Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad soon-to-be mom

I still haven't knit a single stitch for my son. I have 3 weeks, and nothing is knit. I am going to knit like the wind and finish a cardi and hat this weekend (I'm determined!) for a friend at work (that I'm STILL working on). Hopefully once that's done, the knitting will commence for Sebastian Alexander! I at least want to make some booties, a hat, and mitts for him. If I'm really good, and get a bunch of stuff done this weekend, I can spend my evenings knitting. I still haven't set up the nursery, and the car seat hasn't been installed either. Hubby is responsible for that this weekend. Here's the goals for this weekend: Friday night: finish the hat and cardi for the other baby; Saturday: clean and get nursery ready for the crib assembly; Sunday: start knitting like mad for my baby; Monday (no work for me!): more knitting and getting things ready for baby. The cardi's close to being done, and the hat shouldn't take me too much longer. I'm probably going to exhaust myself getting it all done, and then again, I might not. I know I can lay back in our recliner and knit and relax, and hopefully I can stay awake! I need another set of hands...or a clone!

Another Quick Update

Oh how the time flies! I have 4 weeks, just 4 WEEKS PEOPLE! before I'm supposed to give birth to my precious bundle of joy. I'm still not quite realizing it yet. I guess I will once the labor pains kick in that this is REAL.

I have to finish Christmas shopping today (I'm leaving in 5 minutes and using my lunch hour for that) and then interestingly enough, although we weren't going to have Christmas at our place, it turns out we are! Hubby's parents are scheduled to come down on Christmas Day and have lunch (which was news to me, I was just expecting them to come and chat for a little while, then go back home). My parents have asked that we meet at our place, since we're decorated and clean. It's not nearly as clean as I'd like it, or maybe clean's the wrong word...organized is better. But, it's going to get there. I have a 4 day weekend, and I'm going to pick up a few things here and there and clean some stuff out.

Merry Christmas!

Small update and big rant

There hasn't been much knitting going on, since I've been working on the baby's room. Of course, there hasn't been much progress on that either.

I did finally finish the Pea Pod set, but I didn't take pictures before it got horribly cold and I gave the sweater and hat to the mom. She promised pictures, but the hat was too small. I have to remake the hat in the larger size (I should have done that to begin with) and then hopefully pictures will ensue.

I'm almost done with the second sweater for the wee one. It will hopefully be done before Christmas, along with the booties.

I have had 2 showers now, and received a ton of clothes (I know they're cute, but we registered for a reason!) and one set of clothes was actually handmade. I thought I would be more overjoyed at getting a set of handknitted clothes for my baby, but I wasn't that thrilled. I guess because the woman who gave them to me didn't make them, so I don't feel like they're all that special. Don't get me wrong...I know that a woman made them by hand and sold them, but I guess it's the selling that's giving me problems here. If it had come from a fellow knitter, as a gift that they themselves had made, I would like to think I'd feel differently. It's like when my mom makes an article of clothing for me instead of buying it. I always look on that one item as more treasured because of her time. She could have had someone else make it, but it wouldn't be the same. That's how I feel now. I wish another knitter would make me something for my baby, because it would be a gratitude that cannot be expressed. I've had some people give me handmade things, and I love every second of them. My socks from my secret sock pal, for example...I love those socks. I am very careful with them, but LOVE wearing them. I know they were made just for me, and no one purchased them pre-made.

I wish more people would make gifts for Christmas. I try to keep lots of things for Christmas simple, by making gifts where I can, and doing old-fashioned stockings. We get fruit, nuts, cookies and peppermints in these stockings. It's meant as a reminder that there are more important things than consumerism and commercialism, and we should be thankful for the simple things in life. Family should always be more important than what the stores have, and for the past several years, we stress quality over quantity in our house. Most years we don't have a lot to spend, so all gifts must be thoughtful. I'm going to try and do a pair of socks each month for family next year, and then everyone gets handmade socks for Christmas. If we don't have anything else to give them, at least their feet will be warm, and hopefully their hearts as well.

Something accomplished...finally

I didn't get as much knitting done this weekend as I had hoped, but I did further my progress. I have over half of the Pea Pod hat done, and I finally found some buttons for the cardigan. I have to say...I'm still not thrilled with the buttons. I might go Saturday to JoAnn's and see what I can find there. I'm not about to venture out on Friday. Friday is reserved for cleaning and wrapping gifts and knitting. The more knitting the better on Friday. Today is my Thursday, and if I'm good and sneaky, I might be able to knit a little at work tomorrow. If I can finish the hat, then I can hopefully work more on the KTC project. It might take me more than one month to finish that one. I didn't think it would take that long. I'm beginning to think I should undo what I've done and go smaller. If I reduce it by 20%, it will go faster. Hopefully I can post some pictures on Friday of what's been done. =0)

Knitting on the Horizon

I haven't had time this week to knit! Can you believe it?! Monday I went to bed as soon as I could, around 8. Tuesday, a friend was supposed to come over to talk about the baby shower, but that didn't happen. While I waited for her, I cleaned up a little around the apartment. Last night, I fixed dinner and went to the store. Then I collapsed in bed around 10. Maybe tonight and this weekend I can get in some knitting time. I have lots to work on. There's another baby sweater, a hat, some booties, and my KTC project. Not to mention the other baby sweater I was going to make out of the CottonTots. I'm still not really happy with it, so I think it's going to get ripped out until I can decide what to really do with it. This weekend, we're heading out of town, and I'm hoping that I'll get some good knitting time in. There's not a whole lot to do in a suburb of Birmingham, so other than a trip to Wal-Mart, I think I'll be stuck watching movies and knitting inside, and trying to avoid the cat. Long story short, the cat's not too fond of people to start with (which means he's not friendly) and I'm allergic. It isn't a bad combination usually, but with the pregnancy, there's no telling what will happen. However, it can't be all that much worse than what's going on at work. They've started renovating our building, so dust, mold and all sorts of crap are floating in the air. I take advantage of lunch to get out and clear my lungs.

This has got to go!

It's just not working for me. I'm going to frog it, and I think I'll make the woman at work another sweater for her son. I still have to get buttons for the Pea Pod sweater, and do the hat and booties. I think another cardigan is in order. The first one turned out nicely, so #2 will be on its way.

I knit NOTHING this weekend. I just didn't feel like it, since we went to visit with my parents and grandmother, since my grandfather's in the hospital. I know that at least he knew and was excited about having a great grand-son. I am sorry he won't be able to see him. The stroke was extremely damaging, and it seems that the damage is irreparable. The doctors don't give him much chance of even being able to swallow on his own ever again, and even if he does, it seems he's blind and won't regain his speech capacity either. It's sad, but we knew it was coming.

I'm working on some patterns, and I might post one on here for free, and I think I might submit the other to Knitty. We'll have to see how it comes together, particularly while the baby's on the way. One of them is for Knit the Classics, and the other is in memory of my grandfather. I don't know why, but he seems to inspire something that needs to be created. If I can't get the pattern accepted somewhere, I'll post it here as well. I am thinking about the rest of my grandparents, and potentially creating patterns in memory of them as well. I will have one grandmother left (my mom's mother) after my grandfather passes, so I find the patterns will all be "in memory of" rather than "for" them.

Working through it

Well, I think I've worked through most of the problem I was having with my pattern for Knit the Classics. I'm going to work on it tonight and the rest of this weekend, and see how things go. If I wrote the pattern correctly, there shouldn't be a problem. If I didn't, I can hopefully fix any problems and correct the pattern. I can't believe people do this for a living.

I have decided however, to work on at least one pattern each month at work. It sounds like cheating, but since most of the month I have virtually nothing to do, the last 3 weeks are incredibly boring, and I have to create stuff for myself to do. I figure why not start with something that I enjoy, and can just do on the side, like patterns for knitting. It's better than a sharp stick in the eye.

Figuring it out

I think I figured out the pattern for the KTC project I'm going to be working on. I spent part of today working on that. I'm also writing it down...technically, I'm writing it out before I get started, at least most of it.

I also decided to write down the baby cardigan sweater I'm working on. If I decide to finish it, that is. I still haven't made up my mind.

There's lots of creativity going on in my head, and not all of it is in knitting. I remember a recipe from college that was FABULOUS...and I emailed for the recipe. They can't find it. So, I'm going to try and recreate it to the best of my memory. If you're lucky, I'll post that as well. It's a semi-original recipe. I haven't seen another like it, and believe me, I've looked. I can't say I've exhausted every resource, but most of the websites I've looked at haven't come close to this recipe. I remember watching the chef prepare it once (it was actually a vegan meal prepared fresh) and I'm hoping I have remembered all the main ingredients. I think I might bake cookies this weekend, and a cheesecake, for the office (but the cheesecake stays home). We'll see what happens.

It's been a crazy week. Tuesday morning, my grandfather had a stroke, and was hospitalized. He's stable, but they're not sure what his prognosis will be just yet. They're going to keep him sedated for a couple of days, and let his body heal as much as possible, and then see what damage has been done. On the bright side, he can't get any worse (without another stroke), and he could get up to 90% better. We're hoping for close to 90%. Thoughts and prayers are welcomed with open hearts.

