Friday, March 30, 2007

No Swatches Here

My patterns came in the mail on Wednesday. I got my Frog Tree and KnitPicks Options out yesterday and prepared to cast on for my swatch for Sahara... Then I realized that one of my #6 needles wouldn't tighten down. I tried it on a different cable, but, apparently, it's stripped. I called them and they're sending another set out right away. Great customer service!


Instead, I started on the Green Gable sweater from Zephyr. I think I can probably finish it before my needles arrive. I'm using Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Rue (not quite as bright as it shows here). I only need 3 skeins. $24 for a cute summer sweater? Not bad! I'm using up stash, so the diet has begun. I did order a couple of other patterns from kpixie.com... Wicked by Zephyr and the Little Lacy Top. And the Allhemp3 yarn in Aubergine for the Little Lacy Top. This sweater will be for our trip to New Orleans in May, so I don't really count it towards stash (just buying a sweater that I'll knit versus buying pre-made.)

They'll probably be here today or tomorrow. No late night knitting tonight. I've got to turn in early so that I'm not too tired on our trip to St. Louis tomorrow. We're going to go visit some friends, maybe drop by the Zoo (depending on the weather) or the Science Center and go by Trader Joe's on our way home. We need a little trip to break up our weekend without Doug.

Jenn

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Finally Fini

I finished the Wine and Roses mitts last night! Blocked, dried and ready to wrap up for the giftee. I hope she likes them! I enjoyed the pattern and definitely plan on making a pair for myself (out of my stash). My only problem was that if I even attempted to knit on them (other than a few stockinette rows) I would mess something up and have to tink back. I've not done a lot of lacework (no big lace shawls here), but did enjoy it. I think I need to wait until the kids are a bit older though. Today is my L's first birthday! I had just gone to the dr to discuss being induced and we set it up for two days later. (My son was 9 1/2 pounds and 2 weeks early.) Because of some problems I had about a week after he was born (vaginal hematoma that ruptured and emergency surgery - I don't recommend it!) they were a bit concerned that we might have problems if she was also big. But, she knew what she was doing! 10 p.m. that night, my water broke. By midnight my contractions had started and I had her (naturally) at 3:30 a.m. She was 9 pounds even and 21 inches long. No complications this time! She's beautiful and healthy AND she just started walking everywhere. She's also trouble! I'm hoping to swatch for my Sahara and (possibly) start on my Clapotis. I also had to clean up the house a bit, bake a cake (see cake smeared on baby above!) and prepare for our little birthday party tonight. I'm guessing there won't be too much time for knitting today, but if I can at least get the swatch finished I'll be happy. Doug leaves tomorrow afternoon and won't be home until Sunday.


Jenn

Saturday, March 24, 2007

KAL and DAL

I'm so fickle when it comes to my knitting! I've discussed quite a few "nexts", but now I really know what is coming up... I joined the Sexy Knitters KAL to knit Sahara. We've got a weekend trip to New Orleans coming up in May and I've been thinking this might be a cute sweater for the trip. I read about the KAL on M's Musings and immediately decided to go for it. Now, I'm no where NEAR built like the model, but with either a camisole or changing the neckline a bit so it's not quite so low I think it will work out well. I don't have cause for many evening clothes, but there will be two evening functions while we're on our trip. I've got some Frog Tree pima/silk blend yarn in a very pretty deep purple that I think will work well. The yarn that they call for (Tilli Thomas) is beautiful, but too expensive for my wallet. I like the beaded trim on the pattern, but I'd get more wear from it if I don't have beaded trim. I guess I'll just wait until the pattern arrives and see if the pattern for the edging is interesting enough without beads. I can't tell if it's just garter or something else. If it does need the sparkle maybe I can find some beads to add to the yarn I'm planning to use.

I got some more sock yarn off Ebay yesterday. Two skeins of Lorna's Laces and two more skeins of Cherry Tree Hill. Red... and rose/burnt orange. I'm waiting for some #1 40" circulars to come in the LYS so I can try my hand at knitting two socks on circulars.


I have also signed up for the Stash DAL (Diet A Long). Beginning April 1 my stash diet begins. My rules are:

1. My Yarn Diet A Long will start April 1, 2007 and run through December 31, 2007 -- a period of nine months.

2. I will not buy any yarn during that period, with the following exceptions:
2.a. Sock yarn does not count. (I'm not exactly sure why, but I'll stick with that. I can't buy any sock yarn though until at least 2 pairs of socks are finished.)
2.b. If someone asks for a specific knitted gift that I really and truly do not have the yarn for, we may buy yarn to knit that gift.
2.c. If I am knitting something and run out of yarn, I may purchase enough to complete the project.
2.d. I am allowed to "fall off the wagon" during my trip to New Orleans IF I am good until that trip AND I find yarn that I've never knit with or cannot obtain at my LYS.

