sillyrabbit pretends to knit

Blogstalking Week 6: The Cat Ate My Daily Routine

2007-10-27T10:30:00.000-05:00

Actually, my laptop's wireless connection crapped out, so until the new wireless card arrives, I'm on the big boy computer, which my camera does not connect to. I mean, I can TELL you about the neverending circle of cleaning, wiping, and diaper changing, but I really think it would be more thrilling in picture form, so allow me to revisit this topic later. Until then, mah girl OLPP made up a Halloween meme of her very own, so I'll do that instead

1. Do you believe in ghosts?
I think so. Nice, comforting ones that come to tell me messages of love.

2. Have you ever seen a ghost?
I don't think so.

3. Have you ever experienced something that is best described by the word “paranormal”?
Well, I was thinking about my grandparents and my father one night and said to myself that it would be nice if they could communicate with me, and my son's Learn N Groove table starting singing the ABC song over and over for an hour. If you watch any John Edward Cross Country, you'll know that the dead relatives with whom you wish to converse will communicate with you via electronics, so I'm taking it that way.

4. Do you watch any ghost or haunting themed shows?
Does VH1's Celebrity Paranormal Project or whatever it's called count? If so, then yes.

5. If so, do you sometimes sleep with the lights on or wake up your partner because the show scared you a whole lot and you can’t sleep and don’t want to be awake alone?
That show is totally the opposite of scary.

6. Have you ever been to a supposedly haunted place? If so, did you experience anything spooky?
I did the ghost tour of Old Town Alexandria. I didn't like it, but I don't really like being out on any street after dark. I'm more afraid of muggers than ghosts.

7. How much do you love Halloween?
SO MUCH! Candy! Costumes! Babies in costumes! Trick or treating! Pumpkin carving! I have a whole Halloween menu planned out this year. I can't wait until Little Man is REALLY old enough to appreciate all the fun!

Ok! Take this meme! Put it on your blog! And then let me know if you did because I want to read aaaaaaaall about it!!

Blogstalking Week 5: Let's Play Statue. I lose.

2007-10-17T14:35:00.001-05:00

Here you go, friends. I don't know much about it, and I am no good at feeding people a line of bs about what the art says to me, so I'll tell you that this is a sculpture of a two-headed duck, found on the college campus we live near. We pass it on our walks, and the kids flip out. My son, in particular, has a duck obsession, and it appears that he likes it. I think it's a little kooky, but it's cute. Fits the week's assignment, and that's good too.

Ok, that's really all I have to say about the statue. I went to Stitches East, want to see my yarn?
Here's the picture with the least amount of cat.
OK, from left to right--

2500 yds of Interlacements Spider Web in a pretty solid Frenchy blue
Baruffa Cashwool laceweight in chocolate, my current favorite yarn
Lisa Souza Baby Alpaca/Silk in Poiple
Blue Moon Fiber Arts Bambu in Hoofle Floofle. What a name!
Underneath, Blue Moon Fiber Arts Laci in Sapphire. Yes, I know they look almost the same, but the Sapphire is very variegated and the other is very solid. So I like blue. What's your point?
Blue Moon Fiber Arts Geisha in Backstabber. LOVE

I also checked out a new yarn store near my mom, that I love love LOVE. I'll post about them too. LOVE. Nature's Yarns in Fairfax, near the intersection of 29 and Jermantown. Go, NOVA residents!

Blogstalking Week 4: Three I Love, Three I Hate

2007-10-11T19:20:00.000-05:00

OK. One thing I hate is ginumbo unknown bug creatures that lurk under the Bounce and Spin Zebra, only to be found when the can of Puffs that I thought was empty suddenly bursts open, spewing Puffs hither and yon. I hate ginumbo bug creatures even more when they require TWO flushes to leave. Nothing should crawl back up the plumbing (FYI: Never flush cockroaches.)

What do I love? I love playing dress up.
Not me dressing up as much as my absolutely adorable little one.

What else do I hate? People that are absolutely ugly and awful online. I mean, I really hope it's just online, because really, the things some people say online...if they said it in real life, they'd be sociopaths, I'm pretty sure. You're totally entitled to your opinion, wrong though it may be, but I'm also entitled to think that you're a troll and a douchebag for voicing it and ganging up with other like-minded sociopaths for some talk that should not exist in civilized society.

