Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Most wonderful time?

Many people feel that Christmas day is the best day of the year. Not me, I'm partial to the 26th. Why?

Reason #1: No pressure. There is nothing to do. None of that 'oh goodness I only have 12 hours left what did I forget to do?' madness. You don't even have to cook, which brings me to reason #2...

Reason #2: Leftovers! I ate leftovers for every meal yesterday. Yes, I even had pie for breakfast. Since ham, mac and chese, and corn are some of my kids favorite things to eat there was no effort to get them to eat.

Reason #3: Your kids disappear. Seriously. Children are so excited on Christmas their behavior is birderline psychotic. Too much to look at, too much to touch...it makes them crazy! See?
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On the 26th they are still super~excited, but now they've inventoried all of their loot and are ready to get down to some serious playing! We didn't see the kids yesterday until it was time to eat (leftovers!). We even got to watch some movies in the middle of the day...in our PJs :o)

I'm sure there's more reasons, but you get the idea. My point is I spent the day yesterday on my couch, in my PJs, watching movies and eating leftovers! Does it get any better than that? Don't get me wrong though, preparation for the holiday is fun too. The kids had a ball making cookies and it only took me a couple of hours after we were done to clean the flour and icing from all the crevaces in my kitchen. And who wouldn't enjoy wrapping presents with help like this?



All in all, it's been fun but I'm ready to get back to normal. Is it January yet??

*if you work in retail (as my sister does) forget everything I said about the 26th being awesome. If you work retail my hat goes off to you.

Now on to the knitting! I promised some pics didn't I? Ok, I've got a couple of gift scarves. This one is for our little neighbor. It was for her 7th birthday and what 7 year old girl doesn't appreciate a little sparkle? I used TLC cotton plus and some eyelash...name escapes me right now but I think it starts with a T? I got it from one of the LYSs a loooong time ago!


Then we have the Chevron scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I used one skein of variegated pink and one of green Koigu. The pattern called for 4 skeins but since the recipient isn't 7 feet tall and I can't imagine that she wants to use it as a head wrap like in the picture I stopped at two. Here's a closeup of the stitch and color. She really liked it!


Last but not least I made a mulitdirectional scarf for my son's teacher out of Noro Kureyon (#148). Here he is modeling it on the morning we wrapped it up to give to her...

Yes, the pic is kind of dark but less face it...my photography is less than stellar on a good day. At 6am it's, well, even more challenged.

Almost forgot, you can see pics of what I gave Kerry at our gift exchange here on her blog. Being the genius that I am I forgot to photograph all the stuff before I wrapped it up.

In the midst of all this gift knitting I managed to knit something for me! I knit a scarf long ways out of Blue Sky organic cotton. Man is this stuff soft! I'm hoping I have enough left over to do a matching hat, or maybe one of those pantas? Isaiah likes it too

It's long and skinny and matches my coat. Perfect!

Of course Christmas did not come and go without knitting loot! I got the book Alterknits and a GC to Borders so I can shop during knit night (sock book perhaps??), enough Cascade 220 to make Rogue, and a GC to kpixie...yay!

It seems as though the natives are getting restless so I'm going to bring this to a close. Hope everyone's holiday was a merry one and that you all are enjoying the last week of 2005!

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Calm before the storm

It's quiet and the baby is asleep, as he should be after fussing all night long! I'm enjoying a MUCH needed cup of coffee before I have to grocery shop, clean, and generally get ready for the holiday.

So in this calm before the storm that is to be my day I figured I'd give you a quick update to let you know that I'm still alive. I've been gift knitting, so I have some pictures to show you. I've also been involved in a couple of swaps and bought a couple of books. I'll have a better update this evening, after dinner and basketball practice.

Until then, I leave you with what Phoebe's been up to...

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Tis the season...

for runny noses and coughing. That's right, all three of the boys have got the funk. My six year old came home early yesterday and stayed home today. He's laying on the couch looking pitiful. The four year old doesn't seem any worse for the wear, but then again when has a little snot ever phased a four year old? The baby is his regular old happy self except for the coughing. Oh, and the wrestling with the booger bulb! Boy do kids hate that thing!

In spite of all this I have actually been knitting! Perhaps it's because when the kids are sick you are pretty much confined to the house watching Noggin or whatever. And they nap more :o)

Even though I've been knitting/crafting I can't really show you anything just yet. Why? Because it's been gift knitting/crafting and the recipient(s) may read the blog. I should have some pics tomorrow or the next day because our knit group gift exchange is tonight. Of course I'm going to be late because hubby has to work until 6. Just my luck!

I ordered some Brooks Farm Four Play to make Ella and it got here in like 2 days! This stuff is something else and even though the price has been raised a dollar I will definitely be getting more of it. It's beautiful and an awesome value! I got the poppies colorway and as soon as I'm done with the frenzy known as 'gift knitting' I'll be more than ready to cast on for Ella!

That's all I have for now. I'll be back later this week with updates and pictures!

Monday, November 21, 2005

Pack 'em up and move 'em out

I'm supposed to be packing. Well actually I'm all packed except for my knitting. What do you take for a fun~filled holiday weekend with ALL of the in~laws? I'm thinking socks? Perhaps I'll finish the mate to this one...

Here's a close up...

