Millie Liked Vermont

I finished up the body of Millie on the trip to Vermont (after putting her down at the tailgate when my sister called me a dork). Then on the way home, I ripped it out and re-knit the last couple of inches. Well, actually, I added an inch or so. She was just too short.

First sleeve is nearing completion. I hope to get it done tonight and second sleeve tomorrow. That leaves the front bands and buttons for Thurs and Friday. And I'll be done in time. WooT!

On a side note, Mother, whose birthday sweater was delayed by MONTHS, did not express much faith in my being able to finish it in time. Pshaw, I say.

A good time was had by all in Vermont, not just Millie. Billy was oohed and ahhed over, Lumpy was loved (and nearly started a fight between my sisters), I got to see cousins and their babies, and it was just nice to reconnect with the hick roots.

Coming home wasn't bad. My newest stashquisitions were at home waiting for me and I got Birthday cards and presents. Yep, I turned 33 yesterday. That doesn't freak me out so much as wedding dress shopping with my sister did. How can my baby sis be old enough to get married? Too bad, she's not getting married in NJ. Isn't this limo the baddest?

Lunch

So, three of us sat together and stitched at lunch today. Seems like our group will be growing. 7th floor lunchroom got us way more attention than the 6th floor. We may have two more knitters and a crocheter next week. Well, except I probably won't be there. Forgot I had a vendor lunch next week. Oh well, we're going to try to go weekly with it. As we get bigger, it will be easier and more self-sustaining, right?

Everyone was overly impressed with my sweater, until the Koigu scarf rocked their world. One of the future members is doing the leaf scarf from Vogue in pink Koigu. Stunning even in it's unblocked state.

Knitterly (I should say stitcherly as we do have a needlepointer) fellowship, what could be better?

one row at a time

So, does Millie (getting tired of typing MiL's sweater) looke any bigger to you? It feels like I'm hardly knitting at all the last couple of days. I napped on the ride home last night after a few rows (I could hardly keep my eyes open) and was mushed this morning again so took another nap. I did knit watching TV last night, but I was only in front of the tube for an hour. Good news is, I've got a stitching lunch planned for today, so that's an hour. I also figure I'll be so wound up going home with the anticipation of my sister visiting, that I'll be flying through the rows.

Still haven't told hubby about the last stashquisitions. Bad Netter.

progress, progress, progress

I have made great progress on MiL's sweater since yesterday, even though I only got to knit one lousy row this morning. The 113X is so schizophrenic lately. Half the week, I'm riding a half-empty bus, the other half we are packed in like sardines. Today we were sardines. I napped.

Here is MiL's 60th Birthday sweater. See, inches and inches past the armholes. I only have about 9 inches to go on the body. I should be able to get the body done this week. That leaves the sleeves and the neckline and front bands.

I knit on the bus home, of course, in the car on the way to parents' night, on the way to dinner, after dinner watching the Yankees lose in 11 innings, and during RockStar:INXS. Straight, no shaping, stockinette is great for TV knitting. And I don't have to worry about mis-counting!

Parents night was fine. We didn't get to meet the lead teacher in his new classroom, but one of the teachers in his current room is moving with him, so that will help. I like that they have more structured activities (he has had most of his biting episodes during free time), and unbelievably, they introduce potty training in April. He'll only be 26 months! It seems a little young to me, but I'm sure they'll take it slowly. Hubby's got dollar signs in his eyes thinking of not buying diapers anymore and the cut in tuition once he's fully trained. I asked about language in the curriculum in the new classroom. Everyone re-assured me that our pediatrician's over-reacting to his vocabulary. The education director did say, though, that they make arrangements for the therapists to come right into the building so we wouldn't have to worry about shuttling him. That was a relief.

Whoopsie

I did a whoopsie. At lunch I decided to count the stitches for the back of MiL's sweater. I counted 80, only s'posed to be 74. No, I did not rip them out. So, it will be a little off. I did separate the sleeves. It looks a bit like a one skein wonder now.

I really have to stop drinking and knitting. As much as I like having a beer with the Hubby, it seems detrimental to the counting!

head colds prevent witticisms

Not that I expect anyone comes here for my wit. It's sorely lacking most days, but it's even harder when your head feels like it's packed with cotton batting.

Yeah, along with his terrible two-ness (at 18 months folks), Billy's brought home some sort of summer cold. Blech.

How does one handle the tantrums? Last night, he wanted to sit on my lap during dinner. Of course, I've let him do it in the past and it's a habit we're trying to break. So, he screamed, and screamed, and screamed. Until I got him ready for bed. yowser. He's so cranky and wants to be held all the time. I can't walk around and do anything without him clinging to me, which makes it hard to do anything. If I want a moment's peace, though, all I have to do is sit down on the couch. Then, he'll go off and do his own thing.

I know it's a communication thing. He doesn't have the skills to express himself yet. I try to be patient with him. Motherhood demands patience, lots of it, if you hadn't heard.

MiL's cardi is progressing. I'm into the third ball. At last count, I had about 14 rows until I separate the sleeves from the body. The rows are so long now, it's really scrunched on the 24" circ (how am I going to fit my larger size on the 24?). I've had to drop stitches twice to correct missing yarn overs. The first time it was scary. I had to drop back about 10 rows, the second time only 4. I'm getting better at it, but would prefer to not skip the YOs in the first place!

This cold better go away. I will not have it interefere with my enjoyment of my sister's visit this week. We're going wedding gown shopping!

Oh yeah, forgot to mention that I got my Rowan 38 on Saturday. Some things look much better after a closer perusal in print than they did on the previews I saw. But, why on Earth is Rowan (sweaters of the English countryside and all things classical and feminine) featuring designs from a graffit artist called Kid Acne? Hmm? What are they putting in their tea over there.

I am very happy, though, that they have a new book coming out for the Classic line with Plus sizes. That I will have to buy!

So, I'm sure you've heard that it's been hot. I barely left the house all weekend. If it wasn't for date night Saturday and church yesterday, I wouldn't have left at all. Although, Sat morning while Hubby was freaking out about the downstairs air conditioner kicking it again (just the overload switch in the plug), a nice little trip out sounded good.

I finished up Lumpy on Friday night. It's pretty cute. Not quite what I was aiming for. Next time I'll do fewer decreases and start with fewer stitches for the turtleneck (which isn't a turtleneck right now). I'll try to get some pics later this week. It was way too hot to wear wool in our sauna of a bathroom (best lighting and mirror combo).

I started swatching for MIL's birthday sweater Saturday. Spot on with 8s. I cast on after the movie (Bad News Bears per hubby's request, it was okay, I have to agree with this assesment of Billy Bob, though). I'm now two balls in and getting a little bored. But, I will persevere. Unfortunately, I have to tidy up for my lil sis's visit this weekend. Evening knitting will have to be curtailed a bit. I have to at least get the guest bed cleared of all the clean clothes!

I don't think Nona would approve of this project bag, but MIL is great for recycling plastic bags and it was right at hand and it has a drawstring to keep babies and puppies out.

So far the sirenetta is less soft than I was expecting. But, I think it will be wonderful after a wash.

In a last-minute Friday Frenzy, I bid on a bunch of yarn on eBay. I was hoping I'd
lose. And I did lose one of the three auctions. However, this and this are now mine. The capricorne is definitely going to be for me. The other will be for me and my mom. Mom's getting a birthday sweater out of Rowan DK soft. Just have to find a pattern now. Shouldn't be hard. Lots of DK stuff out there.

In other news, I finally boxed up the gifts for my friend having a baby. Yesterday was her due date. She's had some early signs of labor, but he's not here yet. I'll ge the box out in the mail. In with the onesies, sleepers, and outfit I bought, I included a crocheted baby blanket. I had started this for Billy, back when I first found out I was pregnant. I wound up not really liking the color combinations (although the Fiesta is a very soft acrylic) and didn't weave in the ends until last night. So, of to LI it goes for my friends little boy.

GRYFFINDOR! You scored 8% Slytherin, 32% Ravenclaw, 64% Gryffindor, and 28% Hufflepuff!

You might belong in Gryffindor, Where dwell the brave at heart, Their daring, nerve, and chivalry Set Gryffindors apart. Gryffindors are known for their courage, audacity, and devotion to what is good and honest.

My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 2% on Slytherin You scored higher than 60% on Ravenclaw You scored higher than 80% on Gryffindor You scored higher than 32% on Hufflepuff

Link: The Sorting Hat Test written by leeannslytherin on OkCupid Free Online Dating

Lumpy Friday

Lumpy's not finished yet. I know, this guy doesn't know when to leave. Actually, I had to ask him to stay. See, he's not tall enough. He's got to grow some more. I started a second ball of blue on the border this morning. Hope to finish soon.

