shhhh, I've got a secret

Don't tell anyone. This is between, me, you, and the knit blog world. I just stashed. I know it's only been 2 1/2 months, but a bag of cork for $20? (Well, nearly $30 with shipping.) I think I can keep this on the down low. A money order can be bought with cash and I'll have it shipped to the office. I think Billy will look smashing in it. Don't you? (Who else could wear acid green?) I'm very tempted to buy some in orange for me, but then we're getting into less sneakable dollar amounts. Time to re-set my ticker.

It's too Wednesday*

I did not want to come into work today. I don't know if it was the prospect of a truly horrendous commute (three traffic helicopters over our house because of an accident on the Parkway entrance ramp that would delay the express bus and flooding on the highway the local buses use), the fact that it's gray and rainy, or that I'm just totally stressed. Well, in a couple of weeks all this work nonsense will be over (well all except for the gnashing of the teeth because we didn't mail all 1250 budgeted issues).

I forgot to mention that we had to bring our Saturn VUE into the shop last night. It was over due for a service, but last Tuesday as Hubby and I were going out to dinner, we realized someone had knocked the driver's sideview mirror off. And didn't leave a note. Fortunately, the frame and motor were still attached, but the glass was gone. We have a driveway and a garage, but generally park one of the vehicles in the street (like most of neighbors) so we don't have to move them around when one of us goes out without Billy (we only have one car seat). Anyway, I had to drive out to pick up Hubby last night after he dropped off the VUE. I don't mind driving in the rain or at night, but I can't stand driving in rain in the dark. My depth perception gets all messed up. Tonight, we drive out to pick it up (the dealer is a good 40 minutes away on a very busy highway).

In other news, once Billy was in bed, I finished the sleeve. I was wrong yesterday, I only had 3 sets of increases left to complete. So, sleeve one is done and I immediately cast on for sleeve two. I've made some progress, see.
I've got other reasons to hate Wednesdays (most having to do with matinee-day tourists taking up space on already crowded evening rush buses), but I've moaned and groaned enough for one day.

* Thanks to Zits for the caption.

coming or going?

Really, it doesn't seem that I know which way I'm going here. I was working on that issue, covering for that person who quit whose replacement started yesterday, then I was working on this issue here which has been my responsibility but which will move to a new position that I've been interviewing for, and then there's those two reports my boss wants five minutes ago, and all those invoices to approve, and the 88 e-mails flagged for follow-up in my in box (that was such a good idea when I could keep the flags in the low dozens).

Oh, and I really, really want to buy the Jaeger Matchmaker Merino Aran that's on sale at elann. I mean really, aran weigh merino for less than $3.50 a ball? Who wouldn't want to buy it? I can rationalize by saying I've finished 4 items since I last bought yarn, but that's not even dented the stash. Heck it barely dented the stash of Cork and Rown DK Soft! I'll leave it for my fellow merino lovers. Someday, I'll be able to buy more merino. Someday.

Speaking of merino (the lana grossa lambswool is merino according to something I read somewhere), I've only got 4 more sets of increases to do on the sleeve. I think I'll extend my stay in sleeve hell and knit up the second one next. That way, I'll know how much yarn this bad boy is going to eat up (and continue contemplating whether or not I'm doing all those cables and 1x1x1x1x1 ad nauseum ribs for the back). I think I'll be lucky if one of these sweaters makes it under the Christmas tree. I'm really dreading knitting a second one, but at least it will be much, much smaller!

I'm already thinking about what to knit post Christmas Cables frenzy. I'm thinking either Dude's Cork sweater for his birthday or Hubby's much desired Debbie Bliss Ribby. Not that it really matters, I'm going to be buried in teal, blue and grey lambswool for some time to come. And now, the more that I look at them, the less I like these three colors! Erk.

the sum total

So, this is the sum total of my holiday knitting. Well, not entirely true, I finished the front of Hubby's Christmas Cable as well, just a few rows and the shoulder bind offs. (I didn't feel like dragging it in for a photo shoot. I'll post a pic some time, maye when I block it.) I started this sleeve in the van on Wednesday, worked a little during the commercials during LOST, picked it up again on the way home Saturday, and did about 12 rows yesterday on the way to church and this morning on the way to work. It's a very nice sleeve and I only have about 36 rows to go. Unfortunately, I have to make a second piece just like the front (but bigger, no neckline shaping) and another 3x3x3x3 ad infinitum sleeve. Boy, this was so not a good idea.

