Who knows what darkness lurks in the hearts of knitters....

Shadow knows. She knows that I threw her aside most of the weekend to work on the Christmas Cable for Hubby. She knows that since I was distracted by cables, I didn't get her finished in time for a natural light shot. She also knows that I spent an hour sewing in then ripping out the ribbon facing (it made her way too stiff). And she knows that I'll be walking up to the PO this afternoon and sending her off to the wilds of NW Vermont. It's been a good 5 weeks and Mom should have her before she's two weeks late. The details: pattern was Shadow from Rowan's Calmer collection; yarn was Rowan DK soft, about 7 balls; knit up on Addi turbos (US 8). I didn't modify the pattern at all. My only complaint is the lack of details on the Rowan schematics. How do I block out to size on the sleeve when you only give me the measurement to the start of the cap shaping? She was a surprisingly quick and easy knit. I can't wait to make up something else with the DK soft.

This is the best reason ever to do laundry. Billy helped me "fold" the whites. Actually, his help consisted of throwing things out of the basket. He then proceeded to play with the basket until dinner time. I guess it's like the appeal of a big cardboard box. He also likes to help push the wet clothes into the dryer (mainly so he can turn the light off and on). He's in that helpful toddler stage. He knows how to wipe his own face (well, sort of, I still need to do a once over) and will wipe off any surface in reach. Yesterday I was making lasagna for dinner and had some paper towels piled on a plate to drain the ground beef. I turned around from mixing the cheeses and Billy was "cleaning" the floor with the paper towels. I think he's trying to tell Mommy something about her house-keeping.

Tomorrow, I'll have pics of my Christamas Cable progress (almost 5" done as of this morning) and maybe a finished sock (depends on how much I work on the bus).

nearly done?

Shadow is pretty much seamed. All I have to do is weave in ends (most of which I did as I was going so I just have to snip and find the few that weren't) and sew the ribbon facing onto the front pieces. I just love this sweater. Of course, it's too small for me, but it will be perfect for mom.

And can I say how much I love, love, love mattress stitch? Such a lovely, lovely looking seam.

I'll have FO pics Monday. I promise. My plan is to get her finished up tomorrow night after Billy goes to sleep.

I've only got a couple of more inches to work on Kroy Kristmas before the toe shaping starts. That will be sojourning in the office over the weekend, though. Hubby and I are going to the Knicks game tonight and, as I've mentioned before, don't dare bring knitting needles into sporting events. I will be working on it if I take a lunch hour today (only 8 more weeks till the end of the year but 300 issues to publish). This weekend, after Shadow is finished, is all about getting started on the Christmas Cables.

I'm sorely tempted by some Dalegarn Sisik on sale at elann.com. Help me resist the siren call of more yarn!

How do I take the money and run?

My blog is worth $1,129.08.
How much is your blog worth?

S-I-P

S-I-P is my current mantra. Right now, I have seaming-in-progress on Shadow. I back stitched the shoulders together, set-in the sleeves, and got one side and arm seam completed. I did get a small start on the second side seam. Should have all the big seams done tonight. Then it's slip stitching the pockets, sewing on the pocket flaps, and figuring out the ribbon facing on the fronts. Oh yeah, then the neckline. Gee, I'm not as near done as I thought!

As for the current sock-in-progress, I brought my camera today and have a pick of the heel. Boy, that leg looks long. Good news is that my sister's feet are way shorter than hubby's. The slog to the toe won't take nearly so long. (Of course I'm not completely done the gusset, but almost there.) It's such a spring-y happy sock. She better like them!

Nothing happened on the boys' Christmas Cables last night (I spent all tv time seaming). Although, I did buy at 32" US8 Addi. That will be very useful when I get to pick up Christmas Cable #1 again.

Thankfully, it's pretty quiet chez Netter right now. We're all healthy. Nearly forgot to share, Billy only had one attempt at biting since last Thursday. I think we're out of the woods on that.

KUI, don't do it

Knitting after wine with dinner and while having a few beers with Hubby is a bad idea. It leads directly to ripping the next morning. I cast on for Hubby's Christmas Cable and got about six rows in. I was so proud of myself because I managed, under the influence, to correctly and neatly increase 34 times across at the end of the garter-stitch border. But when establishing the rib pattern that turns into the cable pattern, I mis-read (as in didn't get past the first easy part). Realizing this morning that my 3 x 3 rib was supposed to be 3 x 3 x 1 x1 rib, meant I had to rip out the three rows of ribs I'd knit last night. Not a big deal, except the sweater is 170+ stitches wide and knit with the yarn doubled.

I did, however, turn a beautiful heel on the Kroy Kristmas socks this morning. (I didn't get to it last night because it took longer than expected to knit the 32 row heel flap.) I didn't really learn anything new. I had forgotton that the BMG's footies have a short row heel. It will be a new toe for me, when I get there.

Shadow is still on the blocking board. Although, I did take the pins out last night. But, I only did that because we needed the dining room table for dinner, meaning I had to fold the board in half. Must start seaming tonight. No point in knitting the darn thing in less than 4 weeks if it languishes before seaming!

No pictures today because I left my camera on the dining room table. I know, you really wanted to see the heel on the sock. Well, it will have to wait until tomorrow. (Maybe, I'll have some pics of partially seamed Shadow or more rows on the Christmas Cable.)

fast approaching the heel

I'm about a third of the way into the heel flap for the Kroy Kristmas socks. I'm looking forward to learning a new heel turn on the way home tonight.

I bought an Addi US 8 at Purl yesterday on the way home, so I could get started on the Boys' Christmas sweaters. I got gauge, but it's only 20" and the front and back of Hubby's Christmas sweater is 25 1/2". I think I'm going to have to buy a 30" needle. Oh well. I hope to get Hubby's sweater cast on tonight. I decided to get the big one out of the way first.

Shadow is on the blocking board and seaming will commence tonight. I hope to get it in the mail this weekend.

So, no pics of anything knit-related. But, here I am with Billy at his Halloween parade yesterday. He didn't really want to do the parade thing and he wasn't into the treats at the party (preferring goldfish over cupcakes). But, he liked trick or treating. Especially the parts where he could sneak into other people's houses!

Happy Halloween and a new WIP

Isn't he just the cutest lil devil ever? This was a self portrait. He loves the camera and takes lots of pictures (most of his finger). He even says "cheese" while snapping away. Although, it sounds like chee. (Glad his nose was clean.)

We dressed him up last night and took him up to the in-laws. We didn't think we'd get there tonight and we were going up there for dinner anyway. The neighbors all thought he was adorable. (The little boys next door to M-i-L and F-i-L loved the "baby" in his costume.)

Today, he's got his parade and party at day care. Hubby and I are taking half days to be there. Then we'll hit a couple of houses in our neighborhood. I can't wait. I know it will be more fun in a couple of years when he's more into it, but I looooooove dressing him up! Maybe we'll take him to an NHL game to get more use out of the costume! The New Jersey Devils are our team!

On the knitting front, I have finished all parts of mom's Shadow. I just need to block them. I finished the sleeve during Billy's nap Saturday and the second pocket flap that night. I would have blocked them yesterday, but we had some minor plumbing to attend to and a nap seemed like a good idea. Then there's the fact that the guest room bed is buried in a few weeks' worth of clean laundry. I must get around to it soon, though. Air was delayed for a long time because I didn't seam her up. Must not repeat the bad behavior.

I do have a new WIP. A Christmas sock for my sister. I hope it's not going to be too narrow. My gauge seems a little tight on the US 1s. The yarn is Kroy socks that I got from Herrschner's last Fall with sis in mind. The pattern is Oak Ribbed socks from Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush. the inside of the sock looks really neat (1 x 4 ribbing).

I've also started swatching for my boys' Christmas sweaters. I'm doing this pattern from Patons with the Lambswool doubled. I need to get a US 8 Addi. my gauge on the 7s is too tight. I'm going to love knitting these up. The yarn is simply scrumptious and at 5 stitches to the inch it's going to go much faster than I thought.

just a quick update

Just wanted to let you all know that Billy's murmur is "soft" and nothing to worry about. The doctor said it requires no intervention and no follow-up. I think Hubby exhaled for the first time in two weeks.

Billy was awesome. The only time he fussed was when we were kept waiting for the echo cardiogram/ultrasound. He didn't fuss a bit during the EKG or the echo. He's such a great kid. Charmed them all. The ultrasound tech was pretty impressed when he said Elmo.

I was really impressed with the doctor and his staff. Very nice and professional. I'm very happy I shouldn't need to see them again!

FIESTA FO

It's a party chez Netter, a regular fiesta. I filled out the fringe on Fiesta last night and officially declare her an FO. See? Sorry for the crappy picture but I was heading off to bed. I'm half in my nightgown. (And that's not one of those photographer backdrops like from school portrait days, that's my shower curtain.) I'm very pleased with this scarf and think it will definitely make a cold, gray winter more bearable. I can't wait to start on a hat. I really like working with the Cork (what's not to like about chunky merino?). It's definitely going to make a great Billy sweater someday.