I got my Herrschner's package last night. Ooh, pretty. The blue's a little more "faded-denim" than I was expecting, but it's pretty. Hubby even liked it when I showed him this morning. I really do like the cream. I'm going to love that sweater when it's done. I hope to start knitting tonight. I made a copy of the pattern and it's sitting patiently. I'll have to dig out needles. I need 5s and 7s. Oh, and stitch markers. I think I may whip out a matching set just for these sweaters.

In other news, my kid is perfect. Well, his pediatrician said so. He's at the 90th percentile for weight and 95th for height. Yep, he's the size of a kid a year older than him! Appearantly, we need to stock up on 3Ts for long-sleeves and pants. Oh my. He didn't even cry when he got his shot. But, she is concerned that his vocabulary is small and that he's not putting words together yet. We go back in two months and if there's not enough improvement, off to speech therapy we go. Since he loves his Baby Newton video, I'm getting him this one. Can't hurt.

Hubby and I have date night tomorrow. The in-laws volunteered to Billy-sit. We're doing dinner and a movie. I can't wait. (I'm glad Hubby's picked a restaurant a couple of towns south of us, more knitting time! Not to mention, the food's really good.)

lumpy grows

Lumpy's still growing. I'm nearly done the last pink skein. Since I've got to take a local home today (getting the 2 pm to take Billy to a check-up), I may get to start on the bottom border this afternoon. I may have an FO before the weekend. Yippee.

The pattern for M-I-L's birthday sweater '05 came yesterday. Hubby thinks it's very nice. Hope the yarn comes soon. Judging by Herrschner's track record, tomorrow is most likely. However. for blog photos, today would be good. The tracking information says it was at my PO 12 am this morning. Does that mean it will be with my mail man today or tomorrow?

I got a couple of yarn catalogs in the mail last night. I love the layouts of the Lion Brand catalogs. Nice and clean. And I'm excited about the cashmere and their new merino products, but lay off with the fun fur and sparkle and crap. Geez Louise that's a lot of acrylic. I also got a Mary Maxim catalog. Now I know where my Nanny got her stash of craft stuff and yarn. (First clue was that ton of the Mary Maxim picture sweater patterns that I inherited, seeing the vast array of Nanny-stuff in the catalog was confirmation.) Not quite the same experience as receiving the KnitPicks, PatternWorks, or WoolWorks catalogs, but I looked at every page of both! I look at every page of pretty much every catalog I receive. I'm a catalog ho!

Must stay off eBay. Lots of pretty new Phildar stuff up in the last day or so. I'm a sucker for DK cotton blends.

I'm much more awake today. I was in bed just after 10 and I don't remember turning off the alarm clock this morning. I just remember waking up and thinking "who set the alarm for 6:10?" D'oh! It's amazing how quickly you can get out of the house when you're high on adrenaline!

Gee, had more to say than I thought!

super-cuddly, but Lumpy

So, my baby sister said she'd take Lumpy if the middle sister doesn't want it. The middle sister can be a bit picky, so we'll see. I'm thinking I'll keep him myself because he's super-cuddly. But, it's nice to know he looked somewhat attractive in the pic below.

Feeling a bit eh today. Not sleeping well lately, lots of meetings, yada yada yada. Hoping to perk up soon.

Had a great lunch from this place today. I think the editor we're hosting is the vegetarian. I had the portobello burger with tempura sweet potato fries. It was super-yummy.

Lumpy and Me

I spent two plus hours last night fixing Molly's mess. I only had to break the yarn on one ball. It had looped on itself and knotted and the consistency of this yarn can make it hard to get knots out. I was going to just untangle the two pink balls and one blue ball I needed, but couldn't stop myself. Then it was bedtime.

Not much knitting on Lumpy. I did finish up the second ball of pink on the way home last night. I had so much time left, I ran some left-over blue through the live stitches to try it on. It should be a good length, it's a bit ruffly after the last set of increases, but I think it will look good. This morning was spent putting it back on the needles. Whoo boy. I'm never doing that again with this thick 'n' thin yarn. I will get plenty of knitting done tonight watching RockStar:INXS. Love the performance show!

Hubby had to re-assure me last night that he wasn't upset about the Herrschner's purchase when he called me yesterday morning. He just wanted to encourage me to use the check card instead of the credit card in the future. I just need to confirm that we have the cash flow. Is this really my husband? After my last yarn binge, I thought he was going to burst a blood vessel he was so upset. Oh well, I guess the tactic of saying it's for his Mommy worked!

new project insomnia

I didn't sleep well this weekend. My sister's birthday on Saturday guilted me into starting a new project. In the past, she's pointed out a poncho from the Patternworks catalog that she really liked. Since I'm not stashing, I couldn't get the pattern or yarn to make the exact thing. But, I did have the Gedifra Cicco I bought last year to make a couple more Paris Loops. Onto the needles it went. I'm into the third ball and making it up as I go. It's got a bit of an oversized turtleneck. I'm going to knit through all four balls of the pink for the body and then add a ball of blue in garter stitch along the bottom for a border. I've got no idea how it's going to look when I take it off the needles. I sure hope she likes it. Of course, it's taking a lot longer than I thought when I cast on Friday night. But, I've worked through nearly 3 balls so far. I find myself thinking, just one more row and then staying up way too late. I'm affectionately calling it Lumpy.

I think Molly took Manolo's no poncho pledge. Yesterday, Hubby was golfing with some buddies and Billy and I were doing the laundry (this consisted of me carrying him and a basket of clothes to the basement, thank heaven for those one-arm, hip-hugger baskets) and I forgot to put the gate up at the bottom of the stairs on the main level. Of course, there were five balls of Cicco in open bags on the floor of the guest room, and of course Molly found that room most interesting. The mess was a bit condensed by the boy when he wandered into the room, but otherwise this is all Molly's handiwork. I think I'll be spending some quality time with the ball winder tonight fixing this mess (especially since I'll need another ball of the pink soon).

Billy was a bit of a pill this weekend. He didn't get a nap on Saturday. For some reason, he didn't want to sleep at the beach. Yes, we made it down to Asbury Saturday morning. It was great, except for the jelly-fish larvae or whatever those things were floating in the water. Oh, and those crab-shaped, spidery bugs that wound up in my swimsuit. There were 2 dozen on the floor of the tub when I showered. Eww. But, the weather was perfect, just enough clouds and a constant Northerly breeze. Asbury's really starting to pick it up. We couldn't get over the number of people. So far, Billy's not a huge fan of the ocean (he doesn't have a choice, he will like it someday). He also doesn't really like sand. But, hanging out on the blanket, playing with a bucket of water was fun. I got a little sunburned, but Hubby and Billy turned out okay. Can't wait to go again (when the jelly fish go away). We're thinking of taking a week in Wildwood next summer as our family vacation. I think more exposure will help him and having a room close by will mean better napping.

So, I was right. I had a great excuse for yarn purchasing on Friday. Got a call from the hubby this morning. So, he says, what's this Herrschner's purchase. Oh, I say, I'm making your mom a sweater for her birthday and since it was so cheap I got some for me too, ha ha. Cool, he says, will you have enough time. And so on.... I even told him I'd found some buttons I liked on eBay. Time to go make that purchase!

got a great excuse this time

I'm knitting my mother-in-law another sweater for her birthday this month. Well, I will when the yarn comes from Herrschner's. I just ordered 9 skeins of Sirenetta in blue (oh and 10 skeins of cream for a cardi for me). Come on, it's 64% off at $1.97 a ball. I haven't stashed in over a month. Of course, I'm not going to have a lot of time to knit it. Hopefully, I'll have the yarn and pattern (ordered from Elann this morning, Knitting pure and simple's top-down summer cardigan) next week and it will be all I work on until it's done. I love the pressure of deadline knitting. NOT!

Hopefully, the car trip to VT the weekend of the 20th will allow for much knitting.

Billy had a complete and total meltdown last night. We went to Outback for dinner (I was in the mood for a steak) and he didn't want to sit in the highchair, he didn't want to sit on the booster seat, after a while, he just wanted me to hold him. Fastest steak I've ever eaten. We've been very fortunate in that he's usually very good in restaurants. I think it was a combination of having to wait and being tired (not to mention almost 2).

Hopefully, we'll be going to the beach tomorrow. We've invited the in laws to join us. I can't wait. I love the beach. I hope Billy enjoys it.

what I'm thinking ...

... my son is a terrible flirt. He's learned to say "Hi," although he oftens leaves off the aitch. Last night at the diner he was peeking over the top of our booth and saying hi to the little girl (about 4 years older than him) sitting behind us. He had a blast. He was saying hi to any girl he could get his eyes on.

... heels are fun. I love turning heels and working the gussets on socks.

... I could be happy only buying Rowan yarns for the rest of my life, if they made sock yarn. I've just been oogling more discontinued Rowan yarns on eBay and looking at their new yarns for the fall. Must get my hands on some of the RYC line soon.

... RockStar is the best thing on TV right now. I don't know what I'm going to watch tonight, especially since the Yankees are in a slump.

