2011/12/01/for_the_others.html

I love the way what she wrote. I confess day 1 pressies aren't for me. I am *terrible* about writing thank you cards these days. I *bought* cards for presents we received when Little Guy was born...over eight months ago now. I planned on sending them for presents we got around his birth. Then I intended to use them for the combined event of his christening presents and Eldest Munchkin's second birthday which was three months ago. Have I written even one? Nope. No cards for me.

In the past I have made tags for knitwear with washing instructions & fiber notes on them. I don't know if I will do that with the few presents I knit this year. I didn't do much honestly. There is always next year. (Though I did do one for work this year, so I need to at least type up a note that it is superwash wool & there for machine washable.)

Day Two is jewelry. Anyone that knows DH knows he has given me jewelry in the past. But I am terrible about wearing jewelry. Though when the kids are bigger, I confess the Knitting Abacus does have some appeal. I do need a shawl pin at some point too.

Day three. Tools. Who doesn't want a Strauch Ball Winder? *sigh* They are so beautiful. Day four is cases for knitting in progress. Though day five was project bags. (Kinda thought day four covers that. But not my list.) I *really* want the Starry Night Dr. Who bucket bag by JessaLu. Which sells out the minute they are posted! I am thinking post holidays... YH mentioned project bags with a clear bottom so you can easily see what project is in them. Interesting.

Currently my project bags are mainly whatever bags I have gotten through work or my local health food store (which gave a half dozen light fabric ones). The only real one I have is a medium purple GoKnits bag. I really loved it. But the loop with the snap that made it easy to attach to something came off. Also, my needles poked through. So it is no longer my go to bag. It does have my lingering socks in there. So maybe part of that is just about not wanting see the lingering socks. *laugh* (I am embarrassed to admit I cast them on when my feet were cold *last* winter.)

Days 6 and 7. Blocking Wires. Got them & blocking blocks (which are actually kiddie interlocking foam pads - take up less space & are cheaper than any blocking boards I have seen). 7 is knitting bags. I confess they are much like purses to me. I really can't *believe* people spend that kinda money on a bag!! *shakes head* My purses are in the $20 or so range. $70-100 for a bag? Not gonna happen. Even as a gift.

Day 8. Yarn. Yum. Of course, can one ever have too much yarn. I think so and then Elanor touches my yarn and says "I like yarn" and I get scared. *laugh* Lately I have been trying to buy something *besides* sock yarn. I just haven't knit much in fingering these days. Most of my purchases have been worsted or something for the kids. Though I still love a good sock yarn and still drool over them.

Day 9. The gift of organization. *sighs longingly* Actually, this is my most wanted. But that is more about the apartment as a whole vs. my knitting stuff. Though both would help. We have a guest/craft room. Though I really just want to call it the *crap* room. It is the room where everything gets tossed. It is a maze of Xmas boxes at the moment. Plus the kids strollers - three in total. Plus a wooden unit that doesn't go anywhere else. And the bookshelf from behind the couch that was moved so we could put our tree back there. And and and... You get the idea.

What I would most like for Christmas in an ideal world is a pro to come and help reorganize the entire place. Not gonna happen. Option two - someone comes and watches the kids. DH & I spend a day pulling apart the hall closet, guest room, kitchen & our room. Then we can put things back in a way that makes sense. Maybe even get to the back of what is supposed to be a walk in closet. Currently, the door opens. That is it. Option three - DH empties the hall closet. I sort through it all, reorganizing it and possibly freeing up some space. Then I can deal with the crap room... All such lovely ideas...*sigh*

BTW, love the mittens she did. Tempting me to try something similar, but also what knitting time?? In six days until Christmas?! It also is reminding me I have the Phedre mitten kit waiting for me. *sigh* Not that I actually *wear* mittens. (Kinda hard in the NYC metro area as you have to walk and have your hands *do* things that mittens just don't lend themselves to in the same way a good pair of leather gloves do.)

I really can't believe Xmas is in less than a week! Too much to do and sooo little time!

I will do a second post with more days. This one is already so long!

Woolmeisse & Current Knitting

2011-12-09T11:25:00.004-05:00

I have been wanting Woolmeisse yarn since I have heard various people waxing on about it. It looks like incredible yarn. Problem is it is generally sold out in 20 minutes. I am actually enough of a masochist that I open the tab daily in hopes of snagging some.

For the first time in maybe a year since having that tab, there is actually some available on their site. And there is a colorway available that is lovely. I got paid today. Dangerous. So I put it in my cart. And then I came to my senses!! It is 35 Euros. Not dollars, Euros! According to Google, that is $46.84 which is a better exchange rate than I have seen in eons.

However, I came to my senses! It is two weeks from Christmas. I have a ton to pick up for people. It is nuts to even think about spending that kinda money on a single skein of yarn!! Not to mention shipping from Germany. So I closed the window.

I am simply not that insane. Or that wealthy. *laugh*

I finished two cute shrugs for Eldest Munchkin and her pressie from Santa (an 18" doll). Other than the @*#& buttons of course. *hangs head in shame* I have no excuse either on the buttons as my MIL was so sweet last Xmas and gave me a bunch of buttons. So there is no excuse other than I haven't dug them out of the mess that is the craft/guest room.

They are knit out of Schaefer Yarn's Chris. I really love their yarns. Ravelry lists it as an Aran weight. It is superwash wool.

I cast on some toe up Mary Janes with it. I figure they would look super cute with the shrug. Though I know that may not make sense as the knit Mary Janes are indoor slippers. But I figure they are cute.