I really like how it came out! I know the striping is a bit bold for the cables but that's ok. I used the magic loop method and cabled without a cable needle so I'm pretty proud of myself for using two new techniques in one project!

The other reason I'm thinking socks is because I got Nancy Bush's Knitting on the Road as part of a swap and since I'll *actually* be (you guessed it)knitting on the road (LOL) I find it fitting. I've got some really pretty handpainted sock yarn that I got from one of the (not so)LYSs but it needs to be wound and I'm behind schedule as it is. Looks like the navy Kroy will get packed up! Maybe something lacy since it's a solid? I've also got some solid red on it's way to me from a friend. I think I might join that solid sock KAL (or something like that, I saw it while surfing yesterday)!

Perhaps I'll pack some yarn for hats and wristwarmers too. I'm determined to get my youngest child to wear a hat even though he takes them off and throws them. How sad is it that the child of a knitter won't wear a hat?

My hourglass will come along too just for the heck of it. I'm sure she'll enjoy the ride and maybe even get pulled out during those destracting gab fests (not that these are bad or anything)with relatives :o)

Ok, so what I'll only be gone 5 or 6 days? A knitter's got to be prepared!

Enough procrastination. I must shut this thing off, get my yarn together, and go to bed. 4am will be here before I know it. Come to think of it I'm packing a pillow in with my yarn.

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend! Don't get mauled if you shop on Friday, don't eat too much, and don't get too drunk!

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Still Searchin'

I'm still having the hardest time concentrating on any one knitting project. The sock did little to cure my affliction...

though it is coming along quite nicely. I even taught myself how to knit a sock on one long circ, magic loop! I can't shake the feeling that I should start something new.

Funny thing is I feel overwhelmed at the same time. Like I have too many projects going on at once. So I thought perhaps I needed a small break from knitting all together? I made this...

Cute, no? Once I got all the cutting done it sewed up in a snap! I love this fabric and want to use it to make a bigger tote bag and perhaps a needle roll. The lining is just plain black. I liked it so much I made another...

This one is (obviously) larger and made of some denim I had lying around. I lined it with other fabric I had lying around. I even made pockets for the inside...

What's that? You don't see any pockets? Well that's because I was trying to watch Desperate Housewives while I was sewing and the lining is inside out! I'm a genius. I need to take it apart but will wait until my next round of bag~making. I went to JoAnn's (hooray for JoAnn's coupons!) and got some more fabric and some zippers. I want to make some more bags as well as needle cases and notions bags and whatever else I come up with. Hopefully I can snap some pics of my loot tomorrow, it's kind of dreary 'round here today.

I've been doing more blog surfing than anything (easiest to do while holding a baby and watching ESPN) and I'm just amazed at all the craftiness in blogland. There are three things that have struck my fancy lately...bags, quilts, and baking. I'm well on my way with the bag thing. I mean at least I can actually make one, I can get fancier with it the more practice I get. I'm intrigued with Amy Butler. Are her patterns worth the price? Everyone seems to be universally ga~ga over her fabrics (which are beautiful)but I've read mixed reviews on her patterns. There's no doubt that the finished products are great and I'll pay more if they are helpful to a sewing newbie. Maybe I'll go to G Street Fabrics to try and check them out tomorrow. As far as quilting I have no idea! I really want to be able to make some of the awesome quilts I've been seeing around. I don't think I'm ging to learn from a book though.

Now that we've covered all I can't do, let's talk about baking. It's everywhere! Namely cupcakes. They're everywhere! The opportunities to drool while browsing the internet are endless...who doesn't like cupcakes? And guess who came home from school today asking if I could make some for his class? I just might have to go out and get one of these books!

Oh my goodness! See what I mean? So far I have plans to make a quilt while I bake cupcakes and knit socks after I sew up some bags. Somewhere in there I've got to get the dishes and laundry done. Help.

I promised a Halloween update didn't I? Pretty uneventful...candy was collected, candy was handed out...you know, the usual. The boys were excited though because Daddy was able to go for the first time ever.

Doesn't Daddy look thrilled? Haha!

I apologize if this entry was all over the place. We had a birthday party last night. Not only did I miss my knit night but the party was at Chuck E Cheese. I'm still recovering.

Monday, October 31, 2005

Sunday, October 30, 2005

Gimme my little sticks!

Ok, what's the deal with this whole 'socks on circs' following? What am I not getting?

I was gifted some wonderful sock yarn from Jen of Blue Alvarez and since it was new (and I have the attention span of a flea lately) I wanted to cast on for some socks. Now to figure out what socks? Hmm...how about the Go with the Flow socks from IK Spring 05? Perfect!

As I'm digging for my trusty DPNs in my box o' tools I came across 2 pairs of size 3 circs...20". I tell myself what better time to teach myself the 2 circ method loved by many a sock knitter?

Two hours later I can safely say that socks don't soar on two circulars. They suck. For me anyway. Who wants to have all that flopping around when I can have everything nice and neat on my 5 litle sticks?

Anyhow, though my attention span has been short I was able to finish a couple of hats...a pumpkin for Isaiah and Miss Dashwood for a friend who is due in December.

