Chronic Ennui

Feeling Neutral

I would love to tell you that I've made a lot of progress on the mudroom.  But other than grouting, sealing, and picking out a paint color, I've switched gears to neutral.  I agonized over paint color, back and forth between cream and brown I went.  If I went with cream, then everything would look bigger and decorating would be limitless.  However, cream may get dirty in a high-traffic area, and shouldn't I take a bolder approach?  Maybe toffee?  But the kitchen has red in it.  Would toffee be okay with red?  On and on went the internal dialog until, beat down by my own over thinking, I marched over to the mixing counter, smacked down the paint chip, and said, "English Toffee, Satin.  I'll be back."  Done.

I've had been on a neutral kick lately.  Where I used to gravitate toward grey yarn like a magnet, I now find that cream draws me in.  Cream, like these mittens I recently finished that I've had in my queue forever, goes with everything.  

 

I think what finally clinched the deal on the brown for me was working on a little cardi this past week.  After frogging the dreaded Julianna shrug/shawl/knit from hell, I had tons of brown Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light to use up.  I immediately thought of the little cardi and beret from Natural Knits for Babies and Toddlers.  The little outfit on the cover reminded me of what I imagine small, French children must wear.  So adorable.

Halfway through the knit, I got the notion to add a notion to the sweater -- a flower.  Know that I have never actually met a knitted flower I liked.  Either the petals must be knitted separately and sewn together later, or they are nothing more than a ruffle, rolled and sewn.  I was always disappointed and forever on the lookout for "the perfect flower."  After much searching, I found a pattern that I just adore!  It is whimsical; knits in one piece; and sews together easily and perfectly into the most dandilicious little pom. 

I can't wait to get some modeled shots of this outfit. 

 

Of course, last time I wasn't very successful.  Some people just do things on their own terms.  

Have a great weekend!

 

All Hallow's Eve

You knew I'd have to have a Halloween post, didn't you?  Not because I love Halloween so much but because it presents an opportunity to post pictures of my favorite trick or treater.  I am actually not too enamored by Halloween.  Sure, I love the pumpkins and some of the decorations, but the strangers knocking on my door and driving the dogs into a barking frenzy?  Well, I can do without that for sure. 

I finished this little hat last night for my little munchkin.  When I saw the Hannah Newsboy Pattern on Ravelry, I thought back immediately to last Summer when Gianna insisted on buying that little boys' hat from Gap.  This has a little bit more of a feminine feel to it, and she really seemed to like it.

We somehow coerced her into wearing the hat by distracting her with a chalkboard I bought this morning.  I've been searching like a maniac for an authentic, slate chalkboard and finally found one at an antique shop, where I quickly scooped it up for much more than it was worth.  It seems that I am not the only one who loves it though.

Isn't she a little lamb?

Happy Halloween! 
 
 
 
 

Somebunny Says "Un huh"

We've all been there before.  You find a pattern that you think is really cute and match it up with a yarn that is great to work with.  The gauge is even dead on.  It looks absolutely adorable even before it's done, and you just know it's going to be perfect. 

There is a matching hat that is just going to be the best little topper for your little cutie.

Try as you might, someone is not cooperating.  You get one button done up and figure you better snap a shot before she rips it off. 

Because this little diva really is not in the mood for her photo shoot.

And the new word she learned, "Un huh," she uses often, especially when asked to model hats.

Bunny got a new sweater too (with bunnies). 

Maybe he'll be a better sport than Gianna.  Or he may be grumpy too...

We probably all just need a nap.

  
 
  
 Pattern:  Cleckheaton Next Knits for Kids, Design #4

Wool:  Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool

 
 
 

Hey, I've Been Knitting Too....

In between back-breaking tiling, one also has to get her knitting on.  Which, in retrospect, was not an easy feat.  But when Disc 1 and 2 of Season 3 of Dexter arrived in our mailbox, well, it was really anybody's guess as to whether or not the kitchen tile would ever be finished.  There may have been an evening or two where we convinced ourselves that the grout needed to "cure" before sealing or that there was no sense in renting the wet saw twice...  So, oh yes, the knitting. 

When I received an update to the Ritzy mitt pattern, I was reminded just how much I loved this design.  So many times I don't know what to do with my sleeves when I'm also wearing a long-sleeved mitt.  This is the perfect solution.  The ruching on the cuff solves the problem and makes it look as though the mitt is scrunched.  My photo does not do these mitts justice, but I truly loved using the Drops Classic Alpaca and found this pattern to be very fun.

I then set about to put even more pressure on myself when I decided to make a second Clara dress on Thursday for a baptism we were going to on Sunday.  I did it, still loving the Joji Premium Llama.  The dress was a big hit I am told.  The original one is being given tomorrow.

A friend at work asked if I would knit her a scarf for Winter.  Not being one to ever say no, I sent her a few patterns and coaxed her towards one I wanted to make in a color I wanted to make it in.  A Little Ruffle in sportweight Alpaca that I bought at Rhinebeck last year.  Unfortunatley, I misread the pattern and needed another skein, which Tracy kindly gave me.  Hugh relief.  Although, I might want to keep this one for myself...

There are so many projects in the queue right now.  I have been informed that Gianna has finally outgrown most of the sweaters I've made for her.  And my mom thinks she needs some legwarmers.  Huh?  And someone else wants a hat.  Speaking of which, I had to buy this pattern this morning.  So cute! 

Finally, in the MacGyver department, I tried to make one of these.  Um, not so much.  Clever, oh so much.  But I think I bought the wrong size box.  I could not get it stay stable.  I have not given up though.

 

That just about does it for now.  I should have a picture of the ruffled scarf and painted columns for you soon.  The highlight of my week was when Gianna said, "Hi, Ti-ti."  (Hi, Auntie).  Of course, the Saturday before, she picked up my shoes and thrust them at me as if to say, "Hit the road."  But we take our little pleasures where we can.

 

 

A New Kid in Town

I may have mentioned awhile ago that my favorite cousin, my partner in crime growing up, and his wife were expecting.  Samantha was born on September 9.  After my initial thought of, "Oh, my God, she's so beautiful", my very next thought was, "Better him than me!"  Not that I wouldn't love a little loaf of bread, but.... Dudes, at our age, as Wubbzy's friend says, "That's kooky!"

Since the new parents keep sending pictures as pdf files, I can't show you how adorable Samantha is.  What I can show you is the adorable Clara dress I made her from Joji's Premium Llama.

I can tell you that this yarn is like butter or you know that I would never have finished this little dress in three days.  The best part is that I still have one and a quarter skeins left -- enough for a shawl or scarf.  Check out the halo on this yarn and the adorable, little button courtesy of Nora.  

I plan on getting a little, chocolate-brown onesy and some brown wool tights to accompany this little dress.  Too cute!

And finally, finally, I have some fun Gianna pictures to share.  Our little clown loves hats.  So much so, in fact, that she decided that a brown boys' cap at Baby.Gap was hers.  Of course my mom bought it for her.  I think it just enhances her already impish personality.

First, there's the "Hard-Knock Life" photo

Then the " 'Sup, Shorty?"

The "Just try to catch me!"

And my favorite, the "Who me?"

Keep it up, Gianna, because auntie needs the material...

Little Treats

I finished.  It's done.  And I love it!

The etole was the most soothing knit I've completed all year.  After seeing this one on Ravelry, I am especially happy that I finally made it.  I may never even use it, but I shall dream about wearing it.  My friend Judy says that sometimes I "knit for the life I dream of having."  This is one of those knits.  The yarn combo (Berroco Ultra Alpca and Elann Super Kydd) is soft, warm and comforting, like being wrapped in a hug. 

And since we're on the topic of lovely yarns, have you seen the shop that Joji has opened?  Yummy llama in nice quantities for insane prices!  I could not resist 440 yards of Premium Llama for $7!  "I'll take two, please."  Doesn't it remind you of vanilla ice cream?  I can't wait to start the Clara dress with this delightful yarn.

 

If you don't know Joji, she is one of the nicest people I've met through Ravelry.  She was kind enough to resize and send me her Garter Stitch Baby Kimono last year, and we've been email friends every since.  Now she is selling her kimonos here.

Oh, and, hey, look at me churning out more than one post in a month.  I'm on a roll.

Thank you to those of you who mentioned that there has not been enough Gianna content lately.  The problem is that she doesn't sit still long enough to snap a photo unless the TV is on.  But sometimes I manage.