I am making it up as I go along. Though I did borrow the edging from the Knitpicks Mary Jane slipper pattern. The rest is a toe up sock where I am binding off the stitches for a MJ. I think they should be cute.

I need to take some pics!

Back to work for me. Whee.

What Not to Do Before You Have Coffee

2011-11-20T22:08:00.000-05:00

I am making a cute little shrug for the Eldest Munchkin. Very simple raglan sweater. Loose gauge with aran yarn. I am adding sleeves. (Personally, I am not a fan of sleeveless shrugs. Though I have never worn a shrug as they would look terrible on me!)

I had finished the increases. Instead of binding off the sleeves as the pattern said, I put them on holders. All good.

Last night I discovered a whole in the back of the sweater. Not a missing stitch or anything. Have no idea what happened. It was too late to touch it without making a mess.

So I got up this morning. Feed the Little Guy. The Eldest Munchkin woke up so I got her up. DH was still sleeping. The Eldest Munchkin didn't want breakfast yet. So I figured she could hang out with LG and me in the living room. I decided to fix the hole.

I figured it would be simple enough to just drop the stitch to the row past the error. Then pick it up and move along. I realized I might also have to do that with the row next to the error to fix the problem. No biggie on simple stockinette. Or so I thought.

I did it once. Didn't look right. Watched a youtube video to confirm, yes, I did it correctly. So what was happening? Tried one more time. It looked far worse. With a sigh I resigned myself to ripping back the 6-7 rows to get past the error.

Rip, rip, rip. Back the hole. So time to get it back on the needles. Okay.

Did I forget to mention EM kept coming over asking "what are you doing?" and "can I hold that?". That being everything from the yarn to the project off the needles and in the process of being frogged to my notions holder to the Knitkit (which she wandered off with only to snap back the measuring tape causing more tears for the morning). The LG was fussing from time to time.

So it was about that time that DH woke up. He came out and EM of course says she is hungry. Much to his credit, DH scooped them up and took them out into the kitchen without complaint. Leaving me to try to sort out my knitting.

When I have ripped back, I try to put it back on the needles with a row of unknitting. Basically, I put each stitch on the needles and then pull the yarn out of the stitch so it doesn't cause a stitch to run. Works well...most of the time.

I am 3/4th of the way done with the row. Then I am struggling with one stitch. I am not sure why. Other than perhaps the lack of caffeine... I think I get it straightened out. All good. But now the yarn coming out of the side that is back on the needles. *blink* I am thinking it just must have been that last stitch. Right? Nope. Three more stitches. All in the wrong direction. *blink*

I sit there staring, trying to figure out what is happening.

Now a smarter or at least more caffeinated person than me would have put it down and walked away for some sanity. But I didn't. I tried pulling out the knitting needle only to have the cable pull out of the connector on my Knitpicks Options. *growl*

At this point I was so peeved that I just ripped out the entire thing. *sigh* Not sane. Not sensible. But it what I did.

I went out and had a nice breakfast with my wonderful family. DH listened to me complain about the knitting. He even said that perhaps I should get some knitting needles that are joined. I pointed out that the good ones cost about $10 a pop. So that wasn't gonna happen. I also said given how long I have had my Options that the fact that I have only broken about 3 cables is actually pretty good. Knitpicks is the economy version but overall they are pretty decent.

On KP, I also can't complain at all about them. I had trouble with their ball winder since day one. I finally managed to write them about it. They explained it shouldn't be functioning the way it did and immediately sent me a replacement! Given I purchased it from them at least a year ago, that was very kind of them.

So the lesson for today. No knitting repairs before coffee. Unless I really *want* an excuse to restart a project. *sigh*

I Want It!

2011-11-10T14:08:00.003-05:00

Quickie post. I have been watching the videocast Round the Twist a lot recently. It is inspiring me to get off my tush and get my needles busy.

The woman who does it recently showed off some bags. I *want* the Starry Night Dr. Who bucket bag! The seller is all out of those bags. I really want to know where she gets the fabric.

The seller also has a box bag in Tardis fabric. I like that one too. But the Starry Night/Dr. Who combo is too wonderful. I actually just wish the Bucket bag had a drawstring or something. But otherwise it is a lovely bag.

I realize that it really does seem like one can never have too many project bags. *laugh* Mind you, most of mine are cheap bags I have gotten free at work or something. My current project bag came from my local health food store that was giving me one every time I shopped there. So I have about 5 of them. And they are super useful.

Back to work with me!

Some People Just Do Not Get How Much Time Knitting Takes

2011-11-08T10:53:00.004-05:00

Last year, one side of my DH family did a present swap. Everyone brought a present around $50. You got numbers and could take one of the presents there or go into the pile. I thought it worked well. I was actually a bit disappointed that we went with a Target gift card instead of the cooking book & dvd set I got to start. But since DH & I were in it together, it made sense to get something for both of us.

So DH asked his sister if they will be doing that again this year so we can plan. She said everyone is broke this year so she thinks everyone should make something. *blink*

Ummm. Great. It is 46 days until Christmas. 46. *sigh*

I really think some people don't understand how much time knitting takes. *sigh*

The plus side is that I knit 1 1/2 items already for people that did the swap last year. So that is good. The down side is that I would have 2 1/2 more items to go! And I have other Christmas knitting I would like to do this year. I really don't see any way to complete things in time. So either I finish the 1/2 of the one project and do something else for the other two. Or we do something else completely. So I need to find something cheap & quick. Not fun.

I am not fond of knitting under deadline. I know some people thrive on it. I am not one of them. If it is a chore, I just want to avoid it. And these days I am lucky if I get any knitting time in at all at home. Most of my knitting is done while we are in the car. And with the kids even that isn't reliably time to knit.

