05/16/2007
on the needles, off the needles jiggity jig
on the needles...
(click on all pictures in post to in large them)
this isn't like me! I have 3 projects going at the same time (don't forget the mini van sock! Which has progressed to the heel gusset. yay me!) wildflower socks which are very Project Spectrum this month
which I'm not sure if I'm going to frog or not... I casted on the smaller size (56 sts) its a little hard to get over my heel, but once its on it fits very well. To frog, or not to frog?
also on the needles is knit and tonics something red. I've had the pattern forever and the yarn for even longer. It's absolutely beautiful. Here is a close up, this picture is pretty close to the actual color. As ya'll know, red is *very* hard to capture!
I'm using Louet Sales Gems Merlin Camelot in color 60-2895-1. I'm calling it Red Rose. Much more romantic, no? Its 70% Merino and 30% linen. I bought this yarn 2 years, maybe 3 years, ago at Webs on sale. This is so sad, that I have to admit it. I just got the name of the yarn... Merlin Merino/Linen Mer Lin. Holy Crap I am slow!
...off the needles
Little socks for Allysa
(see my beautiful marigold that Bryce gave to me for Mother's Day? I love it!)
I had enough yarn left over from my secret knitting, Kailey's socks, Corra's socks, another pair of socks for Allysa and my socks to knit a pair of socks for Allysa!
Stats:
Pattern- Waffle Rib II from Sensational knitted socks
Yarn- Socks that Rock medium weight in boysenberry and rhodenite
Needles- Inox US 2 dpns
Started- April ?, 2007
Finished- May 7, 2007
Notes- I cased on 44 sts. Leg measures 3", foot measures 6 1/2" She wears a child's size 10. When Allysa put on her new socks she proclaimed "now I can walk!"
I'm hoping to go to the Waynesburgh Co. Sheep and Wool this weekend, I will be schlepping Allysa and Kailey with me. (unless I can find a sitter for Allysa) Let me know if your going too!
09:25 Posted in Finished Object , Knitting , socks, socks, socks!! , something red | Permalink | Comments (4) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting(english)
05/11/2007
have you...
... knit something that you where in completely in love with? Real love. True love, because true love has things that bother you (like not putting the toilet seat down!) but you can live with because you *really* *really* love them/it.
(click on all pictures in this post to biggen them)
I'm in love with these socks. The process sucked me in and I feel deeply in love with the diamonds and how they quickly appeared. While I was knitting the second sock I kept trying it on, and take a few moments to enjoy the pattern, the fit, the color. I was in love. (aww!)
But like I said earlier, even true love has its flaws. It wasn't until I finished the first sock, wove in all my ends I realized I made a mistake and I'd be dammed if I was going to rip all the way back to it. damnit. Can you find the mistake? I decided, or justified, my mistake. Telling myself that everything has its flaws. And these socks, even with the mistake are still beautiful.
I know before I said I don't like the feel of a stockinette heel. With the pattern being incredibly awe inspiring, I followed the pattern. I still hate the stockinette heel. And hopefully won't fall for its sweet talk again.
Stats:
Pattern- Gentleman's sock with lozenge pattern from Knitting Vintage socks by Nancy Bush
Yarn- Socks that Rock medium weight in boysenberry
Needles- Knit Picks US1 dpns (which are really a US 1.5 but I've ranted about this before)
and Susan Bates US 1's dpns
Started- April 14, 2007
Finished- May 6, 2007
Notes- I CO 60 sts. And worked 3 repeats of the cuff ribbing instead of 4. As this pattern was written for a man's leg, and I was modifying it to fit my (much) shorter leg. I worked 4 lozenge pattern repeats using the KP 1's and then worked 1.5 pattern repeat in the SB 1's. Which made the socks a little snugger around the ankle. I switched back to the KP 1's for the heel and foot. I decreased the toe to 24 stitched and then grafted. I love STR almost solids. These socks have my love. Even with there imperfections ; )
Bear wasn't all to amused with my socks photography shoot, see?
PS Kailey is doing better on her meds. She still has some reflux and has been spitting up and coughing more. The Dr took her off one of her meds today. So far it seems to have made her worse. So far, she hasn't had any apnea episodes! yay! The monitors main cable did go bad last Saturday. So the company sent someone to replace it that day. Why is it always a weekend that something happens? *L* Thank you everyone for your well wishes. I can't tell you how much I appreciate them.
PPS This post is just about the socks and just the socks. But Mike, I would be ever so happy if you would put the toilet seat down. You are out numbered in this house. 4 girls to you 2 boys!
