SpinKnit Up

February Tulips, Hexagons, and Problems

2012-02-01T17:19:00.000-05:00

This is the start of the Twisted Tulip socks. The color is a little washed out by the flash, but is pretty close to real life.

More hexagons. I'm more than halfway through the first skein and it's surprising how quickly I'm using up this yarn. It kind of brings me to a dilemma... obviously, 2 skeins are not going to cut it for a blanket. My plan was to get more yarn slowly. However, the fact that Noro Kureyon Sock has apparently been discontinued in the US and that we have no money is kind of limiting that plan. I've found many people destashing on Rav, but the money is still an issue (most seem to be 15.00+shipping per skein). Should I set this aside after I finish my 2 skeins and wait until our situation is better for yarn purchases? Or should I just use up other fingering weight yarns to make it really scrappy? I really wanted to keep it pure Noro because I love the rustic texture and colors, but I also don't want to set this aside for 2 years and lose interest, potentially never picking it back up, ultimately wasting the Noro I have now. Would an ultra scrappy blanket look ok with these Noro hexagons mixed in? I'm sure it would look decent regardless, but I don't want to be regretful I didn't hold out either.These hexes are therapy to crochet; the perfect thing during breaks from larger more complicated knitting and I'd hate to give them up. Hmmm... maybe I can just make hexes with the scraps and decide later if they should be included in this blankie or used in another one.

On to the sad and stressful stuff...

Michigan economy sucks. I know the economy everywhere sucks, but Michigan (the Detroit metro area especially) really sucks. We've been here since September and have actively searched for jobs ever since. Charlie and I have both applied, several times, to all the different hospitals and clinics, Walmart, Home Depot, Michael's, Subway, restaurants, receptionist positions, daycares, car dealerships, Walgreens (Yes, I even went there. No, they aren't hiring), etc. EVERYWHERE we can find that's close enough to make the drive worth the pay (there were some minimum wage opportunities available, but it was an hour+ drive oneway... not worth the gas we'd spend). The results? We don't hear back at all or are told that we're over-qualified for the job or they take a look at my belly and all the interview is focused on is the pregnancy.

Ok, let's tackle the over-qualified part first. They claim that they want someone who plans on sticking around and they know that we'll leave soon because of other opportunities. Um, if I had other jobs wanting me, I wouldn't be here asking for a job! I have my bachelors and a lot of management experience in retail and pharmacy. I also have 7 years experience as a vet tech, am an EMT, in the military, and a medic. Charlie is in the military, is an LPN (nurse), a medic, and EMT, and has several years experience in IT management for a hospital, not to mention a background in other industires like food and security. I thought that these things were supposed to HELP people get jobs. All they've done is hurt us. The open positions in this area are for either the highly trained professional (doctors, lawyers, physical therapists, etc) or the general worker (experienced car mechanics, experienced maids, etc). No one wants the people with the experience and education that we have, even though we have a lot more than many.

Now for the prego part. I know that there are laws against it, but what can you do? I've been in for several interviews at different places... they call and are excited about my resume and all that, then I go in and I can literally see their face drop. Eyes are glued to the belly and the entire interview, if you can call it that, is focused on the pregnancy. When are you due? Any problems? Do you plan on breastfeeding? (Seriously, been asked that one a few times. Guess they are wanting to see how much time the baby will take from me.) Do you have a daycare lined up? Etc. Most things that are too personal to really be asking in a job interview. Don't get me wrong... I can totally see it from the employer's side; they are looking out for the best interest of their company and a pregnant new-hire is risky. I will have to take a maternity leave, which takes me from the job for at least 4-6 weeks if there's no problems. They take the risk of training someone and have them decide to be a stay-at-home mom after the baby is born. There are a lot of risks involved. However, c'mon people! I need a job. Even more desperately because I'm pregnant! Please focus on me as an applicant and my qualifications for the job. Stop looking at me and my unborn child like we're liabilities.

We're still trying and looking for work, but it's getting very depressing. We're behind on bills and have relied heavily this past month on Charlie's mom and stepdad. It's really stressful and hard knowing deadlines are coming up and we just can't make it without help. We've already cut back on luxuries like eating out, going places (no unnecessary driving/spending at all), we cut off the cable tv and netflix, cancelled game subscriptions, etc. I placed some stash for sale/trade on Ravelry today. It breaks my heart to do it as it's really my main entertainment right now, but you gotta do what you gotta do I guess. I keep eyeing my spinning wheel but Charlie is absolutely against selling it, so much so that if I did we'd have a huge fight for sure.

Ok, enough of my pity party and cry session. I know this is all very depressing and slightly personal stuff to talk about, but this is my little space online and I just needed to vent.

Kicks

2012-01-31T22:49:00.000-05:00

It's done!

This was a long boring knit, but it did go by quicker and easier than I thought that it would. I LOVE the FO... it's so cute and functional! Haven't washed it yet so don't know how much it's going to shrink, but it should still be the right size.

I've been making tons of the hexagons and am about to cast on for some socks for February... Twisted Tulip Socks from IK Spring 2008 in Knit Picks Bare (merino/silk) that I handdyed last summer.

Hex

2012-01-31T04:34:00.000-05:00

Since I only have a few inches to go on the kicking bag I figured it would be ok to start a long-term project. This is the start of a crocheted blanket using Noro Kureyon Sock yarn. I have 2 skeins of this yarn (different colorways) and plan on using both entirely. I'll have to pick up a few more skeins later on, but I'm not thinking about that too much for now since I have a lot of hooking to do until then. Aren't these hexagons so pretty? I love how the colors are coming out and I'm absolutely addicted to making them! They are so quick and it's just a treat to see how each one turns out in the end.

