Here's my meathead as modelled by Billy's puppy puppet.  

Meathead is done. I was going to say well done (har har), but I’ll leave it to Larissa to decide the quality. Boy, was that ever a quick knit! I was done before I was close to being home last night. Stupid rubberneckers on the parkway extended my commute by 20 minutes! Twenty minutes with no knitting because I finished meathead! Pity me! I forgot how annoying a traffic jam can be with no knitting to soothe you!

I will post a photo tomorrow. I’m at home today and our very old pc (it’s a 98) doesn’t have a DVD drive so I can’t access any digital photos. (Even if I weren’t using our DVD cam for digital photos, I don’t think this thing would access a digital cam). I have to find an appropriate model. I tried it on Billy this morning, but he just wanted to rip it off his head and eat it. Of course, everything goes in his mouth, he’s only 7 months old.

In other knitting news, I cast on and started my Paris Loop last night. Of course, I had to rip it out. I had twisted the cast on row. I really need to get the loops out of my new 17 circ. I will definitely start up again today if I have time.

I’m home today to take Billy to the doctor. Check-up and shots, poor baby. Poor mommy, not only does she have to see her baby get picked, she’s got to do housework.

I’d like to sit here, surf some more, play more cribbage, fiddle around, but those rugs aren’t going to vacuum themselves! I do wish they would and start earning their keep around here.

PS, I'll change the sidebar tomorrow when I have a high speed connection. Dial up sucks.

Just bought my first Addi turbo. Took a little visit to Purl after lunch. I brought Kristen with me since we’d gone out to lunch together. She was a little shocked. She’s still mired in cheap acrylics when she crochets so the expensive naturals at Purl threw her for a loop. She did like the feel of the alpaca, though.

I better like this needle for what I paid!

Let’s see, I’ve got knitting and sewing updates. I’ll try to organize my thoughts. (My first draft of this post was a jumble!). Since this is a knitting blog (née crochet blog), I’ll do the knitting news first.

Loll is done! I finished it at 3 pm Sunday with the in-laws arriving at 4:30. I had just enough time to shower and tidy up the main floor of the house before the door bell rang. Whew. I couldn’t stay up Friday to knit the sleeve up to the sleeve cap, so I was up until 2 am Saturday night knitting, weaving in and starting the seaming, then Dave woke me up at 3 when he got home and Billy decided he needed to be up at 4. But he let me sleep until 8 after that. Sunday, I finished seaming, did the neckline (that took longer than expected, but came out really nicely) and sewed on the buttons. I did not have time to take a picture. I think the nicest touch was the buttons I bought on Saturday (Billy and I spent 2+ hours at Joann). I was going to get plain white buttons then I saw these beautiful Thistle buttons. Since my m-i-l is half-Scottish I had to get the Thistles. I cleaned them out of those buttons (I needed 7). And they were 40% off!

I really liked the pattern and my m-i-l was trés impressed. She told me it looked professionally knit. I will admit that my stitches were nice and even and there were only a few errors in the knitting itself (how many pieces did I rip and re-start?), but my seaming still needs work. I will say that I was not happy with the first sleeve. I don’t like how I handled the increases. The second came out much better!

As for the picture I know I'm a bad knit blogger; I’ve got three FOs since Blogspot’s been offering picture hosting and no pictures to show for them. What a boring knitting blog!

Stash enhancement: I won 10 skeins of Noro Silk Garden in 84. Can’t wait to get my hands on it. I don’t like any of the Noro designs enough to buy the books. I was thinking since it’s the same gauge as All Seasons Cotton, I my see if it will work in one of those designs. Although I do particularly like one design from Rowan 33. I’m still waiting on the Calmer that I won last month and 5 skeins of river tape never showed up. I will not be buying any more yarn for a while. I’m banning myself from eBay and my other haunts (except to buy patterns and tools).

I started meathead this morning. Wow, sie 19 needles. If feels like I’m knitting with a giant’s needles! I had to cast on 3 times (first two times didn’t look so good) then I was about to start the stockinet and realized I’d done six rows of 1 x 1 ribbing when the pattern calls for 2 x 2. I ripped and am now back to where I was. I should be able to get this done in the next couple of days. I’m a little worried though about working on it on a crowded bus. I feel like I’ve got oars instead of needles! I think I’ll bring Paris Loop Thursday (I’m off tomorrow Billy’s got a dr’s appointment) just in case I do impale a fellow 113er on the way home tonight. Really, if we still had RNC security, they might not let me into the city with these implements! Paris Loop is definitely coming in the car to Baltimore along with Meathead if I don’t finish. I’ll have to grab another project, too, because I’m ever the optimist and think I’ll get more done than I do and who wants to be project-less in the car?

In sewing news: Did you know that September is National Sewing Month? Turn on those machines ladies! I’ve got a couple projects to work on. Perhaps we should have a sew-along! I’ve got my tote and a dress for a wedding to start! (I have until 10/24 to finish the dress.) Joann had a great sale on all sewing stuff this weekend since this is the month for it. All Simplicity patterns were $1, scissors were half price, buttons and notions were 40% off, and a lot of great fabrics were on sale. I got the interfacing for my Amy Butler bag (hope to start that soon) and a simplicity pattern for that dress for the wedding. I couldn’t find fabric I liked in the sale fabric, so I bought $30 + worth of not on sale fabric. It’s a lovely wine satin with deeper wine chiffon for a drape on the neckline. I’m making a sleeveless top and a full a-line skirt. See picture posted below. I just had too much fun and Billy just charmed all the ladies there. It was good thing I had a $25 gift card. I did not buy any yarn there, but I did get one set of needles I need for my Paris Loops and the needles that I need for Meathead. I spent a lot of time looking at the fat quarters, but didn’t really see too much I wanted (it was hard to resist they were $1). I did see some sets that I liked, but what would I do with them? I’m not quilting yet! All in all a great way to spend a Saturday.

Maybe Sunday I’ll get the fabrics out during Billy’s nap and start cutting things out. Honestly, I’d be lucky to get all the pattern pieces cut out!

I really have to get to work. Sample pages to review!

Here's the dress for the October wedding. The pieces I'm making are circled. I will be making both pieces out of wine satin with a deeper chiffon drape on the neckline. 

This morning when I dropped Billy off at day care, Miss Martha was making him laugh and he was having a grand ole time. She asked me if he was always like this, always so happy and quick to laugh and smile. I said that he was; that sometimes he gets cranky when he wants to take a bath and go to bed but other than that he’s a sunny boy. I love my kid so much.

Hubby is out tonight. He and his Dad are going to the last Jets pre-season game tonight. I do not begrudge him his football games with his dad; it’s usually only 10 days a year and I think it’s important that they spend time together. So, it will be just Billy, Molly and Mommy tonight. I hope Billy goes down early again and that I can get Molly either asleep or interested in a bone. I’ve got A LOT of knitting to do. I still have about 5 sets of increases to do on the last sleeve and then I need to knit to 44 cm in total length. WHEW. I will not go to bed tonight until I’m about to start the sleeve cap. I really want to focus on finishing it up tomorrow.

Hubby is out tomorrow as well. He has his fantasy football league draft and then they’re playing poker.

Aren’t I a great wife for letting him do all these things? Isn’t he a great husband for not insisting I do housework and letting me acquire yarn to my heart’s content? Keeping that in mind, I’ve bid on 10 skeins of Silk Garden on eBay. Sure, I’ll probably never knit up all the yarn I’ve got now, but this is beautiful yarn and I’m getting a bargain on it. I love that it’s the same gauge as All Seasons Cotton, but with better yardage so I can make something from that collection.

I’m also going shopping tomorrow. I’ve got my Amy Butler pattern and the fabric so I need to get the interfacing and any other required notions. Monday may be a sewing day! I also need to find the circs to make my meathead and the Paris Loops. I seriously cannot wait to finish Loll so I can start something new. I really hope to whip meathead and my Loop out (want to wear it as it gets cooler) next week and get cracking on Mom’s Air and Dad’s mittens! Billy gets to go to JoAnns and the LYS!

