Thoughts on a new day

I've been thinking about the new year. I'm looking forward to it. I'm wanting to clean out my house, let the fresh air in, organize everything after the craziness that was November and December, and make sure we are set for the upcoming months. I paid bills, found out that what was informally labeled as "busy work" at my work by other landmen was now "top priority" (love it when they do that), am having the whole fab fam over tonight for supper and games (this includes Hubby's parents), and am about to put a sleeping baby down in bed.

I'm not sure why I'm thinking like this. Last year was fine. Steady, nothing tragic. This year the kids will be a little bigger and we've already decided our family goals (play more games, watch less t.v., talk more together, spend more time together, etc.) and are already carrying them out. I'm mentally trying to plan what games will be easier to play while knitting but I think Hubby will nix that idea ("You said we need to spend more time together, not time knitting") even though I still maintain that I pay perfectly good attention while knitting. :) Maybe when it's his socks he'll comply...

So have a happy end of 2008 and I wish your 2009 to be fantastic. A fabulous one.

Triangle Wrapping

I tried something new last night, other than attempting yet again to go to bed at a decent hour. It didn't happen and then both kids were up at 2:30 am for various reasons so I ended up in SuperGirl's bed with both of them, her coughing and Little Guy trying to decide if it was worth it to continue sleeping. Hubby wasn't involved like he usually is (he tends to SuperGirl) because he only works 2 1/2 days this week and Monday was going to be a mad rush; I at least can take a nap and Ph-i-l doesn't mind.

So anyway, I had been knitting away at LOLA's sock all afternoon yesterday and reached a stopping point due to needing to know how much longer to make the foot. That was fine with me because I was socked out and working with those little Lantern Moon Rosewood #1 Sox Sticks (even though decadent) were making my hands shake. I needed something bigger to work with for a while so I didn't end up snapping something in half. The only other project in progress is the wrap and I wasn't feeling that urge to FINISH-QUICK-RIGHT-NOW and I was relieved because I really want to enjoy that thing. I'm learning so many new and interesting techniques (ways and what happens depending on the pick-up stitch you use, bobbles, mitered squares, a really interesting stretch of triangles done in one piece, garter for texture, how some blocks draw in tighter than others, etc.) and even though some of the blocks seem to go on for a while they don't take FOREVER and I'm really enjoying how I'm now able to notice which will be the right side/wrong side simply by reading the stitches and getting a visual in my mind. That's something I never thought I'd be able to do due to me being so visual. Fabulous experience. Make this wrap again? Not anytime soon but it has really helped me get over my pattern anxiety.

I started on one of the last blocks that isn't attached from the beginning to the wrap-in-progress; it's knitted separate in one piece and joined later. It starts with (1) knit front and back increase, knit to end, (2) knit next row, alternate rows until there are 40 total stitches, making a right triangle. Then, and this really confused me in the beginning but I should learn to trust patterns and the fact that most of the time they do know what they are doing, you start with the first stitch, knit front and back, ssk, turn. Turn? What about the others? I read ahead and noticed there was no reference to separate pieces, in fact it was told to strictly be done in 1 piece at the very beginning, and there was a mention that this would be triangles fitted together to make the long block. But that was about it. I took a deep breath, shut my brain off, and started knitting. They were right. It does make triangles. There are some notes I am going to make where the person could have been a little clearer (one step says "knit back" and it's a little confusing because she means knit only on that row back to the other side, not knit in the back of every stitch, or at least that's what I think and it worked out) but other than that I feel really good about the new thing I learned. So far I have the right triangle and this is making a triangle branch off it's side (think geometry where 2 triangle fit together to make a square and apparently this is what is going to happen repeatedly for this block) and I can't wait to work some more on it. The only problem with that project is it has grown so much it's not small enough to tuck in my purse and work on while sitting in the drive-thru at the bank. That hasn't stopped me before though...

Tired, very tired

It's Sunday night and I don't have the holiday hangover. Hubby doesn't even have the holiday hangover. Both kids do though and has it been a doozie (-y or -ie?). As in their figurative hangovers, not the holidays. The holidays were great, more on the quiet side for the most part until we visited my grandparents who live in central Louisiana. That was about the time Little Guy decided he'd had enough with this visiting business and started his trantrums. SuperGirl started the getting REALLY tired at 3:30-4 pm and dissolving into tears by 6pm every night Friday. Hubby and I traded them off and kept our hair on, both wondering how we were going to get through this and how to get more sleep and rest when we had yet more visiting to do. Somehow we've made it so far, they aren't as tired as they could be, and we found out that Little Guy has been cutting 3 teeth in the midst of everything. He's pretty much done with that and is now catching up on all the sleep he has missed out on for the past 3 months by sleeping long hours and lots. I'm not complaining there.

Knitting has been steady since I finished the scarf (and it got cold enough last night to wear it!) with cranking along LOLA's sock. It looks great so far and she's going to come by tomorrow to try it on and make sure everything is how she wants it. I'm thinking I'm going to take a break from the sock and knit the wrap... Oh, and did I mention I found the yarn and pattern for Hubby's sweater? It's lovel and I can't wait to start it. But he wants his socks first...

Happy Christmas to all...

Just a quick note to say Merry Christmas and wishing everyone a lovely day while the fam and I are making quite a day of it. It's already been a lovely time (SuperGirl got a little exercise trampoline which Little Guy thinks is the best present ever, who cares that it wasn't specifically for him), I got more pajamas and my perfume lotion (I'm not a woman without Theirry Mugler's Angel [**unpaid advertisement]), Hubby got his kettlebell, doorway chin-up bar, and gift card to the local comic book store (did I mention he's into acting also? How did I end up with such a Renaissance man?), and we've had breakfast with the p-i-ls and are waiting for Hubby's Sister #2, her husband, and 5 kids to come over for lunch and more presents. Then it'll be my family for supper and, you guessed it, more presents. I'm so proud of myself; I haven't dug under anyone's Christmas tree at all this holiday season and that's a milestone for me. Every year that's the first thing I do. Hubby had told me he wasn't putting my presents out because I snoop. It's not snooping, it's checking inventory. :)

The 1x1 2x2 scarf is over halfway finished and I'm sad to say the socks are still on the back burner. I should finish the scarf today, wear it this afternoon, and work on the socks tonight. Why? Because I'm proud I'm making something for myself but I'm also a stickler for deadlines and times promised.

LOLA is now engaged and she and the lucky man visited yesterday, complete with fabbity-fab bling-bling ring. The only things brighter were their smiles. We are estatic.

Last night I was blessed with the presence of Snakewoman and her GORGEOUS sweater, pattern showcased in Interweave Knits magazine Fall edition where they show all the things that can be done with 2 different types of yarn. Hers was the fuzzy pink looking one with lace detailing and she did an AMAZING job! Some substitutions in the yarn to make it more economical for her and it is so lovely.

So have a great big happy one, no matter what you're celebrating, as long as you're celebrating something. Me, we need to make sure the Baby Jesus from the kid's nativity scene isn't still rocking it in the Fisher-Price farm with the animals taking residence under Hubby's recliner.

Slight detour...

Hubby's cell phone could not do the colors in this scarf justice, I'll have you know. I was tempted today in the yarn shop and since I only have the 2 projects going, I simply HAD to start another that would be quick enough to not interrupt the others' progress, fun enough to break the monotony, and something I had been thinking about ever since Stephanie Pearl-McPhee mentioned absolutely loving knitting this style scarf in her blog. She also mentioned how everyone who is in the know knits one of these: Noro Silk Garden, 1x1 rib however many stitches across that you want for width, 2 skeins that look completely different, swapping yarn from Skein 1 and 2 every 2 rows. It's so easy to knit and the colors completely make it. I'm not a huge fan of Noro but this is not-scratchy enough for even me to wear and I only made it 24 stitches across for a thin width. That's due to me wanting to be able to wear it here even when it's only slightly chilly.

All I have done this evening is knit this scarf and I am so happy. I'm in happy knitting land. I shall return to LOLA's sock tomorrow once this scarf is finished and the wrap once the socks are finished. My goal is to have this scarf ready to wear tomorrow night at my p-i-l's Christmas Eve party; I think it'll be fun. Plus Snakeman and woman will be there (finally!) and knitting socks during a party might be frowned upon. By non-knitters, that is.