The tutorial has a way to connect them as you go, but I'm just going to do them separately and crochet them together in the end since I'm working with different colorways and want the colors to be more random in the FO.

I should have the kicking bag FO to show you in the next post!

Last One, I Promise

2012-01-30T14:30:00.000-05:00

This is the matching 6-12 month hat. I think they look so cute together; can't wait to be matching mommy and baby this winter.

Another Hat

2012-01-29T13:34:00.000-05:00

I made another one.

This time it's in the adult size for me. I used some old stash for this; Araucania Atacama and it's perfect. Really, everything Araucania makes is so lovely.

I think I have enough leftover to make another one for Arthur, but in the reverse colors. We may have matching hats come this fall/winter.

I'm still working on the kicking bag between all this hat knitting. It's so boring!

Simple

2012-01-28T15:23:00.000-05:00

I talk about wip loyalty in the my last post then have a new FO in this one that isn't the wip I was working on. Oh well. This is a very cute and very quick little baby hat, knit is 6-12 month size, I test knitted for AliciaPlum (link is to her FO). It's called Simple and it really is. I was able to use some ancient handspun leftovers (spun this back in 2007 I believe and knit my first pair of socks with it) and only have about 28 yards left. The colors are more vibrant in real life; we have sucky lighting in this house. The hat is way cuter than the pics show. It's been tucked away into the baby drawer for baby Arthur to use during his first fall/winter.

Still chugging along on the endless stockinette of the kicking bag. I'll be glad to have it finished. It's boring, but I know I'm going to love the FO. My next cast on will be for the Mist Stole nursing covering and I'll be swatching for the Chiton Pullover using Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk that I recently reclaimed after frogging the wedding Clapotis for the wedding that never happened. Much better use for this yarn :) I had started a Chiton Pullover last year and got quite a long way on it, but ran out of yarn and, really, it was going to be too big anyway, so the cats use it as a cuddle blanket. I think attempt number 2 will be much better.

Knitting

2012-01-26T17:07:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad I decided to keep knitting on the kicking bag (thanks, Lunaticraft!). I've knit about 8 inches now and am not as worried about running out of yarn... I think I'll have enough for the bag and the drawstring (just watch, now that I'm not worried I'll run out!).

Since the start of 2012, I've felt this odd urgency about knitting. It's like it's just so important to knit all these things... not sure why, maybe it's the pregnancy thing kicking in and all that? I guess I kind of feel like I'm running out of time and if I don't knit everything RIGHT NOW I'll never get the chance to do it. I know that's silly, but it has made me enter ALL my stash (minus a few tiny skeins of handspun) in Rav, made me being loyal to projects (only have one main WIP - the kicking bag - and the Chroma ripple blanket going), and I've also been thinking really hard about exactly what I want to knit:

* Finish the kicking bag
* Mist Stole in Knit Picks Stroll Tonals (Kindling) - This is a gorgeous pattern (crochet, too!) and I plan on using it as a cover-up when breastfeeding in public. Brown isn't the most glamorous color, but this yarn is machine washable/dryable, dark enough to cover dirt/stains, isn't too girly, and will hopefully go with most of my clothes.
* More soakers using wool scraps
* Finish the Chroma blanket
* A sweater/cardi/something FOR ME. That actually works and I like and will wear. I see sooo many patterns I love, but I'm hesitant to start anything because I know it won't fit me now and might not for a few months post-baby. But, maybe the time is a good thing; I can knit it in my normal pre-prego size so will have plenty of time to get it done and it might be motivation to get off my butt after Arthur arrives so I can fit into it. I have yarn that is just begging to be knit... this sock yarn wants to be a Olive Blouse, the frogged FLS yarn wants to be a Mediumweight Pullover, all this DK weight yarn needs to become a skirt of some sort, etc.

Anyway, just some thoughts on knitting and such. In other news, I finally have a unit to drill with up here Michigan and will be visiting them for the first time next month, Charlie will be leaving for Kentucky for a military warrior competition from Feb 26 - Mar 2, and we are definitely moving to Georgia this fall.

Kicking Bag

2012-01-23T18:29:00.000-05:00

I'm making decent progress on the kicking bag, especially considering it's on 2.75mm needles and heavy fingering/sport weight yarn. I've reached a point, though, that's kinda scary... see how much yarn I have left? I know it's still a good bit, but I'm worried it won't be enough to make this bag long enough. I've already decided that I won't be closing the bottom; leaving it open allows more wiggle room for sizing and it allows easier diaper changes. Still, I'm thinking it'll end up being too short to use at all. What to do? Do I frog it now before I've put even more work into it? Or do I just keep knitting and hope the whole time I have enough yarn, potentially ending up with an unusable item and wasted knitting time (so many other projects are calling my name, too)? I'm kinda thinking I'll just keep going and deal with the result... maybe I can find some other yarn to finish it with. But then it won't look nice and I really like how it looks with this yarn.

The worst part is that it's impossible to get more of this yarn. I got it by chance at a booth at Stitches South in 2009... the vendor wasn't anyone I'd ever heard of (didn't even have a real name, just a BUNCH of random yarn on a bunch of tables, piled high for us to dig through).

WIPs and Big News!