Last week my sister was telling her that she could not kick the bed with her shoes.  She didn't really like that.  So, she took the Binky out of her own mouth and stuck it in my sister's.  She seems so innocent...

Something Fishy is Going on Here

Having a precocious younger sibling can be annoying.  Sometimes you get overlooked when your younger brother has an insane head of curls and people want to knit stuff for him just for the photo op.  And then they find the perfect hat, one that suits you to a T. 

 

Because, after all, you like to fish with your dad.

 

And your mom picked out the colors just for you.

 

And it's especially satisfying when your little brother asks, "What's Kimmy gonna make for me?"  But you're the one with the Fish Hat!

Scattered, Smothered, and Covered

 I dunno, it's the name of a Hootie album, and it sort of describes how I've felt this Summer.  But, hey, it's September.  Don't you just love this time of year?  The mornings are cool, the afternoons perfect, the nights breezy.  It revitalizes me after what I like to call "the Summer of my discontent." 

There must have been some sort of precognition working when I scheduled today as a vacation day back in January.  Because, dudes, seriously?  I needed a vacation day.  In a bad way.  It got off to a rocky start, getting a couple of work calls and wondering how I would spend this "free" day when my list of "want to do's" was three pages long.  

I started slowly at a place that never fails to comfort when the anxiety creeps - my knitting.  I have started and frogged more projects in the last two months than I have ever done in my entire 40 years of knitting.  I think I've finally settled on something I love.  

 

It's La Droguerie's L'Etole Transformable, which, had it not been for the kind translation skills of Nicole, I'd still be trying to decipher this French pattern into my 80's.  The combination of Berroco Ultra Alpaca and Elann's Super Kydd is making quite a luscious fabric that soothes me like nothing I've started in past months.  I think it's just what I needed.

After some bad news from work, I did what any person who worries about their job does.  That's right - retail therapy.  I had spied these jars from Pottery.Barn last week and immediately (and quite naively) thought, "Hey, I could make those!"  After numerous emails to Katie asking for advice on stencils; I soon realized that by the time I bought all the materials, I may as well just buy them.  What better way to display my growing button fettish?

 

Number 3 looks a bit lonely....

I also found this table runner on sale - sweet!  Having returned the pillow just like it, it was like getting all this stuff for free! (don't stop me; this is how I rationalize).

 

Oh, and remember those hideous beams?  Almost gone...  (Jim amazes me.)  If we keep adding to them, maybe they will hide the view of the white appliances!

 

I'm ending the day with one of my favorite comfort foods - Escarole and meatball soup.

 

Have a great weekend!

A Good Sport

Remember the Fleece Earflap hat?  You all said you wanted modeled shots.  Well, ask, and you shall receive.  Today's post is somewhat of a "guest blogger" post from Cooper's mom.  I received this email this morning with photos from the master photographer.

Cooper got into the car yesterday and saw the hat on his booster seat. This is the conversation that occurred:

He said "What the heck is this, mommy?"

"That is a new hat from Kimmie?"

(puts it on his head backwards)

"It doesn't fit"

 "Turn it around"

(he turns it sideways)

"It's too big I can't see"

(I turn it around)

"Ohhh. Ooooo it's cozy"

"Will you wear it this winter to keep your head warm?"

"Yes, it feels like a pillow on my head."

Chris saw it in the car later that night He said, "What the heck is this, Heather?"

"That is a new hat from Kim"

"Was she serious?"

You bet I was, Chris!!! 

Be Vewy Quiet; I'm Hunting Wabbit

I don't think I've had as much fun knitting as I've had with the Fleece Earflap Hat in a very long time.  I had long wanted to make one and had bought the materials last Winter.  But somehow time just got away from me.  Until, that is, my non-knitting coworker non-so-subtley informed me that her younger son would be needing a new hat, having outgrown the froggy hat that had served him so well.

It was strongly suggested that the earflap hat would be perfect for him!  Um, perfect for a child with this much hair? 

Well, okay.....  If you say so, mom...  But, it has already turned my whippet into an afghan....

  

Maybe it would be better if we button the earflaps?

Thank you, Bravo

Did I finally finish something?  Yes, I did.  Was the yarn yummy and the pattern fun?  Absolutely.  Have I been watching WAY too many episodes of Real.Housewives.of.New.Jersey?  You bet!  Is it just me or does anyone else just love these ladies and their habit of asking and answering their own questions as much as I do?  I just cannot get enough--until Jim comes in, sighs loudly, and says, "Why must you torture me?"  I just quote the show right back to him, "Happy wife, happy life!"  He shakes his head and leaves the room.

In the midst of all the house stuff, I managed to knit this fun, little Cinnamon Grace scarf/shawl. 

 

It is somewhat reminiscent of the Just Enough Ruffles scarf, but it was so much more fun to make.  The lace edging was one I had never done before, and the picot cast off gave it a very delicate look with just a bit of effort.  Had it not been for the cast off, I could probably have gotten away with only three skeins of yarn.  But I think it was worth it because it really adds that extra something.  Just ask Maggie....

Thank you all for the encouraging comments regarding the house.  One week later, things seem a bit brighter and less overwhelming.  We are a long way from being done, but at least now I can almost  envision the possibilities. 

Sassy Miss cracked me up last week with this picture, so I figured I would share.

 

Would I wear them?  Probably not.  Are they a bit over the top?  Sure.  Are they absolutely adorable on her?  Without a doubt!

"Let me tell you somethin'.  Our family is thick as thieves!"

Where Have I Been?!

Wow, it's been awhile, hasn't it?  You know you've let it go too long when you have to think about your password. 

The baby shower for my girlfriend was last weekend, and I held my breath as little girls helped the mommy tear open package after package.  I was sure that the little angora booties I'd made would be tossed with the rest of the wayward tissue paper.  It's such a shame that with the advent of the baby registry, unique gifts have fallen by the wayside.  Not that that would stop me one bit, but it does make for a rather tedious gift-opening experience.  I think my handmades were much appreciated.  The best part is that Baby Grace was born just five days after the shower, four weeks early! 

 

Everyone said, "boy," but "Auntie Kimmy" got her wish.  Now all of the things I didn't get the chance to make for Gianna will be made for the other "Baby G."

Once all of the baby gifts had been completed, I was left in the unusual position of having nothing on my needles.  That is, until I spied this free pattern in Ravelry.  The Victorian Lace Scarf.  I loved it the moment I spotted it and knew that I must cast on immediately.  It was a very quick knit because I chose Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light instead of laceweight yarn and knit it all in one piece. 

I love the detail in this simple-yet-elegant pattern.  I think I will try it again with lace though; this scarf is not as delicate as it could have been.

Next up is another Ultra Alpaca Light project.  I am following the basic pattern for Juliana but using the stitch pattern from the Cable and Lace All In One that I just finished.  Typically not one to improvise, I hope this will look like the vision in my head. 

Other than that, not much else going on except for some very sweet babysitting experiences.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to everyone!

Not Baaaaad....

It's been a crazy couple of weeks, but I managed to finish up some of the baby projects I started.  I feel so much better - so relieved!  With the exception of buttons, the Cabled All-in-One is done, and I love it!  I'm thinking that it would make a really pretty throw in a heavyweight fabric. 

The combination of lace and cable is really lovely and also fun to work.  The picot edging gives this little romper that extra touch of elegance.  This pattern was so well-thought-out; every piece fit perfectly into place.  It just felt so right all the way through.  I only wish I had a model to show it off.  Alas, Gianna is long past this stage...

I recently purchased Natural Knits for Babies and Toddlers, which I felt contained some really adorable patterns.  Oddly enough, the first one I chose to try was this little Sheep Comfort Buddy.  If I had any idea how many french knots or how much sewing would be involved getting that satin ribbon attached with mitred corners, I doubt I would have attempted it.

It's admittedly quite imperfect, but isn't that what handmade gifts are all about?  At least that's what I'll tell the recipient...

Thank you for all the good wishes for our sick baby.  She is much, much better now.  Like Typhoid Mary, she passed her illness onto a few other people like her mom and grandmother.  But she seems to be back to her adorable self...

Spreading cuteness...

and cereal puffs...

Have a great week!

The Easter Post

It's done.  The cabled baby blanket is done.  It blocked out beautifully, and I cannot say enough how much I love this JoAnn Kashmira yarn.  I am amazed.  Surpisingly, it blocked out to a perfect 32" X 32" square.  What a great feeling to finally finish a long and tedious project like this one.  And yet...