In Shadow news, I got the right front finished on the bus ride home last night. The excrutiatingly, long and slow bus ride. There was a bad accident on the parkway and we crawled the last five miles home. Seriously, I could have walked home faster. I've started the second sleeve and am about a third of the way through the chart. I hope to have it finished over the weekend. I plan on soaking and blocking the body pieces Saturday and then the sleeves early in the week and having a seaming party some evening. This sweater will be in the mail by next Saturday! Then it's off to Christmas sweater land. (I have to remember to schedule a stitching lunch for next Thursday to show off the finished, or mostly finished, product.)

Tomorrow we take our boy to the cardiologist. I know the murmur's probably innocent, but I'm not looking forward to the appointment. I hate seeing him hooked up to stuff. We went through that when he was born (he spent four days in the special care nursery because he was born with the cord around his neck, after having episodes of slow heart beats throughout my labor, and had some breathing issues) and it sucks. We'll bring his bear, and I'll bring Shadow's sleeve, and tomorrow night there will be wine and relaxing once we know the little man is okay. The biggest hurdle is logistical. The appointment is during his usual lunch and nap time. We're planning to have him sleep late and push his clock back a couple of hours so he's not too cranky. Hope it works! (I, personally, really like the idea of sleeping late. I was in bed at 9:30 last night.)

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my mom’s birthday. I think I’ve mentioned before that I’ve never fought with my mom. Nope, not once. I’m sure that there are plenty of things we disagree about, but she’s not the type of person who forces her opinion on others. Heck, most of the time you wouldn’t know she HAD an opinion.

I can’t say she’s been a typical mom. When I was in eighth grade she made me start doing my own laundry (that’s what I get for complaining about how she did it). At about the same time, dinner became “whatever you can find.” Mom didn’t believe in coddling us. She’ll spoil me now when I visit, but growing up her goal was self-reliant kids who could do the dishes for her.

She’s always been supportive, but not in a touchy-feely way. Whatever I wanted to do, whether it was three weeks in France in high school, an expensive private college, or a semester abroad, she found a way to make it work.

If mom doesn’t let you know her opinion, she definitely does not let you know her needs. She’s selfless, everyone comes before her.

She’s got a great sense of humor and you can tell she’s content with her life. Except she’d like to see me, the hubby and our kid more often. She rarely nags and doesn’t give unsolicited advice. She keeps her cool and is steady as a rock.

Granted, she’s not perfect. She can be moody, and does hint at resentment sometimes, she’s sarcastic and a bit standoffish.

But, everyday I can see more and more of her in me and it makes me happy. My mom is one of the strongest people I’ve ever known and I’m so proud to be her daughter. That’s why she’s getting such a long DK-weight sweater for her birthday (even if it is a little late).

adI think we're going to need a boat

Yup, raining again. Hubby got Billy's new slicker out this morning. You can spot this dude coming from a mile away! (Billy's favorite color's been orange and various family members, me included, try to get whatever we can in orange.)

I'm hungry. Good thing I don't have any money or I'd be up to my eyeballs in snacks. Something about cold, wet days makes me want to eat all the chocolate I can get my hands on.

I do need another caffeine jolt. Think I'll go down and get another Coke Zero (I do have the $1.25, I could buy a snack if I wanted to give up the caffeine, but a girl has to have her priorities).

I napped on the way home last night so the right front of Shadow isn't quite done. I just couldn't keep my eyes open on the bus. At one point, I actually started dreaming. I was dreaming about eating and woke myself up when I bit my tongue! I can't imagine what I must have looked like chewing in my sleep!

The Jets were abysmal, but I did get the right armhole shaping done. Not much knitting done this morning (another nap on the bus, gee, I'm awful tired lately). No knitting tonight because Hubby and I are going to see Cream. I'll try to get some done at lunch. Even if I don't, I do think I'll be able to finish up the sweater next week. Unfortunately, mom's b-day is tomorrow!

Updated to add: I finished the cast-off on Fiestawear. I need to fill in the fringe and we'll have an FO later this week (probably Thursday). I tried it on and it's a great length. Didn't try it on in front of a mirror, so it could look horrible on!

Fiesta and prize

So, not too much progress on Shadow after Friday night. I'm about three inches from the armhole shaping. Hopefully, I'll get there tonight watching the Jets on MNF.

Saturday was spent working on this every chance I got. It's a garter stitch scarf from four colors of Cork. The orange, blue and green you will see again when I start Billy's birthday sweater. Right now this is for me. I'm calling it Fiestawear. (I get the red because there's only one ball.) It's nearly done. I cast on 210 stitches using the crochet cast on Saturday morning and I'll cast off tonight while Billy takes his meds. If there's time I'll fill out the fringe a bit. This is going to look great with my winter coat. Hubby even likes it! (I was surpised since the colors are a bit loud.) I can't wait to get it off the needles to see how it looks. Now, to figure out a matching hat.

Saturday was a great mail day (even though the weather left a great deal to be desired). I got this loveliness. It was my prize for winning Vickie's quiz over at Knitten Knots. 220 m of hand-dyed, bulky weight Merino. MMMMM. Definitely a scarf or cowl to go with my winter dress coat. The colors are perfect (a bit washed out here). Purple through raspberry with lots of reds in-between. Yummo!

Well, Hubby and I officially have colds. And, we're extending Billy's lung meds for a few days because he's got a new cough and such. 'Tis the season for germs! I will be drinking much hot tea today to combat this dry, scratchy throat. I'm not feeling too bad right now, just bad enough that I couldn't get to sleep last night. Must get to bed early tonight (yeah, probably at half-time of the Jets game). Hubby and I are going to see Cream at Madison Square Garden tomorrow!

I can't believe I'm on a yarn diet, and sticking to it

Would you look at these auctions!?! Koigu, and lots of it! I'll wait while you wipe the drool off your monitor. Yes, I nearly bid on one (I've nearly bid on all of them). I can't believe the size of the lots. I'll have to check back over the weekend just to see what the bidding frenzy is like over the last few hours.

I will resist the urge, strong though the pull may be. (Although, just between you and me and the other fiber addicts out there, if I could get one of these past hubby, I would be all over it!)

In other news, we've turned on the heat. Billy and I were fine, but Hubby was chilly this morning. Of course, we inadvertently flooded the darn furnace first thing. Luckily, our former neighbor has a heating business and he was able to fix it for us.

Also, hubby's interview went well yesterday, but he's not sure he would like the job. It only took him 25 minutes to drive to the office though. That's a huge pro in our books! Cons would be having to travel (and not to fun destinations), less vacation time, no flexible hours, and perhaps less money.

On the Shadow front, I did complete the first pocket flap, but haven't attached it yet. I couldn't work out the grafting/three-needle bind off with one piece having more stitches than the other (didn't think to decrease 3 stitches on the last row of the flap). But, I think sewing it will give the pocket a bit more structure. This yarn has no body and it's floppy, floppy, floppy. I did start the right front. I made some good progress watching CBS last night. I should be able to make a lot more tonight. It's just Billy, Molly and me. Hubby's good friend's celebrating his birthday with happy hour and dinner in the city tonight.

another finished piece but my kid is a kook

I finished up the left front of Shadow this morning on the bus in and then started the pocket flap. Should ge that finished up and attached at lunch today (got an office stitchers lunch going). I hope to cast on for the right front tonight on the way home.

Hubby had something new to obsess about last night, a job interview this morning. He's not too thrilled with the opportunity, but that means they'll love him, right? It's always the one you really want that you don't get. He's been with his current employeer for 5 years and needs a change. We're hoping to get him a job in NJ, so we're not both in NYC every day. Now that we've got the Billy, someone needs to be closer to home most days.

Billy decided to play a new game last night. I was calling it "keep out the alien mind rays." I think he thought he'd found a cool hat. Remind me to wash it before I make pasta again.

a little bit calmer* now

I want to thank Jeanie and Labmom for their supportive comments. The reassurance that moms have gone through this and have healthy, strong (even football-playing) kids to show for it helps me stay calm for the neurotic I married.

Things are mellowing a bit chez Netter. Hubby's not quite so tightly wound. Partly because he learned that his grandmother's lived with a heart murmur for 86 years and partly because I think we've made it clear that a heart murmur is not always indicative of some sort of arrhythmia. Of course, I only saw him for a few minutes last night. He went to the Devils game with his dad and I went to a work-related reception on the East side. M-i-L got quality time with Billy and Molly.

I'm not really sure I needed to go to the function last night, but I was only one of two representatives of the company and the only one to actually work on the product. I'm really very sure I didn't need to get on the Queens-bound E heading home last night. That little detour meant I had to take a 9 pm bus. Gee, I've only been riding the subway for 10 years now. Why would I have learned to make sure the train's going in the direction I want to go?

The good news is the side trip to the outer boroughs allowed me to finally get to the armhole shaping on Shadow last night. I hope to have the left front done tonight or tomorrow (depends on how much knitting I can do during LOST). Boy, this thing is curling, huh? I see a serious block in it's future!

I'm thinking about a quickie project before I dive into the boys' Christmas sweaters. I know, my sisters are expecting socks, but I'm going to wait to start those (and only one of them has given me her foot measurements). I'm thinking something with a bit more Oomph. I'm thinking a long, stripey scarf from the Cork I have. I won't need all 9 balls for Billy's sweater, so I think Mommy needs a cool scarf!