We will just have to see what happens.

On other Christmas knitting notes, Santa got me the measurements on the doll for E. So I was able to compare them with the American Girl measurements.

So here is how the Madame Alexander Favorite Friends measurements compare to the American Girl ones.

Bust: 11 1/4 to 11 1/2" (1/4"-1/2" larger)
Waist: 10" (1/2" smaller)
Hips: 11 1/4" (1/2" from old, 1" from new)

Leg: Inseam 7" - 7 1/8" (same to 1/8" larger)
Around 1 Thigh: 6 1/4" (3/8" larger)
Around 1 Calf: 5 1/4" (same)

Arms Shoulder to Wrist: 6 1/8" (3/4" longer)
Armpit to Wrist: 3 1/4" (1/4" shorter)

Waist to Ankle: 9" (same)

Around the Shoulders: 14 1/2" to 15 1/16" depending on where (AG 14 3/4")

Around Neck: 5 3/4" (1/4" more narrow)
Neck Height: 1/2" (1/4" shorter)

Around Head: 12" / 12 1/2" at ears (same)

Foot (L x W): 2 1/2" x 1 3/8" (same)

The article about measurements said that things like the sleeve length work out okay. Despite the differences between the MA & AG dolls, the sleeves work out. The piece is about a different model of the MA doll than Santa is bringing. However, the measurements seem close.

I am thinking it might be smartest to make sure whatever I make first has a fair bit of give to it. Probably safer.

Patterns & Laziness

2011-11-01T10:31:00.001-04:00

Given how long between posts, I don't know if anyone actually reads this anymore. But I want to post.

Santa and I had a little chat. He is bringing Elanor a doll for Christmas. She is a Madame Alexander Favorite Friends doll. Very close in size to the American Girl dolls so the patterns & such from one should fit her. After a lot of research, I chose this one. The prices for the AG dolls are *insane*. The MA one is a third of the price. (Don't worry, DD can't read yet. So she won't learn anything she shouldn't about Santa's present.)

So, of course, I want to make something adorable for Elanor & the doll. Given knitting is my particular vice, I figured I would try to make them a matching set. I was surprised that there weren't a lot of matching sets for the girl & the doll.

I did find a pattern book with nine matching patterns. So I decided to buy that. It arrived today. I opened it up and nearly cried.

All the patterns are sweaters you have to piece together. UUUUUGGGHHHH! I *hate* that.

I know, I know. It is me being a lazy knitter. I really should just change my blog name to Confessions from a Lazy Knitter. (I just added it to my subtitle. *laugh*) I hate piece sweaters. And I don't understand why they are the norm other than they are easier on the designer. I really feel like a doll could do without seaming too!

So of course, being me, I am figuring that I should just use a basic pattern, scale it down for the doll. This way I can *skip* seaming work. I have a book of kid knits that are all seamless construction. So I could just work from there.

I know, I know. I should just get over it and do the work. *laugh* But I know myself. I am terrible about putting buttons on. What on earth makes me think I would actually deal with seaming!

I also figured I would get some sewing patterns. Sewing is significantly faster. And believe me, after looking at the prices on outfits for dolls, I *knew* I had to do something. (Honestly, I am not thrilled with the dress the doll comes in so I want her to have options.)

I was thrilled to find McCalls is having a pattern sale. Most of their patterns were only $1.49. The only downside it their shipping & handling was kinda crazy. But I ordered a bunch of doll patterns as well as some young girl patterns & three costume patterns for the kids next year Halloween and/or Ren Faire.

Maybe all of this doll stuff is just my own insanity. Or lack of sleep. *laugh* But I recall my mom making me and my Fisher Price Jenny doll matching shirts. It was kinda sweet. (Mind you I also remember it was 70s and they were polyester...which was fine for a doll, but not so fun for a kid...*winces*)

I really hope Elanor likes the doll. I am not sure honestly. But I am hoping. She likes the dolls she has so far though she hasn't taken a particular shine to any of them. But who knows. Only time will tell.

Ah well. I have a ton of work I need to finish! Conference starts in less than two weeks. *sigh*

Rhinebeck

2011-10-12T12:53:00.004-04:00

I am planning on going to Rhinebeck. My MIL, SIL & her KD are going on Saturday. So that is the day I intend on going.

I am not sure if I am going solo or if DH & the kids are coming. It will depend largely on how the kids are feeling. So we shall probably just wait til the day of and decide.

I confess that I am not chomping at the bit the way I have been in years past. I simply have not been knitting enough to be super excited about it. Also, money is tight so I can't really go too crazy. I am thinking I will try to find something for a sweater for DD. But otherwise most of the money will probably be spent on food.

If DH & the kids come, more will be spent on food than fiber. But it would be nice for them to go. We will have to see.

I keep thinking about maybe just a skein or two of sock yarn. But then I think about how much sock yarn I already own and how little I make socks these days. It seem silly to buy more. I have been thinking that perhaps I need to start having some vanilla socks. Things I can knit without thinking about them. I really do best with those sorts of projects these days.

I actually finished a project on Saturday! I was so impressed. Though it is sad given it was a very simple pattern that should have been a quick knit. I haven't posted pics of the FO yet. I need to take some. But the weather has been warm enough that putting Elanor in a sweater for very long is kinda cruel!