Odds and ends

We made s'mores tonight over the stove burner that tends to burn slightly hotter than the others, introducing SuperGirl to the finer points of self-made, melty dessert (not joys of pyromania). It is absolutely freezing here (literally!) which is amazing itself in Louisiana so tonight called for a supper of hot soup, seasame crisps, and s'mores. Hubby is an expert at making s'mores, like he's an expert at most sweets.

On a knitting note, nothing new. Still working on LOLA's sock, which she passed inspection on today while we tried to get some sort of work done. Holiday ditzy-ness has hit and no one feels like working. Even my F-i-l is taking off tomorrow and we are still working in his front room. Why? Money. And the stuff isn't waiting on anyone else. And I found out today the lady I inheirited my portion from (with the understanding that she was going to take it back) has now retired. We're giving her two weeks to actually stay retired (she's a hard one to keep out of the office) but in the meantime, I'm not sure what to do with what I have because it wasn't our project in the first place. But I'm not complaining because I'm still earning paychecks and I do enjoy it.

So anyway, back to the knitting, I am planning on continuing with LOLA's sock, hopefully getting through most of the foot tonight so she can try it on tomorrow and let me know how long to make it. It's a lovely self patterning black and white. Perfect for her because she's a very conservative dresser but still fun to be around.

Socks, rejected

I dropped off the fixed Purple Skrap today and she loved it. Fit perfectly.

I received the socks rejected by Dad and have posted the pictures above. Now I can't imagine why he would be so adamant about not wearing these. They are exploding with personality, not to mention an added bonus of being able to tell who was color-blind. They are still a little big on me but I'm loving wearing them. They are very warm.

Visited with Sock Sis, who is in town, all afternoon. We were at Mom's, knitting away, visiting about everything. I spent the whole time reworking the 3 needle bind-off on the wrap. I spoke too soon yesterday about being able to leave it alone. I looked at it this afternoon and it just was missing that bind-off; it really needed it to be on the right side. So I frogged it and redid it. The bind-off wasn't as nice looking on the right side as it was on the wrong side and I'm not sure why. Maybe the curl of the fabric? Anyway, I'm glad I did it but I'm putting the wrap aside to work on LOLA's socks. I've started the heel...

The Return of the Purple Skrap

I forgot to mention... I gave the Purple Skrap to my friend tonight and it looked great and she loved it. I had called it, though: the bind-off was a little too tight and she asked if I could loosen it. I worked on it this evening once I got home. I had been looking through several of my knitting books for flexible bind-offs and had found some in a book I had on knitting socks from the toe up. I tried what they suggested. Nope. Didn't work. Instead of just being tighter than the knitting it was that and looked funny. So I decided to up my needle 2 sizes (#5), knitted 2 extra rows in the seed stitch to even anything out that might have gotten pulled when I frogged the binding, and bound off REALLY LOOSELY. Worked like a charm. Nothing fancy. And it's back in it's bag ready for Christmas.

Losing control

I knitted some today. I worked on LOLA's sock (she wants the leg 6" and will be working with us next week I found out all in a series of text messages) and I worked on the wrap. I finished the block I was working on with the half-linen stitch (by the way, that other block was criss-cross stitch, not cross-stitch stitch if I posted that wrong; I can't remember and I don't feel like looking while typing) and had to join it on it's bottom side (it was worked off the right side of the criss-cross stitch to complete the width needed to match the rest) to the other block sitting there with a 3 needle bind off. I like 3 needle bind offs. They come easy to me and I don't need a diagram to do it. No, I'm not making dirty references to the Kitchener Stitch, I'm just stating my personal preferences at the moment.

Anyway, the 3 needle bind off was supposed to be on the Right Side so that it made a nice little accent. It ended up on the wrong side (I did it late at night last night) and I didn't notice until I had woven in all my ends and was admiring my handiwork. Wereas it would have been nice to have that accent, I felt it was not worth it to tear everything out when it looked just fine as it was. No one would notice, or really care. I left it alone and I am proud of myself. Somewhere along my life journey I got it in my mind that things were only nice, straight, and wrinkle free when they are absolutely perfect, done right as the instructions said they would be, no problems, no chaos. Knitting has gently been teaching me in mini-lessons that no, life chooses where it wants to go and we ride it like waves; we can either struggle against it or have a thrilling ride. I've chosen the thrilling ride, even though the inner me still screams and kicks for perfection. Where it still wins at times, it's learning to adjust, adapt, let it go, and simply enjoy things for how they turn out on their own, not what I had in mind in the beginning. A good thing to keep in mind. Heck, I'm trying to raise kids here.

Today I also cleaned some, weeded some, dusted some, and coughed some. I discovered that my least favorite chores in the house aren't laundry and the floors, even though those hang over my head like gallows until I finish them. The least favorite are dusting and cleaning the bathroom and I know this because those two things NEVER get done. We have a bathroom that should have been remodeled ages ago (like 10 years before we moved in) so it has little cracks and crevices that never get clean and I just don't like dusting. Today, it was done. Yippee!! And the weeding was done in the sprinkling rain with the kids playing in the yard behind me. It was 70-something degrees outside. Carpe deim!

Scene from the room

I couldn't resist adding this. Our Christmas tree and LOLA's sock in progress. Merry Christmas and happy knitting, everyone!

Updates are better late than never...?

Here is the wrap as of last night. I've been that tired and didn't feel like spending the effort to get them posted. (Note the collection of toys surrounding; lots of fun in this house!)

As of the knit class that was this evening, I'm finished with the skinny block of cross-stitch stitch and have moved on to a block picked up from the side of it that is stockinette with some half-linen stitch thrown in. It's becoming very long and tangle-y. It's already longer than my coffee table and this evening at the shop I was having to unwind it from me, the chair, and my bag every few rows.

Mom joined the rest of us by getting sick with a head cold (only she didn't have the side of ear infection like my kids, she had the bonus of completely losing her voice) but she still made it to the class. I had run by her house earlier in the day (day off for me with sick Little Guy who was ok as long as I was holding him and we had a visit to the doctor to top that) to drop some stuff off for Little Momma Sock Sis and Mom showed me the progress with her 1st sock. I had helped her the day before with it (heels are funny things) and this time I got to try it on. It wasn't intended for me but I think I might be getting it once she knits the mate because it's too big for her, fits me, and could probably fit Dad but he's not too keen on the colors (the skein name has "Crayola" or "Crayon" in it; very BRIGHT cheerful colors! and lovely stripe/self-patterning waves) especially since we suggested that he could wear them with his sandals. She brought it to the knit class finished and it got the enthusiastic oohs and ahhs.

By the way, guess who wants a sweater now. Hubby. So I'm on a new hunt for him a sweater pattern and yarn. Plain, simple, like his dad's but even plainer in a dark gray or brown. No wool, nothing heavy. I told him it would be ready next year.

Started LOLA's socks and maybe they'll be ready for Christmas. Had to frog Hubby's socks. Didn't like the way the yarn was turning out. It wasn't stretchy or soft enough. Found out tonight that I had one less project to do; the spiral scarf I was going to do for the knit shop somehow was already done by some phantom knitter. The knit shop lady wasn't sure who it was or how it got there but I'm off the hook for one more project. Even though I appreciate the hours I'm glad all my knitting right now is for me. Like LOLA's socks. I told her to expect them by the New Year and I'm already 3" into the leg. I even bought another set of those lovely Lantern Moon Sox Sticks in the same size (#1) so I can do what those other savvy sock knitter do and knit both socks at the same time on different needles. I waited until I found out what sizes I would be using the most and those are the ones I have 2 sets of.

...

Little Guy is now running the fever and I'm having lapses in knitting creativity. That's actually a good thing because I have projects I just need to finish, not be creative about. I just don't feel like doing much of anything. The holidays are zooming up and where as we don't have many plans to work around, all I want to do in the evenings is sit. Only sit. Not knit. I've still pulled it out and plugged away at what I could (some is better than none) and I hope this to will pass and I'll feel a little more inspired.

Knitting class night is tomorrow night and I'm looking forward to it. It's such a cozy little shop and it's so nice to sit in the rocking chair, lay everything out or tuck it where I can get to it, make a big cup of tea, and knit. Mom's usually in the chair next to me and she's already told me the sock pattern she's working on (her 1st sock) has gotten her confused so I might have to help her with that. She's at the heel part.

