things to do before the family arrive Friday

Finish dad's Kirk. I got the shoulders seamed last night and have knit up most of the collar. Just a couple more rows, then it's off to sleeve set in and side seams. And I have to put in the zipper.

Finish up another ballband dishcloth for mom, that way I'll have two under the tree for her. I can finish up the balls of yarn over the weekend.

Clean the house.

The guestroom needs to be cleared out and tidied up as does the office where my sis and b-i-l will sleep. I'm kind of happy the other sister's not coming. I'd have to figure out where she could sleep.

I need to put away Christmas gifts and organize B's toys.

Floors need vacuuming and mopping and surfaces need to be dusted.

Bathroom needs a scour.

We're caught up on laundry and dishes, but the clutter, oh the clutter is horrible.

I realized why m-i-l wanted to take B to her house yesterday and today, my house is chaos. I'm uncomfortable in it!

I also need to wrapt the gifts for our exchange on Saturday morning. Gifts for people who aren't going to be here Saturday can be wrapped later in the weekend (so long as they're finished before they head back to VT on Monday).

All this must be done while being a SAHM tomorrow and Friday. (I need to find out what the planned arrival time is on Friday.)

Fortunately, hubby is off on Friday as well and can run errands and B interference.

Gee, aren't you glad you stopped by?

Not sure if I'll be posting again before Tuesday. I may try to get online Monday after they all leave.

Best Christmas Ever

Not because of material gifts, but because it was so much fun hanging with the B.

He didn't really understand that he was getting new toys and stuff and wasn't in a hurry to open presents, but when he did start opening, he was so excited. I really enjoyed watching him.

I didn't get to go to the Christmas Eve service at church. He wanted to no part of that. So we sat in the nursery and played.

We had a good time at the in law's yesterday. He didn't want to take a nap, so I lied down with him (I was going to nod off anyway).

We did all get lots of nice things (including a new SUV), but the best was just being with my little family and enjoying each other.

I'b gedding a code

Nose is stuffy and runny, I'm way tired and got that disconnected head feeling. Now I'm taking anti-histamines for more than just my hives.

I'm working on the heel flap for B's second zebra jay. We're knitting at lunch, so my hope has been re-kindled that they'll be under the tree for Monday.

I can't connect two thoughts together right now. So, I'll sign off wishing everyone who celebrates a Merry Christmas.

knit from stash 07

I just bought a bunch of stuff from Webs end of year sale, plus 18 skeins of skye tweed, in luscious marmalade, from elann yesterday, following quickly on the heels of the order from last week. I also bought 10 skeins of ASC from eBay (super sweet deal, less than $25 with free shipping). And 8 skeins of koigu for $79, also from eBay. That's destined to be a baby blanket or shawl. Along with the massive amounts of yarn I bought in October-November, I could outfit all 31 of my first cousins.

So, I'm going to do it. I'm joining Wendy and LB and everyone else who's knitting from stash for 07.

Rules are:

1. The Knit-From-Your-Stash-a-Thon will start January 1, 2007 and run through September 30, 2007 -- a period of nine months.

2. I will not buy any yarn during that period, with the following exceptions:
2.a. Sock yarn does not count.
2.b. If someone asks for a specific knitted gift that I really and truly do not have the yarn for, I may buy yarn to knit that gift.
2.c. If I am knitting something and run out of yarn, I may purchase enough to complete the project.
2.d. I each get one "Get Out of Jail Free" card -- I am allowed to fall off the wagon one time.

3. I am allowed to receive gifts of yarn.

4. Spinning fiber of any sort is exempt. Kind of moot, since I don't spin. I do own a drop spindle, but I haven't touched it in nearly two years.