There was also a blue and white one that I forgot to take a pic of before I gifted it! The pumpkin was something I made up as I went along. I like how it came out, especially the leaf! It's made out of Sugar n' Cream kitchen cotton (they were on sale for $1.12/ball)and wasn't hard on the hands at all. Now that Miss Dashwood? I made her out of TLC Cotton Plus and I thought some of those bobbles were gonna kill me! I didn't want to make it out of wool because I'm going to pair it up with crumpets for a cute springtime outfit :o) I love how it came out and see myself making this hat again in the near future!

You're probably wondering what's with the cow. Well, the only head in the house the hats would fit on was asleep at the time of my photo shoot so I told her she could model. As it turns out, her head was too small but I didn't want to upset her by telling her she couldn't be in the picture, so there she is. Don't worry, there will be pics of Isaiah is all his halloweenie goodness (and the older boys too!) soon!

Charlene (my cow) also wanted to be in the pic of my latest yarn aquisitions...

Jimmy Beans Wool is having a special sale for the month of October...40% off a different yarn every day! That's where I got the Silky Tweed. Six balls of it to make, well, I'm not sure. Either cozy, Ella, or some sort of Clapotis. The Rowanspun DK came from Jimmy Beans as well, on clearance for $4.95/hank. I got enough to make Hamish (which of course I can't find a pic of) from Rowan Junior for my two little guys. Jaylen's will be light and dark green. Isaiah's will be with the leftovers, plus a grayish color...mouse I believe? His will probably have a striped front and solid back.

I also got 15 skeins of Den-M-Nit to make Raspy from Denim People. Great price but I tell ya Elann's shipping charges are a killer! I can't wait to try out this yarn! The idea of a yarn that washes and fades and is comfortable like a pair of jeans is brilliant! This yarn my friends is my incentive to free up my needles!

Hourglass is progressing. I won't bore you with pics. Right now it's just a tube, lol! I'm smack dab in the middle of my increases. I really hope my 12" circs I ordered gets here soom so I can get to working on those sleeves! I think it might be a little more roomy than I planned but that's ok because the working girls (I'm nursing) need their breathing room!

Ok, off to make dinner and hopefully cast on for my socks...with my 5 little sticks of course.

Friday, October 21, 2005

Two entries in one day!

Wow! LOL! I was feeling a little domestic and decided to share. Want some?

It's my variation of what I found here,which is a variation of what she found here. My version is cinnamon cake with apples and chocolate chips. It was declared the 'best cake ever' by my 4 year old so I guess it was a hit :o)

Go on, make your own! Whatever you use I don't think you can go wrong...yum!

Knittin' Hard

That's what I've been doing. Unfortunately I don't feel like I'm really getting anywhere! Both the boys' sweaters are *so* close to being finished but for some reason I have no desire to knit on them. The Diamond Fantasy Shawl is stalled as well. It's been busy here and I'm tired of tinking back mistakes because I had to put it down in the middle of a row and got all discombobulated. It's a great pattern, but every row is different. It's gonna look great when it's done, I just need to find more time for 'concentrated knitting'.

Due to my stall out I thought I should start something new...a scarf made out of Manos. Uneven rib. Pretty but boring. *sigh*

So yesterday when I should have been doing laundry I was looking through my books and decided I wanted to use either the Luxury Cashmere Aran I got from AC Moore or the Nashua Creative Worsted I got from Knit Happens to make the Hourglass Sweater from LMKG. Only problem was I didn't have enough of either. No problem, I'll just run to AC Moore when hubby gets home and grab 8 more balls. They only had 6. It had gone on sale...and then 25% off of that sale price. This is why knitters hoard yarn if they even think they might want to use it! So I called Knit Happens this morning and they are holding 2 balls in Cayenne (color not on their website). Thank you, Knit Happens, for holding the yarn so I don't have to drag 3 kids out in the rain today. You're my heroes :o)

The 10 balls of the cashmere aran (just about the same thing as DBs Cashmerino) will become a turtleneck shrug and probably a gift scarf.

I also ordered 12" circs so as not to have to fiddle with DPNs for either project. I hope they don't take too long. I also hope at least one of these projects will cure my knitting ADD I seem to have.

Ella is still in the planning stages due to not wanting to spend a small fortune on the yarn. I could order from Knit Picks but I wanted to knit it in a heavier yarn and I don't care to double. I thought about dying but I don't really have the time to do it right now so I don't know. Any ideas?

In other news the boys are finally getting over colds. Demetrius had it the worst and the baby didn't get it at all really (thank goodness!!). Demetrius missed a couple of days of school and it kind of threw off the routine. I didn't even go to knit group on Wednesday...and I never miss knit group! Soccer is over and we're waiting for basketball sign ups.

Isaiah is getting so big. He was able to wear his new sweater to the last soccer game on Saturday...


I promise to start updating the blog more, like at *least* once a week. The baby is getting into a better routine and I'm able to get a little more done so I will add this place to my list :o)

On this blustery Friday I leave you with a little love...

I sent hubby to the store for a lunchable for a field trip and he came back with these! For no reason. Gotta love it!

To anyone going to the Knit Out this weekend say 'hi' if you see me. Not sure if I'm going to go if it's raining and not sure if I'll have a baby strapped to my chest or not yet but I love to chat with fellow knitters!

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

?