Delirious...???

Today was a success. I never changed out of my pajamas, I didn't leave the house until suppertime and that was to walk across the street to the p-i-ls, and I knitted with only a minor dose of laundry. On the down side, the kids are mending health-wise (a little virus that didn't get them too sick, just really grumpy with coughs and runny noses/eyes) and they became really cranky and Little Guy did NOT want to sleep. At all. At all at all at all. Hubby even had to rock him he was so cranky.

Plus side, I finished another block on my knitting class wrap. It was called "windowpane" something-or-other which meant it was stockinette with seed stitch done in 8x8 stitch squares evenly horizontally and vertically. Completed there were 16 squares. It was really cute but I am glad to be through with it; it seemed to take forever until the last section or two of blocks. Now I've moved on to the next block that has a name like cross-stitch in it. (Pardon my dingy-ness; it's late, trying to get babies to sleep will wear you out, and I've also been reading this great book called Across the Nightingale Floor that is actually tempting me away from knitting) I thought I wouldn't like the stitch because it calls for "purl 2, then purl again in the first stitch", "slip 1, knit 1, psso, but keep the passed slipped stitch on the left needle and knit into the back of it" kind of things. Once I did a few rows I caught on and the pattern looks really neat. It's thick and I would love to try it on a washcloth...

Shaken, not stirred? No, SQUEEZED!

Hello. Yes, that's me. Yes, those are olives complete with pimentoes. And that is a table around my waist. You can't even see the 2 ft. martini glass balanced on my head. It was SRAC's Christmas in the Sky last night, James Bond "Shaken, Not Stirred" theme, and I was one of the Martini girls that sold raffle tickets for a diamond bracelet. I was in the front where everyone came in so I was one of the first things everyone saw. The men were entranced and not paying attention to a word I was saying, the women either laughed and poked their husbands or stared at me with shock. I just wiggled a little, smiled, and winked.

Needless to say, not much knitting has been going on. I was squeezed (the olives are actually soft), taken pictures of, and told by several women they wished they had some olives. Hubby was one of the James Bond characters wearing a tux sans pants and he said he drew some looks and ticked off a few people with his responses to their question "Where's your pants?" The bartenders made it their duty to get everyone as drunk as possible and the unfortunate casualties were some of the costume characters as the night went on but all in all it was a great night. I did not like my hat; I am a little on the tall side and had to remember to duck under any overhanging. Try doing that when you've downed half a vodka-little-bit-of-cranberry-juice cocktail simply to help a friend out because she didn't want to drink it that strong. In knee-high silver boots.

Now, I'm back to normal and trying to take advantage of my day of rest and knit. I'm also afraid I am getting SuperGirl's cough so I'm dosing up on vitamin C and tea. Comfy couch here I come.

Finishing school

I started Hubby's socks last night and they are now living in a bag in my car for all those elusive times I am stuck somewhere with nothing to do (when does that happen?). The yarn for them is chunky and that's making it a little more interesting knitting, as in I'm used to it taking a while to get a few inches and here I knit a few rows and I'm already at an inch, working on 2". They are CO 40 stitches and I'm using #2 Addi Natura double points (3.0 mm), 2x2 ribbing at the top for about an inch, then stockinette for the rest, knitted top down. I had thought about knitting them toe up but reading the book I bought that teaches that sort of scared me off for the moment. No big deal, just I don't feel like learning something new at the moment.

I'm actually working on letting myself sit without scrambling for something to do. The knitting projects aren't squatting on the back of the couch where I sit in the evening, looming over me, singing sweetly about how much there needs to be done, they are across the room on the side table where I store my knitting supplies. I had worked on the Knitting Class wrap for a while last night and found myself wanted to rush through and get it finished. That was not the goal for that project. If anything, that project was one to work on slowly and enjoy, pacing myself while I work on other things. That told me to take a step back and RELAX. That is not an easy concept for me but I'm learning.

Saying all this, Hancock Fabrics is having a fleece sale and you KNOW I am headed up there to get some in order to finish a fleece patchwork quilt I had sewn together YEARS ago (like, when I worked at that store, which was like, college, which means it was like, at least 8 years ago and this has been sitting un-backed in my cedar chest this whole time; I found it the other day looking for something else and it was moved to my stack of "FINISH THIS!!!!") and also buy double fold bias binding to finish the quilt and a Christmas tree skirt (something else I also found that I had bought years ago, never finished, and stuck in with the Christmas with plans of finding it later and having the time somewhere to sew it up; i.e. also in the "FINISH THIS!!!!" stack.)

So maybe a break from knitting and sew instead? Knitting has really helped me appreciate sewing more and love the process, rather than wanted to rush through and wear the clothing. Knitting MAKES you wait for the sweater.

I do enjoy finishing though. I don't know if I've mentioned this but one of my favorite parts of finishing projects is cleaning out the bag the project was living in. This cleaning out and reorganization is done after binding off, weaving in ends, and blocking/washing the project (or at least putting it on the dryer to have this done eventually). It's like cleaning out your school locker at the end of a school year, or your desk when you get a promotion (not fired; here you have upgraded because you have completed something else and are slightly higher on the knitting pole in terms of experience which is always good, no matter how many times you frogged that thing). Everything is gone through, looked at, keep what's still useable, throw away those bits of yarn left over, save the skein wrappers if you need to or it has a neat pattern on the back for future reference, and shake out all pockets, dust the outside, and tuck the bag with the others to wait for something new. You never know what you will find in there. There are always random sets of scissors and pencils in mine, along with that lone pad of post-its I hunted for for 3 days and gave up. There are occasional candy wrappers but I swear they aren't mine. SuperGirl tucks things in Mommy's bags all the time because she knows that way they'll get thrown away eventually and Mommy doesn't like trash on the floor.

Totally tubular

...aaand it's done! Behold The Purple Skrap. It didn't make it to the full 18" (that would make it too long) and I'm not sure how it's going to work as a skirt because this is the small and it's big on me width wise (should I mention this friend is thinner than I am?) but as a wrap/poncho it's great! See the little holes that make it look torn? It's warm and soft but the bind-off at the end ended up not as elastic as I would have liked. The pattern didn't call for a special bind-off so I'll have to hunt for stretchy-er bind-off techniques for things where the end will be around objects that will need to move. Like arms. It hits right at my elbows and since I'm envisioning it on a less curvier person again, it should fit her perfectly, even if it'll be a little tight at the end. I really liked the seed stitch I decided to do at the end; it classed it up nicely. It was a nice bold band of texture with the stockinette.

Sorry about my sweater colors. Harsh contrast to the purple but I didn't feel like changing into something that matched.

I think knitting is really interferring with my bedtime. All I want to do in the evenings is knit but by the time the kids are asleep (and not tempted to "help" Mommy with her projects) I have lunches to make, laundry (how does laundry haunt me so?), dishes, straightening, griping about the idiots across the street, and more... Then, when I sit down and get in the groove it's past 11pm and I'm reminded that even though I can slide this year with waking at 7:05 and still get SuperGirl to school right on time if I'm on my game, next year it won't work. She'll be in kindergarten, there will be a bigger car pool, and I'll need to be strategically placed by 7:40. That means leaving the house by 7:20, NO LATER. That means waking up at 6-6:15 AT LEAST. I wish I could wake up early. I wish I had a Hubby that liked waking up early so we could leisurely eat breakfast and drink coffee together. But no, we are the jump-out-of-bed-into-our-clothes-grab-breakfast-on-the-way-out-the-door people. That doesn't work with kids. Kids work at their own pace. To heck with training them, I need to train us parents. We'll work on that.

It's late. I'm tired. I finished a project that's been sitting on the back of my couch for 3 months. I think I'll celebrate by going to bed.

(P.S. "Totally Tubular" is what this pattern is called in Debbie Stoller's Stitch and Bitch Nation.)

Loose ends...

All papers are in to the printers/binders and I spent the afternoon yesterday tying up all the other little projects around the house that had been neglected. My "to do" list was longer than the grocery shopping list and considering how long it takes me to pay the bills (along with the wailing and gnashing of teeth that comes with it) I was not looking forward to any of it. I did get everything done (except the bills and they are sitting in front of me right now) and called Hubby with the update. He was amused because I told him everything in bullet form like I was his personal secretary (haha, Hubby; we've discussed what my salary would be) and asked him what else needed to be done.