Not happy

Ever have one of those years you just want to stop, before the year's over? That's this year. I'm so done with this year. Can we start the new year now?

I wasn't happy with the baby cardigan I had started with the CottonTots. So, I ripped it. I started it over, but when I started it, I thought about making a pair of mommy and son socks out of it. Cheesy, yes, but KEEE-UTE! I'm just not sure how they'd turn out. Any suggestions or ideas?

I still haven't budged on the baby blanket. I really should get cracking on that thing. It's just SO BORING now. I'd rip it out too, but I feel there's too much invested in it. Here's a shot of it so far:

It's probably about 10 inches so far. It just takes so long. I have thought about ripping it out, and then doubling the yarn and using a larger needle, and just doing the whole garter stitch thing.

Quick Update

Well, I am still not working on the baby blanket. How sad is that?! In any case, I got sidetracked with a cardi for my own little one in Bernat CottonTots (pictures soon to follow) and now I'm in to Knit the Classics, and will be working on a project for that. When I get a good start on it, I'll post more about it. =0) I have to leave something for you to come back and read. I'm in the mood to organize my knitting patterns. That doesn't happen very often, and usually indicates I have some energy. That's a good sign, since I'm at week 29. I'll post more later.

PICTURES!!!!

I found the camera this weekend, and had the batteries charged and ready to go, so yesterday I took some pictures! Woot!

Here's the blanket I made for my grandmother about 2 years ago for Christmas:

It's a huge afghan, and kind of holey. I didn't realize how holey it was, until I tried to curl up under it with a fan blowing. The pattern is nice, but lets in too much air.










Here's a close up of the pattern.













Here it is draped over a chair. It's big enough to really wrap up in, but it does let air seep in. I wish I had know that the holes would let in that much air. I would have changed the pattern for her so she wouldn't have been so cold.









Here's a picture of the baby cardigan I finished...it still needs buttons though.

Here's a close-up of the leaf pattern down the front:

More to come later!!!

Rain, rain, go away

It's pouring down rain today. It's been raining all day, and it's not stopping. I did finish sewing up the sleeves on the baby cardigan, but they still haven't made their way into the sweater. Perhaps tonight I will have enough energy and brain power to put them in CORRECTLY. It's amazing how that helps.

That blanket keeps staring at me from beside my bed. Perhaps once I finish the sleeves I will have the courage to pick that back up.

I still haven't found that digital camera. I know it's there somewhere. Of course, it would be helpful if I made a decent attempt at finding it. My hubby did find the charger, with only one battery (the other one is MIA) and it's completely charged now. Tonight promises a good movie night curled up on the couch, eating putin and perhaps knitting a little. Tomorrow boasts of errands and lots of people stopping by (friends and family). I think I prefer tonight to tomorrow. I think the rain has affected me. Shouldn't we all be under the covers taking a nap now?

Sleeves, sleeves, and sleeves again

I am having the hardest time with finishing the cardigan. For some weird reason, I can't get happy with the sleeves. I started and was actually through with one, and when I looked at the seam in the sleeve, I didn't like it, so out it went. I know I'm not keeping it, but if I'm not happy with it and I think it looks sloppy, I'm not giving it away. So, I took out the whole thing (it was one long piece of yarn to sew it together and on with), and then I seamed it terrifically. The seam now looks great. The problem? Now I can't figure which sides to put together to put the arm in the cardigan! I started putting it in backwards (wrong side facing right side I think) and it all just went downhill from there. I couldn't figure it out. Perhaps I'll have better luck at lunch today. I think I was tired and not focusing enough (trying to watch Ghost Hunters and then Lost...not a time to think about knitting). Hopefully, today will be better.

So Close...

I'm so close to finishing the cardigan. I finished the sleeves and sewed up the shoulders last night. I would have started the collar, except I couldn't figure out how to evenly space all the stitches. I think I finally figured out how to space the stitches on the cardigan, using Excel this morning at work. I'll try it at lunch (which I'm about to go to...I get hungry often being pregnant). As much of an old-fashioned person as I like to think I am, sometimes you just can't beat technology.

I also searched for the digital camera. I found the charger for the batteries, but now I can't find the camera. It's around there somewhere. I'm 98% sure it's in the bedroom, which I'll be working on a little bit tonight. I've decided that I can do 15-20 minutes worth of cleaning every night, and hopefully in 3 months, before the baby arrives, just about everything will have a place. Hopefully I can find the camera tonight and get the batteries charged, and take some pictures of stuff. Hopefully.

Baby cardigan and found projects!

I went box diving (sort of like dumpster diving, but it's in the boxes that are still in the baby's room unpacked) the other day, and ran across a few things. I found some older projects that I hadn't finished (big surprise there...I'm always starting things and not finishing them). I found a cotton blanket I had started in a neat pattern I picked up from someone in crochet, but I haven't bought any more of it, and I'm 3 skeins in to the blanket. I'm thinking if I frog it, I can reuse it for a cardigan and hat for my little one. It's in Bernat Cotton Tots Sweet Dreams, which is a nice multi-pastel colorway. I might just knit it up in a Stockinette Stitch sweater for the little one and we can layer with it in the spring.

I worked on the cardigan for my friend all weekend, and I'm almost done with the sleeves. I decided to try and take a "short-cut" by doing both sleeves at once. I'm on the last few rows, and can probably finish that up tonight. Then there's just the sewing together, collar, and blocking to do. There will be lots left over from the GIANT ball of yarn I'm using for it (Lion Brand Pound of Love) and I might recycle some of it before my own gets here. It would prevent me from having to go out and get something. It's also easy to take care of (one of the benefits of what some refer to as the "inferior" type - mostly acrylic). I go for ease of washing. If I have to specially wash it in Woolite or hang everything to dry, I'm less likely to use it. I still haven't worked on that blanket. It looks sadly at me when I pick up the sweater, and I promise myself that once I'm done with the cardi, I'll pick it back up. Although the matching hat and the booties won't take long to make, I'm thinking I might need a break in it later.

I also never dry clean anything. I have an aversion to dry cleaners. When I was little (probalby about 6-7 years old), I had a lovely red velvet dress my mother had made for me for Christmas one year. It was beautiful...it had a lovely sash and pretty collar with lace trim. Well, wearing it on Sundays only helped keep it semi-clean, until we used glue in Sunday School. Being the semi-klutz I am, I got some Elmer's glue on the sleeve. Mom assured me that the dry cleaners could get it out. So off we went on Monday to put it in. When we got the dress back, not only had they NOT gotten the glue out, but there was a HUGE black stain on it. Yep, the dry cleaners had gotten grease on the dress. I was devastated and furious. That one experience so many years ago has tainted my view of cleaners so badly I absolutely refuse to go to one. Ever. No matter what. I wash it in Woolite and hang it to dry. I'll use an iron with a old hanky over the top/pants/skirt/whatever to get out the wrinkles. I'm now forever marked and paranoid about cleaners.

Ramblings and a Meme

Ok, so for some reason, if this doesn't turn out right, it's not my fault...the page didn't load right. In any case, I just had to sing the praises of handknit socks. I love them. I wore a pair I received from a Secret Pal exchange yesterday, and they felt fantastic. Today, I'm wearing the first pair of socks I knit. Here's the Meme. I yanked it from BoogaJ.

1. FIRST NAME? Laura

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Great-grandmother

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? This past weekend, when going through my grandmother's house deciding what I wanted to keep and what could go in the estate sale.

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I don't particularly care for it, but I'm always voluteered to write things because it's "neat".

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? I don't usually do a sandwich for lunches (or if I do, it's a Subway with chicken or PB from home), but if I had to pick one, probably ham or turkey. Odd note, if the sandwich isn't heated, before I finish it, it makes me gag.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I'd like to think so...

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Does this and Livejournal count?

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes, even though for the past 10 years I've been begging for them to be taken out. Doctors can be stupid, even when you have constant problems with something.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I have seriously considered it; the price of the places I've seen is usually my deterent, rather than the jump.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? It was Apple Jacks when I was young; now I'd have to say Smart Start, although I wouldn't mind some Apple Jacks every now and again.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Nope, I slide them off and on, even tennis shoes.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Well, I'd like to think I'm a lot stronger than I am physically, but I was rarely messed with in school, and if I stepped in to defend someone the other person usually backed down.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Absolute, all time favorite? No question or hesitation...Ben and Jerry's Phish Food.

14. SHOE SIZE? 10

15. RED OR PINK? Hmmm...tough question. Both for different reasons and seasons. For some things, red is exactly what's needed, but for others, pink is the better way to go.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Do I really have to answer this one? I guess so...probably weight.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My grandparents (deceased) and parents (still living - just not with me)

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Of course...anyone who reads it should post it!

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Blue, blue, and blue/gray. Notice a theme?