I must say that, knitting progress notwithstanding, we had a good trip. Billy was awesome for both rides (which were hours shorter than last year, it's so key to avoid I95). Molly is always a good rider as well. We had a great visit with the great-grands and M-i-L's brother and his family. Hubby out did himself in the kitchen (he makes the best gravy in the family so gets to take over cooking responsibilities). The turkey was outstanding. I ate and drank and didn't gain a pound! We purchased almost all of Billy's Christmas presents, all we need are stocking stuffers. I picked up a few things for my parents. We went to see "Walk the Line," which I highly recommend, especially if you like Johnny Cash at all. My only downer was Saturday morning when Billy decided to get up at 3:30. Now, he's sweet and happy when he gets up, but that's just way too early. I think it was payback for our waking him at 4:40 on Wednesday. I'm kind of looking forward to next year.

Hubby gets so much credit. He was super patient with everybody, did a great job driving, and was all-around awesome. Now, if only he were smaller.

Sorry for the short, scatter-shot post, but this is a busy week and I've got to get back to work.

A Post of Thanksgiving

My family, husband, son, parents, in-laws, sisters, the whole she-bang.

Hubby makes it possible for me to be myself. He accepts all of me as me and loves me warts and all.

Billy is the light of my life. I can barely remember what life was before I became his mommy.

Mom and Dad made me who I am and loved me enough to let me go.

M-i-L and F-i-L are generous and loving. They don't meddle and allow us to live our lives but support us in what we do.

My sisters are my best friends.

I can't imagine growing up with a family other than the one I had. My extended family is part of me every day.

My job. We live comfortably on our two salaries. It makes me feel productive in a way house work can't.

My boss is a human being. He makes it easier to get it all done.

My Sarafem. Post-partum depression was awful. I'm so much more balanced now that I'm on SSRIs. (More balanced than before pregnancy even.)

The knitting community. People as crazy about fiber as me. Helps keep me sane as much as the SSRIs (and defintely helps with the boredom).

Being a part of this time and place is very special. I don't want to take my freedoms for granted.

very little knitting but HP love

Actually, that's not totally true. I did quite a bit of knitting Friday night. I got one side of hubby's Christmas Cables done to the shoulder cast offs and the other one nearly there. Then I realized the cables were off. I know. All those cable crossings and I eff up one of the last three! So, I ripped it out Sunday morning on the way to church. (Saturday I slept in the car the whole way to dinner in CT.) Since then I've knit two whole rows!

I know, my progress is staggering.

I didn't make it to HP on Friday night, still too exhausted. I did go last night. Wow. Was it good. I can tell it's been a while since I read the book because I didn't see any glaring omissions. One question, if I cried when Cedric died, what will I do at the ends of 5 and 6?

a different kind of stash

So, I was at Herrschner's today, checking out the sales. At one point I had Debbie Bliss Merino Aran, Jo Sharp Soho Summer and something else in my cart, totally over $100. I put it all back.

I did however buy these. Once again, the Debbie Bliss Merino Aran crawled into the cart, but I kicked it out.

I never mentioned that I'm starting a fabric stash, did? Don't ask what I'm going to do with it, I've got no idea! But, I couldn't leave the Amy Butler at $2.99 a yard, could I?

lonely Harry Potter geekdom

So, Hubby will be babysitting tonight and I'll be going to see Goblet of Fire. By myself. I don't normally mind going to the movies alone. But, there's such an HP community out there, I feel a little lonely. However, I'm totally stoked that I get to go see it!

I'm also an exhausted, lonely, HP geek. Hubby and I went to see bruuuuce last night (all lower case because it was solo and acoustic). That guy rocks. Hubby said Wed's show was better, but I enjoyed last night. The tailgate wasn't so much fun. The Meadowlands at 37 degrees F is cold.

I dug out my winter coat this morning. I was really looking forward to wearing Fiesta today, but I couldn't find her. Darn coat closet. I will look harder tonight. I think this cold snap's going to stick around for a while.

Because of last night's activities, not much progress on Christmas Cables. I'm sticking to my goal of getting the front finished this weekend and a sleeve started.

Have a good weekend everybody (and thanks for the reassurance that it is bloglines)!

Is it me, or is it Bloglines

I've been watching my small number of bloglines subscribers dwindle. I ask myself, are they bored with me or just tired of bloglines? I reassure myself that a lot of people have a lot of complaints with bloglines and I'm not really that off-putting. But, just in case, a cute doggie picture (I know it won't win me points with the curmudgeonly crowd, but I am a member of Purling Puppies). This, my friends, is the reason we got a bulldog. I love that loose, wrinkly face!

In other news, the weather is going to kill me. Seriously, 70 in November? Then 40 for a high 24 hours later? How is a woman supposed to dress? Me, I dress like this for the office these days. It's got to be nearly 90 in here now that the air is off. Once the air comes back on come Spring, I'll get out my sweaters cuz it will be a meat locker. (I have since put a shirt with sleeves on, I've got a fan going, though.) This is what happens when you're in a window-less box in the center of the building, you get the absolute extremes in climate control (or the decided lack thereof).