*Unfortunately, the calmer only refers to the change in atmosphere at home. I'm not in possession of any new Calmer or working with any right now. The closest I get to my Calmer (besides looking at it in my closet) is that Shadow is from the Calmer Collection.

update

We have an appointment for next Friday at 11:30. Poor kid is going to be all off schedule. Hubby's flipping that it's not TOMORROW.

just because hubby needed something else to obsess about

The doctor heard a heart murmur yesterday when following up on Billy's bronchitis. I'm trying to get an appointment with a Ped Cardiologist to have him evaluated. Our pediatrician reassured me that 90% of the time it's nothing to worry about, and I know that. But, I was got anxious worrying about how Hubby was going to respond. I know, and anyone who's seen Billy tear around the house knows, that the kid doesn't seem to have a serious heart problem. Hubby, however, always sees the worst possible outcome. Definitely a glass half-empty kind of guy. It gets to be wearing on a gal.

But, the good news was that the ear infection and bronchitis are both responding to treatment. We'll finish out his scrips and don't have to go back unless he seems sick again. I'm looking forward to the cold weather, just so the pollen will go away and we won't have to worry about allergies for a few months. However, I'm sure cold and flu season will be fun, fun, fun (and me with 1 1/2 vacation days and 5 sick hours left for the year).

Goodness I'm tired. I shouldn't have stayed up for Medium (especially since I was so tired I didn't want to knit). Only about 2 inches until I start the armhole shaping on the left front. Just in time, I'm starting to get really, really bored with the stockinette!

with apologies to Dickens

It was a weekend of highs and a weekend of lows. It was a weekend of much ripping and a weekend of surprising progress. It has marked three weeks since my last yarn purchase.

The highs included: a great community theater performance of Noises Off (I laughed hysterically); a couple of great dinners out (Garlic Rose on Friday for Hubby's b-day and a surprisingly good prime rib at a diner); seeing some of my all-time favorite songs played live (even if it brought me to tears a couple of times).

The lows included: ripping the left front of Shadow, again, on the way home Friday; evil, nasty, inexplicable heart burn; Hubby having a meltdown while his parents were over for dinner and having stomach issues of his own before the concert yesterday; a couple of really crappy nights' sleep.

And yes, it has been three weeks since the great Stitches Haul. It's been easy to deny the stash urges, I just click on the pic of what's waiting for me and the need for MORE YARN just fades away. Heck, for a while, the Stitches Haul had replaced Billy on my desktop (does that make me a bad mommy?).

Queen + Paul Rodgers was awesome. Well not so much the Paul Rodgers part. Love him in Bad Company, had no problem singing over him with Queen. Queen was my favorite band for a looong time. Something about Freddie and his over-the-top show presence and operatic singing style spoke to me as a child listening to my mom's Greatest Hits LP. I guess there's just something about a flamingly-gay man that appeals to a pre-pubescent girl with absolutely no idea of what a flamingly-gay man is. Queen was my soundtrack for a long time and I didn't think I'd ever hear those songs live. Granted, last night was only 1/2 of the original band (John Deacon said no thanks), but Brian May and Roger Taylor did a great job and I was able to live with Paul Rodgers. They honored Freddie well and some of the video footage they showed brought me to tears. I must say that I loved, loved, loved singing Love of My Life with Brian in tribute to Freddie.

As for the surprising progress, after ripping Shadow again, I'm surprised to be this far along. It didn't seem like I'd done that much knitting this weekend. The ripping is kind of funny, I was knitting blisfully along Friday afternoon on the extremely long commute home (rain again) and realized that my counts were off. For half the rows, there were fewer stitches between the YOs and PSSOs. Hrrm. So I counted the beginning, that was right. Then I looked for but didn't see any obvious errors. Then I counted the rows. Somehow, I managed to inadvertently short row in the middle somewhere. I dunno what happened! I thought about putting in a lifeline and only ripping back part, but decided that I wasn't so far along for all that and ripped it all out. I got back to about where I was by the time I went to bed Friday night (it was a really looooong commute, plus the play had two intermissions). Saturday, I placed the pocket and since I've been just slogging along to the armhole shaping. The orange thing in the pic is a stitch holder. Instead of binding off as the pattern called for at the pocket, I put the stitches on the holder to either graft the pocket flap or do a 3-needle bind-off. If it needs a bit more stability, I'll go back over with a needle and thread. I'm still liking this knit, but I want to be done already!

what I'm thinking ...

...Happy Birthday to my beloved Hubby. The BBB socks were a complete surprise for him. He had no idea. Hadn't even noticed me knitting with navy yarn.

...Why is it, when I tell you my son is on antibiotics and has been since Monday, you're still going to send him home for diarrhea, which is such a common side effect for oral antibiotics, if he has another messy one?

...Did you hear? It may actually stop raining tonight. We may get sunshine tomorrow!

...It's not so bad to rip out 6 rows when you've misplaced a yarn over.

...I've got no idea what I'm going to do for the guys' Christmas sweaters. I better decide soon!

rain, rain, go away

I spent over an hour on the bus going home last night. Fortunately, I was on time for picking up Billy and he had a great day. He was in total hug mode with the cute, college-age floater who was in his classroom yesterday afternoon. Apparently, he'd just radomly go over to her and give her a big hug. Yep, 20 months old and already a ladies man. He seems to be improving on his meds. Less coughing, no ear dripping, and very few side effects from the antibiotics. Big sigh of relief from this Mommy. He is still very sleepy. He yelled at me for taking him out of the crib this morning. Nebulizing means he gets to bed later and we have to get him up earlier. But, it also means I get some cuddle time. This morning, he leaned back against me and we snuggled the whole time. I really miss rocking him to sleep and having that daily snuggle with him. Now, he looks at you, tells you "sleep," and you better turn off the light, get him in the crib and turn on his music!

The long bus ride was good for one thing, sleeve one is done! I only had to finish up the cap shaping watching LOST last night. (Strange question, but did last night's episode seem oddly warm and fuzzy?) I hope these sleeves are long enough. This one went surprisingly quickly. I am now working on the pocket linings so I can start the front pieces. I didn't take a picture of those. Who wants to see 30 stitches x 49 rows in stockinette?

I do, however, have a picture of a recent amazon order. I got two picture books for Billy about biting and had to buy something else to get the free shipping. So, I got a knitting book. (Hubby said, of course you did, when I explained that I only got the knitting book so I'd be eligible for free shipping.) Of course, he's not had an "incident" since I placed the order (or since I started researching other local daycare options). My book should come in handy because I'm going to be knitting socks for my sisters!

Tonight it's just me and the kids. Hubby is going out with the guys from work. Tomorrow is his birthday and they're treating. I have to wrap presents tonight. I think the BBBs are still a surprise, but I'll find out tomorrow. I hope he likes the DVDs I got him. Two seasons of M*A*S*H and one season of Night Court. Now that he's so into DVDs of sitcoms from the 70s and 80s, it's a lot easier to shop for him! Hi DeepDiscountDVD!

Gee, it's going to be a long day. One irate employee has been in and out of my office three times already . Good thing I've got a stitchin' lunch to look forward to!

step away from the bedazzler!

I'd like to thank the Manolo for posting this site on his blog. Whooo boy.

Thankfully, the site is an art school project.

rain, rain, cold, cold, rain

It was pouring down this morning as I trudged up the steps from the subway. Thank goodness for scaffolding or I would have been soaked coming into the office this morning. (The scaffolding is for the drilling the landlord has to do to make sure the masonry won't fall off the building and hit someone. NYC law requires regular masonry checks. I don't think the city cares about our going deaf from noise.)

The rain also meant that traffic was a bear this morning, which meant I got a lot of progress done on the Shadow sleeve as long as I could keep my eyes open. You know how it is, gray and cold and all you want to do is sleep. Anyway, I've gotten to the final set of decreases. I think I may have found an error in the pattern. I cast-on 71, as directed. Working the chart has you decrease 8 total stitches in the final row, taking you down to 63 stitches (71-8=63), but the pattern says you should have 65 stitches. It took me a few minutes to figure out that I hadn't mis-read or mis-knit anything. I thought I only had to increase five times to the final 75 stitch width, but when I counted after the fourth set, I was a few stitches short. I have to increase 6 times for 12 stitches instead of 5 times for 10 stitches like the pattern implies (implies because in Rowan fashion, there is no direction for how many increases/decreases). Whatever, not a big deal. I'm hoping to have this sleeve done tonight or tomorrow (only 3 more inches to the sleeve cap) and then I'm off to pocket linings.

Having a deadline is definitely keeping me on task. I'm thinking about other things, but it's not hard to talk myself out of picking something up. I really want to see if I can rip my sonnet out and turn the Summerwind into something like this. Now, it may seem weather inappropriate as winter is fast approaching, but my office is often in the 80s in the winter and a cute, cotton sweater might be comfortable. And wouldn't it be cheery to work on the bright yarn right now?

busy Columbus Day, but no stash re-org

Sorry to say, life took over yesterday and my stash re-org will have to wait. I know you were all waiting for pics of my yarn. I'll get to it eventually, like when I need my closet back.