20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Lunch - cheap chicken pot pies

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Evanescence CD

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? either a shade of blue or green (so many choices...)

23. FAVORITE SMELL? My husband after a shower

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My hubby

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Eyes and sense of humor

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? Sure!

27. FAVORITE DRINK? It depends...I drink mostly water these days, but I'm always up for a good cup of juice, coffee, or something fizzy!

28. FAVORITE SPORT? To watch on TV, probably tennis. To go watch, probably football.

29. EYE COLOR? Blue

30. HAT SIZE? Smaller than I usually think it is.

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Most of the time, but I read with glasses at night and there are days when I really don't feel like sticking my finger in my eyes.

32. FAVORITE FOOD? Fruits and veggies, chocolate, baked goods, in that order.

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings...I don't do scary movies.

35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter, since the summer is so hot and sticky here.

36. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs from non-relations, kisses from relations (particularly hubby)

37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Chocolate, no questions!

38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? ??

39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? ??

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon, again

41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE Pad? my mouse (mouse pad is grey at work)

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Nothing actually.

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Children laughing

44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles

45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Utah

46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? Singing and knitting (not at the same time...although, I could...)

47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? San Francisco, CA

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? See above.

Making Progress

Since I couldn't resist casting on for the baby sweater, I worked on that this weekend, and again today at lunch. It's coming right along. Actually, since it's small, it goes rather quickly, even with the pattern in it. I should be able to finish it this weekend, since we're going out of town...again. Last weekend it was to visit my dad in Augusta and spend some time with him. This weekend, it's up to my in-loves. It's nice usually when I go out of town, because I don't usually cook or clean and can spend a lot of time knitting, even in the car, provided I'm not driving. This last weekend though, I did spend quite a bit of time in the kitchen. I fixed several meals, and let my dad keep the leftovers, since it's hard to cook for one person. We ate most of the food, but he had enough of different dishes for the rest of the week. It's nice to take care of a parent sometimes like that, since they did it for so long for you.

The blanket is at a stand-still, because I feel like it's so boring. I was excited to start it, but now, it seems tedious. Maybe it's just me. I have a good 6 inches done, but I feel like I'm never going to get through with it. I guess that's why I started on the cardigan. I'll take both this weekend, and I should finish the cardigan, and maybe I'll get inspired to work on the blanket again. Hopefully I can also get some batteries (or find the rechargables) and take some pictures.

Happy Friday the 13th!

Well, I couldn't resist the urge to cast on last night, so I cast on for the baby sweater I am supposed to make for a friend who delivered a couple of weeks ago. On the bright side, I should be able to finish the hat, cardigan, booties, and blanket by the time she gets back (around Thanksgiving) and they should be big enough that her son can still wear them. I'm making them in the 6 month size, so he can grow into them. It'll stay cold for a while around here, and the baby will still be 6 months during the winter. We sometimes get a cold snap in April, so it can hopefully still be worn then.

Now, I have to plan for my own munchkin's wardrobe. I'm still on the prowl for some perfect baby patterns for a blanket, sweater, booties, hat, just about anything. I still haven't found just the right one I want yet. I'll keep searching...anyone have suggestions? I might be hitting a Borders this weekend, and I might see what I can find there. I find all kinds of cute stuff for girls, but for some reason, boys are harder to find good patterns for. Oh well...I still have a good 3 months to get everything in order, and I'm sure I can make it all in that time, with some help.

Everybody's working for the weekend...

and I'm no exception. I'm taking a half day tomorrow, and we're heading down to visit my dad. I'm hoping that hubby will drive, so I can knit on the way down. I have considered the baby blanket, and I have decided that I can and will cast on for the sweater either tonight or tomorrow. There will also be cleaning going on in Augusta. You gotta love that for the weekend...nesting instinct coming home! =0)

Organizational process

Organization always seems to be a process...never quite finished. It's like perfectionism - no matter how hard you strive for it, you always fall short, and there's always just a little more to reach that goal. Unlike perfectionism, I don't plan on driving myself or anyone else crazy. I think the nesting instinct is kicking in for me, and I'm ready to get everything done. THis next week, I'm hoping to be able to set up my craft space. That promises to be fun. If I can get a place for things, then I can slowly work on organizing the minor stuff, like patterns. There are boxes upon boxes of patterns. There are books, magazines, and lots of paper hanging about. The yarn will hopefully have its own home, and not be all over the place.

I decided to frog the Jaywalker I had almost completed. Now I have a lovely ball of Magic Stripes waiting to be re-knit. I have completed about 6 inches of the baby blanket. Just 27 inches left, right?! Then it's time to hit my baby's stuff. I have a little pocket money now from the opera I finished, and that's going to be invested in some lovely yarn for my baby. Hopefully I will find the rechargable batteries for the digital camera, and I'll be able to upload some pictures. There's so much to knit, and organize. Maybe I can teach my feet to knit and my hands to organize, or vice versa.

A new item that I think should be added to baby registeries - a computer. I would love to get a new one for all the pictures that will be taken (and trust me, this child will think they get more press space than any celebrity in this world). It's just a matter of time. If everything works out, maybe next year I can afford to get a decent one with all the right software.

Wasting Time

I had rehearsal last night for the opera, and the sucky part was that I was stuck there for at least an hour before I had to go on. The good news was it gave me knitting time. I found several others that knit in the production as well, so I was in good company. Even some of the children knit! One girl had a knitting loom that she was making a sweater on, and two others had straight needles. One of the women had just purchased some yarn for a shawl/wrap out of mostly novelty yarn, and needed some help getting it started, since she had to use a circular needle, and she's never used one before. I whipped out my Jaywalker socks, and started on them. Apparently, I'm the most experienced one in the group. No one else has attempted socks, or even gone beyond a scarf. Maybe I can encourage them to branch out and try something new...at least something beyond a simple garter stitch! There's even a little girl who wants to learn, and wants us to teach her. I'm all about the teaching. I'm taking the Hoover blanket with me next time, and hopefully I can make some real progress on that. I have to rearrange the bag I'm taking, but it should be all good.

All the knitting around me makes me want to start a new project. I'm trying to decide what to start once I finish the socks and the blanket. I still have a sweater, hat and booties to make for the woman at work. I guess I should start those afterward. I'm hoping to have it all completed by the time she gets back (in about a month or so).

Just my luck...

I started to take pictures of the afghan, socks, and various other articles to post, and I realized the batteries were dying and QUICKLY. I looked in a few places, but so little is unpacked currently, there was no way to find any replacements. Maybe some time this week I can talk my darling husband into locating at least some AA replacements for me to use until I can find the charger with the other 2 rechargable batteries.

This weekend, I think I worked a whopping 2 rows on the baby blanket, and she delivered on Saturday. If I get it done by the time she gets back, she'll still be able to use it. It's going to be slightly bigger than a regular baby blanket, so we're hoping he doesn't grow TOO fast.

In and Out

Well, there's not much going on in the knitting front, but I did pick up my Jaywalkers again. They are an easier project to transport than the baby blanket. Hopefully I'll get some pictures up soon.

I keep finding some great blogs. I love reading them, although I try to be good at work and not spend too much time reading and not working. I wish reading them was part of my job. Oh well...here's a link to the cool one I found, and the really awesome sock pattern she created. I guess maybe I'm a little behind in some areas of blogging, but sometiems I actually get ahead of the crowd. I'm sure if I spent more time devoted to it, I'd stay ahead more.

The weather's beautiful around here; fall's definitely upon us. There's the crispness in the air that makes fall spectacular, and the heat has broken. It makes you want to pick up your needles and knit all the time. Maybe I'll get more done than I think before this month is over.

I promised and forgot.

I promised pictures today, because I had found my digital camera. But, having baby brain, I forgot. I was so intent on having a night at home and spending time with my DH, I completely forgot. Well, I did remember at one point, but I think that was just before it was brownie time, and then the brownies erased all memory of pictures.

I read here that Kerrie is also pregnant, and that she's expecting in March, which is just 2 months after me (Congrats to her!). She's considering doing this pattern from Knitty as a cardigan, which made me start thinking, why not? It might work after all. I'm still waiting to hear back from Amy to see if she's thought about a pregnant issue...all things maternity and newborn related. I emailed her yesterday, so I expect to wait a good week or so before hearing back from her.

I didn't knit a single stitch yesterday, although I did feel a little guilty about it, since there's a long way to go on the blanket, and after next Friday, the lady that's due is on leave. If I knit like a mad woman during lunches and at every turn, I might get it finished.

In other news, I received a knit blanket recently. I had knit it for my grandmother, and since she passed away this year, I asked for it back. It's large and green, and very nice. It's a little holey, and if there's a fan blowing on you, you still feel it. But if there's warm air or you're just a little chilly without a breeze or the air conditioner, it works very well. I'll have to take pictures of it soon as well. I thought I had some already of it, and I might, but they're probably on the computer at home or on a disk, if I can ever find it. New pictures might be in order.

Found it!!!

