The Woman Who Says " Knit "

Well now, where have we been???

2009-01-05T11:09:00.003-06:00

Well, I'm back. Not sure how many people are going to be reading this again, but I'll try to get this updated every Wednesday when both beasts are at MDO.

My current knitting obsession has been with sweaters. I can't get enough. I'm on my 4th one since July. I've done the Central Park Hoodie, February Lady Sweater, Sweet Pea Coat, and I just casted on the Slouchy Cardigan. That's not counting DHs sweater and both the boys sweaters. I still have enough sweaters worth of Malabrigo, Goshen, Nature Cotton, and Southwick to stay busy for a long time. I'm also currently waiting on Commuknity to call me back so I can get another 3 sweater's worth of yarn at 40% off (the discount code isn't working). To pay for most of this stuff, I sold some books and yarn on Ravlery. Love my Ravelry folks so nice and in need of some good stuff!!

Socks have taken a step back. I guess once Spring/Summer gets here I'll be ready to pick up the DPNs again.

I'm knitting like crazy and have finished a GAZILLION things since I last posted.

Here is the link to my Ravelry page. I'll start posting pictures again since I'm blogging again.

What have I been up to???

Life is good the eldest beast is 4.5 and thinks he's 45. He talks down to us and treats us like freakin' idiots most of the time. I mean, the kid is bright, but the fact of the matter is that the sun is a STAR and not a PLANET. This was our last conversation that lasted 20 minutes, with him ending it w/ "Okay, mommy, if you think it's a star, then it's a star (insert eye roll here)"

The younger of my beasts is too funny. He's a monster toddler and is by far a force of nature that makes an F5 tornado look like a slight breeze! I've never seen destruction on this level from a child. I've heard rumors, but never experienced it until now. He's a mini-MacGyver and can get into anything he wants. The cat is in therapy from the abuse he's getting.

All in all they're strong willed, opininated, smart, and devilishy handsome. I'm in deep trouble b/c they both flash those baby blues at me and I totally melt. I mean who can stay mad at the two most beautiful boys in the world. . . . .. I complain about them b/c they're crazy, but I know that I was born to be their mommy. It's the best job I could have ever asked for (well ,most days!!! )

Always my personality!

2008-04-12T17:13:00.003-05:00

I was a Psy. major in college and took personality tests all the time. I have ALWAYS been an ENTJ. Even with motherhood and 35 years under my belt, I'm still a control freak who loves to judge!!! Seriously, I don't think I'm this evil . . wait, I am!!

You Are An ENTJ

The Executive

You are a natural leader - with confidence and strength that inspires others.

Driven to succeed, you are always looking for ways to gain, power, knowledge, and expertise.

Sometimes you aren't the most considerate person, especially to those who are a bit slow.

You are not easily intimidated - and you have a commanding, awe-inspiring presence.

In love, you hold high standards... for yourself, for your relationship, and for your significant other.

While it's easy for you to impress others, it's hard for you to find someone who impresses you.

At work, you are organized and good at delegating. You understand how to achieve goals.

You would make a great CEO, entrepreneur, or consultant.

How you see yourself: Rational, calm, and objective

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Inflexible, controlling, and overbearing

What's Your Personality Type?

It's been while

2008-04-03T20:29:00.003-05:00

since I posted my FOs!!

First, a little hat I did. I used a simple pattern and 3 colors of Hubro from Dale . . .I love this. I used Fibonacci numbers. I love that dude's thought process and applying it to knitting!!! It's for a little lady of 9. Knitty Lynn suggested the pompom and I think it's to die for!! Of course, the crazy almost 4 year old w/ hot pink toes (DH was NOT happy!!) had to model it for me.

Pattern: Wool Noggins by Marie Grace Smith

Yarn: Dale of Norway, Hubro

Needles: Size 10 Circulars

I also finished my Embossed Leaves in Prepster by Scout's Swag. I love the yarn. It's so tightly spun that it's a DREAM to knit with! I haven't had this much fun w/ socks in a while!!!

Pattern: Embossed Leaves by Mona Schmidt

Found in: Favorite Socks , 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave

Yarn: Scout's Swag, 100% Superwash Merino, Fingering

Needles: Size US 2 DPNs

I have a few more things, I've been working on that are coming along nicely. Once they're FOs, I'll be posting them too.

I have been stash enhancing a bit, but the camera needs batteries and it seems if I don't post about the new stuff, it doesn't really exist! Isn't that how it works??

Nothing like a long break to get people wondering!!!

2008-03-25T08:41:00.003-05:00

Just teasing on the title. I had no idea it had been 1.5months since I posted. I have been knitting like a mad woman as well as wrangling those two creatures of mine!!

S will be 4 in May and is slowly acting human again. He's signed up for LOTS of summer camps, yes he's way overscheduled!! He's still a great big brother and really loves his role.

E will be 6 months on the 1st. He's just a doll and sitting up. He thinks he's 2 or 3 already and gets very ANGRY when he realizes he can't run and jump w/ big brother!!

Easter was well, FREAKIN' AWFUL!!! We had over a foot of snow so we didn't leave the house for 3, count em' 3, days!!!! Everyone was stir crazy by Sunday so it didn't go well!

Of course the boys were thrilled by the Easter Bunny's gifts!!

As far as knitting goes, there's been lots of it!! I'll update soon.

My name is Cat and I'm a yarn addict . . .

2008-02-04T13:49:00.000-06:00

Hello Cat . . .

Okay, I have a problem, I know I do. Isn't that the first step to recovery?? I'm always eyeing the Destash/ In Search Of Forum on Ravelry. Do I need any yarn?? No, but what if the bestest most wonderfulness of yarn is listed .. .shouldn't I have a chance to get it?? Right???

everyone nod yes at the crazy lady

Well that's what I did folks!! Got 3 skeins of sock yarn: 2 Cherry Tree Hill and 1 of Scout's Swag.

Here they are!

They're all just beautiful. We're having craptastic weather here in SE Wisconsin, so the light didn't agree with me today. I can't wait to use the solid from CTH. I've never own a solid sock yarn (except black for DH) and can't wait to do a great lacey/patterned sock with this. I love the varigated, but I want to start really showing off the detail of the patterns with some solid yarns.

Then, Knitty Lynn, Jodi and I went to Loop. The best yarn shop in Milwaukee EVER!! We had some coffee, shopped, I got in trouble at home b/c I was about 45 minutes late, but it all was worth it. I've eyed the Misti International Hand Dyed Chunky for a while now and I had to cave. It's soft and gorgeous. I can't stop fondling my yarn (see above, I have a problem).

Then this yarn just kept calling to me at the store. Something about the colors just drew me in. I didn't even know what it felt like or who made it. It just had some great colors. Well, lucky me, it was Misti AGAIN!! Just thier 4ply worsted. Lovin' it!!

Outside of the the yarn purchases, I have been knitting!!! I'm almost half way done with my Big Bad Baby Blanket. It's the fourth one I've done so it's a very quick and easy knit for me. I'm using Blue Sky Cotton and I do love it. HOWEVER, as cotton does, my stitches are not being forgiven as much as they would have been in another yarn. There are DEFINITE tension changes in the blanket. It bugs me, but I think the yarn and color are so pretty that I'm hoping the mom won't notice too much. She's not a knitter, so I might be safe. Hopefully a good blocking and washing will do wonders for the blanket. The baby is due on the 14th so I hope to have it ready to send when we get word that Baby Matty is here!!!

The poncho that never was

2008-01-23T08:04:00.001-06:00

I wanted to make a poncho, but when it was brought up to knitting and non-knitting friends alike, I was taunted and teased. So with my tail tucked between my legs I put up the yarn, pattern and needles.

Fast forward 1 year. the Knitpicks Panache in Cloud was staring at me. Begging to be knit into something wonderful. So I decided to do something with it and give the yarn its day in the sun.

So out comes one of my pattern books, One Skein Wonders by Judith Durant. There was an adorable hat that was knit in 3 seperate directions called the Shepherd Bulky Rainbow Hat. It was a quick knit and looks adorable (if I do say so myself!). I even ventured to make some fingerless mittens to match from the same book. I'm stylin' in Wisconsin ridiculous winter!!

MAJOR Stash Enhancment

2008-01-19T16:31:00.001-06:00

I'm so excited about all my new yarn!! A small LYS is closing it's doors and going strictly internet so she decided to sell what was in the store at 50% off!! Yep 50%off of EVERYTHING freakin' thing.

So on Saturday, in 4 below zero weather, Starbucks new Skinny Latte in hand, and a 3 month old wrapped up from head to toe, I headed to The Pepper Tree. She had some great yarn left that just screamed PROJECTS to me!!!

So here it goes:

Cascade Superwash for striped hat/mittens for S (2 in both Red and Black)

Berroco Touche for a striped sweater for E for Winter 2008/09 (3 Ivory, 6 blue)

Queensland Collection's Kathmandu Aran (4 balls) for a hat/gloves/scarf for DH:

A sweater for myself in Cascade 220 - Heathers (6 Hanks)

Now some random yarn-yummniess just because I loved the way this looked!!

Patagonia Nature Cotton (2 in blue)

Cascade Baby Alpaca Chunky (2 pink, 1 mauve)

Elsebeth Lavold's Angora (2 in Misty Blue)

Cascade 220 (1skein)

All of this wonderful non-sock yarn for under $200!!! Close but under that amount!!! I can't believe what a deal. I'm glad I got good solid yarns b/c if it takes 3 years to knit up I'll still like the stuff. It won't be for just a fad I'm on!!!!

I also got 7 skeins of Blue Sky Dyed Cotton for DH's B-school buddy's baby. I'll be doign another Big Bad Baby Blanket. It's in the color Sky which is heavenly!!! Ordered it from WEBS. I've been very happy with them so far. The bulk discount ROCKS!!!

I also order Goshen from WEBS for the El Sol Pullover from Interweave Knits Winter edition! I'm boring and got VERY basic colors!! I wanted to do something a bit more adventureous, but couldn't do it.

So that's it for a long time. STITCHES Midwest is in August and I can't wait. I'll be adding to my lovely collection in August!

I'm Angora

2008-01-14T18:13:00.001-06:00

Angora – Soft and warm“Angora has a warmth that rivals cashmere and softness that rivals qiviut. Best of all, it comes from cute little bunnies that look for all the world like furry footstools with ears.” –The Knitter’s Book of Yarn

Angoras are eager to please and are highly sensitive. Flexibility and adaptability are your strengths and sometimes your weakness, as well. You are essentially a warm and feeling person, and little escapes your impressionable mind. You are generous with others and strive for harmony in your relationships.

What are you??? http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/pottercraftnews/fiberquiz/index.html

I'm one happy Monkey mama!!!

2008-01-10T12:21:00.000-06:00

The Monkeys are finished and I've worn them all day today!! I love these socks and can't wait to start a new pair!! Pattern: Monkey Sock by Cookie A (from Knitty)

Yarn: BMFA - Socks that Rock - Lightweight

Colorway : SpaceDust

Needles: US Size 2 DPNs

So what's next?? I've joined 2 groups on Ravelry that I'm really hoping to get very involved with this year. First is the Sock a Month 5 KAL and next is the 2008 Mission Possible group. Both groups are going to help me decrese my stash before I hit Stitches Midwest this year. I need some room in my closet!!

The SAM5 KAL is really laid back and has 250 members. I need to post there today and show off my socks!!

The 2008 Mission Possible group is the brainchild of Jen-La. Basically, you pick 12 items you want to complete in 2008 w/ your current stash or UFOs. If on December 31st you haven't completed all of them, you need to donate the yarn. This'll help me get a few things of the needles that have been waiting patiently to be finished!

Next on the list is the Big Bad Baby Blanket for a friend of DHs. I'm going to use Blue Sky Dyed Cotton in Sky. I ordered from WEBS. I've been happy with them so far. I'm doing the Shepherd Bulky Hat from One Skein Wonders in Knitpicks Panache until the Blue Sky gets here. If I have time, I want to do mittens to match. I need to knit now that the baby is on a schedule, I hate sitting idle!!

Knitting will be a priority of mine in 2008. It makes me so relaxed to sit and watch my boys play together while I knit. They're the most peaceful times I have these days. As I type this S is reading E a picture book. E is laughing his head off. Truly a great time . . . .

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-03T18:59:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year! We stayed at home and went to bed at 10pm!!

I'm almost finished my Monkeys!!! It's such a kick-ass pattern! My DH said it looked complicated and he was very impressed. I also need to take pictures of The Beast in Felix. He looks so great in it. It fit so well on him. My camera is at my friend Kelly's house. Her daughter turned 3 last week and I wanted to document the tourture that S and Lauren inflict on each other. Of course, I forget it when we left.

So I usually try to think about everything I want to do in the new year. This year I'm going to go with the flow. I have no agendas, no yarn clubs, nothing. I'm going to knit what tickles my fancy and leave it at that. I did join the 2008 Sock of the Month KAL, but that is a low pressure thingy. DH on the other hand is all about hand knits for him this year. He's never really shown an interest . . . I have no idea what changed! He wants socks, a fancy alpaca sweater ( I bought the yarn at Stitches), a Felix ( of course in the same yarn which'll be over $100), and a felted bag for his golf shoes!!! He might be getting a how to knit book for his bday next month.

Anyway, pictures soon!!

Happy Holidays from the frozen tundra!!

