I Love My Husband

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!