I found my digital camera this weekend. I'll take some pictures of progress on the baby blanket tonight and post them tomorrow. In the meantime, you'll just have to be placated with an explanation. I've done about 4 inches on the Hoover blanket in a solid baby blue.

The new Knitty is up as well, and I have to say I'm VERY impressed. Most of the sweaters go up to a size 55" bust, and that's helpful for those of us who don't want to do the math to upsize every cute sweater we see. The only problem is that I won't be able to wear them if I make them this year, being pregnant and all. I have asked about a pregnancy issue...maybe have some tops that go up to that size as well. It never hurts to ask.

With the opera, I have to find the pair of socks I started several months ago and start taking them with me. I don't think I'll have time to work on them right now, but in a week or so, while the Maestro makes us wait through the first opera, I can sit and knit on them. I also may start on some other baby things. Socks are an easily transportable project, and don't usually take up a lot of room. The afghan takes a little more, since the ball of yarn is huge.

Still knitting...

on the blanket. I have about 3-4 inches of the center done now. This weekend is a time for memorizing words for the opera, knitting and some cooking too. There's still a LOT to be done before the baby gets here, and only half is knitting!

Crap!

I lost a post. Dang it. It was about getting stuff done on the blanket this weekend, and the hospital tour, and what I'm planning on knitting for our baby. He has to have something better than what the hospital supplies.

NEWS!!!!!

In the world of knitting, I think I finished about another inch on the blanket last night. That's encouraging.

In other news (here's the big stuff), we're having a BOY! You know what that means!!!! Knitting boy stuff...tons and TONS of it! There's blankets (big and small), sweaters, hats, booties, and all kinds of stuff that this little bundle of boyhood is going to have. Any suggestions for the first item?!

Weekend of Cleaning and Knitting...

Hopefully I can get some knitting done this weekend. I have about 2 inches of the center done for the baby blanket. I also have some cleaning and baking to do (early in the morning, since it's so hot) and hopefully I can get more than 2 more inches done. I can't believe it's taking me SOOOOO long to do this baby blanket. Of course, I haven't touched it in a few days. I've been too tired to do much of anything. I feel better though today. I'm going home and I'm going to do a few things (purging a few places around the house) before bed tonight. Hopefully that will open up the rest of the weekend for knitting. Saturday night is definitely going to be a knitting time. I love knitting while watching the British Sitcoms on public television on Saturday night. I'm excited, because according to the schedule online, they're bringing back 2 of my favorites, The Vicar of Dibley and Last of the Summer Wine. I love Dawn French. Her knitting book is awesome. =0)

Tired Progress

I'm so tired. I keep trying to push just a little, but last night I gave up and went to bed at 8:30. I have about 2 inches of the pattern completed on the blanket. I also seriously need to start reviewing and memorizing the words for the opera I'm in. I'm supposed to be memorized by Labor Day weekend.

I have a sonogram on Monday, and I'm taking a half day off work. It's in the middle of the afternoon, and it seems like a better option than trying to cram a whole day into half, and getting all stressed out before a doctor's appointment.

I posted a few comments on some lists, and got a good idea. Instead of sweaters, I could make some shawls, since I may become hot-natured in the winter, and I can still wear the shawls after the baby's born. I just need to find my Vogue knitting book, and check out some stitches. I might see about borrowing my brother's Stitchionary, and creating my own. It's always cheaper when you make it up.

Slow knitting progress

I've completed about an inch or so on the baby blanket. I don't think it's going to get done for the shower, but I'll keep working on it, and maybe before she leaves on the 22nd of September it'll be done with the hat, sweater and booties. Keep your fingers crossed.

I saw a great sweater online at www.avenue.com in a lovely shade of green. It's a wool/acrylic blend, and it made me want to knit up a storm! It would actually be a great pregnancy sweater, since it's open in the front, like a jacket but without a tie. I don't know where the yarn would come from, but it might just show up sometime. I have lots of yarn to knit with, but new projects are so tempting!!!! I must get through the baby stuff first, and do all kinds of baby stuff for our little one on the way, and then I can look at new stuff. Once I know what we're having (boy or girl), there might be a little more motivation to knit for the little tyke. Right now, it's sort of an amorphous blob. I'd like to think we're having a boy, but there are times when I think we're having a girl. Either way, the child will be loved and wrapped constantly in handmade items, but I want to know!!!!

Another post?!

I know, crazy, isn't it?! A second post this week. Well, I'm in week 17 of pregnancy, and I have an ultrasound on the 21st for growth. I think my doctor was a little concerned because I lost 4 pounds in a month, for a net gain of 1 pound so far. I'm not trying to lose weight. I swear I'm not. I'm eating healthier for the baby, and more frequently, because I'm hungry. I'm also trying to unpack, so I'm a little more active on the weekends. I could also be a little dehydrated, since I know I haven't been drinking as much water as I should.

I finally have the bottom border completed on the blanket, and I completed the set-up row for the Hoover blanket. I'm going to use tomorrow to knit a lot on it, and hopefully it'll be done for the woman's shower at work on the 21st. Maybe, but don't hold your breath. The sofa has gotten extremely uncomfortable for long periods of time to me, and I don't have a comfy chair to sit in. If someone has a nice chair and sofa set in the Atlanta area they'd like to dispose of, please post a comment and I'll contact you! I've been trying to get a new sofa for a while, and haven't found one yet that's in our price range (free is about what we can afford).

Bits and Pieces

Well, I did start on that baby blanket for a woman at work. It's about 2 inches so far, and she's due in late September! We moved though, and I'm working slowly but surely to get things settled.

Being pregnant takes a lot out of you, but other than being tired, I really can't complain too much! I'm currently at about 4 months, so I have some time to get the room ready for the baby to share with the craft stuff! =0) Actually, I just went to the doctor yesterday and I lost 4 pounds! That's good news to me, because I'm eating healthier, more frequently, and moving more, which means it's a good weight loss, and not going to hurt the baby. I'm also drinking lots of water and getting lots of rest.

Oh, and here's more good news! I auditioned for the Atlanta Opera Chorus and was accepted! I'm performing with them this fall in Carmina Burana! It's a lot of fun for me, and it works great with my schedule, since all the rehearsals are on nights on weekends. It isn't too stressful right now, since we meet about twice a week, but it's more activity and a good workout for all those lower ab muscles that will be used once it's time for the baby to arrive!

I still have a pair of socks to finish, and two sweaters to make for myself. I guess I should really get cracking on them, otherwise they won't be done in time. I first have to finish the blanket though. I'm trying to work it in with rehearsals, unpacking, and rest.

Quick Update

Here's a quick update as to what's been going on, and why I haven't been around much lately. We're moving on Saturday, so packing has been prevalent. The 4th of July brought a trip out of town to visit family (which was nice) and work's been kind of crazy with auditors flitting about like hummingbirds. Pregnancy's going great...I haven't been sick (other than normal allergy issues which are always expected). Other than that, life's just been getting in the way. I did start on the first of the baby gifts...a blanket. I think I've done about 3-4 rows. I haven't gotten very far, but after we move it should get a little further along. After I find out if we're having a boy or a girl (although I'd take either, I'd kind of like to have a boy first), I'm sure the needles will be flying. Maybe in a couple of weeks I can post some pictures. =0)

More News

Well, I haven't knit anything, and I HAVE to get started on baby things. There are lots of blankets, booties, hats, sweaters, and toys to knit up. I've been a lazy bum. I also have 3 maternity sweaters to knit for myself (since I'll be big-pregnant in the winter). I haven't started on those either.

We received some bad news not long after we had the good news. My grandmother passed away on the 2nd, and her funeral was last Tuesday. It was sad because we'll miss her, but it was also happy because she was a terrific Christian lady who really lived her faith and we know we'll see her again in heaven. In any event, the sonogram pictures went to my dad, who's now living at her house since he's an only child and he has ownership of everything. The upside to this is that with the investments my grandmother had, the baby will be well taken care of in the furniture department.

I'm going to try and start something this weekend, if I'm not too tired. I've been sleeping more this week and I think I might actually have the energy to do something other than lie around the house on Saturday.

Here's the good news!

I'm pregnant! We weren't trying, but we're being blessed anyway! I'm about 6 weeks along, so that puts me due in late January. I know, I keep getting the advice that I shouldn't tell too many people, just in case. Well, I have a big mouth. If something happens, I will let everyone know. But I had to share the good news!

Pictures!

I forgot I brought the camera with me yesterday, but realized I had it today, so here are these pictures. First, of my socks from my sockapaloooza pal:

Sorry it's not the best picture in the world, but they definitely look like the desert. They are lovely shades of teal, orange, rust, and burgundy, all muted. They are also very warm and comfy. Trust me, after a hard day, even when all you've done is sit on your bum, it's nice to have socks like these around your toes!






Next are the elephants I've done:

The red one was for a lady at work, and it's reminescent of her sorority. Their colors are red and white, and their mascot was an elephant. I also got paid $20 for this one (gotta love it when you get paid for fun!).