Project on Ravelry:
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/akasha/bulky-gauge-pinwheel-sweater-for-children

I really would like to get back to more knitting and even some spinning. *sigh* I have been listening to a couple knitting podcasts & one videocast. The videocast is the woman who wasn't Lime or Violet who did l&V podcast for a long time. She is very entertaining. (Still have no clue as to what the deal was with the implosion of the l&V podcast. Seems like a super screwy situation.)

One of the podcasts is Knitting History. I am super sad that there only seems to be 10 episodes. The last one was in August. I am hoping she comes back to do more. But they are terrific.

I was listening to podcasts all the time for a long while. But after Elanor was born I stopped for a while. Some of my favs are gone. Still miss Knitters Uncensored. Wish L&V hadn't gone mental. And others just don't grab me anymore.

I don't know why I keep downloading the Knitpicks one. I was listening to that in the BE era. But the woman started to annoy me. Her "interviews" were more about her than her guests! *shakes head* And I can only take so much talk about her yappy dog.

Back to Rhinebeck... I know. I know. Focus not good. I am way wiped today and probably shouldn't be typing anything public! *laugh*

I am sorta hoping this weekend is cooler than it has been. It would be good to wear some knit items. But if it is in the 70s as it has been, then that isn't happening. *sigh*

I am debating if I want to wear the amazing Dracula's Bride shawl my SIL made or the one I Traveling Woman shawl I made which is much smaller.

Dracula's Bride pattern on Ravelry
Pics of Shawl my SIL Made
Traveling Woman Pattern on Ravelry
Traveling Woman Shawl I Made

I confess part of me wants to wear one I made. But it isn't that stunning. I *know* the Dracula Bride one is amazing and deserves to be admired by people who can really appreciate it. My SIL did such an amazing job. And given she will be there, she could have oodles of compliments! *grin*

Though heaven knows if the kids are with me *any* shawl may be out of the question! *laugh*

I really want a new project for my needles. Of course I say this with other projects still on the needles! But other than the *gulp* six projects that need buttons or one that needed beads, I only have three on the needles. One needs to be frogged as I missed the window where Elanor can wear it. The other two are challenging for different reasons.

One is a deadly dull scarf that never the less requires my attention because it is out of this annoying yarn that is very fluffy fiber that has a thin thread binding it together. So if you miss a stitch, the thing will run and you can't just fix it. You would need to rip back. I don't think it would run fast as it is super sticky, but it would be a mess none the less.

The other are the Maeve Socks (pattern link). They are beautiful. The yarn is this gorgeous colorway that the same SIL gave me for Xmas two years ago. Love the pattern & the yarn. Just takes *a lot* of concentration to make sure I work the pattern correctly. And with the leg, there isn't even a break in the pattern. There is one chart for the front, another for the back. So trying to keep it straight can be challenging. And given most of my knitting these days is done on car trips, it is even harder. DS isn't so great about sleeping sometimes. And when he gets settled, DD sometimes wants attention or snack. So it means I can't expect to have a slot where I can do an entire row of knitting. And have you tried stopping in the middle of a complex cable pattern? Some people are fine with it. I am not. (Lack of sleep probably isn't helping either...)

Part of me thinks it s just smarter to bring what knitting I have if DH & the kids come with me. Then maybe print out a pattern or two & bring needles to cast on something on the way home if I find yarn for a new project at Rhinebeck. Another part of me just says grab some yarn I already have.

I still have three amazingly beautiful skeins of Fresh From the Cauldron colorways from the Mythos series. I got Poseidon, Dionysus & Ares. All yummy. Thinking Poseidon for E, Ares for Will & Dionysus for me or E. Since Poseidon & Ares are a single skein of worsted, I think they would be best for a hat & mittens or something. But I really haven't decided.

I keep hoping as the kids get older that I can get back to more knitting & even some spinning! I really do miss it. *sigh*

I really need to get back to work! *sigh* (I am sooo tired today that I have been moving so slllooowww.) Think it might be time for a Starbuck run & then some caffeinated action!

A Little Knitting Guilt

2011-02-10T15:16:00.001-05:00

I am having a little knitting guilt.

I have knit one sweater and a hat for my baby boy who is due in just *gulp* 6 weeks. One sweater and one hat. That is it.

And of course, the sweater doesn't have buttons... *sigh* I don't have 5 or 6 buttons in the right size & color. Of course.

Haven't even washed & blocked them. So if he were to arrive tomorrow, he couldn't wear them.

With DD I knit a lot before she arrived. I spent about 7 months knitting only for her. Sweaters, blankets, hats, a dress, a baby surprise jacket out of handspun yarn, mary jane shoes. Loads of stuff.

Here's the List:
EZ February Baby Sweater
February Baby Bonnet
Baby's First Blanket
Wave Jumper 3rd Attempt
Going Home Mary Janes
Baby Surprise Jacket in Handspun
Black Mary Janes
First Coat for Kiddle
Kimono Jacket
Heart Hat
Loving Memories Lacy Bunting (started while pregnant, finished in Nov. - in time for her christening)
Lucille Sweater in Fresh From the Cauldron Vamp Yarn (started while pregnant, finished Jan.)

Quite the list.

So why is the boy getting jipped?

Let's go back to the list of DD's items.

EZ February Baby Sweater
Worn a lot. She really did live in that sweater from the time she could wear it until a while afterwards. Got tons of compliments on it too. Loved it.

February Baby Bonnet
Got a fair bit of wear too. Liked it a lot and looked adorable on her. A chin strap is your friend with a new baby!

Baby's First Blanket
Had it on her for the trip home from the hospital and beyond. Had hoped this would be her blankie. But so far, she prefers a fuzzy one that was a present from DH's SIL & her mom. Still, she did get snuggled in it a good deal.