21:10 Posted in Finished Object , knitting vintage socks , socks, socks, socks!! | Permalink | Comments (13) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting(english), socks
05/04/2007
Baby love
What a week er, two weeks its been! So much has happened. Among the sleep overs, birthday parties, various chores and Mike being home on break, Kailey has been one little fussy baby. After talking to her Dr. I finally decided to have her tested for acid reflux. She has been very drooly, fussy, has the hiccups a lot, and seems to swallow frequently too. The Dr. called for a 18 hour ph study, and an ultrasound. Damn. It was a long 18 hours in the hospital while she was having her test. Both Bryce and Allysa had reflux, but they threw up. A.lot. Bryce had excessive periodic breathing too. Baby Love, has periodic breathing too. Quite a bit for her age too... our Dr. being on the safe side prescribed an apnea monitor for her to wear when she is sleeping. It has two electrodes attached to a belt that she wears around her chest. It monitors her heart rate and her breathing. Hopefully she won't have any episodes... Our Dr. also put her on Zantac and Reglan (no idea if I spelled that right). Which should stop the reflux, and hopefully heal any damage that may have been done to her esophagus.
Baby love has some new hand knits to show off, After picking up some cotton at the LYS two weeks ago I casted on for little hat
(clicky on all pictures to embiggen)
Stats:
Pattern- Ruffled tulip hat by fiber trends
Yarn- 1.5 balls Paton's cotton worsted white, approx. 2 yards Patton's martinique in pink.
Needles- size 7 Clover dpns
Started- April 22, 2007
Finished- April 25, 2007
Notes- I used white for the whole hat, Instead of using the pink for the heart pattern. I used purl sts instead. And pink for the tie. Next time, I will in large the heart pattern and knit the heart patten with all purl sts. Its a little big on her right now, but she will grow into it. She is already 12lbs 5oz!
Baby love looks so sweet in Daddy's arms. (Daddy didn't know I was taking pictures, hehe!)
Baby love has a few MDK bibs to show off too,
Silly Mommy put the button hole on the wrong side of one! The buttons came from a tin of buttons I found in the basement of our home. I don't know how long they have been down there, it was a great find!
Now that Baby love is napping I'm going to go take a shower, I really should clean (ick), or knit (oh knit!), or maybe nap... mmm... nap....
09:09 Posted in family , Finished Object , Knitting | Permalink | Comments (22) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting(english)
04/13/2007
is it? are they? no, they couldn't be!
A few days ago I finished a pair of socks that I can't quite show off just yet. But as soon as I was done I casted on a pair of infant socks for Kailey. I though heelless socks would be a good idea for her, so she wouldn't be able to grow out of them anytime (real) soon. I grabbed my Knitting Vintage socks book and casted on 36 stitches, 2 1/2 pattern repeats latter I casted off these bad boys:
(click on all pictures in this post to embiggen' them)
Stats:
Pattern- based on the Heelless sleeping socks in Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush
Yarn- Socks that Rock in boysenberry
Needles- Inox US 2 dpns set
Gauge- umm... I really should just remove this...
Started- April 8, 2007
Finished- April 9, 2007
Notes- Even though they will fit her for a long time, they cant' stand up to her wild kicking for very long! I also think they look a little stupid with out a heel.
Now tell me something....
do these socks really look like baby socks? or something else? Like maybe *cough*weewillywarmers*cough*?
17:19 Posted in Finished Object , Knitting , socks, socks, socks!! | Permalink | Comments (15) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting(english)
04/06/2007
A FO just in time for Spring
An knitted Finished Object just in time for Spring. At least I think its Spring, but the weather seems to be a a little confused
(snow by the leftover tree stump in the side yard. boy was it funny watching Mike cut this down and chasing logs down the hill. *snicker*)
Luckly the snow melts as soon as the sun hits it. Stupid lake effect.
What was that? The finished Object you say? Did I say something about a finished object? Did I? Why, yes I did. And guess what. Its not a sock! (shocked are you? hehe)
Kailey wearing Anouk from knitty!
Stats:
Pattern- anouk from knitty Spring 2004 smallest size
Yarn- Knitpicks Swish Superwash
Main color- 1.5 balls Ballerina
Contrast color 1- 0.5 balls Aloe (its really a minty green color)
Contrast color 2- .25 balls Sunshine (holly bright yellow batman!)
Needles- US size 6 Knitpicks Options
Gauge- why don't I measure this? I donno.. its a baby knit!
Started- March 20, 2007
Finished- March 27, 2007
Seamed- April 5, 2007
Notions- 3 white buttons from my Grandmother's sewing box
Knit for little Kailey
Notes: Nice quick knit, cute little dress. It maybe a bit big right now. But little girl looks so sweet in it. I finished it just in time for Easter.
Now time to finish those damned socks... I want me a sweater!
*added* I almost forgot to tell ya'll! Bryce's surgery went wonderfully! You wouldn't even know that he had surgery, he was all over the place this week with energy. He isn't snoring and can breathe better! yay!!!
