I have it?

I showed Hubby and Billy my zebra sock this morning. Hubby thought it was cool. Billy asked "I have it?" I guess I should make some little zebra socks with any leftovers. Just a few more rounds until I kitchener the toe on this one. It was really hard to put it down this morning and get to work. I hope to cast on for #2 tonight on the bus.

Mom's sweater just needs side seams and ends woven in. I got the neckline and armholes done last night. I should be able to take some pics and mail it out tomorrow. Expect and FO report on Monday.

P.S. I thought my naked toes would garner some comments. Guess they look too normal. My sisters always gave me a hard time about how long my toes are.

footsie

The zebra jaywalkers have become my bus knitting, now that Go with the flow's blocking.

Not too much farther and I'll start the toe shaping. I hope to be kitchenering the toe tomorrow and casting on for sock two this weekend.

Although, hubby's aran was good company last night. It consoled me as I mourned the latest death on LOST. So, I might not do much sock knitting this weekend.

Tonight, if she's dry, I'll start seaming up mom's sweater.

caution hypocrite ahead

I'm feeling overwhelmed by my stash and know that for the next couple of months I should not start new projects other than gifts (what with my dad's birthday on 12/29 and B's on 2/2, then F-i-L's in March, I'm going to be busy for the next four months).

I also want to finish up the socks on the needles and Hubby's green aran is going to be back in rotation, hopefully completed in time for Christmas.

Plus, I have all this fabric I want to sew up and thoughts of making ornaments for gift tags this year after a 2-year break.

I need to take a little break from the rampant consumption.

So, my goal is to not buy any yarn after today (I've just bought more Polar and am in an auction for some koigu kersti) until I finish:

Hubby's aran
Dad's Kirk
Billy's birthday sweater
F-i-L's birthday sweater

Needles, notions, zippers, and items needed to finish these projects not included.

silky sock stash and Halloween with Mr B

I fell in love with these socks and had to have my own. I fell in love with them last week when Brynne posted a progress photo and , now I've got the yarn. Maybe after I finish one of my three pairs on the needles, I can cast on and have my own. Not sure I'll make them as matchy-matchy as Brynne did. But, I love them anyway. I got three colors on eBay really cheap because I'm a yarn hog and not particular about ball bands and dye lots on my socks. Yes, I know the two on the left don't look quite right together, but they're for socks.

Halloween was fun yesterday. B and I hung out in the morning and went to daycare for his parade and party. I had to walk in the parade with him or he was going to melt down. See, we didn't follow the normal drop off routine so he was freaked out. But, it was all good. He made a great Spider-Man and had fun. Then we went home and ate crap had a late nap and did trick or treating about quarter of five. B thought he could go in the car, so I had to push him in the stroller. It was beautiful day and I worked up a sweat pushing him around and lifting him in and out and up and down stairs. He had fun, though. Then we made sugar cookies for daddy and he kept sneaking candy out of our dish for the kids coming to our house. Little snot even left an open wrapper in the bowl one time. Sneaky guy.

Knitting on go with the flow is done. I'm washing and blocking tonight before LOST and will be seaming and finishing tomorrow and Friday. Looks good to have it in the mail Saturday. I'll be just over a week late again this year. Poor mom.

the dam broke

I guess I knit a lot this weekend. Maybe Thursday night was productive, but I knit a ton at mom and dad's on Saturday. Billy made everyone watch Finding Nemo twice (I got to hear it six times in the car this weekend). So, I knitted, and I knitted, and I knitted. I've started the armhole shaping and am about 20 or so rows from the neckline shaping.

I hope to have it blocking tomorow night so I can get it out in the mail this weekend.

Mom really liked it. As a matter of fact, she had to show it off to my grandparents.

I had a great time in Vermont. It's always fun to see my parents with B and vice versa. I had a good time hanging with my sisters, too. Although, I really need to stop overindulging on the booze front. As Hubby stated, I'm 34 not 21 anymore.

slow flow

An hour bus ride and two hours tv time (although, I can't knit fast and stare at a half-naked Sawyer) and I only got 30 rows done.

At this rate, I'll need two more knitting days (6 hours) to get to the armhole shaping, one more day to get the knitting done and who knows how long for the finishing. Picking up and knitting armholes as well as the neckline.

Mom better love this sweater. I have to wear a band-aid on my right middle finger because the cotton stitches on the needles are giving me a serious callous.

I so want to knit another one of these in a different yarn for myself. I'm even thinking of making it more camisole-like with narrower shoulders (just wide enough to cover my bra straps).

what a waste of time

I spent all my free moments checking Herrschners to see if they've posted anything good in the weekly sale, and nothing. Unless you want Heilo and Faulk in gray. Otherwise, just acrylics and novelties. Blecchh.

cabling begins

I met my goal for yesterday. I've started the cabling on the front. 140 more rows to go, give or take.

Let me tell you, I'm really looking forward to starting something else. I know, I've only been working on this for three weeks, but with this weather, I'm seriously wanting some felted mittens and a bucket hat. Not to mention, I miss my Jaywalkers.

On the toddler sartorial front, Billy was not hard to dress today. I just asked if he wanted to wear his spider-man t-shirt. Considering he had a spider-man band-aid plastered across his forehead (over a mostly healed, really little scratch), I thought it would be a no brainer. For once, Mommy was right. And he didn't even balk at the black and red sweatpants which made him look coordinated. And red socks (what can I say, he likes Billy Joel). But, we got the right shoes on the first shot!