2012-01-20T12:16:00.000-05:00

The current knitting WIP... Kicking Bag for Babies in Newton Country Softball, a 100% cotton fingering/sport weight yarn I picked up way back in 2009 (I think at Stitches South). I cast on 140 instead 128 because I anticipate this yarn shrinking a lot. I'll also knit it quite a bit longer than the pattern says. I'll be adding a drawstring at the top ribbing just in case it doesn't shrink enough.

Remember when I said I wanted to cross-stitch again this year? Well, I picked up a kit from Joann's with a Christmas giftcard and have been working on this. Still have a ways to go on it (border and flourishes), but the main part is done. It's going to be for my MIL for her birthday in May. She and my step-FIL, a preacher man, are very religious and this will go nicely in their home. I'll frame it for her before gifting it.

Now, for the big news... I'm officially a sergeant in the Guard! E-5 in less than 2 years of enlistment... not too bad. Granted, I did join 4 ranks higher than most due to my degree, but I'm still pretty proud of myself. I was told I may have been promoted back in August, but it wasn't confirmed until yesterday due to a lot of confusion regarding my transfer to Michigan (a very non-helpful state when it comes to the military). There's still a lot of work to do with transferring and all that, but it's at least started now and I know for sure I got promoted!!! You can call me Sergeant :)

Adorable

2012-01-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

This is the Frantic Mama Knitted Soaker pattern. It's probably the most precious thing I've ever knitted! It doesn't really look that cute in the picture, but I promise it's adorable in real life. The colors aren't as Christmasy either... the green is a mossy fern green and the red is more rusty/barn colored (Iron Ore is the colorway name to give you an idea). I was trying to use up odd balls of Knit Picks Wool of the Andes I had in stash (speaking of stash, it's seriously lacking in worsted weight wool, which seems odd to me... it's a staple, but I always think that I have a ton of it so never get more).

I made the small size since I plan on using disposable diapers in the newborn stage (they grow so quickly and it'll be easier to just through the diaper away for that first little bit anyway). It seems a little big, but I really have no clue how big babies really are, plus a cloth diaper will add bulk, so it'll probably be ok. I know it'll fit at some point anyway. If Arthur comes out a monster baby, this will just be used as a cute diaper cover for his disposables in the newborn stage. I plan on making more in this size as well as the larger ones so we'll have a good stash. So adorable and a really quick-knit, finished in a day (and that's without me really picking it up a whole lot).

Now I just can't wait to have a little baby butt to cover up with this! About 14 weeks to go!

Success!

2012-01-17T22:36:00.000-05:00

My 'Vog On socks are complete and they fit! I really like them, even though the foot is a tad baggy because of the extraordinarily long heel flap (40 rows instead of my usual 30). It needs to be longer for anklets, but it's really unnecessary for taller socks like these (the pattern is for anklets).

In other knitting news, I frogged the February Lady Sweater. I just wasn't motivated enough toward it and wasn't liking it as much as I thought that I would, so figured I wouldn't waste the yarn on it. It feels good to not have it OTN.

I've picked back up on the crochet ripple baby blanket in KP Chroma. I'd forgotten how easy and relaxing it is. I knit way more than I crochet and really need to work on that. Crochet can produce some beautiful stuff and it's sooooo much more mindless (not to mention quicker) than knitting.

Now that I don't have a single knitting WIP needing my attention (I do have a ruffle scarf I started a year ago, but it's easy to pick back up on and I don't mind letting it sit longer), it's time to cast on for a few baby knits!

Papa New Guinea and Mama New Guinea

2012-01-10T11:07:00.000-05:00

Our new pigs! I used to breed and show American Cavies when I had rabbits (the shows are often held together, so many rabbit breeders dabble in cavies and vice versa). Papa is on the left and Mama is on the right. Both are Tortoiseshell in color (Papa is dilute) and both have poor color distribution, but the genes are there and they have decent type and coats. They are really young, just weaned, so are still living together for now. Aren't they sweet? I already love their wheeking noises!

Well, That Didn't Work...

2012-01-08T14:12:00.000-05:00

So, the sock was a failure. It was coming out way too big. I knew casting on 64 stitches on size 2 needles in a lace pattern was a bad idea!!! I ended up frogging the whole thing and am now halfway done with sock one of 'Vog On. Much better. I really do think that these will work. I'm making them taller since I don't have much need to anklets right now. I may make an anklet pair later, though, as this is a really fun and simple (and quick!) pattern.

Not much else is new here. We have are working on getting our ham radio licenses, so have been studying up on that and will begin taking classes tomorrow night. We are studying for the first level and the classes are for the second... not the ideal way of going about it, but we came across the class online and it is free and we plan on getting level 2 anyway. It'll be something to do together at the very least, which is always good.

I'm battling a case of startitis right now... I just feel this urgency to cast on for tons of projects! I have a crochet baby blanket in KP Chroma I haven't touched in forever, but instead of working on that I keep browsing Ravelry to see what new projects I can start. I know I want to knit something really cute for Megan, my cousin's baby girl due a month after Arthur. I also want to knit a skirt for me to wear to Charlie's uncle's wedding on Memorial Day weekend, but I need to wait to see what size I'll be then and also think about if I really want to invest that much yarn and knitting into something that'll (hopefully) be too big later in the year. Then there are lightweight summery scarves, more little boy knits, etc that I keep seeing! I'm trying to be good, though, and want to finish this pair of socks and my February Lady Sweater first. We'll see how that goes...