I dropped off the Happy Socks to the knit shop and she was excited to see them. I even found some yellow to use with the purple for Hubby's LSU socks so that was one more thing off the list. Meanwhile, at the knitting shop, I saw the elementary ed math teacher I had at LSU-S (Snakeman, she asked about you and says hi) and another teacher I had observed for several semesters in college. I almost didn't get out of there in time to dash to Targe' and finish the majority of the rest of my list.

Last night was "Biggest Loser" night (and my least favorite season) and I worked like a maniac on the Purple Skrap. I'm finally through the 15" of stockinette and have 3" of seed stitch to go. What's 3" when you've been doing 15"? That question is for the knitting muse (what did I name her? Harriet?) and hopefully I don't get so excited seeing the finish line that I don't finish. I doubt that will happen but like Snakewoman said, it's slow going at the end.

One down, three to go...

They're finished! And that is SuperGirl modeling the pair. She was cavorting around in a Santa hat and I asked her if she minded wearing the socks so that I could take a picture. It was instant compliance and posing. She loves taking pictures. When I had the parent-teacher meeting with her pre-school teacher the two things she said was "[she] is our little mother and feels like she needs to take care of everyone" and "She really likes to take pictures, doesn't she?" You could tell by the individual pictures of the class she is in; SuperGirl was the one with her head to the side and a big grin like we only wanted to know what she had been up to.

Now on to the Purple Skrap. Finishing the socks, that, and the work deadline this week should push me over the edge for accomplishment. Yes, I know I said the work deadline was last Friday but you know how deadlines are: they might be dead but they don't ever die. But they do eventually move on to torment lawyers that have to look over the papers and actually make a rational judgment on them or at least call the dizzy girls that put it together in the first place and want to know what in the world we were thinking. Whichever, it'll be turned in by Wednesday and I am doing my happy dance early.

An unlikely pair

I've been working on my latest match-making scheme. I think this couple is going to be of the "opposites attract" variety. Same skeins of yarn and you can even tell (when you look closely at the actual thing and are not hindered by my quality-lacking cell phone camera; someone please hit me over the head and get me to upload the digital camera software in the p-i-ls computer so I can download all those pictures that are of MUCH higher quality) where the colors from toe of Completed Sock match the start (top) of the leg in Sock in Progress. But then the colors (as seen in top picture) go to a brown-with-hint-of-purple and then almost a mustard color. I know Noro intends this to be this way and I'm sure there are neat little tricks more experienced and creative knitters can use to manipulate the colors/color scheme/pattern but that would probably involve cutting yarn and organizing the colors in little bobbins and I don't want to think that much right now. I'm revelling in the sock itself which is worth it to me. Maybe later I'll try the color manipulation.

What would be neat (if I had the time, this was my yarn, and I didn't have Christmas deadlines) is make however many socks the skein could make and just wear whichever ones I felt like wearing that day. They wouldn't have to match and if one went missing (which I would hunt for like a lost child) I wouldn't have one lonely sock left.

I plan on having this sock finished by Tuesday so I can take them to the knit shop and turn in my time. Next is the Purple Skrap and ONLY the Purple Skrap. December 15th is only a week away...

Hubby Hat

Hubby's hat is made! And I did it in one night! Of course, it is 12:30 a.m. but thanks to the love of knitting and Little Guy deciding sleep just isn't his thing at the moment Hubby's hat was made. It's out of Paton's Shetland Chunky (75% acrylic, 25% wool), two different skeins knitted together to make it even thicker than normal (only caused a little problem at the end because it was so thick and the double points weren't wanting to cooperate when there were only 10 stitches left), and on Addi Turbo #10 16" circulars.

It's a good, basic, masculine hat. The yarn is simple, soft, yet holds it's own. No frills, apart from the 1.5" ribbing. Everything else is stockinette and the decrease-star doesn't whirl out at every passer-by. Hubby put it on and wasn't sure about the way it looked but that was because of the shape of his head, not my knitting. :) It covers his ears nicely and he's looking forward to running in it, due to it actually being cold here in Louisiana!

The pattern is as follows:

(Keep in mind, Hubby has a big head: 23.5". My gauge was 3 stitches = 1" on #10 needles. Adjust where needed, smaller heads will only be around 20-22 in. around thus needing about 60-63 stitches cast on. Then, of course, there's the issue of being divisible by 4 for the ribbing, so I suggest 60 or 64 stitches cast on for S and M sizes. Markers are placed around every 11-12 stitches when it's time to decrease so hopefully you've had a little experience knitting hats and can finagle your way. If not, comment and I'll write clearer instructions.)

Hunky Hubby Hat

1. CO (cast-on using the double-strand/left-handed cast on) 68 stitches. Place marker to indicate beginning of round. Join in round by CO 1 extra stitch, slip to left needle, knit it and the original 1st stitch together, leading into #2 which is...
   
2. Knit 2-purl 2 in 2x2 ribbing all the way around (the knit 2 together is the 1st knit in the knit 2-purl 2 sequence). Do this for 1.5".
   
3. Knit 4" stockinette.
4. Place markers every 11-12 stitches (mine went 12, 11, 11, 12, 11, 11 in order to fit in the extra 2 stitches and keep the decrease balanced).
5. Round #1- Knit 2 stitches together before every marker; Round #2- Knit all stitches. Repeat these 2 rounds for 8 rounds (or 4 times each).
6. Do Round #1 for every round until 5-6 stitches remain (or you just can't stand working with so few stitches on the double points).
7. Tie off by cutting yarn, leaving enough to thread through remaining stitches. Pull as tight as you want (big hole or little hole at the top), pull remaining thread on inside of hat, knot or secure it however you like.
8. Weave in ends.

One more project down! How many more to go???

Shoulda, coulda, woulda

Little Guy is crawling all over me, I'm waiting on the Terminix guy (he never goes to the right house, whether he's seeing us or the p-i-ls), and I'm trying to get psyched up for another day finishing up this project. So what do I do? Blog! Helps center my mind... or something. I think just talking about knitting gets me focused and thinking about how I can make my day pass in the most efficient way so I can justify knitting as much as I want tonight. All this when I should be:

1. Folding laundry. (I've gotten better about that; I'm great at getting it washed, it's the folding part that eludes me and so piles of clothes swamp the bed until Hubby comes in with a desperate look and reminds me that he has nowhere to sleep and hibernating in his underwear was not what he had in mind.)
2. Wrapping Christmas presents. (We don't have a convienent extra living room like my parents did when we were growing up where the wrapping could take over. Instead, it's been moved to be stored in my closet and stacked in Little Guy's room. Hubby reminded me that since our Christmas tree is up it would be great to have the presents too, especially since this year we don't have to worry about cats chewing up the tree and unwrapping the presents. I agreed it would be a great idea. Only there are several pairs of self-striping/self-patterning yarn that are singing sooo sweetly to be made into socks and remember: I have a Hubby hat to make. Since he's one of the reasons I need to knit he shouldn't be aggravated that the presents are still in their shopping bags, right? I know they'll be wrapped before Christmas. Plus, I know his present isn't going to be in with them so his ulterior motive is nixed.)
3. Finishing the 2 quilts that I have in random stages. (Both tops are done, one is pinned with the backing and the batting and ready to be quilted, the other has the batting and the backing and is waiting to be pinned together. The former is a tumbling star quilt my Mom pieced for a friend of mine who I lost touch with and I finished piecing to make it bigger and the latter is a quilt top Hubby's great aunt had pieced and when she passed away no one in the family knew how to quilt/knit/crochet/craft so I received most of it (hence the random knitting supplies I have, mostly straight needles; I never have to buy straight needles again). The colors are pink and blue (baby style colors bordering on bright country, NOT my style but TOTALLY SuperGirl's) and SuperGirl needs a new bedspread so that's supposed to be for her. Aaaand I haven't quite gotten around to them. I need to. My excuse has been Mom using the quilt frame (PVC rocks!) but I had that quilt frame for several months before she needed it so that isn't justifiable. I also own 2 lap quilt frames so there really isn't any excuse. I was just going to wait for the knitting craze to abate but that isn't happening. Maybe quilt a block before knitting every night? I hate to take disciplinary action on myself, though...)