So yesterday went like this: I wound up getting up later than usual (thanks Billy for sleeping in), dawdled about taking him to day care (he had breakfast at home), got stuck in traffic (apparently power line issues over the weekend), went to Curves (first workout in weeks), had to go back to day care with his blanket and sheet for nap time, bought some groceries (Netter's doing a serious diet here and bought supplies for the re-org that wasn't), cleaned the house (in-laws and out of town visitors over for pizza last night), dropped off an un-needed and not working cable box (it got fried sometime on Saturday during our power outages), took Billy to the doctor (urgh), went to the pharmacy (double-urgh), came home and nebulized (see the urghs) and then had a nice dinner and too much wine.

Never enough hours in the days off. Now why didn't I do the housework on one of the other days of my three-day weekend? I knew company was coming. I guess I was just too busy hanging out with the guys.

I did get the back of Shadow finished. See above.

I love that this yarn is so fine I can the whole project around and it doesn't take up much space in my tote.

I started a sleeve on Sunday. I held off on the fronts because I was hoping to have my sweater machine up and running to do some of the longer stretches of stockinette. That didn't happen.

So, the doctor yesterday. I had moved Billy's speech follow-up with the pediatrician to yesterday to help conserve the two vacation days I have remaining for the year. She thinks his 40 word vocabulary is sufficient for his age so he doesn't need therapy. Hubby was a bit concerned that I didn't push harder for a referral to help mollify daycare, but he could have come to the appointment if it meant that much to him. But, she did discover that he's got bronchitis (AGAIN, damned allergies) and really goopy ears (one is actually a little red). So, he's back on oral antibiotics, drops for his ears, and two drugs through the nebulizer. Thank Heaven for Baby Einstein. He just sits in my lap watching those videos and inhaling the meds (Baby Newton and Baby Bach seem to work best).

We're also working over time on some two-year molars (I can only assume that's what chewing on his thumb means). He did charm the socks off Hubby's aunt and uncle last night. Such a little ham, my boy is.

what I'm thinking ...

... I thought I slept better than I did. I'm exhausted.

... I can't read Crazy Aunt Purl's Thursday post because she recapped an episode of LOST I won't see until tomorrow.

... I've knit 17" on Shadow, and have 7" more to the armhole shaping. I'm nuts if I think I'm getting this sweater done in time.

... What's a girl got to do to get comments around here? Two FOs this week and I feel like I'm alone and barking in the wilderness. (Granted, one FO was a pair of really boring socks and the other wasn't great pictures.)

... I bet my stash diving and re-organizing gets comments. Just for the sheer size of the pile.

... I'm a bit disturbed that it seems Billy's biting isn't acting out anger or frustration. It seems it's become a thing he does just because.

Fillie's debut

Fillie makes her debut today. Here is the embarassing bathroom shot (taken at work because I forgot my camer here, please disregard the bad hair day):
So, the details. The pattern is Knitting Pure and Simple's Summer Cardigan (top-down raglan). I used a different weight yarn than called for so had to do a little math at the start. I also modified the neckline so that it was lower and wider in the front. The yarn is Capricorne by Phildar, one of my more recent eBay purchases. The buttons are plastic, vintage that I bought at Stitches. I started 8/31 and finished 10/4. Not bad. I wish I could have made the body a little bit longer, but I've got less than half a ball of yarn left. I decided to try to take a self-time shot in my office (with the door closed), what do you think?

Hmm, I guess I must think that's my good side! I was a little worried about the yarn being primarily yellow (I don't like myself in yellow), but there's enough orange and pink that it looks very peachy.

In other knitting, Shadow is now 12". Yeah, not much progress yesterday. Hubby and I went to the Devils game (pounded the Penguins 5-1), so knitting time was curtailed. I just don't dare try to bring my needles into an arena or stadium, although I know a lot of other knitters do. Tonight, much knitting time watching CBS (after Miss Molly gets a bath). And tomorrow, Hubby's going to the Yankee game so it's all me and my knitting after Billy goes to bed.

Ah, Billy. He didn't even try to bite anyone yesterday. But, we still have a conference with the one or the other director of the day care (tonight at 6 if we can make it, if not tomorrow at 7 am). They want to get to the "bottom of the problem," even though it's lessening. Hubby was told that kicking him out would be a last resort. Here's hoping he decides not to bite anyone today either. (I will be pointing out that his one incident this week occurred after he was bitten.)

>>insert witty blog entry title here<<

Shadow grows. I added about five inches yesterday evening and this morning (mostly yesterday evening). She's at 9 1/2". Only 14 1/2" to go until I bind off for the arm holes. At the rate I'm going, I'll get to the armholes some time this weekend. Why did I decide to make a dk weight, hip-length sweater?

Vogue Knitting (or whoever the publisher is) has their offices in the same building as my company. This morning, I was working on a row of Shadow in the elevator when a VK employee was riding as well. She complimented it and asked how I found the Rowan directions (I had told her where the pattern was from). I said not that bad, but it's a simple pattern. I did say that I thought Kim Hargreaves wrote good patterns.

I'm seriously mulling the Boys' Christmas sweaters. I'm going to knit them, and from the yarn I bought, but I'm not really sure if I want to make the Patons pattern. I think it might be way too busy for Hubby. Maybe this one or this one instead. I think I definitely want to do the fishie cable for Billy, but I'm not really sure.

It's got to be the Addis

I'm so glad I did spring for the Addi Turbos for Mom's shadow. Look at all I've gotten done since lunchtime yesterday. I cast on after lunch and surprisingly managed all 145 stitches the first time! I used the long-tail cast-on since the pattern called for purled garter stitch. I got the four purl rows done before the bus ride home (who knew the Addis would make 145 stitches fly so fast?). I was worried about starting the chart, thinking I'd never be able to keep my place on the bus, but I was able to memorize the intervals of knit stitches between the yarn overs and sl2 k1 p2sso and ta-da, I had the 17 chart rows done before bed last night. I knit a bit on it waiting for "Back to School Night" (B2SN) to get going. (I so desperately wanted to whip it out during the meeting while other parents yammered on about binkies and what little Suzy won't eat, but figured that would be rude.) Surprisingly, I only made 2 errors on the chart. I misplaced a yarn-over which I fixed after a few rows and on one section the decreases don't travel a straight line, but I decided to just leave that. Who's going to notice? I'm really loving this knit and I'm glad to have mindless stockinette for baseball playoffs. I'm not sure how I'll feel after 24" of it, though!

I did sew the buttons on Fillie last night, so she's officially an FO. I'm still planning to wear her to work Thursday, so I'll have photos to post then. I will need to tighten up the button holes a bit. My 1 x 1 ribbing is really loose (I used the 7s so it wouldn't pull in much) and the holes are a little big for the buttons.

Surprisingly, Hubby didn't think I was out of my mind when I told him I was going to knit up some vegetables.

B2SN was interesting. No one mentioned the biting, which meant no spontaneous Netter combustion. We did speak to the lead in the classroom after the meeting and they're shadowing him and it does seem to be getting better. Although, she did mention that she's seen him bite himself. What's up with that? He's working on his 2-year molars because he's chewing his fingers, but she said he actually bit himself. They asked for suggestions on art projects and that we donate project supplies like yarn. Hubby kneed me there. I think I'll be weeding out my acrylic odd balls and sending them off to school next week! We definitely left there reminded about how great Billy is 95% of the time. Hopefully, once he's fully adjusted to the new class, the biting will stop.

Here's a shot of the eyelets on Shadow, just for fun.

Garden-along?

I'm going to have to make these veggies from the newest Magknits. Anyone want to join me?

note to self, re: Addis

Yeah, next time I want to drop a chunk of change on Addis, I should go over to Herrschners and save myself nearly $5 a pair. I could have saved 50 cents a pair going to Purl instead of the Point, but I really liked the Point. Moral of the story, plan ahead!

FO weekend!

I finished up the BBB socks on the bus home Friday night. Here they are fresh from their on the office floor, with flash, photo shoot. (Why yes, we did have a beautiful sunny weekend in NJ. Why didn't I get some natural light shots? I guess because I'm still thinking they might be a surprise.) For the specs, I started these 9/4 and finished 9/30. They were knit on 4 US3 DPNs in Phildar Preface. I think they're not going to wear too well, the fabric's not very dense, but I was concerned about the yardage and the foot size. Next pair I knit of the Preface, I'm going down to US2s. I followed the same basic pattern I used for the first pair of Hubby socks, but I winged the heel a bit. It's a pretty basic short-row heel like on the BMG footies. I hope he likes them. They went a lot faster than I thought they would.

I also wove in the last ends on Fillie last night. I almost had the sweater finished Saturday night, but somehow dropped a stitch on the button hole band and ripped it out. (It was only two rows and it was getting late and I just wanted to cuddle with Molly.) I just have to sew on the buttons tonight and I'll get a photo shoot in. We're planning another stitching lunch on Thursday, so I'm going to wear her to work.