Projects

2012-01-04T18:42:00.000-05:00

This is a sign I wood burned for Charlie right after Christmas. It's a little plain, I think, but I like how the gun turned out with the shading and such. I haven't burned in a long time and it felt good to do it again. I think that this year is going to be a lot about me actually doing things I like craft-wise. I already have my next burning project in the planning stages and also want to get back into cross stitching, something I used to do constantly. I still have all my patterns and supplies (though the supplies are still in Georgia). I think I may use some of my Joann's giftcard I got for Christmas toward some fabric and thread, just enough to get me started back into it. Or maybe take the kit route. We'll see. Anyway, Charlie liked his little gift even though he doesn't have a gun room yet. One day...

This is a picture of the February Lady Sweater I have OTN. It's been in the works for a while now, but I just can't seem to want to devote much attention to it. It's easy and goes by pretty quickly, but I just have other things that I want to work on. I do need to finish it soon, though, since I sized it for my ever-growing chest and belly and want to get use out of it before the baby arrives! Only about 16 more weeks before he's supposed to arrive... wow. The true color is a dark purple/blue... in some light it looks purpler, some it looks bluer, but it's mostly a dark purple. The yarn is Berroco Vintage.

A very out of focus picture of my New Year sock, Gretya in Blackberry Ridge Silk Blend fingering weight yarn. It's really a very dark navy color and is soooo lovely to knit with! I got it in a swap some time ago and don't know why I've waited so long to knit with it. I love it. Barrett obviously loves it too. Or, maybe that's just the sheepy smell she's in love with. Either one.

Belly, Knitting, and Resolutions

2012-01-02T23:54:00.000-05:00

Here's the 23 week belly. Arthur moves constantly and has started hiccuping, which is kinda cute in an annoying way. It feels funny.

This is my first FO of 2012. It's the Felicity hat knit in Malabrigo Silky Merino (Archangel colorway). Used almost an entire skein. I love this hat! It's warm and I like how it doesn't squish my hair too much.

Now on to the yearly resolutions list...

Knitting Resolutions:

I've decided to join in on the Stash Knit Down Rav group's 121212 challenge. Knit 12 things of 12 different categories. Here's what I picked:

*12 baby items for Arthur
*12 bobbins/batches of fiber from stash spun
*12 pairs of socks
*12 hats
*12 pairs of mitts
*12 projects from Raverly queue
*12 pet items
*12 items to be given as gifts
*12 home items (pillows, rugs, etc)
*12 kitchen/bath items (cloths, etc)
*12 projects from books/magazines/purchased patterns I already own
*12 wildcard projects

Now, I started back in December, so included a 13th category. I'm including fiber arts, woodburning, cross stitch (which I want to get back into this year), etc. And some will be used in multiple categories. I'm already off to a great start and have several projects finished in several categories. Oh, and the whole idea is to use stash for this stuff, which I am going to do, but I will likely be making yarn purchases this year (though not many unless we can figure out how to get some income generated sometime soon!) and am not going to be strict at all on the stash thing.

I'm not really making other resolutions this year. My only real one is to continue to be the best wife that I can to Charlie. I think I do a pretty good job of it, but there's always room for improvement. For one, I know that I'm too quick to judge/put my own opinion in there on certain topics that don't really require it. I also wanna try my hardest to be a good momma and to not let having a baby interfere with the relationship that Charlie and I have. I want for us to grow as a family, not make our lives about our baby. Does that make sense? I just know too many couples who devote their focus to the child and forget about the relationship that brought that child into the world. I know that I'll love Arthur in an entirely different way than I love Charlie, but I don't want to forget about what Charlie and I have together.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T17:21:00.000-05:00

2011 was supposed to be my year and it really was. I moved to Texas and married Charlie, the best person I could ever hope to be with. We enjoyed our time in San Antonio, but had to move to Michigan at the end of summer. The move was rough for me and I still hate this place, but it's temporary (we plan on moving to Georgia next year!!! Yay!!!). Charlie and I found out that we are expecting our little Arthur and, though it was a bit devastating at first, we are beyond happy about our little man. A pretty good year, I think.

2012 should be just as great... We celebrate our one year anniversary in April and should be welcoming baby Arthur into the world around that same time. We'll be moving, if things go as planned, in late summer/fall. Looking good so far.

All Better

2011-12-30T16:41:00.000-05:00

Sorry to be such a Debbie Downer about Christmas. Things did get better once we went to spend time with my inlaws; we had good food, good company, and just a good time visiting and exchanging gifts. I tend to dread things before they actually happen, then realize that it isn't as bad as I thought when it comes down to it. I was really worried about the gifts we got for everyone... we tried to get things we thought they'd like, but we weren't really able to go all out for anyone. However, they seemed to like everything well enough. We really came out good this year: a new 32" tv from my FIL and step-MIL (we had a 55" from Texas we never got to use since we traded it for Charlie's motorcycle right before we left and it got smashed in the drive to Michigan) and a bunch of really needed giftcards (Old Navy Maternity, here I come! I really need some big-belly clothes as you can tell from my 22 week pic!).

Above is a before and after on a pair of mitts I made myself. The yarn is my handspun. One ply is part of the giant bag of fall-colored mystery wool and the other ply is some wool mix I spun into a fine singles back in, oh, 2007. I really like the resulting fingering weight yarn and got about 330 yards total. I made the mitts in a day and made it up as I went along. I had tried a few other patterns, but none worked out for some reason or another. These mitts are long and roomy for holding in heat and so I can tuck my fingers into them if I need to.