Something will work out. I can never say I have nothing to do.

The Wrap knitting class is tonight and I'm looking forward to it. I have supper planned for Hubby to cook/take care of and Mom's coming to pick me up. I finished the neverending seed stitch stripe block (one was 3 rows instead of 2 but I was not going to go back and frog it) and started the next block: 40 rows garter stitch. That seems like it would be more boring than the seed stitch but I'm not having to stay aware enough to change any colors so I can nearly turn my mind off and wake up when my 40 tally marks are notched.

I'm at the heel of my sock and am totally entranced even though I can't go any further due to me forgetting that I left the mate at the knit shop. I need to get it tonight in order to make sure I have the same number of rows in each sock. A little voice says that it's a store demo, who's going to care but I would like to know that if anyone decided to wear them they would be wearable. I can't put out mis-matched work, no matter if I've paid for it or not. I've bought mismatched work and it was aggravating. Pay it forward, ya'll.

Terminix guy is here. Gotta go.

Inchworm, inchworm

The last sock knitting class was yesterday. Can you imagine teaching how to knit socks in 3 2 hour sessions, the third of which I had Little Guy with me? Somehow it worked! One of the ladies showed up wearing hers and the other two turned their heel and were working on the foot by the time they left. Little Guy was wonderful also. He wandered around, played with the toys, wandered around somemore, talked to me, played with the toys, etc. I think he likes going to the knit shop because he gets all the chocolate he wants, too. Well, as much as a 16 month old should get.

Anyway, I contribute the success of the class to their perserverance and the internet. Isn't that always the way with teaching? You can show them the way but it takes them driving to get anywhere. They also have my number and email for the Kitchener Stitch, which, by the way, I found out I was doing right, just not keeping my yarn under the two double points as I went in and out of the stitch. Mom went through more of her books, found an even better explanation, and showed me. I'm halfway through the leg on Sock #2 so hopefully I'll be there to practice come the weekend. I also picked up a book on knitting socks toe-up so that'll be fun to work on. The knit shop lady is already talking to me about another class after the new year so we'll see how it goes!

Working on the pattern for Hubby's hat. Started knitting on it with both worsted weight yarns together on a #6 circular (to make it sock tight; he wanted structure and body) and got about 1.5" in the 2x2 ribbing before I showed him and we talked about where to go from there. He:

1. liked the yarn but the hat itself wasn't soft enough (too thick)
2. didn't want holes, so I'm going to go up to a #8 and see how that goes
3. NO FRILLS, CABLES, ANYTHING THAT'S NOT "NORMAL" (bummer)
4. liked the size but could be a little looser (his head is a snug 23" around)
5. was ok with 2" of ribbing around the head, rest in stockinette but made sure, absolutely sure that it will fit close to his head. No bubbling up, looseness at the top. But it needs to fit really close and snug.

The yarn is a Bernat, 75% acrylic/25% wool, one skein dark gray, one skein brown. It has a nice cozy fuzzy feeling to it. This is one pattern I am going to post, simply because I can't be the only one with a guy that wants a hat but wants specific things. I'm going to have to measure his head as I knit up and this should be one amazing, custom-fit hat. Also, if I'm going to spend this much time on it, I'm posting that pattern. I've never come up with my own but I read that it's just measuring the body part in question, finding your gauge, and adjusting accordingly. Sounds so simple. So far, my gauge was 5 stitches= 2" (his head being 23-23.5" around) but I needed a number that was divisible by 4 for the 2x2 ribbing so I came up with casting on 60 stitches (better a little looser than way tight; especially for Hubby; he doesn't do tight at all which is a shame because of his wide shoulders and he works out. But I digress...)

We were talking about what to name it. He said "The Monk Hat" but I think "Donning the Monk" is catchier. I'll post it eventually. My projects at night have become a juggling act. They have all hit a boring time:

1. the Purple Skrap still has 3" of stockinette on #3 needles to go and there are over 200 st. around. I decided to change the pattern even further (who do I think I am? oh yeah, a bored knitter or at least bored knitter with this project) and do 3" of seed stitch at the bottom, instead of the garter stitch it calls for for 1-2" (might be 3" but I don't think so; I think it was just there to keep it from curling too much)
2. 2x2 ribbing on the Sock #2 mate which does go quicker than the first but still isn't as exciting as the heel.
3. The Knitting Class Wrap has 14 more rows to go in seed stitch. I trade off colors every 2 rows.

Now that I've tossed the hat in there I just work some on each, waiting until I can't stand it anymore and trade off to another project. Eventually they'll get finished...

Good times

The first sock is finished and looks lovely other than my first slightly wrong attempt at the Kitchener Stitch. I plan on doing a better version on it's mate and have noted in my mind what I did wrong in order to be the "good" teacher and teach it right the whole way around, i.e. noting what they will WANT to do and THINK they should do vs. what they REALLY should do. What I did with the Kitchener Stitch is treat it by using only the front of each stitch, both front and back needles, when I should have remembered that there is another part of the stitch to use. Or at least I think that is it. Maybe I should look up the tutorials on the internet...

Aren't the colors nice? Noro is great for that. Still not too keen on the yarn itself but that's just me. It'll be interesting to see what colors stripe for the mate. I plan on finishing it in the next week and will post the happy couple together when I'm finished. Then they are off to their new lives in the knitting shop, showing what lovely socks can be made out of the yarn on hand. The pictures turned out better because I used Hubby's cell phone instead of mine; his is nicer and apparently has more pixels.

I also found out in knitting these socks that my point of decreasing for the toe is NOT at the base of my pinkie toe. It's more like the top of it and make sure it's well hidden before starting to decrease. I have really long toes that slant down instead of bases being in a straight line. On yarnharlot.com she went to a convention where she met two women who had a decorative little line tattooed on their foot where to start decreasing for the toe. That's an amusing thought. Hubby is very anti-tattoo but think of having to explain that one after a drunken night with the knitting ladies.

Now I'm off to work on the wrap some more. Oh yeah, and I need to finish the Purple Skrap. I gave myself a deadline on that one: December 15th. Whatever I have to do to finish it!

Recent developments and some cuts

In the past 7 days I have done the following:

1. Cut both thumbs in almost identical places: the fleshy part on the outside next to the nail (not on the side of the fingers) right where anything (hair, paper, YARN) will catch on it, making it bleed. Knitting has been a feat, especially since I've had to put band-aids on both thumbs and can't feel a thing I'm touching.
2. Refrained from injuring certain guests here at Thanksgiving.
3. Turned the heel of one of my sock class socks.
4. Actually gotten for real paying work done.
5. Did the beading on the wrap and have continued on to striping my colors with the seed stitch block.
6. Did the beading on the wrap after frogging the first attempt at the beading block when I realized that I had started the block on the wrong side of the wrap. I paused to count stitches and realized I had WAY too many.
   
7. Rested somewhat. This morning was the first morning in a long time I woke up in MY bed with Hubby, not one if the kids who woke up in the middle of the night.

The beading looks great. I love how the green bead turned out. I was going to do it where you pre-string all of them on the yarn and slide them into place when needed but the directions called for using a small, thin crochet hook to put them on the stitch itself, then knit the stitch. Whereas Mom's looked fine with the pre-threading, my yarn didn't because it was too classic-looking so I had to follow the pattern. See the pictures? I'm proud of myself.

The socks are turning out great, also. The Noro sock yarn is growing on me. I love the colors, even if the yarn can tend to twist around itself and be tighter in some places than others. The only thing that makes me hestitant to get some for myself is the care. It's minimal wash and lay flat to dry because it's one-ply (one strand twisted together). I'm so rough on my clothes the care almost always has to be machine wash, tumble dry low. I can do some hang to dry, lay flat to dry (that takes some creativity considering my house is on the small side and all beds and tables are used and there is only one bathroom that is ALWAYS being used), but can't afford (don't like environmental issues) dry-cleaning and I just like things low-maintenance along with a low possibility that someone else doing the wash is going to ruin my clothes.

Hope your Thanksgiving was a good one. We've bathed the kids and are discussing the finer points of "Star Wars." And are going to dance to "Charlie and Lola." And then I'm going to knit all evening. Bliss.