My little boy is seven months old today. I was so proud of him last night. Dave and I decided to risk it and try to have dinner at Outback. He was so good the whole time; out classed the screamy, crying, whiny toddler two tables over. He played with his toys, the beer mats, the table, and was a doll. He’s such a great kid. He’s been sleeping better and eating everything we give him. I think we’ll be starting finger foods soon. He’s saying da-da-da-da-da-da now and trying to get from lying on his back to sitting up on his own. Yesterday morning, he discovered the joys of sleeping on his tummy (I put him to bed on his back; he rolled over, mom-police just back off).

Hard to believe it’s been seven months since I pushed him out into the world!

Did I mention that my meathead kit came the other day? I’m so excited to be helping Larissa with this project. I’ll be bringing it in the car to Baltimore next weekend, or I may start in Labor Day. I don’t know; I may be sleeping all day Labor Day. With the way Loll is going, I’m going to be up late Friday and Saturday! I finished the right front last night and cast on for the last sleeve immediately. I’m over half-way through the seed stitch, but man it’s still a lot of knitting to do. Then I have to seam (because although I planned to sew as I went I didn’t) and there’s buttons and a neckband, Oh my!

Loll is not finished. But, I received a reprieve. Last week, my husband re-scheduled his mom’s birthday dinner to this Sunday (9/5). Of course, he told me this before I went to VT and sapped my will to do much knitting at all. I should have the right front done today and will start the last sleeve ASAP. I hope to be seaming on Saturday. I still need to get buttons.

The VT trip was great! Everyone loved Billy, of course! I got to see my favorite cousin on my Dad’s side (he’s a great columnist, even got a book out). We had a lot of time to mellow out with the family. My only regret is that I drove so I lost 12+ hours of prime knitting time!

My Herrschner’s order came in. I was worried about the gray Cicco, but it’s my favorite of the three colors I have. I think my sister will like it. I can’t wait to get the Amy Butler pattern so I can start sewing.

I’m looking at my upcoming projects like this:

My Paris loop
My meathead contribution
Mom’s Air
Dad’s mittens
Dad’s Zipo
Christmas presents (3)

Then there are dog blankets and sweaters and way too much!

I'm off to Vermont tomorrow morning. Depending on how things go, I may blog. If not, I'll catch up next week.

Is it wrong that I'm not bemoaning how much I'll miss my husband and Molly while I'm gone? I'm just too excited to see my parents seeing Billy again!

Stash enhancement time. I bought some more Cicco Gedifra at Herrschners (see this morning's post about the sale) in gray and blue (one for each sister). I sure hope I like the pattern! I also got some Hoffman fabrics to make a Chelsea bag. I’m going to use it as my new work bag once my jelly bag gives out (the straps are starting to rip). It’s going to be pretty funky for me, but, it’s got all my colors (except not so much red). I also love pansies. And I ordered some labels to put in my projects (at least the ones I give away), but those aren’t so much fun to look at.

In Loll news, I’m about where I was at yesterday’s post. It’s not that I did no knitting. I did a lot of knitting. I just ripped most of it out on my excessively long commute home last night. (I didn’t get to pick Billy up until after 7!) I realized I was doing the buttonholes wrong (I knew that decision would bite me in the end). I was twisting stitches when knitting into the yarn over and that was shrinking the button holes. I tried to drop stitches down to the first button hole in the ribbing (the seed stitch one is fine), but when I tried to rebuild the stitches they looked horrible. So I ripped out a good 6 inches. Much knitting tonight!

My sister works here. We might be going to see this Saturday. Can you believe it? Multi-cultural exposure for Billy in Vermont!

I'm going to use this... 

and this.... 

To make this.... 

HURRY! Herrschner's has Gedifra Cicco on sale for $3.97. Make your own Paris Loop!

I know what I’m working on once Loll is finished. Forget the stuff in the side bar. I’m making my Paris Loop. I got my yarn order from Elann today. Woot! Now I need to make sure I have all the necessary needles. Ooh, I may have to go shopping!

Speaking of Loll, I’ve got three, count ‘em, three buttonholes done. That means I’m approaching halfway on the right front. Can you dig it? Just goes to show that traffic jams are good for something. I really think I would be extremely unhappy taking the bus most days if my projects didn’t grow so much while we waited to get around a broken down taxi on the helix or past the construction on the turnpike.

I now have two boxes of yarn in my office ready to be snuck home. Some night when the hub is working late or got plans after work, I’ll start bringing it home. For now, It makes me happy to know it’s here. I know, it’s a sickness.

I’m having a rough morning here (afternoon when I got around to posting). Well, rough’s not accurate, it’s a little frazzled, a bit frantic. I can’t find some files I’m supposed to be working on and routing. I remember them being handed over to me and discussing them with my director. I can’t remember if he took them back, but they’re not in my office. Panic time!

We’ve also got a small problem with some attitudes around here. I just can’t take the people who are so unwilling to change and can’t handle a little chaos and confusion in their lives. Don’t they realize it’s those things that make us alive?

I had a good birthday weekend. I didn’t do too much knitting. Which is very bad of me, I only have 6 days to finish Loll. (Actually, it’s 7. We’re getting together the 31st, not the 30th.) I did get the first sleeve finished and I’m a few inches into the right front. I’m going to try to get at least past the armhole shaping before we go to VT. Then I have the last sleeve, seaming, and the neckband to do. Oh, and buttons to buy and sew on. Yeah, I decided buttons. Fortunately, the buttonholes are being knit along with the right front. I promised my husband it would be done. I don’t think I’ll be getting to bed too early this week. I hope my sisters and parents are willing to Billy sit so I can knit my fingers off in VT.

I’ve also signed up to be a Meathead. I think it is très cool to be a part of an art installation!

Birthday pressies included the new Indigo Girls CD from my dog (yes, that’s what my husband said, that Molly wanted me to have that particular CD). Sheryl Crow’s 2003 tour DVD from my son (again, husband assures me that the baby picked out that particular title). New sneakers from my husband (he used to sell sneakers for a living so he’s very good at picking them out). And from the whole immediate family at Elizabeth Ave I got the Elvis ’68 comeback special on DVD. Seven hours of footage of really hot Elvis. I’ll be taking that to VT to share with my mom. My in-laws spoiled me as well. I got 2 pairs of slacks (brown and olive, thanks M-I-L for helping me break away from my neutral neutrals), two tops (blue and ivory), and a gorgeous blue cabled sweater. I just love the cables on it. I know it is machine knit, but I’ll have to take a picture to show you the wonderful look.

On my day off I treated myself to a movie and the realization that my parents spent a lot of money on my college education and I can’t read a newspaper. I think I may be slightly dyslexic with numbers (or else I am a lazy reader). I thought there was a 1:25 showing of the Village. So I hopped in the VUE and drove to the theater to be there by 1 (not sure how long it would take me). I get there and the next showing of The Village is 2:15! I could have sat around and knitted, but I didn’t want to be in the theater all day. So, I went to a 1:45 showing of Garden State. I highly recommend it. It was very good. I’ve heard some bad things about The Village, but I still want to see it. I’ll rent it.

More stash enhancement. I’d like to thank Froggy for posting that Elann had Gedifra cicco on sale so I can make my own Paris Loop. I also got some Patons Kroy sock yarn and some cotton blend boucle for Billy. Of course, I have yet to knit anything for my boy.

I got a Keepsake Quilting catalog in the mail, I think I'm on their mailing lists from my Patternworks purchase. Whoo boy, makes me want to breakout the sewing machine. There are a number of things I want. I think I might get one set of fat quarters and figure out how to make a bag and needle case. Just what I need, another hobby with stashing possibilities. I did buy my sewing machine a number of years ago and it has been used. I’ve used it to hem curtains, take in a skirt, and put a new zipper into a coat! There was a time I sewed a lot. Two years out of four I made my own dress for my college's semi-formal dance.

And Cicco to make my Paris Loop! 

Kroy for Christmas present. 

Cottrica for a Billy project. Don't know what yet. 

I was a little ambitious in thinking I'd get a whole sleeve done this weekend. I did finish the left front of Loll, but not until Saturday morning. I'm a good way into the first sleeve and will put as much time into it as I can to get it done in the next couple of days. I have to start the right front this week or it will never get done. I do have that long train ride coming up on Thursday.