So, to keep me occupied and from buying yarn, I'm going to knit these:

Finish mom's ballband dishclothes (by 12/29)
Finish red scarves (due mid-January)
Knit a Cap for Caps to the Capital (also January deadline)
Finish my blue surf anklets and red dragon socks
Orange Chunky Swirl mittens
Billy's birthday sweater (due 2/2)
Hubby's Aran (already started, to be finished by the AC St. Paddy's parade)
F-i-L's 2007 birthday sweater (in Rowan Plaid, due 3/23)
Billy's Portofino jacket, a re-knit for Spring
Jaywalkers in Regia Silk, for me
Hubby's St Andrew's cross sweater
Go with the Flow cami in Denim
Icarus
Green bouclerino jacket for me
Spring baby blanket
M-i-L's 2007 birthday sweater (due 8/30)
Lil sis's birthday Knee highs (due 9/6)
Mom's 2007 birthday sweater (due 10/26)
Dad's 2007 birthday sweater (due 12/29)

I also need to organize my stash, to help remind me of just how much I do have already, and start using my sweater machine, to help ramp up output. Since I do so love sweaters with miles and miles of stockinette.

Someone put my credit cards in the freezer

one down

I finished the first zebra jay for Billy last night. I'd post a pic, but blogger's being a pain. It's really cute! I'd like to get him to try it on before I knit up the second one, but I know my kid and he'd refuse to take it off and be irate that I don't have one for the other foot yet. So, I'll knit #2 just like #1 and hope for the best.

I spent last night making vegetarian chili for our work potluck lunch today. With Billy's school holiday pageant last night and the sewing the night before, I feel like I haven't watched TV in days. Let's see it's Wednesday, what's on tonight?

Poor Kirk. He's been sitting, dry, on the blockin board for over a week. I really ought to start work on seaming him up. Dad's birthday is next Friday and they'll be here for dinner.

Secret Santa sewing and a gusset

My work knitting group is doing a Secret Santa gift exchange. I finally finished up my gift last night. The rules were that the gift had to be knitting-related and between $10 and $20 dollars. I made my giftee a tote and some stitch markers.
Fabric was a cotton remnant from Joanns with purchased handles.

Unfortunately, my giftee is travelling and will miss the get-together and I can only stay for a few minutes.

I finished the gusset on Billy's first zebra jay this morning. I hope to have this one finished today or tomorrow. Since I have to cook chili tonight for our departmental potluck tomorrow, a finished sock tonight might be unreasonable. I don't think these will be making into B's stocking this weekend.

turned a heel

I turned the first heel today. Much working on the B's zebra jays in the car this weekend, dropping him off at church for the second week of ADVENTure, driving to stores to finish shopping, picking him up, going home, driving back to church on Sunday. I'd take a pic but not only does my camera need to be charged, I left it at home.

I put my dressform together over the weekend. I was very anxious that it would be missing pieces as it was obviously a return (there was a second address label and the box was re-taped with brown tape). Fortunately, all the pieces are there. She's hanging in the living room near the tree. I had wrapped her in some festive green velvet, but Molly would not stop barking at the headless woman in the pretty dress.

Hubby bought a car on Saturday. A nice red, H3. Unfortunately, as the salesman was opening the back door to tape in the temp plate, he scratched it. Hubby had them cancel everything, but will go back later this week to see how the repairs went. Why yes, he is trying to get them to compensate us for taking a damaged model.

Question: Why is it the debit for the down payment showed up on our account within hours, but the credit that was swiped 15 minutes later will show up by midnight today, two full days later?

In other news, my middle sister will not be coming to visit with Mom, Dad, New Bride and B-i-L. I'd be bothered, but she's finally got a pretty serious boyfriend, and I can't begrudge her a life of her own. I'll miss her, though. Especially, the whiny, crankiness she usually brings to all family affairs. Whoops! That was a bit snarky!

Hey, Julie. Your package went out in the mail today. I'm not sure if it will get to you before you travel for the holiday. If not, you'll have a little more Christmas when you get back!

Mini Jays for the B

Since Billy was so taken with my Zebra Jays, I started a pair for him on the way home from SC over Thanksgiving. I hadn't touched them since until this morning. Aren't they cute? I just started the patterning. To re-size I cut the number of stitches between the points to 5. I'd like to give them to him for Christmas. Think I can finish up in 9 days?

Hat and mittens are felted and are on the blocking board to dry.

Hope to start seaming Kirk this weekend.