22:10 Posted in Finished Object , Knitting | Permalink | Comments (14) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting(english)
03/12/2007
Two of a kind
Friday my little guy was in a play called Three of a kind. Had to be *the* cutest little play eva! When the curtain rose there where tears in my eyes. If the play wasn't so funny I probably would have bawled. B played one of the three wise men, he had to memorize 6 lines. Smart little guy memorized all of his lines! (Seriously when he came home a month before the play telling me he had a speaking part and had to memorize lines, my head started to hurt. Kid forgets to flush the toilet for crying out loud, and you want him to memorize 6 lines, what?)
(B's the cute lil guy in orange.)
Also on Friday I finished my barely mentioned on the blog socks. They are two of a kind ; )
They are a perfect match right down to the little pink stripe going around my top of my foot. Clicky on the pick and see.
Have you ever some across something that you liked so much that you didn't want to share? You wanted it all to yourself, and didn't want to tell a single soul. Because your worried that if you do tell, ya'll have to share. Well... that's how I feel about this sock yarn, and the store I bought it from. I mean, come on look how cool it striped:
The colors just blend into each other, keeping me intrigued watching them change row after row. I wanted to keep the dyer and the store a secret. I didn't want to tell... but I don't keep secrets very well. Oh no I don't. I have to tell you where I bought this yarn, because the service is great, and they have great sales. I have to tell you what kind of yarn this is, because you have to knit with it. It's just too neat not too.
Two of a kind socks
Stats:
Pattern: casted on 56sts, knit 15 rows K2, P2. Then K6, P2. Short row heel, classic toe.
Yarn: Twisted colorway Octarine purchased from yarn4socks.com
Needles: Knitpicks circs US 1
Time: 2 weeks 3 days
Notes: Ya wanna know what else is neat about these socks? The colorway's name Ocartine, Oct meaning 8 (pretty sure about that) 56 divided by 8 equals 7. And the stitch pattern I used is a 8 stitch repeat. Ain't that neat. I guess math can be cool ; )
PS. Guess who found her thumb?

22:59 Posted in family , Finished Object , Knitting , socks, socks, socks!! | Permalink | Comments (17) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting(english), knitting_(english)
02/19/2007
3-day weekend
We had a 3 day weekend this weekend, after the kids having 3 days off last week thanks to the snow storm (which by the way, why wasn't it called a Nor'ester?) it was like we had a vacation from school. I'm looking forward to tomorrow which will hopefully bring back some bit of normalcy to our house. I say some, because Bryce has a cold and he's being dragged to the Dr tomorrow. Kailey has her 1 month appointment and I'm hoping to have him checked out too. He's supposed to have his adenoids removed this coming Monday. The kids where able to spend some time outside in the snow this weekend. They enjoyed themselves immensely and its a good thing Mema keeps us stocked with mittens!
Here's B's crazy socks after a day of wear, He loves how the socks don't match! When I asked B how much he liked his new socks he replied with
"This much!!!" ahhh, this is why I love to knit him socks. Do you know what is so crazy about these socks? I have a walnut sized ball of lapis left over. Crazzzy! The needles didn't even get a chance to cool before I wound up a hank of brand spanken new sock yarn! More on that tomorrow, Here's a pic of Kailey holding my needles
gotta start 'em while they're young!
PS Does anyone know where you can purchase downloadable Knitting Pure and Simple patterns? I'm dying to have the top down V-shaped Cardigan and don't want to wait a week for it to be mailed to me.
21:44 Posted in family , Finished Object , Knitting , socks, socks, socks!! | Permalink | Comments (14) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting(english)
02/16/2007
thats one....
magical knitting basket! Look it spit out a baby borelo
I finished the second baby borelo Wednesday night for (follow me here) Mike's cousin who just had a baby boy. I'm hoping to knit a hat to send a long with it. But to be honest. I'm kinda getting sick of knitting for others! I want something for me!
Stats:
Pattern: Baby Borelo from One Skein
Yarn: Inca Cotton 100% Organic Cotton Ecru
Needles: US 8 & 9 knit pick options
Time: Sunday Feb. 11 finished Wednesday Feb. 14
Notes: I have no idea how I managed to knit this so fast, it might have been because I didn't have to keep looking at the directions to find out what was coming next. This time I remembered to knit the ribbing on the size 9 and it lays down much better. One hank of the Inca cotton (325 yards) was enough to make 2 sweaters and has enough left over to make a baby hat. I can see why Cynthia of Stitch your art out loves this yarn so much!
I'm hoping if I leave the left over Inca cotton and the mission falls cotton together with the needles they will copulate and make a baby hat... think I have a chance?
I took these pictures of Kailey yesterday and I just have to share

17:40 Posted in Finished Object , knitting for others | Permalink | Comments (16) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting(english)
02/13/2007
There has been knitting, and finishing too!