My assistant manager (she assists me in managing) is going with me and she wants to pick my brains on what Arthurian sites I hit in England while studying over there. Goodness, now I have to try and remember! I know we hit Tintagel, an earthen fort, Glastonbury Abbey (supposed burial place), and the grail garden in Glastonbury. I'll have to look through my pictures to try and remember. I wonder if there is a site that recommends Arthurian places to visit. Her son is a huge Arthurian fan.

The weekend got off to a rocky start. We left all of our packing to the last minute. Hubby was downstairs writing checks and I was trying to get us all ready to go (him, me, the baby). I put Billy on our bed to play and went into the bathroom to get our toiletries together. I heard a bang. He'd fallen off the bed and onto the floor. He was a little shaken up, with some minor bruises. Dave was very shaken up. I was, too. But since Daddy was flying off the handle I had to keep my shit together. It got pretty ugly between us. Fortunately, we've all recovered and Mommy will never leave Billy on a high surface again! The rest of the weekend was pretty succesful. Sheryl was great, Charley not so bad, and I played a few table games for a change. I lost money so that wasn't too different. Dave got into the poker tournament at the Sands and did pretty well for his first time out.

All righty, time to get back to work!

The bulldog description I posted yesterday does NOT apply to our Molly. This morning she wouldn't potty in the back yard so my husband asked her if she wanted to go for a walk. Now, walk is one of Molly's favorite words, it ranks up there with Daddy, ride and bacon. She started jumping into the air. Seriously. She doesn't get border collie vertical, but she was in the air, all four paws off the ground. She's an atypical bully. Or to quote the Smithereens "My girl, she's extra-ordinary...."

I am most definitely cruising on Loll. I started the armhole shaping last night and should have the left side done today. I shall cast on for the first sleeve tomorrow in the car. I've got two weeks and a couple of days to get it done. I think it will happen. The only thing I have concerns about is picking up stitches for the neckband. I will arm myself with trusty crochet hook and do the best I can. Even if the whole thing looks like crap, she'll wear it proudly.

In other news, we're living in interesting politcal times in NJ. The first I heard about the governer resigning was from a 20-year-old poli sci major who's interning at an ad agency in Manhattan. She said it was courageous. I didn't pass judgement because I figured there had to be more behind his resigning than just he's finally out and been cheating on his wife with a man. We're not CA, but I think we could have gotten over that. By the time I saw and heard the news on the tv and radio it was being reported that he's being sued for harassment by his former lover and supposedly the lawsuit is very graphic. This former lover is his ex-aide and a man the governor appointed to a position (director of homeland security after 9/11) that he was not qualified for. I told my husband this morning that he's earned the nickname McSleazy. (My husband is a Republican and has been calling him that since we lived in Iselin and he was the Mayor.) Not because he's gay, or because he cheated on his wife, but because he put his lover in an important position without the qualifications to do the job. A job that was supposed to be protecting all of us. /politics

What Common Breed of Dog Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Boring.

I'd rather be:


What Common Breed of Dog Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

10 balls of this. It's fingering weight cotton, also 200+ yards per ball. I see beautiful baby stuff! (Not for my baby though, Daddy doesn't like him in Lilac.) 

I got 15 balls of this. It's got great yardage, 220+. Same gauge as Rowan Cotton Tape. 

I’m knitting as fast as I can, and buying yarn faster than I should. I have won two more auctions, one for some Khaki River Tape and another for Lilac Sea Breeze. Hey, I got them really cheap. Who cares if Rowan decided they weren’t worth producing at all/any more? I will find a use for them. I just need more hands. I am banning myself from eBay for a while (and the Herrschner's yarn sales, and Threadbear, and anyone else who enables my yarnaholic tendencies).

Left front of Loll will hopefully be done tomorrow. I really, really want to start the left sleeve this weekend. Yesterday was a bad commute into the city. I was all smushed in the back row of the bus and didn’t have elbow room to knit! Quel horor. I did get to knit my heart out on the way home and while watching TV with the hub and the dog. This morning I was the 12th person on the bus and the last. I got my own seat and knit all the way in. I’ve also found that if I walk slowly enough, I can walk and knit at the same time. Granted, we’re talking a very simple pattern (elongated 1 x 3 rib), but cool.

Here’s your saccharine-sweet story for the day. My dog and my baby love each other very much. She loves licking his face and he just lights up when he sees her. He’s 6 months (in case you’re new) and reaches out for her when she’s close to him. Last night I was sitting on the couch next to him (he can sit up on his own, I was in arm's reach in case he toppled). Molly (the dog) jumped up next to me and cuddled for a bit. Then she realized that Billy (the baby) was on the other side of me. She crawled across me (which is not comfortable as she weighs 65 lbs) so she could lick his face. So, she’s sitting on my lap, he’s got her jowls in his hands and she’s kissing him all over. Eh, I don’t tell the story well. It was really sweet.

We’re spending tomorrow night at my in-laws as they are baby- and dogsitting over the weekend while we’re in AC. I want to knit and watch the opening ceremonies (if Dad and hub will let me, they’re not big on the Olympics), but Loll is a secret, so I can’t knit it. I guess I could bring Tucker. I’d swatch for Mom’s Air, but I still can’t find all those new circs I bought. Where the H-E-double hockey sticks did I put them?

From Carrie’s Homework Meme

Carpet or hardwood floors? We have both, I prefer self-cleaning floors. Seriously, I hate to mop, but since we all have allergies we should probably have just hardwood.

Blinds or curtains? We have both in the bedrooms, just curtains elsewhere. I’d really rather have curtains and shades in the bedrooms, much darker.

Tiles or sheet linoleum? We have sheet linoleum in the bathroom and I want to replace it with tile. I’ve got nothing against linoleum or vinyl flooring but this particular one always looks dirty, even after I’ve mopped it!

Paint or wallpaper? We’ve got all paint, except for a border in the nursery and the powder room in the basement. That was one of our first chores when we bought the house, ripping out all the awful wallpaper.

You know you’re living in a different world when your bus gets boarded by a state trooper for a “random bus check.” Why are the Republicans having their convention in NYC? I know they thought they were doing the city a favor, but do they realize how disruptive it is? My commute’s gotten much longer with the added security and the convention’s not for two weeks! Thanks guys.

I finished the back of Loll Friday. Yippee! I cast on for the left front Sunday and am cruising through the ribbing. I’m sorely tempted to measure, but I know I am nowhere near 39 cm. Things will go so fast once I hit the armhole shaping. I had been thinking of doing the sleeves in the round to avoid the seaming, but I don’t think my dpn technique is good enough, yet. I will do the left sleeve next to sew as I go.

My lovely Phildar came via UPS yesterday. My admin was very curious as to why such a large box was so light. Usually, at a publishing company, large box = very heavy. MMM, yummy, yummy yarn. Now, I just need to figure out what to do with it. I’m thinking a zip-up vest for my f-i-l for some of it (probably navy blue) and then a sweater for Billy out of the other. F-i-l likes to work outside and since his birthday is late March, a zippy sweater vest is a practical idea. He’s like my husband in that he’s not really a sweater guy otherwise.

I’ve got bids in on some Rowan yarns on eBay. Some All Seasons Cotton in aqua for my sister (the youngest one). I’m starting to feel guilty. I made her Grecian Plait, I've got a plan for a Christmas present, but so far nothing for the middle one. I need to find something. Unfortunately, the middle one is apple shaped and few patterns would fit her. I guess I’ll need to do some modification. The other auction is River tape in Khaki. 15 balls, I could do something in that for her (or me).

Loll is first priority. Get that done and I cast on for Air for my mom. Fortunately, her birthday isn’t until late October so I can work on some smaller stuff alongside. Then it’s Dad’s Zipo for his birthday at the end of December. I think my husband would appreciate some warm, wooly socks for Christmas, too.

Gee, can I quit my job and just knit full-time?

I may be in even more trouble. I found my LYS last week. I’ve been looking for this place for months and could never find it. Billy and I were cruising around Thursday night (going to McD's for mommy's dinner) and I found it, on the other side of the street from where I’d been looking. Apparently, I had the street number wrong. I will be stopping in some time in the future. I think I may start getting whatever Rowan pattern books I need there, instead of ordering them online. Must support the LYS! I’d link to their Web site if they had one.

I'm feeling overwhelmed here at work. There is just so much to be done and I know I'm spinning my wheels. I'm just not getting anything accomplished. I don't know if it's the sheer volume of stuff that's sapping my motivation or if I'm still just completely burnt out. Today, I just want to put my head down and tell everyone to go away. My office is a mess and I know I'm not going to get anything else accomplished.