You know, the hardest part about blogging for me is thinking of a title. If you don't enter a title, blogger takes the first part of your first sentence. To me that looks kind of funky. Unfortunately, lately I'm lucky if I get the time to take a shower. If I have time to blog, I can't waste it sitting around thinking of a title.

I've FINALLY finished the striped baby sweater, the one I started when I was pregnant and (apparently) delirious. Do to all the weird stuff I had to fix I had what seemed like a million ends to weave in.

It took a little over 3 balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. I really liked working with this yarn and I hope we meet again in the future :o) Here's a close up of the buttons the boys picked out just for their baby brother...

I'm really proud of how it came out, and with the weather getting cooler Isaiah will be wearing it in no time. See how big he's getting?

I love that pic. He appears to be pondering something...whatever it is babies ponder I suppose? He's probably wondering why I made him wear that hat.

I'm almost done with my first OSW. I plan to wear it to knit group tomorrow night if I can find something to wear it with.

It's Patagonia Nature Cotton. Isn't it pretty? I got it on sale at Knit and Stitch I think it smells kind of funny but no one else (not even the hubby) does so maybe it's just me. Anyhow, the OSW is a great pattern that I plan to knit again (and again). I already have a request from my sister for one in black.

I ordered some Lorna's Laces with the idea I was going to make socks, but then I saw this. Gorgeous! And what's that? only 350yds for the scarf version?

Hmm...sorry 'Go With the Flow' socks, you're on hold for now. I do have some solid Paton's Kroy that might work. If not, knitpicks here I come! Not right away though because the last thing I need is more yarn. Unless it's for this...

I've joined this knitalong because that pattern is just too cool! Unfortunately the called for (awesome) yarn is nearly impossible to find here in the states. Perhaps I'll dye my own? I have some *blank* Patons Classic Merino and I can order some acid dye. I figure it's worth a shot!

In other non~knitting news...the boys are doing great. They absolutely love soccer...

...and still like hanging out with their baby bro. I'm guessing that will change when he starts getting into their stuff!

'til next time fellow knitters :o)

Monday, September 12, 2005

Baby shots and football

Baby shots are not fun. Today was Isaiah's 2 month immunizations and he's STILL mad! I swear he stopped breathing for about 45 seconds with the first stick and by the time he actually caught his breath they were done. I attempted to remove his little bandaids and he screamed for 40 minutes them slept for 4 hours. I'm probably in for it tonight!

He is now 11.8lbs and 23 inches :o)

Football season has begun so I have once again become a football widow. It's on all the time. If it's not a game it's highlights. If it's not NFL it's college. And if it's not on TV it's on the PS2. I stuck my foot in my mouth sometime in the beginning of the year and said I'd try to learn the game. Hey, my kids know more about it than I do and I assume they'll play someday so I should get my act together. So last night, with the best of intentions, I tried to figure it out. I even sat my knitting down to pay attention. I think my poor hubby was about to tell me nevermind. Do they make 'Football for Dummies'?

Knitting news...I had to rip back my DB hooded striped top. Well just the sleeve. Apparently being pregnant and exhausted all the time caused me to knit a sleeve too short with no increases. I didn't even notice until I went to attach them! LOL! What was I thinking?? The Pirate Sweater is coming along nicely. I'm done with one sleeve and the back. This has become my 'at home' project because of the striping and intarsia. I've also started 'Max' but I'm using Brown Sheep Worsted because the Debbie Bliss yarn was too expensive and a PITA to find in the colors I wanted. I'll take some pics when I have a little more progress to show.

I've added a couple of books to my library...Simple Socks: Plain and Fancy and Vintage Knits. I'm happy with both but have a gripe with Vintage Knits. The one sweater that I fell in love with (I like all of them though) is knit in a discontinued yarn! Ok so it's not the book's fault and maybe the designer had no idea it was going to happen but it's irritating all the same. I actually have a few books where I have run into this problem. Anyone know a good substitute for Rowan Linen Drape?

Sunday marked the year anniversary of the day I first picked up a pair of knitting needles. I had just had a pretty devastating (to me anyway)miscarriage and decided that I don't do enough for ME so I started looking for a hobby. I took a basic class, bought a book, a ball of yarn, and a pair of size 8 straights and the rest is history. Now I have not just a hobby but an obsession and a new baby...what a difference a year makes!

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Dryer Sheets & Other Mysteries

Why are there always dryer sheets all over my house? Granted as a family of 5 we do a lot of laundry, but there seems to be a ton of these stupid things just floating around. I'm forever picking them up. Do they multiply on their own? Do they show up to replace the socks that have disappeared by way of the dryer? The world may never know.

Why do kids have phone radar? The minute the phone rings there is some 'urgent' problem that needs addressing (like needing a snack RIGHT NOW), the baby starts hollering, or the kids are trying to kill each other. Multiply the drama times 10 if it's actual business, and not just a friend or my mom.

Why is it so flipping hot outside? Doesn't mother nature know that the only way to preserve my sanity is to let the kids out to play? Doesn't she know I can't do that if it's a million degrees?