... sonnet's a pretty quick knit at this gauge, even if the garter stitch seems interminable.

... is it lunch time, yet?

... I'm so my mother's daughter. The woman has been on-time with the birthday cards for my birthday once in the 9 years since I left VT. Well, my sis's birthday is Saturday and I haven't put a card in the mail, yet. Ooops.

... yeah, that's about it.

Must make

I must make this (as a cardigan). It is sheer beauty. It goes to the head of the on my mind category.

What do I have in stash that would work?

18-months

Billy turned 18 months yesterday. My baby's become a little kid. Last night he helped us put away his blocks and Grammy said he helped her clean his room. He's gotten so big and tries to talk so much more. He's great fun to be with. He loves to laugh and roughhouse. I get such a kick out of it when he tries to hug and kiss Molly. He loves that dog so much. She's not really sure about him, especially when he tries to hug her from behind. He can nearly drink from a regular cup and had no problems giving up his bottles last month. I couldn't have imagined a better kid and I thank God for this blessing everyday. I don't know what we did, but we've sure lucked out in the kid department!

I'm not so lucky in the knitting sense department. I don't know if I mentioned this, but I messed up on sonnet. It's supposed be garter stitch highlighted with box stitch. Well, ol' Netter sure don't read so good sometimes. I skipped the part where it's "Rows 1 and 4: *k2, p2*, Rows 2 and 3: *p2, k2*". I've been alternating k2p2 with p2 k2 every other row which is something other than box stitch. It looks fine, but it's not sonnet as written. Oh well. I did work a few more rows of garter stitch on it last night and I've got most of the cuff done on the new 601 footie.

Apparently, Rowan 38 is coming out soon. I'm not too thrilled with the patterns. I'll have to see when I can get a closer look at things. I don't see much that I'd want to knit. But, that's okay. There's plenty of stuff from earlier mags that I want to knit.

weekend update

Finished the 601 footie. It's way too small. Someone smack me up the head with the knitting-sense stick. I sure need it. Why did I think casting on 4 more stitches would make up for the change in gauge going down a needle size? Way too small this new footie. It's a beauty though. Too bad I need those toes. I'm working on getting the second, first 601 footie started on US3s in the larger size (the 7-8 is a smidge to small for me, wearable but not perfect).

Did work some on sonnet. Still got an inch or two until I start the back right shoulder. Which means I am still in the 8.5 inches of garter stitch hell. Thanks for asking.

B was mildly sick, had a temp yesterday so I stayed home with him. We had a touch of icky BMs, always fun in the diapers. He's with Grammy today and back to day care tomorrow.

It's hot, it's gross, hubby's got 3 new job leads. I'll take the good with the bad.

Friday and footies

So, since it's all footies all the time here at By Hook or Pointed Stick, I give you an outdoor shot of the 601 footie. I took this last night sitting our front steps waiting for the hubby to get back with Billy so we could go to dinner. No direct sunlight, but natural light. The colors look pretty good from here. I knkow it's a little blurry, but bear with me. $99 EasyShare cameras don't have Macro functions. I worked on sonnet a bit last night. I'm heading into 8.5" of garter stitch. I think I'll go mad! But when that's done, I'm more than half finished. Well, not counting the sleeves.

Hockey is back and we're very happy chez Netter. Tomorrow hubby and I are going to a Devils draft party at the Meadowlands. We're getting free lunch and tickets for a future game. It'll be fun. I may even get my picture taken with a Devils player.

Hockey is one of the things hubby and I first found we had in common. I hadn't gotten into baseball at the time and wasn't really up on the NHL. But, every winter week in high school I was at a hockey game. My HS didn't have football, but we did have hockey. I grew up thisclose to the great North and hockey is like religion. When Hubby started taking me to Devils games, I found the NHL. And the Devils were good. I was there when they won their last Stanley Cup championship in 2003. Talk about delirously happy. Our hockey team was champs and we'd just found out we were pregnant.

close encounters of the K9 kind

So, when hubby drops me off at the train station this morning (I pick up the bus there instead of the stop closer to our house in hopes of getting a seat), we notice that the transit police have a serious presence. As I get into line at the entrance, I see they have a table set up at the stairs to the train platform and are checking bags. No big deal. I boot up Sheryl Crow on the DJ and zone out. Soon, I feel something bumping against my leg. I figure some idiot's not managing his bag well. I hear "I'm sorry" as I look down and there is a very large German Shepherd sniffing my leg. Obviously Molly's scent was very interesting to the working dog. I panicked for a second, then the officer and the K9 moved along and no one searched me for contraband or explosives. I guess the officer can tell the difference between interested sniffing and "hey, this lady's got a bomb" sniffing.

I have worked a few more rounds on the 601 footies. I've extended the cuff a bit, but will start the heel flap at lunch. I left my novel (The Closers by Michael Connelly) at home so I wouldn't read all the way home again (the last two evening commutes have been knit-less). I also made some progress on Sonnet watching TV with the Hubby. I'll be doing the neck decreases on the back soon, then it's 9" of garter stitch to the shoulder shaping on the other side. That's going to be mind-numbing.

Poor Billy is B-Billy Bruised today. Yesterday at daycare, he feel getting into or out of his chair and scraped the side of his face. It looks a little bit better this morning, a lot of the redness and swelling are gone. He didn't look to pretty yesterday. He also bit someone again. I had two incident reports to sign. They're pretty good at our daycare, though. The lead in his classroom called me to let me know right after he fell.

I am totally jonesing for some new yarn. Why, because it's been a month. Seriously, I've got about 7 pairs of sock yarn in my cart at knitpicks and I'm on eBay and Elann.com throughout the day. Two more months until Stitches. I really need to work through some of the stash in the next two months.

blah, blah, blah, and oh yeah RockStar:INXS

I don't have too much today. I've not been knitting much on the new footies. I read on the way home last night and napped on the way in this morning (don't know why I'm so exhausted lately). I did do a couple of inches on the sonnet, but Molly was a bit of a pest.

Hubby had a good time at OzzFest yesterday. He didn't get too badly sunburned and marvelled at the younger, fitter people passing out. He knows his limits; apparently the kids don't.

I did stay up to watch RockStar last night. I must say I found most of the performances disappointing, except for Jordis, Ty, and Marty. I kept trying to find a reason to dislike Suzie's performance, but she did okay. Over all it was an eh night, which I think was lucky for JD. I do think he'll be down in the votes because he's shown himself to be an Ass!

Still all footies all the time

Yeah, I know I used that already. I don’t think you can sue me for not being creative on my blog.

I finished the first pair of Bob Marley’s Grandma’s footies. They’re great. I highly recommend the pattern from Mind of Winter. I did e-mail one small error I found, but no big deal.
I’ve started my second pair. I was debating working on some other sock pattern, but decided I need more footies! I’m making this pair from a more muted Koigu, P601 lot 12, but still in golds with some blues, coral and a tinge of lilac. It’s all me baby.
I got a few more inches done on the summer sonnet. I’m sick of all the garter stitch already, but the construction makes it fun. I hope I like this sweater. If not, I may seek a new home for it. I am making it slightly smaller than my actual size, hoping it cuts down on the boxy look. I’ll let you know.

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day...

I started Sonnet in Summerwind this weekend. For some reason I can’t stop thinking of Shakespeare's Sonnet #18. It feels like it's taking soo long, even though I've got the right front done. I like the construction of this piece, it's side to side around the body. But all that garter stitch. I like the fabric, though. Pictures tomorrow.

I'm still working on the second footie. I was so taken with the new project, I haven't done much on the footie since Friday. I'm only about an inch or so away from the toe decreases. Then, it's on to my third pair of socks. Hmmm, what should it be? Another footie in koigu, regular socks in Kroy (got two colorways), or something dull in solid Preface (three shades)?

all footies all the time

Here's my finished footie. Hubby thought it looked a little tight, but I like it. I even like my kitchener stitch (performed last night while he was flipping channels).
I've turned the heel on number two and plan on getting through the gusset at lunch. By Monday, I'll have another FO to report.

I tried NBaT on again last night and it's just too big. I overcompensated when up-sizing the pattern. Not sure what I'm going to do now. I can't wear it. I'll have to rip it eventually. I don't know if I'll try another T with the calmer or if I will use it for something else.

While putting the project bag together for my Summerwind Hoodie, I realized that the yarn gauge did not match the pattern gauge. Whoopsie. I kept thinking it was chunkier than it is. It's 3.5-4 st per inch, not the 3 per inch the pattern calls for. I'm thinking it might make a pretty Sonnet.

I'll get started on that this weekend. Hopefully, if I can find knitting time. Hubby's out with the boys tonight (bachelor party for a colleague) and there's a church golf outing tomorrow morning. (I was planning to go, but our babysitter, aka M-I-L, is in upstate NY for a wedding.) Billy and/or Molly tend to want my attention when I'm home alone with them so I might not get too much accomplished.