Giving thanks

Thanks to everyone who reads this blog, whether you comment or not, whether you knit or not. I appreciate anyone who just drops in to see what's going on.

Thanks to everyone who tries their best to be good and be good to people.

Thanks for all who are in my life because you make me a better person.

Thanks for sheep and people who are allergic to sheep because without them all we wouldn't have beautiful yarn made out of wool and alternative fibers.

Thanks be to God.

Everyone have a happy Thanksgiving, love your families, and love yourselves.

I'm taking a day off and and am going to knit. And no one is going to stop me.

What's in a name...?

Showed my mom how to get on my blog and she asked where I came up with my site name. It's Jack White's "Suzy Lee" and I love Mary Jane shoes. When I was trying to figure out what to use (all the knitting plays on words seemed to be taken and I didn't want to use my real name) the notion that the site was going to be mistaken for drug use or a lesbian porn site (or both) did occur to me. I figured that would make it even more funny when those kind of people went to my web site and only found knitting. And not even naughty knitting. Maybe it will give them an influence that's something better and of higher quality (haha) to do with their time.

Taught Sock Class #2 today and went fully prepared to start everyone over on larger needles while assuring them that they were not the ones with the problem, it's just inexperience. I instead found one (who had worried the most at Class #1) who had not only done one sock leg and changed her pattern to fit her needs (stockinette instead of the 2x2 ribbing) but TWO and had started on her heel, one who had done two legs perfect, and the 3rd who had her one leg done. All were excited and happy to move on to the heel. The first one had gone on a scrapbooking retreat and ending up knitting most of the time and that's where she had figured everything out. She was really excited and did so well with understanding everything (she had also gone online and looked at the video tutorials) she was helping teach the 3rd lady. Everything went so well and they are working on their heels to be ready for the gussett next week. I even had time to knit a little on my sock during everything because they were so self-sufficient and happy.

Makes me happy to teach. Now back to work...

Eye of the storm

Here are some pictures of the wrap. Note the exciting ruffle. That thing was a booger to knit. It's a simple knit in the front and back of the stitch increase with another row of purl in the front and back increase (not recommended for anyone with less than infinite patience) to give the ruffle 3x as many stitches as you want. The fluffy yarn is soft but wanted to stick to itself so the knitting was a little aggravating. But I finished it and have moved on to the next few blocks. Notice the small black line that is developing in Picture 1; that will have lovely green glass beads knitted with the pattern. Mom and I found our beads digging through bead bins at the "String-a-Bead" store here. The salesperson was very helpful and dug in with us, literally. It was fun, complete with Little Guy finding all the beads that had fallen on the floor and bringing them to me, saying "Dat dat dat." SuperGirl found all the beads she wanted to keep and more. They will eventually make it to jewelry. I even have the elastic cord. As long as she has the patience with herself to string it.

I probably should have thought about the weight of the beads (like the pattern and all advice in beading with knitting says) but these are lovely and whereas I know they'll add a little weight, they are 17 in one small block, rest in another block on the other side of the wrap, so the weight will be dispersed somewhat. By golly, it's what this thing wants so it's going to get it.

Knitted 3.5" on my sock for the sock class and had enough. I was ready for the heel and that's where it needs to be for the second class tomorrow so I've stopped. Now to see if the students are there also... I doubt it. Ah, the joys of teaching. Waiting and teaching where your students actually are, not where they should be. At least now I don't have the stress of testing and possible grade retention looming over me. Only some slightly stressed middle-aged women who can put the needles down and knit something else if they really wanted to and I wouldn't blame them one bit. In teaching this sock class I've realized there are some neat projects that could be taught in order to prepare students for knitting socks. Like a small scarf in the round, joined at both ends by the Kitchener Stitch and they could do what they wanted with the fringe. This would get them at ease with the double-point knitting, plus practice the Kitchener Stitch, while experiencing the thrill of self-patterned/striping yarn. I'm not sure how to practice short rows; I learned because it was a step in a sweater pattern. I'll figure that out somehow...

I was able to help a girl learn how to pick up stitches on the sides of her sock heel and join everything in the round for the gusset ON THE PHONE. Was very excited, as in both of us. I wasn't sure if I could do it; somehow it came through. Now that I think of it, that was the step I got stuck on also and called Sock Sis and she talked me through it. Thanks bunches, Sock Sis. Inspire dozens more.

Dear Sirs:

I am temporarily out of my mind right now, causing me to have fits of forgetfulness, compulsive giggling (especially when the words "deadline" and "project" are mentioned), along with a compelling impulse to stay at home and knit, making everything just go away. Problem is: it's not, so I'm having to tackle the big booger-monster-money-making machine with all the energy and gusto that I tackle sweater patterns (I think I'll even use my post-its) and remind myself (AND my boss) that this will not and CAN NOT be done in "just a few days," no matter what anyone wills it to be.

Thank you for your time and I appreciate your upmost patience in the matter. I promise to return to normal once everything is turned in and I've run around screaming my head off for an hour or so.

Just like a woman...

At the knitting class last night, my wrap put it's foot down. It said no, absolutely not, it was not going to be just one color. In fact, it wasn't going to be only 2 colors. It was going to be 3 colors, one of which is a fuzzy, fluffy yarn in several different colors (one of which ORANGE!?!?!? I NEVER use orange) knitted with the 2nd color being used. And it wanted beads.

By golly, it's going to have beads. And the 2nd and 3rd colors are turning out to be so much fun and they look so good! It's funny how projects choose what they want. It's up to the person with the duty making it to comply or to fight, only to have to tear everything out later and redo it in the way it was wanting to be done in the first place. My wrap is now peacock blue with black striping and green/orange/brown/blue fuzzy accent. It's going to be so much fun to wear when I'm finished. I'm actually excited about it now. And I was a good girl and didn't fight the knitting muse. I think her name is Harriet.

Slow work

Finished the little hats and scarves and dropped them off at the knitting shop. Saw my knitting godmother (the older lady who taught me how to knit almost 3 years ago) there and had a great visit (we'll be getting together Saturday to knit, visit, and play with kids). Worked all afternoon, had the meeting this evening, kids actually went to sleep without a fight (and this is, of course, the one night I didn't get Little Guy's sheets washed in time to put them on his bed; he wet his bed last night and I had them washed and drying in the dryer but no, he HAD to go to bed at 9:00 pm. Worked out something last minute with his bedspread and baby quilt...) and I had the evening to do what I wanted once I made lunches for tomorrow and cleaned up the day's clutter. So, since the knitting class is tomorrow night and everyone is NOT working with the schedule, I decided to work on the knitting class wrap. I got to the point where it calls for a contrast color so I stopped. I wasn't sure if I wanted a CC or not. I think I'm not. I wanted a plain wrap, one color. That's what I'm going to do.

This afternoon I did have time to work on the Purple Skirg. Another 1/2" done! 8 more to go! My friend's birthday is tomorrow so I think I'll email her and let her know the progress. It'll definitely be ready for Christmas.

Just thinking...

Thinking about the hat for Hubby. It wouldn't take me long and might be a nice break considering the other projects in progress. Plus, the other one I made didn't work out as well as it should; it was in the plain Red Heart acrylic and just doesn't have the strength to stand up to regular hat wearing, or at least not the way Hubby wants it. Also, I can't seem to find the right yarn for his LSU socks so the hat is the least I can do for the moment, especially since my knitting seems to always be for others not in our familial unit.

I bought two skeins of worsted yarn, one brown, one black/dark gray, to knit together for his hat. I'm thinking rib for 2 inches, then plain stockinette, decreasing after about 7". He's a no-frills kind of guy. I almost had him talked into at least a little design but I think the cables scared him off. I told him they would be great for the hat structure he wanted but he still just wanted the plain, old, regular hat. Maybe #10 needles... Have to check gauge. I want it a tight stitch but not too tight. #8 with 2 worsted yarns together might be a little tight, even with the way I knit.

So it's settled. Goal for tonight is finish the other pom-pom hat and at least start on Hubby's. I'll find a way to work that around the last minute Xmas in the Sky meeting (I'm an olive girl, don't you know) and supper with the pils.