Last night, I picked up some little goodies to go out in Julie's prize package.

I am a shirker, but we finally have a winner

I can't believe you all have stuck around. I put out the promise of a contest months ago and never followed through.

I'll never get huge numbers behaving like that.

At long last, I'm going to follow through. I got four entries.

Using a highly scientific method (papers in a cup), the winner is:

Julie.

Send me your addy, and I'll get the alpaca and some goodies out in the mail this weekend!

It's quiet here this afternoon, most everyone's gone to the company party. Since I had enough fun for a few years at the last one, I'm not going.

overheard chez Netter the other day

Netter: Have you thought about growing the goatee back.

Hubby: I could do that.

Netter: I didn't ask you to do it, I asked if you'd thought about it.

Hubby: I could grow it back.

Netter: I don't want you to do it just because I like it.

Hubby: I could getted started on it.

Netter: I guess that means you hadn't been thinking about it.

I thought it was a really simple question. I hope he does decide to grow it back. He looks so good in it. And he'd match our wedding pictures again!

Hubby wasn't too upset about the dressform. The money didn't bother him, but he was a bit disappointed that he won't surprise me this year. I had to explain why I need one. He politely pointed out that the box is thinner than me. I explained that she's adjustable when put together.

I don't want to wait to open her. I've got tons of great fabric for skirts and ordered some fun stuff yesterday for a Christmas dress or skirt!

mittens

Got the first mitten done and cast on for number 2. Not much knitting done at home last night. I still want to felt these before the weekend, but I've got to clean out the guest room. Furnace guy is coming to service the furnace and to check on some radiators that don't work well.

Gee, maybe I should get around to seaming Kirk. I'm sure he's dry by now.

your laugh for today

You know, if I didn't trust the Bonne Marie so much, I'd think there was a serious design flaw with this thing.
So, the knitting on the felted hat is done and felted mitten 1 is done but for the thumb (the top portion was done twice, I decided after finishing it the first time it was too short). Mitten 2 should be cast on tonight and I hope to be felting tomorrow. We shall see.

In other news, the orange mitten is going to be ripped. Such nice yarn deserves better execution. Since I don't feel like plotting it out myself, I've found a couple of promising chunky mitten patterns. I'll update when I actually get started.

In other, other news, by dressform will be delivered tomorrow. I tried to cancel it, but was too late. Still haven't told Hubby. Think I could sneak it in without him noticing?

Yarn for red scarf project: cream, merlot, black and white

Yarn for socks for B: Orange multi-stripes, solid orange

Yarn for a sweater for me: red

Breaking the yarn fast in celebration of my holiday bonus: totally worth it

I will be back on the wagon, though.

car poor

So, Hubby and I are looking into stepping up big in the car department. My beloved Honda Odyssey comes off lease in March and since we're going to have only 1 kid, we don't really need a minivan. Now, don't hate me for being anti-environment, but we're looking at an H3. Remember, we don't drive to commute, we both take mass transit. So it's just for around town. I test drove one over the weekend and is it nice. I really want the x in Orange. Wow is that sharp. In my defense, Hubby bribed me. He said if I agreed, we'd go to VT in the winter. Right now, we don't go North during the snow months (which in NW Vermont is October through April).

Knowing us, and seeing how the process went on Saturday, we'll wind up with another Saturn VUE.

Nearly done knitting my bucket hat. Hope to be felting by mid-week. So much to do at home. Work is settling in to the end of year lull.

more pictures from home

No sewing today. I really want to finish my felted bucket hat and mittens before the next cold snap.

Note, one of the readings at church (I think the New Testament reading) mentioned the fuller's soap.

I am going to show you the finished ballbands and zebra jays I photographed eons ago.

Zebras still aren't completely finished. I haven't woven in the ends, which means I haven't worn them yet. Soon enough.

happiness is orange mittens

If I ever get them finished.

I cast on last night on the ride home and got to about here while dinner was cooking. I didn't knit at all after dinner or this morning. Too tired.