2007-12-27T12:13:00.000-06:00

I can't believe this year is almost over b/c it's gone by so fast and SO many things have happened to us as a family. First and most important . . .E was concieved and born this year. I'm still in awe at his adorable-ness (is that a word?) He's eating like a champ and is tipping the scales at 15lbs at 11wks!!! He's a big little boy! Here's the best smile ever (I'm a bit bias!!)He's a talker like his brother and loves to watch big bro play. I also can't get over the fac that at 11wks, he's laughing out loud. It's the sweetest sound I've ever heard. He laughs at S so much that he starts to hiccup. I love it when they play together and S really plays with E!! Being the mom two boys is the most fulfilling role I've ever had.

I've been knitting a lot thanks to a semi-established nap schedule! I'm a mom that lets the baby determine the feedings and naps, so my knitting has suffered a bit. Of course if he didn't sleep and eat like a champ, I might be a bit more strict on the sleep schedule.

So one Monkey is finished! I love SpaceDust. It's the most beautiful colorway. I can't get over how lovely it is in the Monkey pattern. I'm about 25% done with sock #2. I luckily don't suffer from SSS b/c I love the sock too much not to have a pair. I'm currently wearing my Solstice Slip from Rockin' Sock Club. It is the most comfortable thing I've ever had on my feet. As a fairly new sock knitter, I never realized how fantastic handknit socks are!! I'm sold . . . .

Now, Felix is finally done and S is just itching to wear it. I blocked it on Christmas day and it's currently rack drying. I let it go to about 75% dry and then threw it on the rack b/c S is starting to bug me about wearing it. Of course the 6inches of snow we're due today will keep us indoors for many days. I'm hoping he can wear it at some point this weekend. I want to take pictures of it on him. I think his loggerhead might be growing since I started it in August and I'm afraid that E will get the most wear. E might be in the 95th percentile for weight, but his head is only 59th!!! He's got the tiny head and buddha belly where S has the skinny body and HUGE freakin' head!!! So opposite in every way!!

Here's the Felix blocking:

Let the blogging begin . . . again

2007-12-05T16:52:00.000-06:00

Okay, we're here! All of us! The 3.5 year old who just might be posted on Ebay, the 9wk old that has just stolen my heart (check back when he's 3), and me!! We're braving the winter months in Wisconsin. I hate them. . .. We have about 5 inches on the ground and it's 15 degrees right now. Humans should not be made to live in a place like this!

I've been knitting off and on for the last 9 weeks. A few rows on the Chevron, seaming a few things on Felix and doing a few rows of E's new blanket. Nothing has been really floating my boat . . . until now!

I casted on Monkeys with Space Dust from Socks That Rock! I'm totally in love and can't wait to get these socks finished!!!! I can't get over the colorway. It's prue heaven to look at. I really am very shocked and impressed it looks this good. I need to get my butt in gear and get a few pictures up.

I also wanted to share a pic of my newest little man. I'm so in love it's crazy!!!! He's a chunky monkey compared to big brother! He's been in 3-6 mo clothes and size 2 diapers for almost a month now!!!! HUGE compared to S! S is smittened and gentle as a lamb with his baby brother. It's just me and DH that get abused (you need to see my fat lip!!). Is there a law against Offspring Abuse???

E is sleeping like a champ. He goes down around 9:30 and wakes around 4:30. Then it's back to bed for a few hours. Of course the slew of snowblowers that get kicked on at 6am in our neighborhood isn't allowing anyone to sleep past 6-6:15!!

Still here and Still Knitting

2007-10-29T08:26:00.000-05:00

Well, life has settled a bit now that E is 4 weeks old. The grandmothers are gone and today is my first day with the newborn and preschooler. So far so good, but they've only been up for 1.5 hours!!!

I finally finished my MILs Cabled Bag at 6am Saturday. No pictures b/c she was walking out the door to the airport as I finished it!! Now it's on to the Felix sweater! I have everything done except the seaming!!!

My early arrival!!

2007-10-06T18:48:00.000-05:00

Well, there's another little man in my house to knit for!! E was born on October 1st at 5:33pm. Labor was so much easier this time. With S it took 4 days b/c I was induced so I guess anything would be easier!!

The low down . . .Around 2:30am 10/1 I rolled over and my water broke. I got DH up, we got the last few things together for my hospital bag, called the OB and doula, headed to the hospital. When we got there and all checked in I was only 1cm and 60% efaced. I chose to labor on my own for a few hours. At 10am I was still 1cm. The doc said Pitocin, I was okay with that, but wanted just a little more time. So finally at noon, I was STILL 1cm. We got the pitocin drip going. I labor with DH and the doula until 4pm when I just couldn't take the contractions any more. My knees were buckling.

The drug man came in around 4:30pm and I got the epi. He did a great job. I was able to freely move my legs and lower torso, but only felt strong pressure. At 4:35pm I was at 6cm so the pain med free labor from noon-4:30 really helped!!! My OB was called and he arrived around 5pm. I was fully dilated by then. My BP was running high all labor so they gave me something to bring it down. Once I got a normal reading (5:15pm) I started to push.

E was born at 5:33pm!!

He's gorgeous and we are SO in love. S is doing okay. Not great, but he'll adjust. My mom arrived today to help us out over the next few weeks!!

I'll be knitting soon, but until then, I'll be with my newest man!!!

Wow!! It's been too long!

2007-09-21T12:30:00.000-05:00

I honestly thought on a few days went by since my last post . . NOPE!! Too much time.

Not much is going on, S started 3K on the 11th. He was THRILLED and is settling into a new routine. He is gone 5 hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I'll tell you 10 hours a week to be totally alone is just unbelieveable. I only have another 4-6 class days before E arrives and my time is once again taken with another little man. That's right only 18 days until my due date. How did 9 months go by so fast???

As for knitting . . . lots of starting . . .not much finishing. I did love the Chevron Scarf, but put it in my hospital bag b/c I was going to fast on it. I want it to be with me during labor. I hope to finish it while in the hospital. So that's packed away.

Then I started Mirabella Socks in Socks that Rock Silkie (colorway: Foo-Foo). I love the pattern and color, they're both so girly. The only problem is that my hands are swollen and holding size 1 or even 2 needles is just too hard. Those had to go away for a while!

Low and behold, a co-worker of DHs had a baby. The two boys are close, I've only met the wife once. Perfect. Baby project, easy, big needles . . . a blanket!!! So I ran and go some decent acrylic (yes, I did say acrylic) and decided to do a Fibonacci Baby Blanket in some really neutral colors (taupe, dark taupe and cream). They're not *baby* people so I think a pink blanket woudl have been too much. Got my 10s out and started knitting a 30x40 blanket. I did about 3 stripes and realized that I REALLY liked the blanket, more than I thought I would!! It's so pretty and calm!

E's getting it. No way I can give this away. It's too pretty. S is getting a navy blanket I was working on for E. It's in Cotton Fleece. . . . . now what to do . . . my two boys are both getting new blankets, but this new little girl needs SOMETHING!!

Baby hat. That's the ticket!!!! I can do 2-3 quick baby hats from Knitting Rules and give them to them next week. I'll even add a cute embellishment to one of them to show some extra work!! Well, did one in 2 days. and it's so pretty. I just love Encore Colorspun. The shading looks like a yummy ice cream cone and it really just blends together beautifully.

Pattern: Basic Hat Recipe (large newborn size) Stephanie Pearl-Mcphee

Yarn: Encore Colorspun Worsted

Needles: US7 DPNs Bamboo

Not knitting, but too sweet not to share

2007-09-09T18:43:00.000-05:00

S and I had the *Belly Shots* today. I love this one b/c it's so him.. He's excited to be a big brother. This picture has me tearing up every time I look at it.

***I totally love Portrait Innovations. They're a chain and FANTASTIC!!!!!

We were on a break . . . .

2007-09-07T19:08:00.000-05:00

Felix and me . . . . I cheated on him. He's sitting patiently on the chair in the bedroom and I've been frolicking around town with someone new . . . the Chevron Scarf. She's beautiful, a real winner. No problems, colorful, a real doll. We're having a blast together. I'm still trying to work out my issues with Felix and his neck line. I'm sure in a few days, we'll be back together again!

Here's my newest project. I'm thinking it'll be done in the next week or so. It's FAST and I love it:

Pattern: Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts

Yarns: Silkie by Blue Moon Fiber Arts in Wild Tide (2007 Rockin' Sock club colorway) and Sherbert

Needles: Size 5 Circs - Addi Turbos

Knitting standstill . . .

2007-09-04T12:53:00.000-05:00

Friggin', frackin', freakin' Felix sweater . . . . .

Why have I been absent for almost 2 weeks. . . . not pregnancy, not the 3 year old, not the summer weather . . the FELIX!!

The neck band just won't work. Now I admit, my child has a HUGE head. Always in the 90th or higher percentile. Add that to a 12th percentile body weight and 87th percentile height, he's shaped funny. Honestly his head doesn't look so big compared to the rest of him, but clothes sure to tell a different story.

Without the neck band, the sweater is a PERFECT fit!! Looks good and drapes beautifully. The neck band SUCKS. I've made it 6 ways to Sunday and it always ends up too tight. I've done larger needles, less rows, different stitch pattens. I've done the neck band about 7 times so far. Nothing is working.

I'm mad and have nothing cheery and positive to say so I've been avoiding blogland!!

I decided to go ahead and take the sweater apart and frog a few rows of the front and back to make that neckhole bigger. That *might* give me enough space to do the black neckband and have it fit Logger Head!!! =)

Updates soon . . .

Contest to check out!

2007-08-23T17:20:00.001-05:00

Rachel over at Yarn Over is having a Blogiversary Contest!! She's giving away some beautiful stitch markers in honor of her 1st Blogiversary!! Check it out!!!!

Felix . . not too shabby!

2007-08-21T19:02:00.000-05:00

I'm about 70% done with Felix. Not too shabby actually. I think it's going to turn out to be a great sweater for S. He should fit nicely into it for 3K this year. Not sure if I'll allow him to wear it to school. It might only be for days with Mom & Dad so I can monitor what ends up on it!!!

The Svale is knitting up wonderfully after looking back 3-4 rows, but the actual motion of making a stitch sucks. It splits worse than any other yarn I've used, even the cheap stuff! I'm very disappointed in the yarn itself although one can't ignore how pretty it knits up. I just hope that it has some good structure to it. I can see S brushing up against something that's not 100% smooth and getting a nasty pull in the sweater.

Only time will tell. I'm on track to finish next week. I'm making one adjustment to the pattern since Knitty Lynn recommended it. I think it'll be great. I'm going to make the collar black instead of the main Oatmeal color. So I'm done with the front and back piece and 50% done with 1 sleeve. So I think I can finish the 1st sleeve tonight. Then I have Thursday with the girls so I can get most of sleeve 2 done. So we'll see.

The next project is my Labor Project . . .the Chevron Scarf. I'll start it and hopefully finish it as Baby E is making his way into the world. My hypnotherapist/doula thinks I'm hilarious for using knitting as part of my relaxation/no meds path to delivering little man. Little does she know that knitting is my Nirvana!! My Chevron Scarf and a little ocean wave music, the baby will just pop right out!!!

Rockin' Girl Bloggers

2007-08-15T07:27:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Lynn for making me a Rockin' Girl Blogger!! She's the main reason I turned to the dark side (knitting!). There are 5 victims . . . um, I mean bloggers that I'm going to send emails too. All these folks have great sites b/c they're funny, wonderfully skilled knitters, and many are moms like me!!!

Here's my list of my Rockin' Girl Bloggers!!!!

Wendy at Knit and Tonic

Michelle at Michelle Can Knit

AJ at Down with the Knitty Gritty

Smariek Knits

Curly Purly

Stitches Recap! - LOTS of Pictures

2007-08-14T09:24:00.000-05:00

Stitches is the best thing in the whole world. That is my professional opinion!!!!!

We had a great time! I took two 3 hour classes. One on Fair Isle knitting and the other on the Joy of Finishing. I'm hooked on Fair Isle and already have identified a hat/scarf pattern I love. I feel more confident in my finishing now for sweaters. I can't wait to finish S's sweater to use the new techniques I learned!!!

So what did I buy . . too freakin' much. A bunch of sock yarn, yarn for a purse, alpaca for a sweater for DH, and a few patterns!! I'm in love with Stitches and I won't ever miss one again!! I've already started saving for next year!!!!

Here's the lowdown!!

I'm searching for just the right patterns for these 2! I love the Foo-Foo so much. I can't wait to use it. The Space Dust is gorgeous!!! I'm so excited about these two yarns!!!

Foo-Foo - BMFA Silkie

Space Dust - BMFA Lightweight

I'm using this new STR in Silkie - Sherbert along with my Wild Tide from the Sock Club to make the Chevron Scarf.

Next I got some wonderful sock yarn from Tess' Designer Yarns. Look at these colors!!!

Then I got some Regia to make S a pair of socks. I made him some last year that were BAD, I want him to have mommy's newest refined skills!!

Then there's 2600 yards of undyed Alpaca for sweater for R. He was very excited about the yarn!!!

Finally, some Black Water Abbey Yarn for a beautiful Cable purse. I got the pattern there too!! The color is Quartz!! Look how beautiful it is!!!!

Finally a sock pattern!!

I could have bought more and more, but I swore that I wouldn't use the debit card. I held firm!!!!