I'd love to go to the beach this weekend, but I don't know if two adults are enough with a toddler.

dreams of alma mater

Now that my alma mater is going to be co-ed in a matter of months (will the girls be the students and the boys the co'eds?), I dreamt that Hubby and I were given full boats and went back. We had a dorm room together and everything. How weird is that? I don't know where Billy was, but we were our current ages and going back for second Bachelor degrees. I was doing something in science, I think.

I often have dreams of going back to Wells. It was four of the best years of my life. But, don't we all feel that way about college? What a great campus. I'd love to be up there right now, lying on the dock, reading some novel, chatting with Marcia and Bethany. Ah, to be 21 again.

bad NBaT, rip a toe, cranky-butt

So, I finished the NBaT last night. You'll notice that she does not appear as an FO. You may also notice that my "finishing pile" is not a "fix-it pile." I am not happy with the sleeves. They're poofy. I'll have to take them out, rip them, re-knit and put them back in. Bummer. Maybe, I'll just take the sleeves out and wear it as a shell. Hmmm.

I was a little over-enthusiastic this morning on the footie. I started the toe a couple of rows too soon. See:

No way three more decrease rows are covering up that much toe. Oh well. I can't complain about having to spend a little more time on it. I'll have a completed footie at some point today and I just started it Tuesday! (Then I get to re-knit the other one. Think I'll just start from what's left of the ball and work directly from the other sock. Both footies are still on the same piece of yarn. I just couldn't bring myself to cut the Koiu until I knew it was going to be enough for both footies.)

Billy was an absolute pill this morning. He woke up early (about 6) after going to bed early (7:30). Which was fine. But, he wanted to be held constantly. Fussed and cried and screamed unless I held him and I couldn't hold him and sit down. Nope hold me standing up was what "uh uh uh uh uh" meant this morning. So, Hubby was all worried that he'd have a repeat of yesterday's dropoff where he was an absolute pill and asked me to come along and help. I did and as soon as we got there, he was in his chair getting ready for breakfast. Not a tear was shed. Except by me when I had to take the third bus in and was late for work.

Lunchtime KIP, second socks, NBaT, gratuitous dog

So, I spent my lunch yesterday in Father Fagan Park, eating a sandwich and then knitting on my sock. I'm about four inches into the foot of the first sock and finally think, gee maybe I ought to check my gauge. Guess what, I'm getting 18 st to 2" while the pattern calls for 14. Oops. Well, I figure I'll check to see if it fits. Nope a bit too tight. Grr. I haven't ripped it yet. I decided to start the second sock on US3s from the outside of the ball. So far, so good. I'm working the heel flap. See:

I'll be lunching in Father Fagan Park again today. It's nice and shady and nearest the cheap deli. And I'll be turning the heel. These footies are going fast. (Shh, don't tell her she's going to have to re-knit the first one.)

Hubby said his socks were really comfortable yesterday, albeit a bit warm. He got many, many compliments. People didn't believe I'd made them. He said he wanted more, blue, black, gray, and argyle. He's requested argyle before and I told him it had to wait until after my intarsia class at Stitches. But, gee this sounds like a call for more sock yarn. And Knitpicks has just rolled out solid colors. Woot!

I finished the neckline on my NBaT and wove in most of the ends. All that's left is setting in the sleeves. I hope to wear her Friday, if it's at all cooler or drier. Of course it's 67 degrees here in my office this morning. She'd fit right in! It's the 90+ outside I'm concerned about.

Here's a pic of our Molly, enjoying the air conditioning in her favorite chair. (Note: the air conditioner is just to her left.)

Don't you just want to kiss that face?

Totally forgot to mention that Hubby is wearing his socks today. I think he's nuts.

photographic evidence

Here is the heel of the footie.

Harry, heels, NBaT update

So, I finished the Half-Blood Prince last night. Wow, what a read. I must admit I was so sucked in yesterday at lunch that my job performance suffered greatly (read, I was reading at my desk and not working). I cannot wait for number 7. Rowling better get writing! I was a bit stunned by some plot turns, but others weren't too surprising.

Ripped out what I'd done on the heel of my footie last night and re-did it. Amazing how differently things go when you follow the directions! I'm cruising along on the foot. La-di-da stockinette goin' round and round. I wish my DJ were charged. Music makes the stitchin' go faster.

I forgot to mention that I made actual progress on my T this weekend. I finished the second sleeve. Although, it isn't exactly like the first one, I'm pretty pleased. I'm not sure what happened. I was following the first one as a template and I thought I had a bunch of rows left to do when I realized that I was low on stitches and that the sleeve cap was getting kind of tall. So, I held it up to the finished sleeve and realized that I was done. The shapings not exactly the same, but I think it will be forgiven in the seaming. I started the neckline. That was fun. I picked up a bazillion stitches and started working back and forth on a purl row. I turned and knit a row, then got all confused on where the beginning was and realized I hadn't worked down the front of the left-side of the V. I tinked back and have recovered. Need to check the pattern for the height and then finish up. I hope to be able to wear it later this week once the humidity has died down.

sink insanity, footies, parents, Harry Potter

I love my Mom and Dad. I wonder what it would take to get them to move down here. It tickles me to see them with my son. I know how much love being grandparents.

My dad volunteered on Saturday to change the fauce in our kitchen sink. The one we had was corroded and had been leaking under the sink a bit. I had joked about it the last time they were here and when I was out working out Saturday morning, he got to it. By the time I got home, the kitche was already a disaster. It got crazy. They couldn't get the old faucet out, the new faucet had a leak, there were four trips to Home Depot, and my husband lost his mind. But, I've got a great new faucet. My sink looks clean and we all eventually recovered (fortunately Hubby didn't break his hand when punching the basement wall).


I've got a lot more done on my footies. I kind of stalled out Saturday night at the tailgate. The heel's a bit different than the one I worked on Hubby's socks. It needs more attention (and fewer beers) than I could give it at the time. John and John ROCKED by the way. Can't wait to turn the heel and get into some cruisable st st!

I got my Harry Potter. It came a little later Saturday morning that I was expecting. I've not gotten too far (can't be that rude), but I'm well into it now (thanks to a non-knittable seat and a long morning ride in). I'm looking forward to lunch time to read some more. As a matter of fact, I'd rather not work at all!

knitter finds another FO and gives herself a ribbing

Dude's vest is finished. It's way too big for him (although it does fit over his head). But, it's done. I'm pretty happy with it and think this yarn would make a great blanket (especially in stripes). Mayhap when I get my knitting machine up and running....

I nearly, nearly finished the second NBaT sleeve on the bus yesterday. When I took it out at home last night I got a little worried about the shape of it. It just didn't seem quite right. So I held it against the finished sleeve. D'oh! All wrong. I ripped it and started re-knitting it. The notes I took on my final mods were NOT correct so I'm carrying the finished sleeve with me to use as a guide. Shouldn't take too long once I get to it.

I've not been faithful to the finishing, though. Nope. Last night I had to swatch for the BMG footies. Mmmm, koigu. I just love this colorway (I looked at the tag this morning but forgot the number and didn't bring it with me). It's so fruity, so rainbow but harvest. So of course this morning waiting for the bus and on the bus, and waiting for the subway and on the subway, I worked on the first footie. I'm just about to start the heel flap. Picture is from one round earlier. Can't wait!

knitter has an FO and gives self Koigu cupcake

I finished the Hubby's socks last night (I was going to get all cutesy and make some reference to the fact that the one I finished second was the first one, but I confused myself). My kitchener stitch looks much better on this one. I printed out the instructions from Knitty's Summer '04 issue and it was crystal clear. Here they are in all their flash-photo glory.I gave them to him, bu the didn't offer to model them. Just said thank you and put them aside. I didn't expect he'd offer his picture for the blog, he's very private. But, I had hoped he'd try them on.

As my reward for finishing the socks, I've put together my project bag for the Bob Marley's Grandma's Footies. This is the koigu I'm using. I had to dig out my swift and ball winder last night, I just couldn't wait. Then I had to make a special socks-only stitch marker (a little green heart on a head pin that I wrapped twice around a US3 DPN and around itself and then trimmed off). Then I couldn't get to sleep. I just laid there thinking about that little Koigu cupcake.

I've worked a bit on my NBaT sleeve and hope to finish the knitting tonight and maybe get them sewn in. I should also be able to finish up Dude's vest (only one more row and cast-off to do). I'm just so excited to get started on new stuff. Must fnish....

in case you didn't know, only 3 days...

Sock #2 was completed yesterday during our little lunch s’n’b. It was oohed and ahhed over. Sock #1 is rapidly approaching re-completion. I do need to work in my Kitchener stitch, though. People sure are impressed by socks. This one was a pretty easy pattern. I’m looking forward to making many more with a bit more difficulty.

I greatly enjoyed sitting and stitching. My colleagues have asked me to plan another and I will. I'd love to do it weekly, but would that be too much?