Another thing I love? Reality television. Well, not all of it. I do, however, love Project Runway, Top Chef, America's Next Top Model, Iron Chef....basically, if you take pretty people or food and turn it into a competition, there's a good chance I'll be there weekly.

One more hate. Group work. Having to build a 3D model of a larynx for AN ONLINE CLASS.

One more love? Good News! My BFF Kathy (LOLZZ!!11!!!! Just for you, miss!) got a job before she's even finished with her teaching program. Of course she did! She's brilliant and talented, and a great lover of small people, and any school district that didn't recognize that deserves a skillet to the face. Also, my cousin's husband's PET scan looks good! His chemo is working and soon they'll be able to return to their nice, normal, boring life. (Right, Jess?) Other good news? I'm going to STITCHES EAST this weekend, with my lovely yarn-enabling mom. So much fun. Can't wait!!!

Next week. Go vote for statues.

Blogstalking Week 3: My Ride

2007-10-01T10:27:00.001-05:00

I love my car. It looks a mess in these pictures, but it's actually on the clean side for it. I do have two strollers in the back. One is a big one with a tray, the other is an umbrella stroller. I met a friend the other day and threw the little one in there in case she wanted to borrow it. Plus, this way I don't need to worry about them getting stolen off the porch. There's diapers, toys, cell phones, change, Boppys (I never learned how to nurse without one. I also can't nurse lying down. You'd think I'd have figured those things out eventually.), backpack carriers, water bottles, directions, etc.

One great thing about my car that I didn't take pictures of because it would have involved a lot of stroller juggling and I didn't feel like doing that, is that it comes with a picnic table for tailgating! You take all the stuff out of the trunk, lift up that little floorboard, and there's a little table all folded up under there. Under the picnic table is where I keep my emergency battery recharger and my tire jack.

There's a lot of stuff, but I prefer it this way. I've very rarely been caught without something that I need. If I am, I take note and add it. I'd much rather carry around a bunch of stuff than be inconvenienced, PARTICULARLY with a small child. Anything too clean and organized feels sterile and unwelcoming to me.

Do I like my CR-V? In short, I love it. It's the greatest car. It's...seven years old? and still gets well over 30 miles to the gallon. We are a Honda family. My first car was an '89 Civic, my sister just traded her CR-V in for a Civic Hybrid, and my mom drives a Pilot. We've had the WORST luck with anything unHonda, so I'm a loyal customer. I plan on driving this into the ground, and then I'd love another one, or to upgrade to the Pilot.

So, there you go. You'll likely see 35 cars that look just like mine on the next trip you take, whether to Canada or to the grocery store, and now, you can wonder if it's me in there. If it is, honk! I'll wave! That one finger thing? Also a wave! I learned how to drive in DC!

Blog Stalking Week 2: Purse Guts

2007-09-21T21:14:00.000-05:00

Wow, my blog's about to fall over. I've never paid it this much attention before.

OK, so this was fun. I've always been known for carrying random, random, RANDOM things in my purse. It's been an icebreaker at something I've attended three times, and I've one every time. For those wins, I was carrying a pair of socks (CLEAN!), a cat toy, and a pack of lunchmeat turkey. I think they were at college orientation and a few teaching conferences, so not really places where I would need any of those things.

So, here goes.

Here's my purse. Nice little Vera Bradley shoulder bag with a zipper...I think it's a Betsy, if you're into such things.

Open it up, and you see this.

Then spread it all out on the coffee table and it looks like this.
So what is all this? I wrote it down for you:
Snack Trap, knitting project (Jumbo Elephant from Knitted Toys, swish dk and Harmony needles that I glued to myself the other day) my headband from Pretty Pretty, a ball, a turkey, a giraffe, a duck wearing a lei, a cube, a Koosh, Wee Sing for Halloween songbook, a knit sock, my wallet, a bag of hair, sun lotion, a baby fork, a baby spoon, my iPod (it's a dinosaur!), a phillips head screwdriver, my keys, my cell phone, my husband's wallet, a bag of wipes, insect repellant wipes, Gold Bond anti itch, a tampon, a sewing kit, a Red Robin kids contest entry form, purple toenail polish, Phyto, 3 hair ties, a contact lens, hotel face soap, hotel body soap, an Ann Taylor Loft coupon, and a pen.

What?

Oh, and the bag of hair? Because of this new look here:

Blog Stalking Week 1: Who I Am

2007-09-17T13:26:00.001-05:00

And my Secret Pal is.....