More Lorna's Laces Chunky Swirl in Pumpkin. I'm knitting on US10s and getting a nice and dense 4 spi (recommended gauge is 3 spi). I'm making it up as I go along which explains the rather unusual situation with the thumb. I'll fix it up by picking up and decreasing.

Too bad I didn't feel like knitting more last night. I could have had at least one mitten for the absolutely frigid morning.

find a happy place, find a happy place

I should have known yesterday was too good to be true. All contented and happy.

I'm so angry right now and over a pretty trivial thing. But all I can see is the other person's self-centeredness. Do you ever feel the only thing coming out of someone's mouth is me, me, me? I mean, besides when reading this blog?

Just because I'm a depressive, that doesn't mean I can't be cranky, right?

So, I'm trying to find a happy place that isn't elann.com (got a nice filled up cart, holiday bonus was announced today, doncha know), or the chocolate basket and/or cookie tin outside my door.

Still haven't told hubby he doesn't need to Christmas shop for me. I should do that. Maybe the confession will be good for my soul. I also need to go empty that elann basket. Doesn't matter if a lot of it is yarn for the red scarf project (I probably wouldn't get to knit it all up this year, but I'm sure there'll be one in '08).

Sometimes I just feel that I need to own all the yarn in the world, well except the novelty stuff and really cheap acrylic. I inherited enough red hear from my grandmother.

re-hash

I got good feedback when I posted that little piece in late August, so I thought I would share one of my favorite little poems:

Epitaph

Mourn the passing of a potential poet.
The gift, the wit, the desire have withered away.
The soul has become a bourgeois automaton;
More interested in keeping up with the Joneses,
Than keeping up with the muses.

(c) Me, of course, going back about 7 years

I always vascillate over if it should be interested in or intent upon. Each gives a different meaning. Since I'm not totally driven, I stick with interested. Intent implies much more ambition.

I keep a copy of that piece pinned to my office wall. Reminds me that I used to love to write and thought I would be a writer. I even toyed with the idea of getting an MFA in creative writing. I've never taken a creative writing class or really discussed my poetry with anyone learned. Most people do like it, even my friends in college who were more schooled in writing, although my tendency to imagistic language, personal symbolism and invented mythology tends to make it opaque. Those tendencies are not evident in this piece. I did write a piece that was read at our wedding. I've never been disciplined enough about it, though. Maybe, I'll try again this year to have a poet-related resolution.

Kirking out

Kirk's on the blocking board. I finished the second sleeve as my train pulled into my station last night. I had just enough yarn in the seventh ball for a six inch end on sleeve 2. I'll probably use just a smidge of ball 8 for the neckband. Gee, just taking a couple of inches out of the length really cut down on the yarn requirements. Rowan said I'd need 9 to make this size. I hope to be seaming by the weekend.

Speaking of the train, why do you have to make me let you out of the seat 5 minutes before we even hit the station. Can't you wait? Do you really need to get to your car that quickly?

I brought the rest of my Carrot swirl yarn in today. I'm making some dirt-simple mittens. It's going to be cold tomorrow!

almost prettier than her kitchen deserves

The colors are a bit brighter here than in real-life. Really, the main color is more lime, less yellow, and the accent blues and greens are a bit deeper. I'm sure she'll like them (but I bet she paints the kitchen soon, it's been nearly 15 years as this color).

In Kirk news, I'm just about to start the sleeve cap on sleeve two. I plan to have that finished today and to start blocking as soon as I make some room for my blocking board. I'd love to seam up this weekend. (And yesterday, I meant to say block Kirk out, not sure how to Kirk out unless it involves Star Trek on DVD.)

In other news, mood is still good, still have not confessed to hubby, Billy is great, and the work stress is wrapping up. Amazing what happens when a department is fully staffed!

clouded conscience

I still haven't told hubby about yesterday's purchase. Even when he asked me what I wanted for christmas. Putting off the conversation is only going to make it worse.

My psych is going to try to keep me off the anti-depressants, and thinks I should see an allergist if the hives don't go away once the meds are completely out of my system (by about Christmas time). I go back in 4 months. Of course, I should call if I start sliding. Every time I got the least bit cranky last night, hubby threatened to call the doc.