And what do I do when I can think straight? I think about knitting. I really, really have to get my priorities in order or things are just going to get so much worse! I have a lot of people counting on me and I need to step up to the plate.

In other news (still not knitting related), I brought in lunch (to save money) and I'm not going to eat it. I need to step outside for a bit. Then I need to get prepared for this meeting I'm having.

Oh, and I'm home alone with the dog and baby because my husband gets to go out and have a life.... Bitter much?

Darker blue blend. I lost out on the plum cotton. Someone snuck in at the last minute. Bummer. Oh well, I probably have too much yarn as it is! 

Here is the stash enhancement. Royal blue Phildar wool. 

I want MY Rowan 36!

Here's the newest addition to the family, Davey. Don't know if my sister and her boyfriend are keeping the name.  

Twice yesterday, I posted about knitting, but Blogger ate the posts. Grr!

Loll grows apace. I've started the armhole shaping. I have to rip out a row because I only did 5 rows of decreases and I need to do seven. I circled the right numbers in red, but apparently still didn't read the pattern right!

The stash grows apace as well. I've won a few auctions on eBay. Some older Phildar yarns, some more Summer Tweed. I've got a bid in on some old Rowan cotton. It's fingering weight with great yardage (220 yds a skein). I'm thinking a cardigan or vest for my father-in-law. It's a brownish plum, right up his alley.

The Phildar is in three orders. One's a beige and white blend with flecks of all different colors that we're going to use for dog blankets and sweaters. My dog is getting a new blanket; since she's fawn and white the yarn's perfect for her. My sister is adopting a retired greyhound and he'll need a sweater for those VT winters (especially since she lives up in the mountains). I'm hoping the color works for him. That package arrived Saturday. I also just won an auction for some 100% wool in royal blue that will be for Billy and I used "buy it now" to get some darker blue in a acrylic/wool/mohair blend. That may be for Billy as well. I have to see what kind of patterns I can find. Perhaps it will be for f-i-l instead of the cotton.

I really, really want to start something new (Charlotte, another Java, my Calmer ribby), but my m-i-l's birthday rapidly approaches. I promised my husband he wouldn't have to do any shopping for her so Loll MUST get finished. I hope to have the back done in the next few days and then I'll do the left sleeve and left front so I can sew as I go. I may need some late nights in the next few weeks!

Here's Billy at 2 days. 

Here's Billy and his best friend, Molly our 2 year-old Bulldog.  

Here's my little guy at six months.  

Here's a different use for a space board, measuring the baby between doctor's visits! 

I hear coffee is addictive. I've never acquired the taste. I do like caffeine, but I get it from colas.

Java on the other hand is addictive! I knit one up Saturday. Well, I still have to finish the handle, but it's nearly done. It's very cute. It's in some mystery pink cotton (hot and baby). I started with the baby and did a middle stripe of hot and finished with the baby. The edging is watermelon Pebble Beach from Reynolds. It's a terry cloth texture. The handle will be that as well. So once I finish that and sew up the pillow, Kristen's birthday presents are done. And it's only taken 15 months to do the pillow! Just a few weeks for knitting up and forever to finish it off.

But, back to Java's addictive qualities. I want to knit more! It went so fast once I figured out knitting with so many needles. I've knit on dpns before with the BUP, but that started on a circular. While knitting pink, pink, pink java I kept thinking of other javas to make. I have some black fingering yarn and thought I could do a rock on java or a blue white and green for a sister's whose favorite colors are those. Obviously bwg would go to the sister, but who do I know that rocks and drinks takeout coffee?

My only concern with java is it's size. I swatched, but didn't exactly measure my gauge. I hope it works.

I think my floral poncho is getting lonely in her ziploc bag. She's near my bed, but I haven't touched her in weeks. I do have a deadline if I plan on wearing her to Sheryl Crow. But I've been thinking about a different poncho in the fingering black with the rose Soho.... Not that I have time.

I got a bit of Loll's back done. I'm nearly done the seed stitch. All 30 rows x 115 stitches (well, 113 not counting my garter selvedges). I think it would go faster if the calmer weren't so smooth. I have one size 6 circ and it's too slippery for the calmer. I think things will go better with my 8 when I start the rib. Without waist shaping, I've got a lot of rib to do until I hit the armholes!

Okay, time to brag about my son. He's 25 weeks today. (I cannot believe he'll be six months next Monday!)  Yesterday, he finally got his first tooth. He's been chewing on things like a rodent, especially fingers and anything cloth. Fortunately, he wasnt' too fussy. He even napped a lot on Saturday. He's advanced my kid. He has rolled over both ways (tummy to back and vice versa). Although, it's hard to induce him to roll onto his tummy. He sits up on his own and I swear the kid tries to sing. He's babbly, happy, and perfect!

I tell everyone I can't have another because he's spoiled me so much!

I promise to have pics next week. Must do comparison. He's gained nearly 13 pounds and grown over 5 inches!

I have so much to do and what am I doing? I'm surfing knitting blogs to see if anyone has updated from this morning. Urgh.

Loll went to the frog pond this morning. I'm starting over for a few reasons:

1. I messed up on the decreases for the waist shaping. There are supposed to be three, I only did two.
2. My m-i-l is not a fitted kind of gal. I think she'd prefer a straighter fit.
3. I'm not happy with the way the decreases and a couple of increases look.
4. She's also not an XL.

I had been making the XL to compensate for the waist shaping. And I kept the waist shaping in because I was worried about yarn usage. I realize if I make the L even with making it straight, I should have plenty of yarn. Of course, not doing the fringe saves yarn, too. Thinking process hasn't been great on this one.

I'm going to start over with the back and do it right! Must make a new photocopy to work from. This time, I'll copy all the pages I need!

Homework Meme from Carrie:

Do you recycle? Compost? Reuse household items until no other use can be wrung from them? Why or why not? Do you try any other ways to affect your household's footprint?

We do recycle; our township picks up every other week. We do not compost; although as a transplanted country girl I can definitely see the value, but not to my .25 acre suburban lot. Probably could re-use more and I know we're note careful on consuming all the food we buy. We get lots of credit for taking mass transit to work and not driving much! I think my laziness impacts our chemical footprint. I don't clean often enough for chemicals to get into the groundwater. I got an error so don't have the actual footprint to share.

I know there is more we can do.

I'm still loving the Calmer and can't wait to get started on the next project. I'm even thinking of getting some pink and making this for a friend of mine who loves tube tops. Looks like a good first cabling project. (Although, my mom's Air has cables in it, cables and lots of seed stitch.)

I'm making good progress on Loll. Although, I will not be able to finish it until I get the back done (have to photocopy the right pages). I missed the part where it says "until 25 rows less have been worked than on the back..." Oops. Oh well, I'll knit to that point, put it on a holder and cast on for the back. I hope to be able to cast on for the back by the weekend.

I've got another car trip coming up. My husband is taking me to Atlantic City to see Sheryl Crow at Trump Taj Mahal on August 14th. It's an early birthday present. I don't know if I'm more excited for the concert, the beach, or the uniterrupted knitting time! There's also the alone time with Hubby, too. It's just going to be great! He's excited for the gambling. He went down with some buddies last weekend and came home up $450.

Billy went to sleep early last night (by 8:30, of course he woke me up at 3:45 this morning) and Molly settled down early after a brief period of brattiness, so I got to work on Loll in front of OverHauling. I've realized I love any show that lets me experience people being creative and a surprise just adds to the fun; even though I'm not a gearhead. I'm just about to put the increases in for the bust shaping.

Well, I've got a vendor meeting any minute now and my boss's boss is in the next two days, so I should get to work.

I haven't felt this way in a long time. I'm so excited just to see you. Touching you is close to heaven. I get a lump in my chest when I think about you. You nearly bring tears to my eyes.
 
It's really sick that this is how I feel about knitting up Calmer. It does feel like a new romantic relationship. Yarn lust, I've got it bad. I've got a few inches done on the left front and it's a dream. I'm a little unsure about the rib pattern. My swatch looked nothing like the photograph in the book. I read the pattern as slip 1 purlwise, purl the next stitch. Am I misreading sl 1 P?
 