Yep, all too easy. Ask me how it went when I removed the unnecessary band-aid.

Beau Brummel at 2

So, all weekend Billy asked to wear his red sweatpants. Unfortunately, they were in the wash and I had to tell him no. Which meant it was an ordeal to find a pair of pants he wanted to wear. He gets this pants optional thing from his father. So, Sunday we do the laundry and the red pants are available yesterday morning.

You know what's coming, don't you?

Yesterday and today, I ask him if he wants to wear his red pants. And of course, he responds in his best whiny tone: No red pants!

He wore a kelly green Rolling Stones t-shirt with a pair of dark green pants and red stripey socks. I can't wait until he's potty trained and physically able to dress himself. I know we'll still have discussions over what is weather appropriate and I will try my best to keep him from looking homeless, but this is really too much. Everyday it's do you want this shirt, which pants, which socks. We even debate which pair of sneakers he's going to wear (after I remind him he can't wear sandals it's too cold and he can't wear boots because he's got gym, I'll let him wear boots tomorrow as they've re-scheduled the field trip to the farm, but he'll want to wear sneakers tomorrow).

He's a teenage girl trapped in a two-year old boy's body!

I haven't been knitting much. Mom's birthday is in two days and I'm only one and a half repeats through the lace border. I'm going to be so late again this year. I should feel guilty. She is my mom. Carried me in her womb, nearly died with the placenta previa thing, raised me and put me through private college, but she's chronically late for my birthday (you'd think you'd remember the date you had another person surgically removed from your body, but she's a procrastinator). It's gotten to the point where I was relieved she was late for Hubby's birthday this year. It means she doesn't love him more than me!

Anyway, last night I cuddled with the Molly and feel asleep watching the Giants pummel Drew Bledsoe. Maybe tonight I'll get the lace finished and into the body of the sweater.

Quick recap of my non-Rhinebeck weekend:

Finishing go with the flow's back: good with a Spanish white

Sangria and Tapas at Cervantes of Spain: Excellente

Children of Eden: not so much, performances were great but I didn't really like the book or music
Dentist with B: pretty good, he's got an appointment for his first cleaning in May (my dentist really needs to work more Saturdays)

Casting on the front of go with the flow: okay, wow that's a lot of counting, though

Napping on the couch with Molly: the bestest cuddler in the world is my doggie, as long as you can get past the snoring

Dinner with the in-laws last night: good. We had Hubby's traditional birthday request of lamb and apple crisp

no Rhinebeck for me

I have a dentist appointment tomorrow and I've spent the last two weekends away from my kid, so no Rhinebeck for me.

I've been stashing like a fiend (eBay, I stayed away so long and now I'm rabid), so no Rhinebeck for me.

Van is going into the shop, some idiot hit it last week when it was parked on the street, so no Rhinebeck for me.

My knit buds at work aren't in the knit blogosphere and my blog buddies aren't real life travel with buddies, so no Rhinebeck for me.

I'm antisocial, and my sinuses are killing me today (I think I've been grinding my teeth so maybe it's not my sinuses), so I'd rather sleep in tomorrow anyway.

Don't think I'm having a pity party down here. I'd love to go up and shmooze and meet all the fabulous people who'll be there and I'll be envious of all the purchases I see next week when y'all get back. But, tonight Hubby and I are having a nice Spanish dinner in town and going to see our local club do Children of Eden. A musical I've not seen. Then tomorrow it's the dentist and hanging with the fam. I've missed Miss Molly. I brought work home last night so I didn't get my puppy cuddles. And the B and I haven't had much time together, so it's all good.

all things orange, but not today

I don't know if you know this, but my boy Billy has loved all things orange most of his 2 and 2/3 years. He likes orange shirts and cups. Orange jackets and toys. Orange lollipops put him in paroxysms of joy. I bought him a pair of orange Halloween socks and they were the greatest thing since sliced bread. Just looking at them caused giggles. When we're getting ready for dinner, I ask what he wants. Often, he'll answer orange. When I ask about what slippers he wants to wear or what shoes, he'll say orange. Nevermind that he has neither in orange. He loves my orange hoodie and colors with orange the most. He's enamored of pumpkins (counting them as we drive around town) and looks for orange mums on doorsteps.

So, this week at daycare, the color of the week is orange. And the letter of the week is "P".

Usually on Friday the kids are instructed to wear the color of the week and bring in something that starts with the letter for show and tell. Since they have a field trip tomorrow, today is the color and letter day.

Ah, I thought. The Pumpkin sweatshirt M-i-L bought him would be perfect. Last weekend when he was at her house he wore it almost constantly. It's a bright orange hoodie with a jacko'lantern face embroidered on it in gold and black.

He wanted nothing to do with it. He screamed and threw it across the room. He wouldn't even let me write his name in it. The kid was hysterical.

He wouldn't wear anything orange. Not his tie dyed orange shirts that he wore all summer, not his orange Punxsatawney Phil t-shirt, not his orange and blue shirt with the fire truck, not his orange Sponge Bob Squarepants shirt. Not even his orange socks.

He went to school in a gray sweatshirt and blue pants. We did get him to bring his little penguin so he has something for show and tell.

Now, why wouldn't it do that an hour ago?