3. I am allowed to receive gifts of yarn or spend money received as a gift on yarn.

4. Trading stash is allowed.


5. Patterns, needles, books and other items needed to assist me in using up stash are okay.

Tonight I'm going to settle in after the kids are in bed, watch a movie with hubby and work on the Wine and Roses mitt. My goal is to get it finished before bed tomorrow... we'll see if the little ones let me accomplish that. Next week is spring break here and Doug is leaving town Thursday evening. I'm hoping that means lots of knitting after the kids are in bed! We're also planning a little jaunt to St. Louis on Saturday. I'm hoping to drop by the zoo, visit some friends and make a stop at Trader Joe's.



Jenn

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

I Need to Knit

First, I want to thank Chris for her support of my proposed cry it out method for L. It helps to have someone make you feel a little bit less of a bad guy for having your own needs too. We've implemented nursing before bed in the living room and Doug putting her to bed. She's thrown quite a hissy the last couple of nights, but went down without a peep tonight. She was up a bit last night, but we had thunderstorms and (unlike her brother) she does not like them. After I nursed her though, she sacked out until 7:15 this morning! It probably helped that I had avoided nursing her until that point. I also appreciated the time that Trish (her profile isn't enabled, so I don't really know who she is) took to supply me with links to multiple articles discussing the problems with crying it out and brain development. I did read as many as I was able to actually pull up, but feel that I've tried just about everything I can. My daughter is thriving, VERY loved and developing well (she's got 7 words already!)

Anyway... On to knitting! I'm having the overwhelming urge to knit. Since I haven't had too much time to actually pick up the yarn and needles, I started planning my Christmas knitting already. Since Doug, his dad and brother have each received a pair of socks (Opal self striping), I'm planning to knit a pair for his mother and SIL. I saw the Canal du Midi socks on Grumperina's blog and thought they would be great for Doug's mom. I've got some Lorna's Laces in Periwinkle that I think would look great! I haven't decided what pattern to use for my SIL. I'll probably use some Cherry Tree Hill Supersock that should be arriving any day. I think I'll be making Fiber Trends Felted Clogs for his dad and brother. I'm also planning to learn the circular for two sock method (doesn't look too hard, but I've yet to cast on... figure I should finish the current pair of socks first.) I'm hoping to stave of the 2nd sock syndrome. Doug's going to get a nice, thick pair of wool socks to wear when he's camping, fishing or just lounging around the house. I've had the yarn for them for a while, but just haven't gotten around to it.

Unfortunately, no pictures of quickly expanding WIPs today.

Jenn

Monday, March 19, 2007

Up and At'em

After a fitfully night, we're up for the day. I think it will be a sock day (too tired for the mitt, but I need something to keep my mind off how tired I am.) How can two children be so different sleep wise? H slept through the night at 3 months, immediately reverts to sleeping well after sickness or teething, rarely gets up and goes right back to sleep in minutes when he does! L has only had 5 or less 9 hour stretches EVER and she'll be a year old next week! We've tried everything (No Cry Sleep Solution, Co-Sleeping...) but may have to resort to letting her cry it out. We actually started this and the second night she slept 9 hours, but then we all ended up sick, teething or both. I hate leaving her to cry, but sleep is starting to win out. Over a year of no good sleep will do that to you... (BTW, just want to clarify... I'm fine if she's up at night, but we're both getting so much broken sleep it's not helping either of us! 4-5 times a night when she's not sick is too much.)

On the positive side, she is finally starting to nap a bit better. Which means, if the night hasn't been too bad and H is playing in his room (and all my "chores" are caught up - at least to a tolerable level) then I get to knit. I wish I could nap, but between H, 3 cats and a dog it doesn't usually work out. Knitting is better anyway!

Jenn

Saturday, March 17, 2007

My Birthday Boy

H turned four on Friday! We started out Thursday with a shared party for him and his Great Grandma. She turned 87. During the party L took her first steps! Great Grandma and Great Grandpa gave her a birthday gift since she'll be 1 soon. Her first baby doll (I see a few knitted outfits in the future. ) Great Grandma even crocheted a little blanket/bag for baby to be wrapped in!She loves her baby and starts looking for it when you ask her where baby is. She doesn't want it to be too far away though! Below she's blowing kisses... She loves her big brother and he'll give her a hug and kisses, then she'll turn around a blow kisses back to him! Then something like this happens... he smacked her earlier today when I wasn't looking. I heard a noise and then she started crying... finally got him to tell me that instead of gently rubbing her cheek he decided to put a little force behind it. Deep breath! It's tough being 4 with a baby sister! He did get in trouble, but we talked about telling the truth, hurting others and the consequences if it happens again. He had some big tears in his eyes when I explained that L trusts him to take care of her, not hurt her and that she might lose that trust if he treats her that way. That seemed to really get him. Anyone else have any experience with sibling rivalry? I'm open to suggestions!!

Not much on the knitting front. Doug is playing poker tonight, so I got about 45 minutes on the mitt. Now I'm going to turn in. We're having a pirate party tomorrow afternoon with about 9 or 10 little kids. I'll need my wits about me!