Even with the guilt about my online order yesterday, I still went to Joann last night. Got some fabric for totes (which I never sew up), some beading stuff, and two balls of Lily Sugar n Cream to make obnoxious ball band disclothes for my mom. Any woman who paints her kitchen Daredevil green (I always say they named it that because you'd have to be a daredevil to pain anything that color) deserves obnoxious dishclothes. The colors are Summer Splash and Hot Green. I didn't cast on until I finished sleeve 1 last night though. Sleeve 2 commences today. Still hope to Kirk out this weekend.

just so wrong and Sundays are for sewing

I didn't buy any yarn. But I did order my Christmas presents from Joann.com without discussing with Hubby. And by my, I mean mine. The ones going under the tree from him and B. Now, how do I break the news?

Honestly, I was just online checking to see if there were any good specials to hit at the store after my psych appointment this afternoon and I saw that dress forms were $100 off, plus free shipping, plus a $10 gift card on any order over $100. So I ordered a dressform for myself and the sweater wizard software. I had yarn in the cart, but I removed it.

As for Sundays being for sewing, I whipped out a pair of basketball pants for B. Not basketball pants because they're for playing basketball, but they're fleece printed with basketballs. They're a bit big. Next pair, I'm altering the waistband a bit more to make the rise higher and shortening the elastic a bit more.

sleevage

I started a sleeve last night. I didn't get very far. Too tired and doped out on antihistamines (massive itch episode last night), to think about increases and how long the sleeves need to be and yada yada yada. I did some math this morning and figure if I do increases every fourth row (aka, every other right side row), I'll get the required width and not make my dad look like he's a little kid dressing up in his father's sweater. I'm hoping to have the knitting done by the end of next week so I can block and seam next weekend. I don't think it's too ambitious, the back took a week and the fronts only took about six days. Today is day 14 of this knit. If I finish it next weekend I'll be nearly 3 weeks early! That's a switch.

I'll try to see if I can post a picture of any sleeve progress tonight or tomorrow.

pictures from home

I downloaded the recent pictures from my memory card.

Here's where I was with Dad's zucchini this morning. See the problem?

I ripped with the ladies at lunch, had to rip again on the train, but did manage to finish off the right front. I'll be heading for sleeve island durin CSI: tonight.


My knitting group at work is doing a secret santa. We picked names today. I've already got my gift ordered. No, I didn't buy yarn.

froggin' the zucchini

I have to rip out about 4 inches of Ddad's sweater. Don't feel bad for me. It's inches after the armhole shaping and it is only a couple of rows per inch. If only I could follow the simple cabling directions for this sweater. Oh well, it will be a quick fix. I should still have the left front done tonight. I'd show you a picture, but I'm at work and photos don't like to post for me here.

I'm wearing my recently finished Chickami with my CeCe today. I'd show you that but ditto the part about the pictures.

One thing to note. It's gotten much easier dressing Billy lately. For some reason he's been insisting on socks first (and we've been quickly picking a pair) and then the rest goes pretty smoothly. I know, it's going to blow up in my face tomorrow.

all the cool kids are doing it

Freaking out the muggles with the power of the knit blog-o-sphere, that is.

Julie did it. Jodi and Mamacate did it. I love Mamacate's saying we should unleash the knitters.

I think I've seen it elsewhere but can't remember where to track back for the links.

Anywho. Let's show them how we do it knitblog style.

Link this guy, who is measuring the speed at which a meme will travel across the blogosphere by having his blog linked, results to be presented at MLA, and ping at Technorati.

pictures

Not sure if anyone saw the misdated post yesterday. I was able to finally upload one measly photo. Here's the quick hat I did. I think the problem is not with Blogger but with me because I can't upload to flickr either. I guess I'll just have to start blogging from home.