Fuzzy feelings

Here is the completed hat for set #1 and scarf for set #2. Do the logic and I still have one more hat for set #2. (Sorry the picture is so fuzzy; this %$#@ phone can't seem to do anything right.) The picture next to it is the picture from the magazine that inspired this cutesy nonsense. Now I can say I can loom knit scarves and double-point knit little hats to keep your wine bottles warm this winter. Just don't put it on white wine bottles; my mil won't drink it. On second thought, put it on your white wine bottles...

Glad to have this project mostly finished so I can move on to other things, like the wrap for that knitting class, finish the Purple Skrap, and finally knit the hat for Hubby. Not to mention the socks for the sock class and the socks for Lola. I don't have enough to do at all...

(I just noticed the little toy hammer that is hanging out in the top right corner of the picture; Little Guy loves that thing: it lights up and makes noise every time you bang it on something.)

What's the story, morning glory?

Was going to post pics of the candy-striped scarf but the yarn shop lady was so excited when she saw it she put it on a wine bottle she had there at the shop. Thus, the completed scarf is already on display (albeit hatless) and I will make another tonight and take pictures of it then. With the hat I hopefully make tonight also. It would be nice to finish one of these projects that are floating around in my tote bag, especially since I really need to get those socks to where they need to be (as in to the heel) before the next class.

Had a good time at the class this morning. Met some very ambitious ladies who are all pretty much beginner knitters tackling the endeavor of knitting socks. One has only been knitting 2 weeks and I honor her. Their assignment for this week was to get the 4" of ribbing that is the leg finished and not go crazy juggling their double points. I don't think any of them had knitted with double points before.

Right now I have to work so I am making myself quit blogging and start earning the real money. But I'm tired, so tired. I've spent the whole day on the phone with co-workers, friends, people involved with the volunteer work I'm doing, LOLA, and Hubby. And the baby-sitter (I was actually kid-free this morning! Never!) My brain is still buzzing and all I want to do is shower, curl up on the couch, and knit. Maybe tonight. When all kiddies are asleep and everything else is finished. Hah.

One-eyed, one-horned...

(I've been playing with my camera phone; it's a cheap one but it's gets the picture (haha) when there's enough light. Here is the Purple Skrap viewed with 9" completed (9 more to go), top is at the top, holes to be at the left hip)

Worked on the Purple Skrap last night and decided to use my creative license (I found it in a cereal box somewhere) and change the pattern. I had just finished my second group of strategically placed holes and was about to start the 5 rows of stockinette stitch when I paused to read the pattern and REALLY THINK of what that was going to look like adding 3 more groups of holes. I also thought about if my friend would even want that. She did say she wanted the holes but all you can see in the picture I showed her were the 1st two groups of holes, not the ones slanting all the way down the thigh. I doubt she knew they where there. I want her to be able to wear this to work and to the bar, not one or the other. She's also the kind that likes to have conservative options but room to boogie.

So, it is decided. No more holes. Staying only with what the picture in the book showed. That means I have 9 inches of plain stockinette before finishing the whole thing off in 5 rows of garter stitch. That SHOULD keep it from curling. Everyone knows how that "should" thing works; I might throw in a seed stitch if I don't like how it's turning out. Can't believe it. Changing the pattern again! I love it! I'm working on being comfortable! Does this mean I'm out of "novice" and working on "full intermediate"? Just as long as I don't get too cocky (or kooky) and not be able to follow a pattern anymore.

Anyway, the 9" of stockinette aren't exactly thrilling me but it's repetitive enough to be a nice break from the socks I'm doing for the sock class that starts tomorrow. And those darn scarves and hats. I'm going to HobsLobs to see if I can find a small knitting loom in an effort to save time as long as it's ok with the Knit Shop Lady. I have the pattern for the scarf written for double points so at least that is complete. The hat shouldn't be much different; there's just a single rib around the edge and a pom-pom. I'll play with my camera phone a little more and get some pictures of those up also.

"Getting Started Knitting Socks" by Ann Budd

I have found a group of knitting books/reference materials that I think are extremely reliable: Interweave Press. I bought one of their books (unknowingly) called "Getting Started Knitting Socks" by Ann Budd who just happens to be the former managing editor of the magazine "Interweave Knits." I had also been looking at another book that I had noticed to be a part of the Interweave group which was one on crocheting clothes (almost bought it but did not; felt slightly panicky at reading crochet patterns; not that good yet and most of the patterns were for intermediate or higher but one day it will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine; the clothes were lovely, simple, and things I could see myself wearing, including a fab mod long tunic coat/sweater; throw that with some boots, tight flared jeans and I could rule the world!) and I recognized that I had bought the Fall Interweave Knits magazine and loved it. I'm curious to see what other Interweave Press books I'll end up getting. The patterns seem well done, well-written and explained, plus they are things that are up-on-the-times without being too kitchy or mawmaw-ish.

Speaking of mawmaw-ish, I was also looking at a book on how to get started braiding rugs. I love braided rugs but the book made it seem so complicated. I would still love to do it but I would go for a simpler method than what the author illustrated. But that's not knitting, I don't need anymore crafty hobbies, and I digress...

About to get on the web and look up Amy Butler's stuff. She's caught my eye and I really like some of her colors and patterns...

Oh yes, I almost forgot. I was talking about the sock book, right? I'm really enjoying "Getting Started Knitting Socks," especially since I'm helping teach that class starting Tuesday. The book has great tips, explanations, and patterns. What I really like about the patterns are how she starts by giving basic sock patterns for whatever gauge it is you're working with (8 st.=1" through 4 st.=1") and then she leads you into color striping variations, rib pattern variations, and just some interesting things to consider once more experienced in knitting socks.

I started knitting the socks for the class in a Noro Kureyon sock yarn in order to try it out and see if it feels better knitted than in the skein. So far it's alright. The yarn is 1-ply and has to be dealt with more delicately than I'm used to (Little Guy found that out when he decided to eat it) and NO MACHINE WASHING. Hand washing, lay flat to dry in shady spot. I'm only an inch in the ribbing so we'll see how it goes. I'm knitting it on #1 Lantern Moon Sock Stix and they are HEAVENLY!!! [angels singing] $22 that will be used well. I'll enjoy seeing how many socks I can knit on them.

You say it's your birthday...

Resisted taking my knitting to one of Hubby's friends' son's 1st birthday party. I assured Hubby I would only be knitting in the car but I decided not to even bring it due to the fact we were already running late and I still needed to put on my make-up, or what little make-up I wear when the occasion calls for it. As of yet HAVE solved the problem of getting to school on time; HAVE NOT solved the problem of getting anywhere on time when one more adult is added and there might be something interesting said/shown on ESPN's college gameday newscast.

I really am excited about my knitting because I received a lovely Vera Bradley tote bag last night when I went to celebrate my birthday with my fab fam (both in and out-laws (haha) REGULAR family that lives locally). It's big, it has POCKETS inside and out, not to mention Gerber daisies and little owls all over it (LOVE IT!!!) and I took it home and put all the little knitting projects I'm doing for the knit shop in it because it was begging me to do something with it's organization opportunities. I had wanted to use it for my regular purse but I don't want to subject the gorgeous thing to all the places I haul myself and 1+ kids. So it's carrying my knitting and waiting for that overnight/week trip that call for one bag that will go anywhere, carry anything.

I'm also really excited about the other bag I got, and this one was specifically for knitting! (sorry, can't find an exact picture online) It's RED, woven wood and is one of Lantern Moon's knitting baskets. Well, the red part is the fabric enclosing the top of the woven basket and the handle. It's holding the Purple Skrap (was I calling it a Skarp?) and I can't wait to finish that project just to put another in there. The red lining is quilted along with the handle and so carrying it is heavenly. I've turned into such a fabric, texture nut. With a side distraction of sheep. Little fluffy sheep that bounce. Sheep always bounce in my mind. And there they can do whatever they want...

one color or two?

Attempted to start the wine bottle scarves and hats. Decided that they must have been knitted on the little circular looms you can get because knitting only 3-4 stitches per needle was driving me a little batty and I'm not too far from there in the first place. Plus, that was still slightly too many stitches. Still going to forge ahead and see if there is any way I can make it work. Plus I think I'm going to buy a bottle of wine to use as a pattern dummy. And if the bottle ends up empty there will be more than one pattern dummy but a good time will be had getting there.