*sigh*

I'm almost done with the little green vest, just some seaming and stitch 'picking~up' (?) to do. I let the boys look through my books to pick something for mommy to knit. My 4 year old chose the pirate sweater out of Adorable Knits for Tots. Apparently this is the end of the season for cotton (or so I was told by one of my LYS~what about those of us who are year round cotton knitters?), so I couldn't find the Rowan the pattern called for. I'm sure I could have ordered it but I'm an instant gratification type of gal so I went to Springwater Fiber Shop and picked up some Tahki Cotton Classic. It seems to have slightly more sheen than the Rowan Handknit dk but other than that it's identical...and was only $5/skein! My 6 year old chose Max from Junior Knits. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to use Mission Falls Superwash or the called~for Debbie Bliss Merino Aran. I have some time to decide, since the pirate sweater will be my first attempt at intarsia in any way, shape or form. I'm sure it'll take me a minute to complete :o)

The orange blanket? Don't ask.

Tonight is knit night at Folk Art. Last week we recieved some bad news...the shop is closing. So, we're looking for a new place to host our group. I started a yahoo group today in oreder for us to keep in touch and distribute info. Hopefully this will also bring us some new recruits! It's a work in progress, but if you live in Southern Maryland check us out.

Kidlet news...soccer started this week. Too bad it's hot as hades and all the kids look like they are being tortured on the field. School starts next week. Since we were (well, thus far) unsuccessful in finding an appropriate (and affordable) preschool program for my 4 year old I'm prepared for him to complain about being bored.

Baby news...Isaiah will sleep for about a 5 to 6 hour stretch if he is either a)in his bouncy seat or b)in our bed. Apparently the bassinet is some sort of evil contraption since he starts hollering as soon as we put him in it. He's smiling and starting to be a little more aware of his surroundings.

Due to the lack of pictures in this post I leave you with this...

Umm...ok. What is she doing? Is that her sexy pose? What is she wearing?!? I guess at one time, years ago, such garments were considered Hand Knits for Young Moderns. You can view more fabulous frocks here.

You want a coat like that, don't you?

;o)

Sunday, August 07, 2005

Scare Mail

Well I was scared anyway. I checked my mail the other day and saw this...

Now I know I can't possibly be the only one disturbed by excessive amounts of fun fur, can I? I did however decide to put my fears aside and thumb through the $5(!)catalog and two things caught my eye. First is that there were Addi Turbos in the catalog. Second is that starting Septembet 1st, Lion Brand will offer a Cashmere blend. Wow! Then I checked out the price...$10 for 88 yards? Surely you jest, Lion Brand. Perhaps it's some amazing yarn, but considering that Debbie Bliss Cashmerino costs less and has about 10 more yards per ball it would have to be *really* amazing!

My knitting progress is slow. It seems as though Isaiah has radar for when I pick up my needles. I've managed to start a little sweater vest, though

The pattern is from Sirdar's Cheeky Chinos and the yarn is Debbie Bliss' cotton cashmere. The book has some really cute patterns and Sirdar Snuggly DK is pretty cheap so I'll probably make a few sweaters out of this book. I'm also still working on the orange blanket but I'll spare you guys the details. It seems like no matter how much I knit it's not getting any larger. I think the Yarn Harlot talks about this phenomenon in her book.

Since it's much easier to read and nurse than knit with a baby in your arms, I picked up a couple of books.

First I started The Time Traveler's Wife but all that time traveling was wreaking havoc on my already confused new mommy brain. It's got potential, but I had to put it aside. I couldn't keep track of who was where and why they were there. Now Brick Lane is more my speed! I'm finding it hard to put down and I'm reading even when I'm not nursing...like when I could be knitting or sleeping.

My older boys are home from their summer vacation in GA. Now it's time to start up some semblance of a routine. With school and sports starting up in a few weeks we've got lots to do! The boys are happy to be home and I'm happy to have them~it was getting a little too quiet around here!

I want to thank everyone for all the well~wishes in the comments of my last post, you guys are great! I can't believe he's 4 weeks already! I'll leave you all with a chubby baby shot :o)

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Quick Update!

I had a baby!!!

Isaiah was born on July 8th, 2005 at 10.29pm. He was 8lbs, 4.3oz and 20 in long. He's just as sweet as can be and I'm enjoying him very much. His big brothers are so excited even though he doesn't do a whole lot just yet. They are spending a few weeks with their uncle (left yesterday and are having a BLAST) so when they come back they'll be able to 'help' a little bit more since the baby won't be quite so teeny.

Not much knitting content. I brought my kniting bag to the hospital but my labor went kind of quick and then once he was here I was happy just to hold him and stare at him :o) I'm about to sit down and do some knitting for the first time in about a week.

Just wanted to post and say that I was alive...sleep deprived but alive! LOL!

Friday, June 24, 2005

Profile Change

I had to make a change to my profile. While I'm still a new knitter I'm now a 31 year old new knitter! That's right, I had a birthday yesterday...happy birthday to me!! I had a good day, the hubby got off work early ( an amazing feat in and of itself) bearing flowers and chocolate and then we went out to lunch. The kids have this weird obsession with Red Lobster so that's what I picked. Funny thing is, they get there and want chicken! Although they did discover that the shrimp on mommy's plate was pretty tasty :o)

In other news I don't know that this baby is going to hang out for another 2 weeks like it's supposed to. I had an appointment on Wednesday and they said I *might* be in early labor. This should not come as a surprise since I've been contracting and just generally uncomfortable but YIKES! Don't get me wrong, I'm ready to give this little guy his eviction notice. I just feel like I still have so much to do. Today will be spent doing laundry, making lists, and packing bags (no, I haven't packed a bag yet...yes, I've already heard it from the hubby). Tonight I must knit. I have a baby sweater that has to be finished my Sunday morning and I would love to finally be done with the orange blanket.