Perhaps, I should take advantage of my Rowan membership and query my other Rowanettes!
 
I got some yummy red Phildar coton Friday. MMMMM. What a fast eBay transaction! I paid Wednesday and got the yarn Friday. Of course it was just coming from LI, but still very nice. And, they sent me free black wool. It's a skinny, squiggly thing, but it's free wool!
 
Must give the husband kudos. He's not commented on my recent yarn purchases. Can't wait to get on the bus home tonight and do some knitting! I love the weekends but they don't leave me much knitting time.
 
On another thing altogether, the Prince concert was pretty good. I could have done with more Prince and less of his band. Man is he a good entertainer. You forget what an outstanding guitarist he is.
 
I would have fit right in if I'd been able to wear my poncho. There were tons of women in ponchos.

Hmmm. Blogger's changed a bit, hasn't it? I think I like the new options. Like easier posting of photos. Not that I'm taking photos for posting, but hey, I may get off my duff some day. Color is good!
 
In knitting news, or rather yarn news, the floral poncho is nearly done. I have ends to weave in, fringe to add, and shoulders to figure out. Since I doubled the size of the poncho to fit myself by just doubling the first row, the neckline is way too huge. I need to add shoulders of some sort. That means I cannot crochet it on the bus. I need to be able to pull it on and off and look in a mirror to see if I like what I'm doing.
 
Bus knitting has become the Loll cardigan from the Calmer collection. I'm doing it in bleached calmer (yes, it's white, white, white) for my mother-in-law. I hope to have it done for her birthday August 30. Yes, a FIRM deadline. (Neat keyboard shortcuts just like word.) Of course, it isn't starting too easily. I didn't have the right part of the directions to start the back or the sleeves (those directions are with the Loll sweater which I didn't photocopy for carrying). So, I'm doing the left front. I've modified it a bit. Can't see M-I-L liking the fringe, so I'm doing seed stitch. About 8 rows in and it's going well. I LOOOOOOOOOOVE Calmer. It makes me knit looser so I got gauge on the right size needles for a change!
 
Bought myself a bright orange scarf today at Port Authority from one of those little pushcarts. I saw it and it was $5 so I had to have it. Don't know when I'll wear it but I've been wanting to accessorize a bit more lately.
 
Oh well, off to work I go.  
 

I finished Grecian Plait in the car on the way to Vermont Friday. My sister tried it on Saturday (I didn't see her Friday night) and it basically fits. She put it on over her swimsuit, so we didn't get the best fit. She claims it's scratchy. I don't know why. Did I take a picture? Nope. Silly Netter.

The floral mini poncho is cruising along. I've got half a floral round and a swag round to finish before I do the front and back rows. Then I have to decide how to modify the neckline. I've changed the pattern quite a bit to adjust for my skinny yarn and not so skinny self. I'd love to have it done for Friday. My husband and I are going to see Prince and I think the poncho would be great over a black tank top.

Speaking of my husband, he really surprised me yesterday. I thought he'd have a fit when we got home and there were 2 boxes of yarn waiting for me. But he didn't. One was the summer tweed for me (I think I'll make Otis from Knitty if it goes with one of my dresses) the other was coffee bean calmer for my mom. I have to decide which Calmer cardi to make for her.

I got lots of oohs and ahs on the Grecian Plait. My sister tried it on during the party and everyone was impressed by my skill. I must say the knitting came out really well; I do need to work on my seaming skills, though. Everyone said I really inherited my grandmother's talent. That was a nice thing to hear.

Mom's family had Christmas in July this weekend (in addition to a surprise 80th birthday party for her dad). I got a Joann gift card. I'm thinking of some Lion yarn to make some Phildar sweaters for Billy, if I ever get my book from ThreadBear. But, no more stash enhancement until I get a couple more things finished.

My friend Kristen's birthday is coming up, I need to get java knitted for her. And to finally finish that pillow I made last year!

Grecian Plait is blocking as we speak. I decided to finally get it done last night. I'm wet blocking. Unfortunately, my space board isn't big enough for all the pieces. The sleeves will have to block tonight. Seaming party at my house tomorrow!

I didn't wash it and I should have. Whoa, does that yarn smell when wet!

I think I'll get my sister one of those pop-up sweater dryers so she has a place to dry it flat.

In other news, I did it again. I was motoring along on Tucker this morning and somehow my moss stitch has again become 1 x 1 ribbing. URGH! And I'm in the color blocks so I've got intarsia to rip out. Lucky me, it's only a few rows.

I got my Charlotte last night. I can't wait to start on it. I really do need to get some new size 6 needles. I don't understand how my grandmother got away with having a single 6 circular when it seems everything I want to knit requires a 6! I do have a 16" Phildar 6 circ, but I don't really like the join on those. I'd have two 6 circs with joins I don't like, but there was that unfortunate incident with the Needlemaster 6.

I can't wait to get my calmer and I won some Summer Tweed in Morning Glory! Just under $7 a skein for a yarn that retails at $8-9. Go Netter. I'm not sure what I'm going to make with it, yet. I may just have to fondle it for a while.

I was surprised my husband didn't comment on the package from Threadbear. Maybe he didn't realize $50 worth of yarn could come in such a small package!

There's also the possibility that he realized I don't give him a hard time about his hobbies! I do need to organize the stash. I think that's right behind organizing the office. Not quite sure when I'll get around to those things. Billy does not like to nap when he's with his mommy. He sleeps for hours at day care but I'm lucky if I can get him down for an hour twice a day! Then there's all the other housework that doesn't get done. I need to take a week's vacation just to get caught up!

Still have not blocked the Grecian Plait. Bad Netter, bad. Bid on more yarn on eBay. MMMMMM, Summer Tweed. More stash? Again, bad Netter. I bought Bonne Marie's latest pattern (www.chicknits.com). Can't wait to make one. Much knitting going on?

Let's see, what's on the needles? I cast on for the Tucker Mat, worked 2 1/2 rows and realized I was doing 1 x 1 ribbing instead of moss stitch. Doh! Must rip and re-work.

This weekend I thought I had gotten caught up and through the first swag row of the mini floral poncho. Then I realized that there are supposed to be 6 ttcs in each swag not 5! Doh. Rip and re-work. I must say that since I don't drink anymore, tailgate parties are good for tanning and crocheting! The poncho also kept me from snacking too much.

I've decided to make the Loll cardigan from the Calmer Collection in white Calmer for my mother-in-law. Can I get it done before her birthday 8/30? I've got a car ride to VT this weekend. We'll see what I can get done. Tucker's with me today. I'd love to get it done ASAP. It's on my only size 6 needle! Either than or I have to buy new needles!

I sure hope my recent purchases are at the house tonight. I can't wait to touch my very own koigu!

BUP is finished! Yay me. Unfortunately, it's HUGE. Into the wash it goes. I hope a spin and some time in the dryer will shrink it up a little bit. Not too much, I've got curly hair and a looser hat means less hat head, but it's waayyy too big now.

In stash building news. I am the proud owner of some Rowan Calmer in Coffee Bean. It's going to be a sweater for my Mom. Merry Christmas! And Rob says he'll be shipping out my Charlotte today! Yippee! I'll have both early next week.

I'm puttering along on the Tucker swatch. I do not like the Linen Drape; it splits a lot! I also picked up the mini poncho and realized I'd been doing the flowers all wrong. RIIIP!! Two rows gone. I think I've got it now.

I did start swatching a bit of Calmer from my stash. I love it! I can't wait to make something with it.

Have a Happy 4th for all us Americans.

You know, I figure I'm going to lose the eBay auctions, so I ordered a Charlotte's Web from ThreadBear. No self control at all, this woman has!

You're Thailand!

Calmer and more staunchly independent than almost all those around you,
you have a long history of rising above adversity.  Recent adversity has led to questions
about your sexual promiscuity and the threat of disease, but you still manage to attract a
number of tourists and admirers.  And despite any setbacks, you can really cook a good
meal whenever it's called for.  Good enough to make people cry.
face="Times New Roman">Take the Country
Quiz at the Blue Pyramid

Finishing sminishing. I still have not blocked the Grecian Plait and I was home yesterday! Long story short, Billy was not allowed to go to daycare for fear he had pink eye, his pediatrician gave him a clean bill of health and I'm back at work today. Of course, I had to burn a whole day yesterday. I did get a few weeks worth of laundry put away, reorganized our towel cupboard, and caught up on my ironing. But, no finishing.