I am so wanting to work on Christmas Cables right now. I really feel I'm making progress. I separated for the neckline this morning. My goal is to get the front finished this weekend and get started on the sleeves next week (remember that 12 hour car ride to SC we're taking?). I'm still anxious about running out of yarn, but figure that I can always downsize Billy's or make his plain. They don't have to be exactly the same, right? We'll see. I know it's a crappy picture. Maybe if it's sunny this weekend I'll try to get something better.

Or maybe not. We know I'm not so great on the picture taking over the weekends. I must say, that my favorite thing about this pattern so far is the way the cables meld into the 3x3 ribbing section. I don't know if you can tell from any of the pics I've posted, but the cables are 1x1 ribbing. When you start to move to 3x3 all the way across you do it in stages. It looks neat up close.

busy, busy

Wow, I've gotten slammed today. Not too much to report. I did much knitting on Christmas Cables yesterday (helped that the bus ride took forever). Only 19 more rows to the neck shaping (give or take).

In other news, my psych has agreed to start weaning me from the prozac. I currently take 2 pills a day MWF and 1 pill the other days. We're going to cut it down to 2 pills W and Sun, then 1 everyday. Wish me luck.

executive decision time

I decided to boss my knitting around last night. I was beginning to get very worried that I would not have enough yarn to finish both Christmas cables seeing as how I was rapidly approaching balls 7 and 8 and only half-way through the back. So I finally washed my swatch and realized that I'll get plenty of length when this thing hits water and I block it and that I shouldn't be knitting to length as per the pattern. (I know I recently saw someone on a knitblog espouse about knitting rows instead of inches, I think it was Jenna at Girl from Auntie.) Instead, I calculated the rows needed to get to the length and will finish the front that way. Next, I will knit a sleeve. If I find I'm still using way too much yarn, I'm going to knit the backs in plain st st.

In other news, there is no other news. I was in a seriously crappy mood (long commute, late Hubby, subway crap), but I'm not anymore (having a 10 am meeting postponed always helps). It also helps that I get to leave at 3:30 today. Not that I want to spend my evening with my psychiatrist, but it's good to make sure we keep the wheels greased. (Yup, mixed metaphor, what do you want?) I'm torn about whether or not I want to push him to start weaning me off my SSRIs. My PPD has been in remission for over a year and I've succumbed to the anti-depressant weight gain (40 lbs since diagnosis), two very good reasons to think about getting off the meds. But, I'm on such an even keel right now, I don't know if I want to mess with it. I do get cranky and blue like everyone else, but I'm so much more rational about it!

I'm starting to get excited about Christmas. I can't wait for Billy to see the tree in the house all lit up. He's going to just explode with giggles and excitement and the silliness of a tree in the house. I imagine I'll hear "tree" and "ight" over and over for hours!

Since I don't have progress pics of Cables, I'll give you some gratutitous kid shots. He started his Christmas shopping this morning. Of course, he was looking for things for his favorite girl (Molly Bulldog).

Monday, already?

Man, that was a quick weekend!

We had a nice dinner with the in-laws Friday. Saturday we tidied up the house and Hubby did some yard work. I made Shrimp Scampi a la Romano for dinner (basically scampi with diced tomatoes). Yesterday we went to church (where the Pastor's wife kept telling us how analytical and intelligent Billy was) and then hung out at home watching football and doing laundry. Oh, and napping a little bit. And hubby made my favorite comfort food, roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy and home made stuffing. My man can cook, ladies!

Here's the progress on the Christmas Cables. I only managed a few inches. I never get as much knitting done on the weekends as I think I will.
Unfortunately, I'm not quite half done the front.

Hubby just called to inform me that Billy's school portraits were a no-go. Seems he wouldn't cooperate when we weren't there. I may go have some taken this weekend.

rambles of a tired knitter

Sounds like a whole new blog, doesn't it?

I am really, really tired. This going to bed at 11 and getting up at 5 isn't working for me. I have to stop watching so much darned TV. (Especially since I'm not even knitting that much while watching!) I've been sleeping on the bus a lot lately, too. (That's also cutting into my knitting time.)

We let Billy sleep in this morning so I haven't seen him since I put him to bed last night. He's coughing again and the meds don't seem to be helping so much. M-i-L is staying with him today and taking him to the Dr at 1. I think we're just going to have to keep nebulizing forever. I don't really mind doing it, and I don't think he really minds, but I don't really like the new schedule. He's getting to bed later and getting up earlier and I feel like I'm rushing around in the morning and at night.