... just one day later, I find that I'm missing it.  But no worries.  I just got word that my favorite cousin's wife is due in July.  When I called to congratulate him, he specified, "Leather buttons.  Make sure she gets leather buttons."  This was a reference to a sweater I made him when we were both in highschool.  It was a beautiful, aran-knit cardigan with leather buttons.  When his NY City apartment was broken into a few years later, it was one of the things they took.  I never knew that he even liked it or really appreciated it; but he must have because lo these nearly 30 years later, he brought it up recently at my grandmother's funeral.  So, I will be picking out some of the finest knits for his sweet, new baby girl--a first for him at age 46. 

I hope that those of you who celebrated had a very Happy Easter.  Our poor baby gave it her best effort despite having been sick all week.  I hope she's feeling better soon.

The Button Motherload

A few weeks ago while browsing in the bookstore, I came across Kaari Meng's "The French-Inspired Home."  In it was a simple photo of a dish full of off-white buttons.  It sparked something in me, and I immediately went to e.bay and typed in, "vintage white sewing buttons -plastic".  Several auctions popped up, but one in particular caught my eye--one in which there was only one bidder and there was an entire tin of white buttons.  I waited, ever-so impatiently until 2 minutes before the end, typed in my maximum bid, and waited.  I won! 

Boy, did I ever win.  I had no idea why it would cost $8 to ship a tin of buttons until I received them a few days later.  The box was heavy - really, really heavy.  I opened the tin, and quite literally gasped.  Inside were hundreds of beautiful antique buttons.  Mother of pearl mostly, pearl, baby buttons, shoe buttons, on and on until my head spun.

Someone had lovingly snipped and collected button after button.  Some were clipped onto safety pins; others had yellowed threads still attached; every size and variation was represented in this one tin.

I showed them to Jim and said, "Do you have any idea how much they could have gotten for these if they had split them up?"  Of course, his first reaction was, "Do it!"  "Are you inSANE?!  No way!" 

How could I part with them?  Each one a beauty in its own way.

One day at lunch, I pulled the tin out and showed them to Tracy who also gasped and said (almost accusingly), 'Where did you GET these?!"

Okay, maybe she can have a few....

But not that one in the middle... 

Okay, Seriously?

 

Seriously!

 

It's not even raining!

Whole Lotta Nothing Goin' on

I mean it.  I plan to do nothing this weekend.  Well, not nothing.  But I plan to do whatever I please.  Jim is away, and I am alone with the dogs, running with scissors.  I expect the glee to wear off about the time I finish this post. 

So, hey, wanna know what made me livid today?  This...

 

WTF?!  THIS is how I found my brand, new magazine in the mailbox!  Now, if you know anything about me and are keeping track, so far you know that a) I love buttons and b) I LIKE.MY.MAGAZINES.PRISTINE!!!!  At least until I've read them.  Oh, and I don't like people taking my mags before I've read them and then pointing things out to me.  Oh, no!  That will bring me to the brink of insanity. 

Mr. Mailman, I don't blame you for parking in front of my house and making my yippy dogs bark while you deliver the entire street's mail; I choose to ignore the fact that you talk on a wireless headset the entire time you deliver the mail; and I almost forgave you for losing my package from Australia.  But if you EVER bring me another knitting magazine in this condition again, I will have your job!  Are we clear?   (He is sooo lucky this was not a Fall/Winter edition!)

And since we were mentioning my love of buttons, check out these adorable ones I found on Etsy from ButteredParsnips.  Even the name is adorable!

Does it seem like I'm stalling a lot, saying a whole lotta nothin'?  Well, I did give you the heads up with the title, didn't I?  I have been knitting a lot; but, alas, I have not finished a thing.  Nothing.

My friend's baby shower is looming in the distance, and I have nothing completed.  It's not like I can just go to Babies R Us and purchase something from the registry like everyone else.  No.  She is expecting handknit items from me.  So, she gets half a cabled baby blanket and this cable and lace all-in-one from Baby Knits by Lois Daykin that I started.

Won't that be cute if I ever finish it?  So, what do I do when I already have two projects half done?  I start another, of course!  A scarf, one I've already made twice but that makes for great gifts and calm knitting.  Wavy Razor Scarf - the one with the buttons sewn on the edge.  I think it will make a nice Easter hostess gift.

 

So, that's about it for the knitting.  We brought Gianna to the mall last week for her Easter pictures.  Live bunnies - totally unphased unfazed (Thanks, Barb!)

And then to the quaint, little ice cream shoppe in town the other night.  This is the look I get when I've taken too many pictures.

 

Her new thing, though, is that she cries when I leave.  I have to say, I don't hate it...

Happy weekend, everyone!

Quick and Simple...

I find that sometimes the best way to make a decision is quickly, from instinct.  I gave way too much thought to buttons for a sweater that will undoubtedly never be worn by its intended victim recipient.  So "Dotty" buttons it is! 

Someone will like it.  I'm not hurt; it's not really my favorite either...

Licking my wounds, I cast on for another quick and simple knit, which I find are often the best on the heels of a disappointment.  The Nora Baby Jacket (appropriate since Nora was the one who turned me onto the pattern in the first place) was finished in a mere four days.  At first I thought this would be another rag-bag relegate; but once I tried it on little G, I did a total 180.  I love it with the button flipped back like this....

or buttoned up like this....

And, yes, I am still working on the baby blanket - a boring knit to be sure, but one I am quite certain will be worth every stitch when complete. 

We watched Twilight this weekend with Jim's girls, and I happened to mention that there were several patterns for Bella mittens.  Well, that just set on a frenzy of Sunday knitting.  I finished this pair of mitts, modified from Bella's Mittens, about 30 seconds before we pulled out of the driveway to bring the girls home.  One pair down; one more to go...

I received the following text message about an hour or so ago, "I wore them all day and wen[sic] ppl asked were[sic] i got them i said u made them and they were like NO WAY!"  I think my job is done here....  She hearts Edward.

Oh, BUT, speaking of freakin' fabulous mitts, have you seen these babies from TLCknits?!  Um, Tracy, we're waiting for that pattern....

The Unbearable Lameness of Being...

Certain people have taken to sending me taunting emails that begin, "C'mon, you must have something to post..."  Others gently say, "Okay, I'm off to see if you've posted..."  Even Jim periodically mumbles under his breath, "I see Chronic Ennui hasn't updated in quite some time...."  People, have you not heard about the whole trying-to-be-a-good-employee thing I've been up to lately that is causing me to become woefully behind in commenting on other peoples' posts, which vexes me greatly?!  No one wants to see another six inches of the same baby blanket that is slowly but surely creeping along.  And just in case that wasn't enough to convince you how lame I actually am, here is more proof-- I can't even decide what buttons to use for this sweater.

Even after asking for, and receiving advice from, many kind Flickr friends, I am no closer to sewing a single button.  Not that it matters because my sister feels that it may be too "boyish" and will probably never put it on Gianna anyway.  Even after I bought her what may just be the cutest red shoes ev-ER (no offense, RoseRed) - in TWO sizes!!!!

So, what do I do?  Start another pink sweater for her of course!

PS>  Why did no one correct my title?  I just happened to see it on my own Bloglines, and it struck me, "Hey!  It's 'Unbearable,' not 'Incredible,' you moron!"

Still Clicking Along...

Stilling loving the cabled baby blanket, but I keep slipping other projects in on the side.  All that cabling requires a break here and there.  A May shower deadline will keep me inspired I can assure you. 

This week a stressful work environment drew me to the addictive, yet soothing, Ishbel pattern.  I had some Plymouth Yarn Alpaca Prima in my stash that I found to be surprisingly delightful to work with.  Plymouth seems to have come a long way over the years with its yarns, and lately I've been quite pleased with the ones I've tried.  I used less than one skein to make this shawl. 

Now, if I can only figure out the proper way to wear one, I'll be all set.  All I seem to be able to do is wrap and bunch it.

I've also been loving this little Etsy site I found called 5dollarfrenchmarket.  Everything is $5 and oh-so pretty.  I bought a couple of lace spools, and I can't even believe how great they are.  The spool alone is worth the $5 to me.  Naturally, I promptly ordered three more because I'm a bit obsessive that way...

I tried so hard to get a good picture of the little, red ladybug sweater.  Someone is becoming a little less cooperative in her old age...

Hey, You Like Pictures, Right?