BUP needs finishing, too. The knitting was completed Monday night on the 2 hour commute home (no it does not normally me two hours to get home, it's usually 1 + 10).

I brought my Tucker Mat as my knitting. Took me three tries to cast on for the new swatch this morning. I'm pathetic with casting on, really.

I don't know why I'm bothering to swatch. I'm going to use it as wall art in my office so it's not like the dimensions need to be right.

I do need to make some bobbins or smaller balls since it has intarsia.

Someone slap my wrists. Bad Netter has bid on some lovely Rowan yarns on eBay. I figure if my beloved husband can go gamble in Atlantic City and spend lots of money entertaining himself, stash building need not be off limits to me! Knitting takes a lot more of my time and something lasting comes out of it.

Didn't get around to blocking Grecian Plait this weekend. I am pretty far along on the crown shaping for the BUP. I'll probably finish that today. If I get off my duff, I can have 2 projects finished!

Must decide on the next project(s).

My dad made a request for Christmas. He wants a pair of green mittens. Think I will felt them. He's got bad arthritis and thinks mittens keep him warmer. Felted ones will be even better! Green's his new favorite color because his favorite day of the year is the day that everything is suddenly green. I dn't think I'll go grass green, but a nice forest. Makes me happy that I decided to use the Safari All Seasons for him.

I know I promised photos, but I didn't get around to those either. Bad Netter.

Off to work I go.

Did you know that kip is the dutch word for chicken? I work for a Dutch company and had a very nice dinner in a restaurant in Rotterdam that raises its own chickens and the restaurant is named kip.

It cracks me up that knitting in public is abbreviated as kip which is a chicken. I KIP all the time since my commute is when I knit. So, I made a button for KIP. It's not gender correct because a Kip is a hen and I used a rooster.

Here it is .

I am vastly amused!

For the bully lovers out there. Be sure to hide your car keyes when you leave your dog at home!

One sleeve done and one nearly done. I missed a set of decreases on the second sleeve. Fortunately, I only had to rip back a couple of rows. I will have both sleeves done tonight! Sweater pieces will be blocked this weekend and seamed in time to give to my sister July 9! Not that she can wear it for a while. Actually, she lives in the mountains, maybe on a cool evening. Ha Ha.

I think I know what I'm going to make for myself out of my Calmer. Tricot in the Warm '04 issue of Magknits. I'll adjust the pattern with the Knitting Companion and off I go.

Should it be Purple with White or White with Purple, rather Joy with Bleached or vice versa? I think Joy as the main color might be more slimming. No?

I've got the BUP with me in case I finish the last sleeve of Grecian Plait before I get home.

In other news, I can unfinalize DVD-RWs 1000 times (according to Sony), so stay tuned for photo updates next week!

I should be organizing my new office. But, I don't want to. I've got all the crates unpacked, except for files to go in the filing cabinets that have not arrived.

I don't have my own chair (or a new one). I've "borrowed" one for the day. Actually, the moving guys borrowed it for me. I'm missing a guest chair. But, all in all, it's pretty nice. I don't have to move to far to see the Empire State Building out my window.

I really want a snack, but our vending machine is empty. Fortunately, they did put in a fridge.

It's kind of lonely down here. Most of the floor is empty with. The people will be moving in from uptown Monday.

Maybe I'll take an earlier lunch.

Billy slept till 6 this morning. What a doll. I was in bed before 10. I'm still really tired.

I'm progressing on the sleeves for Grecian Plait and will be starting the crown shaping for the BUP tonight.

I may be able to start a new project soon. Should it be Zipo, Java, or Tucker?

I'm in a ridiculously happy mood today. I don't know why. Billy was up at 4:40 talking to his toys. Then he decided he wanted to eat at 5:10. I took all that extra time this morning and put his high chair together. We'll get him used to it the next few days and then we'll start feeding him cereal with a spoon!

I think my general state of excitation has to do with a few things:

• I spent a great deal of time creating buttons yesterday. Do you like them?


• I've joined two knitting rings. I feel like a real knitting blogger now!


• I've started the shoulder shaping on Grecian Plait.


• I move into my new office with a view of the Empire State Building and purple carpet tomorrow.


• I'm only working a half day today because of the move and lunch is going to be popcorn and Harry Potter (finally).


• I just learned how to HTML bulleted lists!

I need to figure out how to post more pictures. We got a Sony DVD Handycam for Christmas and it can take digital snapshots as well as movies. But, I need to either connect the camera to the laptop (at work) via the USB port or finalize the DVD to use the DVD drive to get the pictures. I need to find out how often you can unfinalize DVD-RWs. Either that or we need to get a better PC at home! (I think my employer would like that option the best.)

And to be fair, here's the husband and our dog Molly. She was our first child. She's 2. 

Here's my little guy in his first studio portrait. Well this one of the poses. Doesn't he deserve a few Phildar sweaters? 

Sleeves grow slowly! But it is good mindless knitting right now. Hopefully, I'll reach the shoulder shaping by the end of the week.

I made some progress on the BUP. The band is almost finished. I worked on it a little last night after Billy went to bed. I found some white and bright kelly green to make a flower for it. I think I'm going to make one of Becky's.

I told my husband last night that I needed to finish some projects so I could buy more yarn. I thought he was going to fall off the couch. He asked me how many projects I have uncompleted. I fibbed a little. I only mentioned a few: Grecian Plait, BUP, poncho, the garter stitch baby outfit. I have a few other things that need a little finishing: a crochet baby hat, crochet baby sweater and blanket, the striped pillow.

But there are so many yummy yarns out there and so many beautiful projects I want to make. I've ordered a copy of Tricotez Cailin from Threadbear. Unfortunately, it's back ordered. I don't know if I'll be getting any Phildar yarn, but Lionbrand Microspun is pretty close in gauge and has some fun colors.

Billy slept through again last night. But, again, I didn't. No more after dinner beverages for me! I've got to stop waking up at 4 am. This morning I couldn't get back to sleep! I should have gotten up and gotten something done. I could have knit on those sleeves!

Guess what arrived Friday? My All Seasons Cotton book. Woo Hoo. Can't wait to start Zipo once I've finished something else.

I've re-started the floral miniponcho. I decided to go back to 2 strands, the I hook, and just double the pattern. I've got the first round done and am off and running again.

The sleeves on the Grecian Plait keep growing. I finished the increases this morning. Now, it's straight st st for a few more inches and I can start the shoulder shaping. I'm smelling the finish line. Or is that just the finishing?

My rose BUP is also moving along. I'm a couple of inches into the band. I've decided it's going to need some embellishment. Must check the stash to see if I have something to make a flower or two out of. I also have some nice ribbon that might work. Hmmmm.... I got a hair cut this weekend. It's a layered bob, really. I'm nice and bouncy now. My other bucket hats look cute, if I may say so. Can't wait to start wearing this one!

I don't know what I was thinking. I completely ripped out the floral poncho. The three strands of yarn got all tangled. Ugh. Some of the stitches were looking way too loose, and I just realized it's not going to fit! I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I think I may just start over again with 2 strands the I hook and double up the pattern. Couldn't hurt!

Grecian Plait is moving along. I'm working on the last of the increases. I can't wait to get out of sleeve hell.

Good news, I ordered the All Seasons Cotton Collection from The Knitting Garden a while back but it was back ordered and I was sad, but it shipped today and I'm happy, happy, happy. That means I can start Zipo soon. Woo Hoo.

I really, really want to knit the calmer I have in my stash. I've got 10 balls of purple and 10 of white. I won't fit into anything in the collection without serious sizing up and I don't have enough yarn for that. But, the gauge is close to All Seasons Cotton, I may try to size this up (without the weird cuffs and waistband, I'll just do seed stitch).

I hope to have some knitting time this weekend. I also hope to feel better (sinus infection) and sleep more (Billy was up at 1:50 and 5 this am). There's also much need for a trip to the salon!

The bus was less crowded today and the subway was slower this morning. That means more knitting time. I actually had enough elbow room to knit on the bus and time to knit more than a row or two on the subway. I'm nearly 3/4 through the increases on the Grecian Plait.