Between my naps and such, there has been a bit of knitting and finishing too! These poor little booties have been waiting very patiently for buttons, they fit Kailey's feet fairly well with a pair of socks. They are so cute, ya almost want to knit a pair for every little girl ya know
ok, I do want to knit them for every little girl I know. But everyone I know who's pregnant is having a boy!
Stats:
Pattern: Mary Jane booties from Knitting for Babies walmart brochure found in check out line.
Yarn: Joann's sensations Bellezza Collection Tesoro 100% wool, color 954 Leftover from Comforting Jenn square
Needles: US 3
Time: ummm... knitting time maybe 2 hours per bootie, but they've been waiting for buttons for 3 weeks!
Notes: I started the first bootie Jan 17 and finished it that night, I started the second bootie the morning of Jan 18 and finished it sometime during my hospital stay. Then the little booties sat around waiting for lil buttons which I found upstairs in my button drawer.
Sometime in November I bought a hank of Inca Cotton from Stitch your Art out to knit the baby borelo from One Skein. Then the knitting blah's hit, and I finally casted on sometime last week.
Stats:
Pattern: Baby Borelo from One Skein
Yarn: Inca Cotton 100% Organic Cotton Ecru
Needles: US 8 knit pick options
Time: 1 week maybe?
Notes: I forgot to change to a size 9 needle when knitting the ribbing, oops! I think it turned out well. I'm hoping if I put the leftover yarn together with the needles and the finished sweater it will magically reproduce and I will have a baby gift for Mike's cousin who had her baby boy last week. Hey one can dream right? ; )
one more, cause she is so darned cute
Sometime during the first two weeks I knit these
2 of Abigail's 4 corners dishcloths, Abigail you where right they are the perfect knit when one can't concentrate to well.. and yet I still managed to screw up my second cloth (the green one) one side is smaller than the rest. No idea what happened!! The red one is also a good inch bigger around than the green one. I guess I was more "relaxed" when I knit that one! Abigail just came up with a cool new scrubby pattern called tribbles. Finally, something to do will all that leftover cotton!
The kids had a snow day today we baked cookies and chilled out in our jammies all day. They have another one tomorrow. Weatherman says we're getting snow
damn, I think for once the weatherman might be right! They say we'll be getting 6-10 inches of snow tonight, and 5-8 inches of snow tomorrow. I don't think they'll be going to school on Thursday either!
Updated family pic!
Bryce, Corra holding Kailey and Allysa. Just lookin' at em makes me want to smile even though right now they have remodeled Bryce's pterodactyl hot wheels track and are shooting cars from the playroom into the hallway, some cars are making it across the hallway into the living room. *sigh* they grow up too fast
17:29 Posted in family , Finished Object , Knitting | Permalink | Comments (31) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting(english)
02/02/2007
toes up!
There has been some knitting here these past two weeks, I finally finished my toe up socks from my sock class sometime this past week. What day did I finish them? No idea, really... maybe Monday-ish? But don't they look nice?
(click on all pictures to embiggen)
My first sock class was in November where we learned how to start the toe, I didn't originally pick this yarn for my first toe up socks. We lost power here the morning of the class, I was planning on winding up my yarn that morning. That yarn didn't want to cooperate, its *really* hard to untangle a wonky skein in a dim room. So, in an attempt to save what sanity I had left, I had to use a ball that was already wound.
I don't particularly like the cast on that we used on the toe, looks like a funky caterpillar doesn't it? Must learn magic 8 cast on, I must, I must, I must!
By the time we had our next class in December, I had my homework finished (knit both feet of both socks) and was ready to turn both heels. I have to say I do like how this short row heel fits my heel. While I would like to learn a different cast off for the leg,
To cast off, I followed Cynthia's directions k1,yo all the way around then cast off. She said it would flare a bit, and boy does it! (She had another cast off, but I was feeling a wee bit lazy and didn't "feel" like figuring out the directions) I must learn a different cast off! I know people won't see the top of my socks, but it still bother's me.
After I slowly finished the first sock and the other one just languished in the bag. Remember this pick?
Notice how I'm wearing one hand knit sock? I have this thing with my knitting, if I put a project down and start another one. The project that I put down, well it has a *very* slim chance of ever getting finished. Some how these guys won,
Stats:
Pattern: Cynthia from Stitch your Art Out really clear toe-up sock instruction booklet. I increased up to 52 stitches for my foot.
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock medium weight in Lapis
Needles: 5 US1 knit picks dpns, 2 US1 knit picks circs
Time: HA! good question, 3 months?
Notes: I switched to 2 circs after I finished the second heel, so I could knit while holding Kailey. I have a new found love for the medium weight STR, it kept my toes nice and toasty yesterday during the cold weather! Even though Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow this morning and predicted an early spring, I have little faith in that fat, weasly rodent. The next week Mr Weatherman says our high will be in the 10's and its going to be coooold! Good thing I finished these socks, but then again Phil does have a decent accuracy rate of being correct 59% of the time.... hmmm... I wonder if they did their math right....