I started swatching for my mom's birthday sweater. I got gauge on the third needle I tried. Unfortunately, I don't have a US7 circ I really like anymore (my favorite disappeared at Stitches), so I'm going to The Point at lunch to see if they have what I think I want and if not I'll stop at Purl. So, I'm going to be a one-knit gal for a while. Totally concentrated on Mom's sweater. I'm using some Rowan DK soft in a lovely rose color. And it's going to be Shadow from the Calmer collection. I love Kim Hargreaves's designs in this book. I want to eventually knit them all!

It was a fun weekend. Billy and I went to the playground both mornings. We had a great time at our friend's son's first birthday party. Billy was spectacular, especially with no nap. It was great to be with him with so many kids. Now, if only he'd get over this darn cough!

what i'm thinking

... it's not good when hubby and Billy throw temper tantrums at the same time.

... I really want to start working on F-i-L's birthday sweater, but his birthday isn't until March.

... I need to clean out my closet. It took 5 minutes to get a sweater off the top shelf because the floor of my closet is covered in yarn, yarn, and more yarn.

... I really like the other stitchers in the office.

... I need a nap.

... If it's only in the 40s outside, do we need to run our air conditioner all night?(actually, I was thinking that at 4 am this morning.)

... What size needles do I need for my Mom's birthday sweater and do I have them?

I love yarn

I get excited just thinking about all the yummy stuff I bought at Stitches. And to think it was all deeply on sale except for the Tess Designs stuff (but that special one of a kind thing you expect to pay more for). Here it is in bags (the bottom left one is the ASC I won on eBay which arrived right before Stitches).

Here are some individual balls from each purchase. The Tess is in the upper left-hand corner. That's going to be a tank for me. I bought 3 hanks. Going clockwise, the 501 Tweed I got at Webs along with the Jo Sharp Soho Summer. 20 balls of each and for me again. Both are DK and lovely plummy colors. Under the Jo Sharp is one skein each of red and navy cotton fleece. I have three skeins of red and five skeins of blue. I'm definitely thinking something for Billy. (I don't know many other people who could carry red and blue together without looking silly.) Below the cotton fleece is the ASC in orange and white. I have 12 balls of that. I was originally thinking about Billy, but the orange is a bit deeper than it looks here (and looked on eBay). Right in the middle there is Hubby's Debbie Bliss Aran Tweed. I have 20 balls. As soon as he saw it, he asked for a sweater in it. How can I deny my love? He asked for a mock turtleneck, I'm thinking raglan and ribbed. Under the Aran tweed are three skeins of Orchid Line Soft Spun Wool (wool and silk blend). I have three skeins of beige, three of dark green and two burgundy (I think that's the break down). Those are definitely going to be F-i-L's birthday sweater in '06.

Whew.

I didn't get around to a fillie shot yesterday (Billy was cranky after a short nap) and didn't make any progress on it either). However, I did snap a progress pic of BBB. As you can see, I'm mid-slog to the toe.

Wednesday, at home, with the Boy

So, I’m sitting at home today. Billy’s ear was gunky yesterday and he’s had a bad cough. He also was not himself last night so I figured I’d take him to the Dr. Hubby thought she might not have office hours on Wednesday. Of course he was right, she’s not in the office today. Oh well. I called the ENT’s office and we’ve got a scrip for drops for his ears (although no goop since he's been home). The nurse at the Dr’s also recommended Robitussin DM for his cough. If he doesn’t show some improvement by Friday, I’ll see about having someone look at him. We don’t want another case of bronchitis.

He also had 2 instances of biting yesterday, but I’m blaming that on not feeling well.

I did have the opportunity to take some pics of my Stitches haul this afternoon (also included my last eBay win). I’ll post them tomorrow (camera cord is in the office).

I have some progress to report. I finished one sleeve of Fillie last night and have started on sleeve two. I may have an FO soon. I’ll post a progress pic of her tomorrow, too.

BBB’s been languishing a bit. I started reading Yarn Harlot on the way home last night and left the sock in my bag. Tell him to stop looking at me like that, it’s not my fault I didn’t get a seat on the subway.

Forgot to mention yesterday that we met our new neighbors Monday night. He (code name R) is an electrical contractor in Queens and they moved to Cranford from Maplewood because their teenage daughter (code name A) is an Irish dancer. (Apparently the Deirdre Shea school in the middle of town is pretty good. And our school system is better, too.) They are a family of 5, an older boy who I haven’t met yet and a two-and-a-half year old girl (S) along with A. The wife is named C. Didn’t catch if she works. They seem very nice, liked Molly and said we should do something when they get settled in. I’m so happy there’s a younger kid in the neighborhood now. We have a lot of kids, but most are school age and wouldn’t be interested in Billy.

Wouldn't it be great if C knits?

Stitches, Stash and the Harlot

Stitches was all a girl could ask for (although, some ladies said the market used to be BIGGER). My classes were great. Jean Frost, Sally Mellville, Candace Eisner-Strick and Margaret Fisher are awesome instructors. I now know that sleeves aren’t so hard (if you know how to measure), intarsia can be loved (although I’m not sure about the last design suggestions), knitting backwards isn’t all that hard (neither are short-rows or crochet cast-ons), and cutting out a row and adding more in a sweater is a snap (and not nearly as scary as it sounds). My design class was a bit of a disappointment, but I’ve got a good grounding in the basics and some good general tips on sizing. I met some very nice knitters and had a great time hanging out with Hubby.

I shopped. Oh yes, I shopped. There were bargains to be had! I only really splurged on one purchase, some hand-dyed microfiber ribbon. It’s so soft and yummy, I almost want to sleep on it. I also got some Debbie Bliss Aran Tweed in red (which Hubby has claimed), some Filature di Crosa 501 Tweed, Jo Sharp Soho Summer, Cotton Fleece, and a wool whose name I have forgotten. Once it gets sunny and I have time, I’ll take some photos and walk you through. I bought a few books, At Knits End (to replace the one Molly snacked on), Yarn Harlot, Jean Frost’s Jackets book, and Sally Mellville’s The Knitting Experience 3: Color. I also got some cool vintage buttons (those made Hubby’s eyes pop when he saw the prices). All in all Hubby was very cool about the purchases (especially after I told him I’d make him something from the DB Aran Tweed), but a strict No Yarn policy is in effect.

I met the Harlot. I was such a dork. It was Friday afternoon, she’d been signing for a little while and surprisingly there were only a couple of ladies in line. So as I waited, Monika, from Germany who wears the most beautiful sweaters with amazing color gradations she creates by plying 6 strands together, walked by and Stephanie mentioned the sweaters and I, of course, blurted out that Monika had been in my class and that she’d plied the yarn herself. Then Stephanie talked with Monika. When it was my turn, I had her sign Harlot and told her that I’d had to buy a second copy of At Knits End because my dog really liked the first one. She graciously joked about cross-species appeal and didn’t point out what a dork I was. She was really great. I wish I’d bought tickets to see her speak.

In other news, Billy has not bit anyone since Wednesday (cross your fingers), although his cold has moved into his chest. Hubby started out well at the poker tables, then tanked. I’ve turned the heel and finished the gusset on the second BBB sock. I’ve also gotten half-way through a sleeve on Fillie.

My mind is racing with ideas for the new yarns I bought. I’m barely even thinking about Mom’s birthday sweater and the huge, massive, insanity-provoking sweater project for my boys for Christmas. But, that’s the way it goes, isn’t it?

sock says good bye to AC

I think the sock enjoyed it's time down the shore. Here he is admiring the view from our hotel room.

I don't have time this morning to write all about Stitches (about how great the classes are, what a dork I was when I met the Harlot, how much yarn I bought). I'll try to get to it tomorrow. Besides, I don't have pictures of the newest stashquisitions and I know you want to see the yarn.

auto-tagging

Rules:

1. Go into your archive.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
5. Tag five some other people to do the same.

Besides the soreness and the boredom, the weather can't decide if it's still winter or not.

Makes for an interesting quote, doesn't it?

I tagged myself over at Booga J. Anyone want the MEME?

In other news, I have completed the cuff on the second BBB sock. I know, let's through a party. (And I completed the 1 x1 2" cuff with the leftover yarn from ball 1, could have made BBB #1 longer!) I've also completed the body of Fillie and not touched her since. And I've completed 5 of 8 homework swatches. I need to finish 3 more tonight and block 3.

So far, so good; no calls from daycare. Hubby and I had a rough night of it. He's not a "natural" father and these things hit him deep. I'm just hoping Billy was keyed-up from the weekend and will be more himself the next few days.

all whine and no gratitude

I want to thank Susan and Yarngirl for their support on my last bummer of a post. Hopefully, the koigu is a pick-me-up for everyone (me, too), and not just a distraction!

unfortunately, not more Koigu

So, I’m debating a long post. I need to vent a bit, so I think I’ll start with Billy and the biting and see where that takes me. (And if it’s long, so be it. You’ve missed me for the last four days, I’m sure.)

The last three days he’s been in day care, Billy has had 8 biting incidents (not counting the five times today that his lead care giver was able to stop him).

After staying home with him yesterday because he had snotty eyes—which is as gross as it sounds—because day care would have just sent him home as soon as they noticed, and taking him to the doctor and the pharmacy, I didn’t need to get called out of the office at 11:25 to pick him up because he’s a little terror. I had barely gotten through all 130+ e-mails, moved one issue, and had a 30 minute conference call with my boss and a free lancer.

