Feeling Proud

So I am feeling proud!  I have actually attached buttons to four items.  Thus I have met one 2012 goal!  Hooray!

Of course, DH suggested I modify the goal to be that I have fewer items missing buttons by the end of the year than at the beginning.  I actually think that is a fair goal.  So I would like to end the year with three items or less needing buttons.  I hope to do it.

I pulled out another sweater I know needs buttons.  And discovered it needs *nine* buttons.  Of course I don't *have* nine matching buttons.  *sigh*  So I will have to buy those.

Though I did buy new buttons for the Cardigan for Merry one.  *Still* wish Eldest Munchkin could have worn that one given it was knit for her.  But her little brother should look very cute in it.  So I think I need to get it done sooner rather than later.  Needs the i-cord loops and the toggle buttons sewn on to it.

Of course for the purse missing the button for years now, I finally figured out what button I want for it.  And of course, I have lost the button I really want to put on it again!  *sigh*  It is kinda ridiculous!  It is for a friend I will be seeing in March, so I am hoping to give it to her when I see her.  So that gives me about a month to do it.

I didn't realize just how tiny the button hole for the Aviatrix Hat was!  It is tiny.  So I am betting it won't get undone much.  I am so happy that there was this adorable gold star one that my MIL gave me in a wonderful box of buttons that she gave me last Xmas.

 

For the Baby Jacket with Moss Stitch Edges, I decided to only add buttons for the top three holes.  The spacing on the buttons was weird.  So that it doesn't actually have a hole in the middle of the bottom edging.  So it would have looked wrong if I put them all on there.  Still wondering why I did that.  *shrugs*  But it looks cute with the top three.  Though heaven knows it may only look cute to a knitter now that I am thinking about it.  *chuckle*

On the sweater goal I added, I am debating.  I really don't want to buy more yarn.  I purchased enough for sweaters for the kids and have the yarn for DH.

I am tempted to start with the Little Guy first.  Waffles for Brunch Sweater or the Idaho pullover hoodie are the two that are tempting me most for him.  The detractor from the Idaho is that it is sewn pieces.  And I really loathe that.  But the flipside is that the detailing makes it looks cute and thus requires pieces.  So that has more appeal.

I have five skeins of Berroco Vintage Chunky in Dungaree, Black Cherry & Dried Plum.  I couldn't decide between the Black Cherry & Dried Plum for Elanor so I got both.  But the Dungaree & Black Cherry could look very cool for the Idaho one.  Thoug of course with the name I wish the Daddy's Little Helper Jean Jacket was in bulky instead of DK.  *smile*  Of course being me, I keep wondering if I could modify the pattern...  I say that with a half finished Mary Jane slipper on my needles that is supposed to be for Elanor...  *laugh*

I resisted the urge to cast either on over the weekend.  It was hard, but I am only about a quarter to a third of the way in on my socks.  And I want to finish them sooner than later. 

I am still debating patterns.  So many choices.  Any suggestions are welcome.

Though I have spent way too much time debating patterns for yarn that hasn't even been dyed yet.  It is the Tudor colorway in Luxe by the Unique Sheep that I ordered.  I have been looking as shawl/ettes.  That sort of colorway needs to be seen!  I am thrilled they said the colorway would retain its depth.  I decided to increase the quantity to the Bigfoot which is one and a half skeins, so 600 yards total.

Of course, when I think I will have the time to knit a shawl...  *laugh*  So I am delusional.  So sue me.  *grin*

Though then again, I am going to conference in Arizona in March.  That gives me knitting time on the plane and while waiting at the airport at the very least.  Last conference I was able to knit DH Kindle Cozy under the table and that one was more condensed.  So you never know what I might be able to do with this conference. Though I have my doubts a shawl is under the table knitting.  *chuckle*  Though given my socks are on two circs, they are even *less* suited to it!  *grin*

Best I get some work done.  Whee.

Dangerous...

I am gonna blame this all on Silvercat...  Yah yah, that's the ticket. *smirk*

We got talking about Fresh from the Cauldron as the dyer is doing a yarn series soon that we both are drooling about...  It is something I won't mention in public as the dyer Jenn isn't doing it as a yarn club with spots or such. She will just be doing a store update at some date in the future. So I don't want to give it more press in a public place (feel free to email me if you know me).  (Not that I really think anyone reads my blog other than family and 1-2 fiber friends at best...  *chuckle*)

Jenn is an amazing dyer.  I have been lucky enough (with Silvercat's help) to get some of Jenn's yummy yarns.  I really love them.  *sigh*  I am currently knitting her Merino, cashmere & nylon fingering and *loooovvviiinggg* it.  So yummy.  