Wave Jumper 3rd Attempt
Never worn. Nope. Not once. I tried this pattern three times before I was happy with the yarn/pattern combo. And she never wore the *@#* thing. *sigh* Also it was fingering and took eons to knit.

Going Home Mary Janes
Wore oodles. Same yarn as EZ February Baby Sweater & hat.

Baby Surprise Jacket in Handspun
Worn once! Handspun yarn took hours to do. Just didn't fit her til June/July! And who needs a jacket in June/July?? The only reason she even got one wearing was because we went to the Adirondacks and it was raining and chilly one day. That's it!

Black Mary Janes
Wore oodles.

First Coat for Kiddle
Wore about a half dozen times. It was too big at first. And by the time it did fit her, it was getting warmer. So she never got a lot of wear out of it.

Kimono Jacket
Attempted to have her wear it three times. I swear twice that the minute it went on her, she would cry and fuss to the point where I would take it off her. It is frustrating as it is beautiful yarn and even the right size at the right time. But I think sock yarn with silver threads made her itch so she got cranky. Mind you, it wasn't like I was putting it against bare skin. But she didn't like it. *sigh*

Heart Hat
Worn a lot. Fit well and was wool so it was warm. Worn nearly every time she left the house during the winter. It also stretched nicely. So that meant she could wear it longer.

Loving Memories Lacy Bunting (started while pregnant, finished in Nov. - in time for her christening)
Worn once for her christening which was the point. Glad I did that one as the venue where we had the party was chilly. So it was good we had another layer for her. But kinda a lot of knitting for a few hours of wear. And I don't see reusing it for a boy.

Lucille Sweater in Fresh From the Cauldron Vamp Yarn (started while pregnant, finished Jan.)
A half dozen to a dozen times. Made in a larger size. But again, it was size & season not matching. She was able to wear it some during the spring. But she outgrew it pretty quickly.

So all these items. Some got a fair bit of use, like the February Sweater & heart hat. But some never even got worn. All the hours that went into knitting them to never have them used. I really wish there was some donation place for these sorts of knit items! I don't know what to do with them now. They are beautiful pieces, but I don't know anyone who can use them.

I had hoped there was a Ravelry group for these sorts of items. But I don't see anything. There are tons of baby related groups. But nada that is for sending items off to other people who will use them. *sigh* I mean I will keep the items I actually used a lot for her in the future. But the ones she never wore? Why?

I know some knitters would say rip it and reuse the yarn. I am just not good at that. I feel like there is time and effort in the knitting and would prefer someone actually use the finished object. But who?

So back to the original point. The poor boy is getting jipped. Mind you, I have a whole lot less knitting time now that DD is here. But that isn't to say I have none. I have finished projects in the time since she was born that weren't for her. Though I only started knitting items not for her in about the last 6 months or so. Before that I was still knitting other items for her.

I realized with the items I knit for her, I need to know what is practical and what will be worn. There is no point in making something if it will never be worn. And kids don't grow uniformly. I swear she skipped over the 9-12 month sized stuff. She sprung up in size so that size was barely used. And bigger isn't always better. I made items figuring she could always wear them even if they were too big. That really isn't the case.

So the boy is getting jipped. *sigh* I have some guilt about it. But only a little. I do want to make him a baby blanket. But I never got out and found yarn for it. And I don't see that happening in the next 6 weeks. Just not enough time. (No, I don't have anything in my stash that is soft enough for a newborn and with enough yardage for a blanket.)

On the other hand, I suspect the boy won't care in the least! While I loved the handknit items for DD, I don't think she felt any additional love pouring out of the items that were handknit! *laugh* And in some cases, she got downright cranky that I kept putting her into outfits. So I am guessing the boy will be just fine.

Or heaven knows, in 20 years he will be sitting on a therapist's couch talking about how his mom loved his sister more because she got all the cool handknit stuff. *laugh*

Buttons...All About the Buttons...

2011-01-13T14:12:00.004-05:00

I haven't been good about updating these days. Things are crazed with Elanor and the baby yet to come. But I have been knitting.

Though looking at the projects in my side bar, you would really think I have startitis, but never actually finish anything! That isn't actually the case. It is nearly allll about buttons!!

And worse thing is, I have no excuse right now! My MIL was soooo sweet for Christmas. She gave me a bunch of her vintage buttons, including some that she thinks she had on something when she was Elanor's size!

WIP According to Ravelry But Really Just Missing One Thing or Another -

Beaded Evening Bag/Purse
started: 12-06-2008
Knitting finished: 12-21-2008
This one is the most embarrassing. Just needs a single button!! It was supposed to be a friend's Xmas present two years ago. Still hasn't been sent to her as you can see. If she ever comes back to the East coast, I will actually sew on a bead or button and get it to her. *laugh* I even have a bead that might work for the closure.

Aviatrix Hat for Ella by Justine Turner
started: 10-09-2010
Knitting finished: 10-15-2010
Super quick knit and cute. Of course, I put it somewhere after washing and blocking it. Was in the bathroom just waiting for the button so DD could wear it this winter. But it got moved. Where? That is an excellent question! I would like it to fit her by the time the button gets on it! (It does have some stretch so it is possible it could even get more than one season out of it, but who knows.)

Baby Jacket with Moss Stitch Edges by Rosie's Yarn Cellar
started: 11-25-2010
Knitting finished: 12-21-2010
Cute, simple sweater that I hope will fit the baby boy due in March. Needs 4 or 5 buttons. The ones I thought would work are a bit too big. So I will either put on some pearly buttons or get something to match soon. Though to give myself some credit, I was smart enough to put an i-cord tie on the matching hat so I didn't have to deal with buttons! Might have been smarter with the sweater too.