Talked to Mom about the wrap we are knitting for that class. She's been the Type A over-achiever student and gone ahead and finished Block 4 (there has only been one class and that was Block 1; I've only been slightly achieving and have finished through Block 2) and was showing me how her half-linen stitch was working out. She had to find a contrast color for it and looking at hers made me wonder if I needed one also. The pattern calls for it but I had been under the inclination to make this wrap all one color. I had also said I would do it EXACTLY like the pattern says to do it so I'm slightly torn. This one was going to be simple, elegant, one color to wrap in, one color to show off to all. Plus, one color would show the stitches without being a distraction. If I liked the pattern I was going to do another in a bright, varigated yarn with COLOR and TEXTURE and just have a good time knitting it and making adjustments where needed; that was where I was going to make my personal changes and have fun. I don't know... I'll check the available colors there (only one skein is needed) and see if any call to me.

Growing up is hard to do

Have decided that I need to grow up and start getting to bed sometime before midnight even though the call of the yarn is strongest at that time. Wait, no, I take that back. It is equally strong when I'm crossing my eyes, sitting in front of the computer, thinking "Yeah, the money is nice but I would love a heel to turn right about now." But anyway, SuperGirl is hitting the ding-y/almost 5 year-old stage where she isn't on top of getting ready for school in the morning so we've been running late. For about a week now. Speaking of not being on top of things, I'm sure I could have implemented this at least a few days sooner.

This morning it was 7 minutes until needing to leave and she wasn't even dressed yet. Usually she dresses herself right after breakfast but I'm not sure what happened, other than she has been really bad about being off in her own little world; she's still fairly considerate but clearly missing simple, important instructions like "get your lunch before you put on your shoes", "wash your hands after using the bathroom", and "haven't I told you 10,000 times not to fuss at your brother!?!? Play with him! Give him toys! Show him what he CAN play with! Don't yell at him!!!"

Anyway, I'm consoling myself by saying that I can knit in the mornings after I've gotten myself ready nice and early and are overseeing the two little ones getting ready. For Little Guy that just means making sure he's not throwing toys away or helping himself to SuperGirl's breakfast. I think SuperGirl would benefit more. As would I. Growing up is hard, especially when you're over the age 25, have held a job outside the home at one time, and supposed to have gotten there a while ago.

Speaking of turning heels way in the beginning, I'll be starting on my sock used for demostration in the sock class. I'm using the Noro sock yarn. We are wondering how it will feel knitted; hopefully less rough than it feels wound in the skein. The socks will end up store demos. I can't wait to see the stripes and how they work!

Coming up short

Measured the smiley scarf by putting it around my neck. It wrapped nicely with enough space to comfortably put a pin. Checked the gauge again. Yep, it was right. Counted to see if I had all 315 stitches at the end like I should have. Had them. Apparently my stitches are just slightly big enough somewhere so that even if they don't show up when measuring gauge, I'm still going to be a little short. That's funny because usually I buy the required yardage and end up with 1/3 to a 1/4 of the yarn left over. I will be going to the knit shop today to drop some stuff off and am going to talk to the knit shop lady about it.

Little Guy woke up last night at around 4:30 and when I went in there to tend to him I heard the ominous sound of slow dripping. The ceiling is officially leaking now. Thankfully, the rain should be over for at least a week and I've called all the necessary people. Now to come up with the required money...

Started the spiral scarf (the 3rd project out of the One Skein Wonder book) last night while watching "The Biggest Loser." That one is going to take a while. The scarf is going to look great, especially in the yarn required, only it's done left side then right side alternating 4 short rows at a time. You do that until the middle (which is only growing by a stitch or two per 4 short rows) measures 8 in. After 2 hours last night (and wanting to throw things at the tv because of some of the aggravating people on the show this season; it is usually a great show of people bonding together, despite differences in selves and personalities, to achieve amazing weight loss. It has ended up cat fights and isolation because of a certain someone's greed, selfishness, and bullying. It's like watching a middle school drama with 200+ lb. people.) I only had 3.5 in. That was in worsted weight yarn. This is going to take a while.

Ok, now to get some work done. Little Guy has climbed in my lap and is already taking his nap at 9:00 am. Wish I could do that.

Raindrops keep falln' on my head...

...but only when I'm outside, I hope.

Woke up this morning to the sound of dripping in the house. Not in the house major (proper? inner?) but somewhere above the ceiling and some of the drips sounded like a puddle. NOT what I wanted this morning. Hubby had a doctor's appointment so he didn't have to go to work early and we could have slept in a little. Once I woke up to the dripping there was no way I was going back to sleep so I made the coffee (on weekdays it's usually tea but this morning was an exception) and planned my method of attack on getting a new roof. We had been warned a few months back that the roof was old and would need replacing within a year but it's been nice and dry so no dripping sounds so yes putting this off as long as we were able. Roofs, damage, etc. has been a little dicey here due to all the hurricane issues the past few years so I talked to my insurance agent, he's weighing our options, and we have someone getting to us on an estimate.

Not knitting but it's hard to knit when water is getting into your house.

On more typical subjects, I finished the smiley scarf last night or I would have if the one skein wonder only needed one skein. I ended up short and I'm not sure how because I do have gauge: 16 st. = 4 in. I even cut out the last row of knitting (the row 20) so I might have enough yarn to bind off. I got about halfway. Maybe I increased too many? The scarf does look a little longer than the picture; the picture makes it look like a collar but the description that goes with the picture says it's a smiley scarf that can be wrapped around the neck and also pinned. Hmm...

Did you read the directions???

Well, I thought I had. I thought I had looked at everything for the "smiley scarf", thought "this is going to be a cinch", and was knitting rather nicely. I noticed there are approximately 20 rows, instructions for each row, and blocks of repeat stockinette after increases. I did not, however, read further to clarify when I noticed that some row numbers seemed to be missing during what seemed to be a large block of stockinette. I though "oh, typo" and continued knitting my 6-8 row block of stockinette. Then, on the last row of the stockinette I realized that wait a minute, that isn't row 19: increase after every 2nd stitch and row 20: do the same thing again, that is row 11: increase after every 2nd stitch, do 3 stockinette stitch rows, row 15: do the same thing, end with 3 stockinette stitch rows. Grumble, frog, grumble, grumble. Gripe, gripe, lament that my self-done hair-color treatment ALSO didn't turn out right (I'm not as dashingly blonde as I was, but I didn't think it would make me this brown. I was only trying to lighten my roots to hide the silvers, not turn it brown with an odd silver tinge on my bangs. Thank heavens dark coloring lightens over the next few days so maybe I'll hit a happy medium with darker blonde hair, not so obvious dark roots, and if there is gray in my bangs I'll say it was an attempt at artistic statement; I always said I'd age gracefully.)

You can't frog hair color gone wrong (and shaving isn't an option in conservative LA) so at least I CAN correct the smiley scarf and hopefully have it ready for the Knit Lady Tuesday. It shouldn't take too long. I'm glad because I'm not sure about the Noro that it's knitted in. The colors are lovely but it's a little itchy and feels rough. Anyone who isn't sensitive to wool and in a cooler climate wouldn't mind it at all but I value material by it's washability and feel; you have to when you take in account how much you sweat here and how few cold days there are. Debbie Bliss is another story. I would be willing to find things to knit in her wool and mark the cold days on my calendar so I can wear them. Or wear them with not much else on and sweat a little (last statement being said with good taste, no suggestion intended! :) )

Mary Jane lives! (and it's not a plant either!)

Went shopping and in the midst of standing around making faces and saying "Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas" to Little Guy who was trying to turn himself over in the baby sling, I found a Clarke's shoe store. It sang to me and I found the shoes! Lovely Mary Janes! And I could try them on! They had them in my paddle-foot size! And they were ON SALE!!! Now I can officially show off my knitted socks and there is no way I'll end up a victim of fashion with too small shoe sizing. Maybe arrested by the fashion police but they will be so amazed that I knitted the purple-orange-black-white-pink-with-a-touch-of-blue-and-white socks they will certainly forgive me and understand that that much money and time spent on a garment deserves prominent display and I couldn't wear them on my ears. Or need we even mention how Red Hot Chili Peppers displayed their socks? I think I can be excused. All my socks would serve on me is nipple warmers and that's just silly.