So, Dad's birthday sweater is going along swimmingly. I'm knitting it in Rowan Polar (zucchini is the color). The pattern is Kirk from Rowan 38 or something. (I linked to it a while back.) The Polar is very loosely spun and sheds like my dog, but it makes such a yummy, smooshy fabric, I'm loving the knitting. I sure hope dad likes it. So far in a week and three days, I've finished the back and the right front. I cast on for the left front last night and hope to have it finished by the weekend.

WHY?

For the last week, I have been unable to upload photos to Blogger. this is ridiculous. I guess I'll have to start hosting pics over at Flickr.

still can't

post pictures.

See y'all after the holiday. Maybe by then Blogger will have it's stuff in order.

nothing makes any sense

Because everything I want to post requires pictures.

I can tell you we think we have an explanation for my itchies & hives. My psychiatrist thinks I may have developed an allergy to my anti-depressant. Fortunately, a regular and judicious dosing of benadryl keeps the hives and itchies away, but I can't take my meds until after I see him in early December. Can't wait for crazy lady to re-appear.

it doesn't count if it becomes an FO within 12 hours

(finally got the pic in here today and am posting on 11/27)
Honestly, I really wasn't going to buy any more yarn until I'd met those goals from a few posts back. But, I went to PURL to get a US11 Addi for Dad's birthday sweater (my boye needlemaster was killing my wrists, the needle part is way too short), and I saw a riot of swirly color in the sale bin.

40% off. I got two skeins. It's Lorna's Laces Bulky Swirl in Carrot.

What can I say, I'm a sucker for orange merino and silk.

But, since I finished a hat with it within 12 hours (which I wore a lot over thanksgiving weekend), I say it doesn't count against my countdown. I'd post a pic, but I'm happy to have just the yarn pictured. I want to make some fingerless mitts with the other skein and a half, and I nearly had a pair done, but they will have to wait.

I'm making much progress on Dad's birthday sweater.

TGIF

And I mean that.

Whoo boy what a week.

This morning was much easier with the B. A few no's about the pants, but no screaming or kicking and he picked out a pair. Same deal with the socks. And I got him to not whine after turning off Nemo by getting him to help feed the dog. I'm sure he'll kick my butt again next week.

Weirdo is actually excited to go see Docta Maggie today. I think it might have something to do with the lollypops. I'm hoping we can stop with the nebulizer. It will help cut down on my rushing around at both ends of the day.

We don't have any big plans for the weekend. Just hanging out at home, doing yardwork and housework, and laundry. I'm planting a ton of bulbs tomorrow. A friend of ours won 200 daffodil bulbs in a charity auction and can't use them. He gave us 100. I'm going to give some to M-i-L and her mom in SC (she'd asked for daffodil bulbs for their 65th wedding anniversary earlier this year), the rest are going in a raised bed in my back yard with some bulbs I'm going to try to rescue from our shady front yard.

Oh, and I'll be knitting. I will be starting the toe on my second zebra sock this afternoon on the way home. Maybe an FO for Monday. I'll probably keep working on my red scarves all weekend. Not sure if I'll pick up Hubby's aran or the crocheted purse.

What I really should do is finish my chickami. It only needs a few rows on one strap....

did you get the license plate?

I've finished the gusset on the zebra jaywalkers. Just about 15 rows to the toes.

I'm feeling totally run over today. Every morning this week the dressing of the B has been an ordeal. I can't take much more of this. It's a race against the clock in the morning and a rush at night to get him fed and give him his meds and to bed at a decent hour. Hubby's not been home before 8 much this week (I could kick him for changing jobs) so I've been doing the cooking and everything else.

Today I've got two more meetings (one which is right up against when I have to leave, I really hope it's not a problem that I'm leaving at 4:30 on the dot) and tons of stuff that needs to be done. It's going to rain again tonight so the commute will be another treat (I'm taking the train).