Finish off this post, I want to learn the magic 8 cast on, and a different cast off... right I'll get right on that... riiiight ; )
(updated family photo to coming soon!)
12:23 Posted in family , Finished Object , Knitting | Permalink | Comments (17) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting(english)
01/17/2007
is it something I did?
Baby girl was due yesterday. Yes.ter.day. Fate didn't smack me down, just laughed at me while I was running errands. Cause She didn't come today either. I must tell you though, its a lot of fun to tell people when they ask when I'm due "yesterday" while out and about today... hehehe like labor is going to happen immediately and the baby is going to come out in 15 seconds. riiiiiight.
Today I had my Dr's appointment, he was surprised that I hadn't gone into labor yet. I'm not. Heck, none of my kids where on time. Well... I'm 3-4 centimeter's dilated, and baby girl is a (monstrous) 7lbs 12oz according to the measurements Dr took during my ultrasound. That is 4oz away from 8lbs. 4oz... 4.freaking.oz away from 8lbs people!!! Almost 8lbs!!! AcKKKK!
I'm still wondering, why the heck hasn't labor happened yet! Is it because I've finally got my knitting mojo back and I can't help but cast on more baby knits? Check out these cute little booties that I finished today
Mary sent me a link to the pattern a month or so ago, thanks Mary! They are super cute, Corra wants to swipe them for her own baby doll.
Here's the stats:
Pattern: Christine's baby booties
yarn: beehive baby yarn color 3427 (soft pink)
needles: knitpicks size 1 dpns
notes: I took my time knitting these. The first one took one evening, the second one took me 4 days... I finished the second one a few minutes ago. Think the baby will come tonight?
Mike is on his way home from Pittsburgh tonight, Mom is in Scranton for the night and will be here sometime tomorrow. If I don't go into labor tonight. I'm to go to the hospital tomorrow to have my water broken which will hopefully start labor! Hurry up baby, the Sheriff has announced an eviction order. OUT! Already, OUT!! But just to insure matters, I'm going to go bake a pan of brownies for me ; )
22:34 Posted in Finished Object , Knitting | Permalink | Comments (21) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting(english)
01/16/2007
sometimes, I think I can sew...
sometimes... I get this thought in my head that I can sew. Ok, I can sew. But I don't sew well. Even though Bryce who was watching me sew yesterday afternoon told me "Mommy, I don't know why you say you can't sew. Cause you do a good job!" Isn't he the cutest? Honestly, I'm never really happy with how my sewing projects look after I'm finished, or how they look after a few uses. But I always find myself buying more patterns, fabric and sitting in front of my sewing machine.
I think it has to do with the memories I have of sewing as a child. When I around 8 I would spend Saturdays at my Auntie Adair's house while my mom was at work, or my parents just wanted me outta their hair ; ) It was my Aunt that helped foster my creativity, she encouraged me to try new things and taught me things that her mother and her mother in law taught her. She always had fun things planned for us to do, and I can still remember kicking her butt playing Sorry!
When ever I iron fabric, the smell reminds me of Saturdays at her house. Using the sprinkle water bottle that was her MIL's and the hot iron sizzling away the moisture. Then the smell of her old singer as I would sew my Samantha doll a new dress. This weekend, after a trip to Jo-ann's last week I broke out my Lady Kenmore and tried to convince myself that yes. I can sew. At Jo-ann's I bought a nursing pillow and whipped up a cover for it using snuggly flannel
I finished up my Big Bad Baby Blanket Friday morning, after putting it and the flannel I bought for the backing through the washer and dryer I added the backing. Ha. Yeah. I can sew my ass. Piping, don't speak to me about piping. Apparently when my Aunt taught me her trick to adding piping it didn't stick in my head. I tried 3 times! THREE times, before I ripped it off for good and said screw it damnit.
I have to say though, the BBBB turned out great, the cotton tots fluffed up and softened like you wouldn't believe in the wash. I can't wait to wrap New Baby girl in it.
Stats:
Pattern: Big Bad Baby Blanket from Stitch and Bitch
yarn: 4 balls of Cotton tots in very berry.. I think... I started a different blanket with this yarn. Frogged it, and it marinated in the stash for a bit with out labels. So I'm not 100% sure how much I used.
needles: US 8 addi turbo
gauge: 4 sts/in before and after machine washing and drying
size: 27"W x 32"L
notes: I only knit 15 rows of seed stitch, I couldn't take it anymore and just wanted to start on the pattern! I also used 1 yard of flannel to back the blanket, I hope this will help the blanket keep its shape. Since its soon to be loved and washed many, many times! I was going to add piping to the edges, lets just say that didn't work out.