I'm waiting on pictures from the girls to show you the crazy folks I hang out with! We stayed at the Embassy Suites for free on Hilton Points. There were 2 beds, a pull-out and 2 air mattresses for the 5 of us. 3 knitters, 1 scraper/knitter and 1 die hard non-knitter. We arrived on Friday afternoon. Non-knitter spent the afternoon at the Sofitel Hotel Bar. The Scraper/Knitter took an hour class, and us die hards hit the Market. That night we ordered Gino East pizza!!! Saturday, the Die Hards were up early and took classes in the morning, had lunch and hit the Market AGAIN!!! The other 2 gals hit Old Orchard Mall. That night we went to Tuscany in Wheeling, IL. A delightful and FUNNY time. Sunday we took classes again and the other 2 left for Wisconsin.

All in all, I had the best time and the entire weekend exceeded my expectations. I can't wait for another girls' weekend and Stitches! It's in Schamburg next year . . . wonder how early I can make hotel reservations!!!!

Guess who got the invite!!??!!

2007-08-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Got my Ravelry invite on Thursday night!! S and I had a BAD day due to some pooping/potty issues (him, not me!!LOL) and it was a delight to log onto Ravelry after such a long day!!

I've put a few of my favorite Podcast-ers as my friends to keep up with them. I need to add more people, so please share your Raverly Names and let's start sharing.

My name is: CatSaysKnit

I did have enough room to put my whole title!! =(

I'm so excited to get started on Ravelry.

Oh, STITCHES update VERY soon!!!!

State Fair = Yummy Yarn Dreams

2007-08-09T13:12:00.000-05:00

We hit the WI State Fair yesterday. Little S and I are such city folk it's not even funny. From the smell of the livestock to the poopy on the floor S and I were just mesmerized. Kelly and Jodi kept laughing at us. S wouldn't get out of his stroller b/c of the poop. I was so worried about my stroller wheels. Yes, they got the poop, but I'll clean it off later today.

Anyway, all of that went away when I saw the bunny house. . . MUST FIND ANGORAS.

Well I did and saw this little guy giving me his fur. I could knit something magical up with this guy. He was so purrty!!!! I was disappointed though. There were only 3 Angora Rabbits entered. What is wrong with these people . . .they are the prettiest little bunnies!!!!

PS . . .only 66 people in front of me on Ravelry!!! WOOHOO!!!!

So Close now . . .

2007-08-04T12:53:00.003-05:00

Hopefully I'll have my invite when I get home from STITCHES. That way I can post all my new yarn!!!!

Found you!
You signed up on June 11, 2007
You are #8286 on the list.
598 people are ahead of you in line.
14426 people are behind you in line.
33% of the list has been invited so far

Casted On Felix from Rowan Jr.

2007-08-03T21:33:00.000-05:00

I casted on S's sweater just Wednesday and I'm already working on the armhole shaping. It's going VERY fast. I'm using Dale of Norway Svale and I'm holding back judgement for a little while on this one. Not sure I like it right now. I'm using my Addi Turbos so it's a little easier to work with then if I were using bamboo needles. I'll give my final review at a later date!

The pattern is Felix from Rowan Junior.

I'm using a beautiful "oatmeal-y" for the main color and black for the ribbing bottom. I think it's going to be wonderful. I just hope the yarn holds up. I've read reviews and Svale is supposed to be good for children's clothes . . . . Like I said, I won't make any comments just yet!

This is what I had at 4pm this afternoon. I'm almost done the armhole shaping and it's the same night. It's a really fast knit!

*** The color is VERY true in the bottom photo!

A statistical look at my life . . ..

2007-08-01T07:45:00.001-05:00

Only 8 days until Stitches Midwest starts!!! I can't wait 9 days until I get there! My friend Kelly, who is a non-knitter has agreed to go straight to the yarn market with me and veg out. She'll read her new People Magazine and wait for me!!! True friendship!!!!

And as for Ravelry . . .

You signed up on June 11, 2007
You are #8286 on the list.
816 people are ahead of you in line.
13627 people are behind you in line.
33% of the list has been invited so far

Yeah, I'm so close now!!!!! Knitty Lynn gave me a sneak peek and I'm hooked!!

For some reason I can't get the theme song to The Jefferson's out of my head!!!!! Does that age me???

2 FOs!!!!

2007-07-28T13:34:00.000-05:00

Yeah! 2 FOs in 2 weeks! I'm on fire!!!
First, my I present the Solstice Slip from Rockin' Sock Club:

Then the Lion Brand Baby Kimono in Patagonia Nature Cotton. The little Miss it was made for should be making an appearance on Monday!!! Her mom already recieved this so I can't wait to see a picture come November or December!

Up Next . . . Stitches Homework, MIL's cabled purse, S's Big Boy Sweater!

Preschooler Yarn Love

2007-07-27T15:04:00.000-05:00

Most days, I use the mantra, "It's just a phase, It's just a phase" to get me through the age of 3. It's been hard. My usually sweet agreeable little boy turned into a raging lunatic the morning of his 3rd birthday. Did aliens replace my son? We have no idea, but time-outs are a common thing in my household. The majority of days are pretty good. We laugh, cuddle, eat out a lot, and even got to playgroups with other crazy 2 & 3 year olds. The bad days however, are REALLY, REALLY bad.

I love this kid more than anything and feel my role in life is to be his mommy. No matter how much he drives me batty, there is always that one thing that tugs at my heart and makes me melt. We had one of those days on Tuesday. . .

S: Mama, what's this?

Me: That's some yarn that mommy didn't get to color at her yarn coloring party?

S: How do you color it?

Me: Just some water and paint, then you get to cook it in the microwave.

S: Do you have paint??

Me: I have some left somewhere

S: Can we make the yarn pretty?

Heart melted right there. My son wanted to dye yarn with me. I picked him up in such a maternal glow that he commented on how happy I looked! Who wouldn't be?? My son wanted to dye yarn!!!!

I got out some Kool-aid I had left over from a party and I let him pick the colors. He picked Cherry, Tropical punch and Grape. The first 2 look the same, but I didn't care! We dyed the yarn in Mason jars and popped it in the mircowave.

S threw out so many ohhs and ahhs at the pretty colors I felt like I was painting the Sistine Chapel. Here we were doing something together and it was SO much fun!!! This is what we came up with! It's not much to look at, but I can't wait to make a pair of socks with this. They won't be the prettiest I've made, but they'll be the most special I'll ever have!!!

New Camera, New sock

2007-07-17T18:33:00.001-05:00

I'm done! I'm done!!! Here is the first sock I've EVER completed from the Rockin' Sock club!!! I love it! I can't wait to cast on #2 tonight!! Please ignore the newly seeded grass area! We had the patio built last fall and they tore up my yard!!!

So I looked myself up on Ravelry!! Here are my stats:

You signed up on June 11, 2007
You are #8286 on the list.
2347 people are ahead of you in line.
9578 people are behind you in line.
32% of the list has been invited so far

Camera Lost

2007-07-15T09:32:00.000-05:00

I can't find my camera. I took it away from my crazy child last week and now I don't know where I hid it. I swear a safe place in this house is safe from all children, adults, and furry creatures!!! Maybe the cat can find it!!! UGH!!

I was so excited to share a picture on Solstice Slip! I finished one! It looks so pretty if I do say so myself. Also, I just need to put he handles on my MILs bag.

Maybe I can convince DH to just buy a new one today. We need a new one anyway. Our camera is almost 4 years old!!!

STITCHES Confirmation this weekend!!

2007-07-09T18:16:00.001-05:00

I GOT MY STITCHES CONFIRMATION IN THE MAIL!!!!!!

WOOHOO!!! I'm so freakin' excited I can barely contain myself. I'm trying to convince DH to come hom early on Friday so I can go to the market on Friday afternoon. The coolest thing is that I'm making it a girls weekend. Knitty Lynn and Jodi are going to STITCHES too for the weekend. I've also convinced a couple of friends (some knitting folk, some not) to come too!! We are staying free in a Hilton Hotel courtsey of my Hilton Honor Points!! All that fun for minimum cost in Chicago! I miss living there so dinner in the city will just make the weekend!!!

So we all have homework and need to get started soon!! I'll be 8months pregnant, but who care??? I've been saving my change since last September so I'll be able to increase my stash sizeably. DH is less than thrilled on that one!!! TOUGH!!!! =)

Almost perfect in Wisconsin

2007-07-06T14:13:00.000-05:00

I say almost b/c we all know that there is a thing or two we'd like to change about the weather, our house, our lives, etc. We're enjoying life right now with a few snags, the biggest being a 3 year old that is terrorizing me on a daily basis!! =) We're having some "baby on the way" issues.

At 26wks with Baby E, big brother can't ignore mommy's tummy, the gifts that are arriving or the shirt that jumps when I'm sitting with him. It's been hard, but I keep telling him that mommy is knitting for him once her socks are finished.

I even gave him 3 patterns to choose from. He liked this pattern from Rowan Junior the best. It's called Jack. Of course S wanted to know if the little boy in the picture's name is Jack. So funny and typical of a 3 year old!!! It'll be done in Svale from Dale of Norway in Taupe. It looks basically like an Oatmeal Gray and I love love love it!!!!

Now for more good knitting news!! I LOVE knitting Summer Solstice Slipup from my June Socks that Rock shipment!!! YEAH!!!! I'm so happy. The pattern came toe-up or cuff down. I chose toe-up b/c I really never tried it before. I LOVE TO KNIT TOE-UP!! Be it known that from now on this woman that knits will only be looking for toe-up patterns!! It's been on the needles for less than a week and I'm almost done my 1st sock!! This is HUGE for me considering it took almost a month to knit my aunt a pair of BORING socks a few months ago!

I'm going to make the socks a bit longer than the pattern calls for. Knitty Lynn convinced me to get a kitchen scale to weigh my yarn. I started with 122 grams so each sock will be close to 60grams each! This way I won't run out of yarn. Here's my progress so far:

Finally, some non-knitting eye candy for Friday. I took this picture of S this weekend. I thought I got his whole face, but ended up with his beautiful blue eyes. Can you tell he's full of the devil???

Random Thoughts on a Lazy Friday

2007-06-22T14:34:00.000-05:00

My child is asleep in his big bed. It's a beautiful pillow top Serta Full mattress that we spent an obsence amount on. I can't believe how much money mattresses cost. DH and I bought ours back in 2000 so it's been a while except for S's crib mattress! I'm thrilled he is sleeping b/c a cranky 3 year old is enough to make me want to poke a knitting needle in my eye some days!! Of course nearing the end of my 2nd trimester *might* have me a little impatient lately.

So I have time to update now! I have to admit, I've been bitten by the podcast bug. I have 2 that I'm listening to on a regular basis now. Cast-On and Craft Lit. Both are just fantastic. Brenda on Cast-On is lively hysterical and has a great easy going manner that just relaxes you. The time passes so quickly as I listen. Craft-Lit is hosted by a women who knits AND taught English! She chooses a non-copyrighted book (1st book is Pride and Prejudice) and it's read to you, she discusses it and then you talk about knitting!! It can't get any better than that!!!

I'm trying to get into more podcasts, but 2 is all I can handle right now. I'm sure there will be lots of sleepless nights in October that will call for a podcast or 2!!

So I have been knitting while listening to podcasts. First, the bear's replacement turned out to be an adorable and quick little blanket I knit with 3 different yarns, not from stash. I had to hit the store. It's quite thick and definitely too hot for the Texas summer. I'm going to tell the mother to use it as a Lay-Upon blanket instead of a covering one! It's nice and cushy. I'm sure little Iris will love it.

Second, I just finished the BallBan Washrag from Mason-Dixon Knitting. I have a friend in Michigan who just got divorced (which is good for her) and she's now in an apartment with her two kids. I wanted to spruce up the usually boring white walls for her and give her something girly that she could enjoy looking at as she washed her dishes!! So I had this obnoxiously bright yarn in my stash and have done one washcloth. I'm going to do 2 more solid colors and then pack them up and send them off to her!! I hope she really enjoys them.

My darling little S will be getting an adorable sweater this year for winter. Lynn at Knots in a Row saw this pattern and suggested it. It's fantastic and I can't wait to get the pattern. I've had the yarn for a year now and need to use it! Here is a picture from Classic Elite Yarns in there Puddlejumper pattern book.

Finally, we got our June Rockin' Sock Club shipment. I'm not going to spoil it just yet, but the pattern AND yarn are very much my style! I'm going to knit myself a "Get this baby out" pair of socks for my labor and delivery. I thought it'd be cool to have a pair of handknitted socks as we bring baby into the world!

The Bear is dead . .

2007-06-12T20:51:00.000-05:00

I repeat the bear is dead. . . I just couldn't do it any more!! Too many little things needing stitching and stuffing!! I think it's pregnancy getting in the way. So . . . the little lady will be getting a mini version of the Patons afghan I made for DH.

Farewell little bear . .. .

SPRING!!!

2007-05-29T15:04:00.000-05:00

I LOVE SPRING!!! It's such a wonderful time of year here in Wisconsin. Everything is blooming, my allergies are raging, and my son is the happiest little kid around b/c he can get outside!!!

So it's been 3+weeks since posting. I'm awful at this stuff lately. Maybe it's my preggo brain . . . what is that you said?? Preggo brain. Yes, I'm pregnant again!!!! I'm over half way done and finally announcing it. All those progesterone shots helped me stay pregnant after for trying for a year. We're due in October and I'm over the moon. Now we're going to have to spend lots of time getting the guest room ready for a permanent resident!! If I could only figure out what to knit!!!