Cardigan for My Hobbit Elanor by annypurls
started: 04-18-2010
Knitting finished: sometime 12-2010 though still haven't done the i-cord loops for the button, so not all done with the knitting.
This seems like the doomed project. *sigh* Forgot to bring more yarn so I could work on it for the July 4th weekend/several day vacation. I have lost the yarn and had to order more. Now, the toggle buttons I bought for it are MIA! *sigh* It currently just barely fits Elanor. It will not overlap and still cover her belly. But luckily the button flap is actually the same cable pattern so I can just have it edge to edge and it will look like it is intentional. I am glad this is Emerald green so the baby boy can wear it! But it would look soooo adorable on DD. I did put it on Elanor, but without buttons she keep lifting the bottom of the sweater and stretching it, sometimes even pulling the back over her head!

Crest of the Wave Scarf by Judy Jacobs
started: 11-19-2010
Knitting finished: 12-4-2010
I want to add some beads to this. I was hoping I had some that were the right size. But in looking, I don't think I do. I am going to see about stringing some seed beads on it that I already own. But not sure they will fit or look right. Was supposed to be an Xmas but ended up participating in a grab bag with several people instead. So this can be given to my SIL next year. (Hope she doesn't suddenly get an interest in knitting and read my blog. *laugh*)

Friday Mary Janes by Kerin Dimeler-Laurence
started: 12-08-2010
Knitting finished: 12-20-2010
These are a Christmas present and I am seeing the recipient this weekend. So the buttons are going on tonight!! Amongst the lovely Xmas button stash are three gold & blue buttons that I think are going on these. With there being three I wanted to hold on to them. But if they are the right size, I will probably let two of the buttons go and figure out a use for the single one.

Simple Cardi for Bella Ella by Dove Knits
started: 08-28-2010
Knitting finished: 9-19-2010
Needs 5-6 buttons. Don't think I have any that will match it and are the right size. But I sized this big so DD could wear it next year. And unlike other projects where I tried that, I think this one actually *will* be able to be worn next year. *laugh*

Actual WIPs -

Flora Dress by Vy Tran
started: 07-05-2010
40% done
This may need to be frogged. Started over the July 4th weekend last year. I was aiming for it to fit this summer. But I think it is already too small for Elanor!

Maeve Socks by Janneke Maat
started: 12-29-2010
40% done
Recently cast on. My first new knit socks for me since I was pregnant with DD who is now 15 months old! Loving them a lot and working on them pretty heavily even though they are cabled!

Suri Bias Scarf by Michelle WeeFolkArt
started: 12-27-2010
20% Done
I wanted a super easy knit. This is probably an Xmas present for next year. So not rush. Just a super simple mindless knit. So might be good hospital knitting when the baby boy is due. Though not good night time car knitting as the yarn is fuzzy and has a thin thread that holds the yarn together. So I can't do it without looking at it sometimes or there will be holes.

Okay. I really should be working. Don't know what got me started on this!! I have a ton to do today. Thinking I am gonna have to work late tonight after Elanor goes to bed... *groan*

Bull in NYC Covered in Crochet

2011-01-11T15:24:00.001-05:00

Too bad it only was there two hours!! It looks awesome.

http://happyfamousartists.blogspot.com/2010/12/ab-fab-merry-fing-xmass-wall-street.html

I love NYC and knitters/hookers. *grin*

New Skill Learned for Merry Cardigan

2010-12-08T15:33:00.002-05:00

It is amazing. An actual blog post for my knitting blog. Will it actually happen or will I write half a message and abandon it? One can never tell.

I am proud to say I learned a new skill. Using kitchner in pattern. Woohoo. I feel so proud.

The Cardigan for My Hobbit Elanor sweater is nearly completed. The challenge was to graft the top of the hood together where there was cables. I had never done that before.

But after some searching online and using the noggin, I figured how.

First time through a knit stitch is a purl, second time through is a knit.
For a purl stitch, it is the exact opposite.
First time through to purl is a knit, second time through is a purl.

Took some focus, but it worked!

The hood looks good. Though the end of the cable probably wasn't the best place to send it. It looks a bit different. But honestly, no one other than a knitter will probably notice. I think it looks good. I need to take pictures of that and the half dozen other items I have knit in the past few months! *laugh*

So it is good to go except... It all comes down to everything is done except the *&#@ buttons! (And the i-cord for said buttons.) *sigh* Buttons are the bane of my knitting existence! I even *own* the buttons. I bought four little wooden toggle buttons at Walmart ages ago. It will look good with the sweater. But of course, do you think I can find them?? Nope.

I have to drive into the mess that some decade is supposed to be the guest/craft room. But it may also end up being a room for Elanor or the baby boy due in March. We are going to have to see if they can share a room for a while. DH and his sister shared a room and he said they were sad when they got split up. So I figure we can see if having them in the same room works. It will depend on what sort of sleeper he is since she isn't great. Just have to see when the time comes. (Though I don't even want to think about what we do with all the craft stuff if we do have to use that room for one of the kids!)