Not much knitting content because there hasn't really been much knitting going on. It's been a very busy week...doctors, dentists and whatnot...trying to get everything out of the way before the big day!

Monday, June 20, 2005

The Plan...

Where have I been? Well let me start by saying I had a plan. The plan was to update the blog when I got home from knitting on Wednesday. I had been home about an hour, chatting with the (dear at the time) husband when I reach for my laptop and he says, 'oh yeah, I was..um..looking up some stuff and I think I accidentally hit a pop up and then I couldn't get them to stop so I just shut it off'

Um...WHAT?!?!

Turns out my (not so dear at the time) husband somehow got a Trojan on my laptop. My lifeline. My baby. THEN has the nerve to say, 'I don't know why you are so upset. It's not the end of the world.' Well let me tell you all, it was almost the end of his world. He's lucky my kids would never forgive me for killing him.

I keep everything on my laptop. I tried in vain to save myself from having to run that darn recovery disk but to no avail. I loaded a trojan 'finder' and a new firewall but the popups kept coming as did the trojan notifications. So I shut the computer down and let it sit, too disgusted to deal with it. Not to mention looking at it made the desire to strangle my other half that much worse.

So what did I do? I knit! I worked on my orange baby blanket and finished two sweaters. This one...

and this one...

The first one I made out of Cotton Tots that I got on clearance at Walmart. I think it took three and a half balls but I can't remember how many I bought. The second one I used 2 skeins of Cotton Fleece and the crocheted border is Cotton Fleece as well. I believe the color is antique rose.

I'm almost done with the Chunky Cardigan out of Simple Knits for Cherished babies. I just have to do the border and sew on the sleeves. I still have to do 2 more sweaters and a blanket for gifts. I bought a bunch of Bernat Baby Boucle for the blanket so it will knit up quick. I've started another sweater in Cotton Ease for a baby shower I was invited to this weekend. Short notice, so I'm knitting like a fiend.

I did some other stuff during my absence. I'm sure you all know that yesterday was Father's Day. So last week I took the boys to the Folk Art Studio and we painted some pottery...

They had SO much fun and can't wait to go back! I'd take a pic of the finished products (which by the way Daddy LOVED) but that would require going upstairs and when you look like this...

climbing the stairs is no easy task. Yes, I am aware that I have no head in that picture. My 6 year old was the photographer and, well, you take what you can get. Anyhow, this gives you an idea of how huge I am. Just three weeks left! Yay!!

I also got a great deal on a ball winder ($17 at AC Moore with JoAnn's 50% off coupon), and discovered that the new Tuesday Morning sells 3 skein bags of Cotton Ease for $6. Other than that I was hiding from the heat.

So, what finally hapened with my computer you ask? I couldn't take it anymore today so I backed up what files I could and did a quick (that's what the disk said but it was anything but 'quick')restore. At first I couldn't get the disk to work and was ready to seriously lose it but I got it on the second try. Now I just need to reload all my bookmarks and rebuild my address book.

I have declared my laptop off limits to everyone in this house but me. Mommy's toy. My husband wants to know how I can forbid him to touch it. I told him to watch me. And if he feels daring to go ahead and try me. As it is his punishment is to be my swift while I use my new ball winder :o)

Tuesday, May 31, 2005

WooHoo Secret Pal!!

I've been sick. What else is new? I'm healthy as anything when I'm not pregnant, but this time I seem to have come down with all the doozies! While I was certain my head was going to explode with the pressure of a sinus infection, I recieved 2 packages from my secret pal. She's moving and sent my June goodies a little early. For picture purposes I put all my loot together...

As you can see, I got all kinds or great stuff. Stamp pads, REALLY cool stamps (I'll be able to make my own baby announcements), pastel cardstock (in perfect baby colors), a gluestick that is specifically made for pictures, and some printed paper. To satisfy my knitting mojo I got a ball of Rowan Cashsoft 4-ply in a lavender color and Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's book! All of it will definitely be put to good use(I've already started reading the book)...thanks Secret Pal, you're one heck of a shopper!

I've been knitting away on the orange baby blanket, and it's coming along quite nicely. I must admit though that I probably wouldn't have made such progress if it wasn't for all the help I've been getting from Phoebe...

Unfortunately my 'to knit' list is quite long. Too many people are having babies! I can't wait to cast on for the Alphabet Blanket but that's going to take me a while. I have a couple of baby sweaters I think I'm going to have to do before I can start that. I've gotten into the habit of late night knitting, sometimes until 1 or 2 am~thank you pregnancy insomnia! Productive? Sure! But 7.30am comes all too quick, then if I stop moving during the day I pass out...LOL!