Another reason I've been a slacker is getting the handsome King of the House ready to be a ring bearer in my cousin in law's wedding. It was an undertaking finding a tux that fit a skinny 3 year old. He just turned 3 this month and is going on 30! After 3 tries and 2 overnight boxes to Hartwell, GA, we finally had a tux that fit. So without further adieu, here is the most handsome guy in the world looking dashing as ever!! Of course, my DH had the camera while I went back to the hotel room to get dressed. Did he get ANY pictures of his son posing in the tux!!!!???!! NO. . .men, I swear!!

So I obviously finished the garter and handed it off. She loved it and looked gorgeous!! I also finished knitting my MILs Knitpicks bag, I have arms and legs for the teddy bear, and the last sleeve for the kimono. I have all intentions of finishing the knitting and then taking next week to complete all the projects! We'll see if that really happens!!!

Spring is here!!!

2007-05-11T14:04:00.000-05:00

Well, spring has sprung in good 'ol Wisconsin! I'm so happy. We've been spending lots of time on our patio that is brand spanking new. We had a playgroup yesterday. Moms and kids had a great time so I know this will be a wonderful summer!

I will confess, I still haven't done anything with my Sock Club stuff. I just can't get into it. The February kit didn't contain yarn I got excited about. The April kit has GORGEOUS yarn, but the pattern doesn't float my boat. I'm looking at my wonderful binder with 2 of 6 fantastic patterns and yarn wondering if I screwed myself out of $210 since I haven't gotten into the knitting yet. Only time will tell. maybe I can do a piecemeal scarf in December to celebrate the 2007 Rockin' Sock club!!

I have been knitting, like a fool though! 3 projects on the needles at once!! Not at all like me.

First the wedding garter is finished. It didn't turn out exactly like I planned. I thought Fixation would be more stretchy. I'll have to basically sew her into the garter, so it doesn't slip. I have some wonderful blown glass beads to add this weekend and a charm I found that I think will really add to the whole thing!

Pattern: Ruffled Wedding Garter

Yarn: Cascade Fixation in White

Needles: Size 4 dpns

Other: glass beads, organza ribbon, jewelry charms

Next it's a Cotton Kimono for a new little addition to a friend's family. I can't put too much b/c she'll figure it out. It's a wonderful Lion Brand pattern and with some Patagonia Cotton from my stash it really took off. First, what a wonderful yarn to knit with. I'm in heaven using this yarn. I still have a tie and a sleeve to go, but it knitted up in a weekend. Not too much trouble at all. I did cotton since they live in hot weather, so anything except cotton would have made the baby sweat!! I should be finished this weekend! Seriously this yarn totally rocks!!!

Finally, another friend is having a baby and I'm doing a teddy bear!! It's from Simply Baby by Debbie Bliss. I'm using some Oatmeal Wool-Ease from stash too. I'm so proud. I need to make room for the STR yarn!!! It's my first attempt at toys so it's interesting. There are a few new techniques I'm learning because of the different shaping requirements. The pattern is easy, but I have to read things a few times to really get a good sense of it.

So far I have one side of the body done and I just started the head! I can't wait until it's done!!

Finally a FO!!!

2007-04-24T08:56:00.000-05:00

WOOHOOO!!! I'm so excited to actually finish something for the first time in FOREVER!!!

Kelly's purse is finished and delivered! She really seems to like it and that gives me all the warm fuzzies in the world! I really do enjoy knitting for others. I like having it for myself, but the smile and the sparkle in someone's eyes really just makes knitting my "thing".

The bag is adorable. I highly recommend it for a quick gift. MIL is getting one. She loved Kelly's, but wants a black or dark brown. I think I'll do dark brown b/c it'll look great with the bamboo handles!

Pattern: Knitpicks Chunky Cable Purse

Needles: Size 13 16' circulars (Addi Turbos of course!!)

Yarn: Dale of Norway Hubro

Others: Silver snaps and handle hinges, 9x9x3 canvas bag for lining, bamboo handles

No changes to pattern!

I have been working and about 90% finished with the wedding garter. The bride is about my size and it's to freakin' big!! I must swatch differently than I knit. It the only want to explain why my swatches are to gauge and most of my knitting isn't. I'm having a HUGE problem with my sock o' the month from February for just that reason. It's driving me CRAZY!!

Speaking of Socks that Rock . . . it's SSSSSLLLLLOOOWWWW going for me. I've been working on it (not everyday, but enough) and I'm still only on the foot of the FIRST sock! I'll be knitting with my 2007 kits well into 2009!!!!

A sock on vacation!!

2007-04-16T16:04:00.000-05:00

We're back from Key West! I have to highly recommend Sunset Key Cottages by Westin for your next family vacation!! Private island, family fun, full kitchen, 1-2-3 bedroom cottages. It was like heaven on earth. R took care of S the ENITRE time and I just had to sit back and enjoy knitting!!

I started my 1st Rockin' Sock Club sock, so I'm a bit out of the loop on our knitting rings! YIKES. Anyway, I got plenty of strange looks as I wrestled a porcupine at the pool everyday. No one asked about my knitting. I think they were scared of it all!! Luckily, I hadn't started the cabling yet! Can you imagine 6 needles going at warp speed?????

Here is the sock's vacation picture. It is on a pool lounge chair enjoy the sun:

I headed to Michael's today with S before his art class to get the supplies to finish Kelly's bag. It's been almost a month since it was completed on the knitting side of things, so I've just been lazy. I found everything but the canvas bag insert. Guess I'll hit JoAnn's tomorrow!! UGH! I just want to finish this thing!!

So on the needles I have a felted bag, Kelly's purse, the socks and waiting to be casted on is the wedding garter. I now have a month and 3 days to get that done! The Cascade Fixation is SO hard to get out of the center pull, I think I'll have to wind it on my own. The garter should only take a few days. I'll try to finish that at SnB this week!

Long time no post

2007-04-01T13:47:00.000-05:00

It's been a LOOOONNNNGGGG time since I posted. Lots of stuff has been going on including trips, weddings, nice spring days and other things!!

I wanted to let you guys know that I'm still around!

I haven't picked up my sticks in a few weeks so the Felted Bucket Bag and the Cabled Bag are still sitting in my knitting bag. Kelly's birthday is Thursday so the Cabled Bag MUST get finished. I honestly have completed the knitting, it's the other stuff I don't want to do (sewing!!!)

My cousin-in-law's wedding is in 6 weeks, I MUST get her garter done. I've been bragging about doing it since she got engaged!!! So it's a little bit of a must!!

I haven't even begun my Rockin' Sock Club February socks yet. The yarn is still in a hank!! YIKES!!! I'm quite unmotivated lately. I'll take L's at Knots in a Row phrasing and I'll say I've lost my mojo!! Not a good thing when knitting is your peace of mind. Maybe I'm just going crazy!!!

Book Meme

2007-03-13T15:48:00.000-05:00

Okay, got this from L at Knots in a Row . I normally don't do this stuff, but I figured at least once a year is okay right??

Look at the list of (100) books below.
Bold the ones you’ve read.
Italicize the ones you want to read.
Leave blank the ones that you aren’t interested in.
Movies don’t count.
1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell
)5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien
)6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban(Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25 . Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie(Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand
)34. 1984 (Orwell)
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. Bible
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver) Got only 1/2 way and couldn't do any more!!!
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrey Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down(Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

I have to say that 99% of everything marked is the result of my high schooling!!! I went to an all-girl's Catholic high-school that really focused on summer reading and a bunch of books during the school year too!! Not many have been read after college though!!!

Rockin' Sock Club 2007

2007-03-09T08:57:00.000-06:00

I'm SO excited to be a member of the Rockin' Sock Club for 2007. I just got my shipment on Wednesday and I couldn't be happier!!! It looks so like it's going to be so much fun. I can't wait to start. I have 2 bag projects that need to get finished prior to the socks so I need to speed things up. I can tell you that the socks will be on our Keys trip next month! They will be my project on the beach! I can't wait!!!!

Thanks to L at Knots in a Row for setting up the Blog Ring for Rockin' Sock Club members!! She's a rockin' lady!!! Of course, I know this b/c she is one of the bestest friends EVER!!!

Long time no post

2007-03-02T14:06:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I posted!! Bad knitter!! To tell you the truth, I've just be down about the weather, had company, and dealing with a 2 year old who has given up naps!!! It's all just toooooo much !!!!! =)

Well, S is through with naps for good and doesn't like me on the computer. R thinks I'm a freak for having a blog about knitting so I don't ever blog when he's home. That leaves little time for my poor little blog. Today we have our housekeeper here and S is all over her. Nothing like a little cleaning and babysitting for $20 an hour!!!

The only new thing I've have been up to is the Felted Bucket Bag that I started a few weeks ago. L got me the yarn and pattern for my birthday and it's going really well so far. I even bought more yarn in the same purple family to increase the stripes on it!! I can't wait to see what it's like when I'm done. I'm using 13s on this one b/c the 11s the pattern calls for makes a tight fabric and I'm not sure it would felt right. The 13s look like it'll be a great size and just perfect for felting.

Other than that I started a blanket for a friend that is expecting. I won't give out too much info b/c I think she reads this blog. I'm use Bernat Baby Boucle and Baby Bubbles held together on 15s. I'm using a basic dishcloth pattern. I think it's turning out great! I hope she likes it.

If you remember my S'nB group was going to dye yarn for our February gathering. I volunteered my house so I had to test the yarn prior to having 3 other people dye at my house!! I used some sock yarn from knitpicks. I figured if I screwed anything up, I'd only be out a few $$$$!!!

Here are some pics of after the dye, the mircrowave cooking and the final product!!

Finally, we dyed the yarn. It was fun and easy. I think everyone's turned out beautifully. We even had a non-knitter who thinks we're all crazy here. She did admit finally that the yarn looked great! The Kool-Aid is so easy to use and the colors are SO vibrant!!!! Here are some pictures from that night!

When knitting is my "happy place" and a FO

2007-02-08T19:51:00.000-06:00

For those of you that read this on a regular basis and/or deal with my constant whining in person, you'll know that we have fertility issues. I found a great doc, who did lots of testing immediately when I walked in the door last month. He did test after test and came to the conclusion that my progesterone is low.

Quick info, progesterone is produced after you ovulate to keep "your oven" happy so that a little fertilized egg can snuggle deep and grow. If you are not pregnant, your body stops producing the progesterone and good ol' Aunt Flo shows pretty quickly. Well, I had half of the minimum progesterone that a normal 34 year old woman should have. So Aunt Flo was showing up WAY TOO soon for any little egg to snuggle in. Really no explanation. My body just doesn't want to make it. So I started progesterone shots.

I promise Knitting is a part of this post! R gives me a shot in the rump every night. Not fun, but necessary if I want another baby. Well, he was in Chicago last night and I had to do it myself, in my THIGH!!! YIKES!!!!

So in the needle went, the meds are in, and out the needle comes. Of course, I start having doubts I did the shot right. Did I inject it into a vein? Did I put it into fat and not muscule?? (the needle is 1.5 inches) What happens if I did it wrong? Will I know something is wrong? My brain was going 100MPH. The first thing I wanted was a Xanax, but that isn't good for people trying to have babies so I picked up knitting.

Within 5 minutes, my breathing was normal again, my stomach wasn't in knots, I felt at peace. I figured that if anything were to go wrong, it'd be okay, I could call 911 or my neighbor. Slowly, but surely I realized that I did do the shot correctly AND everything was going to be okay. I'm amazed at how quickly a few rounds of socks relaxed me.

Knitting truly is my happy place! Luckily, my happy place can go with me anywhere! How many
people can say that!!??!!

Okay, so know onto my 2nd pair of socks. I made them for my Aunt Peg for her birthday next week! Not what she originally picked out, but she'll deal!! She picked Austermann Step last summer when I was in Florida with her and I was sure that I'd be sock expert by that Christmas. Both WRONG!! I tried and tried, but it just wouldn't work. Damn you, Step Yarn(ala Jodi).

So I went and got some Sassy Stripes by Moda Dea, used the best sock book ever, Sensational Knitted Socks, and whipped out these babies. Not the prettiest, but not too shabby for pair #2!!

A disclaimer!! I pulled both socks from different balls, but both came from the middle. I have NO idea why the striping didn't match. Not the best thing in the world, but they look quite bohemian, just like my aunt. Even L was confused with this one. I guess that is what happens when you buy $5 sock yarn at Michael's!! =) I'm happy that I was able to use a semi-pattern and really explore what I can do with socks.

I'm about 25% done a pair for S in his BLUE that he wanted. He's so funny about these socks. I couldn't find a pattern for a 2.5 -3 year old b/c apparently only babies and older kids wear socks. So I went searching for a sock pattern generator. I found this: Elizabeth Bennetts' Perl Sock Program. You just add a few pieces of information and boom, you have a basic pattern. I decrease the stiches by 4 just to make sure it wasn't too big. I'm on the 1st heel flap now and it fits perfectly!!

Gotta go watch Grey's and Ugly Betty. Life before DVR was just not living!!!!

MILs Finished Bag

2007-02-04T14:02:00.000-06:00

I finished my MILs Toshiko Tote from Berroco. I finished the handles last night while watching Little Miss Sunshine at KKs house. It was a FUNNY movie. KK and I got the giggles which we couldn't control! This morning while R and S played in the basement, I sat with Kramer, my knitting supervisor (aka. Nosey Cat) and finished sewing the tote bag together.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the results. It knitted up FAST and was a fun project during playgroups and time when S was up and at 'em!

The handles are not even close to being matching. I didn't realize how far off I was. My knitting supervisor should have watch me more closely!!! It's his fault and since he can't defend himself, well then he claims all responsibility. My MIL wants to use this as a gym bag, so I think it'll be just great.