Franklin Habit has summed up the day I fear most in Elanor's growth...
http://the-panopticon.blogspot.com/2010/08/development-of-communication-in-human.html

*gulp*

I am happy to report I am taking off this Monday and the 20th through the New Year! It should give me some knitting time. (The next two Mondays I am watching DD as DH has to see clients. But otherwise there is some free time. Woohoo.) I am also hoping that DH will work with me to get what I told him I want for this Christmas. The rest of the apartment unpacked!! *grin* That would be the best present this year! Even better than *gasp* fiber! But then again, it would enable me to actually *find* the fiber I actually own. And maybe, just maybe, I could actually blow the dust off my spinning wheel that has accumulated since DD was born. Just in time for more to accumulate for DS. But hey, even a little spinning time would be nice. Been sooo very long. 14 months at least. *grin*

Okay. I have way too much work to get done to write more. Time to get to it!

No Rhinebeck This Year

2010-10-15T10:02:00.000-04:00

I am seriously bummed. *sigh* No Rhinebeck aka NY Sheep & Wool for me this year... *sniffle*

I got a sore throat, some congestion and a little bit of a runny nose late Weds. I really thought it was just the seasonal allergies given the change in weather. But it got worse yesterday. And even more full blow as the day progressed. Definitely not happy. *sigh*

Last year I missed Rhinebeck as DD was only a month old. So there was no way we were going. I was really looking forward to this year. But alas... *grumblegrowl*

I did make Maryland S&W this year for the first time. I am hoping this isn't some thing about only one fiber fest a year. *laugh*

On the plus side, in preparing to go to Rhinebeck, I did some searching through the mass of boxes that are the craft room/guest room. I *finally* found the Cardigan for Merry sweater (sorry Ravelry link) I had put somewhere safe. *laugh* Along with the yarn for the Flora Dress. So there are two WIP I hope to finish before DD outgrows them. The dress I made big as I figured it was for next summer. But the cardigan is for this winter. So I am hoping to actually finish it before she outgrows it.

I am nearly done with the Aviatrix Hat (again Ravelry link). I wanted to finish this for tomorrow as they are having a contest/drawing for people who get their pic taken with it at Rhinebeck. Ah well. It is still an adorable hat and will look cute on Elanor. Think the ear flaps will help it stay on which is a plus.

I really need to get some pics taken of FOs. It is kinda sad when I look at my Ravelry projects. There are sooo many without photos. But having a one year old in the house slows these things down. *laugh*

I also need to block the Traveling Woman shawlette. It looks beautiful, though as I feared, it isn't very long. I think I should have used larger needles. I am hoping to block some more length out of it. But I am not sure that will happen. The lace pattern was very simple repeats so I was able to work it up pretty quickly. (Okay. Quickly for me. About 2 1/2-3 weeks.) It looks beautiful and I think it really shows off the gorgeous yarn from Fresh from the Cauldron. It is the Tara Thornton colorway in Silk Sock (70% merino/30% silk). Yummy. I didn't take a pic of it, but here is someone else's that looks very close to mine.

Given I will be home all weekend, maybe I will be able to track down my blocking mats & pins. *crosses fingers* Though I *really* wish I were wearing it to Rhinebeck tomorrow as planned. Enough moping.

Think it is time to curl up on the couch with some tea and knit. That will help me feel better.

I Am Not Yet Dead

2010-08-17T13:28:00.002-04:00

Really. Truly. Not dead.

Though from a knitting perspective, it does seem that way! *laugh*

I haven't been knitting much of anything. It pains me to say it, but it is true. I got a bunch of knitting done over 4th of July weekend.

It being a long weekend with tons of car time, I even had two projects with me. I am thinking I will put a good dent into the modified Cardigan for Merry for DD. There was plenty to do so that could take the whole weekend. I knew the Ridged Cap to match the Eloise Sweater would be done half way to the Adirondacks. But it was simple knitting so good for the start of the trip.

So the hat is done. I am cranking along on the cardigan. When I realize... Guess what I forgot?! More yarn for the sweater! *sigh* I finished off the ball I had. But all the rest of the yarn was sitting at home. *grumblegrowlsigh*

Luckily there are some good yarn stores in the Adirondacks. Adirondack Yarns is a fav. They are the folks who got me hooted on Catalina Yarns. (Though the flip side was the woman suggested an alpaca/silk blend for socks. And while I love the socks I made with them, they don't stay up very well because there isn't enough elasticity.)

It was a chilly day so I decide Elanor should get to wear her Baby Surprise Jacket. Of course, I have it listed as WIP given I *still* don't have buttons for the thing. But I decided it was probably now or never for her to wear it.

So we went to Bog River and have some lovely shots of her in the BSJ.

That one is my current backdrop and says just how much she looks like her daddy!

There are more on Flickr.

By the time we got the Adirondack Yarns, DD was asleep in the car. So DH hung out with her while I went in to find something. I found some purple Universal Yarn Cotton Supreme that looked like it would make something nice. It is a very soft cotton. I really *should* have looked at the pattern books at Adirondack Yarns before I made my purchase. There was a dress that was adorable that probably would have worked with the yarn.

So when I got back to camp, I looked for a similar pattern. I came across the Flora Dress pattern for free. I really like it. Though I do wish it were a full top rather than a tube top with straps. But it is cute.

It is funny though. DD woke during my yarn buying so DH brought her inside. The shop owner complimented the BSJ. I explained it was my handspun yarn. Of course DH then says "That's why you wanted her to have this on. So you could get compliments." *groan* I was kinda embarrassed. But it was also kinda true. *laugh*

Since the 4th weekend, I have gotten sooo little knitting done. There was a bit in the car a few times. But next to nothing. It is embarrassing.

Though the big reason is that we moved. It was grueling. DH and I moved into the apartment 9 1/2 years ago. So over time, it was stuffed to the gills. I swore I was gonna sort everything before we moved, but it didn't happen. So unpacking is taking way longer than it should as well as I sort out what needs to be packed and put away or tossed. The new kitchen is about a third the size of the old one. So that has been a beast to tackle.