So, I’ve got a call in with the pediatrician’s office (after her nurse suggested my husband and I bite him back, WTF???) and he can go back to day care tomorrow, but if he’s a problem, hubby’s dealing. I’ve done some research online about aggressive behavior but it’s all stuff they/we already do (and I love that I’m supposed to get my barely verbal 19-month-old to tell me why he bit little Johnny). They watch him closely, they give him time outs, and he gets rewarded for good behavior. His lead said this afternoon it’s like he waits until he knows they aren’t watching and then he bites.

I just don’t know what to do. I hope the doctor has some useful advice. Perhaps it’s time we called in some professional help, but what can you do with a kid his age? He can’t tell you why he has to have the toy the other kid is playing with. I guess we need to start helping him with delayed gratification. Of course, when I deny him something, he throws himself backwards and screams. He doesn’t bite me when he’s mad. When he tries to bite me, it’s more of a play thing than anger.

Tomorrow, I’ve got to get further caught up on my projects, meet with 8 staff members about their end of year projects, and complete a couple of reports. Helpfully, my assistant manager has been out sick the last couple of days, too.

Oh, and I left my cell phone on the bus. The lady who found it said she was going to mail it to me. Once I get it back, I’m going to call her and get her address and reimburse her for the postage. I hope I have the phone back beforeThursday, it will make coordinating with Hubby much easier.

Because Thursday, we drop Billy off at day care and drive south to Atlantic City and Stitches East. I love my son, but I’m looking forward to three days without him. Three days of knitting, knitters and all the yarn I can carry. I don’t love my job, but I do think it will be coming to AC with us. I hope there’s a hot spot somewhere so I can get a little bit of work done. I’m falling ever farther behind.

Maybe tomorrow, if I have time, I’ll write about knitting or yarn or something.

Koigu distraction

I'm posting this picture to distract you from the fact that I don't have a real post and don't know when I'll have a real post.

Quick question, though. How is this corals?

kitchen knit

We had a lunchtime stitch today. One of my colleagues sent around an e-mail and three of us were able to get together. I finished sock one and will cast on sock 2 on the way home tonight. Again, the socks were unduly admired. It's the one thing, I think, that looks harder to knit than it is!

not so good kitchener and worse news

I didn't get the toe of the BBB sock finished last night. I finished it this morning. And then I ripped it out. Somehow, I messed up the grafting and wound up with a perfectly round hole in the toe where there are supposed to be two seamless lines of VVVV. Bummer.

In worse bummer news, my younger sister is facing a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. Apparently she's been having pain in some of her joints and had some blood work. Some values were more than 4 Xs the normal levels. (Not quite sure which, communication isn't one of her strong suits and I've received the info second hand from Dad.) So, she'll be going to a rheumatologist soon. Dad thinks he may go with her and thinks she'll be referred to the one he's seen for his osteoarthritis (not many specialists in NW VT). They've put her on Celebrex for now.

They also passed along the news that one of my dearest cousins and his wife of 8 years are splitting up. Apparently, they're still very good friends, but have realized the marriage isn't working. Unfortunately, they do have a little girl, but I know they will be very grown up about the whole situation.

In good news, Mom and Dad look good and Billy warmed up to them quickly (even crying when my mom left him to me for his bath). In better news, we're going to the Stones tonight and Billy and I will be spending all day tomorrow with my parents (I'm stuck at work today for lack of vacation days). And tomorrow night we get to have the best fish and chips on this side of the Atlantic (and maybe even buy Billy some Scottish mementos for his first trip to Argyle and the Piper's Cove).

I worked a bit on Fillie last night. I'm through six balls of yarn. I figure the seventh will take me through the end of the body and ribbing for the bottom and neckline. Then it's off to sleeve island (but not so bad because they're top-down and there will be no seaming!).

so totally effin stoked

Someone, she who has the larger stash than me and no guilt about buying new yarn and a husband who understands the compulsion (scroll way down to on tour part of post), will be at Stitches East all weekend! I think I may have to get tickets to dinner!!!!

much sock progress

I didn't knit at all yesterday at lunch. I did have the sock in my purse, but KG and I spent so much time chatting and catching up it didn't see the light of day until the bus ride home.

It was so great to see her. Lunch was fun and then I spent the rest of the afternoon squiring her around the office. I loved telling people that her baby was 22" at birth. She's about 5' even and it's hard to imagine a baby that long scrunched up in her. I'm 5'4" and was ridiculously uncomfortable (feet under my ribs) with a 21 1/2" baby!

I did get a lot of knitting done on the foot of the sock on the ride home last night and while watching TV (House and Rockstar:INXS). Sock and I had a morning shoot waiting for the bus. I tried it on and I could probably start the toe right now if the socks were for me (granted they bag alot around the ankles for me), but Hubby's feet are a bit longer. I think I should be able to start the toe tonight, though. And second sock tomorrow!

Hubby's birthday is one month from today. So this morning, I asked Billy (where Hubby could over hear) what we should get Daddy for his birthday. Billy, of course, didn't respond. Hubby said not to bother getting him anything because he does a good job spoiling himself (see all the tickets he's bought this summer), but that I could knit him another pair of socks. I said that wouldn't be much of a surprise. I don't know if he's clued into what my bus knitting has been lately, but I'm not telling!

super secret socks

That sounds a lot better than boring blue birthday socks, doesn't it? Still the same pair of socks. But with more excitement because I turned the heel yesterday. Here is the first BBB in it's flash-photography glory. I'm nearly finished the gusset and then it's the slog to the toes. This sock looks really big to me right now. Hubby's green socks were knit on US1 DPNs and I used a lot of yarn. Since I have less of the Preface, I decided to go with a more fluid fabric and went up to US3s. Nice drape, not sure how it's working out. I just hope the darn things fit! (Maybe I should split the difference and knit sock 2 on 2s.)

In other news, I knit two more rows on Fillie and had to go to bed right after the Rockstar recap repeat. Huge sneezing fit, congestion, watery eyes. Ah, hayfever. I felt much better after a few hours sleep. Hubby thinks it's something in the basement-TV room, but I'm not sure because I've gotten the attacks elsewhere. And I've vacuumed in there. I just hope it goes away soon. I really wanted to get Fillie done to wear her at Stitches, but I've got at least 6" on the body and then the sleeves and bands. I don't think it's going to happen. I really need to start my homework swatches and then BBBs are due for 10/14 and I'd like to have mom's sweater (not even started yet) in time for her birthday 10/26. (I know it probably won't happen, but a girl can dream. And it will be impressive if I'm not 7 months late like last time.)

My friend KG is coming into the city today. We're going to go have lunch. I haven't seen her since February when she moved home to Long Island and started her new job. She just had a baby a few weeks ago. (Sent the package out to them just in time.) I'm so excited to see her! But, I don't know if I'll get to knit on the BBBs at lunch at all.

weekend fun

What a weekend. Thursday was fun even though the Yankees lost to Tampa Bay, again! We did take a walk through Monument Park. We haven't been in that part of the Stadium in years. It was crowded! On Friday, the company picnic was fun, but even though I dragged my knitting to and fro, Fillie didn't see the light of day. I found out that I'm getting a nice bonus for 10-years of service to the company. It's going to cover yarn and Stitches and more yarn! Friday night we had dinner and I bathed Billy and knit while watching the Yankees beat the Red Sox.

Saturday we got up and dropped Billy and Molly off at the in-laws and sat in traffic trying to get to the Yankee game. Much knitting of Fillie was done in the car. I separated for the sleeves. We watched the Yankees get spanked, left early and went to the in-laws. Made for a pretty short trip skipping out early (it was 8-1). Had a nice dinner with them and played in the yard with B and Molly. Then it was home and early bed for everyone.

Yesterday, we got up and went to church. I helped one of the ladies decipher a sock pattern during coffee hour. MiL and FiL took Billy home with them and Hubby and I went home to get ready for the Giants game. That was fun, but HOT! Oh my. Our seats were in the sun and I think I sweated 10 lbs away! We got home and Billy was in bed and I went to bed by 9:30. All that fresh air and sunshine got me beat. Anyway, more knitting occured in the car (to and from church and to and from the game) and at the tailgate (listening to the Yanks and watching the Jets on our little TV). Here's Fillie this morning. I've got to measure to see how much longer until I get to finish the body. It's going much better now that I've separated for the sleeves. My fingers definitely feel better, too.

Whew, what a weekend! Hubby and I had another heart-to-heart about the stashing. (Friday, he came home and I was writing the checks for my last two eBay wins.) We also had to talk about it Saturday when my last Herrschners order arrived. (He thought I was trying to sneak that one past him, but I explained it was supposed to be a surprise.) I'll buy what I want at the market at Stitches and then no more yarn until '06. I really need to stick to this. My closet is so crammed with yarn that I can't get to my clothes! Here's the Lana Grossa haul. Colors seem pretty accurate.

It's going to be another crazy week chez Netter. Tomorrow night, hubby's going to see the Stones with a buddy, then Wednesday, my parents come down for a visit*. Thursday, we all go to the Stones together. Friday, I'm hanging with them and we're going to dinner with the in-laws and her parents who are coming up from SC for a visit this weekend, too. Saturday is up in the air. Sunday, we've got church and a pancake breakfast, then Hubby and FiL go to the Jets home opener. Whew!