This pink elephant goes to my friend Kristen, who received the original grey elephant a few months back. She loved the standard elephant for her son, and decided it would be a great joke for her daughter to have a pink one. First of all, because her daughter's favorite color is pink (as much of a favorite as a two-year old can have) and secondly, because of the whole pink elephant/Dumbo/drunk thing. Go figure.

More good news coming...I promise. I'll try and post something on Saturday, after the family leaves. =0)

Good news

So, there is good news afoot. I know that there probably aren't THAT many people who read this, and yet I am SOOOO tempted to tell. I really shouldn't though, not until after Saturday. Hopefully when I get home today, I'll have enough energy to take some pics and tomorrow I can post them. We will be moving in about 2 months, which is encouraging, but we don't know where yet. Yesterday, my husband rescued a giant snapping turtle from the middle of the road. He put him back towards the creek in our neighborhood. I was proud.

In other news, there is no knitting currently, but there is some crocheting going on. I'm working on 2 more elephants, one in pink and one in red. The red one is for a woman at work (who's willing to pay-the red elephant is a mascot from her sorority) and the pink one is for a friend of mine. She thinks it'll be funny to have a pink elephant around her children. I love her like a sister, so of course she gets one.

I do have knitting to do; there is a baby blanket, sweater, booties and hat that must be accomplished by the shower in August. I'm going to go with this pattern for the blanket. I haven't decided yet for the sweater, booties and hat yet. I might just make it up as I go along. I think they'll be plain, since it's for a boy, and it's not my own child so I won't know his personality. I also think I'll work them in green, for something different. The blanket will be in blue. Everyone buys blue stuff for boys, so having something other than blue might be nice.

It seems like it's been forever.

Not since I last posted, but the past week seems like it took forever to get through. I have another week before I get a lovely 5 day weekend. I feel like there's so much to do, and I just have no energy to do anything. Maybe we'll get some answers next week when I head to the doctor. We're changing doctors and the first appointment with the new one should prove to be enlightening. The appointment is on Wednesday the 24th, and when I know more, I'll post more. But for now, it's a secret. =0)

Yay! I'm loved!

After a REALLY long day at work (we're talking 13 hours people), I got a lovely surprise when I got home. I found a package in the mail. It was my socks from a lovely lady in Arizona. I will post more later, after I've had time to take pictures. Thanks Sock Pal!

Babysitting

I'm babysitting Friday night for a friend. That should be fun. I love her kids. The little girl is 2, and her baby brother is about 3 months. She insists on seeing MI:III on opening night, so they're dropping them off at our place while they go to the theater just down the road from us. It makes it convenient. I might be able to work on the elephants while they're there.

Right now, I'm so tired. I'm too tired to even knit. I want to curl up and take a nap. I think adults should have naptime too. Anyone want to start a piece of legislation for it?

Gone!

I just got back from the post office. It was sent on time. How's that?! It's not everything I would have liked for it to be, but it's all the necessary items. I would have preferred to have picked up little things for my sockapalOOOza pal, and sent all of them as well. Oh well, who's to say I can't find little things now and send to her? I can always send more; I just couldn't send less. I also included a nice card and a letter. It's rare these days to send letters anymore; people just email. I miss handwritten letters.

I guess it's time for the next knitting project...what shall it be? Perhaps I'll post a poll and see what others think. I have a pair of Cigar gloves, a purple sweater, a mohair/wool sweater, baby items, and at least 2 crocheted elephants to do. I'm thinking I'm going to start on the baby things and elephants. I'm going to do one red and white elephant for a lady at work, and a pink and white elephant for my friend and her little girl. I think I'll just do two, one for each...I have plenty of yarn for it. I also found this pattern yesterday, and had to print it for more than the obvious reason. That's another story for another day...maybe tomorrow's storytime. =0)

Going, Going...

I blocked the socks last night. They're still a little damp, but by this afternoon when I go to the post office, they should be completely dry. They are lovely...unfortunately, I didn't take a picture of them last night, or this morning and I don't have my camera with me. You'll just have to wait to see them when my secret pal gets them!

It's finished!!!

Woot! I'm done...all but blocking and weaving in ends. I love it! Check them out:

Please forgive the fuzziness of the pictures, but at least I took them, and posted them!

The camera strap got in the shot too. I guess it was tired of always being behind the camera and wanted to be in front for once. Oh well. The socks match for the most part; something weird happened around the heel and caused the lighter pink and yellow stripe sections to be smaller. I have no idea what that is all about, but they're done! Woot! I have the address to send them, and they'll be in the mail on Tuesday! Woohoo!

Almost...

I'm almost where I wanted to be today on the second sock. I started on the heel last night. Actually, I had to frog back to where the heel started and start it. I got so caught up in watching Buffy and knitting that I passed the start of the sock. I just kept going, so I had to frog it back to where the heel needed to start, and then I started on it. I got maybe 4-5 rows in, so hopefully it'll be done today, and tomorrow I can start on the leg part.

I'm enjoying sock knitting...it's fairly quick (depending on the size needles you use), portable, and once you have the pattern down, easy. The hard part is doing your nails and knitting. =0)

Pictures!!!!

Woot! Ok, so I'm a few days late. It's the story of my life. Here's the second sock:



Here's the second and first together...I think they're lining up nicely.

Here's a shot of the first sock all on its own. It's lovely in its own right.

Hopefully I can balance knitting and working out and working around the apartment (chores). I'm counting housework as exercise...doesn't everybody?!

One down...

and one to go! I finished the first sock...I have about 2 weeks to finish the second. I'm going to spend as much time as possible on it, and have it ready by May 2nd. I have some leftover yarn, and I have a lovely idea for it (and to send it to my sock pal), but the sock comes first! I almost have the toe part done on the second sock. Tonight after church I'll take pictures and post them. Here's to hoping it all gets done in plenty of time!

Busy, busy.

I've been SO busy, and at times I've forgotten to post. The times when I haven't forgotten, I didn't have time. Isn't that always the way?!

For my Sockapaloooza update (yes, I'm still working on it, I promise!) I have one sock almost completed. I need to finish it (hopefully tonight while watching TV), and this week I should be able to start on the second one. Now it's a race against time to finish in time. Does anyone remember what the date is to send them off? I'm shooting for the second of May, but I think it's actually just the first weekend. I could be wrong, and I will check my original email again for the actual date.

Life has been turning in its kaleidoscope, making pretty colors and patterns, but not leaving much the same. There is so much to be done! I have to get started! I keep procrastinating and I procrastinate stopping! =0) Soon, I will stop. Today I will stop.

It's been too long.

I can't believe I haven't posted anything since last Friday. I swear I'll do better. I always say that. I have come SOOOO close to finishing the first sock for my SockapalOOOza pal. I've done the foot and am currently working on the leg part (it's a toe-up pattern). It looks lovely. I'll have to take some pictures (tonight!) and get them uploaded. I'm such a slacker.

However, I did finally get some pictures done last night of myself. It's for a press packet to send to Finland for a band. Long story short, I doubt I'll get it, but I'm sticking it out there anyway. The worst they can do is tell me no, and I don't have to pick up everything and move to Finland (which would have to wait until the end of summer anyway because of darling Hubby finishing his degree - he's so close!). I figure I have nothing to lose but time and energy putting this packet together and sending it off. The cash aspect is minor. It's like American Idol, but harder, since it's not a personal interview (to start with). I guess I should look at getting my passport, just in case, huh?

Ack!

I just wrote down all the projects that I am accumulating...I'm gathering at least 4 per month, but I'm not turning them out quite that fast. Here's my list from January through March:
January:

• Panta (headband)-completed
• Socks (first pair-wild stripes)-completed
• Elephant (for a friend's son)-completed
• Purple sweater
• Baby blanket (see above elephant)

February:

• SockapalOOOza socks
• Jaywalker socks
• Mohair sweater (at least I ordered the other yarn to go with this one...)
• Baby sweater (see above blanket and elephant)

March:

• Elephant (for woman at work in soroity colors)
• Cigar gloves (second pair for my brother)
• Psychotic tomatoes
• Cheez-It

I also can't forget that there's a woman at work who's pregnant, and I promised her a blanket, sweater, hat and booties for her little one. Fortunately, she's not due until late September. Ok, it's official...no one else can get pregnant or request anything from me! The request line is closed! Maybe I can get some serious knitting and crocheting done between now and the summer. I just will have to start skipping meals and showers, knitting at work, and not clean anything. Sure...this can work...maybe I won't skip the showers.