Here, let me rationalize that for you

I was lying in bed last night, not able to sleep. See, I was a might bit cranky about it taking me two hours to get home yesterday. Left the office just after four, got in the driveway at 6, and was five minutes late to pick up the B. Why, oh why, can't people drive in the rain?

So, even though the medds are working, I was feeling irritable and mighty awake at 11 pm. As my mind wandered, I kept trying to turn it from work and onto happier thoughts. Like fiber. Which made me think of my ever increasing stash of yarn (and fabric, oh the sewing plans I have). I feel a bit guilty about the uptick in fiber flow these last few weeks. What with 12 balls of Phildar preface, 10 balls of Rowan Plaid (in seagull, to be a nice smooshy sweater for F-i-L's birthday), 10 unexpected balls of cork and that's just last week's eBay. I also have Twilley's Denim for B's birthday sweater, 18 balls of Elsebeth Lavold Silky wool and Silky Tweed, Elite Classic Silk (in raspberry), and Jaeger Trinity in Clay.

As the guilt built up, and the shame at hoarding so much lovely fiber, it dawned on me that I may not always be able to indulge myself like this. Someday, we'll have less expendable income (like if we ever have child 2, or when B goes off to colloge, or when one of us retires). Since yarn doesn't go bad, I'll have what I've bought in the last few years for as long as I keep it.

That means that even when I can't buy more yarn, I can still knit. And we all know, knitting is like breathing and the thought of not having anything to knit chills me to the bones.

So, I may be stashing, but it's not hoarding and it's not compulsive. No, in truth. It's responsible retirement planning. Yep, I'm re-christening my stash. It's now the Yarn01K.

In other news, the hour and a half bus ride enabled me to get nearly another repeat done. Fewer than 20 rows to go for the back to be done. I'd post a pic, but Blogger's being unhelpful!

no bloglines = productive day

It's amazing how much gets done when I don't have bloglines to let me know when people have updated.

pass the liquor

I've got another full repeat done, and I've started the armhole shaping. That's progress.

Of course, I also had a mini anxiety attack last night when I realized the cables on the left of the diamonds don't cross properly.

I absolutely am not ripping back the entire piece and I cannot drop down to fix it (it's cotton and is very unforgiving).

So, I'm going to follow step two of Steph's tutorial on fixing mis-crossed cables. After, I finish knitting the back, I'll go back and try to embroider the appropriate crossing action.

mucho progress

I did much knitting yesterday. Not so much the rest of the weekend, but lots in the car yesterday and watching football at home. I napped in the car Friday on the way down the shore and there was too much celebrating of the hubby's birthday while down the shore for much knitting to be done. I did do a couple of rows sitting on the beach Saturday and tried to knit a bit on the boardwalk Sunday, but it was just too chilly for that. So, car ride home and watching TV, I got one and a half more repeats done. When I finish this one and the next one, it might be long enough to do the arm hole bind offs.

Sorry mom, I'm going to be late again this year.

a sure sign of a problem

You get an e-mail from eBay telling you that you won 10 balls of yarn you don't remember bidding on. It's cork and I got a good price, but whoa, baby, I need to slow down!

There's a reason I've not been updating on stashquisitions. I've lost track!

obstruction

My go with the flow cables have been obstructed by my failed attempts to knit from a chart while on the bus. At the top there, it should look like we're heading into a figure 8. So not happening. I think I missed something on the left hand side. I'll be figuring it out, dropping down, and fixing it at lunch.

Here is my sister's wedding cake, for those who asked to see more pics. Pretty cool, huh?

Hair today, gone tomorrow

I had lots of hair yesterday. It was driving me nuts. I'd been growing it out for the last year because I wanted long hair for the wedding. Wedding over, hair gone. Hubby thinks it's a little short, but I love it. The hairdresser yesterday complimented me on my home dye job (so did the hairdresser on Saturday, but it means more in Manhattan, you know?).
I'm a bit further than this now, after a knitting lunch. This was four rows of the 32-row cable chart. Le sigh. This is going to take forever.

the bride wore handknits

She did wear the stockings. Unfortunately, my mom had pre-laced them a bit tightly so we didn't get them up over her knees. You can just see the garter peaking out from under her crinoline.

It was the most fantabulous wedding ever. I highly recommend theme weddings. The pirate ship cake, the talk like a pirate vows, the guys and guests in costume (the groom and groomsmen did not wear shoes, which isn't so much piratical as it is so totally my new brother-in-law). Everyone loved it.

In other news, I also knit this. It's a mini sweater egg cozy from the weekend knits book. We're making them for one of our lunch time knitters. She leaves us to go back to Germany this weekend. We're going to hang them on a line with itty bitty clothespins.

On the way to VT, I started my Mom's birthday sweater. I don't think I'll ever finish. I know it's sleeveless, but knit on size 3s? It's go with the flow from Fiona Ellis's inspired Cable Knits. I'm knitting it in Rowan 4Ply cotton.

zigging to zag

I'm still into these socks. Not much knitting done on them last night. I made some progress on the way home, but had to rip out a couple of rows becuase I missed a double decrease and I found out you can't drop back to fix that. Then, I didn't get to touch them after I got home. I made dinner, put Billy to bed, did dishes and the recyclables, and did work for two hours. Blech. But, I have to leave early today and I can do it without eating into the few vacation/sick hours I have left for the year.

