Monday, October 30, 2006

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!!!

Friday, October 27, 2006

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?

Thursday, October 26, 2006

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.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

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.

Monday, October 23, 2006

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.

Friday, October 20, 2006

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.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

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.

Friday, October 13, 2006

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.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

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)

Monday, October 09, 2006

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.