*That reminds me, I have to get the clean laundry out of the guest room, Again!

I've been missing The Point

Dude, why haven't I realized that this mecca of knitterly goodness is only 3/10 of a mile from my office? Why, why, why? Next week, I'm going there. And right now, I'm signing up for the newsletter.

4 skeins of KPPPM

So, I won this auction. With shipping I'm paying over $11 per skein, but it's Koigu and a discontinued color so I don't care! Question is, what can I make with 4 skeins of Koigu? According to Elann, there's this, this, or this. Yummy! Looks like my first lace project!

I have to update the side bar with my recent stashquisitions. I haven't yet add the 34 balls of Lambswool I bought last week.

I think I'm going to go all out and design my own aran for the boys. Isn't that nuts!?! Yep, but they say love makes you crazy. And what's more love than my boys and my knitting?

The BBB sock looks like yesterday, but a little longer. I've hit that part where you keep knitting and the project never gets measurably longer. Ugh. I'm hoping to start the heel flap if I get to knitting group this afternoon.

Hubby asked me this morning to not bring knitting needles to the Stadium tonight, so the BBB socks will languish here by their lonesomes until Monday. (Not coming to the office tomorrow because we have our picnic!) That means I'll be focusing on Fillie all weekend, which is good. Between the allergies and the Molly I didn't get much done on her last night. Hard to knit while visciously sneezing or rescuing shoes.

Oh, the new Knitty is up. Great patterns, haven't looked at the articles yet.

I think I answered wrong...

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

sock progress

Here is the BBB in its boring, blue glory. The knit rounds went surprisingly fast on the way in this morning. It seemed like I was constantly moving my stitch marker. But, that's good. I figure I'm over half done the leg. I'm looking forward to the excitment of the heel. (We won't think about the boring stretch that is the foot!)

I worked on Fillie last night watching RockStar (I think JD was back on his game and Marty was outstanding, I think Suzie is good but not right for INXS, I don't think MiG did his best, and I think Jordis is next to go). My hands started hurting a bit. Mostly the ring and pinkie fingers on my left hand. I throw, so the left hand just holds the needle. Switching off to the sock this morning helped some. I'm only about 12 rows from separating the sleeves from the body. I'm really looking forward to the shorter rows (although, I will miss the yarn overs). Maybe having fewer stitches smooshed onto the circ will help my fingers!

Busy week this week, chez Netter and Hubby. Tomorrow we're going to the Yankee game (it's knit cap night), Friday is my company picnic (employees only), Saturday afternoon we're going to the Yankees again (Boston coming in), and Sunday we're going to the Giants home opener. I hope Billy doesn't get sick of Grammy and Granddad! I can't wait for next week, my parents are coming down and we're going to see the Stones! WOot!

My Herrschner's package shipped. I am anticipating a big box on my step when I get home from the picnic Friday afternoon. How exciting!

effin' coment spammers

So, I had to turn on word verification. Comment spammers finally found my little corner of the blog-o-sphere. I hate to make my few, but loyal, comments jump through hoops, but there you are.

allergies

So, yeah, whatever it is I'm allergic to this time of year's been kicking my butt (according to weather.com, it's weeds). Huge sneezing fits; exhaustion; runny nose; red, watery and itchy eyes. Yuck! Poor Hubby, he's got tightness in his chest and he's been blowing his nose a bit, too. P'rhaps Billy melted so much last night because he's feeling like us. M-I-S-E-R-A-B-L-E! Please don't let any of us get as sick as we were in the Spring. I don't have enough sick days left (not to mention I don't want the headaches).

long weekend = long post

Before I start with the drivel about my life, I just want to say that the events in the Gulf over the last week have been overwhelming. It's not so much the natural disaster that makes me think "not here, not now," as the dithering and dallying our government exhibited until Friday. If we can get news cameras and reporters into places, we should be able to get water and food and basic necessities to people. What's the point of endless nation-building in Iraq if we have thousands of people dying in their own homes because our government waited four days.

Hubby and I will be giving, we haven't decided how much and to whom, yet. Please do the same. I know those people and their loved ones are in our hearts and prayers. We will lift them up and help them rebuild their lives.

As for my weekend, it was fun, mournful, aggravating, and full of sneezes.

I took the PATH home Thursday night to meet Hubby at our car. I decided to use the WorldTrade Center stop to pick up the train because it's closest to my office and easily reachable by subway. It was the first time I'd been down there in four years. I've not been to the Trade Center since well before the attacks. It was so wrong to see daylight when walking from the subway to the PATH platform. To be blinded by sunglare waiting for the train. For those of you unfamiliar with the station, it seems like it's miles underground while you ride the escalator down. You shouldn't be able to see blue sky from there.

It was a quiet ride back to Jersey and the car. I sat and waited for Hubby and enjoyed the sun as I came back to 2005.

We quickly segued into the good stuff, though. Green Day rocked. It was a great show. I highly recommend.

Friday, I picked up B and we did some back to school shopping for him and me. Hit some sales at the mall. He was so cute, wanting to push the stroller around. When we got back to the car and I put him in his car seat, he said "sleep?" He's been doing that a lot lately, telling us when it's time to go to bed. When we got home and he was down for his nap, I baked some cookies for our dinner at the Pastor's. That was a fun time. Billy loved the other kids (6, 4, and 15 months), actually wailing when they left. He also really likes the Pastor's dogs, calling one a "good dog."

I crashed shortly after we got home. These allergies are just knocking me flat. Saturday was Curves, and errands, and a quick trip to the salon. Then dinner at Romano's Macaroni Grill. Yumm-o. Sunday, it was Billy and me and Molly. Billy and I made a quick trip to the playground where he decided that climbing up and down the stairs to the slide was way more fun than the slide. Then he napped and I started Hubby's socks. After he got up, we went to visit the in-laws and go to their town pool. Billy's still not a huge fan of the water, but we got him to get his feet wet. We had dinner and watched a little tv. I worked a couple more rounds on the sock. We got home and I put him to bed and flipped channels till Hubby got home. Then I was in bed early again. Yesterday was mostly sitting around at home. Billy had a huge meltdown at dinner. I think he was very off due to being out of day care for 5 days. Knitting consisted of some of the sock and more of Fillie. She's the designated TV knit now and the sock is commute knitting (if I ever get a seat again). I'm hoping to have her done to wear at Stitches in 2 weeks.

And if you waded through all of that, you deserve a prize! I don't have one, but I do promise pics of progress for tomorrow.

what I'm thinking, visually

This is what I'm thinking for my guys. Well, it's the colors, have to order the pattern. I think I'll be tweaking the cables. I don't like the double in the middle. I wonder if I would be able to manage just one of the smaller cables and then halve it up each side of the v-neck? Or maybe I'll completely change up the chart. Who knows. Depends on how frisky I'm feeling!

Mondo, huge, ginormous, insane idea

So, Herrschner's has Lana Grossa Lambswool on sale this week. $2.97 for 174 yards. Lots of colors, though no red, black, or white. I'm thinking I'll get some to knit sweaters for Billy and Hubby. Matching, cable pullovers (these to be exact). My first thought was navy body with red and white trim. Since there's no red and white, I'm going with gray and light teal. I need 34 balls. Is he going to have a fit? Will I be able to finish in time for Christmas? Am I completely insane? (Let's remember that my father's birthday is four days after Christmas and I've started that whole parents birthday sweater tradition.) Well, if they're not done for Christmas, they'll be for later in the winter (or Billy's birthday on Ground Hog's day). I'm going for it. I may just have to skip the Market at Stitches in three weeks! At first, I was thinking I'd do Knicks scarves for them for Christmas, but Hubby's not a scarf guy (I was going to use Marnie's pattern from the new MagKnits, go check it out!).

In other news, here's the start of Fillie. Colors are rather washed out in the flourescent light. I'm digging her so far. Hope she looks good on (I'm usually not flattered by yellow).

She came to work with me today because I want to knit tonight on the way to Green Day and I'm thinking I'll see if I can keep hubby's BBB socks on the DL for a while. The BBB socks are just a swatch right now. But, that's okay. Hubby's gone all day Sunday for his fantasy football draft. I should be able to get a little bit of sock knitting in (I can always plop Billy in front of Baby Einstein for a while, I know I'm a bad mom).

I think I've got my fall knitting determined (this for Mom in the Rowan DK soft, due 10/26), something for my Dad for his birthday (maybe a felted bucket hat?), and the guy's sweaters. I was thinking I might do socks for my sisters for Christmas, but I don't know if I'll fit them in.

Wish me luck, okay?

startitis, well maybe not

I really did make some progress on Hubby's Boring Blue Birthday socks last night. Then I dropped a stitch this morning, decided the cast-on looked frilly and ripped the whole thing out. Depending on the ride home tonight, I may get back to where I was.

I did really cast on a version of Millie for myself. I was trying to think up a cute name for it, keeping with the -illie theme. Cillie (for Millie in Capricorne) didn't work, but I think Fillie does. The F is because she is FUNKAY and illie is because I'm lame. But, I think I'm really going to like this sweater. I've made a few mods to the neckline. Mostly intentional, one unintentional. The yarn is soft and the fabric has nice drape. I'll try to get some pics for you tonight/tomorrow AM.