I used 4 skeins each of Patons Classic Wool. I used it for my bag and just love it so much. I added the leftovers on Destash for Cash even though I'm sure I could find other uses!!
FINAL PRODUCT AFTER FELTING

More Yarn porn

2007-01-26T14:36:00.000-06:00

Trekking for socks! Yes, I'm addicted!!!
Cascade 220 from L in beautiful purples!!!
One last final look at the stash enhancement from January!!!

I still can't figure this blogger spacing out so I had to add another post with my January purchases!!

My month of stash enhancement . . a little yarn porn

2007-01-26T14:19:00.000-06:00

Well, I just got pictures taken of all my newest yarn. I'm addicted to Destash for Cash. It's a wonderful blog that I can't get away from!!! I've purchased so much and still waiting for 2 orders to come in. It's really scary how much I'm on this site.

Needless to say I've gotten 2007 off to a whirlwind of stash enhancement!! Sock yarn, yarn for no project, yarn for projects, etc. Just everything and anything!

So I thought I'd interest you in a little Friday yarn porn! This stuff is all from January purchases and gifts!!

Crazy superwash sock yarn from Country Hill! Some lovely handspun silk/wool mix (Aqua) and another handspun mohair from Fiberwoods Studio here in Milwaukee.

Malabrigo Worsted. Nothing more needs to be said!!!Look at this stuff. Truly heavenly!!

Fable Baby Alpaca in little lilac color! 2 full skeins.

Cascade Pastaza Wool/Llama blend.

The birth of a sock and goodbye to the early 30s!!

2007-01-18T15:42:00.000-06:00

Well, I finished my first pair of socks ever. I have such a feeling of accomplishment!! R loves them and is wearing them around the house. Here it is almost finished. They're in the wash right now
so I don't have a finished picture!!

Nice!

I tried to start another pair with Size 1s and Austermann's Step but it's just too much right now. I'm on fertility drugs so I'm feeling a little out of sorts and honestly trying to count a pattern is just driving me nuts!!

I'm now trying out the Toshiko Felted Bag from Berroco. It's super easy and for my MIL. She likes the little bag I made for myself so she wanted one for aerobics. I'm just using Paton's Classic Merino Wool. It felts nicely and was on sale at Joanns. Nothing like buying the in-laws love with handknits!!

In other news, it's cold and I just got a little older this week. Yep I turned 34 and had a wonderful night with my closet friends. We had sushi and I got lots of stuff. Of course we had a great time and I ended up with some more stash!! Thanks to L!!!

She got me 3 hanks of Cascade 220 in various shades of purple! They're just GORGEOUS!! She gave me the pattern The Felted Bucket Bag and I can't wait to make it! It's going to be awesome for the summer and fall! I just need to fit it into my schedule.

I think I'll be redoing my 2007 Knitting Calendar b/c of the drugs. I can't even keep up with a 4 stitch pattern right now. I guess I'm destined to do lots of bags and dishclothes until I get off these drugs to make S and baby brother or sister. At least I'll have most of my Christmas presents done!!

Denial just ain't a river in Egypt!

2007-01-11T16:27:00.000-06:00

Yep, corny, but oh, so true!!! For anyone that reads this regularly, you'll see that I constantly refer to my "lack of stash." I'm not like those other knitters who have a gazillion pieces in their stash. Not me, no sir . . . well, that's because I apparently had a crappy storage system. Well, not crappy, just not allowing me to see that yes, I do have stash.

After about 20 minutes of S helping me build my tower of yarn out of 2 packages of metal wire shelves, I realized I do have a crap load of yarn. Now it's not as impressive as other knitters stashes, but for someone whose been knitting for just a year, it's not too shabby. I have all the baby yarn and Joann bought yarn on the bottom shelves. I figure if the cats or the kid gets into this stuff, it's not too much of a loss. Then the sock yarn and expensive stuff have the top shelves.

Here's a look. Now remember I have a walk in closet that R is forbidden to enter so I can easily hide anything from him!! S is little nosey (takes after me) so he's really into seeing what my closet has to offer!!

Stash Enhancement

2007-01-09T13:47:00.000-06:00

WOOHOOO!!! I got my Knitpicks order AND L and I hit a yarn sale this weekend!!! I can not do the Knit from your Stash thingymabob that everyone is doing. Simply can't do it. I don't really stash yarn, I buy for projects so my extra yarn is minimal. However, the whole sock addiction may change my entire outlook on how I'm going to do things in 2007.

So this is what I got from Knitpicks!!
Gloss for DHs socks! It's so soft. Wool/Silk Blend

Memories in Redwood Forest for fingerless gloves. This is just so gorgeous!!!

Panache in Cloud for Elenor from Viva Poncho. I figure living in Wisconsin, I need to have a yummy, but useable poncho! This stuff is made of 40% Alpaca and 20% of Cashmere, Silk, and Extrafine Merino. I'm so excited to make this for myself. Of course, L is a registered poncho hater, so it'll fun to watch her try to get out of telling me how great this stuff is!!! =)

And finally, some DPNs in 0-4. I know that many people have suggested I do socks on circular, but I'm totally hooked on DPNs!! Lovin' those!!

I do have a backorder for Kelly's birthday gift. I can't wait to get that. It'll be available on January 19th.

Then L and I went to the LYS for the big sale. 20% off everything and 40% off if you bought all the remaining yarn in one color. I thought I would get a lot of deals, but it turns out that every yarn I thought I could get at 40% off had 15-20 balls of the same color lurking in the upstairs rooms. It sucked, but I did manage to score some sock yarn. As you can see the constant obsession with socks is already starting!!! I got 3 balls of Clown at 40% off only $13!! ! Not too shabby!!!

I love the colorway and can't wait to knit a pair of socks for ME!!!!

First Finished Project of 2007!!!

2007-01-03T10:51:00.000-06:00

I finished Rs scarf that matches his hat made with Ecological Wool by Cascade. I blocked it on the 1st and it's now ready to go! It's also my first cabled piece. Never tried it before and I can't wait to make another piece!!In sock news, I paid for my Socks that Rock Club on Blue Moon Fiber Arts today. Took a bunch of my money, but L assures me that socks like this are worth it!!! To prepare for my sock adventure I started my first pair of socks this week. It's just very basic pattern from Knit Socks! It's a basic stockinette stitch on 3s with a worsted weight. I want to get down the basics of how this sock makin' works before I try with the good stuf!! I'll get pictures up soon!!!

Happy New Year!!

2007-01-01T15:57:00.000-06:00

Well, it's 2007! That means it's time for me to list my projects for this year. I'm a project knitter and yarn buyer. I have a small stash that I buy only when I know there is a project waiting. Some of the yarn is from really good sales though. I'm also a Capricorn so the thought of an unplanned year is somewhat daunting. I have to have a plan so her it goes!!

January
Finish R's scarf
Peg's Socks
Mom's Scarf
Addison's Blanket Buddy

February
Bonnie's Bag
Beach Poncho (must get a picture of this up!)

March
Sock O' the Month
Kelly's Cabled Birthday Bag

April
Patagonia Cotton bag for me!!
SP's wedding garter

May
Sock O' the month

June
Gift for Baby A

July
Gift for Baby Smith
Ss winter sweater

August
Winter Poncho for me!!!

I'm sure this will change as the year goes on, but at least I have a plan!! It makes me feel better to open Excel and see the month, project, patterned used, yarn purchased for, etc. K said I was a total Capricorn the other day. I denied it . . . I think she might be right!!!! =)

My last post of the year . . .

2006-12-31T16:00:00.000-06:00

will be a retraction to my threat to list S on eBay. To my absolute horror, I have the DPN but forgot. I tore apart my house yesterday looking for it assuming the only explanation was that S had acquired the needle and hid it somewhere outside of mommy radar.

no . . . wrong. . . I'm a, well for lack of better words, dumbass . . .

If I had only remembered that I was doing a cabled scarf for DH, if only had I remembered using it at Lauren's birthday party of Friday morning, if only. . . I found the missing size 3 Double Pointed Needle in my Knitter's tote bag sitting pretty with the size 7s. I lost my cable needle and decided to use the DPN as the cable needle.

Yep, I'm not perfect, that's the last thought I'll leave for 2006. It's harsh thing to realize about myself. =) At least I won't have to sell S. I kind of like having him around!!!!

Would you think it was wrong of me . . .

2006-12-29T15:24:00.000-06:00

to list my 2 year old on eBay b/c he "misplaced" one of my Size 3 DPN?????

The Shawl is done!!!

2006-12-29T13:58:00.000-06:00

The never ending - taking forever - can't do anything else - forgot what my husband and child look like shawl is FINISHED and mailed off to little ol' Northeast Georgia for SP. Her engagement party is tomorrow night so I hope she can wear it.

I was up until midnight on Wednesday finishing the shawl. I bound off and found such a feeling of accomplishment. I went running into the bedroom around 11pm, waking DH up from a dozy state and was doing my happy jig which I only reserved up to this point for when DS pee-pees on the potty. DH was thrilled, but not too much when he realized that I still had to hand wash and block the shawl.

Ever so gently, I placed the shawl into a sink of cool water and daily shampoo (I realized at 10pm I had nothing else to wash it in!), massaging it just so, hoping not to mess it up. I have NEVER put a finished piece into the water completely to block it, but I knew that I wanted SP to wear it on Saturday. It had to be clean!!! So I hand washed it for about 10 mintues carefully monitoring the temperature so it never got too hot or too cold. Once the water ran clear (this stuff ran a lot) and bubbles were gone, I wrapped the shawl up in a towel. I was SO careful not to stretch it. I went through about 5 towels to get it dry enough to block.

So upstairs I went. The guest bedroom has a queen bed, quilt rack and a night stand. It is supposed to be a 2nd nursery, but since I can't get pregnant what better use then to be a blocking room for my knitting!! The cats were ever so curious and kept jumping on the shawl. DSs room in right across the hall, so I couldn't possibly shriek like a banshee at the cats b/c S would have woken up!! So I shooed them quietly out of the room.

Here we were, my Moby Dick and I. I just looked at this piece and knew I had done a good thing. As I shaped it on the bed I thought about SP's reaction and what her mom will say when the open it on Saturday (yes, 5 days late for a Christmas present). SP will definitely appreciate the shawl. She's just that type. The shawl spent all night with a fan whirring above it and by 8am on Thursday morning it was dried and finished. I was so pleased. Of course, L got the phone call . . . "It's done do you want to see it??" So I rushed to her house with S and lucky for me L's mom was visiting so I could get more accolades! I think I knit sometimes for the satisfaction of others praising my work. I guess we all deserve a little selfish pleasure when we knit for someone other than ourselves . . Right???

I packed it up and sent it UPS 2nd Day air to a tiny little town for a wonderful woman!! I feel such a sense of accomplishment! Here are the pictures!

Happy Knitting Anniversary to me!

2006-12-26T21:02:00.000-06:00

One year ago today I picked up my first set of needles and some cheap yarn from JoAnns. R helped me through some AWFUL instructions for about an hour before we realized they sucked. The next day I went right to Borders and got Stitch'n'Bitch. Love this book forever!!

I started knitting b/c my Mom's group (we were MOMS International then) had a night out and took a knitting class. For one reason or another (most likely a business trip for R) I missed it. So many people spoke about the fun they had. I waited a few weeks and it seemed that many of my friends were sticking with it. I had to do it.

Thank God and the Goddess I did!! I really enjoy what I do. It is the best thing in the world. Off to toast my needles, yarn and me for a year of creation and happiness!!!

Some blog clean up needed and being done!!!

2006-12-26T20:55:00.000-06:00

Okay, well I've decided to do a few things before the end of the year to make this blog a little more readable and intresting!
First, I'll be adding my gigantic list of Blogs I Read. I see so many of you here and even have seen little links for my site on your blogs. I just want to return the favor.
Second, I switched my font and size. I wish I had a little more knowledge of HTML b/c I have a lot of ideas, but no way to get them on the computer.
Finally, I'm going to work my arse off to get those adorable knitting trackers on here. I have a few already loaded to my hard drive, but can't figure how to get them on the blog. You'll see some soon!! PROMISE!!

Long time no post

2006-12-12T19:44:00.000-06:00

Well, I've been enjoying decorating for the holidays and loving being Santa!! S really *gets* Santa this year at 2.5 years old. He asks if Santa is bringing him more train tracks for Thomas or a new box of markers. It's so cute! When he realizes he wants something he tells me, "Mama, Daddy tell Santa, me want choo-choo track" I could literally eat him up when he does stuff like that!

DH is working his butt off right now so it's hard to find time to get out and about. I'll kill him in his sleep if he makes me miss one more girls' night. I've missed a wine tasting and crafting night in the last 2 weeks because of his job. Drives me NUTS I'll tell ya!! Luckily, he appreciates the fact that I don't bitch or whine at him when he calls from the office with some lame ass person on the phone ready to cry over a line in a contract. I just go on like nothing is happened. That gets to him more b/c I think he's ready for me to pull a Lizzie Borden on him being so calm. I do get out twice this week.

First for Night Out with my SAHM group. I will tell you that we have recently left the evil clutches of MOMS Club International!! They basically let us know that a dinner time playgroup that met from 4:30 to 6pm for members that had LATE WORKING HUBBIES, was taking us away from our families. HELLO . . we brought our children to the group!!!! Who else needed us at home?? Freddie the Frog needed a lettuce leaf at 5pm?? Whatever. They told our President that the decision to come to the group hindered our capability of being there for our husbands. Amazing how stupid they thought we were. Needless to say, we left and are now Moms For Moms!! I'm so happy that we did this.