We don't really have big New Year's plans, but that's fine with me. I'm more of a staying-in girl anyway. I've never done anything special to bring in the New Year (the last one was spent working at Walgreens on the overnight shift, for example) and I'm ok with keeping up that tradition. When I was living with my parents, my mom would always make a bunch of finger foods like pigs-in-the-blanket, some Korean goodies, etc. and we'd watch the ball drop on tv. This year Charlie and I are going to his dad's to hang out with his step-sister, Talia. She's going to cook nachos (yum!) and dessert and we'll just hang there. Sounds like a good plan to me. New Year's Day was supposed to be sort of a Christmas for Charlie and me together, but it's not looking like it's in the budget, so we'll likely just spend some time together at home. I'm perfectly happy with that; there's nothing better than spending time with the perfect man for me :)

Christmas?

2011-12-24T14:18:00.000-05:00

It just doesn't feel like Christmas. I thought this year it really would since I'm in snowy Michigan. Michigan likes to disappoint. It hasn't really snown much... at all. My first white Christmas isn't looking like it's going to be all that white. This state has disappointed me all around so far. I really miss Georgia and Texas.

Also, I just don't feel the holiday cheer this year. Maybe it's because we're hurting for money so bad and we can't find jobs (thanks again, Michigan!) and we aren't able to really give good gifts this year. We picked up a few small things for family, but it's not really the thoughtful type of gift... mainly just the kind like, "Here's a present. Merry Christmas." Gift-giving isn't really happening between Charlie and me. I go him a 10.00 set of Nerf guns and he got me a 2.00 self defense key chain. We already gave them to each other and we both really liked our gifts, but it's a far cry from last year's PS3, trip to Michigan from Georgia to visit, blueray movies, etc.

We are going to my father-in-law's house today to have dinner and maybe do gifts (that might wait for tomorrow, not sure). Tomorrow is my sister-in-law's and everyone will be there. I think it's also that this is my second Christmas in a row without my family. Charlie is my family, my most important family, and I'm happy to be spending our first Christmas as husband and wife together and in good health, but it's just hard to be away from everything that's familiar to me all the time. I hate the part of the country I'm living in and things are just not very festive for me right now.

Spun

2011-12-20T13:09:00.003-05:00

I did some marathon spinning last night to get some little batches of fiber spun up. Above is 1 ounce of bamboo dyed by Dawning Dreams (received this in a swap). It's 2-ply, 46 yards, heavy fingering/sport weight.

38 yards Navajo-plied sport weight alpaca. Had the singles on a bobbin for about 6 years.

58 yards 2-ply fingering weight angora. This was terrible prepared and hell to spin. Soooo many second cuts. It was a gifted fiber so I guess I can't really complain, but I threw out the remaining 2.2 ounces or so I had left.

This is the one I love most and the one I have the least of. Only 15 yards, alpaca/silk blend, light fingering 2-ply. Gorgeous!

FOs

2011-12-18T20:34:00.002-05:00

We'll get the baby stuff outta the way before moving onto the FOs. This is my 21 week belly! I feel Arthur kicking all the time and we can even feel and see the kicks from the outside.

I have a few FOs to show you and a few other things OTN, which I will not show you since I haven't taken pics yet. Above is a pair of Happy Feet made from an ancient skein of Kraemer Yarns Mauch Chunky (used most of it) and some handspun leftovers (the Australian wool singles I spun in September). They aren't by any means beautiful, but they do keep my feet warm in this ridiculously cold Michigan weather.

Here's a baby hat for Arthur; it's the Easy Peasy Newborn Sock Hat. I used Knit Picks Stroll in Mermaid (I had a leftover skein from the Kissing Koi Mittens I made last year). I roughly half a skein and am using those leftovers to make a matching Scrappy Socky Stripey Cardi. These will be part of Arthur's going-home outfit!

My Mustard Scarf using the Australian wool singles. I really love this scarf! It's so warm and looks great under my jacket.

Arthur

2011-12-06T11:11:00.000-05:00

Sucking his thumb!!!
Profile view.
Footprint.
It's definitely a boy!!!
Looking at us.

All his measurements and organ development were normal and he weighs 9 ounces now!

Outta The Stash, Into Use

2011-12-04T20:57:00.002-05:00

I'm newly motivated to get stuff out of the stash and am happy to have all that cotton already used up. Above is a bib for Arthur using the I-Love-Stockinette Baby Bib pattern (modified for my heavier weight yarn). LOVE LOVE LOVE this and will be making more using this pattern.

These are just some bath/beauty rounds I whipped up to use the leftovers from the bib. They'll be good for makeup removal, washing my face, etc, not to mention being reusable so I'm not constantly buying cotton rounds at the store.

Still Here

2011-12-03T09:09:00.003-05:00

I'm still alive, just been busy/distracted with Thanksgiving (we went to Georgia to see my family and it was a great trip) and money woes (I knew Michigan's job market sucked, but, seriously?!). I have been crafting a little, though.

Above is about 92 yards of cotton I spun up yesterday night. I had spun some of this before, but set it aside for 3 years and finally got the itch to finish up what I had left. My Traddy isn't the ideal wheel for spinning cotton, but it really isn't too difficult and I love the slightly thick/thin and oh-so-soft outcome! Still not sure on what to do with this, but I'm thinking a bib or burp cloth would be nice. I know it has to be something usable since I love it so!

Progress on my Knit Picks Chroma ripple blanket. I love this project. It's quick, mindless, and, well, just look at it! I did lose the hook, so need to pick up another before I can work on this more.

I'm also working on the body of a February Lady Sweater, but no pics yet. I leave that project in the car for travel and waiting room knitting. It's going by quickly enough and is pretty simple.