Tuesday

Well, here it is, Tuesday. I think I found the pattern I'm going to use for my Sockapaloooza pal. I think I'm going to go with this one. I like the idea of the lace and sock combined. I think I'm going to set aside all my other projects and start on all the ones for others right now. I have to start (and finish) another pair of Cigar gloves for my brother, the Sockapaloooza socks need to get started, and then there's that crocheted elephant for the woman at work who's going to actually pay me $20 for it. I'm just trying to decide what to get started on first. Nothing has been started for any of these, and my sweater keeps calling my name. Both sweaters do. They're lonely. My Jaywalker socks are also calling my name. Hmmm...ok...I need a plan. If I do one Sockapalooza sock, then a Cigar glove, then the elephant, and then another sock and the other glove, that should last me for a good 5 weeks. Each one should (in theory) only take a week. So, that puts me into April. If I'm really slick, I might be able to crank out my purple sweater by Easter. I'm not counting on it, and I wouldn't put money on it, but it's possible. I'll just have to focus more on knitting in the evenings. So, here's to the first Sockapaloooza sock!

Wonderful Weekend

I had a fan-tabulous weekend! I was treated to a class at a LYS with Annie Modesitt! She is a fabulous teacher, and I would highly recommend her classes to anyone. I got all inspired again to knit and to increase my knitting knowledge and experience. She has a terrific sense of humor, and is such a warm and wonderful person!

I still have to find a pattern that will do the sock yarn justice for my Sockapaloooza pal. While I'm scouring the 'net, I'm continuing to knit on the purple sweater and my Jaywalker socks.

In good news, I was offered MONEY for an elephant. It's a special order (she wants it red and white), but it's $20 for me! Woot!

More later...I promise!

The terrible, horrible, no good, very bad blogger

That would be me. I keep thinking I'm going to have time to post something here, and I just don't make the time. Anyway, I found some more pictures, and I thought I'd share.

This is the elusive purple sweater I keep talking about. I don't know how much you can tell from the picture, but it was the Soft Focus pattern from Big Knits, whose co-author Dawn French is one of my favorite British actresses.

This afghan is crocheted, and it's a pattern that apparently Coats and Clark don't print anymore. It went out of print almost as fast as it was in print. My mother-in-law picked the pattern for me, and I made this afghan for my mom's parents for Christmas last year (2005).

As for the podcasts, I have downloaded several. The ones currently on my iPod are About Time, KnitCast, Cast On, Knitting News Cast, For the Love of Fiber, KnitWit, Musings of a peaceful knitter, Pointy Sticks, Secret Knitting, and the Mosh Knit. I know, it sounds like a lot, and I guess maybe it is. I've only really listened to KnitCast, because I just found all the others.

Woot! Again!

Well, I finished filing my taxes, later than I wanted, but still before the deadline. We get a nice chunk of change back. I'm also downloading stuff on to my iPod (brand new, with video capability) and waiting for 24 to start. The pictures I wanted to download are taking too long, so I'll take them to work with me and upload them tomorrow. I think it's due to the iPod downloading so much stuff. Oh well...podcasts rock!

Sockapaloooza update and other schtuff

Well, I finally received the order from Knitpicks on Friday. The colors are beautiful. Now I just have to find a pattern for my sock pal that will show off the beauty of the yarn. I also ordered some of the Wool of the Andes for a sweater. You remember the mohair and wool sweater I wanted to create? I now have the wool, and the mohair. I resisted temptation this weekend to cast on yet another sweater and try to finish the two things that are currently on the needles. If I don't resist, I'll have 10 projects going, and I won't be making any progress on any of them.

I did cast on for my purple sweater, and I found pictures proving that at one point, I did finish the sweater. I don't have any of me wearing it, but I'm working on a different style, and providing that I finish it timely, I'll do pictures of that on. I'm still plugging away on the Jaywalkers, and maybe I'll upload some pictures of those tonight as well as the start of the new sweater.

I have pictures to post, but I didn't bring them to work with me. Fortunately for you, ;) I have lots to download on my new iPod tonight, and I can post while I'm downloading. I have several podcasts that I want, and I just have to download them onto the iPod and listen to my heart's content. I also need to copy some CDs on it, and I figure that will last me a good long while with 30 GB. Of course, I'll probably fill it up before I realize it.

Time flies...

when you're really not that busy! Man, I feel like it's been ages. Maybe it has been. There are still more baby reports coming in...no worries for me...yet. As much as I'd love to have a little one, I know that all the work I do for others will never be reciprocated. I don't do it for that, obviously, otherwise I wouldn't do it at all. It just saddens me that there are so few people that I know that are crafters. I need to expand my friendship circle, and get to know some knitters. =0) They know what those hand-made gifts mean, and I think only someone who does it can TRULY appreciate the time and love it takes.

I ordered sock yarn on Saturday for my Sockapaloooza pal. I'm hoping to be able to be pattern searching later this week, and see what the yarn says to me. I always obey the yarn. It's easier that way. =0)

Pictures should be coming later this week as well. I did finally get those pictures from Wal-Mart, and only one roll really came out. The other was old and faded. I think I was in middle school when I shot that roll. Aahh...those were the days. I could go home from school, do homework, get a snack and go outside and play. Having summers off was the best.

More baby presents!!!!

And no, it's not for me (I'm not pregnant). Well, there's a friend at work who just told us this morning that she's expecting. You know what that means!!!! More baby knitting! Her mom crochets, so I'm the one to knit her baby up a storm! I opened my big mouth and promised a layette set...you know, hat, sweater, booties, and blankie. Good thing I decided I wanted to do the Hoover blanket from Knitty.com (the pattern is here). Now I'll just find a sweater, hat and bootie pattern that I like. I don't expect to out-compete Grandma; just spoil the kid. There's nothing wrong with spoiling a child...as long as it's not yours...that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

More toys might follow as well...I have a whole book of knitted toys, and I might just have to pull that out and start knitting up a toy storm. Of course, I should probably finish the other projects I've started. I'm sure my friend would like for her son to get his blanket and sweater BEFORE he's too old to enjoy them (he's about 3 weeks now, and if I hurry, he'll have his blanket in another week, and maybe 2 for his sweater).

I AM going to get those pictures this weekend that I dropped off at Wal-Mart about 3 weeks ago. I SWEAR. I have it on my list. I'm going tomorrow, some time. I promise...no really.

It's been so long...

I can't believe I haven't posted again this week! How horrible is that?! In any event, the Jaywalker is coming along nicely. I'm making them a little smaller than I made the last pair, and I'm reading the directions VERY CAREFULLY. I have found that to be my biggest problem...I try to do too much too soon without the directions. Maybe I can take pictures tonight and post them.

Cedric is finally going to his new home tonight! The afghan and sweater will be following soon, but for now, it's just Cedric the elephant. I'm excited to see my friend's little boy. I'm sure he's absolutely adorable. Perhaps I should grab the camera and take some pictures to post of him and his sister (I'll have to ask mom first about the posting).

I'm wearing my first pair of socks today. I love these things. They're warm, comfy, and all around great. I never have to worry about my feet being cold.

I should be ordering some more sock yarn tomorrow...if all goes well. I need to get cracking on my Sockapaloooza pal's gift!

Decisions, decisions...

As you can sort of tell from this picture (sorry about the fuzziness), these are the two colors I was thinking of combining together for a sweater. The mauve on the left is mohair, and the brown on the right is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Maple Syrup. They look like a better color combination in reality...when they're not all out of focus. I just haven't decided if I should do the bottom out of the brown and the top out of the mohair, or combine them. I guess another swatch is needed.

Here come some pics of first knitting projects...mostly scarves...
This was my first knitting attempt EVER...I would not recommend chenille to beginners.

This scarf was my second knitting adventure. I finished the first one in Utah, and had to go get more yarn! I grabbed a skein of Jiffy Thick & Quick from a local JoAnn's, and decided to do the scarf pattern that was on the package.

This scarf was for my brother. He saw the pattern on Knitty, and wanted one to go with his leather jacket. He thought it would be fun to dress like Mick Jagger sometimes. Of course, my brother is a LOT better looking than Mick Jagger (IMHO).

This last picture is one of the afghan I knitted for my grandmother (how backwards is that?!), and she LOVES it. She wraps up in it every night and watches TV. You gotta love making something that they use.


And once again, my photo taking skills are at their best in this shot. Here's the Debbie Bliss that I wanted to make a sweater out of, and then realized the style I liked wouldn't look that great on me. So, now it's gone back into the stash. I'm trying to decide if I should leave it there for a while, or put it to good use. Any ideas?

So much knitting...so little time...back to the needles!

We Are the Champions, My Friends...

I am victorious! I have finally completed BOTH socks! Woot!

Are you ready for more pictures? Here's one to prove that yes, I WILL wear them.

Please ignore the shoes under the bed, and the fact that a box spring is my backdrop. Here's one more shot...

How exciting! Tomorrow (if I remember) there are some other things that I will post, and maybe I'll drop by Wal-Mart and pick up my two rolls of film. One's so old, I don't even remember what is on it. I'm not even sure if there ARE pictures on it. It was only 12 exposures, and it went in one of those REALLY old cameras...the ones that were really flat. Who knows what will be on it...with me, there's no telling, but I'm hoping that they put the pictures on a CD so that I can upload them easily. If not, we'll have to do it the old fashioned way, with the scanner. Fortunately, the CD burner is in the computer with the scanner, so that should make it easier.