Also I sewed a receiving blanket out of some cute lamb flannel that I couldn't pass up, thanks to Wool Winder's post that inspired me to do this. I had a little bit of flannel left over from the nursing pillow cover, the blankets, and had some boyish flannel in the stash. Now everyone has a little blankie
Ok. So sometimes when I think I can sew, I can.
Prego update: still.no.baby. Today is my due date and I'm off to tempt fate to embarrass the daylights outta me. Because I have errands that have to be ran, and can not wait. Last night I think I slept 2 hours, thanks to some fluid behind my left eardrum that is causing this obnoxious freaking humming noise. My Dr told me to take sudafed for it, that damn never kept me up before. But hell I'm still freaking wired! I think the baby has dropped, but I'm not completely sure since my back and hips don't hurt yet. Grrr... I'm sure I'm super pleasant to be around with all this whining! Seriously though, will someone tell the crazy person in my head to stop humming? Or at least hum a tune? urgh!
11:13 Posted in family , Finished Object , Knitting , various crafting | Permalink | Comments (14) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting(english), sewing
01/06/2007
First finished knit 2007, am i ready?
With my due date being 10 days away I'm wondering about the superstition some knitter's believe. You know the one, the baby won't come until their special knit is finished. I'm not a very superstitious person. But sometimes its fun just to believe. Last Wednesday I casted on for a ballet sweater from Sirdar Early Arrivals No. 2 and finished the knitting Thursday night after a some problems I had with the sleeve decreases. (I'm still not sure if I did them right or not!) With my belly looking like this
I swear I didn't swallow a basket ball,
and its *very* hard to take a decent picture of ones belly!
I'm wondering if I want to believe in that superstition. I debated about just seaming up part of the sweater, leaving an inch to be finished. Or maybe not sewing on the ribbon tie or the snap.

Why? Because I'm not ready! Even though this will be my fourth child, I still worry about labor. Will everything go ok? Will I know I'm in labor? What if I go early? What if I end up needing a c-section? What if, what if, what if?? Enough what if's to make Mike's head explode. Trust me, this was a fun midnight conversation filled with tears as my hormones drove me on a roller coaster of my lovely freak out. I know everything will work out ok, but there is always that little "what if" in the back of my mind.
In the end I threw caution to the wind, and snickered a bit at fate while I sewed the whole sweater up, added the ribbon and sewed in the snap. My bag is packed, my belly button has disappeared, and I'm almost ready to have this baby.
First Finished Knit of 2007!
Stat's
Pattern: Sirdar Early Arrivals No. 2 Design B Ballerina cardigan
yarn: Beehive baby yarn acrylic color 3427
needles: US 2 & 3 Susan Bate's circs
gauge: uhh.. gotta check that....
size: 0-3 months, to fit a size 16" chest.
notes: I had a *bit* of a problem reading the pattern, this might have something to do with my inability to concentrate lately. I'm not sure if I knit the right front and the sleeves correctly. The right front looks a bit wonky to me. With that said, this is a sweet little sweater.
I'm off to Pittsburgh today to see Mike, hopefully spend some couple time together. Their may or may not be shopping involved. ; )
I hope finishing this sweater isn't going to bite me in the ass...
12:27 Posted in family , Finished Object , Knitting | Permalink | Comments (19) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting english
12/04/2006
knit unto others
Home... I'm finally home!! Ok, last night I got home , put the kids to bed and promptly fell there myself. I ended up staying an extra day too drive Dad home. He is doing much better now than he was Friday afternoon, or even Saturday morning. Mom has been witting about his recovery on her blog, here. The Dr. was able to remove all the cancer, Dad is uncomfortable and grumpy. Mom has a looooong week ahead of her! Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers for my Dad. I can't tell you how much it means to me! Mike also came home for a bit to get his extra set of trailer keys. Why? Because he broke the other set off in the door of the trailer. yup.
Since I wasn't home on Saturday and I couldn't get the wireless at the hotel to work. I wasn't able to post my finished mittens!
I finished the red ones Friday morning while I was waiting for Mom at the hotel. Started the yellow ones the same morning while waiting at the hospital and finished the pair Sunday morning at my parents house. Here's the stats:
Pattern: this pattern from Sandy's Needle Nook (pdf)
yarn: acrylic that I have inherited from mom
needles: size 4 bamboo dpns
gauge: 5sts/inch
size: yellow and multi color- medium child
red and green- small child
notes: Super quick knit! 2 days for each mitten. One the second yellow I ran out of muli colored for the cuff, and had to get a bit creative. You can see it better in the next picture. I also picked up more stitches around where I started the thumb so there where no holes, I decreased them down on the first row.
I really surprised myself during these past two weeks, I really didn't think I would be able to knit this much
6 hats, 3 pairs of mittens, and a blanket square. I'm so surprised I was able to accomplish this much! Now I just have to tag them, and mail them off. Damn, I have to say I am *very* proud of myself. ; ) Sometime tonight, I'm going to cast on an Irish Hiking scarf for the red scarf project (or else it will never get done). Then baby knitting, maybe some Christmas knitting.