I debated between bringing Hubby's BBB socks and Fillie with me today, and the socks won. Now, I wish I'd brought Fillie. But, wifely duty says that I must work on the Hubby's socks. Before you know it, I'll be putting all aside for my Stitches homework and then for my Mom's birthday sweater! I can't believe tomorrow is September 1!

I also can't believe gas prices. Holy crap! The cheapest place in my town (I don't even want to think about Manhattan prices) went up 40 cents over night. Surprisingly, the more expensive places only went up 30 cents. I realize that 10% of refinery capacity is offline indefinitely, but does that justify a 15% increase in price? I'll believe it's not gouging when I see that gas company profits and dividends have decreased at all. Granted, George Will tells us that gas prices really aren't that bad. Of course, I don't see an analysis of oil company profits compared to inflation or the fact that most wages in this country are stagnant. Or that gas prices have gone up more than the rate of inflation. I like how he discusses the unemployment rate. Is that nominal unemployment (the number of people who've applied for unemployment compensation) or actual (people who really don't have jobs and can't get one)?

Sorry for getting all political. It's just that once in a while it gets my goat.

Of weight and wool

Thanks for the support ladies (Susan, Esther and Lolly). I know I'm in a pretty big boat with the weight situation. And I know what I'm supposed to do to bail myself out (exercise and watch my portions), but it's so much work!

I really need to start watching what I eat. So far, it's been pretty easy to keep Billy eating healthy, but as he gets older, he's going to be more aware of what's going in my mouth (and Hubby's). Being a good mom is more important to me than what size I wear or eating whatever the heck I want. Hubby and I were both thin kids and I want Billy to stay healthy.

So, I brought my lunch today (always helps to keep the portions under control and I included two fruits) and I'm going to go to Curves tonight after work. Fortunately, we don't keep too much junk food in the house, so snacking isn't too much of an issue. The problem is getting one of us to cook. Most nights, we'd rather go to the diner or get take out. First bad habit that needs to be broken! I did cook last night, but with lots of cheese, it wasn't too healthy!

As for knitting, nothing happened last night. Sonnet's just not exciting me. I think it's going to be too small and right now she seems way too loud to me. I think I'll cast on for my Millie-type sweater tonight. I did try to start casting on for Hubby's boring Navy socks, but the back of the bus is way to bumpy for 1x1 ribbing on dpns! Maybe I'll get them started over lunch today.

I've been thinking a lot about this yarn lately. It was one of my eBay bargains last year. It's 100% wool from Phildar, chunky and loosely spun with a luscious sheen. Unfortunately, the royal blue's not my cup of tea. I've been thinking of overdyeing it (I love purple) and making a felted courier bag. I think I may have to get some kool aid this weekend and give it a go on a few skeins.

sloth and gluttony

I've been knitting on Sonnet lately. I've started the right front piece (or is it the left). Anyway, not a whole lot going on. I've been kind of lazy. Well, Saturday was eaten up by the MiL birthday extravaganza and yesterday was consumed by an allergy attack (all sneezing, no headache). I didn't even bring Sonnet to work with me. Figured I'd start hubby's blue socks or read, or, most likely, nap on the bus. These allergies have zonked me.

I brought a thing of almonds in for a snack today. One of those Emeral Nuts jars. It's 1/3 gone. I don't want anymore almonds today. Although, my mouth feels like crunching some more, but the thought of eating anything is making me sick.

I'm at my all-time heaviest weight. It's kind of sickening when I think about it. I'm 50 lbs heavier than when I got married five years ago and 40 lbs heavier than when I returned to work after having Billy 15 months ago. My all-time lowest weight is over 125 lbs back (and about 15 years ago in college). I really have to do something about it. I've been a member at Curves for nearly a year and have very little to show for it!

I want to buy more yarn. It will help battle that end of summer ennui so many bloggers are talking about. Won't it? Hubby did say to go ahead and get the supplies I need for my stitches homework. (Confirmation for it came Saturday.)

Got a coupon for these in Sunday's paper. I think they'll be super for stashing and/or big project bags!

Speaking of the birthday extravaganza, MiL loved Millie. I didn't get any pics and didn't bother blocking it. I know, lazy, lazy, lazy. She did wear her to church yesterday and I got beaucoup compliments. I'm getting quite the reputation as a knitter in those parts.

Trying to not take it personally

So, I got stood up yesterday. I knew one girl might not make it, her mom was in town and she said they might be doing lunch together. Our needlepointer e-mailed to say she'd forgotten her needlepoint and was buried with work. But, our two newest members just got overwhelmed and left me sitting by myself. Poor me. I also realized I'd forgotten to inform a crocheter who was interested. Trying to set up for next week. We'll see.

I did get lots of comments on Millie while I worked her button holes. I finished her up last night. I want to block out the yarn overs on the raglan shaping before I post finished pictures. The little mother of pearl buttons my sister helped me pick out look great. I'm very pleased. Hubby was concerned it would be a little short, but I think it will be fine. It's kind of waist-length. Which is nice over a tucked shirt. And since MiL is slim, she doesn't need to worry about camouflaging like I do. I think the cotton might grow a bit when being worn, too. It's made such nice fabric.

So, we've got a busy weekend planned. Tonight, Hubby and I go to "An Evening with Journey." MiL and FiL will babysit. The tomorrow morning, Billy gets a haircut and MiL and FiL meet us at the house and we all go to the shore. Since MiL's birthday is Tuesday, we're starting the celebration tomorrow and she loves the ocean. Then we're having takeout at our place and an ice cream cake. After Billy goes to sleep, her request is we play games. She loves to play board and card games but FiL's not a big fan. She says it's the best present we can give her. Meanwhile, she's getting Millie and a big surprise from Hubby and FiL that I was just filled in on last night. Seems they're sending her down to AC next month for a concert (FiL will be going with). Too much, she'll say.

Sunday, we're hosting breakfast at church again. I'll have to ask the pastor's wife if she wants us to bring anything to dinner next Friday. She's hosting us and another younger couple with children. (The night after Hubby and I go to see Green Day.)

Whew. I think I'll need a vacation.

I've been wanting to re-start the stalled pair of BMG's footies, but the hank of Koigu I washed is hopelessly tangled. I haven't had the time or patience to ball it up this week. Maybe this weekend. I did bring a ball of Navy Phildar Preface to start a new pair of socks for Hubby. I plan on working on Sonnet this weekend (on the car rides). After that, I'm starting a Millie for myself from the capricorn. Unless something else catches my eye!

One down, one to go

Front bands, that is. I know I'm so repetitive. It's not still Wednesday, right? I'll get a jump on the second one today at Lunch Stitchers and hopefully weave in ends and put on buttons tonight. I can't believe I'm going to be done so far ahead of time. Last year, we pushed the M-I-L birthday celebration back a week and I just finished the finishing on Loll before they pulled up to the house. Millie's a great little knit. I'm looking forward to making one (or three) for myself. I think the first one will be from the Capricorne I just got. It'll look kicky over the red tank I got for my birthday. I've got tons of mods in my head for it.

Anyway, busted out that first band last night watching RockStar. And then there were six. Bye-bye Deanna (but I bet we see her again). Not surprisingly, there's going to be a CD compilation coming out and you can already buy the songs on MSN.com.

Cute Billy story, last night when I picked him up at daycare. I walked over to the wall where they keep the daily reports, took his and put it in my pocket. He wigged out. He wouldn't leave the reports or stop fussing until I gave him one off the wall to hold. The folded up one that was actually his wasn't good enough. Then, all the way home, he sat and pretended to read it. What a kid! It's scary how much you see kids modeling your behavior. No wonder bad habits seem hereditary.

I'll probably drop a short post about lunch later. Ta.

One down, one to go

Sleeves that is. I finished up Millie's first sleeve last night. I went a bit longer than the pattern but not as long as I first thought I might. It's not easy doing this without DPNs. Obviously, I need to buy more DPNs. I got a pretty good start on the second sleeve as well. So far, so good. Can't wait to get started on the front bands, then the finish will be just around the band. Ha ha. I know, bad pun.

I forgot to mention that Hubby reacted well to the arrival of more yarn in the house Monday. He just asked who it was for and then went about his business. I told him the DK Soft was for my Mom and his Dad, but I think it's a little too pink and fuzzy for Dads, so it will be for Mom and me.

I think Molly may have missed Billy this weekend. This morning, she let him pet her, and hug her, and even kiss her without running away or barking or anything. See, photographic evidence. I apologize for the graininess, I had to take it without flash because if Billy sees the flash, he wants to play with the camera. And, since our living room faces northeast, flashless = dark.

I just got a call from daycare. Seems Billy was bitten this morning. I'm glad they call to let us know when something's happened, but when I see that number on my caller ID my first thought is that I'll have to be heading home early to pick up a sick boy. I'm glad I don't have to do that today. Lots of work to be done.

I've scheduled a stitch lunch for tomorrow. My vendor meeting was cancelled so I can sit with the girls. We'll be four, maybe five. Fun stuff.