Wow.  Is 2009 the year of non-blogging?  If so, it has been unintentional for me.  Just when I think that maybe things are starting to slow down a bit, they decide to monitor internet access at work.  So, yeah, um, no more trolling Ravelry and Flickr during momentary downtimes.  When I look at my bookmarked Bloglines, I want to cry.  I really am reading all those posts; I just can't always comment! 

It's March 1.  A new month, a new outlook, the promise of Spring is in the air (you know, with the exception of the monstrous Nor'easter that's coming tonight!)...  A certain little girl celebrated her first birthday last weekend. 

Can you even believe it?  I can't!  There were actually TWO parties - one on her birthday and another on Sunday.  I'm not sure if she really liked the cake or not.

But Dora got into it...  Do YOU see a soapy wash cloth?

Oh, and I've been knitting.  Quite a bit actually.  I started one of those projects that you know is going to be long and tedious but so worth the effort.  It's a cabled baby blanket made from -- brace yourself -- Jo-Ann Sensations Kashmira!  I swear to you that this yarn is great!  It's sproingy, DK weight; the color is creamy vanilla; and the yardage can't be beat (284 yds/skein). 

I spent almost two full knitting nights agonizing over which aran patterns I was going to use for this blanket.  I cursed the gorgeous Japanese books that are unavailable here (and that I'd be unable to read even if they were).  I finally decided on a simple, Debbie Bliss Cabled Cape pattern.  It works!  And what is this new thing with people not wanting to know the gender of their baby before it's born?  Don't they know how difficult that makes things for knitters?!  Here you go, little "it"; enjoy your gender-neutral-non-specific gift!

I just hope it blocks out nicely; otherwise, it's going to be about two-feet wide.

I found some Malabrigo-like yarn (Plymouth's Trabajos Del Peru) that I could not take my eyes off of.  It was around Valentine's Day, and the yarn was red with hints of pink variegation.  I bought one skein, thinking I'd find a project to use it on.  Then I just had to make something with it and decided to get two more skeins to make a chunky, plain cardigan for Gianna.  I found the Ragman pattern and had it knit in two days. 

I became memsmerized by the thick and thin of the wool, the subtle color changes, and the soothing stockinette stitch.  Is there anything easier than a raglan knit?  You gotta love the lack of seaming.  I'm trying to find just the right button, but it is eluding me.  I know this one isn't it.  I also know that pictures won't do this sweater justice because I can't capture the color; it hasn't been blocked; and it's one of those that just needs to be modeled.  Of course, that's easier said than done.

I tried very hard with the Little Rose Cardigan I made....  I even used the lure of balloons.... 

She really wasn't having it..... 

Yeah, so I told Auntie over here, "If I don't get more face time on your blog, then don't think I'm posing for ya!"

Have a great week!

Something in the Air

Things have warmed up, and it seems a lot easier to be optimistic when Spring appears imminent.  Weeks and weeks of freezing temps and huge snowfalls have given way to much wamer weather.  The dogs are itching to be let out constantly, and that smell (oh, that smell!) is in the air.  Yes, I do believe that things are looking up.

There is also a feeling of playfulness that is returning.  I came home yesterday to find these on the living room table.

I knew immediately why Jim left them.  They looked like birds.  Perfect blog fodder!

After a few rough weeks at work, the only sort of knitting I've wanted to do is the mindless type.  Not too mindless, but enough so that I didn't have to pay much attention.  The Double Bias Scarf fit the bill.  I've longed to make this one for awhile, although I've never been much of a garter-stitch fan--until recently.  There was something about the the way the two sides met in the middle to form a "V" that really appealed to me.  I had trouble finding the yarn it called for, so I made a smaller version with some Noro Silk Garden Sock I've had in my stash.  I'm not sure that I loved working with this rough-textured yarn, but the scarf turned out pretty enough for me to forgive it.

The flower is one I found on Etsy and really love.  In the meantime, I was able to find the Kauni yarn and will definitely make another one of these scarves.  It's the perfect traveling project.

Hey, wake up!  Haven't you heard?  Spring is coming!!!!

Who Needs a Title?

I seem to be having trouble finding words in 2009.  My posts and comments seem rather lackluster and forced.  I don't know whether to attribute this to the seemingly endless, frozen Winter or my desire to spend my time knitting like a crazy person.  Either way, the results are the same.  I have a few more completed projects to share.

When I first saw the Fallen Leaf Frilled Edge Scarflette pattern on Etsy, I thought it was pretty, yet I didn't purchase it.  A month or two later, one of my Ravelry "friends" favorited it, and I sort of fell in love with it.  My LYS didn't have black KSH, so I opted for Cafe au Lait Knit One Crochet Too Douceur et Soie.  The project required a bit of concentration, but I plowed through and... ran out of yarn at the frilled edge.  I made it about two rows shorter than the pattern called for.  And, the result?  Well, it's pretty enough, but I'm not "frilled" with it.  Get it?  Frilled with it.  Hah! 

It's not the pattern nor the yarn.  Fact is, I just do not know how to work the triangle.  I didn't learn my lesson from the failed Shetland Triangle, and even the gorgeous Suri Merino Textured Shawl did not cure me of this ineptitude.  Ah well...  One of my coworkers loved it, so... it all worked out.

Last week, my "non-knitting coworker" (as she refers to herself) Heather asked me if I would make a cover for her hot water bottle.  Well, let me tell you something, I have wanted to make a hot water bottle cover ever since I was smitten with that romantic photo of CocoKnits' version a couple of years ago.  And how crazy is it that I actually own Rowan 28 from which the Hottie pattern comes?  "Yes!," I said, "Yes!"  My contingency was that Heather had to buy me a hot water bottle.  She specified the yarn (Ella Rae Palermo) and the pattern.  It really is so much cuter in person. 

A couple of people, including my own sister, thought it was odd that a) anyone would use a hot water bottle and b) that anyone would knit a sweater for it.  They just don't get us.

True to my vow to turn my attention back to baby knits, I whipped up a very fast project this weekend.  Little Willow done in Sublime Soya Cotton dk and hand-dyed, silk ribbon I've had for years.  So cute!  I can just picture it with little, linen pants and a white t-shirt.  Oh, what a coincidence that my mom bought Gianna that exact outfit as one of her birthday gifts!

So many projects in the queue.  Next, Little Rose Cardigan, Double Bias Scarf, and.... the Elmer Fudd hat or Fleece Earflap Hat.  Thanks to Tracy, I've become a bit obsessed with this project. 

Since it's been a long time that the pups have gotten top billing, I thought I'd have Maggie give a little shout out and say, "Hi!"

Food?  Is there food?

Bubbling Over...

Some knits are so special that they deserve their own post.  You know the ones.  You're looking through Ravelry and suddenly you spot something that--OH, MY GOD!--you haveto have!  Then you see the words that make your heart sink, "Personal Pattern, Not in Ravelry."  You immediately comment on it in hopes that the designer will get the message and make the pattern available toot sweet.  Your heart pounds; you send a PM; you email your small circle of knitting friends for support; you hope... All the while viewing and re-viewing the original everyday just in case you might have missed something. 

Such was the case with Knitforsweet's Bubbles Hat.  When I initially asked Natasha if she would be selling the pattern, she told me that there was no pattern because she had made it "from mind."  Such incredible talent.  I could see from her picture the impeccable workmanship and detail that went into this hat; and aside from wanting the bubblicious pattern, I wanted to know how she accomplished ear flaps without holes and beautiful edging.  I suspected that she had crocheted the edge, but I needed to know!  Friends told me that I could surely figure out the pattern, but I knew that I could not. 

A couple of weeks passed, and one day, a message appeared in my inbox from Knitforsweet. She told me that she had written up the pattern, posted it on her blog, and apologized for the delay(!).  She then told me that she would try to translate it from Ukrainian to English.  I tried for days to run the pattern through internet translators to no avail.  Just as I was beginning to give up hope, another message.  This time to tell me that she had translated the pattern and made it available on her blog (http://knitting.com.ua/olga_bubbles_hat_english.html). 

The next few hours at work dragged.  I could not wait to get home and start this hat for Gianna!  I stopped to buy yarn on the way home and quickly cast on.  By midnight, I knew that my cramped fingers needed a rest, but I did not want to stop.  I finally finished the hat on Friday, and it was everything I dreamed it would be. 

Today Gianna indulged me with a few photos.  I think I got five good ones out of 67. 

None of them really showing off the true beauty of the hat.

I found out that the edge was done in crocheted crab stitch as I'd suspected.

I also embellished the top knot with three additional bobbles.