2007-04-28T12:52:00.000-05:00

Emilee!!! Look at this great package I got!

Two delicious candy bars (MAN, those things are good), a pack of Burt's Bees treats, mmmmmmmalabrigo (NOW I get what the big deal is about! I love that yarn) and a Nautie.

Little Man wants to show you how much he likes Nautie, right up close.

Actually, I tried to get a picture of him sitting with Nautie, but he decided he would rather play with the camera than pose, so this is what we get. He brought Nautie with him. Maybe Nautie was supposed to take the picture. I don't know.

SO Malabrigo is FABulous. It's still wound up in the skein for now, and I'm just petting it, looking for the perfect project. I'm going to make something for me, I know that. I'm just not sure what. The color is gorgeous. It's called Holly Hock. Love, love, love.

So thank you, Miss Emilee. You are the best!

See my helper?

2007-04-20T14:04:00.000-05:00

Max LOOOOVES LL Shepherd Worsted.

Status Check

2007-04-18T19:14:00.000-05:00

My cousin was interviewed on her blog, and she sent me five interview questions to complete as well.

1. What snack food could you not live without?
I have to pick one? Chocolate. I am definitely a snack food junkie, just ask my pants, but everything else kind of comes in waves. I'll have a craving for Doritos, then a craving for ice cream, but the craving for chocolate is pretty near constant.

2. Do you apply makeup everyday?
Currently, no. It was my New Year's Resolution to start at least fixing my hair and wearing at least mascara and lip gloss, and it's not working out all that well. I didn't do those things before having Little Man, but even though nothing has changed, now people assume I'm not fixing myself because of the baby.

3. If you had to trade all of your worldly possessions for just ONE thing -what would it be?
A Black American Express Card

4. Are you a night or a morning person?
Really, neither. Or both. If left on my own, I'd probably get up around 8 and go to bed around 10. Little Man is actually following that schedule almost exactly now. That's pretty funny. I do find myself staying up a little later because that's the only time I get to myself.

5. If you could change one thing about yourself (physically or emotionally),what would it be?
I'll answer both. Physically, my weight. That would probably change all the crap that I don't like about myself outside right now. Emotionally, I would like a better attention span.

Want to play? Here’s the scoop:
1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.”
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

The sage yarn has been ripped out and banished to a corner. Actually, all my yarn has been banished to two dressers downstairs. My husband's parents and grandparents are coming into town this weekend, so I needed to get all my yarn out of the guest room (It was getting a little overwhelming in there). It's all in the dressers now, although not necessarily organized. That can come later, when I have time and motivation. On tomorrow's list of Things to Accomplish is to bring my knitting books and magazines downstairs to organize.

I'm working on my Clementine Shawl in Blue Sky Alpaca and Silk in Black, and I'm working on something that may or may not be submitted to a pattern contest if I can finish it by the 30th. So, it will not be submitted, most likely, but it's fun to dream.

Yuck.

2007-04-09T21:15:00.000-05:00

I hate sage.

I ordered this yarn with the thoughts of writing it into a pattern. It looked like a very pretty celery, springy color on my computer. I should have known from the name. It got here, and it's sage. The same color as my bedroom walls, and I keep saying to my husband, "I really hate this color. We need to paint these walls blue."

I know lots of people love sage. I know I claim to love every color as long as it's a color. Well, I guess I found the one color that I don't like. I only recently started embracing greens, because grass and celery and springy greens are so pretty and I like wearing them.

My MIL burns Yankee Candle's Sage and Citrus candles in her bathroom. That doesn't help, because I love sage-the-herb, but now when I smell it, it smells like a bathroom. NOT what I like to associate with my chicken.

So, anyway. I have the yarn, I wound one skein into a ball, it's ready to be knit. I'm waiting for it to tell me what it wants to become, and every time I look at it, I just end up remembering that I hate sage.

Catching up...

2007-04-04T08:14:00.000-05:00

So it's been a really long time since I posted. I have lots to share. I haven't been posting because I am not so sure about this new Blogger...I can make everything look beautiful in the Edit view, but then when I publish it, it's a big hot mess, as Tim Gunn would say. Very frustrating.