How was everyone's Memorial Day weekend? Mine was great! We took the kids to see Madagascar on Friday and they LOVED it! After that we took them out to dinner. They chose Applebees. Saturday we just kind of hung around the house but Sunday we went to a BBQ which was more like a block party. Lots of good food and the best part was I didnt have to cook! Ha! The boys played outside the entire day. By the time I got them home and showered they passed out HARD! They had so much fun. Then Monday we layed around and watched movies all day. To top off a great weekend, hubby cooked while I lounged on the couch and knit. Pure bliss :o)

I have another doctor's appointment tomorrow. I'm now at 34 weeks and some change. I'm so HOT and I can't walk and I can't make it to July! Poor little dude has no more room and when he changes position he knocks the wind out of me! My 4yo wanted to 'get stuff for the baby' so we got some little stuff (bibs, blankets, feeding supplies) from Target. I told him tomorrow after my appt. we can go to Babies R Us and look at strollers. He is really looking foward to it and even more so now that I told him he could pick out a toy for his new little brother. It makes me so happy that the boys are so excited about their new brother. They ask so many questions and say they can't wait to help. They talk to my belly and kiss it all the time because they want the baby to know what they sound like when he comes out. I can't believe I will soon be the mother of three boys!

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

One Thing A Day

This is what I've decided. I can only do one thing a day. Otherwise I need too much time to recoup! I did my grocery shopping yesterday and it about killed me! I had to have my husband come home for lunch and unload the bags and have the boys empty them. Then I took a 2 hour nap! When I woke up I thought about cleaning but that's all it was...a thought! That's why I called someone to come and help me clean my house! Now, this was very hard for me. The thought of someone cleaning while I watch them kind (even if I'm paying them)of makes me feel like a slacker or something. I know, I know, it shouldn't. But I have a habit of feeling guilty if I'm just sitting and other people are doing stuff. I'm sure I'll get over it though ;o)

This whole one thing at a time philosophy doesn't carry over into my knitting though. I have 3 projects going on, although I'm paying the most attention to the stars and hearts blanket out of the Adorable Knits for Tots book. I have some sweaters going on as well, but I figured since this kid is coming in the beginning of July a blanket is more practical than a sweater! I got a lot done on the blanket this weekend while visiting my family. It's easy to knit when you don't have to cook, clean, do laundry, and while the kids are occupied by the grandparents :o) Now that I'm back in the real world it's a little more difficult, I haven't knit since Sunday but I'm going to do a little when I'm done on here.

Maryland Sheep and Wool was fun. I needed an entire day to recouperate from all that walking, but it was a great way to spend Mother's Day. I'm glad I didn't try to go on Saturday because I heard it was mobbed. I didn't spend a whole lot of money, it was a little overwhelming. So much to see, and I didn't really *need* anything. What I DID need was some of that funnel cake and BOY was it good. I can't even think about it because I'll want some!

I promise I'll try to do blog updates more often. It's just that whenever I sit down I fall asleep! LOL! I swear I don't remember being this tired this early with my other two. I wouldn't be surprised if this one decides that June is a better month to be born than July!

Thursday, April 21, 2005

Stash gone wild!!

Well not really, but I have been doing some shopping. I'm almost done with my hooded baby sweater

I'm pretty excited, since it's my first sweater and all. I'm a little worried about seaming, but know some folks that can help me if I get stuck.

Easter in GA was nice, though it rained most of the time. We did get to go to the zoo

This guy cracked me up! He was doing some serious people watching.

While I was there I taught my hubby's cousin to knit! We didn't have a whole lot of time, but she was casting on and knitting like a pro (purling will require some practice) by the time I left and I bought her a copy of Stitch n Bitch for her birthday. We took a trip to The Yarn Garden in Lawrenceville. Nice little shop with friendly people. I picked up some Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton. Boy is that stuff soft! This is also the shop where I discovered my newest love...Addi Natura needles! These things are awesome! I still like the Turbos, but when you are dealing with little, slippery yarn the last thing you need(well it's the last thing *I* need anyways) is little, slippery needles. The Naturas are perfect!

I ordered some cotton chenille from Numei and it showed up on my doorstep in a flash. Great price too! My mom is getting some of the reverse bloom washcloths for mother's day, along with a basket of bath goodies. I ordered some pretty bright colors
I need to get started on those...

My next *big* (first *big* actually) project is going to be the Alphabet Blanket out of Debbie Bliss' Baby Knits book. I got some King Tut cotton from Knit Happens. I'm kind of nervous because it's chart knitting, something I've never done, but I'm not scared! Ok, maybe a little...but I'm not gonna let that stop me! I know I can do this, so what my kid might not get it until he starts high school?

Have you ever wondered what a day of yarn (and other) shopping does to a 4 year old?


I'll leave you with a pic of my boys...

...just because :o)

Thursday, April 07, 2005

I'm back from our spring break vacation! My BILs 'puter had a mind of it's own so not much online time but we did get to enjoy the spring weather when it wasn't raining~and even got some knitting done when it was wet outside.

I came back to a great little package from my haremail buddy and my books (finally) from Overstock.

I'll have pics tomorrow but right now I'm exhausted and about to hear who's getting fired from the Apprentice :o) Hope everyone is well! See you tomorrow!

Saturday, March 26, 2005

Happy Spring!


Ain't he cute?