And added the requisite poms to the ties, which may I tell you, are genius in and of themselves?  When I saw that the pattern said "cast on 4, k2, p2", I thought, "Oh, no, this is going to curl in a bad way!"  Can I just tell you that it lies flat, flat, flat.  And so much easier than doing an icord.  Brilliant!

I am so appreciative that Natasha was not only willing to share her beautiful pattern with me but that she took the time to translate it as well.  My heart truly swells at the kindness of knitters.

Empty Needles

A couple of unusual things have occurred.  One is that I have absolutely nothing on the needles right now (unless, ahem, of course, you count the WIPs that I have no intention of picking up again anytime soon).  Typically, I know what I want to make next long before I'm done with what I'm currently working on.  It's part of what drives me to finish. 

I completed my All The Water mittens at 12:08 am, leaving me with no lunchtime knitting whatsoever.  There was no way I was going to bed with thumbless mittens. 

The Blue Sky Alpacas Suri Merino is amazing.  It's so soft and lovely to work with.  It has a beautiful halo without much shedding.  I only had one breakage, and that was during grafting.  Had I been paying more attention, it would never have occurred.  This pattern/yarn combination is the perfect marriage.  If you haven't had the chance to try out the Suri, the smaller size uses only one skein and provides the perfect opportunity.  

The second unusual thing that happened is that I finally finished the Cable Wrap Jacket, and I'm actually wearing it.  No, I do not have any modelled shots because I just could not get one that was a) flattering or b) showed the true color/pattern/texture of the sweater.  But, honest, it's done, and it looks much, much nicer than this:

In hindsight, I think I would have made the sleeves and the body just a bit longer, as it's a little boxy.  But, overall, I'm pleased with it.  At least that's what I keep telling myself since the yarn is pretty and not inexpensive. 

Maybe I just need to stick to baby knits...

A Slow Start...

I've noticed that everyone else seems so motivated, so very ready to start this new year off with resolutions and organization.  But me, not so much.  I can't seem to shake off the cobwebs of mid-Winter blahs that seem to hit every year at this time.  It doesn't help that the coldest temperatures since 1994 are predicted for later this week, and all I want to do is huddle under a cozy blanket with those I love...

 

I have managed to muster a small amount of motivation for this project - The Textured Shawl by Orlane. 

The Blue Sky Suri Merino has got to be one of the must luscious yarns I've ever worked with, including cashmere.  I'd be lying if I told you that I didn't jump right back online and order more.  I ordered one skein to make the soon-to-be realeased "All The Water" mitten pattern from Kirsten.  And another two skeins in Sahara for, well, I'm not sure, but I needed it! 

I also decided that it was high time I revisited the Cable Wrap Jacket I started back in the Fall.  I'm not sure why I ever abandoned it, other than the numerous shiny objects that caught my attention and drew me away from it.  I am pleased to say that the back and left front are now complete.  My goal is to have the rest of it done in the next two weeks.  There.  Typing it makes it so, right?

My mom finished the Get Ziggy hat in time for Gianna to wear with her new, cream snowsuit.  We took her out for a test run at Marshall's this past weekend.

But her hands were cold, and I think my mom is done with knitting for awhile, so....

Another shiny distraction.... 

 

Stay warm...

I'm Such a Follower...

Where have nine years gone?  Seriously, it seems like just yesterday that we were all earning income by adding two more bytes to dates in computer systems and wondering if we should be stockpiling water and withdrawing our savings from the bank.  Remember when we were all going to "party like it's 1999"?  Good times....

Well, if it's January 1, then it must be mosaic day!  I gave myself a headache making these mosaics last night, and I even surprised myself at how many items I cranked out this year.  Of course, most of them were accessories or baby items, which is why I VOW to finish the one sweater I started in 2008 and never completed.  THAT is my complete list of resolutions.  I don't do resolutions that I will certainly ignore or break.  Sure, I'd like to be a kinder, gentler, thinner knitter, but chances are quite high that that's not going to happen. 

So, I present my mosaic(s) - Yes, two because, apparently, there is a limit of pictures in Mosaic Maker.  Who knew?  Well, I did after I tried three times to make one huge mosaic.  Like I mentioned -- headache.  And, no, there was no wine involved...

This one has a bit of color...

And this one is just a big, neutral blob...

And then, just around midnight, I squeezed out one more project...

Goodbye, 2008!

Cheer up, Mags!  There will be plenty of rawhide in 2009...

Free Time on my Hands...

This time of year always seems like such a letdown after all of the holiday preparation and anticipation. There is also the inevitable reflection that New Year's brings and all of those regrets of things not accomplished this year and promises of things "I'm definitely going to do THIS year!"  But after reading this post, I realize that I should just enjoy things a bit more, ride the tide, and maybe squeeze in some fun projects.

Having had a few days off, I finally had an opportunity to whip up some of projects I have either been wanting to make or those that I saw and impulse told me, "Make that now!"  For instance, Thermis.

I didn't care that it was twisting a bit due to the circular needles and that I probably should have blocked it.  No way.  I wore it to work the very next day.  It also gave me the perfect use for these fabulous buttons (and those of you who really know me, know that I love buttons!).

Another fun project was Tiennie's Norwegian Star Hat.  So fun was it, in fact, that I decided to make two of them, sew them together, and make it reversible. Red on white...

 OR

White on Red.  Gianna says, "YAY!"  Okay, it's a little large, but she will grow into it...

And finally, finally, I got to make one of these Twisted Vine Neckwarmers.  Love it!

I used Karabella Boise, which is a bit floppy, but oh-so-soft!  This is really such a great pattern.  I love the way there is no real "keyhole" to be made.  You simply slip one end into the hole made by the large cable.  Ingenious!

My latest impulse?  Have you seen this?  Of course you have!  Everyone has it queued.  I already have the yarn on order, but I am just dying to get started!  I have never worn a shawl before, but if there was ever a time to start, it's now.

I'm looking forward to a few more days off before jumping right back into the new year.  I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday....

"And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that have never been." -- Rainer Marie Rilke

Gettin' it Done!

We enjoyed our first snowstorm this weekend with more to come tomorrow.  I have mixed feelings about the snow, but clearly Gianna is enjoying it.

Somehow, miraculously, little projects are getting finished.  Perhaps things would have moved along more quickly if I hadn't read Mary's post about the knitted bird ornaments that she stayed up into the wee hours making.  Because then, of course, I did the same.  And then I made some more the next day.  And the day after.  And the day after that.  And again tonight.  I think you get the picture.  I lost count after ten.  But, they are cute and addictive and appeal to the nostalgia in me because I think somewhere in the recesses of my brain, I remember buying one of these when I was a child.  And I'm more than a little scared because I just saw this other pattern this morning.

There was also the scarf that wasn't sure which scarf it wanted to be.  My friend Heather's mom wanted a cashmere scarf like the one her mother had made her years ago.  She had even given me the pattern and bought the yarn.  But then....  she decided she wanted a plain, old keyhold scarf.  Except, it did not look like a gorgeous hunk of cashmere when it was done.  So, it got frogged and rebuilt into.... her grandmother's scarf.

Once that was done, I pulled out the long-languishing Baby Mine sweater and finished off the last ten or so rows thanks to Nora who sent me a few bits of yarn.  The dye lot is not exact, but I don't think it matters that much.  This one will go to one of my sister's friends.  I'm honestly not in love with it.

But this is the part of which I'm most proud.  Are you ready?  Listening?  I did some sewing today.  Now, let's not get too excited; it wasn't that much.  Remember the humongous Tree Mittens?  I decided to line them with polar fleece.  I traced them, sewed around on the sewing machine, and hand sewed them in.  Now they don't seem so crazy big!

While I was on a sewing kick, I decided that tonight was the night that Yultide Gnome should come to life.  His bits and pieces have been sitting in a closet for over two years while I procrastinated sewing him together and putting a beanbag inside.  Once I got going, there was no stopping me. 

Conversation with my sister:

H:  Whatcha doin'?

K:  Making Gianna a Christmas Gnome.

H:  Why would you want to scare her?

I can't wait to see her face!  I can just see it now...

Another Disjointed, Frenetic, Holiday-Time Post...

I just wanted to take a minute and say, "Hey...."  I've been a bad, bad blogger and a sporadic commenter lately.  I apologize that I haven't been as communicative as I usually am (or wish I had time to be).  I've been trying desperately (like everybody else) to finish up some quick knits and get my holiday shopping/decorating done. 