Next sock project will be Bob Marley’s Grandma’s Footies from Mind of Winter. I’ve got 5 skeins of KPPPM I originally bought for a charlotte's web, but think would be better as 5 pairs of footies. I love low socks and I can’t wait. The first pair will be for me, I might share later pairs, if I can trust anyone else to not felt them!

I do so want to finish dude’s vest and the NBaT this week. Hopefully, I can squeeze them in with housework tonight and tomorrow night. My Mom and Dad are coming down from VT on Friday (we’re going to see John Mellencamp and John Fogerty on Saturday). So, I need to clean out the guest room and finish cleaning the bathroom.

Hubby very nicely dropped me at the train station this morning. I had to wait for 2 expresses, but got a seat (finally) on the second one. Hence, more sock progress. Last night I had to also wait for a second bus to get on and get a seat. I refuse to stand both ways in one day.

toes, stash (again), whine

I'll get the whine out of the way so you can skip down to the OKC. SRO again this morning coming in on the bus. The driver told me he picked up 6 people with train passes. I'm soooo glad NJ Transit decided to cross-honor the rail passes on all buses everyday. I'm never going to get a seat on the way in again.

Okay, getting ready to graft this toe. I finished the second sock's second toe last night watching Rock Star. (So far, a pretty good "reality" show.) I made Hubby try it on. It's a perfect fit, if it doesn't shrink, as Hubby mentioned a few times. Shouldn't be a problem so long as we remember to keep them out of the dryer. I'll be ripping back the first sock's first toe today and hopefully will have an FO report in the next day or so. I'm booting up Nona's grafting tutorial and will use that to guide me through th e process.

As for the stash, I got my Calmer (for $6.50 a ball) last night. Last of the stashquisitions on hand now. It's a nice, deep, brick red, almost a dull barn red. I can't wait to make something with it. It and everything else in the stash (but cotton, we're having a humidity in flux).

Just heard I'm getting a new laptop today. Must go clean out the hard drive on this one.

toe number 3, stash, and s'n'b

I did finish the toe on sock #2, and it was too small! I ripped and re-started. Hubby laughed at me while we were watching TV on Saturday because I kept making him give me his foot. Hey, the whole point of hand-made socks is that they are custom-fit, right? The bus was SRO this morning, so I only got a couple of rounds done on the subway. I hope to get it finished up tonight and start toe #4. I really, really want some FOs this week.

I did re-start the neckline on Dude's vest on the way to church yesterday. Hubby looked at the three bags (purse, diaper, knitting) I was making him carry to the van (hey, I had the high-chair) and said do we have to take all this knitting? I said yes, I like to knit in the car. Ha to you buddy, I got nearly half of it done. So, there.

I received 2 of my 3 outstanding eBay purchases this weekend. My silk garden arrived Friday. It's a slightly different dye lot from my first 10 skeins of #84, but I don't think it will really matter. I can always use it for the sleeves or something. My Cork came on Saturday. Wowser, is Billy going to look sharp in this sweater. Blue, orange, red, green. Yippee! It might just be the rad stripes I've been wanting to knit!

Tomorrow, I'm getting together with another knitter and a needlepointer for a lunch-hour s'n'b. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm not sure what I'm going to bring to work on. Maybe the second NBaT sleeve. That hasn't been touched in a few days and shouldn't require too much concentration. I need to be able to chat you know to get to know these fiber-minded colleagues!

dodged a bullet

Whoo-boy did Hubby and I dodge a bullet of the home-owning variety. Seems the contractor who re-sided our house and replaced our windows was a big fat scam artist. He was arrested on Wednesday and seems to have stolen over half a million dollars. We were the lucky ones, even if the workmanship on our house is pretty shoddy. But, now we know why he hadn't been returning hubby's calls. He was going to skip town. In the past, he'd come up with some interesting excuses for not returning our calls (wife just had a baby--even though he's not married, appendicitis). We started getting really suspicious when hubby tried to go to his office two weeks ago and it was closed up. Now, we're not sure what we're going to do about the places where the siding is buckling. And so much for our 12-year warranty on the work. Phooey.

I am working the toe decreases on sock #2. I made hubby try it on last night. He was a little wary about the dpns (especially since I'd stabbed myself in the stomach the other day. Try not to bend over with a s-i-p in your lap). But, I found I only needed to work a few more rounds before the decreases. I'm not going to decrease to as few stitches as the pattern calls for, I'm going to make the grafted area a little wider. His feet aren't that pointy.

I finished an NBaT sleeve last night. It fits. Once I determined that, I quickly put my first attempt back on the needles and got to work. Soon, soon, soon.

Who knows, next week might be an FO week! I figure I should be able to whip out the revised ribbing on Dude's vest, too. Then, I think I'm going to make this out of my Summerwind, but I think I might pick up stitches and add sleeves. I know, I was going to start Splash, but I desperately want to knit up the Summerwind while it's still Summer.

stunned

This is keeping me from caring about my knitting right now. I read Kerrie's update and it brought back the feelings I had on 9/11 wondering when if I would be able to get home and if anything else was going to happen. The nice guy on the bus this morning, my sock progress, NBaT sleeve, all seem so unimportant. Pray for them.

sleeve, sock, neckline

Scintillating title, Wednesday would have been just as good.

Anyway, I knit a few rows and got past the first set of decreases on the NBaT sleeve last night watching a mish-mash of poker and Yankees replay. Then I was a Molly pillow. I hope to have a sleeve done this week. I really, really want to start on splash.

A few more inches on the Hubby sock #2. Didn't get a knittable seat yesterday morning and this morning was SRO. Still, the evening commute allows for some knitting around, and around, and around. The rounds are much faster now that I'm no longer ribbing or working the heel. Still, toe seems a long way off.

I ripped out the neck ribbing on Dude's vest this morning (after I had my cereal and while I was waiting for him to wake up). I'm going to make sure the V is big enough for his head and then I'll put in some looser ribbing (pick up more stitches firstly, then use a US5).

I'm a bit bummed. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is being released next Saturday. I pre-ordered with Amazon back in December; so, my copy will be on my doorstep Saturday morning. But, my parents are visiting that weekend and I won't be able to start reading it for a few days. When book 5 was released, I read it in one weekend (nearly one sitting, but it took two days). In the grand scheme of things, I'm happier to have my mom and dad around than to have the book, but it was a bit of a downer when I realized the timing of it this morning.

In other news, my sister had a migraine yesterday and had to go home from work. Yes, the Deso family curse strikes again. My grandmother passed this affliction to most of her 8 children, including my dad who passed it down to 2 of his 3. Sunday, while visiting with Meme and a couple of Uncles and Aunts, we were talking about migraines, symptoms, and frequency. Ironic that she got hit with one yesterday, huh? She says she blames me, but I know she doesn't really.

inane but first

Forgive me for the lack of wit, but I just left the first comment on the Yarn Harlot's post today.

OKC

I forgot to mention my knitting from this weekend. I finished up Dude's vest and it is so sweet, however, it won't fit over his head. Yes, the mommy of a toddler forgot how BIG said toddler's head is. Fortunately, I figure I only have to rip and re-knit the neck ribbing.

I've turned the heel and worked past the gusset on Hubby's sock #2. I did much of that waiting for our table at KJ's in St. Albans on Sunday morning. And waiting for the food to come. I love turning heels. Can't wait to try a different method.

I also started a sleeve for my NBaT. I've just started the shaping, so hopefully, I can get that finished this week and see if it will fit in the hole. I'd love to get her done. Then, it's time to start something else!

I LoVermont

Anyone else remember that slogan? I remember it on bumper stickers when I was a kid.

We had a good weekend up in ole' Franklin County. We did parades, and bar-be-cues, fireworks, and swimming. All on the smaller side. And I had a maple creemee. MMMMMMMM. Sorry if you think maple-flavored ice cream is gross (that would put you in Hubby's corner), but I got maple in my veins and I'll eat maple butter plain. And maple sugar candy, it's like crack. Billy seemed to enjoy everthing but the pools. He freaked at my uncle's when Hubby and I tried to take him swimming. 80+ water's not quite warm enough. I imagine he'll be like I was soon enough. (And hubby's just nuts, he'll swim in the ocean in May.) The fireworks upset him a smidge, until he learned to anticipate the booms. Then he fell asleep on mommy's shoulder. Awww.

He was charming and everyone loves him and I can't wait to bring him up there next month. I must say, we all started to get a bit cranky toward the end of the visit, but fish and family....

lost friend

I just got word that a sales rep I've worked with for years passed from lung cancer yesterday. He was a bit younger than my dad and reminded me of Dad and his brothers. He was really close to some of the other people in the company that he'd dealt with for years. He's going to be really missed.

long weekend

Boy am I looking forward to the long weekend. Some of these people I work with, geez.