Jenn

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Two Down, One to go


I finished the pair of Fetching mitts last night. (The color shown isn't even close! It's more of an eggplant color.) I dropped them off to the giftee this morning (Grandma Ellen). I'm hoping to find time this weekend to finish (or at least work on) the second Wine and Roses mitt. I'd like to get these finished, but I can't knit on them when the kids are up. L has been up a lot lately and I just haven't been able to pick it up.
I'm planning on swatching for the Dandelion sweater out of the Spring Rowan. I'll keep you posted whenever that gets started. Otherwise, not too much going on. I'm trying to do at least a couple of rounds on the sock... it will be done someday.
Jenn

Monday, March 12, 2007

Birthday Presents Arrived

My birthday presents to me are here! I got my yarn from Brooks Farm on Friday. It's just as gorgeous as I thought it would be! It's so soft and the colors are wonderful.
It's going to become a Clapotis (never got around to making one when the pattern first came out on Knitty.) I ordered 4 skeins (1080 yards) which should be more than enough. I'm hoping to knit up a scarf as well.

I also got my Knit Picks Options needles. The binder at the top is my current storage system for circulars and DPNs. I'm hoping to hit the office supply store and see if I can find a few more of the storage pages for the KP binder. It's smaller and zips so everything stays in.

I'm working on the second Wine and Roses mitt and I've got a quick pair of Fetchings in DB Cashmerino Aran to finish up. Then I'll get to try out my new needles on my Clapotis. I'm headed to New Orleans (the French Quarter) with Hubby for a work related meeting in May and thought this might come in handy at night while we're walking around.

I also won a 7 oz Cherry Tree Hill Mill ends skein and ordered three skeins of Lorna's Laces sock yarn on ebay from Birds n Yarn . Just got it and it's beautiful as well! Can't wait to make some socks with the Cherry Hill, but I bought the Lorna's Laces with L in mind. Something little girlie... I'll have to give it some thought! (But, it's all sock yarn and doesn't count for stash.)






I guess I'm not doing so well at my knitting from stash resolution. Can I try again starting April 1?? No jokes! Do birthday presents count? As of April 1st I'm on the wagon and will attend all Yarn Anonymous meetings I can!!!

Here's a picture of my recently catalogued stash closet. The drawers aren't all full, but since I got a couple more drawer units I can open them all. A lot of my yarn is left from other projects. It looks like a lot, but I'm sure it's not as much as some. Right? (I do not need to buy any more yarn! I could knit for a very long time without it and will stick to the Knit from Stash rules.)
Here are a few other pictures of my rearranged and straightened knitting/guest/play room. Hubby has a room set aside for his band to use for practicing. I figured that if he was deserving of a whole room that I should AT LEAST get to share one. We enjoy spending time down there.
We're having absolutely balmy weather here (70 today). I hope everyone gets a taste of this sometime soon!


Jenn
PS. I was just checking out Larissa's website and she has the blanket together from the KAL that I joined (my first.) I clicked on the photo to see whose squares were being used for the book... check out the square in the bottom right corner! I think I scared Doug when I started squealing! Thanks Larissa!

Monday, March 5, 2007

A Wonderful Weekend!

What a great weekend! Doug's band played Friday night and my in-laws came up to babysit. After L went to bed I headed out to meet up with Doug. There was a little stowaway in my bag...the sock decided to tag along. While my husband thinks I'm a "geek" I quite enjoyed knitting my way through the bands and my beer. (Since smoking in bars and restaurants is now banned here I didn't have to worry about how awful my knitting would smell!) I added about an inch and a half to the sock and am getting closer to turning the heel. Maybe I will get to wear them before it gets warm.

I turned into a pumpkin at midnight and headed home. I was tired on Saturday, but I'm glad I was able to go to the show. However, I think I'll be waiting until L is sleeping consistently before I stay out that late again!

Saturday we just hung out around the house. Doug took H to see our nephew's pine derby race while L took a nap and I cleaned house, did laundry, etc. I also made a huge pot of spaghetti sauce. I'm in a dinner exchange and I needed to drop my meals off on Sunday. I've now got 2 meals worth of Tortellini soup, Meatless Shepherd's Pie, Venison Lasagna, King Ranch Chicken, Mexican Chicken Casserole and meat sauce in the freezer! H had a birthday party to go to Saturday evening. We had fun... kids played and the adults got to visit. I knew all the other moms.

Sunday started with Doug changing his FIRST DIAPER OF L's. L is now 11 months old. Doug changed plenty of diapers with H, but I think he was a bit intimidated by the "girl parts". He did a fine job. I give him a hard time about diapers, but I'm so used to doing it that it's really not a big deal to me. Doug baked me a cake and frosted it. We headed to my brother and SIL's for dinner. H and our nephew decorated it with sprinkles for me and it was delicious!

On the knitting front, I ordered 4 skeins of Brooks Farm Four Play in Nantucket colorway for a Clapotis (I've wanted to make one since the pattern came out on Knitty.) I also ordered a set of Knit Picks Options needles! I can't wait to try these out. I've read all the reviews on KnittersReview and figured I had some birthday money burning a whole in my pocket. I also finished the first Wine and Roses mitt and started the second. They're a bit tight on me (even after blocking), but my hands are a bit larger than most women's hands. I think they'll fit the giftee just right. Now it's a matter of getting them done! Doug's mitts are finished... So, what project(s) to start next???

Jenn