I made some little, red mittens to go with the bobble-y beret from my last post.  How much do you want to bet that she won't keep them on?

I then got the bright idea to make the Martin Storey Cherry Scarf, the one that caused me to buy the Jaeger book in which it's found over three years ago--way before there was even a thought of a Gianna.  I'm soooo close to finishing it.  I just need to secure the pom-poms and embroider the green stems.  So, why is it that I tend to lose steam just when I'm in the home stretch?

So very close....  And just as I was finishing.... My mom says this, "So, I bought the baby a cream, Ralph Lauren snowsuit.  Now you need to knit her a hat and mittens to go with it!"  Deja vu!  Didn't you say something like that just, oh, last week?!  So, what did I do?  I handed her the pattern for the Get Ziggy hat, a skein of cream yarn, some needles, and a cable hook.  "Here, mom, you taught me.  I think it would be nice if you made it!"  And so she is.

And that frees me up for other things, such as... Trinket by Kim Hargreaves.  I'm trying it in a Suss Tonal yarn that I got 75 percent off.  Can't beat that! 

I finished ONE Magic Mirror Mitten By Kristel Nyberg in Rowan Felted Tweed.  See the thumb?  Yep, too short.  And you just know (if you know anything about me) that I wove in that thread like a moth-ah!  Makes me not want to make the other...

Oh, and I met my sister at the mall for Gianna's Christmas picture sitting.  They never even knew that I snuck in a couple of my own!

The subject sat much better for me than she did for the "professional" photographer.  It's amazing what a set of jingling keys and the theme song from "Little Einsteins" can do.  Note to self:  purchase black sheet. 

So, hey, let's not let it be this long next time, okay?  Peace.

Capalucci - The Next Generation

When I was small, I had a white, knitted beret with a navy blue pom-pom.  My mom called it my "capalucci."  It wasn't really a Winter hat as much as it was a Fall and Spring-type hat to be worn with sweaters and jackets.  I wore it a lot.  

My mom saved the hat; and many, many years later, my little sister wore it too.  A lot.

 

This year my sister bought Gianna a red pea coat, and my mom immediately insisted that I needed to make her a red hat and mittens to go with it.  She described a beret with bobbles, and I was off and running. 

Pattern:  Ninna Beret by Sari Astrom (English version available on blog) using Reynold's Soft Sea Wool Color 9069 on size 1 US needles. 

This pattern was a delight to work.  There was something mesmerizing about increasing every other row and then decreasing every other row.  Easy.  And the result, very appealing.  Of course, I added bobbles.  Lots of them. 

More Quick Knits

When I look back at the projects I've completed over the years, I am amazed at some of them.  I wonder what happened to that girl who made all of those afghans and sweaters.  In the late 80's, I made not one but two Tree of Life Sweaters.  Back then, it was the DKNY sweater from Vogue, and we wore it with leggings.  I also made four aran afghans for both my mom and my aunt.  And, as my cousin reminded me this week, I made aran cardigans for both him and his brother when we were in highschool.  Lately, it seems, the most I can turn out is a hat or scarf.  My neglected tweed sweater sits tauntingly in my knitting basket, reminding me of my inability to complete anything meaningful.

So, in that vein, I'll take this opportunity to show you some of the little things I've been working on.  First, there is a Deep in the Forest mitten.  Nice enough, but my stranding needs work.  I can see the trapped wool behind each section.  And I have lost steam midway through the second mitten.

Then I made Gianna a little Rose Hill Hat in Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora, although I have not yet had a chance to take a modeled shot.  I altered the pattern by using size 6 US needles and casting on 78 stitches.  This is really a fun, little knit. 

And finally, I decided to create a version of Anthropologie's Le Petite Scarf.  I will put the pattern on Ravelry as soon as I can get it set up.  It's a fairly simple pattern, but it's always nice if someone else does the figuring out for you...

So, maybe I'll get around to my sweater someday...  But I'm not going to worry about it too much if I don't.

And the winner is...

Wow, when I announced a little giveaway, I never thought I'd get this kind of response!  It was so incredible to hear from so many old friends, delurkers and people who just stopped by from other blogs. 

We did this old school, cutting up strips of paper and putting them in a bowl.

 

Gianna took it very seriously, although my brother-in-law rolled his eyes and left.

 

We had a few false starts...

 

Until she got the hang of it, and I pried the winner's name from her tiny fingers...

 

As I was reading through all of the comments, there were so many where I thought, "Oh, wouldn't it be great if she won!"  Well, Nicole was one of those.  Not only is she a "crazy bizzy mama" of three gorgeous girls, but her mama is one of the nicest people I've met on the internets.  Congratulations, Nicole! 

It's About Time

I've been thinking about this a lot, and I've decided that it's time to do a giveaway.  I don't remember exactly when my very first post was, so inane was it that it has since been deleted.  But I remember that it was November, 2005, and that's good enough for me.  So, in honor of my pseudo-blogaversary and the fact that I've won and have been gifted so many awesome things from so many wonderful knitters, I feel as though it's time for me to pay it back a little. 

Just leave me a comment, and I will let Gianna randomly (cuz that's the way 8-month-olds do it) draw a name on Saturday when I'm babysitting.  I'm not sure what the giveaway will be, but it will include this lovely skein of Malabrigo Sock and some other goodies.

Don't be shy.  Even if you've never commented before, I'd love to hear from you.  C'mon, you know you want to... 

Word.

UPDATE:  COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED.  STAY TUNED FOR GIANNA'S PICK! 

Loose Ends

I have the most smarty-pants friends, I tell you that!  So, you will recall, when last we posted, I was having a bit of a yarn-shortage dilemma that I solved in a rather hideous and non-knitterly way.  I believe EZ was turning over in her grave.  Then along came MadMad Rachel with a most brilliant solution and voila!

 

Okay, so ignore the little thread tidbit at the end.  Wanna know what I did?  You DO, don't you?!  Okay, so here's what Rachel suggested.  You take the last stitch where you screamed, "Oh Fuck!" (okay, she didn't say that; I did) and you simply pull it over the next stich that you haven't knit yet.  And then you continue on slipping right stitch over left until you get to the end, where you will have one remaining stitch that you must find a way to tack down and hide.  As you can see, I am not so good with the sewing.  But it worked!  And it was so simple, I actually kicked my own ass for not thinking of it myself.  But my brain does not work like that.  If I were on a deserted island, I would never think to make a radio out of coconuts.  I'd perish watching fish jump in and out of the lagoon.  But I digress....  Rachel, you are a genius!  Okay, yeah, I know.  You're going to tell me a famous knitting author gave you the idea.  But I give YOU the credit. 

I also remembered to take pictures of the little, pink socks I made for G this weekend -- 103 pictures to be exact.  Do you have any idea how difficult it is to take pictures of moving baby feet?  It's nearly impossible.

  

  

  

Sure she looks cute now, but she wasn't so cute when she had a diaper full and then proceeded to bounce in the jumpy chair.  Auntie Kimmy needs to get beat over the head with baby lessons before she learns them.  Good thing mommy bathes her daily!

 

Don't worry, Gianna; someday we'll laugh about it!

Just Enough Ruffles; Not Enough Yarn!

I'm still occupying myself with small projects, such as this little guy.

It's Ysolda's Mousie pattern, a very tedious project knit on size 0 US needles.  I had visions of making a bunch of them to put on Christmas packages with tags that said, "Not a creature was stirring..."  But after making just one, I knew that was a cute idea never to come to fruition.  Instead I shall be content to watch Gianna stick it on her head and giggle--her new trick.  She thinks she's very clever.  I also made her a pair of the custest, pink socks, which I promptly gave to her without getting a picture.  Tomorrow...

I started the Just Enough Ruffles Scarf yesterday, as I had fallen in love with it the moment I saw it.  Berroco Ultra Alpaca in Couscous with the ruffle done in Rowan Kidsilk Aura.  I went to bed last night nearing cast off but too tired to complete it.  Having a vacation day today and some extra knitting time, I picked up where I left off until....

 

Twelve short stitches from the end, I ran out of yarn.  After scouring through my considerable stash, I could not believe I did not have a scrap of something I could use to finish this scarf.  In the end, my solution....

 

Admittedly, not my best idea, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

 

It looks shitty here, but I'm hoping that either it will be hidden in the mass of ruffles or Tracy will take one look at it and say, "Oh, I have a bunch of that left over from my Modern Quilt Wrap!" and save the day.  Either way, I'm good because it's still pretty, and I'm tempted to cast on a grey one right here and now.