So, I finished weaving in the ends of Dude last night. Started picking up a few stitches along an armhole this morning. I'm following the proportions found in Nancie Wiseman's The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques. Except, I'm doing 3 stitches to 4 rows along the whole armhole (except the bound off stitches which I'm picking up 1 to 1), I want the ribbing to pull it in a bit and not just lie there. I'll modify if I don't like it. I hope I can whip the edges out tonight while doing some last-minute laundry. Then I have to pack me, the baby and the dog.

I've started the heel flap on the second sock. I love the looks of heel stitch, but I hate purling it. Gee willickers, I've got to keep the stitch way down on the needle or they all pop off on me! I'm definitely keeping the socks in my purse for this weekend. So portable!

I'm also definitely bringing my NBaT for the car ride. I really want to finish her up and start wearing her. I hope I can figure out how to modify the sleeves to fit in my modified armholes. Otherwise, NBaT will have to wait until I take my sleeve class at Stitches.

Hopefully, I'll have a few FOs soon and will feel free to cast on something new.

Last night was bath night, both Billy and Molly are clean machines this morning!

headphone cozies

Is that really what you call them? It was fun creating these little things. I had to start over a few times, to get the right shape (and they're round while the headphones are oval, but they work). It's a pretty quick and easy thing. I chained 4, joined with sl st (slip stitch). Chained 2, and worked 8 hdc (half-double crochet) around, marking first hdc with a safety pin. Joined with a sl st, chained 2 and worked 2 hdc in each hdc from the previous round. I repeated that round again for another increase round. Joined with a sl st, then chained 1 because I was going to go to sc (single crochet) for the decreases (to get the little lip). I worked one sc in two hdc around (slip hook through top loops of hdc, wrap yarn around and pull through, repeat in next hdc so you have 3 loops on the hook, then yarn over and pull through all three loops). Repeated the decrease round, joined with sl st, pulled the yarn through and ta-da. Hubby was worried they'd muffle the sound too much, but I think they work great. Comfy and funky.

Didn't finish weaving in ends last night because I was making these. Yep, headphone covers out of my Summerwind. The foam ones were disintegrating and you need something on them. Aren't they funky?

on the bus, Gus

Last night was a long bus ride home. Thank knitting goddesses for socks and DJs. It was a pretty pleasant knit, I mean, ride for me. I'm sure you've heard that as soon as it rains, people forget how to drive. Surely, that's the only explanation for the hour+ bus trip home last night. But, that always means many rounds of the sock done.

This morning's commute was more of the same. Except it was SRO again. No knitting and no DJ (should have clipped him to my waistband). Oh well, I did a round or so on the subway and waiting for the elevator. I'll be knitting in a few while on a conference call (office door closed of course).

I did seam up Dude's Vest last night. I used mattress stitch because I was too lazy to look for an appropriate crochet hook. I loved it. These are the neatest seams I've ever made. And it wasn't hard. What magic to pull on the ends of the seaming yarn and have the edges come together so perfectly! Hopefully, I'll get the rest of the ends woven in tonight and tomorrow I can knit the armhole and neckline ribbing (for that I will need an appropriate hook, I love to pick up stitches with the hook). Then it's FO-time, baby.

This is the half of the weaving-in I didn't get done last night. I did seam the sides using mattress stitch. Now I realize what everyone was raving about. Why hadn't I used it sooner?

the stashing, it must end

So, I won those auctions on eBay. I will now have enough Silk Garden in color 84 to make whatever I want (15 skeins). I will also be getting 10 skeins of Calmer in Amour (red, for just about $7 a skein). And then there's the 8 balls of cork I won.

I feel like I'm hungover with this stash enhancement. Mainly becaue Hubby and I had a heart-to-heart on Friday and I promised, yet again, to not buy anymore yarn. Now I have to tell him that I did indeed win two more auctions. Oops.

Can you sense the extreme guilt radiating from me? You should.

I did finish the body of Billy's vest and I joined the shoulders (three needle bind-off). I didn't get around to blocking it until last night. I gave it a soak and pinned it down on my space board. Hopefully it will be dry tonight and I can work on seaming the sides and weaving in all those ends!

Not much work done on Hubby's sock lately. But, I plan to bang out quite a bit on the bus this week. If I get a seat in the morning. Well, I probably would have had a seat today if we hadn't overslept by an hour. Someone forgot to re-set the alarm before she went to bed last night. Good thing Billy doesn't sleep past 7! I do think he actually woke up before 6, when mommy's supposed to be in the shower, but he stopped fussing and I just rolled over and went back to sleep. Good thing we have flexible hours here and I'm not late unless it's after 9:30!

make it through the night

I'm not sure what I want to write about.

I'm progressing on Dude's Preppy vest (must update side bar to change the name). About 6 more rows and I bind off for the armholes and then just a few rows until I separate for the v-neck. I hope to have front and back finished Saturday. then I'll steam block and seam up so I can start picking up for armhole and neckline ribbing. I really, really want to have the whole thing finished before our trip to VT next weekend. Just cause I want to work on other things in the car.

Yep, planning my knitting for the 6 hour drive (and any other driving we do while there). I'm going to bring hubby's socks and probably NBaT. It's time to finish her up. Maybe I'll work on the math and decreases for her sleeves before the car trip, or maybe I'll do it during the trip.

I don't know how I'm going to get through today and tonight. I'm fiber-less. Hubby and I are going to the Mets v. Yankees tonight and he talked me out of trying to bring the sock to the Stadium. So, no knitting on the bus this morning (which was fine the nap was much needed), but also no knitting on the subway up to the Bronx, or back to Manhattan or the train or bus ride home tonight. I may suffer withdrawals people. I may need to self-medicate. I may need to buy more discontinued Rowan yarns on eBay. I've never touched Polar in my life, but discontinue it and I have to have it!

The in-laws are taking Billy to their house for the night. I get to sleep in tomorrow. I can actually do housework without him fussing behind me (well I won't miss the fussing, but I'd rather not clean). Hubby and I can run errands without complicated logistics and both be out of the house at the same time! It gets better, I don't have to think about what to feed me or Billy or anybody! Since F-i-L is going to tomorrow's Yankee-Mets game with Hubby (Hubby's going to all three, we won't even talk about the marathon he has planned for Sunday when he and a buddy are going to Philly to watch the Phillies and Red Sox in the afternoon and then going to the Bronx that night. I married a crazy man), I'm going to go up to their house and have an early dinner with M-i-L and B.

Don't get me wrong, being Billy's mom is the awesomest thing ever, but it's nice to get a break! I may even sneak in some spiinning.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers ...

was awesome! I was a bit ticked that it took him nearly an hour to get on stage after The Black Crowes finished (also very good, but they're a jam band and I didn't recognize most of the songs), but then he started playing and singing and mugging for the crowd and it was all good. If I didn't have to be up at the crack of dawn, I would have hated for it to end.

Traffic yesterday, not so good. Apparently, NJ was hit by horrible T-storms which doubled the length of the bus ride home and made the GSP a parking lot on our way to the Arts Center. We sat down right and Chris Robinson and the Crowes came out on stage.

I did about 10 rows on Dude's vest on the way to the concert. Not too much knitting on the bus ride, though. I took a much needed nap! I also didn't do much sock knitting this morning either. I was on a conference call for work. Vendors in India mean conference calls have to be really early (7 am today). I will be finishing up the ribbing soon so st st to the heel.

I won an auction for a lot of 8 balls of Cork in various colors (orange, green, red). I'm going to mix it with my Rowan gift of dark blue and B will have Rad Stripes for Fall! I'm paying $4.50 a ball, including shipping, when it's still retailing for over $8 a ball. Love a good eBay bargain.

of baseball and knitting

Hmm, maybe we shouldn't have turned off the Yankee game in the fourth inning to watch "Freaks and Geeks" on DVD. Oh well. I'm sure it will be an instant classic and YES will air it to death!

I only watched two episodes of F&G before going to bed. Which was a good thing. Billy was up screaming at 4:30. I surely do hope these new teeth come in fast. I bet his little fingers do, too. He's not stopped chewing them in days.

I'm going to be a mess tomorrow after a concert tonight and waking up so early this morning.

In knitting news, before I became a Molly pillow last night, the front of Dude's Preppy vest grew a couple of inches and I only have 3/4" more ribbing to do on sock #2.

taking advice

I should take Lolly's advice and talk Hubby into getting Tivo or the DVR Comcast offers (for like $10 a month), then I wouldn't have to stay up until 11 to watch the good shows. But, it was a good episode of Medium.

I should also take Yarngirl's advice and not worry about fixing sock one. She says picking the stitches back up won't be too hard, and she's probably right. I also think that no matter how hard it is to get back on the needles, it will beat knitting three of the same socks! And do stop by and tell her how beautiful her Flower Basket Shawl is! Makes me think about knitting lace! But, really Netter, let's conquer the socks first then move on to another skill.