Ok, so the chevron scarf is going a LOT slower than I'd like. Therefore, I knit and felted this little guy to send to my sister (along with some chocolate of course) to tide her over until her 'real' birthday gift.

We're leaving in the morning to drive to GA. I should be sleeping but I'm a bit wired. It's hard for me to get comfortable nowadays so I'm not looking foward to the car ride. However I did pack a few things to keep me busy....enough Debbie Bliss Merino DK for cozy and the Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino book and the baby cashmerino yarn so I can make the hooded striped top in blue and green.

Went to Woolwinders today with the boys and they had a blast! The owner handed my 6 year old some yarn and needles and he was just too thrilled! I showed him what to do and he is well on his way to his first scarf. He didn't even want to put it down to eat dinner, lol! This was my first time there and I was very impressed. Great selection and friendly service...two of my favorite things! I'll definitely be back :o)

Hopefully I'll get to update you all with my progress on my projects while we are gone, depends on my BILs computer. We shall see. Anyhow, have a great holiday and don't eat too much candy!

Monday, March 21, 2005

I need a hug.

*sigh*

I had to work this weekend (guard duty). On Saturday DH took the boys to a friend's house to hang out. When I got home it was nice and quiet, so I changed out of my uniform and put my feet up. Yay! Then he called and asked if I wanted pizza for dinner. Pizza? Yay! I decided to take a quick nap. Little did I know this was the calm before the storm.

The three of them bust through the door....DH is calling my name and pulling off his shirt, DS #1 is wearing clothes that he doesn't own, and DS #2 just looks confused...asking if he can have a piece of pizza.

Turns out DS #1 started vomiting, some of it projectile. This explains the tearing off of the clothing...he sprayed vomit all over the inside of the truck, including the back of poor DHs head and neck! So I get DS #1 out of his (borrowed) clothes and into the shower while DH cleans the vehicle. He spent the rest of the night puking...mostly on the carpet. Not sure what kids have against the toilet but hey. Yesterday he didn't eat much but seemed to be on the mend.

We put the boys down at about 8. At about 9.30 DS #2 is standing in our bedroom because he 'throwed up' in his bed. As we are cleaning that he's throwing up in the hallway. We finally stopped the puking/cleaning cycle at about midnight, only to start it this morning at about 5.30. Once again I clean up the bed and give him a little bucket with a plastic liner. I go downstairs to start a load of laundry and come back up to more puke...on the floor NEXT to the bucket.

Worst part about all this is I lent my mom our carpet shampooer and I can't find my can of Spot Shot ANYWHERE. Therefore, upstairs in my house smells like (well to my pregnant blood~hound nose anyways) smells like vomit. My friend is nice enough to lend me her machine so that's how I'll spend my afternoon. Well that and spraying everything down with Lysol!

Poor kids. This is the first time we've ever had to deal with any kind of stomach virus. DH (at midnight, LOL) was going through the refrigerator determined to find the culprit. He managed to throw out a bottle of juice and some chicken nuggets before I stopped him. He can't wrap his mind around the fact that it's most likely not anything they ate.

Knitting? Well I'm almost finished with my multidirectional scarf. I did most of it on Saturday night (after all the hoopla) while watching The Village. The chevron scarf is coming along, just not as fast as I need it to. We're going out of town on Saturday and I wanted to be done before then but I don't know. If push comes to shove I'll finish it in the car on the way, I will just have to find a spot at my BILs to block it.

I'm patiently waiting for my Overstock and Elann orders. Maybe today? I also have to finish getting my Operation Haremail package together so I can ship it before I leave. Last but not least I have some wool I want to dye (so it's dry and ready for winding when I get back) and fabric I want to make into a needle roll (so my needles don't get lost on out trip). Looks like I have a busy week ahead of me!

Thursday, March 17, 2005

Been Busy...

but not busy enough! I need to get moving on my sister's scarf. Her birthday is April 4th and I want to knit a little bag to put it in as well. So far...

not too bad, but I've got another 2 skeins after the two balls you see! I might not do the full 4 balls though, have to see how it goes.

One cool thing I did yesterday was make my own needles! I went to Lowe's armed with my needle sizer and bought some dowels. Then I came home, cut them, sanded them, and oiled them. Not sure if I wan't to seal them or not yet. Last night I got some sculpey to make some decorative ends.


I think I'm ready to work on my first sweater. I have some Jo Sharp mohair to make a wrap sweater but I think I'm going to try wool. I ordered some highland woolthis morning from Elann in Grand Canyon and Orange Brandy to make the Ribby Cardi from ChicKnits. I hope it's not too hard, lol! At least the yarn wasn't a huge investment in case I totally screw it up.

Well, off to work on my scarf....

Saturday, March 12, 2005

Mmmm...Koigu!

I cast on for the Chevron scarf today. I've heard that Koigu was pretty but I had no idea until I saw it in the flesh...or in the fiber. This stuff is awesome!!



I had issues with my Denise needles though. The cable was irritating me. I don't know if it's because the yarn is so light or what but I broke down and bought a couple sets of Bryspuns from Folk Art Studio this afternoon. Now after my needle buying and running over to a friend's to pick up some baby clothes I'm too tired to knit! I hope to make some real progress tomorrow.

The other thing I did today was join...



I love giving gifts, love getting 'em, and who doesn't love bunnies??