First of all, I have presents from people. My SP8 Secret Pal sent me yet another fantastic package that I love. Beautiful Noro, Cadbury mini eggs, sillyrabbit related sillyness, and there was a duck that quacked, but Little Man has developed a duck obsession, so he's made off with that cute guy. My secret pal is teasing me with a few clues. I know she's from MA--her postmark says Cambridge--and that she's 24, newly married, no kids.

Suemoon from the Sweet Swap has now sent me three wonderful things in the mail. This is the last package...I think the other pictures are on my other computer (Did I mention I got a new laptop? My mom decided she wanted a green one, so she got one and gave me her old one. It's really nice. Maybe someday I'll get everything transferred.) In addition to this fabulous package of chocolate, Sue also sent me some beautiful alpaca and silk yarn and several patterns by my favorite designer, Alan Dart. I have had a really hard time finding them, and LOVE every one of them. Sue found and sent me patterns that I didn't even know existed, including a knitting bear. I'm looking now to find a good yarn for them, and hope to get one started (and finished...) soon!

I love getting mail...both of these ladies have me feeling so spoiled!

My husband's birthday was in March and he requested a hat. I made him the Fake Isle hat from Magknits. It was a really quick knit and I loved the way it turned out. He...was less than enthused. It was kind of a bummer, actually. I've tried to knit him a hat four different times, and none of them have been right. This hat was the first that fit him perfectly, but I don't think he really likes it. It's possible that he's not liking it so much because he wanted Little Man to have a hat to match. I have another skein of that Noro, so I think I'll make Little Man one. The small size should fit his gigundo melon by the time winter rolls around again. I will probably make myself one in a brighter Noro, and then we can be a whole matching Fake Isle, gigundo melon family. Can you get away with this stuff when your kid is little, or is it still kind of dumb?
I really like the top.

In Little Man growing and developing news, he's crawling, pulling up, and eating a little bit of "people food". I would say the ratio of mouth:floor is maybe 1:3, which is not bad considering he's not eight months old yet. He's getting there...practice, practice.
Can you stand the cuteness?

I got VD!!!

2007-02-22T06:56:00.000-05:00

The lovely raeknits_and_spins from Knittyboard sent me VD! See? Rae sent me a great box full of yummy chocolate(Lindt truffles!!), fabulous wool-free yarn (a cotton/linen blend and sari silk!!), a book to read (good timing, since I finished my last one yesterday and was starting to get twitchy), a sheepie puzzle, Soak (which I've just heard of and never even seen. Can't wait to use that!), a pretty calendar, and the Spring issue of IK!!! Little Man enjoyed rolling in the tissue paper.

Rae requested an updated picture...here's what happens when you give your baby a biter biscuit and no bib.

What is my problem?

2007-02-19T15:52:00.000-05:00

I'm working on Trellis in Swish Superwash. I think when I posted last I was four inches in on the sleeve. It's a couple days later and I'm maybe an inch further along. I keep messing it up! I've already done the whole repeat once correctly, but I've ripped the same two rows out three times now. THREE TIMES. I love this sweater. I really want to complete it. I'm never going to be able to do that if I can't get through rows 13 and 15 on the second repeat!

I'm going to clean the living room and try again. As soon as I finish the sleeve, I want to post a picture.

Deep breaths....

I should really update once in a while

2007-02-17T22:57:00.000-05:00

The problem is that my knitting time has taken a huge hit. I was trying to think of the last thing I actually completed...um. I made a baby hat around Christmas, and a pink bath mitt out of Shine Worsted that I gave to my mom. I made a few baby hats for Hats for Alex, but haven't even sent those off yet. Currently, I'm working on Trellis for Little Man. I have no idea how I missed this pattern, but I love it. I'm about four inches in on the first sleeve...knitting in Swish Superwash Deep Ocean. I am actually knitting it a size bigger than the pattern calls for, hoping that he might actually still be able to wear it before I finish.

Don't let the lack of knitting fool you...I've certainly been BUYING yarn. I have so many projects waiting in the wings...but first and foremost, after Mr. Trellis is completed, I am knitting myself a Cozy. My wonderful, wonderful SP8 secret pal sent me all the fixin's to make it, and I haven't EVER completed anything for myself. I've been knitting for three years. It's time.