Though on the plus side, there is more room. Including... *drum roll*

A Guest / Craft Room!!

*gasp* I hear your envy. *laugh* Mind you, we will see if that lasts. With everything else that needs a home, I am not sure if it won't be overflow for the closet & Elanor's stuff. But I can dream it will stay a craft room with a pull out couch. *chuckle*

Though I swear if I found one more piece of fabric, I was going to cry. *sigh* I really need to figure out something to do with it all. I have tons from when I was doing medieval recreation. Now that I am not, I really should get rid of anything I won't use for DD. I can't recall the last time I actually sewed anything. *sigh*

I finally moved some socks to hibernation status. Mind you, I haven't touched them since probably May-June 2009. But I just couldn't admit they had taken the big snooze. They probably should be frogged. Not because the pattern and yarn are a bad combo. No real reason other than after that long and so little done on them, I am just not feeling the love. It is probably time to let them go.

I know they got pushed aside because I started knitting stuff for DD. So everything else got pushed to the side in favor of baby knits. And honestly, that hasn't really let up yet. I still continue to focus on baby/kid knits. I like making things she can wear. And there is something so satisfying about seeing her dressed in something special that I knit for her. Plus, you know there will come that day when she will not want anything I made for her! *laugh* So I figure I should take advantage of the fact that she can't talk yet. *smirk*

Okay. I am ending this otherwise it will never get posted!

Maryland Sheep & Wool

2010-05-04T12:39:00.003-04:00

I got to go to Maryland Sheep and Wool!

Here is the beautiful distraction that keeps me from posting here:

This is Elanor at her first fiber fest!

Her dress was made by her super talented aunt! Sorry. I don't know what the pattern is. Bad blogger.

Maryland was an amazing festival. I really enjoyed it and would have enjoyed it more had it not been so $!*@ hot!

I ended up at Creatively Dyed Yarns. I *love* their colorways. So yummy. I got two skeins of Fatima Grace. It is for an Elanor sweater. I am leaning towards a top down yoke cardigan. I think it will show off the yarn well and look adorable on Elanor.

Need to get back to work! I would love to say I will post more, but... *laugh*

Super Quick Post

2010-02-16T16:42:00.002-05:00

Things have been so crazed here. Between my 4 month old daughter & working full time, I haven't had much time for anything else.

So what did I do? I decided to cast something on for the Ravelolympics. Kinda crazy I know.

I didn't decide to do a super tough project. The challenge for me these days is just getting something knit at all!

I cast on the Swamp Dragon pattern on Saturday. It is pretty simple increased & decreases for the shaping. But it is still a challenge for me.

I am counting only the knitting for the Ravelolympics. I will need a zipper & eyes to finish it. And I think I may have to order them. So they may not be here in time. But I figure if the knitting is done, it still counts in my book!

Overdue Pics of Finished Objects

2009-09-24T19:11:00.003-04:00

I am long overdue on some finished object pics. So I figured I would put this together before the baby arrives. She is already past her due date which was Sunday. But it is pretty typical for a first time pregnancy.

I still don’t feel like she is coming any time soon. My OB says she will induce next Wednesday which will put it at nearly 42 weeks (which is when they get worried the baby might have problems if it doesn’t come out).

I am sure you will sense a theme in my knitting as of late. Surprise surprise!

Kimono Jacket in Fresh From the Cauldron Silver Sock Volturi Colorway

Knittin' Kitten

Yarn Harlot Ideas for Xmas Presents - Part Four, The Final Chapter

2012 Goals

I Love My Husband

Yarn Harlot Ideas for Xmas Presents - Part Three

Yarn Harlot Ideas for Xmas Presents - Part Two

Yarn Harlot Ideas for Xmas Presents

Woolmeisse & Current Knitting

What Not to Do Before You Have Coffee

I Want It!

Some People Just Do Not Get How Much Time Knitting Takes

Patterns & Laziness

Rhinebeck

A Little Knitting Guilt

Buttons...All About the Buttons...

Bull in NYC Covered in Crochet

New Skill Learned for Merry Cardigan

No Rhinebeck This Year

I Am Not Yet Dead

Maryland Sheep & Wool

Super Quick Post

Overdue Pics of Finished Objects

Quickie Update

Baby Surprise Jacket in Handspun

Finished or Almost Finished Objects

Tour De Fleece 2009

Quick Update

What Ewe Are You?

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Finished Objects

Impressed with Storey Publishing & New WIP

Some Projects Are Just Challenging...

First Baby Sweater for Kiddle & WIPs

Wow. I Am Pooped!

Announcement, Pattern Suggestions and FO

Finished Objects & WIPs

Chevron Lace Scarf in Tempted Handspun

Woven Ridge Socks

Brigit Socks in Jitterbug & WIP

Yarn Club & WIPs

Fiber!

Valentine's Day Pressies

WIPs & Spinning

Reptilian Lace Socks in Handpainted Yarn

Yummy Yummy Fiber!

Finished Object & Fiber

What Does the Stash Do...?

Works in Progress

Scarf/Wrap in Handspun for Xmas Present

Two New Projects

Deleted Expletive Socks

Xmas Spinning

Spinning Talk

Handspun Yarn

Two More Christmas Knits

Beaded Evening Bag/Purse

Toe Up Feather & Fan Socks in Handpainted Sock Blank

Cabled Cardigan for Littlest George

But It's For a Friend...

Xmas Wish List

Been A While

Finished & Almost Finished Projects