I have another pair of socks to make for me, and I'm going to try doing the Jaywalker socks. I know, it's one of those cyber-knitting world crazes, like the Clapotis, but hey, I didn't join in that one, so I'm joining in where I can. See? I CAN play well with others...sometimes. =0)

Sock update...the originals

Well, here are the pictures I promised! (I know I'm a day late, but I'm a dollar short too!)

Isn't he adorable? His name is Cedric, and he's crocheted (I know...this is a knitting blog, but sometimes the hands need a break). There's more...

This is the first FO of the new year:

It's Panta...just a cool headband that the pattern was floating around on the 'net for.

Check it out!!!! It's almost done! I had some good knitting time in the car on the way home yesterday, and it went really fast. I'm just hoping there'll be enough left to finish! It's a couple of rows different, but they're close enough to match for me! I'm so excited.

Now, as for the Sockapaloooza, I was searching online for sock patterns, and of course, Knitty was one of the first places I checked. I like their patterns...they're usually innovative and a great knit. But, I didn't quite find what I was looking for; at least I don't think I did. I might need to play around with some patterns first.

There was a funeral today for a man who worked at my company, and it got me thinking about a pattern for something like that. I don't know that I'm going to do funeral socks, but something somber may spring forth from my brain. It might be a sweater or a scarf or something. I never met him, but there was a definite air of sadness lingering around the office. It makes you ponder the meaning of life, and specifically, the meaning of your life. It also makes you wonder what your funeral will be like. Maybe I'll create something and request that people wear something like it to my funeral. I can do that, right? Perhaps he just needs to have a tribute done.

Once I decide on a pattern for my secret sock pal, I'll have to see what needs to be done about ordering some yarn. The colorways from Knit Picks are beautiful, and most definitely reasonably priced.

Heel trouble

Argh...I had problems with the heel on the second sock, but I think I got it fixed. The biggest problem was there was an extra stitch! I was able to figure out that it came from the needle at the last stitch getting caught on the one below it, so there were two stitches from the same column of stitches. I hate it when that happens. In any case, I'm hoping to have good knitting time this weekend, since we're headed to visit my in-laws. There's not much to do up there, except read and knit.

Here's funny for you...my hubby has just finished the catalog of our books...and this weekend, his mom is giving us more. We're also probably going to spend some time with a friend of his.

I still have to get the pictures from Wal-Mart, and take pictures of the cute elephant. The second needs pictures too. Hopefully I can take all the necessary pictures this weekend, and if we get home in time, I can post them on Sunday. We should be back in time...we have to be home for the Superbowl. That is more good knitting time. =0)

Waiting on Wal-Mart

I'm waiting on Wal-Mart for my pictures. Their one hour photo isn't exactly one hour...more like 4 hours. There was also a roll I had to send off, so I'm waiting to get it back as well. The elephant for my friend's lovely son is almost done...he just needs a trunk. There will be pictures.

Oh, good news! First, our building doesn't have to re-piped after all. That means no moving the whole apartment upside down for 3 days. Second, hubby's power supply finally arrived. Here's a side note: DON'T use UPS to send packages. They suck. Long story short- hubby had to go to the distribution center to get it and waited for 2 hours. They never came by our place. Hopefully, pictures can go up at home instead of work now. I haven't ordered a new computer yet. I should, but I'm waiting. On what, I'm not sure, other than money.

Another week down...

Man! What a week. I went from being not busy at all to pretty busy at work, and here I am at not very busy at all again. I found out Tuesday night, after I posted, that a friend of mine was induced yesterday (Thursday). You know what that means! Socks go on the back burner, and baby stuff comes to the front! I'm working on an adorable elephant for her son, and he'll get a sweater and afghan like his sister did too. I have to get the yarn for his afghan, but I have the yarn for everything else. I usually crochet baby items for friends, and knit for myself and family. I don't know that I've ever knit anything for anyone else. Wait...I have...Cigar gloves for my brother and an afghan for my grandmother. Whatever I make I usually do give away to family or friends. I have found that it's rare a friend who truly appreciates the handmade items a crafter can provide. They're not usually that expensive (depending on the yarn of course) and they take more time than anything. People don't appreciate time like they used to. If it doesn't come from a store, they don't really understand it.

Someone asked about the $250 computer...try www.tigerdirect.com. It's good to know people in the IT world who shop frequently for new stuff, or refurbished stuff.

I have pictures to take to Wal-Mart this weekend...maybe I'll be able to post some of them!

As promised...

More pictures!!!!

Here's the finished sock...I'm not happy with the toe grafting, but I'm going to leave it and do the second one the same way. Why, you ask, would someone who is a perfectionist leave something they don't like? Well, one, I'm tired of messing with this sock, particularly the toe part (I had to graft that sucker 3 times!) and two, I've already started on the second one...see?

That was this morning's progress...there's about another half inch to three-quarters added, since I worked on it during lunch. My goal is to finish it this week...I would like to be working on it through Saturday, and then finish it and start on another project. And I have oh, so many! I'm going to start on my purple sweater...the one I completed and then took out. I didn't take any pictures of it, but I can assure you I will this time! I'm trying to complete one project a month, give or take. January's project is socks; February's will be that sweater, and I also have a baby blanket to do in February. If the sweater goes into March, that's ok. I should still be able to finish it before the weather heats up too much to wear it (it's acrylic and it gets uber hot). I put all the projects on my Palm Pilot (I'm being very digital these days - go figure) and I have them through May, I believe. There might be several more pairs of socks done this year. I have a skein of Magic Stripes that needs knitting, and oh! There's also a pair of kid socks in my future! I bought a one skein-er at a LYS, and thought I'd do anklet socks with it! I hope there's enough. If not, I might do something funky with it, but what I haven't decided. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Well, I should go clean now...besides, this computer's uber slow. I found a great one for $250; I just don't have $250 right now. Someone want to give me $250 for a new computer?! I'll be more than happy to take your money! =0) Just kidding! In a couple of months (or sooner I hope) I'll be able to order it. It just takes some time (and not traveling). I don't think people realize how much money it takes to travel around here. Gas is so expensive, and so is food. Oh well...hopefully another progress report tomorrow (with pictures)!

One down...

and one to go! I completed the first sock this afternoon during lunch. I was hoping to finish it over the weekend, but found it was too long, so I had to do some reconstructive surgery on it. When I tried to put the stitches back on the US3 needles, it didn't want to go. Since I was in Birmingham visiting friends, I had to wait to come home and get my US2's. The stitches went on easily today, and I used grafting to sew up the toes. I don't think I like it, but it was a good beginning for me. The grafting takes a lot of concentration though...NEVER attempt grafting while watching a movie you haven't seen before. You lose your place a lot.

Someone asked what yarn I was using for my socks...it's Fortissima Colori Socka Color. I think it's in color # 9074, and to be perfectly honest, I wouldn't have chosen that color for myself (a secret pal sent it to me) but I LOVE it. The more I see it, the better I like it. I have found that when other people choose things for me, they hardly ever pick out something that I would (sometimes I'm just too practical) and I usually love it. The yarn is 75% wool, and 25% polyamide (whatever that is). I think they'll be lovely and warm.

I'm hoping to post some pictures tomorrow; long story short, I have to be careful what I do at work now, and so I'll have to take pictures at home, load them on the computer at work (since this one won't handle it, I think) and then email them to myself, check email at home, and post from here. It'll only be until I get a new computer (that's in the works...I found a good deal and just need to order it).

I found it!!!!

I found the digital camera on Wednesday night...yay me! It was hiding in a bag that was in a bag in my closet (I have weird ways of carrying things and putting things away sometimes). But, I have this:

This is my first sock attempt ever! Woot! But wait, there's more...

And here's the other skein for the second sock by itself....

I found that the second skein starts differently, so I'm waiting to finish this first one to see how much is left over. The good news is, the pictures are what the sock looked like Wednesday night...I started the toe shaping last night, so I can definitely have the first one done by tonight (since I have a 3 hour road trip ahead of me, and I think I can catch enough daylight to finish it). If I can borrow a computer at our friends' house, I might upload more pics there of the finished sock! Woot! I'm all kinds of excited. I'm even thinking of joining a Sockapoloooza! Woot! =0)

Making progress...

on socks at least. I have about half the foot done on the first one. I spent two hours watching American Idol and knitting. Tonight I'm tearing apart the apartment looking for our digital camera. My hubby is convinced that it's there...I'm not so sure. However, I will scavange the whole place tonight. I'm really stressing over this whole camera thing. I hope and pray that it will turn up.

As for the socks, they are going well. Last night I had to tink them a little...I found some places where I didn't quite catch all the yarn and there was a little snag. I took that stitch off the needles (making sure the other stitches didn't fall off!) and removed all the stitches down to where it wasn't completely caught. Then I took a crochet hook and put the stitches back up the rows. I'm running to the store at lunch, so I'll pick up a disposable camera, in case I can't find the digital one tonight, and take pictures. I should be able to get them developed over the weekend, and I can post some pictures on Monday.