The best part about the Cozy is that I had purchased the exact same yarn (8 balls of KnitPicks Andean Silk in Bluebell) to make Cozy for a wedding I was going to in October 2005. I had just learned how to knit, and that was actually the project where I figured out that I was knitting combination. I found Grumperina's conversion chart, but it drove me bananas writing out the conversions, trying to remember...I made it about 9 inches in before I just gave up. I taught myself how to knit continental for lace purposes, but I never made it back to that project. I think I was just so determined not to rip it out that I wanted to keep going with what I'd been working on, but I didn't want to continue in combination, so I just kind of stuffed it under the bed. Slowly but surely, all those wonderful balls of yarn snuck out and became other things, until I have no yarn left. I put 8 balls on my KnitPicks wishlist, which then disappeared into the mist. I always intended to purchase the yarn to make it again, but never got that far. I didn't even mention it, I don't think--my pal took the info that I wanted to knit lace, wanted to work in worsted, and I like blue, and came to the same conclusion I did. So I am so, so eager to get through Trellis, partly because it's wonderful and partly because I'm excited to get to work on a beautiful Cozy for me.

And then I'm going to dye my hair the same color as the girl in the picture. I've been thinking about doing that anyway, and her hair is GORGEOUS. It would look really pretty against a bluebell Cozy, don't you think? Don't you all dye your hair to match your handknits?

In addition to the gift of psychic Cozy yarn, I got an anti-stress mask (which is being put to good use, let me tell you), chocolate--dark chocolate with raspberries and milk chocolate with hazelnut (we're currently conducting an experiment to see how long it can last in my house. I'm not giving it much more time...), and Stash white and green tea--which was perfect since I was sick when it arrived, and I'm trying to create a nightly tradition of drinking a cup of tea with my husband, which is a post in itself, but I'll boil it down to--tea is a lot healthier than what we drink currently (me--Diet Coke, him--fruit punch), and his grandpa has Alzheimer's, and he's terrified of it, so I'm trying to find some empowering things he can do to channel that energy. I'm as far as drinking tea and doing Sudoku.

So thank you again, Secret Pal! You are awesome. So far, the only clues I have are that you have the same handwriting as I do and you're a nature lover maybe? I got a beautiful Sierra Club card. I am the worst detective ever. I'll never remember to look at the postmark, but I think it's better that way. I like the mystery and the surprise at the end.

Little Man's First "Photo Shoot"

2006-12-14T21:02:00.000-05:00

Nine weeks ago, we had portraits done of Little Man--some promotion at a clothes store we like where if you spend a certain amount of money, you get the sitting fee for free and a free 8x10. So we went and did the portraits, and eight weeks later, they've arrived. They're beautiful, but he looks like a totally different kid now. See?

And by the way, a 16x20 picture of your kid's head (we got the one of him on my hand) is ENORMOUS. His head in the picture is bigger than my head, and that's really saying something. I have a 23.5" head. It will hang in the dining room until his friends are old enough to tease him about it, and then we'll have it put on a magnet and stick it on the car doors.

We had a Happy Halloween!

2006-11-04T14:03:00.000-05:00

Little Man dressed as a chicken. I'll post a picture of the chicken suit soon. We took him out trick or treating with some older friends...he slept the whole time in his stroller. All the candy around him that's not chocolate was supposed to go to trick or treaters, but we only had five! Oops...

Stitch Marker Swap!

2006-08-23T11:09:00.000-05:00

When I got home, I found four sets of stitch markers waiting for me! I've already received my gorgeous set from Esther, but I can't find the picture I'll took--I'll try to get one on later. From the top left, around in a circle, these are from Purrl, PrincessRach84, merrymom, and hotmama. Thanks, ladies! They're beautiful!

Look What I Made!

2006-08-20T11:22:00.000-05:00

My favorite project so far...my baby was born Tuesday, August 15th at 6:09pm. He's 20 inches long and weighed 8lbs, 7oz. He's the most adorable thing I've ever seen. We had to spend a few extra days in the hospital because he's a little jaundiced, so I'm just now able to get to the computer, but I will update more later!

Favorite Color Swap!

2006-07-23T12:10:00.000-05:00

For someone who had never participated in a swap until a few months ago, I certainly have several going now. I'm having a lot of fun with them though, and they keep me busy. Can't wait to get started on this one...Here's my completed questionnaire.

1. What are your top three favorite colors? This is so hard. Looking at my yarn, probably bright purple, bright blue, and bright pink. I wish bright was a color, then that would be my favorite.