 

Sweet Relief

They said it couldn't be done.  They said it would never happen...  But we proved them wrong, didn't we?  Because....

I finally finished my mittens!  There you go, Heather!

Oh, yeah, and that other thing too... 

YES, WE CAN! 

Time Flies When You're Overworked...

Is it really November 1?  This whole work thing has been kicking my ass these past couple of weeks.  I knew it was bad when people started emailing me to ask if I was okay.  I assure you that I am indeed okay, albeit stressed and tired.  I apologize for neglecting Flickr and blog commenting.  I had so many things I wanted to show you, I thought for sure that by now I would be wearing my beautiful Black Forest alpaca tweed cardigan... 

I did manage to start these gorgeous socks in honor of Socktoberfest with the incredibly pretty Pagewood Farms Yukon - Mississippi Mud yarn that I won in Mary's giveaway.  I had such lofty plans of professing that I, too, could be a sock knitter.  But, um, 1.25 socks into it, I got sidetracked -- again.

 

It's pretty though, isn't it?  I remembered why I don't really enjoy making socks.  Because no matter how pretty or how neatly I try to make them, in the end, they make me appear to have cankles.  And I really do not have cankles.  Honest.  Which is also why I did not take a modeled shot of the one finished sock.  But I will say this.  This yarn was really nice to work with.  It was one of those ones that you think is plain, old sock yarn.  But wow, does it move nicely on the needles, and the variegation is perfection.  The pattern is Paraphernalia, which I also loved.  A pretty cable that travels down the leg on either side.  It's a free Ravelry download pattern too.  Nice!

While we are on this autumn-like theme, allow me to show you something that, in the midst of the crappiest work week ever, came in the mail and made everything right again.

A beautiful and thoughtful gift from Theresa - just because maybe I gushed and fawned and told her how much I loved it and that if she were ever to open an Etsy shop, well, I'd be her number 1 customer.  Or then again, maybe just because she is really that nice!  Thank you, T!

And just when I thought that maybe maybe I'd pick up my cardigan again, my dad called to tell me that the daughter of someone he works with is having a baby in December and could I just whip up a sweater when I have some free time.  How could I say no to my dad?  The man never asks for anything?!  So, I looked for a pattern that would be quick and easy and remembered buying the Get Ziggy pattern made with aran-weight yarn.  Perfect.  I even found Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran in cream for 50 percent off.  Again -- perfect.  (Shut up, naysayers!  I know baby stuff should be washable!).  As I was saying....

And Gianna "Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, gettin' Ziggy" in the hat...  (You know that song will be in your head for the rest of the day).

So, maybe I can work on my cardigan now even though my friend Heather at work keeps reminding me that I only made her one Bird in Hand mitten and she has two hands and lots of cold soccer games to attend...  Whatever.  Her life could be worse....

Rhinebeck!

I finally finished up what I hope is the last of the little baby gifts that have thwarted my progress on my sweater of tweedy goodness.  I've always wanted to make the Saartje Booties, and after making them, I have certainly gotten that out of my system.  So very cute and so very tedious!

I had some time to complete about five rows of my sweater in the car on the way to Rhinebeck before I began to feel queasy.  But it was all I needed to get my focus back, and I got quite a lot more accomplished yesterday.

 

 Did I just say Rhinebeck?  I am still processing Saturday, as I am on serious sensory overload.  Rhinebeck was everything I expected and yet nothing at all like I expected.  Tracy and I spent most of the day with Rachel and our new friend Barb, which is just as much fun as you might guess it would be.  We also had the opportunity to meet Leslie (and her sister Lisa), which was so great - finally! 

I must have seen about a million pair of fingerless gloves.  The day was unseasonably cold, yet sunny, and I was so grateful that I had thought to bring some warmer accessories.  It made me chuckle a bit at the lengths that some people took to wear their hand-knitted finery.  But I guess that is what it's all about.

I was expecting to find some delicious, little skeins of luxury yarn or, better yet, handspun; but mostly what I found was alpaca.  Lots and lots of alpaca.  And that's good too; just not what I expected.  I was mostly taken with the adorable animals that Tracy and Rachel patiently waited for me to photograph.

How seriously cute are these guys?

Or this one?

Angora Bunny?

Or this little chick?

See what I did there?

Who You Calling Peony Head?

It's the Little Things...

...that are preventing me to get to the projects I really want to knit.

First there was the matching hat I had to make to go with the Baby Kimono.  Joji not only gave me the Kimono pattern, but she also recommended the cutest, little garter stitch hat done on two needles with short rows. 

Then I saw a pattern for the cutest snuggly toy that I thought would go so perfectly with the baby gift.  It's basically a dishcloth with a bunny head, but the pattern is so cleverly written that there is not one iota of sewing in this project.

The first one was so much fun that I quickly cast on for another for Gianna ...

Oh, and also, last week when I took Gianna for a walk, I noticed that her little hannies were cold.  Time for some baby mittens!  The pattern is a basic, free pattern that I modified using Nancy Bush's Anniversary Socks pattern. 

I had never used Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino before, but I love it.  The yarn is so springy and makes the stitches very even.

One more quick hat that I've promised my sister... Oh, and another baby gift for another of her friends... and then I can finally get back to my tweedy sweater. 

C'mon, Indulge me....

First, a Toast:

I love them.  At first I worried I would run out yarn.  Then I made Leslie worry needlessly.  But in the end, I had plenty and some to spare.  So, why then, did I not do a looser cast off?  Dunno.  Stupid, I guess.  Well, lesson learned for the next pair. 

So, last night was Tuesday, and by now you should know what that means.  It was babysitting night, a chance for me to torture enjoy my niece and see her in some of the many handknits that she has acquired.  I figure if I can get her to model one or two knits per sitting, we should be through them all in a matter of months. 

This kid is smart.  Very smart.  She actually mugs for the camera.  Seriously.

First up, The Presto Chango:

Next, we tried on a beautiful gift sent to us a very long time ago from Auntie Nora.

Isn't it gorgeous?

See what I mean?

Lucky me!

Last week Lucky Knitter Mary had a giveaway in honor of her 50th blog post.  I found Mary's blog through MadMad Rachel awhile back, and quickly found that she is so much more than a Lucky Knitter.  She's also a Lucky Seamstress, Embroiderer, Button-Maker, Baker, Mom and always a delightful blogger. 

Much to my surprise, Mary sent me an email late last week to let me know that I was the lucky winner of her giveaway.  And today the most wonderful box of goodies arrived.

A hand-sewn bag in fabric that is beautiful, made all the more special by the fact that I don't sew.   

Hand-dyed yarn in Autumn colors that will (hopefully) be used for the new Through the Loops Sock KAL.  Just in time!

And all these goodies -- The Yarn Harlot's brand-new book, an adorable Minnow-Knits pattern, Godiva chocolates, and the most adorable note card that is going right up on my bulletin board as soon as I get to work tomorrow. 

Thank you again, Mary!  You truly made my day!

Hey, Look What I Can Do!

Amidst a splitting headache that continues to linger, I somehow managed to learn two new, handy techniques today. 

I finally got around to finishing the Baby Kimono.  I chose to do the sleeves in the round, which may have been a mistake because the garter stitch is not as even as the body of the sweater.  I should not have stuck to the pattern so closely, as the sleeves look a bit too large for the armholes.  I chose not to finish off the neck because I really liked the picot effect that the decreases gave given that it is for a girl.   All in all, I'm pretty pleased with it. 

 

The pattern called for an icord closure inside, the thought of which made me shudder, such is my aversion to icord.  What could I do instead?  And then I remembered a tutorial for a button loop from Ysolda.  Voila!

 

How cool is that?! 

On Friday I ran out and got these two gorgeous skeins to make Toast.

 

The chilly weather has descended, and I found myself wishing I had gotten a quicker start on these mitts.  But one thing bothered me, being somewhat OCD when it comes to knitting (and many other areas of my life) -- How could I determine the exact center of the skein so as not to waste any yarn and ensure that both sleeves come out identical?  And then I had my answer....

  

And it only took me four tries until I got it!

Yesterday's babysitting proved quite fruitful.  I was finally able to get some modeled shots of a sweater I completed last October before Gianna was born. 

I'll pretend I didn't see the store-bought sweater set from Janie and Jack in the drawer right next to it!  I know my mother can't help herself...

Two Steps Back

I'm not looking for sympathy or consolation; I merely want to say that I could not hate this sweater more.  Sorry for the blurry shot, but this was the best I could do with the light/camera I had.