Failing miserably

But at least I tried. I was trying to get the buttons to appear for Southern Bloggers and for Knitting Blogs, but I can't get the code right. If anyone knows how, and would care to share their HTML wisdom with me, I would greatly appreciate it. If not, then I'm bound to what I can scavenge from the net and various and sundry books. Until then, it'll just have to be as is. Maybe this weekend I can pry some HTML knowledge out of one of our friends.

I'm still working on the socks, and not making a whole lot of progress. By this weekend, I would love to finish the first sock, and maybe find the digital camera that has been lost in the sea of holidays and post a picture. Yet one more promise of pictures...one that is close to being fulfilled, but something always manages to go awry. IF I find the camera, pictures WILL go up! If I can't, then I'll pull out an old school camera and take pictures...soon.

Playing around

I'm not sure if this will work, but I'll give it a whirl. I'm trying to fix oh so many things here, and if it fails miserably, well, at least I tried.

Problems solved...almost

Here were the problems I was facing:

1. Large quantity of mohair (in a mauvy color); had originally been knit into a sweater, but was itchy and required another top underneath (it was hot enough on it's own, not to mention the shedding).

2. Bag of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino; had been bought for a wide neck sweater; however, it was discovered that this style didn't work well for me.

3. 3 skeins of eyelash yarn

4. 3 more skeins of mohair (cream and peach varigated)

Here are the solutions I have come up with:

1. New sweater, combining with lovely shade of brown wool (Wool of the Andes in Maple Syrup from Knit Picks). Possible Grecian Plait pattern for mohair; or combine yarns for entire sweater. Haven't completed all the details yet.

2. Since I doubt I can get the same dye lot in the same color, I decided to mix it with some other colors, and make an argyle sweater. I think with color 601 from Debbie Bliss, I can either go with spring colors or fall colors. I was first thinking about using Asparagus, Honey, and Petal from Knit Picks Merino Style to go with it, but now I'm thinking perhaps Moss, Butternut and Maple Leaf.

3. I still have no idea what to do with these 3 skeins. I have thought about combining them as well with something else, but what I have no idea.

4. I was originally going to make some Moebius scarves with them, but I've been considering combining them with something else as well.

I guess it looks like an advertisement for Knit Picks around here, doesn't it?! I guess since I'm on a budget, I'd like to get good quality at a good price. As nice as it would be to afford more expensive brands, I just don't have the budget for it. I figure I should get the biggest bang for my buck, and most other yarn suppliers just aren't that great of a deal. I know Knit Picks' quality is good (at least what I've seen and used) and they are cheap. They allow me to be a yarn snob without the budget. =0) Score one for the champagne tastes on a beer budget.

If anyone has any suggestions at all for anything, please leave a comment! I can always use an opinion!

Friday the 13th

Most people are superstitious when it comes to a Friday that's the 13th. I say, bring it on. Granted, I'm saying that as I have to constantly move my neck that's sore and stiff from knitting on the couch while watching the tube. At least that's what I think it's from.

I decided not to knit last night, since after cleaning the kitchen my neck started cramping. Of course, had it not hurt so terribly bad I probably could have convinced myself to knit anyway, as it would HELP my neck (there's a sucker born every minute, and it's sad when you consider yourself one). It's no worse than it was yesterday, but no better either. I can keep moving it and stretching it, and that makes it a little better. It's when I stop moving it that it gets stiff and really hurts when I try to move it. I'm sure people at work think I'm suffering from some weird affliction since I'm typing and wobbling my head around.

I'm still a little upset about my sock. I hate that I had to frog almost 4 inches worth of good quality work. But, maybe I can work on it some during lunch. I know, with a stiff neck? Sure, why not? It'll help it. =0)

Sock Issues

I thought I was almost done with sock number 1, only to discover after a stitch count that I hadn't decreased enough. Perfectionism set in (it is after all my first pair...they should be good, especially since they're one of the few projects for myself) and I took out about 4 inches worth! I did read my pattern and realized where I went wrong, and got ahead of myself. I had about 6 stitches too many, and I can fix that in another 6 rows. Maybe I'll finish this sock and the next one before March, but I wouldn't count on it. I do'nt know why it seems that I'm so slow with these. The Cigar gloves I knit for my brother seemed to go faster. Of course, I also worked longer on them in a sitting I think. I did spend a good bit of time knitting on the sock on Saturday. I think I'm going to sit down and read a little tonight, and then get cracking on the sock. I'm reading one of my Christmas gifts:

I love his work. I also received Son of a Witch, by Gregory Maguire. I need to finish Wicked before starting that though. I'm massively behind where I'd like to be in reading and in knitting, but I'll catch up. My goal this year is to finish stuff I've started. If I can just finish things (like a sock and a book) then I'll make progress and be moving forward. I guess that's really my goal...to move forward. I could say I'd like to lose weight, knit more, read more, blog more, but what it really all comes down to is moving forward.

I'm already moving forward by finishing this book (a week or so ago):

I love the series Outlander. There are lots of books to read at home, and being a bibliophile means there will always be another purchase. Of course, since my hubby is a bibliophile as well, we have a HUGE library. And it continues to grow. Hubby was working on the card catalog (not through the Dewey Decimal system, just by author) and it has expanded to three boxes, and it looks like we need another one.

I taught my brother to knit late last year (in October I think) and he's doing well. He's bought some really nice yarn (much nicer than what's in my stash) and some really nice knitting accessories, like this. It must be nice...but I have a hubby to support. In any case, he wants to start on some sweaters and socks this year, one of which being a cardigan from My Fair Lady. In case you haven't seen the movie (what's wrong with you?!), rent it and it's the cardigan Higgins wears after Eliza leaves. It's a camel color, and there's no band at the bottom. My brother has specifically bought the movie for this purpose...to deconstruct the sweater and replicate it with my help. Being the wonderful brother that he is, and having few financial responsibilities, he paid for my attendance to a class in March with...Annie Modesitt! It's very exciting, since I made the Backyard Leaves scarf from Scarf Style that was designed by her.

More good news...my computer is now connected to the internet at home! Woot! Maybe I can find a port on the back and connect my digital camera up, and then take pictures! That would definitely be exciting. Now, where did I put that camera?

Issues with set-up

I am having a few issues with some of my settings. I need to find the right links for the icons for Southern Knit Bloggers and for Knitting Blogs. For some reason, the links in the code don't work. Go figure. That requires MUCH more Html code than I know...which is none. I guess I should mess with it more and see what happens, but I'm at work, and that could get ugly. Although, I don't really think they care what I do just as long as everything gets done timely. It's now into my monthly lull, where I have virtually nothing to do unless they give me a special project.

On the knitting front, I can see my sock almost finished. I have about half of the foot knit, so it's just to complete the foot and then do the toe, bind off, and I will have finished my first sock (and it's about bloody time too). Then I just have to do it all over again. Maybe the second one will go faster, since I know more of what to expect. That's my hope anyways.

I have decided to try and find either a matching color or complementary color for the mohair. It's an odd shade of mauve that's near impossible to match, but I figure if all else fails, I can use a cream color to soften it. There's going to be a BIG order placed when I get to that stage. I still have to decide if I want to attempt the Lacy Mohair sweater from the Knit Simple magazine or not.

I'm coordinating a Secret Pal exchange on the Ample Knitters' list with at least one other person. That should be fun...as long as we can get stuff together. I hope that by the end of the week we'll have all the details ironed out about the exact method of operation and I can email the AK list. Once that's done, I hope within another week to have people paired off and get started. It sounds like a lot of work, but I'm not doing much around here, and I should have something to fill my time.

Socks, socks and more socks!

Well, I'm not done with them, but I've made good progress on one. I spent most of the weekend knitting the one unfinished lone sock I have. It fits too. I know that statement sounds odd, but I was at first afraid if I followed the pattern that they would be too small (I have large feet - we're talking a size 10-11 here people) and so I increased the size according to the gauge and prayed they would fit. Now that I've completed the heel (and a lovely heel it is too, if I do say so myself) and I'm working on the actual foot part, I decided on Saturday to try it on (provided that I wouldn't lose any stitches off the needles). I did, and oh, was it ever comfy! I can't wait to wear my crazy stripe socks.

I finished frogging the lovely purple sweater. Not the mohair, but the other one. It's sitting waiting on me to cast on and start a new lovely sweater with it. I think I've decided on a pattern; it will be one of my own creation, and it will look good on me. I will most definitely write it down as I go, and perhaps even submit it to a magazine somewhere. I also have to frog the mohair sweater and I'm going to attempt a pattern in the new Knit Simple magazine. I have to upsize it first, and then I have to consider my options for the other yarns, if I decide to go that route. I might use something else to soften it, and make it more substantial (so I don't have to wear something under it).

Over the New Year holiday, I knit up this. I used some leftover Wool of the Andes from KnitPicks, in Evergreen. It's a great way to use up leftovers. There's more planning, and hopefully once we stop having computer issues at home (power supplies seem to be hte main culprit) I can post some pictures.