I digress back to what I'm doing this week!! A few of us are hitting the malls and drinking before Christmas!! I'll be intoxicated with a credit card. Not a good combo, but I deserve some crazy time right now!!

So that is another reason I've been MIA on the blog. No DH to contain my child for me to type!!!
Yes, this is a knitting blog, so let's get to knitting.

Here's the big news:

I'M FINISHED THE 60 INCHES OF THE LANA GROSSA BABYKID

SHAWL.!!!

I'm just so happy!! I still have the ruffles to go and I'm not sure that SP will get it by the 24th, but she'll get it soon!! It's done!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!! Here's the picture of the finished piece. You can see I'm not too far in the ruffle part!! YIKES!!!

So what other stuff have I been up to???

I finished a hat to match the scarf I made for J's oldest daughter. I combined Fantasy Natural with Fun Fur and it turned out to be a delightful little set. I'm so happy with the weight of the set. I thought it'd be a better spring set, but the two yarns really knit up tight and warm. I just have to get my butt to the post office tomorrow!!! Look how snuggly this is! I think a 6 year old would love this!

Now I've got a secret! I found the world's best natural wool yarn!! Here it is! This stuff is great! It knits like a dream and I had no problems with it at all. I will tell you also that I use a ball winder and swift for the first time on Saturday. The Eco Wool is over 450 yds so there is no way I could ever hand wind that stuff. I travelled to my LYS and they got the winder out. I'm in love and would leave R for this swift and winder!!! I love how the ball pulled to when I stitched up a watch cap for R. I didn't use a pattern and ended up with a great hat! I'm so proud that it fit. Now I have my first cabling to do in a matching scarf!! Who knows when that'll get done!!! UGH!
That's all to report this time fellow knitters! Stay warm and keep on knittin'!!

Winter Wonderland!!!

2006-12-01T12:40:00.000-06:00

48 Inches on the shawl and about 12 on the ground!!! Gotta love Wisconsin. The 1st snowfall is SO beautiful!!

Back from the Holiday

2006-11-28T15:21:00.000-06:00

Okay, we didn't go any where, I've just been a slacker with the blogging. I've read countless blogs over the past few weeks, but just couldn't bring myself to do anything on my own. I think it's a few reasons.

1. I'm working on stelth Christmas/New Year's gifts for a few people that read this blog. I couldn't possibly give it away.

2. The Lana Grossa Baby Kid Shawl is just SOOOOOO boring right now!!! I'm basically 40inches into a 60in rectangle of Stockinette Stitch!!! It's coming along a lot faster that I would have thought b/c of the Addi Turbos I bought. These things are REMARKABLE!! The yarn glides effortlessly across them. I feel like I'm just flying with these things!!! Here's a picture of where I am right now!! Only 20 inches and ruffle to go!! I've got time right????

I felted that alpaca hat! It turned out . . .um. . . . interesting!! I like it. Wouldn't have been my first choice, but since a loggerhead turtle could have worn the hat prior to felting, it's good! Here's a picture of the hat and the matching scarf that I made in January 2005 from yarn from L.!

Weekend Update and the Decision is Made

2006-11-13T07:02:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Leah and Michelle for suggesting a little bag. I think that is what I'm going to do!! I need something to tote around my smaller knitting stuff, book club reading, S's diapers and sippy cup, etc. I think it'll be something nice to have during the dreary winter in Wisconsin.

Thanks to everyone who suggested things Yes, Nina, even the legwarmers!!! =) There were some lovely ideas that have sent me in search of yarn for different projects.

This weekend I did a few things. S had a minor procedure on Friday so we had to take care of a very sore little boy. He's doing fine now and is back to his normal 2.5 year old self!

Saturday night, R got into a HBO boxing presentation, so after 10 mintues of watching men bash each others faces in, I gave up! I hid in my closet (aka. Yarn Stash Storage) and began to sort. It is my intent to start 2007 with organzied yarn. I have an excel spreadsheet with all the needles, yarn and even some patterns(don't judge people!) but that really isn't enough. I need my yarn organized by fiber content or use. Right now everything is in bags, which I HATE!! I'm in need of some very good storage bins. I saw some at Home Depot and have asked Santa to bring me those drawers!

Here is what I have down: wool, fancy/expensive stuff, baby use, cotton, acrylics (yes, I use them for kid stuff!), novelty yarns, and scrap yarn. Now we need to get them into bins!

Finally, I admitted to myself that I did a piss poor job on my gauge for this hat. It's Misti Alpaca Chunky, and I really went nuts when it came to gauge. I mainly make hats for kids or babies so the gauge really has never been a problem. I swore it looked just fine for me. Well, it was HUGE. It was even big on R's head. He said it just slid on. Well, I felted it. It's drying so the result is still unknown. The felting did the trick, but now it's a waiting game to see if it's still beautiful and soft like it's matching scarf that I made last year. Notice my attempt to be a creative displayer of my work. I love how people are displaying their work lately! Sorry L, had to copy ya!

March of Dimes Prematurity Awareness Month

2006-11-09T07:18:00.000-06:00

I was lucky enough to have a full-term (overdue) pregnancy with S, but so many of his friends decided to come early. We're blessed b/c most of them have a happy healthy life, but so many babies are impacted for years b/c of premature birth. I just wanted to honor the March of Dimes for trying to help these babies.

2 FOs for the holidays and 1 crazy cat

2006-11-08T14:26:00.000-06:00

I've been cheating on my Lana Grossa Kid Shawl. It's taking a long time and for 60inches, it's stockinette Stitch over 100 stitches!! UGH!!! I'm SO bored with it, but I promised to make DHs cousin a rockin' gift for his family's gift exchange. Oh, the things I do for love!! =)

Anyway, about every 5 inches or so I have to do something new. Here are two projects I'm completed. The first is the same pattern as DHs afghan, but it's for my granny. She's 86 and ALWAYS cold! I used light pink and cream in Patons Divine and then Sierra in LionBrand Homespun. I love this for a gift! It's warm, looks so fancy, and it's QUICK with a huge, huge capital Q!!!

The next is just a hat and scarf set I made for the youngest daughter of one of my lesbian internet friends =). L is around 18 months and so cute. I used some stash yarn (Caron Simply Soft and Moda-Dea Beloved) and it turned out great!! I used a simple garter stitch pattern on both pieces and it really works b/c it looks so lovely and girly. It'll be great to see a picture!!!!

Finally, I have some creepy pictures of Kramer. He's our dog-cat and he has to be in on everything. Here are 2 pictures of him testing out granny's afghan!!!

Can't blame anyone but myself for this!!

2006-11-06T07:17:00.000-06:00

WHAT DID I DO??? I was browsing some blogs yesterday and saw the mention of Blue Moon Fiber Arts Sock of the Month Club/Sock Club. I checked it out and found the wonderful Sock Club 2007. I knew L would totally get into this so I happily sent it to her. While waiting for her response, I continued to read my Sunday blogs and I realized how most of the knitters that have work I really enjoy are avid sock knitters. I started thinking, why haven't I made socks? Why is it that I've been knitting for almost a year making sweaters, hats, afghans, scarves, etc but I've never ventred into socks?

This was my chance, L responded back that she pre-registered for this, so I had to too. I had a calling. So after quickly typing all my information into the registration and hitting submit, I realized . . . I have to pay over $200 for something I've never done, tried, or even took a stab at!!! WTF!! The excitement got to me!!!

I'm going to do it, but I'll have to REALLY hide my paper trail from DH, I'm sure he could find much better ways (or at least in his opinion) to use 200!!! Oh, yeah, maybe more since I have only have 1 set of DPNs!!!

Won't you help a fellow knitter out!!

2006-11-02T15:16:00.000-06:00

Okay, fellow knitters. I need some ideas!!! I have some really beautiful Patagonia Naure Cotton by Araucania. Now I have NO idea what to do with this yarn!!!

Here is a picture. As you can see I'm taking the cue from many of my fellow knitters, I'm starting to take my pictures outside. Hopefully, I can continue this for a while until snow gets here!

On a side note: I always feel funny about using the word hopefully in posts. I had a professor in college back in 1991 that didn't allow us to use the word "hopefully" to begin a sentence. We would have to say, "I'll get into grad school full of hope" instead of "Hopefully, I'll get into grad school" Then we would see the error in what we were saying. He felt that the word "hopefully" was used wrong more often than any other word in our language!! Sorry to veer off track on that!

So anyone have any ideas?? I'll take any and al ideas no matter how outrageous they may be!!!

The color is pink (obviously!) and I have 210 yards. A scarf might be fun, but I just finished the silk one so I don't think I'm in the *mood* for a scarf. . . okay, I lied. I'll take any idea as long as it's not a scarf!! =)

S'n'B at the coffee house and the scarf

2006-10-28T15:55:00.000-05:00

We had S'n'B this week and it was great. Sonja was there and we don't see her much. She's been knitting a long time so she always has some wonderful projects going. L had her Socks That Rock, but too much laughing took place and she messed up the pattern. I tell you, even at a coffee house, our S'n'Bs get out of hand. We were near the medical school and all that brain power was severely stunted by all the SAHM craziness. The amount of stares and dirty looks we got bordered on comical by night's end. I tell you, we're a loud bunch that's for sure. I'm sure we ran some of those kids out of there.

Anyway, I easily slipped into my drop stitch scarf made of the Mango Moon Recycled silk. I love this stuff. It's so pretty. I've been wearing it everywhere just waiting for someone to compliment me on my creation. This lovely item that will adorn my neck for years to come. I fall short of shoving it in people's faces and screaming, "THIS IS GORGEOUS!!! Why won't you say anything .. ." I never thought that I would be this obsessed with external gratification, but here I am. It's actually funny b/c R said to me at lunch, after the server had rudely ignored my masterpiece, "If it makes you feel better, which I know you need b/c of the sad look on your face, that scarf is just beautiful!!" What a smile he brought to my face . . of course, then The Beast grabbed it and started to clean our table with it!! One woman's masterpiece is a 2 year olds wash rag!! Such is life!! Here are some pictures!!

Shawls and blankets and scarves, OH MY!!

2006-10-23T17:23:00.000-05:00

I am officially un-motivated to knit. This could be a serious illness or a sign that we at the "end of days" - LOL. I can't believe after almost a year of knitting. I officially started knitting in December of 2005. I taught myself from Stitch'n'Bitch and it went from there. I've many things, one total failure, and a handful of projects just waiting to be started. Why now?? Who the hell knows! I started the Lana Grossa Shawl for SPs Christmas present. . . I've gotten through 1 ball and haven't even picked up the rest of the yarn from our LYS that has been in for about 2 weeks now. The library called with another pattern book I had on hold, I never went to get it. I started my grandmother's blanket. I've done it before, it's the same one I made for R, but in different girly colors. Frogged it and now I can't find the f-ing needles! How do you lose Size 19 Circulars??? I guess the 2 year old is a huge factor!!

So now what? We have Stitch'n'Bitch tonight at the local coffee house. I need something. I always do a lot of work at SnB. Let's look in my stash . . ah, this might have promise . . . a beautiful purple jewel toned Recycled Silk by Mango Moon Yarns.

This is basically the colorway I have, just a little more purple:

L suggested a drop stitch scarf so it's on!! I'm going to knit myself a gorgeous scarf tonight! Pictures to come! I hope this gets me out of my knitting funk! I hate idle hands and can't imagine why I can't get myself going!!!

Fibonacci in da house!!!

2006-10-16T18:39:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know I can't pull that off!! =) Well, it snowed here in Wisconsin. Not anything heavy, but it snowed and it's the freakin' middle of October. On this one snowy morning, S looked at me and said, "Outside?" I realized at that moment, my son has no hats or scarves for this winter. He luckily has a really cool jacket that I just won off of eBay, but nothing else. So I called L, "Let's meet for lunch and take the kids to Joann's. " Off we went.

First, we are those women I would roll my eyes at with unending spite prior to having a child. S and V were all over the place, in a good way. S was going after needles and V was looking at books. They were chasing each other down the aisles and S was tormenting V in a way that only S can torment his girlfriend! Neither met any of my criteria for removal from the scene (blood, property damage, or all out tantrum) so we shopped! I got 3 skeins of Wool-Ease and decided to make mittens along with the hat and scarves.

Once I got home I got an itch to do something new and fun with a boring ol' scarf so I decided to use the Fibonacci method of knitting. I saw an episode on Knitty Gritty about Fibonacci knitting. Here's a blurb about Fibonacci from the Knitty Gritty website:

First off, you need to know that there is a number Phi (1.6180339887498948482) that is an expression of something called the golden ratio. Since ancient times, it has been known that using this golden ratio enabled designers to create art and buildings that were most pleasing to the human eye. Even Mother Nature used the golden ratio when designing spiraled things such as shells and sunflowers! Then, in the 13th century, a guy named Leonardo Fibonacci (Fee-bo-nah-chee) discovered that when he took a number (starting with 0), added the previous number to it and continued doing that with each resulting sum, he arrived at a unique sequence of numbers (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21...) that had golden ratio-like properties. As he went further and further out in the sequence, he found that the ratio of one of the numbers to the one preceding it began to approach the golden ratio!

So you basically just knit Fibonacci numbered rows for an aestheticly pleasing item without your normal stripe pattern.

Well, I did it and I LOVE the results. The scarf is all Fibonacci and I even used each color 8 times!! The blue and yellow in the hat are sequenced, but the grey isn't! I'm quite fond of the scarf though!! Now all it needs to do is snow again! It was in the 50s today, so no need for all this garb!!