Fortunately, tomorrow is a half-day. I'm taking B for a re-check on his lungs and I hope we'll be done with the meds, for now I'm sure we'll need them again before cold season is over. I can't wait until Monday when I can stop putting peroxide in his ears. We went to the ENT on Monday. He removed one tube (it was just sitting in the canal stuck in some earwax, yes I know that's gross), but the other is obstructed with wax. So, the peroxide is to help clear up some of the wax while we wait for the tube to come out. If it's not out by February, he'll have to remove it.

so addicted

I couldn't stop knitting on the last ballband dishcloth yesterday on the train, even though I was really, really sick and heading home early. I've finished up all of M-i-L's buttercream dishclothes. I wove in the ends last night while Billy was doing his meds. I'll try to get a pic before I gift them on Saturday. The girls at knitting yesterday were very impressed with the dishcloths. Yes, I was fortunate in that I didn't get sick until after knitting.

I was also fortunate in that a couple of immodium and a nap had me in good shape for taking care of the B last night. He was pretty easy, though.

Poor hubby didn't get home until after 8. He did get to give B a quick kiss before he went to bed.

I was in bed by 9:30 last night. I wasn't having symptoms, but I was beat.

I'm back to the zebra jaywalkers as my commute knitting. Yes, the last dishcloth had supplanted the socks. I'm just about done the gusset. My goal is to be working the toe this weekend.

I've started thinking about what to take on our trip next week. I'm leaning toward Hubby's aran, a red scarf I cast on this morning (Patons Classic in Bright Red in the spiral pattern from the Knit stitch a day calendar), and yarn for a felted bucket hat and mittens for me. We'll see if any cotton jumps out of the stash at me between now and Tuesday night.

My current obsession

The one on the left is the second in that color combo. The first was gifted to M-i-L this weekend as a condo-warming gift (yay! they're buying a place down the shore). I'm going to give her the rest of them, too. I really liked the ombre as the main color, but now, I'm loving the natural as the main color. Love the diagonal rainbow effect. I'm using Sugar and Cream in Natural and Buttercream. I'm going to keep knitting on these until the yarn is gone.

Billy didn't want to wear pants again today. Eventually, I got some red sweats on him and then he insisted on wearing a belt. Hubby is still claiming it's my fault and is concerned about what this particularity means for the kid's future. Me, I'd just like to get out of the house without the screaming matches. I just don't know what to do. He can take his pants off now, so even if we wrestle and force a pair he doesn't want on him, he'll be naked in five minutes.

In other news, the itching definitely seems to be stress-related. I had a huge outbreak last night, hives and all, and my skin was nowhere near dry. (I recently switched to Eucerin lotion.) But, I did get a final notice in the mail from the hospital for that MRI I had in April 2005. Seems the hospital and my insurance carrier can't agree on how much an MRI should cost. Since my coverage for radiologic is 100% and the carrier insisted on the MRI when the doctor first prescribed a CT-scan, and since the hospital is in-network, we really should have no out-of-pocket expenses. Hubby's called the carrier twice (we've been getting bills since August, 16 months after the test), and they told him to not worry about it. Well, now that the hospital is threatening us with a collections agency, it's time to worry a bit, don't you think? Fortunately, my company has an account with Health Advocate and I've turned everything over to them. I hope there's a resolution that does not require a check from us and does not negatively impact my credit rating.

blah, blah, Monday, blah

What a morning. B did not want to get dressed. Well, he did. He wanted to wear two shirts but no pants. And his orange jacko'lantern socks as hand puppets, not as socks. Hubby's helpful hints: It's all your fault for giving him too many choices.

8 days out of 10 I let the kid pick his clothes and he gets dressed with the minimum of fuss. 2 days out of 10, he's a complete and utter brat about it and it's my fault for letting him exert some independence and express himself. Yeah, I see how that works.

It doesn't help that he's back on the nebulizer and didn't want to stop watching Nemo this morning. Yeah, the broncho-dialators, etc. I was home with him on Thursday because he was developing a really bad cough and didn't want to get up. Now, this is the kid who asks to see his teachers during the weekend, so he wasn't just looking to hang with Mom all day. Docta Maggie (that's how he says it) feels he's outgrowing the bronchial tendencies and we should only have to nebulize for a week, but I was just happy there was no ear involvement. We did, however, watch Nemo 3 times on Thursday.