Tonight, I've got to pick up scrips and other essentials (cosmetics, lotion, cereal). I'm taking Billy out for dinner. After he's in bed, I've got to clean up the bathroom and do a little more tidying. {M-i-L and F-i-L are coming over tomorrow to watch B while I pick up my bridesmaid's dress (did I mention Hubby's going to the Yankee playoffs and won't be home all week).} If it's not bed time when I finish the tidying I have to finish the second garter. The bride might want to be able to have it Saturday.

Stitching lunch today, so I should have some appreciable progress on the socks.

SOCTOBERFEST!!!!

I'm so excited. I did cast-on for my Jaywalkers yesterday. Don't they look neat?

I'm very much enjoying them. The pattern is very similar to some of the other chevrons I've done. It's easily memorized, but not as boring as knitting around and around and around.

I hope to be able to wear them for Halloween.

This is going to be a CRAZY week chez Netter.

Hubby's not going to be home at all after work all week. Tonight, we'll have dinner together then he has a church meeting. Tomorrow and Wednesday he's going to Yankee playoffs (lucky dog). Thursday he has a work reception (for their NY office). Friday we get in the car to go to VT for the big weeding! So, I have lots to do on top of single parenting. Errands, packing, laundry, I have to pick up my dress, follow-up with my psychopharmacologist, not to mention garter to finish, card to buy. Aaagh! I'm not feeling stressed. Just a bit amped up!

I finished (all but washing, blocking and weaving ends) two red scarves this weekend. I did the second Melody as a basketweave. I'll try to get some pics ammidst all the craizness. Later this month, after I finish Mom's birthday sweater, I'll start on some of the other stashed red scarf stuff (I'm thinking a bias-knit scarf from some Mr Joe Sangria).

Socktoberfest and an accordian melody

I signed up (number 181) for Socktoberfest and promptly forgot all about it until Lolly's post today. I think it calls for a new pair of socks to be cast on this weekend. I've got lots of sock yarn. Which says Autumn to me the most. I think a pair of Jaywalkers in Opal Zebra! (Kind of like these, which is where I got the idea.) Don't they just scream Halloween to you?

Earlier this week, I just couldn't face my UFOs and wanted something mindless to work on. So, I started my first of many Red Scarves for 2007. I've been stashing red yarn from Elann for a few weeks and picked out this Austermann Melody in Wild Cherry for the first scarf. I'm alternating rows of garter stitch with stockinette, to keep it easy. I just started the second ball and think I can get two scarves out of the four balls I have. The best part is the yarn was free! I'd finally earned my first Elann dollars and my last purchase (8 balls for scarves and 3 to re-work Billy's Portofino jacket) was totally free!

I'm looking forward to this weekend. I'll be doing the lining on my purse, finishing this scarf and starting a new pair of socks!

it's not a hat

Really, it's supposed to be a little purse. I'm not sure how I feel about it, but it did knit up quickly. If I don't like it lined and with the draw string, there is a loverly purse I've been eyeing that I'll buy next week.

For the lining, I'm going to cannibalize a dress I started making two years ago. You may remember it.

I hope I have enough yarn to make a braid or crochet chain for the drawstring. If not, I'll have to go look for some ribbon.

So far, it looks as though I'll be able to fit my necessities (mainly the camera and a lip stick and compact) into the bag.

I've been stashing quite a bit lately. Some denim yarn to make Billy this sweater for his birthday. Some purple wool and white mercerized cotton for maybe this.

I'm looking forward to starting my mom's birthday sweater next week. I'm going to make the go with the flow shell from Fiona Ellis's Inspired Cable Knits. That will be travel knitting. We've got the trip to VT for the wedding and the following weekend we're going down the shore for Hubby's birthday. I imagine I'll get a shell knocked out in no time (let's forget how fine a gauge it is for now).

Oh, I've decided the prize. A sweater's worth of spring green baby alpaca. I love it, but I'll never wear it.

half a pair and a contest

I finished the first garter last night. The knitting is done on the second one as well. It just needs to be seamed up. The bride is very happy with the pictures I've sent up. I have warned that they're like little sweaters. I wish I'd been able to find something similar in a lighter weight. Oh well.

The leftovers are going to become a little reticule for me for the wedding. I'm winging it.

I have a slight dilemma and it's been compounded by the fact that I've been putting the task off. My sister has asked that I give a toast at the wedding (she's got a maid of honor and a matron and she and her fiance think that the matron, me, will do a great job). Problem is, I've never done a toast in my life. I don't think raising my glass and yelling "Social!" will cut it.

So, readers o' mine, I want to know what the best toasts you've ever heard or given were. A prize will go to a random entry. What prize? Something from my stash. I'm thinking some dk alpaca that's been marinating.... Deadline, Monday at midnight. E-mail me at byhookorpointedstick at yahoo dot com or leave a comment.

gliding

That's how I feel these days. Guess tissue levels are finally therapeutic and we've got my allergies knocked down. Work is still slogging, but we're getting some help in.

I'm zonked because they are again working on underground power lines on my block and the lights from the police car used to protect the machinery (24 hour police presence every day they are there, with lights on) keeps me from getting back to sleep when I wake up. Good thing flashing lights aren't a migraine trigger for me. Last night they had an unmarked car out in front of my neighbor's house and the white lights on the back are like strobes pouring into my bedroom windows. Fortunately, they're taking a break on our block after tomorrow. I don't understand why this has been going on all summer, but so long as I can walk down the street and get out of my driveway, I'll try to not bitch too much.