Ugh!!! Can't believed I have done it . ..

2006-10-09T16:00:00.000-05:00

No not that you dirty dirty people!! I mean knit lately! I was a 2-3 hour a day knitter until a week or so ago. I think it has to do with the failed sweater for Laney. Yes, it was a total bust!!! I had the sleeves all ready to go, so I put the sweater on S to just see how it fit. He looked so pretty in the pink sweater!! Here's the problem, THE SLEEVES ARE TOO SHORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

S looked like he had on a short sleeved shirt!! I measured those sleeves about 5 times before binding off, just to make sure. I was sure. They matched the pattern EXACTLY!! Nowhere in the pattern did it say that is was a 3/4 length or short sleeved sweater. So Laney's getting something from Gymboree, about a month late!!!

I think that is why I haven't knit in a while. I'm just bummed that I failed. I guess it's just the control freak in me b/c I can't figure out why it went bad..

So here's a toast to you, little pink sweater, that never will be. Maybe I'll use you to make some socks for Laney's sister Kelsey . . . she loves pink!!!

Next for me is http://www.yarns-and.com/LAGbabykidshawl.htm. It's GORGEOUS. The BabyKid yarn from Lana Grossa is fantastic. I can't believe how soft AND durable. I can't break it just by pulling it. The shawl is for R's cousin SP in Cinncinnati. I think she'll love it. I'm using a dark gray. It's coming along easily, but I'm not used to the weight yet. Of course, it's been days since I worked on it . . . . I have a few more weeks until my date to have it done! We have SnB on the 24th so I'm hoping to have the body of the shawl done. I need L's help to finish the shawl. I've never picked up stitches before!! The ruffle is wonderful so I need to make sure I have everything just right!!!

So I have a few things left for the year. My mind changes constantly so I hate to blog what I want to do today, because it'll be different tomorrow.

We're back!!!

2006-09-28T16:52:00.000-05:00

What a fun weekend!!! What a crazy debaucherous weekend!!! I didn't drink b/c of TTC so I LOVED watching my friends drink and joke. I haven't laughed that hard in a LONG time. I can't believe 2 things: 1. How close we all are without the petty girl stuff and 2. How much we all longed to stay just another day or so. I think everyone was actually sad to leave. This is definitely a repeat activity!! I think it might have to be a different gathering than STITCHES! next year.

L did a great job planning the whole thing. The condo was GORGEOUS!!! The restaurant was divine!!! There wasn't one thing about the weekend that was sub-par. It was all more than I expected, even The Devil Wears Prada on Pay-Per-View!

The amount of alcohol that was consumed rivals a fraternity party!! I'd put my SAHM friends up against any frat boy in a drinking contest!! We'd win and still be able to whip up pancakes the next morning for that wussy and his frat brothers!!! ROFL!!! Notice the variety of alcohol involved in a "knitting" retreat!!!!!

I actually got a TON of R's blanket done. I'm so glad I picked that to take instead of S's sweater. I would have NEVER gotten it done!! The colors are just fantastic and masculine. I'm so happy that I went with the Homespun instead of the Shetland Chunky!!!

S has been getting under the blanket when I'm knitting. He says it feels "off" (soft) and loves to pet it like the cats!! Too cute. My heart breaks whenever he does something that cute!! I just keep realizing he's growing up!

Leavin' on a Jet Plane . . .

2006-09-21T20:18:00.000-05:00

Okay, not really, just a car with Jodi!! It's the 1st Annual Milwaukee Knit Weekend!!! WOOHOO!! I can't tell you how friggin' excited I am to have a whole weekend of knitting. Just knitting. I don't have to do shit if I don't want to!! R is a trooper and hasn't complained once about being with S all weekend!! What a guy! No wondered I married him!

There are 7 of us going. We have a 4 bedroom condo up north and we just are bringing food. We never have to leave! The weather is supposed to be rainy, but that is OK with me! Better to nap and knit in!!

I'm packed and ready to go!! Notice the contents of my overnight bag!!!!

My project is R's Afghan. It's a basic garter StSt pattern from Patons on Size 19 needles. I decided to do something easy so I can talk to the girls. We have a few non knitters coming with us! I hope they can offer entertainment. E and K are funny people so I'm sure I'll be laughing too!

I'm using Patons Divine in Soft Earth and Dark Earth in the throw. The main yarn was Shetland Chunky (Patons), but I didn't like the colorways they offered, so I found a Lion Brand Homespun that I LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! I've casted on and I know this is going to ROCK!! The colors are unbelievable together!!

I can't wait to see this finished!! I can't wait to share our weekend with everyone!!!

Vacation and Sweater knitting

2006-09-12T13:56:00.000-05:00

My question . . . What the hell is a placket???? I have a pattern on how to do one, but I have NO idea what a placket is!! It should make itself apparent as I knit both pieces, but who the hell knows!! How sad it that!!!

The vacation was fantastic. S had a wonderful time!! I couldn't get over his love of the beach and ocean. My Florida blood runs deep in him!!!! LOL.

While on vacation I began to knit Laney's sweater. I realized however as I was 1/2 done the front that the gauge is off!! I did a swatch and it was just 1 stitch off. This off stitch SHOULD have made the sweater too big (which would have been fine!), BUT, the sweater isn't going to be as wide as the Size 4 it's suppposed to be!! WTF is up with that! I've called Laura to get me measurements for Laney but I don't know. Looks like Ks oldest will be getting a sweater for Christmas or her birthday!!

Here are some pictures of the sweater. I got to knit about 9 hours total during S's naps and then at night.

Sweater on September 3

September 4

September 7

Back is finished!!!

Example of slip stitch pattern

A realization of my life!!!

2006-08-29T14:51:00.000-05:00

Well, actually, I've taken on a more stand back and see attitude with my scheduled knitting. Just last week, I posted monthly schedules of what I need to do. Of course, I'd look back on this liast on New Year's Eve and realize there would be a bunch of coulda, shoulda, woulda's about projects I didn't finish. I decided to just try to complete a few projects this year (see new sidebar) and if I have time, great, I'll choose something else off of my monthly schedule!

The weather is slowly turning in SE Wisconsin. Fall and Winter are so close. I need to savor and enjoy the rest of the summer right now and knitting will have to take a back seat! That's hard to admit, but time goes by too fast. I feel that S shouldn't hear, "Just one more row, baby" when he so desperately wants to go outside to savor the last few weeks of summer. He needs mommy to play with him not knit. Did I just say that????????

Beach Project

2006-08-27T15:21:00.000-05:00

Well, we leave for the beach next Saturday and I just needed light weight project to take with me. I decided to do Laney's Birthday sweater. I chose to use a Vogue Pattern. It's a slip stitch pullover. The pattern calls for Cotton Fizz by Naturally, which is discontinued so I had to find a replacement. Now, I do believe in VERY good yarn for things, but I know a 3 year old in preschool is not going to take care of the sweater and spot treat it. AND I know Laura, mother of 3 doesn't have time to delicate wash things. So I decided on Lion Brand Baby Soft. It's acrylic which I'm not a fan, but for the wearability and value, it is a good choice.

I'm going to put some Fun Fur around the sleeves and botton for a little "princess" flair!!! Laney's a diva so she'll love the fur!! Here are the colors I'm using

:

Felted purse DONE!!

2006-08-25T14:33:00.000-05:00

I'M DONE MY PURSE!! I'm so excited!! I finished sewing it last night at Stitch'n'Bitch. It was HUGE and looked strange, but I gave it a shot anyways. L got a call this afternoon from a panicked virgin felter. "I don't think the water is hot enough" "How do I shape and dry it" "Are the jeans enough to agitate it?" On and on. After few tips, I hussled my way to the washer and opened up the pillow bag I felt in . . . Saw this!

It's bigger than it was before. I knew, it wouldn't work. I had every urge to call L back, ask her why the knitting gods were looking poorly on me today, why is this my fate.

Well, then I stood up and figured that women had been felting items since the beginning of time and I had at my disposal, a fancy dancy washing machine. This is something that I HAD to do.

So back in the washer it went!

20 minutes later, I had this. Nice, still too big, but it was shrinking and the "tweeding" that was happening was FANTASTIC!!!

So in it went for another 10 . .okay it ended up being 20! I had DVRed Everybody Hates Chris and HAD to watch it all!! Funny show by the way!!

I took it out of the washer and rung it out. It was fantastic. Loved the color. The shape, well I needed to take care of that one. I went searching for the perfect drying/shaping item. Well, here is the result of my felting!!

Now it's a wait and see game. Not sure how I like the "legs" but the pattern called for them and I'll trust Berroco's pattern makers on this one!! I think once it's dry, I'll add a little stitching to the handle and opening . . maybe in cream?? Not sure. That'll be a group decision with my S'n'B friends!

What's on the hot seat now???

2006-08-21T15:37:00.000-05:00

Okay, so it's the end of August . . . here's a tentative plan for the rest of the year!!

August Plans

Baby L's hat, sweater, bunny or whatever

September Plans

Vacation project - Laney's Sweater

My mother's scarf

Start DSs sweater

October Plans

DH's sweater or Afghan

Begin DH's name pick Christmas present

Finish DSs Sweater

November Plans

Fragrance Sachets for Christmas presents

Finish everything listed above

December Plans

Start Aunt P's socks for Feb. birthday

Questions Anyone??

2006-08-21T15:23:00.000-05:00

Okay, ANOTHER friend just popped a kid out!! C is in Denver now and I really have no idea what to make her! I was thinking about a quick hat, sweater or a non-mutant bunny. I'm really not sure what to do. I'm done with blankets, that's for sure! Two of them about kicked my ass!!!
So that's question 1 . . . What to knit Baby L??

Question2: How bad will my felted bag look? Why you ask would it look bad??? Simple answer . . . I didn't read the directions correctly!!!! YIKES! Yep, you read it here folks! I read, "Hold 2 strands together throughout project"The directions actually said, "Hold two strands of B together throughout project!!! So I held two strands of 2 different colors together! The pattern has 2 colors of Ultra Alpaca (Berroco) listed, so I ASSUMED that 2 strands meant one of each color!!! So who knows what this is going to look like. I'm hoping a black/dark gray tweed look, but only time will tell!!!

Question 3: It will be impossible for me, by all known laws of physics and the time/space continunm to make DH a sweater and the house a large afghan by Christmas. So I have the pressing question . . Do I make the sweater or the afghan???? DH's birthday is in February, so I could wait until then to make the sweater. I think he'd appreciate something that he could use in the dead of winter here in the frozen tundra we call home. So either would be great!!

So those are my dilemas!!

Next project decided!!

2006-08-15T21:59:00.000-05:00

I've finally decided on my next project! I was on the phone to L this afternoon lamenting on my lack of interest in anything. Well I went to my stash and looked. I have some wonderful Merino wool from Patons Yarns. I want to felt and I've always wanted to make a purse for myself, so here we go!! Found this pattern on Berroco.com. I wanted to do something bigger, but it required a lot more yarn and I need to use what I have, so there you go!

It'll be dark gray with no embelishments. Great winter bag!!!

Doctor? Who needs the doctor??

2006-08-15T14:05:00.000-05:00

Again, my obsession about yarn continues! I cancelled a doctor's appointment today (not for yarn, more personal reasons) but kept the babysitter (insert evil laugh here). I headed to Starbuck's and the LYS!! I got lots of goodies for great prices!! 2 hanks of Patagonia hand dyed cotton, 2 balls of Primitivo from Filati Bertagna and a hank of Misti Chunky Alpaca for $40!!!!

I'm going to use the Misti Alpaca to make a hat to match the scarf I made from L's bday present to me! The Primitivo will be a scarf for my mom and I have NO idea what I'm going to do with 210yds of the patagonia! It's just so pretty (and cheap) I couldn't resist!!!

Totally lied about no more baby items!

2006-08-14T07:28:00.000-05:00

I sit here re-reading my posts and my declaration of no more baby items . . . right. I decided to do a hat for Baby A's gift. Adding to the sweater. It turned out cute and swirly! I think it looks like ice cream or sherbert! So many different colors, but they pooled together is such a cute way!! This might get a pom-pom on top.

I just got a Joann's coupon today plus my allowance!! WOOHOO!! Needing a pom-pom skeleton is a great reason to go shopping!!!

Then I decided to knit a quick little cap for another girl in my SAHM club. It only took about 3 hours to do, but it is a baby item. I just can't help myself. The thought of purchasing anything for these people when I have a perfectly good stash of yarn is just beyond me!! I guess, I'll do some hats b/c they're EASY and it's almost winter. I'm still torn between a hat or bib for Shel's babies. Not sure what to do . . . .

Here is a picture of the hat. I used Moda-Dea's Beloved and this Lion Brand pattern:

Bend it Like Beckham Soccer Set

I think I'll add the pom-pom for a little more cuteness. I used 2 different blues. It was the easiest thing to make. I think the next one I'll do will have a bigger band so it can be flipped up. I think this is missing that.

Remembering Ryan David .

2006-08-10T13:48:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine gave birth to a son one year ago yesterday. He was only with her a short time. He was called to heaven as a tiny angel just 2 days later. It struck me today that one year ago today, my dear friend was already saying goodbye to her son. I look at DS now and feel more patient, more thankful, and more blessed b/c of Ryan. He made me think about how precious each and every moment I spend with S is. Ryan has made me a better mother.