In other news, I started swatching for my Tucker Mat. I'm not sure how I like the Linen Drape. I had to rip out my swatch, though, about a row and a half in. I realized I was making the swatch way too wide. Sleep deprivation messes with the math skills first. I'll have to start over again.

Billy was up at 3 this morning and again just before six. Sleep deprivation is worse today! I think if I pick up a hook or needles tonight, it will be on an established pattern that does not require too much adjustment, ie, thought.

Not too much exciting to report with the Grecian Plait. Who wants to read I've finished X number of rows on the sleeves?

I did finally figure out the poncho. I had to go up to a K hook to get decent sized petals. Then I wasn't doing the clusters right. I think I've got it going now. I really need to add a link to the crochet a long in the sidebar.

My husband was a little surprised last night when I told him I needed to write a check for a knitting book I won on eBay. He thought the moratorium was for all things knitting. Ha! It's killing me to not bid on some luscious Calmer that's going for a great price right now. *sigh*

A little progress to report on the Grecian Plait. I've finished a set of increases. Three more to go and it's straight stocking stitch until the shoulder shaping. Fun!

I did work a bit on the floral poncho last night. I decided to use three strands of Soho, but it still seems the neckhole is too small. I also think I'm doing something wrong with the clusters. Will have to start again!

It was hard getting my little guy to sleep last night. He didn't want to go to bed and I hate letting him cry it out everynight, especially when he starts screaming. So I rocked him and made up a little song. It worked, he slept until 5. I know 5 is still very early, but it's only an hour earlier than I usually have to get him up so I can live with it.

The song I made up goes a little like this:

Little man, it's time to go to bed,
It's time to go to sleep, and rest your weary head.
Mr. Sun has gone away, he'll come again to play
Mr. Moon is out to see, all little men go to sleep.
Good night little man, it's time to close your eyes
It's time to go to bed, and rest your weary head.

I mixed the lines up a lot and sang it ad nauseum. I can't really describe the tune, it was a mishmash of lullabies aiming to be repetitive.

Back in the day, I used to write poetry. It's been a long time. I had something in my head around Mother's day. It was about how I didn't need a present, because being his mommy was the greatest present ever. Normally, I'm not so Hallmark-y, but being a mom makes me that way! Sugary sweet. I'd like to write something about my son, but I haven't yet.

My dad wrote a really sweet poem for us. He had my sister type it up and print it out and they framed it with baby's breath and rose petals. I really need to hang it up. It was supposed to be a song (his midlife crisis was a drum set and a band called Old Farts), but it came out as a poem. I should type it up and post it.

Anyway, back to the daily grind, invoices to recode today! I should delegate, but I like to be a human boss.

Got a little bit accomplished this weekend. I started the mini floral poncho. My gauge seems to be off. I'm not sure if I'm going to go to three strands of yarn or just double the pattern. I've only done the neck so far, so it will be easy to start over.

I got a few rounds done on the BUP this weekend. I did manage to break a needle Friday night. Stupid Boye Needlemaster is made of soft aluminum! The join was bending so I went to bend it back and it snapped! Fortunately, I had another number 6 circular that I had inherited from my grandmother. It worked much better than the Boye. I've switched to the 7 circ and have started the band.

No progress on the Grecian Plait on the bus this morning. I did get through a few inches Friday on the way home. I was so tired coming in this morning I napped instead of knit.

We've been having some rough nights with Billy lately. It's like he's a newborn again, he's up so much in the night. It started with waking up once between 3 and 5 most of last week. Saturday, he was up at 11:30, 2:30, and 5:30. And he fought going back to sleep after nursing. Last night, I went to bed before 10 (he was down at 9, I had to let him cry but he was asleep in 5 minutes). He woke me up at 11:30. I nursed him and we dozed in the rocking chair until 12:40. Then I thought I heard him about 2:30, but saw the monitor wasn't lighting up so I thought it was my imagination. Hubby informed me this morning that he really had woken up. We think it's teething. His gums look tight and a little white in the bottom front. I hope the teeth break through soon! He's like me, though, if he gets his first teeth at four months.

I bought some dpns today for the BUP bucket. 7 crystal palace bamboo. I got them at Purl SoHo which is the LYS from my office. I don't know if I'll be shopping there much. It's a very cute store with lots (and lots) of yummy yarns, but it's a little too SoHo for me. I grew up very, very blue collar and just don't fit in places like that.

It was funny though, there was a very SoHo young woman in there talking about trying to figure out crocheting. I kept my mouth shut. I don't think she'd take advice from me, not looking so chic today. Not to mention, not stick thin either.

The irony, I'm in on the hot new fashion hobby! Funny thing is, I was there when it wasn't hot! Check out this post. I'm sure into fancy-shmancy yarns now, though! I must say, that most of them are cotton discontinued colors in my defense.

This will be on the hook this weekend, in SoHo On My Own. Pattern cost more than the yarn! Or should I not admit it? 

I don't know why the percent bars aren't showing up today. I've repasted Anna's code and everything.

I've finished the front of the Grecian Plait! I used the three needle bind off to join the shoulders. I cast on for the sleeves last night on the bus and am over an inch in. I'm doing them simultaneously to make sure they're the same length.

I also got a few rows of the BUP done last night. I'll be going to one strand of yarn so things will be moving more quickly. Got to get a set of DPNs, though.

Finally got the neck done on the Grecian Plait. I somehow messed up the purl decreases Tuesday night and had to rip and re-do. But, I'm cruising along and should have the front finished today!

No real knitting done yesterday. Billy had a doctor's appointment, and we went to a Mom's support group at the hospital, plus numerous errands. `

Another half inch and I start the neck shaping on the Grecian Plait. I would be so much further along, but I dropped a stitch yesterday and instead of remembering that I had a crochet hook, I ripped out 5 or 6 rows. It took me most of the bus ride to get it back on the needles and back to where I was! I got a few more rows done this morning.

I finished casting on for the BUP last night. I worked about 2 1/2 rows. Boy, is that hard! I'm using a chunkier yarn than the pattern calls for on size 6 needles and my hand got sore! I'm looking forward to finishing the brim.

I've chosen a pattern for my Soho wrap. I'm going to do the lace diamonds from The knitting Stitch Bible. Now, I keep thinking I want to make a poncho.

I am above the armhole shaping on the front of Grecian Plait and working my way to the neckline. I knitted a ton on the car ride home yesterday. I would be further along, but I only finished two rows before deciding a nap was a good idea on the way up Saturday. I hope to get the front finished by the end of the week. Wonder if I could knock off the sleeves next week?

I started casting on for my BUP.

My yarn jones is kicking in, must finish projects!

Mohegan Sun is very cool. I'd go again. The Dylan show was good. Hubby and I had lots of fun. I was very happy to get home to our little boy on Sunday, though.

It's official, I'm a Rowanette. I got my membership packet last night. The website is confusing. It says the free kit is the Kaffe Fassett Tumbling Blocks cushion with a picture of the Tucker table mat. I got the Tucker table mat. It looks to be more my speed. Intarsia's not been my bag. It's also in my colors, lilac and purple. Purple, orange, and red being my favorite colors. (I just bought some Goody barrettes in those colors.)

I didn't get to do a whole lot of knitting this morning. The bus was jammed and my elbows were pinned at my sides. I pulled the furry sweater out of my bag on the subway and realized when I was about half way through a row that a third of my stitches had fallen off the needle! Fortunately, the pattern stitch doesn't unravel easily! I was able to get everything back on with no stitches lost. I think I've got a bout 5 inches done so far on the front. I haven't actually measured, yet.

So many things to knit, I'm glad we're taking another car ride. My husband and I are heading up to Mohegan Sun on Saturday to see Bob Dylan in concert. Bob's one of the few people we see whenever we can. We'll be staying up there in Uncasville over night and coming back Sunday morning. It'll be my first night away from Billy since we brought him home from the hospital! He and the dog are staying with my in-laws. I do look forward to the uninterrupted time with hubby (and my knitting).

And this is the sweater I'm thinking of making for my Dad. 

This is the All Seasons Cotton. Yummy. 

Here I am with my little guy. He's just a few weeks old here. Today, he's 4 months! 

I got about 4 rows of the Grecian Plait done this morning on the bus, add that to the six or so finished last night and I'm well into the front.