Billy's been great lately. A bear to get to sleep, but so much fun. He'd had another ear infection and now that it's knocked down (he's got our horrible seasonal allergies and any type of mucous leads to clogged ears and an infection until his eustachion tubes are fully developed), he's a treat. Tuesday night we had back to school night. Hubby and I were sitting there listening to Ms. Jean and she finished her spiel and asked if anyone had any questions. One mom said "yes, who are Billy's parents?" We sheepishly raised our hands and she said it was nothing bad, she wanted to thank us for having Billy. Seems her little boy had grown quite attached and having a buddy at school is making the transition easier for her and her son. Billy's now one of the older kids in his class with a new crop of 2s this month. And, he's an old hand at this daycare thing. Such a sunny, loving personality. I really wish I knew where he got it from. Hubby and I are a bit on the aloof and crotchety side!

maybe with pictures

Okay, this is where I was with the sock on Saturday. It was a beautiful day. Too hot to knit when the sun was shining. But, I was very happy to have some knitting between acts.

Here's the sock as of yesterday. Posing with it are the completed, but too small, beaded rib anklets and the beginnings of my Here there be dragons socks. I started those on the train to Philly last week. I'm concerned they're going to be too small so I've not been working on them too much. I know I'm going to love them. The yarn is Regia Fadig 4 I recently got from Herrschner's.

I won't be working on either sock too much. I've finally started the garters for my sister's wedding in just over two weeks. Yeah, I know. But, I'd been very lazy about getting the ball winder and swift into the same room. She did ask how they were going yesterday (I said they were going to be gorgeous, I may have left out that they were still just a skein of yarn). Since I've decided to be very simple and let the Tilli Tomas yarn do all the work (it's disco lights in American Beauty), they should be a quick knit. I love silk!

quickie

Here's where I was with sock one of my re-do on the beaded rib anklets. The county freeholders called it MusicFest, we called it MudFest. Didn't get a pic of the oozing ground. I should have.

I'd show you a pic, but Blogger's not cooperating.

Thus endeth my attempt to post.

Once there were buttonholes

So, I had Jolie mostly finished for M-i-L's birthday celebration on August 27, even with re-knitting the left front. Well, all except for the reverse crochet border. But, she did get to try it on (I had sewn on the buttons). But, it didn't fit. A little too snug around the waist (and I'd debated taking out the waist shaping but though I'd run out of yarn). What to do, what to do?

Here were the buttonholes when I sat down last night. I figured I should try to get the sweater fixed last night since M-i-L is going to stay at our place to help Hubby with the B while I go on a little business trip.

I duplicate stitched over the two stitches of the button hole and the stitch to the left of the button hole which has the bind-off bar from the button hole. See here for good instructions on how to duplicate stitch.

That took care of the holes in the front. Now, how was I going to have the thing buttoned? I ripped out the reverse crochet edging up past where the button holes where and put three crochet loops about where the button holes should go. Instead of reverse crocheting where I wanted the buttons, I just did three chain stitches. When I finished putting the edging back on, I went back over the chain stitches with slip stitches to neaten them up. Then I sewed the buttons on. Voila. Totally new closure.

I know the pictures aren't great. No natural lighting. But I did use the macro function so they're not one huge blur.

And finally, a finished Jolie. I left her on the dining room table. I hope she fits. M-i-L really liked her and now she should be able to wear her!

Project notes:

Jolie is from Rowan's Vintage Style book. I knit her in Jo Sharp Silk Road Tweed in brindle on Addi Turbo US9. She took 9 balls. (Gee, I do have a tenth and two from a different dye lot I bought when I thought I was going to run out. Why yes, that does mean I could have taken out the waist shaping or made a larger size, let's not discuss that.)

I did some serious modifications in that I did not do the peplum flappy thing in the back that you can't see in any of the pictures and I didn't do the cuffy thing on the sleeves. It was easy to read the chart to make regular shaped back and sleeves. I also had inadvertent mods which affected the length. Mainly having to do with an inability to regularly count to 8 (gee, I do have a row counter and I did try to use it).

I love this yarn and think it's a very feminine pattern. Don't think I'll knit it again, although I do like the slip stitch texture (once I figured it our).

five years

Five years ago, my personal grief at the death of my grandmother in late August was subsumed by shock and national grief. The personal loss of the woman who had raised my mom and taught me to knit was dwarfed by the gaping maw less than a mile from where I sit right now. I was at work in this same building on a different floor. My little family was fortunate to not have lost anyone close to us, although some friends were very near the WTC, but made it out alive. I was never more relieved to see my husband than I was that day when I walked up to him on 34th street and he took me into his arms. So many things have changed, my son was born, we've gone to war twice, more lies have been told, but so many haven't. Everyday, I expect to hear about another attack on US soil.