His mother is a wonderful woman is supportive and loving. I just can't grasp, even after a year, why Ryan was chosen to leave her when his life would have been so full of love and happiness. I still can't imagine not hearing S's laughter, seeing his smiles, feeling his hugs on a daily basis. Ryan's mom will never forget him, none of us will. His short life touched us all.

Birth of a Sweater

2006-08-08T22:42:00.000-05:00

It's quite fitting that I am finishing a baby sweater the same day I start a treatment program for my own secondary infertility. I took for granted how easy S was to make, but now I'm on the other side of the fence. I'm using accupuncture and herbs with my Tradtional Chinese Medicine Doctor as well as regular western medicine. It's been 7 cycles and there is something wrong with my eggs, hormones, lining, etc . Who knows?? Lots of tests during the next few months. I'm hoping that I can have another child biologically, but adoption is option we'll explore. It's just a matter of time.

Meanwhile, I have uber-fertile friends and I'm knitting for them. Maybe all my baby gifts are my way of presenting peace offerings to the fertility gods. They might be pissed about something I've done (who knows what?) so they're keeping me from having that other baby. I think with all the flocking gifts I've made, I should be blessed with triplets!!! LOL

So Baby A's sweater is done. I need to wash it, make the matching hat and it's ready to go out the door!! K will be so thrilled. She can't knit a stitch and thinks all of us knitters are masters of our art.

Now this is the first seaming I've done outside of L's birthday cap. I'm quite the proud knitter right now! I can't believe how easy it is and how great it looks!!! I feel like a genius. Of course Stitch'n'Bitch really taught me everything I know!!!! Now I do have to give "props" to L! She answers any and all lame ass knitting questions I ask too!!

All the little pieces done!!!

I'm a Seaming Goddess!!!

A Little Blocking never hurt anyone!

More great seams . . . this time it's side seams!!

The final product!!!

First step to healing is admitting you have a problem . . .

2006-08-05T13:54:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm addicted. So NOT normal for anyone to be this focused on knitting. Why do I feel that it's time to admit my problem. . .

During our final approach on a recent trip to Atlanta, I was just finishing a row. The pilot rang the "bing-bong" to alert the flight attendants that we were landing. I said to myself . . . "Oh, let's see if I can do 3 more rows before we touch down . . ." Did that. We landed and I said, "Let's see if I can do 1 more row before we get to the gate." Did that.

Now how many sane, normal people in the world actually time thier days based on the number of rows they can finish in a defined space of time. Sick people. Wonder if there is a KA (Knitter's Anonymous) to join here in Wisconsin.

"Hi, My name is C and I'm a knitter"

Stupid Cardigan!!

2006-08-03T20:38:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm the stupid one. I was knitting Addy's sweater and realized that I forgot to change up the pattern so that the button holes and the button bands are on TWO different sides! The flipping things are on the same side, so there is NO luck in using these two sides! I think I'm hanging up my horns on the cardigan and sticking to the original boatneck pattern! At least I tried.

So now I'll have 3 hanks (that's 420 yards) of the Fantasy Naturale left over. UGH! I might make a hat to match the sweater for Addy.

I did find a pattern to make bibs so that might work for a girl I know having twins. At least I could use the stuff up. I also might be able to make another sweater for an out of town friend. Well see. I got about 800 yards b/c I was going to do the blanket.

Then I have the gazillion skiens of Microspun left!! I think I'll make some tank tops next year for god knows who. I just have to use that stuff up.

I got some great patterns for S's sweater. I think I'll use a Debbie Bliss Henley Style pattern. I found some wonderful dark blue Bernat DenimStyle that will bring out S's wonderful blue eyes!! Now I have to find something for R.

Too much of a useless yarn!!!

2006-08-03T20:34:00.000-05:00

Well, crap!! I looked at my yarn stash today and realized I have WAY too much Moda Dea's Beloved. It was on sale at Joann's and I bought it by the case! It is a wonderfully soft yarn, but it doesn't wash up very well. It's bulky so mixing it with something else to give it some umph, may lead to too thick of a garmet!!

CRAP CRAP CRAP!! I really thought I could do Laney's present from this, but NOPE! Now I have to figure out what to do. I might be able to have R do some wonder math for me and redo a pattern. I could mix it with a tough worsted weight and see what happens. I could even find a heavy cotton like Sugar'n'Cream so that it gets some body to it. I need to find uses for this yarn!

Okay, I'm done my freak out!!

The LSD Flashback Blanket!

2006-07-25T08:05:00.000-05:00

The colors are wonderful in this blanket HOWEVER, putting them all together makes it looks like something my mom might have seen at a Zeppelin concert! I can't get over how bright this yarn is! I'm using Fantasy Naturale by Plymouth yarns. WOW! I frogged the blanket and I'll do a sweater and hat for K's baby girl due next month.

I'm going to use a simple Debbie Bliss pattern for the sweater and a plain little hat. I think that the colors will be okay on something so small. A blanket would have been too much!!

So off to Joann's this morning to get a set of Size 8 needles. I thought I had bamboo ones this size, but I guess not. Oh,well . . .S won't be too happy about it, but he'll get to go visit L and her girls and a treat for being the best behaved 2 year old in the store!

Bunny #4 Finished !

2006-07-21T09:32:00.000-05:00

I love the bunny! It's so easy and cute!!! I'm sending #4 to one of my Internet lesbian friends for her newest little guy. I'm so happy for everyone having babies, but can't deny the twinge of jealousy I feel when they announce their pregnancy. Why not me?? Well, this blog isn't about my infertility issues, it's about my other obsession, KNITTING . . so

I'm making two more baby gifts and I'M DONE for now. My knitting buddy ( who also is my buddy outside of knitting), L is doing the same thing. She actually had the idea first and now I'm following suit. I still need to do projects for none household members, but at least it's not for babies!! YEAH! Aunt P needs socks and D needs a sweater for Christmas. Then for R&S I need to do sweaters. Not sure if R will get a sweater, but he'll get something knitted! Last year he wore my first 3 scarves with pride! They looked like hell, but he wore them day after day!! There was a reason I married him!! LOL

Chrissy got the gift for Logan! He looks so handsome in it!! Here is a picture she posted today. I"m glad she got it! They live in Chicago so I'm hoping he'll get some use out of it this winter!

So here I am, not pregnant and knitting for everyone elses babies! I guess it's a way to make myself feel better about being an infertile mama! Maybe once I stop knitting for everyone else, I'll get pregnant and HAVE to knit for #2! S does need a sibling and a sweater!! LOL Poor kid is going to need therapy by the age of 7. We're really doing a number on him. He's so content in his store bought sweaters and only child status.

Finished 2 Projects in 1 week

2006-07-15T17:32:00.000-05:00

I rock!! I finished Angie's BBB and it turned out WONDERFULLY. I was so impressed with the yarn. It self striped, but that was okay. Ang loved it and hopefully that baby will come home wrapped in it soon. They stripped her membranes and that should get things going!

These are Logan's birthday presents. I need to send them quickly since his birthday is tomorrow. I hope Chrissy likes them! I used Bernat Denimstyle which I LOVE. I just did a garter stitch scarf with fringe at each corner. There was a defect in the yarn, so there is a thin spot I didn't notice until too late to start over b/c of time constraints. I used Size 11 needles ad casted on 20 stitches. The hat is a basic ribbed hat. Here's the link to the pattern:

Bev's Simple Stretchy Hat

BBB FINISHED!!!

2006-07-11T08:55:00.000-05:00

So happy to announce that the BBBB for Angie's little miss is DONE!! It's currently blocking on the dining room table. Will get a wash and dry today and then packaged and delivered Thrusday. A is going to have this baby anytime, so I need to get it to her SOON!!

Well, we have a little off road project I need to finish in about 3 days. My friend Christina's son is 2 on Sunday. I was going to buy the usual loud obnoxious toys that all 2 year olds like, HOWEVER, she posted on the board we met on (yes, kind of dorky, I know) that her DS had WA Y too many toys. So needless to say, I'm not doing a toy now. I think we'll do a scarf and hat for this winter. They're in a Chicago suburb so that will work.

2006 MORE EFFING STUFF!!!

2006-07-09T18:33:00.000-05:00

Forget Delaney's sweater for Christmas!! UGH, I'm never going to finish.

Angie's baby blanket is about 98% done! I have 10 more rows to go.

Then it's finishing Cristy's bunny and something for Court. Not sure what since I frogged her blanket. I have about 14 skeins of Mircrospun now!! WTF am I going to do??

I might have a blanket of my own to knit soon! Only a week until we find out if #2 is on the way!!

Kramer the Knitting Cat!

2006-07-07T16:54:00.001-05:00

Here is my PITA cat Kramer (yes, from Seinfeld!) in my knitting stash!

We need a blanket in this house!

2006-07-07T16:31:00.000-05:00

Okay, we have blankets, but we need one that I made!! LOL I have a few contenders:

Patons Design. Looks comfy and easy. You have to buy big ass needles though.

Here's a Lion Brand pattern I like too

Projects for 2006

2006-07-05T14:52:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I have a shitload to do this year! I really have taken on too too too much!!! Here's my list in order of due date!!

Angie's Blanket- 90% complete. She's having the baby in a few weeks
Christy's Bunny - 90% complete. Her son is almost 2 months old!!
Kelly's Blanket - Need by end of August
Courtney's Hat and Bunny - Need by end of August
DS Sweater - Christmas
DH Sweater - Christmas
Aunt Peg's socks - Christmas
Purse - For me!!! By end of year!!!

I'm never going to finish.

Love my hook up on Ebay for Plymouth yarn. She's here in Wisconsin and has great pricing/free shipping. So all of my projects are going to be in Plymouth Yarns!!

MIA for 4 Months

2006-07-05T14:31:00.000-05:00

Crap, it's been 4 months of no knitting information! YIKES! I'm a sucky blogger!! Well, I guess it's because I've been SO SO SO wrapped up in a variety of things outside of knitting. My 2 year old, my hubby's work, my SAHM's club, and TTC. My friends all have their TTC, pregnancy and baby blogs . . . I have one dedicated to KNITTING! My friends are all getting into it and they seem cool . . . maybe I'm not the loser I thought I was.

So I have done some more stuff recently. My BBBB isn't the only thing I'm capable of!! I used LionBrand's VelvetSpun like the patterned called for

So I tried another one with LionBrand's Watercolors for a friend here in Milwaukee. I'm very happy with the outcome!

!! I did a hat too from Lynn's Blue Sky Alpaca pattern. It turned out great!! Loved it. Need to do more.

Then my DH's friends from Grad school started popping out kids. So I was required (LOL) to make them some. I used moda-dea's beloved on one which was wonderful to knit with, but I don't think it kept it's shape too well. It turned out beautiful. I used LionBrand Diagonal baby Blanket. The parents loved it!

Another Classmate had a baby in London. I made a blanket with Bernat's Baby Boucle. It was so easy to knit with and washed wonderfully. I was

really impressed.

So we come to May. DS turned 2 and we took a trip to Florida to visit my family. I put DS in my mother's capable hands and headed to JoAnn's and LYS!! How sick is that!! On vacation and I went yarn shopping. I did however get rockin' deals on LionBrand's Watercolors (everyone is getting a non-mutant bunny!!) and some moda Dea Beloved. I've decided to mix in some Caron Wintuck in the same color to give it some heft. I also bought my 1st ball of sock yarn. My aunt wanted a pair, I said sure! I'm searching for a pattern now, but not sure how easy that is going to be.

So June, Angie's baby is due soon. I'm using Encore Colorspun and it is wonderful. It is self-striping in the BBBB. I wasnt' expecting that but it's great. I have about 4 inches left!!

I got Kelly's yarn. It's Fantasy Naturale from Plymouth. Looks great. Haven't started that one yet. I was doing a BBBB in LionBrand Microspun, but the reciepent mother started to fade away from me and I just didn't feel it anymore. I'll make her a bunny.

My internet lesbian friends are all having babies too! I've done 1 bunny and sent it. The other one is 1/2 done. I just can't finish it for some reason! I'll need to finish Angie's blanket 1st.

My first BIG project

2006-03-20T15:17:00.000-06:00

I finished!!! I'm so happy today. It took me less than a month to finish BBBB from Stitch'n'Bitch. I used Bernat's DenimStyle in Canvas. The yarn was VERY easy to work with. There are a few mistakes that I didn't notice until I was finished. =(. I'm hoping the recipent won't notice them either. My friend is due in May, but she is just 1 of a list of 4 of my good friends who are pregnant. The next is due in July and I'm on the hunt now for yarn!

I think I'm going to use Plymouth Encore Colorspun worsted in Cinderella. It's a peach, yellow and cream variegated yarn. I don't want to use baby colors for these blankets, but Angie just found out she's having a girl and I can't help myself. She already has 2 boys, so I have to do something girly.

Well my next project is a tank top for my Mother-in-law's birthday. I purchased Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool in Chocolate. We'll see how it goes. I've only done squares and rectangles to date. Luckily, I have Lynn who will be able to help me!

Can you be addcited to knitting?

2006-03-17T08:45:00.000-06:00

okay, I really don't understand my continuing obsession with knitting. My house is a mess! I can't believe that 2 sticks and some wool have taken over my life like this! I currently am working on only one project which is good I guess. At one point I had 3 going at once. Not good for the family.

My son tells me I can't knit when he's awake by pulling on me saying, "No needle, no needle." Sad and funny at the same time. My house is a pig sty. I haven't swept or mopped in about a week. I need to go to Target and buy some supplies to get my house back on track.

I hope I can keep this blog up and running with pictures of all my wonderful completed projects.