PS Don't forget about the name that baby contest, open till December 14
15:30 Posted in family , Finished Object , Knitting , knitting for others | Permalink | Comments (7) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting(english)
11/30/2006
put your shades on baby
Ya might wanna put your shades on baby, or even advert your eyes. Cause these mittens are freaking BRIGHT!!
ahahahaha!!! They are REALLY bright! And I used Red Heart!
mahhaahahaa how about THAT! Here are the specs:
Pattern: Bev's the mitts (scroll down to simple mittens)
yarn: acrylic that I have inherited from mom
needles: size 8 straights
gauge: 4sts/inch
note: Took me about 2 hours for each mitt, these are also my first mittens eva! I am hoping that some color loven kid gets these, cause damn they are umm... colorful. I don't care for the seam on the inside of the mitten. So my next mittens are, you guessed it, in the round!
I'm using this pattern (pdf) from Sandy's needle hook. Don't let the picture fool you, I'm ready to knit the thumb on the second mitten. Mind you I would probably be DONE with the second mitten already if yesterday afternoon I decided that this mitten needed TWO thumb gussets, could count and remember what the hell I just did! oy!
I'm knitting these mittens for
I'm leaving today for Boston, my Dad's surgery is tomorow. I'll try to post, but we'll see what actually happens. My brain is all over the place right now, and I'm super cranky. gotta love the pregnatude ; ) hmmm... maybe I should finish packing...
09:11 Posted in Finished Object , knitting for others , travel | Permalink | Comments (14) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting(english)
11/27/2006
so much to share!
I have so much to share! We've been so busy this week, which we usually are when Mike is home on break. First off, I wanna say Thank you to Eva my tea-swap pal, the postal service was taking there dear sweet time with my package which arrived today!


22:30 Posted in family , Finished Object , knitting for others , Swaps | Permalink | Comments (17) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting(english)
11/21/2006
Time-warp continuum
I seem to have been sucked into some sort of time warp. How is it that in 1.5 days it will be Thanksgiving? Really, how did that happen?! Last thing I knew it was Saturday, now its Tuesday. I'm sure Allysa and Bryce with their sniffling noses, and Corra with her sore throat had something to do with it, or maybe it was the babysitter who "forgot to call me to cancel" yesterday for babysitting tomorrow*gr*, or maaaayybe it was my big mouth that said "Sure, I'll bake pies for Thanksgiving." oy.
Anywho. I'm sure ya'll noticed this little button on my sidebar
Hold on, gotta climb up onto my soap box. urgh, its a little harder now with this big belly!
During this two week knit a long for others I'm going to be knitting for a few different groups. First off something that is very close to my heart
I'll be knitting hats for Christmas knits to help, which will be distributed to the homeless of Los Angele's Skid row. I have this "thing" lets say, which I ask you not to judge me to harshly. We are all entitled to our own opinions. I don't understand how so many people are willing to help other people over sea's when there are so many people here, in our own country that are in desperate need of help. In 1996 (10 years ago) there where an estimated 637,000 homeless adults in a given week, 2.1 million homeless adults over the course of a year. There are many reason to why these people find themselves homeless, it isn't always their fault. Its something that I've always felt deeply about, I want to help, even if right now all I can do is knit a few hats to show a few people that someone out there cares.
I will be knitting a square for my friend Cathy. She wrote about her friend Jenn who has experienced so much great loss in her life. She has recently lost her family and the child she was carrying. Click on the button above to read more about this project.
I found this charity tonight when I went to the knit unto other's blog to collect links. Click on the button above to read there mission. Half way through her post when she wrote "...I will get you mittens" the tears started to flow, pregnancy hormone's thank you very much. Can't even make it through certain commercials! Anyway, at least one pair of mittens will be knit.
Hopefully I will have enough time to also knit a scarf to the red scarf project during this two week knit a thon long. If not, that's ok doesn't have to be mailed till January! These kids have outgrown the foster care system are going to college in an effort to better themselves and their communities. After my ex-husband and I separated, before I met Mike, I was with out any close by family support. Sure, I had a few friends that I could count on. But it wasn't the same as calling Mom and Dad, who where 400 miles away. Its hard to make it out on your own, even harder when you don't have someone to call up at work and ask "so Dad... how long would you cook a bone-less chicken breast in the microwave?"
With all that said, I started a bit late. *cough*Monday*cough* Allysa and Corra asked for a pair of socks which where still on the needles till Sunday morning. Being the kind of knitter I am, I had to get those babies off the needles before they where stuffed away and forgotten, never to be knit again. I also couldn't deal with the guilt that would be ladled out when I said "no, I haven't finished your socks yet." Since yesterday I've knit two adult hats
Stats
Pattern: based off of this pattern found here, except knit in the round. ( what can I say? I don't read directions well )
Yarn: 1 skein and a little extra of Lion Boucle in Parfait color way for each hat.