A sick day with the B did leave to a new obsession. I'm addicted to ballband dishclothes, from Mason Dixon Knitting. I've already knitted 2 completely and nearly done the 3rd. I'm constantly fantasizing about worsted cotton in my stash. Not to mention trying to make a red scarf using the pattern.

I did turn the heel on the second sock, as planned. I'm diligently working the gussets as my commute knitting.

And work, it's just kicking my ass to no end these days. I'm so looking forward to the Thanksgiving break.

crocheting a better bag

This was my favorite purse for quite a while. Considering I got it for a mere pittance as a rebate for buying some off the shelf skin care products, I've gotten a lot of use out of it. It's larger than purses I used to carry, but I can fit knitting in it. See, my KSKS bag and jaywalkers fit just fine.

But, you can also see that it's seen better days. I've been thinking about felted bags on and off for quite some time, like everyone else. Nona's recent creation really caught my eye. I especially like that it's really square and thought that her piece construction would really do this boxy bag justice. And then Jeanie mentioned that she crochets her Noni bags and finds she gets a much stiffer fabric. I've been wanting to get a crochet project going for a while, but couldn't really find one.

Then I remembered I have five balls of Patons Merino classic in RED (yes, screaming red). The patons classic felts really well, I used it for Dad's mittens and hat. I bought this stuff cheap at Joann's a while back and was going to use it for Red Scarf '07 or for some felted mittens and a hat. I figured 2 skeins can got to a new purse (I bought all 5 skeins they had in this color).
So, last night, I started with an experimental piece to be the bottom. It took longer to felt, but the fabric is so much thicker than anything I've gotten from felting knitting. I'm stoked! It's not dry yet, so I'm not going to swear it's completely the right size, but it was looking good when I took it out of the washer last night.

And I've reached my blogger picture limit for this post. I'm really jazzed about this project and have some fun thoughts about linings. My fabric stash may come in handy yet. I actually couldn't sleep because I was thinking of this project and different ways I could take it.

exercise your franchise

Since it was such a struggle last century to secure the right to vote for my gender, I'm going to make sure and use it! Hey, with the "war on terror" eroding rights everyday, we can't think we're always going to have a say, can we?

I'll be taking B with me. Nothing wrong with a civics lesson.

go with the FO

Sorry for the super crappy photo. I finished up last night and then the sun wasn't quite up enough (or I wasn't) to get a daylight shot this morning.

Here she is, Ms. Go With the Flow, mom's 2006 birthday sweater, over a week late again.

The pattern is Go with the Flow from Fiona Ellis's Inspired Cable Knits. This is an awesome book and I'd knit anything in it. The pattern seemed error-free to me. The cables are both written out and charted.

I knit it up in Rowan 4-ply cotton, which I think is a slightly larger gauge than the called for yarn, Dale Stork. I really enjoyed it, except for the callous on my finger. It took me slightly longer than I expected, but it's knit on size 3s so I think a month is okay.

I'll be mailing it up to mom tonight. I hope she'll wear it a lot. She likes to wear tanks and it's a great color for her.

I finished up my first zebra sock on the way home last night and am most of the way through the cuff on sock 2. My goal is to get to the heel turn by this weekend. I knit about 4 rows on hubby's green aran. He really, really likes it. I need to find the pattern book, though. When I copied the pattern 6 months ago, I neglected to copy the abbreviation page. I think I know what they all mean, but I don't want the first 2 repeats looking completely different from the next four or so.

itchy, sleepy weekend

My zebra sock is not done. I haven't touched it since Friday on the subway. I slept on the bus home. I slept at home on the couch with Molly-Bo. I did housework and read Saturday. Then hubby and I went to the Knicks game. Yesterday, was church and some seaming on Go with the Flow. After B went to bed, so did I, with itcy skin and hives. Wine with dinner and two benadryl knocked me out cold.

I don't know what's going on with my skin lately. I've got no discernale rash, but I've been having these outrageous itchy episodes. Twice, I've had to shower with the allergy shampoo we got for the dog. Last night it didn't help so much. I know I should scratch, but it's driving me crazy. I think I need to seriously re-assess my skin wash and lotions.

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!