Here's to the tragically unhip, uncute Mommy in all of us

I found this article through Martinimade today. Totally get where Thordora's coming from, well except for the part about tattoos. I don't love any image enough to have it on my skin. When I was younger I vascillated between wanting and not wanting kids and decided that I would regret not being a mom. Now that I am a mom, I can see why some people choose childlessness. Especially with a career and these mental health issues... But, now that I've been a mom for a while and I've been blogging for longer, can I define what kind of mom I am? I hadn't really thought about it. I don't think I fit in with the mommy blogosphere. Mainly because I work outside the home and for nearly 11 hours everyday I'm something other than mommy to most people I meet. I couldn't be a SAHM. B would chew me up and spit me out. I have neither the strength nor the stamina. Oh, I tell myself I could do it if I didn't have work and commute dragging me down, but I couldn't. I couldn't spend the whole day reading toddler books and watching the shows he loves. I'm not enough of a joiner to surround us with playgroups and earth mommies with home made bread. Not to disparage those things, but it's not me. I'm the commute to work, the Coke Zeros, e-mails, and crises, and two hours of mommying before bed. I'm three hours with my hubby after B goes to bed and before I do (when I'm not on my ass from these allergies). I'm anti-depressants, and wanting to drink too much. I'm taking the M-i-L up on the babysitting and going away without the kid. I'm not fancy suits and ambition. I'm just me. Business casual, the occasional skirt, too much Internet at work, and a constant sense of not giving anything enough, especially Hubby, but feeling that there's no me left over. I don't know what I would change, if I could. Maybe when the meds (including the new antihistamine) kick in, I won't want to change anything. Except my sex drive. I'd like to get that back some day.

still owe you an update

I went to see my psych last night. Feels we've moved from PPD to the big D, because it's not the hormones 2 and a half years later. I'm on a full dose and go back to see him in a few weeks.

I think I'd be feeling better if these allergies weren't killing me. Why does my primary care doctor not have better hours for those of us who work? Hopefully, I can get in to see him tomorrow and get on a better antihistamine.

I finished Jolie, but she's a bit snug. I have plans to re-work the button situation. I'll fill you in, with pics. (I got a new camera for my birthday now have a macro function.)

I'm mere rows from finishing Chickami, but won't finish anytime soon if I can't stay up past 8:30 or keep my eyes open on the bus. See, I do need new antihistamines.

I finished the beaded rib footies, but they're too small. I'm going to give them a way and start a new larger pair for myself. I've got plenty of yarn for them.

I'll be starting some fancy-shmancy garters for my sister's wedding soon (again once I can keep my eyes open). I'm using the most expensive yarn I've ever touched. What kind of fool pays $40 a skein? Good thing there's 200+ yards and I only need the one!

Great Magknits

Great September Magknits. Lovely socks, but I must knit Honorine. I just got some silky wool that will be great for the bracelet length version. Hmmm, what to use for the lace?

update soon

Hi, I've not completely dropped off the face of the Earth. I have been knitting. I'll try to write a longer post (with pics) some day this week....

just another title-less blog post

See sleeve cap 1. It should be bigger, but I couldn't get a knittable seat on the bus this morning (smooshed in the last row between two other people, #48 of 49). My next knitting goal is to finish this on the ride home today (and at the salon while I wait to get my facial hair waxed off). After that I want to zoom through sleeve 2. If I'm going to re-knit the front, and I want to, I need to start it this weekend. All pieces need to be washed and blocked next Thursday night. Seaming and the crochet trim are going to take at least two days.

See wonderful package from KSKS pal extraordinnaire, Leah. Candy is not shown (although it's still uneaten) because we have to hide it from the B.

I've had a great day today. I've got a bit of anxiety about stuff that will remain undone while I am on my mini-vaca, but no one's going to die because of it.

A good friend of mine, she worked here with me for over 5 years, came in to visit. I haven't seen her in nearly a year. She left 18 months ago to buy a house and start a job closer to her family before she had her baby. She brought her son with her. Such a cutie pie. I have a meeting in about 20 minutes that won't be fun. Then I'm going home. See you all sometime next week.

I think the switch flipped

I'm in a much better place today. I'm not sure if it's the meds or maybe it was the awesome KSKS package I got from Leah, or knowing that I'm not along, but I'm not in the pit of despair anymore. I'm still taking the drugs and going to see the doctor. Rage lady must not reappear at my house. I don't know how moms without the resources I have handle these kinds of things.

Speaking of my KSKS package. You'll have to wait until tomorrow to see it. I left my camera at work last night and don't have pictures! I do want to know how my two year old knows that a box of jelly bellies is candy. If you go to Leah's blog and scroll down you can see the bag she made. It's the coolest! (And the inspiration for her blog redesign.)

I am still knitting; it's like therapy (and I know I'm the eight billionth person to say that). This is sleeve one as of yesterday:

And here it is this morning. My evening bus rides must be very productive, because I didn't knit during project runway last night (go Michael, note to Jeffrey, you're not going to win if it's always ugly beautiful. All the women want to wear Michael's stuff), and I've already got five of seven increases completed. I'm sure by the time I finish the last two, I'll be close to the sleeve cap. My goal is to have this sleeve done tomorrow so I can start sleeve two with any spare minutes on Saturday (travelling with a 2 is like preparing for scaling Everest and I need to pack).

black hole

I wanted to update you on the sleeve I started, but I'm swamped with work and starting to drown in my own whatever.

I sure wish those meds would kick back in (and I made an appointment with my psych).

I will leave you with some scribbles that help define the turn of events.