Update belly shot. This was taken yesterday at 19 weeks. I'm showing so much more than just 2 weeks ago and baby Arthur kicks all day long now. We can even feel it from the outside with our hands! It's so sweet, but also distracting and sometimes really unpleasant feeling if he just lays against my belly, putting a weird pressure, or if he rolls around in there (kinda feels like my stomach is getting taken away). I better enjoy it now, though, since soon enough he'll be practicing real tae kwon do in there and I'll really be complaining then!

We have our anatomy scan on Tuesday and I'm really looking forward to seeing him again, bigger and more developed this time, as well as having a more in depth and longer look since they'll be looking for all kinds of things and measurements. We'll also get sure confirmation on gender... I really hope he's still a little boy since my family bought a ton of oh-so-cute baby boy clothes!!!

Baby Arthur and a Beardhat

2011-11-11T17:06:00.002-05:00

First pictures! We finally got to see our SON today!!! The ultrasound tech didn't get the best view of the goods, but she's confident it's a little boy. So, this is baby Arthur.

He was kicking and moving so much; it was the cutest thing!

This is a Christmas gift for my brother Arthur. He's going to love it.

Bump!

2011-11-01T23:56:00.002-04:00

14 weeks, 4 days! I finally feel like I'm actually starting to show some now. Not just look fat. I guess to strangers I probably do just look a little fat, but to people I know, it's getting noticeable I'm prego! Yay! Can't comfortably button my jeans anymore, so I'm having to use either a bellyband or the rubberband trick to keep them up.

We went for a quick check up at the doctor's today since I was concerned over some spotting this weekend. Everything looks good (apparently it's common and usually nothing to be alarmed about) and we got to hear the heartbeat again! It was so much louder, stronger, and higher than last time! At 12 weeks, it was really low in my pelvis. Today, it was about 2 inches below my bellybutton! Knolly has grown and moved up soooo much.

We still have our ultrasound and appointment on the 11th, a week and a half from now, and we're so hoping baby cooperates and shows us the goods! We're dying to know what we're having. We both still want a little boy, but we'd be just as thrilled with a little girl.

We chose names (did I already go through this? I don't think I've posted about names yet.). A boy will be Arthur Charles (Arthur is a family name on my side (and my brother's name, who I'm very close with) and Charlie is like the eighth generation Charles so we have to keep that going). Sounds very British, like he's going to invite you over for a spot of tea, but we like it anyway.

A girl will be Harper Reagan. Harper is my maiden name and one I love for a first name. Reagan is another favorite name of mine and is for the former President. My sister-in-law, who is going to start trying for a baby with her hubby after the new year, was a little bummed we chose Harper since she wanted to use it one day.

Trick or Treat

2011-10-31T16:56:00.000-04:00

Pumpkin Carving!

2011-10-28T05:09:00.002-04:00

So Charlie has been going on and on about how he's an expert pumpkin carver, way better than I am. So we got 2 pumpkins from Walmart night before last (I had this romantic idea of going to a pumpkin farm and going on a hayride with my love and drinking apple cider together, blah blah blah... Charlie and his idea of Walmart won out) and we chose to carve them at 4am today. We have really messed up sleep right now due to unemployment and video games.

Anyway, Charlie chose to go with a biohazard symbol and I went with a rat (in honor of the litter of 12 that Grendel blessed us with today! Kel is a proud daddy). I drew out a baby rat, but we only had steak knives to work with, so I chose not to carve it out.

I think we did a pretty good job.

It's here!

2011-10-20T23:02:00.002-04:00

My order came in yesterday! I was soooo exhausted, though, that I didn't open it until today. Above is the Hearthwarming Stockings kit. Will get started on them once I finish the granny square blanket and at least get a good start on the Chroma blanket.

The Chroma!!! I've been interested in this yarn since KP offered it, but I have little use for self-striping stuff (Noro and the like are gorgeous, but not practical for the knitting I do). I'm very excited to have a good use for this (check out some of blankets done in Chroma on Ravelry...). It's pretty soft and I love this colorway. Not girly, but doesn't strictly say boy either.

The US 2 and 3 24" circs I needed so badly.

Extra yarn for a stocking. Looking at it now, I may have over-purchased. Oh well... leftovers will be incorporated into soakers for little Knolly.

The Swish yarn for the Rhino Romper. Love it! I made a mistake, though, and must have accidentally deleted the CC for the project before purchasing... not in the box and not on the invoice. Oh well. I'm sure I have something complimentary in the stash anyway.

Today is Charlie and my's 6 month wedding anniversary. We spent it sleeping in waaaaayyyyy late and then going to eat Mexican (a challenge since I can't have that yummy unpasteurized queso). Now he's gaming and I'm about to start working on the granny square (ready to be finished so I can cast on for the Ten Stitch!).

More Baby Stuff...

2011-10-17T19:28:00.004-04:00

I don't want to make this the baby blog, but Knolly is what's on my mind these days and has been on the receiving end of my knitting. This is the RHSS blanket wip. Just a simple granny square. Plan on going until the camo runs out, then I'll pick up with either dc or sc with a complimentary color (a "tweedy" tan).

Still waiting for the KP order (hopefully it'll get here by this weekend) so I can start the Chroma blanket. That's going to be soooo nice.