But the waiting leads to wanting. And the colorways for the line I want aren't even in the samples to make us drool stage yet.  And today is payday.  A dangerous set of events.  *sigh*

Silvercat got me looking at a bunch of the indie dyers she likes.  She has some really good yarn porn!

One she mentioned liking is Storied Yarns.  The dyer Jessica does some wonderful colorways. And she has something called the "Surprise Package full of Yarn OR Fibery Goodness".  There was a small & a large.  It is fiber plus goodies.  I couldn't resist.  I got the small box.  There is just something irresistible about a box of goodies all wrapped & customized for me.

Jessica sent a questionnaire with all sort of questions about what I like in terms of color, fiber, edibles, & fragrances.  She also asked about what books, movies & tv shows I like.  I probably babbled too much.  But you know how that goes if you are reading this. *laugh*

I really can't wait, but know I must.  In a way though, the anticipation makes it all the better.  *grin*  I am really excited.

Oh, and as if to say I had to order from her, Jessica has a Harry Dresden colorway which is spot on for Dresden.  Lovely black, grey & brown.  Perfect Harry colors.  (Might need to get that for DH sometime...)

And because I just can't seem to help myself...  Silvercat has been talking about her Evenstar shawl.  She is doing it in the most stunning colorway by Unique Sheep. They are pretty amazing dyers and dye to order.  Her Evenstar got me looking at their colorways.

This one just screamed "You must own me!"

The name of this lovely?  Tudor.  See...  How could I not??

They have their Luxe yarn base in stock.  It is 25% Tussah Silk, 75% Superwash Merino.  *happy sigh*  I am a total silk junkie!

I did write in the notes that if they didn't think the silk could hold that saturation of color, I could change base yarns.  I would rather have it in the superwash base if the color will not be deep & rich.

Of course, since that is custom dyeing I won't see it for up to three weeks.  But given I have the socks on the needles and wanting to also cast on a sweater, a wait is not a terrible thing!  *laugh*

I confess part of me is also thinking the Tudor yarn needs beads.  I don't know why other than perhaps looking at the lovely Evenstars with beads.  Of course Carin from Round the Twist made one so that got me looking at beading again as being so lovely.  And of course there is the stunning shawl my knitting goddess SIL made for me.  I don't know if you can see any beads in the pics, but they are there and so lovely.

Of course, I don't have a pattern yet.  And I can't get too crazy with the pattern otherwise with mommy brain and lack of knitting time, it will never actually get done.  So I have to choose wisely.  *smile*

Best to get to bed!!  Should have been asleep hours ago...  Though the Little Guy didn't fall asleep til about an hour and change ago.  Whee.  Night night!

That Carin Has Me Thinking about Goals Again...

I swear, I should stop watching Carin's Round the Twist podcast because it keeps inspiring me to take on things!! *laugh*

She has been saying it is the year of the sweater for her.

I kept saying she is a faster knitter than I am...  But of course, hearing it again, the thoughts crept in...maybe I can do this.

So long as kids sweaters count, I think I am in.

My goal is to knit a sweater *and* put on the buttons on a sweater for DH, DD & DS as well as the 18" doll my DD has.  So four sweaters in a year.   *gulp*

And if I push myself, I should figure out what to do with the alpaca cardigan (rav link) I started for myself in deep hibernation.  It is too small for me at my current size.  I should decide what to do with it.  *sigh*  I am so not good about ripping projects with this much done and don't think the alpaca will do well with that.

For DH I have some sport weight yarn heather grey yarn I bought for him to make a sweater ages ago.  I said it would get started after I finished mine.  Hardly fair to hold to that given the deep freeze my sweater is in.

I have at least a half dozen sweaters queued for DD.  I have a book to make a matching one for her 18" doll.  I haven't decided if I just want to scale down a sweater or use one from Knits for Girls & Dolls book I got.  Though in looking at patterns for DS, I discovered the Phoebe's Sweater I have been wanting to get is in the weight of yarn I have already bought... Hmmm...  Could be a sign.  It comes with a doll pattern as well.  Though it might be small and need tweaking but of course in checking Ravelry someone has already posted the needed mods (another rav link).

DS is only 10 months old.  So of course I am thinking about taking the coward's way out and knitting his first.  *laugh*  But then again, DD loves anything knit for her and doubly so if the doll has one too.  Soo....  Decisions decisions!

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

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

(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

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.