2. What crafts do you really enjoy? knitting, scrapbooking, cross stitch

3. What products do you really covet? I am a huge fan of KnitPicks yarns, especially Shine, Main Line, and all their alpaca blends. If something says alpaca and silk, chances are excellent that it will be something I will love to work with. I am also a huge fan of Debbie Bliss cashmerino, all the weights. I know there are good substitutes that are less expensive, and it is my new goal to search them out and knit them.

4. What other activities do you enjoy besides your favorite crafty things?Lately, being a slug. Naps are frequent, Law and Order is always a fabulous way to spend time, and I would pay money to watch a silly movie with my husband right now. My energy level and activity level should be picking up here shortly. I hope.

5. Is there anything you collect? Un, not really, unless chocolate and yarn count.

6. What is your zodiac sign and/or Chinese zodiac symbol? I am a Scorpio, I think my Chinese zodiac symbol is the horse? Have you seen this link? http://www.paulsadowski.com/birthday.asp

7.What are your favorite…

…scents/smells? Rose, Vanilla for lotions, food things for candles--like apple pie, lemon, etc. I am allergic to lavender.

…types of music and/or bands? Upbeat--Barenaked Ladies and Jason Mraz are good examples

…authors?Silly mystery authors. Robert B. Parker, James Patterson, like that

…animals? In my house, cats. Out of my house, giraffes

…places to shop? Wow. You have no idea what you're getting yourself into. I'll be kind. Knitting--KnitPicks. Target for everything. AC Moore for craft stuff I need quickly.

…season? Spring--jeans and t shirt, with maybe a sweater to throw over it weather, and good bright sun and nice blue sky.

…yarn/fabric/paper/other craft supplies? Oh, I think I messed up and answered this someplace else. Oh well. I love alpaca, especially blended with silk. Mohair, angora, and most wools against my skin cause rashes. I don't really have any set favorites with the others. I am open to new ideas in all areas.

…candies or goodies? I have such a sweet tooth it is absolutely ridiculous. I love chocolate, lemon flavored anything, and flavored coffees. I've started drinking flavored teas lately and love those too. Really though--not particular

8. Do you have any wish lists?Well, I had a KnitPicks one, but I don't think that feature works anymore, so no, I guess not.

9. Are you allergic to anything? Here I go again, getting ahead of myself. Mohair, angora, most wool, lavender. Also latex, if that should happen to come up. It usually doesn't in knitting swaps...

10. Do you have any pets? What are they? I have a cat named Max (so original) and a guinea pig named Nacho Guinea Pig that lived in my classroom during the school year. He'll be moving schools and going to my husband's classroom this year.

11. Please include anything else you would like your secret pal to know about you- anything that would be helpful in finding you little gifts that you will really enjoy. I am so easy to please...if it comes in the mail with my name on it, you'll make my day. I don't even know where to go with this question, but I promise to be easy and grateful. I'm just so excited to have a secret pal to swap with!

My Secret Pals are psychics

2006-07-17T13:30:00.000-05:00

I had JUST posted about how lousy and anxious I was feeling about moving away for the last month of my pregnancy, my husband's gone all week, I'm feeling super overwhelmed, and the mailman showed up at my door with--a package from my One Skein Secret Pal. The last time her package arrived, I needed cheering up! (It really is a coincidence...I'm not that cranky or down very often!)

So, my beautiful package...She sent me non wool sock yarn in a perfect me color so I can actually make some socks for myself (imagine that--knitting for myself???), Body Shop coconut butter (which I LOVE) knitting notecards and cute funnies, and sheepie confetti.

THEN--I came in to the computer to upload the picture, and found an ecard from my Summer Fling Secret Pal! Cute sheepies and encouraging messages...thanks, both of you. You brought a smile to my face today, which should make you feel good, because I needed it. Love ya both.

Very distracted...

2006-07-17T11:37:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to apologize for the lack of content! My three quarter sleeve sweater is knit and blocked, and just needs seaming and some kind of closure, which might have to wait for a while until I have some kind of waist again. I took a break from all of my other knitting to make Monsieur Cat from Lucinda Guy's Handknit for Kids--he was finished in a day and I love him. I way overstuffed him, but he's so soft and smushy. He matches the hat and kimono from KnitPicks Main Line that I might someday finish. I'm one arm away from completion.

Today I'm moving up to my mom's until this kid arrives--any time in the next 30 days. It's hard to pack for 30 days...there will be lots of yarn involved. I'm very anxious about this--even though I knew it was coming for eight months, it's still hard to pick up and leave my husband, cat, and house for a month, and to know that when I come home, we'll be one person extra. That part is exciting, but it's very overwhelming. I need lots of knitting to soothe my nerves.