The biggest news of the day is our first doctor's appointment! We are waiting for Tricare to kick in on the 1st, so we were going in planning on paying out of pocket. Fortunately, our doctor is amazing and did this visit on the house. He got my history and, since I'm not high-risk for anything, he said we could wait until my Nov 11 appointment for all the labs and such. We did get to hear Knolly's heartbeat! It was really neat. It was so kind of the doc to let us wait until the next appointment for the expensive stuff. I'm so ready for that appointment... I'll be 16 weeks by then and we'll see a good ultrasound (maybe even be lucky enough to tell the gender!).

Also, we're going to Georgia for Thanksgiving!!! I'm soooo excited about this. I haven't seen my parents in over a year and my extended family for even longer. Thanksgiving was always a big deal in my family; it was the one time a year we all got together (I have a lot of aunts, uncles, and cousins, so it's always a lot of fun). We think this is going to be my paternal grandmother's last Thanksgiving, unfortunately, so the whole family is making sure to come to Georgia for it. We were a little worried over the cost of travel, but my parents said that they can cover our gas to and from so we're all set to go. I'll be 17 weeks prego then, so it'll be neat to see everyone and show off my belly :)

Sweater Number Two

2011-10-14T16:52:00.002-04:00

This Maile Sweater took me exactly one week to make. It is knit bottom-up and the sleeves are attached in an interesting and slightly annoying way, but in the end it wasn't all that difficult and I love the resulting sweater. I used Knit Picks Stroll Tonal yarn in the Gypsy colorway. The lighting is so terrible in our house and it's been overcast the past few days, so the colors are WAY off in the picture. It's actually a very deep dark tonal red. Used less than one skein. I actually have plenty left over for a few pairs of baby socks, a baby hat (or several), etc. I know lace is kinda girly, but I think this is gender-neutral enough. Charlie thinks red is a boy color, I think it's a girl color, so there ya go.

I started a simple granny square blanket using, gasp, Red Heart Super Saver. I know, but it's cheap, washable, readily available, and it comes in camo, which Charlie really wanted for the blanket. Washing RHSS really does soften it up a bit so I'm not too worried or ashamed. It'll more than likely be the kind of blanket you lay baby down on for nap or play, not the kind it'll be wrapped up in and such. I ordered yarn for that...

Charlie gave me a 100.00 allowance for yarn today! How sweet, right?! I went on Knit Picks and spent 119.00. I can't wait for it to get here. I got 5 balls of Chroma Worsted in the Mesa colorway for a Ten Stitch Blanket, the Hearthwarming Stocking Kit (plus extra yarn to make a third stocking since the kit comes with enough to make two), and yarn for a Rhino Romper in the 6 month size (I'm really excited about this adorable and useful knit! I got a gorgeous tonal blue for the MC and a bright grassy green for the CC). I also got 2 sets of 24" circs (US 2 and 3).

I have my first ob/gyn appointment on Monday! Hopefully we get to see little Knolly on an ultrasound...

Baby Knit Number One

2011-10-06T02:41:00.001-04:00

First knit for Knolly! Concentric Stripes Cardigan, my handspun yarn, modded for short sleeves and to add color to the edging.

So, I Really Think It's Time For Baby Knitting...

2011-09-30T19:07:00.003-04:00

...because we're having a baby!

Ok, this is totally unplanned. We knew we wanted kids, but LATER, like when we're 30. But, these things happen, I guess, and what can you do but be thrilled? There is nothing more special than knowing I'm prego with my husband's baby. I'll admit, I was a bit devastated and I cried last night when I took the tests, but now I'm happy and excited. I was mainly worried that Charlie would be upset at how "the plan" was being pushed up by about 5 years, but he wasn't. Of course, this was a shock and surprise to us, but we're really happy. The LPN in him is coming out and I've already been briefed on what I can and cannot do :) Haven't been to the doc yet for the blood test, but I've taken 3 tests (all say prego), have been throwing up the past week, and have been sooooo fatigued. Oh, and I missed the littled friend this time around. Soooo, we think it's safe to say that the pets will have a new brother or sister (we're hoping for a brother!) around April or May of next year.

My parents are beyond excited (ok, my dad is excited about the baby, not so much on how the baby got here, lol) and Charlie's parents are too. My brother is so freaking happy he's going to be an uncle.

It's a little scary since I have no clue on what to do, but we have a great family of support and we have each other, so we'll be fine. It'll be an adventure, that's for sure!

Now, just gotta get on the baby knits. Good thing I've been queueing them forever since they're so cute and quick.

In other less exciting news, here's my latest FO, a simple hdc crochet hat in some of my handspun and some farm wool. Colors are much more muted in real life. Partner likes wearing hats.

All Spun Up

2011-09-27T00:31:00.002-04:00

I finally spun up this corriedale/angora blend... I'd been dreaming about it (literally!) and finally sat down and did it. I bought the tweedy yellow corriedale roving at either SAFF or Stitches South in 2009 from Miss Babs (also got a pinkish one that I spun up soon after purchasing... loved it as well) and I ran it through my drumcarder with angora I got off the rabbits I had then. It was in 9 small fluffy batts, begging to be spun. Of course, I let the fiber decide what it wanted to be and this wanted to be a soft worsted weight yarn. I love it! According to my method of figuring yardage (which, by the way, I believe is very flawed), it's only about 140 yards or so. I think it's more than that, honestly. I have a 5 ft niddy noddy, so I count how many times around the yarn goes. Multiply by 5, divide by 3. Should be the yardage, right? The math makes sense to me, but I really think I'm getting a lower number than I really have. I need to get another fishing line yardage thingy and use that. Or even a scale would probably be better. Either way, I loved spinning this and love the resulting yarn. It was also the first time Charlie has seen me spin, so it was neat having him watch a little and ask questions and stuff. Love that boy to pieces.