I did cast on for the front of Dude's vest. I don't know think the name Dude's Rad Stripe vest fits it. It's rather preppy, don't you think? Maybe it should be just a Preppy Vest.

Next time I'm on the PC at home, ripping CDs, remind me to stay off eBay. I've bid on some yarn. I know, I had all those plans about shopping til I dropped at Stitches and now I've gone ahead and done what I wasn't going to do. Fortunately, a couple of the auctions have just begun and I'm sure to be outbid. Yes, I want to be a loser!
!

Here's a scan of the back of Billy's vest. Colors looked pretty accurate on home monitor. Seem a bit off, of course I didn't realize I was scanning to a bmp and had to convert to jpg. Well, it will give you an idea.

knittin' and rippin'

I'm knitting away on Dude's rad stripey vest. I figure one more set of stripes and it's time to start the back of the neckline. I scanned it a few minutes ago and will post the photo tomorrow (don't have Hello on the home PC).

I'm ripping more CDs. We're going to see Tom Petty and the Black Crowes on Wednesday, so I want to make sure we both have appropriate tunage. Hubby's also getting a little bored with the measley number of tunes he's got so far. I'm also ripping a few old favorites (Skylarking by XTC) and a new one (Get Born by Jet). Not to mention, I have more chicks to rip, too.

Had to rip and re-cast on for Hubby's sock. But, I've got a few rounds of 1 x 1 ribbing completed.

I was planning to go to bed early, but it's Monday, and I'm trying to get caught up with Medium. I know isn't that horrible? Staying up late to watch a TV show. But, I really like it.

lots of knitting

I did a lot of knitting over the weekend.

I did finish up Hubby's sock on Friday and had him try it on. Unfortunately, I didn't get the kitchener stitch so the toe's wonky. Even more unfortunate, the foot is too short! It's the perfect length for me, but not for Hubby. I'm thoroughly intimidated by the idea of ripping out the stitches and getting such tiny things back on the needles. So, I've cast on for the second sock and once that one's done to the right size, I will fix number one.

Dude's rad stripey vest is coming along nicely. I worked on it quite a bit Friday night and Saturday tailgating before the Steve Miller concert (totally rockin' dude). Shortly, I will be at the neckline for the back. I'm totally loving this Phildar cotton. It's so silky. I showed the vest in progress to my M-I-L. She thought it was very nice too. She gushed a bit. I hate to say she's easily impressed, but when it comes to knitting, she is.

Hubby had a nice Father's day yesterday. He liked his DVD (Freaks and Geeks) and the shirt Billy made for him at daycare (although, we don't see him wearing a t-shirt with footprints all over it). He had a good time at the game with his Dad and we had a nice dinner all together.

I am exhausted. Billy decided to be up before six all weekend. Now, not so bad when Mommy gets to bed at a decent hour, but the morning after a concert? Dude, so not cool.

Toes

When Billy was little (you know, cuz he's so big now), I used to sit him in his bouncy seat and sing Nose and Toes. I'd touch his toes and sing toes in a low tone, then I'd touch his nose and sing nose higher. Sometimes, I'd try to find other body parts that rhymed, like eyes and thighs. But nose and toes worked the best. He'd just laugh himself silly.

This does tie into knitting and I bet you've figured out how. I don't have many readers, but they're a smart bunch! I started the toe shaping on Hubby's sock. I'm hoping, hope with me, that I'll have it finished to give him Sunday. Granted, it's only one, but I think it will be a nice Father's Day gift. Then he can try it on and if it's not ginormous, I'll copy it exactly for the Second Sock. If it is ginormous, I'll knit one smaller and that will be the First Sock, and a third sock will be the Second Sock, and the current sock will become a Christmas Stocking or something. Maybe I'll make a puppet out of it!

Whew. I knit a few more inches on Billy's Stripey Vest. I want to come up with a neat name for it, but I haven't yet. It reminds me of the 80s with the bright colors, but it's not Miami Vice colors, so I'm not sure what to call it. I'll try to get a pic this week.

I did get hubby's dj all loaded for him last night. I didn't rip any more cds. Molly was barky and I didn't feel like it. I felt like putting my behind on the couch, watching TV, and knitting. So I did!

Yo, DJ

Hubby and I bought a couple of Dell Pocket DJs last week. They arrived yesterday. I got to start charging and loading mine first (he's going out after work tonight and didn't want to bring it with him). I really like it. I can't believe how fast the CDs rip and sync over. I've got all my Sheryl Crow and Indigo Girls on it. I am going to need some different head phones. These buds just don't stay in my ears. I liked listening (Queen, Night at the Opera) and knitting (sock) on the way to work this morning. Right now, I've got Sheryl on shuffle and repeat. Should make compiling spread sheets and reviewing final proofs much more interesting.

Tonight after Billy goes to bed, I plan on more ripping and getting Hubby's set up for him. It'll be a piece of cake since I've loaded all the software on the PC. Tomorrow, I'll show him how to do everything and we'll be good to go. He's all excited about it now. He may be late coming to MP3s, but he's all over it. Doesn't think he'll buy another CD (which is good, we have a few thousand as it is).

I've decided to be a bit chaotic with the stripes on Billy's vest. I figure a toddler can get away with LOUD clothes!

Herrschners.com has a lot of nice cottons on sale this week. I'm resisting so far (yeah, real strong, the sale's on until next Thursday), telling myself that if I don't stash now, I'll buy whatever I want at the marketplace at Stitches in September. Oh yeah.

Apparently, Molly didn't think much of the Harlot's book. It was on the dining room table. She was apparently unhappy that we left her alone (although, she barked to get out of the tv room). I'm glad I'd already read it. I didn't kill her.

nighttime multitasking

I'm ripping CDs.

Listening to the Yankee game (wow Giambi hit a meaningful home run).

Having a beer.

Knitting on Billy's stripey vest.

Oh, and posting from home!

Better?

Yesterday didn't get better until I got home. I did get to knit on the subway, but found 2 dropped stitches to repair. Then I was knitting on the bus and found a hole about 8 rows down where I had picked up one slim thread when knitting a stitch. Of course it had to be repaired. Why is it wool will drop stitches like a bad habit when you don't want it too, but when you have to drop eight rows to fix something, it's a chore. Then, as I was partly through the dropping, my working needles flew across the bus and landed under someone's backpack. Being me, I didn't ask for help until we were nearly home (tried to get hubby to do it on his way by, but nice man next to me took care of it). So, an unproductive bus ride for me.

After dinner, bath, and fixing the rocking chair, Billy went to sleep easily and Mommy got knitting time. (After the dishes, of course.) I worked on Billy's vest while hubby and I watched the Yanks spank the Pirates. Then we watched some of the Live Aid DVD he bought this weekend.

This morning, I knit on the sock on the way in and so far, today's going pretty well. If you don't count exhaustion and sinuses that feel like they're going to be a real problem shortly!

Uh, yeah. The high temp went up 17 degrees between June 3 and 4 and hasn't been below 85 degrees since. No wonder we're all so cranky!

crappy day keeps getting crappier

Cranky Hubby. SRO bus. Hot, humid, yucky weather. Errors in a publication. Snippy editors.

And I've barely had a chance to touch my knitting today. It's not even 10 am. I know today's not going to get much better.

I didn't do much knitting last night either. Helping Hubby start to rip CDs was a chore. Someone needs to find some patience and a touch of faith that things will work, and I don't mean me.

Just want to go home and sleep and dream of fibery goodness!

Dutch heel

So, I turned the heel on Hubby's sock this weekend. I think it was Friday night that I got started. (I'm not quite sure, many beers were imbibed watching boxing Friday and Saturday nights while knitting. Yes, I have serious guy tendencies.) Once I wrapped my brain around the process, it was surprisingly easy. I'm not sure I like the Dutch heel, but it was fun. Next pair, I'm going to try the round heel. Hubby says he wouldn't mind tube socks, but I told him that would be no fun! (I told him repeatedly that sock knitting was lots of fun.)

Sock went with me the few times I left the house. I even moved up to a larger purse so I only have to carry one bag. Hubby gave me a hard time last night when I whipped out the sock in the van on the way downtown to the diner. I said hey, if I get 40 stitches done, that's 40 stitches. BTW, I got a whole round done.

I started swatching on the vest for Billy yesterday while Hubby watched a silly wrestling PPV. I've also been playing around in Excel this morning to figure out the stripes. I think I've got them down. So, I should be casting on and starting that soon. I think, if I get any TV time tonight, I'm going to work on the NBaT sleeves. I seamed up the body on Friday and she fits. Although, I didn't take her to a mirror to see how she looks. Hubby said she looked good, but he's a guy and a non-knitter.

Looking more like a real sock. Is that a heel?

Bead It

I got my stitch markers last night (see pic below), they were from Nae.They're so cute. Thanks again to Cara for hosting.