Needles: size 9 clover dpns
Gauge: 3sts/inch
Time: 2 hours each
Notes: This yarn has been marinating in the stash for about 3 years now. I bought it on clearance at AC Moore for 1.25 per ball, I didn't know much about yarn then but new a deal when I saw one!
I have one more hat on the needles, and am ready for the decreases. Now, I must find a good recipe for a Dutch Apple pie, which I've never made, because somehow I said I'll make one for Thanksgiving! Thank goodness I can bake. oy!
22:45 Posted in Finished Object , knitting for others | Permalink | Comments (12) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting(english)
11/16/2006
My little man...
...requested socks. The quest was on to find a yarn that wouldn't be deemed "too itchy" or "too scratchy" I had to find one that was just right.
(clicky on all pics in this post to embiggen)
I searched the internets for a sock yarn that wouldn't upset his eczema and send us down that lovely road. Minutes turned into hours, which turned into weeks and eventually led into months. As it is hard to find sock yarn in the requested little boy colors "llellow and green". Finally while at Rhinebeck with Mom I found the elusive color. Socks Candy by Blue Moon Fiber arts in Kiwi. Perfect little Brycie colors.
Stats:
Pattern: basic sock recipe 44 stitches cast on to fit 7" foot circumference. 1" K2,P2 ribbing. Garter rib on the cuff (row 1 K2, P2 row 2 knit) for 3". standard flap heel and toe.
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts sock candy in Kiwi 96% cotton, 4% elite about 150 yards used.
Needles: 5 US2 Inox dpns
gauge: 7sts/inch
Time: 4 days, on and off.
He watched me carefully while I knit his socks, tried them on after each step of the pattern, when I casted of the second sock and kitchnered the toe he said "thank you mommie". I think I could have cried.
My little man, you make me so proud. I had my parent teacher conference this morning and your teacher she sung your praises. She said what a joy you are to have in class. Even though you play rough with other boys at times, you get your work done and you listen. Your growing up so fast, I love you. Even though you do make me want to pull my hair out with some of the odd kid noises you make, even when I have to ask you 30 mazillian times not to run in the house, even when you gross me out by asking for ketchup on everyfreakingthing, I love you because you are my little man.
16:57 Posted in Finished Object , socks, socks, socks!! | Permalink | Comments (23) | Email this | Tags: knitting, knitting(english)
11/10/2006
Surprises!
With Mike home for a day I was able to get him to take a belly shot and some FO pictures. I think I look like a dork in hats, Mike says I look cute in this surprise FO
click on all pictures in this post to embiggen
(Look at that baby bump!) Corra on the other hand, looks like a total cutie

Pattern: Odessa by Grumperina
Started: November 5
Finished: November 8
yarn: Jaeger Extra Fine merino shade 989
Needles: size 4 & 6 bamboo dpns
Notions: 130 blue seed beads
Notes: After I finished the ribbing using the size 4 needles, I discovered that I didn't own any size 6 dpns. Damn. Hat was put down for two days till the LYS opened. After that it was smooth sailing. The yarn was like butta, it was awesome to knit with. This hat is going in the Christmas gift box!
Wednesday I received a little surprise from my Dad. When Mom and I went to Rhinebeck, I asked Dad if he had a vest I could borrow for the day. You should have seen his eyes glaze over with fear. In high school, I would borrow his clothes and they would well, sorta disappear into the depths of my room never to be seen again. Daddy mailed me this vest so I could have one of my very own. Thank you Daddy, You caught me by surprise and made my crappy day so much better! Mike was lucky enough to be here when the Roto rooter guy came back, luckily the pipe was just blocked, roto rooter guy fixed it, I will spare you the details. The guy recommended that we have the pipes camera-ed at some point to figure out the layout. Damn Thursday was an expensive day!
While Mike was home, I confronted him. Ya see, Monday I went to rake some leaves. And I found that my rake handle was broken. hmmm.. last person to use it.. (not me!) Mike.. I think he felt bad that he forgot to tell me about it. He had to go to Sear's to buy tools for something. He brought this back too:
how cool is that??? YAY! (He also bought a rake, *snicker*)
I think the kids enjoyed playing in the leaves today
That white blur, would be Bryce! Now, I must and get ready for a toe-up sock class I'm taking tomorrow. Last night I realized, its this weekend. ACK!
23:59 Posted in family , Finished Object

it won't kill you, really. now do it.





2007- 7 pairs so far! 












































