I'll have to figure out how to upload pictures when I'm there. It can be done!

Off to the Beach!

2006-06-30T18:30:00.000-05:00

I am headed to the beach for a week and of course have knitting projects to go with me. I'm posting a list to hold me accountable! I'm taking:
1--Three quarter sleeve top from KnitSimple magazine in KnitPicks Sierra Cinnamon
2--Debbie Bliss raglan sweater in Blue Sky Cotton pumpkin
3--Log Cabin Blanket from Mason Dixon Knitting in five million colors.
4--Cable Footies from One Skein, several pairs, in a variety of Lorna's Laces.

I promise pictures when I return! I'll have internet, but no ability to upload pictures. For now, look at the beach house!

Cable Footies

2006-06-26T08:35:00.000-05:00

Hi Summer Fling Secret Pal! I'm excited to get to know you! Thanks for popping in!

In other news, I finally finished the cable footies from One Skein in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted in Icehouse. They look kind of funny, but that's because they don't have feet in them. Mine don't fit, so use your imagination and pretend that the toes aren't pointy anymore, and that's them.

I love presents!

2006-06-22T11:43:00.000-05:00

Yay! What a great surprise! I was having a pretty lousy day, and my husband went out and brought me the mail, and look what was there! My One Skein Secret Pal present! I got a skein of Misti Alpaca in purple (my favorite color), three delicious-sounding tea bags (mango passionfruit, chocolate hazelnut, and chai spice), and a fabulous little box of chocolates. Good thing they came in a box, or there would be nothing there to take a picture of. I love alpaca, and have worked with a lot, but the Misti Alpaca is 100% softer than anything I've ever used before. I can't wait to work with it! I'll be on a project hunt for the rest of the afternoon.

Thank you, Secret Pal. You have perfect timing--you made my day!

Log Cabin

2006-06-06T22:36:00.000-05:00

I'm doing a fabulous job of posting approximately monthly. I'm going to set a goal to post one thing a week. We'll see how that goes. Right now, it's 1130pm and I'm exhausted, but I want to post my progress on my Log Cabin blanket and declare that I really, really wanted it to not look like a rainbow. I have this obsession with rainbow order, so I actually put all the colors in a bowl and pulled them out at random to prevent this exact thing from happening, and yet, here we are. Clearly, it was meant to be. I really like it anyway, even if it does feel kind of like a rug now, and I am horrible at picking up stitches. Overlook, overlook, overlook. It'll be a great tummy time blanket.

Updates...

2006-05-10T17:28:00.000-05:00

I think it was a month ago that I promised pictures. I'm such a slacker...I'm in the middle of a storm of knitting, and I think my fingers are working backwards. I have finished one Clapotis in KnitPicks Sock Something Hydrangea, and am making another one that needs to be finished by FRIDAY in KP Memories Rocky Mountain Dusk. That one's getting to the panic stages. I also know three people delivering babies in the next two weeks-ish, and since neither one found out what they're having, I am waiting until they're born to get started. Except for one girl. I *know* she's having a girl, so I'm making her T-Bar booties from Zoe Mellor's book and Miss Dashwood from Knitty in KP something totally impractical for a baby gift.

BUT--I have pictures of the bobble hat and booties I made for my other pregnant friend's son, who is due in July. They are from Debby Ware's book, and they were so fun and quick to knit. I like frequent color changes because, despite having to sew in 12 billion ends, it keeps my attention and goes very quickly. Unfortunately, my affinity for picking primary boy colors that make them look like little Rastafarians is very evident in this gift. Fortunately, my friend has a sense of humor.

As soon as the Clapotiseseseses are finished, I'm actually going to knit something for MY child. You know. Before everyone starts birthing their own.

Hi!

2006-04-19T10:57:00.000-05:00

I guess I should actually post something on my blog so that it'll show up that I actually have one. I have nothing really to say, other than that I just signed up for the One Skein Secret Pal Exchange and that I'm really excited about that. Most of my knitting lately has been consumed by baby boy things for my little one that's due in August. My first baby--he'll have ten tons of knitted items by then. (Or ten. You know. Whatever) I have a zillion other things on my list to accomplish in the near future also, so I'll post them as progress is made!