My All Seasons Cotton came; now I only need to get the book to make Zipo for my Dad. Hope he likes it! I may see if I can find a different pattern to use.


It's lovely, lovely yarn. I have to hold it against the calmer to see which is yummier. I think the softness is the same, but calmer may have more spring.

I increased my stash by inheriting a huge rubbermaid box of yarn from my grandmother. She died a couple of years ago, but it's taking a while to get through all of her stuff (my mom's a huge procrastinator). It's mostly acrylic, but some nice baby yarns and a few blends. I tossed some of the smaller odds and ends. I think my husband would have liked it if I'd tossed more!

The back of the Grecian Plait is finished! I finished it this morning on the bus. I would have finished it yesterday in the car, but I had dropped a stitch about 8 rows and didn't have a crochet hook with me to fix it. I was not ripping the mohair again! I'd ripped the neck row as it was because I'd bound off too many stitches. I'm on the third row of the front.

Okay, the moratorium refers to Yarn only. I can buy needed notions, needles, hooks, and patterns.

I am declaring a yarn moratorium. I bought more yarn on eBay. Won a nice auction on some All Seasons Cotton (yes, I am obsessed with Rowan) yesterday. Stop me! My husband is going to have a fit when he sees the credit card bill.

I hereby declare that Netter will buy no more yarn until she finishes 5 projects. Two are already on the needles: Stephie's sweater and the BUP bucket (well, that's being swatched). I think I'll make a lace wrap out of the Soho On My Own (since those aren't size dependent). I need two more projects to make from my stash! Perhaps a sweater for a loved one from the All Seasons (I'm getting 14 balls in Safari, discontinued dark green). Hmm, my dad has a green sweatershirt he wears to death. Maybe a nice pullover for him! We'll call it Merry Christmas (or Happy Birthday which is 4 days later). And one more project. I need to organize the whole caboodle anyway. Perhaps I'll come across something!

My two Rowan books came yesterday. Ooh la la. I definitely want to get some Denim and make a few of the sweaters for my little guy.

For those following along, I'm nearly finished the lace section on the back piece of the Grecian Plait. Only a few more pattern rows to go and I'm into the stockinette.

What have I been up to? Well, I had a baby February 2. He's kept me busy. I've started knitting and crocheting again. I finished up that afghan for my parents a few weeks ago. I'll be giving it to the this weekend when we visist. I'm actually looking forward to 6 hours in the car. Hopefully, I'll get some knitting done. I've knitted two placemats out of Sugar and Cream buttercream. I used the spiral rib pattern from The Knitting Stitch Bible. Since I've been back to work (started back May 3), I've remembered how much time there is to knit on the bus. I still haven't finished that romper I started back in October. All I need to do is bind off the last sleeve, weave in ends (must remember to carry yarn next time I do small stripes) and seam it up. Unfortunately, my son is such a weed, he won't be able to wear it. He's put on nearly 9 pounds and grown over 4 inches in the last 3 3/4 months!

I started a sweater for my sister. It's the Grecian Plait from knitty. It's in a lovely blue mohair blended with a sparkly acrylic.

I've been doing a lot of stash building through eBay. Two bags of Rowan Calmer in discontinued Bleached (white) and Joy (purple). Some Filature di Crosa MilleFine in variegated moss/orange (discontinued) and rose. I also bought some Lion Cotton to make an adorable summer romper for Billy next summer (from Family Circle Easy Baby Knits). I also got Winter Cotton in Rose and Soho On My Own in pink from Herrschner's weekly yarn sale.

I also got my Rowan International Membership, order the Calmer Collection, and Miss Bea's Seaside, and two patterns from ChicKnits (BUP bucket and Chickami).

I've started swatching the Winter Cotton to see if it's not too chunky for the BUP bucket hat. I think it will be good to have a couple projects going and I want to make something for myself.

I can't make myself any tops, yet. I'm still nursing and it's wreaking havoc with my measurments!

The sweater for the little one is done. I finished it last night during the Yankee game. Well, I still have to weave in three ends and attach two buttons (first I have to buy two buttons). I really liked this pattern. It worked top down and the sleeves crocheted right on the body. No seaming!

I've started on a matching hat and then will do booties.

The next project (for which I am swatching) is a knit sleeper. It's from Family Circle Easy Baby Knits. I'm doing it in pastel green and baby blue. Hopefully, I'll have enough yarn. I'm trying to work through my stash a bit.

I'm also still under the request from my husband that I not buy anymore yarn until I finish a few projects.

I still haven't woven in ends on the baby's blanket, seamed the KG pillow nor have I touched the blanket for my parents in months. No wonder he called me the queen of unfinished projects last night!

Long time no blog.

It's been an eventful four months chez moi.

I got a huge promotion and am expecting my first child. (Hence the cryptic comments about the kolibri tank not fitting.)

That baby blanket I was supposed to start didn't get started in earnest until mid-July and has become my baby's first blanket. I just finished the border last night and only need to weave in a few ends.

I also started a baby sweater on Tuesday. I'm past the arm holes and cruising. I hope to have it finished by next week. Both the sweater and blanket are in baby white Fiesta. I bought a ton when I found out I was pregnant. I love the colors and the look of the yarn, but I'd forgotten how hard it is to work with. The stuff splits like you wouldn't believe!

Next on tap are a hat and booties. Then it's off to a kids knitting book I bought and another sweater!

I'm getting back into creating. The first few months of my pregnancy I barely had energy to get home much less crochet or knit. Now, the baby's going to be here in less than four months, my fingers have to fly!

I'm about 71/2 inches into the back of the Kolibri tank, but I'm going to drop it for a while. A, it's not going to fit me by the time I'm fnished and B, I've got baby things to make. One of my very good friends (I've known her since we were in first grade) is having a baby in August and I need to get a blanket done for her. So, I'm picking that up tonight.

Finished the Kolibri swatch today. I've decided to go with garter stitch. If I have enough leftover, I might make a stockinette one, too.

If I get a chance this afternoon, I'm going to figure out the number of stitches/rows my pattern needs. I've already got a schematic with the measurements (not to scale but taken from another tank I like). Hopefully, I can cast-on tonight.

I really want to be able to wear this tank to our company summer outing July 2. Think I can get it done?

Hey, I'm back.

I had a nasty sinus infection for most of May and that really cut down on the knitting and the desire to post. I got meds and am feeling back on my game. Got out of the habit of posting, though.

The KG pillow is done. I wound up ripping out all of the intarsia last week and went back to stripes. I was not happy with the intarsia at all. But, I’ve got the side seams finished. I want to run it through the wash before I put the form in and sew the bottom. Molly’s gotten a hold of it a few times and it’s covered in dog hair.

I have to give Molly credit. She was really sweet yesterday. I was knitting and she just lied down on my hip and let me knit while she napped. We did it for hours (most of the Yankees’ 17 inning marathon yesterday). I wouldn’t have been able to finish the pillow this weekend if she hadn’t been so cooperative and totally disinterested in my knitting.

I may not have been very productive or talkative lately, but I've been on a knitting shopping tear. I bought 11 skeins of Dale of Norway Kolibri in orange (discontinued and on deep discount at Herrschner's) a few weeks ago. It came in the mail last week. I've also bought 26 skeins of Reynolds Pebble Beach (21 in watermelon and 5 in brite blue), again deep discount (52% off) on a discontinued yarn at Herrschner's (plus, free shipping). Those balls haven't shipped, yet.

My husband is not pleased. I have sworn off any more yarn buying until I finish something (hence, roaring through the KG pillow yesterday).

Next on the needles is tank in the Kolibri. I brought two skeins and my needlemaster to work today so I could start swatching. Tonight, I’m going to measure my favorite tank and follow those dimensions to fit Bella from Berroco. Although I don't have a copy of the pattern, since it doesn't require any shaping, it shouldn't be too hard to wing. I'm also thinking doing Berroco's Jenna with the Kolibri.

I started my the swatch and so far I just love this yarn. It looks like silk and it’s working up pretty easily. Although, it’s not too tightly spun so ir splits a little. I’m thinking I won’t be able to use Jenna without a serious overhaul: 1) the pattern only goes up to large; 2) the gauge on the kolibri is not going to be right, it’s way too loose on 7s.