The fact that my arms were raised makes it look moderately flattering.  Trust me, nothing could be further from the truth.  This is the most unflattering sweater for my height (5' 0") and body type (pear shaped).  It is not just A-line; it is actually kimono shaped, giving the illusion of a large bell.  Not good.  Do not suggest a shawl pin.  I'm quite done with it.

Because my friend MadMad Rachel told me that I should not end with the kid shots, I will let Gianna's facial expressions say it all, right up front.

Exactly.

So, what did she think about the elf slippers I brought her?

(But they will be so cute on you!  At Christmas time!  Trust me!)

Anyway...  after finally receiving the rest of the yarn to finish the baby kimono sweater, I was ten rows into the sleeve before I realized I was using size 4 US instead of the 2.5 US needles I was supposed to be using.  So I frogged and went back to my new love - the Black Forest Portland Tweed.

In fact, I called the LYS to have Judy save me an extra skein for Toast, a brilliant idea from Leslie!  (I never did like those thumbs!).  Just look, even Gianna is interested....

Making Some Progress

 

Yeah, we'll see.  Prior to blocking, it looked as though I was wearing a huge garbage sack.  I don't truly believe in the magical powers of blocking, but I'm trying to have faith.  I have one more sweater in the queue; and if it doesn't look fabulous, I will forever give up on the sweater making and surrender to small accessories. 

The Baby Kimono is coming along nicely, but I just did not have enough yarn.  More is on order, and I plan on making a matching hat and perhaps even a pair of cute baby booties. 

   

As a breather, I just had to make a second Braided Cable hat.  I say 'had to' because one of my favorite non-knitting coworkers loved it enough to make it her own.  Since I had one more skein of Malabrigo Natural left and some ideas on revisions, I wasn't too upset about having to make another. 

 

I realized that having mixed up my needles, I had used size 7's instead of 6's last time, and it was a bit big.  I also did not have available 4's at the time, and the ribbing was a bit saggy.  This time around, I think I got it right.

 

I don't feel quite ready to begin another large project just yet this weekend.  First, I think I will find something to make with this lovely Tahki Tweedy Alpaca. 

 

I'm also thinking that Gianna needs some of these Elf Slippers for the holidays...

Irons in the Fire

I honestly did not mean to be away this long, but I can't seem to finish anything lately.  The Linden sweater had some pattern errata, which hung me up for a few days.  When I finally started knitting again, I realized that I didn't really like the idea of 3/4 length sleeves.  So, I ripped them out and reworked them to a more flattering length.  I also didn't really like the purl before the selvedge showing as much as it did on the raglan.  I waited until today to show LYS Judy and get her opinion and assistance.  Hopefully, I can sew and block her up tonight and have pictures very soon. 

In the meantime, I needed a quick baby knit for one of my sister's friends.  When I saw Joji's adorable Garter Stitch Baby Kimono, I knew that my time had come to finally knit one of these.  Unlike a lot of the other baby wraps I had seen, this one appealed to me because it had a very tidy look to it.  I wanted to make a larger size than 0-3 months, and when I emailed her my request for 3-6 months, she very kindly obliged with modifications. 

I'm using Socks That Rock Medium in one of the new Spirit colors called Quilla.  It is just the slightest hint of a blush color.

The only problem with working with sock yarn is that if you run out (Ahem, like I did last time), you have to order an entire other skein.  It's going to be very, very close on this one...  I was also worried that any button I chose would seem rather anemic against this pale yarn.  I think I have found one I really like.

When I finish these two projects, I will reward myself by making the Cable-Wrap Jacket in Classic Elite Portland Tweed in this gorgeous Black Forest color.

But not until I finish the others.  Seriously. 

Buckets of Rain... Buckets of Tears...

Hey, you know what really stinks?  "Vacuuming Hanna's water rage out of your basement until 2 AM?," you ask?  Well, yes, that does stink, but that wasn't what I was going for.  "Having your dog decide that while you're in the basement vacuuming water gushing from the windows, those two Hershey Kisses are Mommy's little way of saying 'I Love You!'?"  Well, yes, that too and having to call the vet in hysterics, wondering if you will need to let your basement flood in order to run the pooch to the emergency vet, that stinks too.  But, again, not what I was aiming at...

Since this is a knitting blog, and we're all about the knitting here, I was referring to this:

Ten rows from finishing, I ran out of yarn.  That, my friends, stinks!  Not because I can't get more but because I'm sort of an instant gratification kind of gal, and this just annoys me!  I knew I should have made the smaller size, but somehow I figured that designers tend to exaggerate in order to get you to buy more yarn and that this would all somehow work out just fine.  And it will.  Eventually.  But for now, I am pissed. 

Pattern:  Baby Mine in Socks That Rock Medium Rose Quartz (a gift from Nora -- Thank you!).  I love the pattern, and having never used STR before, I can genuinely say that it is one of the finest sock yarns I have ever used.  Just a pleasure to knit!

I'm over it.  I've moved on.  In fact, I cast on for Linden last night and finished the back and most of one side.  I'm sort of enjoying the monotonous stockinette and how quickly it's knitting up.  I'm beginning to feel like I'm back in the knitting groove again.

Oh, and Maggie?  Well, the vet said it would take a whole lot more than two kisses to harm her.  And today, I saw the tin foil remains work their way "through the system."  So, I just gave her a few more of my own kisses and called it a weekend.

* Title compliments of Bob Dylan.

What's Up With All the Hats?

Dudes, seriously.  This is so not like me.  Especially not when I have yarn to make my Linden sweater, and Baby Mine is already on the needles.  I don't know what has gotten into me.  But I made another damned Habitat.  Addictive?  I'll say! 

This time I used Skye Tweed in Dungeon.  It was a lot less soft than the Jo Sharp, but I think it makes a very warm hat.  You know, for whomever.  My brother perhaps?

And then I just happened upon this lonely, little pattern in Ravelry -- The Braided Cable Hat -- and fell in love!  Utterly.  I just HAD to make it. 

I used Malabrigo Worsted in Natural.  Look at how creamy!  The original pattern had a sort of cone-shaped top that I modified to make more rounded.  I also changed the ribbing to 2X2 for 1.5" instead of a folded 1X1 for 3".  And, oh, look at the top!

Does it make you as gaspy as it makes me?  Probably not.  But still!

So, now, it's back to being serious about the knitting (see paragraph 1).  Don't even get me started on the Creme Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn I bought after reading Heather's post.  I'm thinking I'll make a shawl or a stole or a scarf or... I don't know.  But it's creamy and pretty and I'm having a difficult time finding the right project for it.

And apropos of nothing other than I just absolutely love this picture (and this baby) and wanted to share...

Oops, I Did it Again...

Perhaps a small number of you may remember this post?  I have this thing about urns.  I love them.  I can't get enough of them.  When I saw this beauty in an antique shop today, I tried to walk away.  But... resistence was futile.  I don't even mind that one of the handles is broken off.  To me, that just adds to its charm.

I often wonder what it is that makes me so repetitive by nature.  I rarely break out of comforting color schemes or patterns.  Although, I will admit that I also bought a bright red purse today.  Red may just be the only bright color that I feel works with all neutrals -- you know, the basic grey, camel, black, beige family that I have come to know and love so well. 

If I am passing a wrack of clothing, I will almost always go for an item in black no matter how many colors it comes in.  Grey comes in as a close second because, well, it goes with black!  And therefore, it should be no surprise to any of you that I knit the Eastscarf by Nora Gaughan in a shade called "Carbon."  It is neither black nor grey but something in between.  Although, I had two woman at the LYS swear to me that it was brown!

See, the urn is already making itself useful!  When I tell you that this pattern was a joy to knit, I mean go right now and grab yourself two skeins of something smooth and make it immediately!  It is just that good.

And since I'm into the small projects in neutrals lately, how I could I resist the Habitat pattern by Jared Flood?  I could not.  I scooped it up as soon as it became available online and cast on immediately.  I nearly called out sick to work the next day because I wanted to finish this hat!  At lunchtime I happened upon a sale at the LYS and bought enough Skye Tweed in two different colors to make four more of these babies.  Yes, it is also just.that.good! 

The best part?  The little star motif at the crown, which, as I noted on Ravelry, makes my heart skip a beat or two.  Seriously, if you love cables, this is a must knit.  Just ask my friend Heather who not only modeled it for me but got to keep it!

Doesn't she look happy?