It’s a slippery slope
the slide is infinitesimal
All the while
I’m slipping further into the void
Thinking it’s still a sunny day
Until I feel the monster raging
She bursts through me
In screaming rages
Curses flying from her throat
Thoughts barely formed
In the calm
After the storm
I realize
I haven’t felt a smile
In weeks
Now that she’s wreaked havoc
I’m left with the knots
In my stomach and theirs
And constant tears
Burning my eyelids

(goes without saying (c) me forever and ever)

KSKS finished, but for mailing, and right front nearly done

It's a post of almost dones.

I finished my KSKS package. Now, I just need to write a note, box it up, and send it off to my swappee.

I'm almost done the right front for Jolie, too. That will be done this afternoon. I'm leaning toward ripping the front, but Hubby moved the gifting date to 8/27, giving me three fewer days. I'm going to knit the sleeves next and if I still have time, I'm going to re-knit the left front. See the pattern doesn't really line up all the way up the front with that boo boo I made, not that you can tell with these pics.

to rip or not to rip

So, not much knitting got done this weekend after Friday night. I went to bed early Saturday and Sunday, like right after B early.

But, I did finish the left front and cast on for the right front Friday and puttered a bit in the car yesterday (to church and the Yankee game). But, as I was checking the length of the right front to determine where to start the bust increases, I found a boo boo.

Tell me if you can see what it is:


I know my pics suck. I missed two rows in the second diamond repeat. My lunch group says to not worry about it, but I really think I need to rip it.

Friday, Friday, Friday, FRIDAY!!!

I love the Cure song, Friday I'm in Love. Too bad Hubby's going to the Yankee game with F-i-L tonight.

I will be home, finishing the KSKS tote I didn't touch last night (I figured an SUI was a bad idea, sewing after 2 glasses of wine at dinner, much harder to rip and re-work than if I were KUI), working feverishly on Jolie, and maybe some ice cream.

I'm having a bit of anxiety about Jolie. While working the bust increases on the left front, I discovered that I'd messed them up on the back. Gee maybe that's one reason it's short. Okay, no problem I adjusted. But, that meant I had to adjust the slope on the v-neck as well. Well, I'd already inadvertently adjusted (why go every 4th, then every 6th, and then the 3rd, and the every 6th and then every 8th?). Not sure I can completely recreate on the right front (hard to count rows with the slipped stitches, hence the inadvertent mods in the first place), but I'm sticking to every 4th to the armhole then every 6th until I'm down to the final count of stitches (unless of course that makes the armholes too deep).

I think Rowan unnecessarily complicates these things (other publishers may as well, but I've mostly done Rowan patterns).

On the B front, last night was too easy. He fussed a bit about not reading all eighty books, but settled down quickly (after some back and forth about which pillow he wanted). I got a tad frustrated with the pillow thing, but managed to stay calm, although the pillows might disagreed. Do pillows like to fly?

progress, on many fronts

It was a much better night putting B to bed last night. Well, he wasn't thrilled, but I kept my cool and he was asleep by 9. I guess I did a modified Ferber. I put him to bed, still screaming because I didn't read all 9 books he wanted. I checked in on him in 10 minutes. I gave him a hug, put him back to bed, and sang to him for a bit. He quieted down. Then after I'd settled on the couch with Jolie and Rockstar, he started back up again, crying for his Elmo pippers. So, I went back up and offered to put his slippers on. Of course, by then he wanted his blue pippers. I put them on, hugged him again and told him he needed to go to sleep. He cried for a bit, but not more than 15-20 minutes. Boy, that took a lot of patience. Thanks for your supportive comments, it's always good to hear from other people who've had the same experience.

I've made tons of progress on Jolie since I last blogged about her. The back was finished on Tuesday night and I cast on for the left front right away. I'm on the bust increases and have started the decreases for the v-neck (I'm a little bit further along that it looks here). I'd like to have it finished tomorrow, the left front that is, not the whole sweater. I'm aiming to be on Sleeve Island while we're on Wildwood Island in a week and a half. If I can finish the sleeves while we're on our mini-vaca, I'll have about a week to do the blocking, seaming, and crochet edging.

I've also made progress on my KSKS package. All shopping is done (although, I do need to follow-up on my download from WildHorse Farm), and I started the bag last night during Project Runway (must say I loved, loved, loved Michael's outfit and I'm so glad he won). I only have one strap to finish and the final assembly to do. I decided to just do a simple 12 x 12 tote with an interior pocket. I'm using my Amy Butler ginger bliss fabric. I should have enough left to make a second one. If I get it done tonight, there will be pics tomorrow. I sure hope I can get it out in the mail on Saturday.

a mother's struggle

My mom was a screamer. She'd let her frustrations and anger and resentment simmer until she exploded. It made me insecure and scared. I eventually learned that it wasn't me, but the way she handled things and if we got out of the way and let it blow over we'd be back to normal in no time.

I, of course, have continued this pattern. It doesn't bother me when it entails banged pots, slammed cupboards, and mutterings under my breath about people who can't through the junk mail in the garbage or who don't know that bussing the table means moving all of the dishes from the table. But, when I find I'm verbally exploding all over my two-year-old sweet B it's a problem.

We've been developing some frustrations chez Netter over the bedtime of the B. He wants to put it off as long as possible, I want him in bed by eight and quiet by 8:30 so it's not a problem when I have to wake him up at 6:30 so we can be out the door by 7 so I'm on time for work and able to leave by 4:30 to pick him up before daycare closes at 6. Not to mention Mommy sometimes wants to sit down and knit infront of the TV.