I got about 1 1/2 inches of the heel flap done last night on another epic bus ride home. It was long, but the worst part was the first half with this woman sitting next to me yapping on her cell phone. I guess she can't make personal calls from her house. No knitting done on the way in this morning. I was busy reading the bookbookbook. It came in my Overstock.com order (Hubby's father's day gift). So far, I'm loving it.

It's been a good mail week, huh?

Hubby and I are thinking about going to the beach this weekend. We'll see. All the AC in the house may sap our wills to go outside, though. I would like to see how an older Billy reacts to the beach, though. Last summer when we went, he was too young.

Here are the cute stitch markers I received from Ronnie for Bead It Two. Thanks! I love the little platinum card. Think it has anything to do with my stasquisition?

Here's a swatch with my vintage Phildar. I just couldn't wait to get my fingers on it. I'm swatching with a US7, not the 4-6 recommended and it seems a bit loose. I'll go down to a 6 and see what that does. I'm definitely thinking of something summery and stripey for Billy.

Here's the sock. I think the keyboard gives a good idea of the size. I knit it to 7" (easily measured with my dpn). I'm going to start the heel flap this afternoon. Wish me luck, I'm nervous!

No Fair Isle for Netter

Just got a call from Stitches. I am on the waiting list for Sally Mellville's Fair Isle class at Stitches East. So my back up is The Perfect Sleeve with Jean Frost. A very helpful class. I also switched out of Fair Isle finishing and into Knitting Backwards, just in case no one drops out of Sally's Fair Isle class. I'm a wee bit disappointed, but still will learn lots of useful things!

Hump day, really, really Hump day

It's never going to be a great day if I can't knit on the 113. I couldn't knit on the 113 today. The first bus that came was SRO. The second bus that came was also SRO, but I couldn't wait for a third bus. I'm supposed to be coming in early to make up dr appt time. It was also SRO on the E train downtown this morning. So, no knitting and an unpleasant commute. Not to mention uncomfortable tootsies.

Now, I am at work and the FTP sites are down. Since the majority of our vendors are in India and the servers for our workflow systems are in Europe, very little work will actually be accomplished today. Not to mention that when I scan a document on the copier, the file sits on an FTP server outside Boston. O, the joys of working for a large multi-national corporation.

Good thing our Internet servers aren't down. What would I do with myself. We are still getting e-mail, too. I'm sure that will keep me busy.

I did arrive home yesterday, late and bedraggled, to a box of Phildar yarn. Unfortunately, I didn't get to open and fondle for a couple of hours (had to nebulize and bath the boy and install the large ac unit). It's very nice and I'd like to start knitting with it immediately. Something stripey for the B, I think.

Rowan has discontinued Cork. There is some on sale on eBay in a favorite color. I don't know if I like Cork, and the stash is huge (as we know), and I'm saving money for Stitches, but I am sorely tempted to buy some (with a free pattern book). Too bad they don't auction more time on eBay (or knitting elves).

Latest stashquisition arrived via UPS yesterday. The green is more blue in real life, the white more cream and the yellow is more pale. The misc. balls were freebies. This stuff is so soft. I love it! I can see a striped pullover in B's future.

of airconditioning and natural light

I braved the heat yesterday and took some natural light photos. Boy, it does make a difference. I think the purple of the NBaT is very close to what it looks like in person. And the fabrics are pretty accurate, too. I'll try to get a sunlight shot of the sock as well. We've not been alone waiting for the bus the last couple of days, so it's not had another bus stop photo shoot. (Bus stop is one of my favorite movies. I haven't seen it in years.)

Hubby went out and bought another air conditioner last night. This one is for the main floor of the house. So we can eat without sweating, and even surf the web comfortably. I just hope the 10,000 BTU unit will fit in the window we have picked out without carpentry on our part. I'm loathe to nail the year old windows or siding. We now have four window units for our 1200 sq ft house. Our house is 80+ years old with old-fashioned steam radiators, so re-fitting it for central air is going to be exorbitant. We've talked about it and are going to wait. I can't imagine the fun it will be if we do ever have to have duct-work installed. I'm not having much luck talking Hubby out of getting one of those portable air conditioners for the basement TV room. I know it gets above 70 down there (especially when we have to do laundry), but I just don't think it's necessary. We do hope B's window unit will help him nap better on the weekends.

I've been working on the sock. It's getting bigger. I don't think you need or want to see it. Another couple of inches of st st is not scintillating blogging.

I've started researching for my design class at Stitches. Students have to bring in photos of sweaters they'd like to re-create. I just requested an Anthropologie catalog. There are about a dozen of those I'd like to knit. I don't know if I'd wear them all, but they sure are beautiful!

In other travel news, we're heading to VT for the weekend of the 4th. We have to come back before any patriotic festivities because Hubby has to work the 5th, but we'll be there for my mom's family's semi-annual get together. I'm glad they changed it from December!

Got the fabics for my tote. They aren't quite what I thought they would be (the Butler is more olive and the Hoffman is darker), but I'm going to make the tote anyway. Soon's I can get to my sewing machine!

So, here she is in all her glory, the completed front. Now for sleeves and a neckline! Color looks pretty good in natural light. Don't ask what the plant is, all I know is it's a weed.

hazy, hot, and stitches east

Wasn't it just chilly and wet? When did summer get here? Why don't we ever get a nice, gradual build up to July weather? Why is it always like someone flips a steamy switch?

Okay, enough whining. My fingertips are actually chilled, here in the office this morning. Desktop thermometer says 72.8. Weather.com says it's 87 (feeling like 92) in my home zip code. It's not even 11 am and we've busted through the forecast high of 86. Gee, I'm glad we installed an air conditioner in allergy-boy's room last night. He felt like he had a fever yesterday after his nap because his room was so hot and stuffy. (I refuse to open his windows and tempt the pollen, even if we might be spoiling him as hubby suggested.)

Wait, did that qualify as more whining?

In knitting news, I finished the front of NBaT Friday during the crawl home. (Rainy, summer Friday of course it took 2 hours to get from office to house. Oops, there's that w word again.) No, there is no photo. I will take one today. I put a V-neck in and don't know if I'll do the neckline as in the pattern. I'm not sure how the folded hem would work at the point of the V. I do want to get started on the sleeves, but havn't had the time to think about it, yet.

Sock progresses. I got quite a bit done at the dentist Saturday morning and Saturday night while enjoying a Diet Coke with Lime and Bacardi. MMMM, rum. I also brought it for the bus today. Like I said, no thinking on the sleeves for NBaT, yet.

Hubby registered me online for Stitches East Saturday (once he finally got on the new PC, he wouldn't share so I could do it myself). It seems I've got all my top choices for classes. Both of Sally Mellville's first two classes, fair isle and intarsia. Then it's fair isle finishing, designing your own sweater and modifying a pattern (this is a necessity as so many European patterns that I love aren't plus size). I only get to take 15 credits because Hubby has Jets tickets Sunday and we have to get home early in the am. I'm looking forward to it! I also booked our room at the Boardwalk Holiday Inn. We've stayed there before. It's pretty nice. Wonder if we'll get a room with a jacuzzi tub again. Anyone else going to Stitches East?

I did say that I would buy no yarn before the Market Preview on 9/22. That's about 104 days away. Gee, if I could have a dollar for everyday I don't buy yarn (going back to last eBay auction), or maybe 2, it would be quite a haul!

I'm leaving work at 12:30. B has a follow-up with the ENT. I don't think we'll get bad news, but the reassurance will be nice.

Here's hubby's sock as of this morning. Quite a bit of progress, if I do say so myself.

Lessons from the past week

1. Vacations are good!
2. Blackjack is fun, but not profitable.
3. It's even more fun with lots of $1 cocktails. Oh Nurse!
4. Hubby's a pretty good poker player.
5. 100 is hot, no matter what!
6. Penny slots can still cost $$ per spin!
7. Cheap steaks aren't as good as expensive ones. (Knew that already.)
8. Sleeping is more important than knitting on the red eye.
9. Work interferes with blogging.
10. Kids change a lot in a few days.
11. It hurts when your baby cries when Grammy leaves without him. OUCH.
12. I'm not a bad mom.
13. Billy likes craft stores.
14. I'm not a desert person.
15. Casinos are great, for a short visit.

Newest WIP waiting for the bus this morning. Yes, it is one of Hubby's socks. I brought it to Vegas and this is what I managed on the plane and watching baseball. One more inch of 1x1 ribbing and it's st st all the way to the heel!

quickie

I did make it back from Vegas alive, with a new WIP in fact. (Pics tomorrow)

Just wanted to let you know that we did not win big and buy our own island in the Hebrides (what, you think a knitter would go tropical? well, I do so love cotton, but I want some sheep).

Billy's a lot better, Hubby's got a sinus infection, and I think I'm next. I'm taking Billy to the Dr for a follow-up this afternoon. Wish us luck!

I'll try to do a better update tomorrow, but you know how work is after a few days off. I had 157 e-mails!