Good thing about M-i-L at the house all day is that she's making dinner (and my diswasher will get emptied).

Last night we took our first family portraits. Day care had a photographer come in Weds and Thurs to do shots of the kids and opened a few evening slots for families. I think we got some good shots.

There was this mom ahead of us, though, who was a piece of work. She and her son took a lot of shots in different poses and then she had the photog do his solo shots (severly disappointed that he wasn't going to have the same backdrops and props the other kids did the last two days), and then she had some solo shots of herself done! Um, hello! The appointments were only for 1/2 hour! We took less than 15 minutes. A family after us had extended family members with them and I was glad we were getting out of there! People are nuts! I'm keeping the family shots a secret. I want people to be surprised when they get their Christmas cards (I may frame and gift to my parents and sisters depending on what package we get).

The photographer remembered Billy from Weds. Seems he did NOT want her to take his picture Weds so they had to re-do them yesterday. She cracked up because he was so smiley and happy taking them with us!

I'm surprised to say that Hubby's Christmas Cable is over 9" at this point. It feels like I've barely touched it all week. Still, I really have to get cracking on these sweaters.

Of cables and swatches

I swatched for the Kroy Kristmas socks yesterday on the way home. I went up to a US2 and got gauge. I cast-on and started again. I haven't gotten too far, but I can already tell that the fabric is much more giving.

I worked a little bit on Hubby's Christmas Cables while watching LOST. I also did a row on the subway this morning. Since this is such a large project, I figured it has to travel on the bus with me if I'm going to make much headway.

Could the writers of LOST be a little more cruel? Sayid and Shannon find each other and then they go and have stupid Ana Lucia shoot her. (I hate that woman.) Shannon wasn't my favorite character, but why break Sayid's heart right after they have sex for the first time? Finally, we've got some release from all the tension, and blame, gut-shot. Granted, I know someone was supposed to die, but they lost that tail-section lady. (Claire I think her name was.) I think there will be some moaning and groaning that we're going to be losing the "original plot" now that the next few episodes focus on the tail section survivors. I don't think I want to see flash backs of Ana Lucia.

It's getting harder and harder not to stash.

planning a little trip to a wet area

As usual I had a bunch of interesting things to say last night. I'm sure I had a great post composed in my head a half-dozend times. I sit down and there's nothing.

I finished Nattie's Kroy Kristmas sock this morning. I got through most of the toe shaping last night. Unfortunately, I can't put the darn thing on my foot and her feet are bigger than mine. I checked my gauge on the foot and it's about 12 st/inch. I kid you not. I will be swatching with US3 this afternoon and starting over. This bad boy will be going to the frog pond. I don't really mind frogging things, but with deadline knitting I can't help but think of the time I wasted by not swatching!
Here's a pic of my progress on Hubby's Christmas Cables. It's now about 7" and I've finished five full repeats. Only about 18" to go. Must knit more. I knit during Bones last night, didn't knit during House and nearly fell asleep during L&O: SVU. Too much TV. I will knit during LOST tonight and perhaps if I stay up after 10 (I shouldn't, I'm exhausted).

I also need to find time to clean my house. The clutter and the dust bunnies are getting to me (and that's saying a lot, I have a high clutter/dust tolerance level). I'm sure my slovenly house keeping hasn't been helping with all of our allergies. I should check with hubby to see if his parents are taking Billy and Molly on Saturday. That will give me time to get some of it done.

letting you all down

Okay, I don't have pics of the Christmas Cable progress. And, I didn't finish the first Kristmas Kroy sock last night. I'm a big ole pile of disappointment today (add to the fact that I've shared no yarn porn in a month and a half and I'm a boring knit-read).

I did start the toe decreases for the Kroy socks. Depending on if I can keep my eyes open on the ride home tonight, I should have appreciable progress to show tomorrow.

I am thinking of placing an order with Knit Picks. Hubby said he wants black socks for Christmas (not sure WHEN I'd be able to knit them, but any excuse to stash). Of course, I'd have to order more than just a couple of balls of Essential in black to get the free shipping. I probably won't buy anything, though. My holiday knitting plate is full up and I feel guilty thinking of all those projects waiting for me at home (after the three Christmas presents, I've got a Birthday Bucket to knit for my dad and his birthday is 4 days after Christmas, Hubby's Debbie Bliss Ribby, a birthday sweater for Billy, and F-I-L's '06 sweater to knit).

Hubby's Christmas Cable is taking forever. I know, the speed of Shadow has spoiled me. Since there's no armhole shaping on this bad boy, I'm going to be taking a lot longer than a week to finish the larger pieces.

I'm kind of happy my other sister hasn't gotten back to me about her foot measurements. I'd never be able to finish her knee socks in time.

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!