Granted the blow-ups show some effectiveness. He didn't fuss or carry on last night after mommy did her impersonation of Mount Vesuvius. But I don't want him to be afraid of me and I don't want my inability to manage frustration to lead him back to biting and hitting and tantrums.

I need to find a way to keep calm and to always, always, always treat my son with the love and respect he deserves. If I want him to grow up to be a loving, compassionate person, I need to model that behavior.

I also need to find an approach to bedtime and to and stick with it (whether it's Ferber or someone else) and we need to keep reinforcing that bedtime is bedtime and not extended playtime in crib with every toy he owns. That way neither of us gets riled up.

amazing the progress when not ripping

We had a good time sans B in AC. Got my lobster dinner, played some blackjack (of course, when I put my money on the table all I could think was how much Calmer I could buy with it instead, hubby's response is think of what you could buy if you win), drank too much, I did do some knitting sitting at the bar with a horrible local band playing, slept in with a hangover, sat on the beach (no knitting, too hot), swam, got a little sunburn, slep on the way home.

I did make much progress on Jolie. Not ripping = inches and inches of knitting. As of this morning, I'm a little under 4" from the shoulder shaping. Hubby gets a bemused look when I give him the diamond pattern update (last check mostly done all 7 repeats of chart 1 of 3). I had forgotten how quickly aran weight yarn works up. This is really only four days of work. I hope to have the back done tomorrow. I'm not sure when we're celebrating M-i-L's birthday, but I've only got 3 weeks to go.

My only other goal this week is to finish up my KSKS package. I've got most everything (including some yummy treats from AC, sweet and salty, I got you covered). I just need to pick up some needles and sew up the bag.

Friday, quickly

I'm checking in quickly (don't know when or if I'll be called into an important meeting), but I wanted to let you know that I did rip and have re-knit further than I had been before. One and a half repeats done (I tweaked the contrast to try to show the diamond pattern, color is not quite this dark). Progress is being made, finally. I'm not sold on the waist shaping starting so early, but I'll put my trust in Kim Hargreaves.

Have a great weekend! I'm sure to get lots of knitting done on the Gardent State Parking lot this afternoon, unless I take a nap.

Netter goes a rippin, un-hunh

I did swatch, following the sl wyif instructions, and got the pattern that is in the book. Here's a pic of what I had purling on RS (on top) and slipping with yarn on the right side (on bottom). I like them both, but the slipped stitch is definitely the design element Kim Hargreaves had in mind. So, I'll be ripping my repeat tonight and starting over again.

I think I've got it

Not sure why the box with a dash in it is keyed as being a slipped stitch (I really should refer back to the book), but after swatching a bit at lunch, I got the best result from purling on the right side and knitting on the right side where the pattern indicates a slip stitch. (Whew, run on much?) I'd post a pic, but blogger's being a pain.

I like it, but it's not as subtle as it looks in the pictures from the book.

Maybe I should try this: Sl 1 wyif - slip one stitch as if to purl, holding yarn in front (i.e., on right side) (from the knitting fool's chart of knitting symbols). Don't know why I didn't look up knitting symbols yesterday!

I love Rowan, but their patterns do leave much to be desired. More swatching over lunch I think. At this rate, it's going to take me three days to finish a repeat. I did finish one last night, but I may rip again if the sl 1 wyif gives the look I'm going for.

The good news is I have a long car ride coming up this weekend. Friday afternoon, hubby and I are heading to AC for overnight. (Then in 2 weeks it's a long car ride with B for our family shore weekend.) Since I doubt I'll be gambling much, I hope to get Jolie's back done.

Jolie on the needles

I cast on for Jolie last night. I had to rip back to the cast on row, and got a "put it away you don't need your hobby stressing you" from the hubby when I was swearing because just couldn't establish the diamond pattern. I think it's because the pattern's not showing as well in my yarn as it does in the picture. I'm doing something wrong. I'm not sure how the slipped stitches showed up so well in the picture, but you can barely tell there's a diamond pattern. I think I'm going to have to rip again. I'm reading the pattern right, it's slipped stitches on stockinette. Although, slipped stitches on rev st might show up beter. I think I'll swatch some and then figure out how to re-start. Good thing this is aran weight and should knit up quickly, also very good it's a deep v-neck.

Our lunchtime knitting group is really taking off. We have another newbie who joined up on Monday. We took her over to Purl to buy yarn and needles. We're going to start meeting weekly and are talking about meeting once a month for dinner and we're going to KnitOut NY together.

I'm going to have to re-new my Rowan membership

Rowan 40 preview has been posted. Now this is why we all love Rowan. I like the looks of the new yarns, too. Especially tapestry. I'm very intrigued.

Happy August!

I couldn't post it yesterday, so you get it today. A cute pic of my sis in her apron about to cut her shower cake. That's one of the flower girls next to her.

Here's the great prize I got from Cygknit. Nice to come home to sock yarn! Isn't it gorgeous colors? So spicy.

Remember these socks? I turned the second heel this morning. I've been working on them since I finished the potholder last week.

I've also started swatching for MIL's birthday sweater. The birthday fast approaches (only 4 weeks away). I'm knitting Jolie from Rowan's Vintage Knits, scroll down, it's the beige v-neck. I'm knitting it in Jo Sharp Silk Road Aran Tweed in brindle. Perfect for this month's Project Spectrum. I swatched last night. Swatch is drying and I should be able to cast on tonight.