I Won I Won I Won!!!

2011-09-26T14:20:00.002-04:00

I won one of the prizes for the TTL Shawl KAL! My prize is a skein of Tempted Yarns Good Grrl in the Deviant Behavior... isn't it gorgeous? I've been sick this week and this was just the thing to brighten my day. Also, I haven't knit a pair of socks in forever (I don't think I've completed a pair all year... my attempts have all been frogged), so this will get me out of the sock knitting slump. Yay!

(picture taken from the TTL forum)

Roma

2011-09-24T22:13:00.002-04:00

I actually finished the Roma Shawl for the TTL Summer Shawl KAL on time! I made it a little smaller by using laceweight and omitting a few stripe repeats. Really like it as a scarf... there might be another one in fingering weight in my future!

Finally, an update

2011-09-21T19:46:00.005-04:00

The move was loooooonnnnnggggg, but not too bad. We were so glad to finally be up here. We don't get internet until Friday (we're at my FIL's right now), so updates will be more regular after that.

This is my favorite little corner of the house! It's our little country corner. My saddles, all my fiber stuff, the gun case. The skins on the wall are deer (my birthday gift from Charlie) and lynx, a gift from my uncle (he killed it and prepared the pelt himself).

I finally have a yarn dresser!!! This was part of a three-piece set we picked up at the Salvation Army. One dresser for the clothes, the nightstand by the bed, and this one for me! The overflow fiber is in a box next to the wheel.

Barrett. Took this today. She's grown up so much!

Partner, Charlie, and Kel, his rat. I've had Partner for 9 years, since he was a month-old pup being given away at Walmart. He was my brother's dog, but since Arty is in San Antonio for Army training Charlie and I decided to bring him up here with us. I missed this old boy and it's nice having him again. He's a great protection dog.

Red LOVES Gideon! She's always with him, playing with his tail, cuddling him, etc. He isn't as thrilled about her being around, but he's good and tolerates her.

Sleepyhead.

~168.3 yards of Australian Wool singles. I bought the fiber back in 2009 at a fiber festival... Stitches South maybe? I can't remember now which one/exactly when.

~121.5 yards of Australian Wool. Bought at the same time as the other yarn. This is a 2-ply.

That's it for now. I'm working as hard as I can on my Roma Shawl... only have 2 days before I have to have the FO pic up on the forum! Yikes! I really hope I finish it. I would definitely have time, but I can't knit on Friday... I started a job at a dog grooming place and have to work Friday. Maybe tomorrow I can get a good day of knitting in between running some errands.

Our New House!

2011-08-30T16:39:00.002-04:00

We finally found a house to rent in Michigan! And not a minute too soon... we put the money on it yesterday and we move tomorrow! It's been a pain in the ass finding a place and I'm just so glad to have it. It's in Madison Heights, a suburb of Detroit. Not the nicest area, but definitely not bad like Detroit either. It's 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, large kitchen, large living room, fenced backyarn, comes with all appliances, and a little shed in the back. Pricewise, it's a little higher than we'd like, but a great price for the area.

The living room. These pics were all taken by the rent man. I just stole them off the ad.

Kitchen. There's a stove there now. The laundry area is behind the photographer.

Bathroom. This, like most houses in the Detroit area, was built in the 50s around the auto manufacturing. So, a lot of retro colors and such. But it's not too bad and it's only for a year. We're trying to get my brother to move in once he's finished with Army training to help with rent and to have him in the area (he has no one in Georgia and I have no blood kin in Michigan).

More pics to come this weekend once we're up there! Can't wait!

Blocked

2011-08-24T11:48:00.002-04:00

I finally got around to blocking the Hemlock Ring Blanket. I really love this! Unfortunately, I'm not keeping it... this will be gifted to Alicia, my SIL, for her wedding on Friday. Charlie asked me two days ago if I could knit something nice for the wedding (he really thinks I have speed fingers, I guess!). This was the only thing I had that was remotely giftable for a wedding.

A Little Update

2011-08-23T15:51:00.003-04:00

I quit my job on the 17th! 2 days early, but oh well. It feels so good to be free of that place! I've been spending my time doing everything but knitting, it seems. I've been cleaning the apartment, training Barrett, doign laundry, riding around with Charlie doing some Army stuff, etc.

Here are some project bags my mom made for me. I love them! They are perfect and so cute. She used 550 cord (aka, parachute cord) for the drawstring... great idea since it's so smooth.

This is a cute little bag from Three Bags Full on etsy. It was a RAK gift and I love it! I've wanted one of these bags for the longest time.

Progress on the Roma Shawl for the TTL KAL. It's slow-going. Each repeat takes a surprisingly long time to complete with this fine fine fine yarn and it's growing just a tiny bit with each repeat knit. I do love it, though. I still have a ways to go before I can start the border (which I really can't wait to do... I'm itching to knit with the Buffalo Gold!).

Look what Charlie got me! Remember my old boy, Squishy? I miss that rat like crazy. There can never be a replacement for him, but these two are my new babies. The top one is Grendel, my little siamese girl. Such a sweetheart. The bottom one is Kel (as in Kel-Tec), Charlie's bareback blue male. They are the start of my breeding program (another gift from Charlie... permission to breed as long as it doesn't get out of hand, lol).

Pics I took of Barrett today. She's growing so much!

Review, Knitting, Pets

2011-08-13T22:06:00.003-04:00

I've been itching for a new bag. One that would be good for everyday carrying, knitting, and one that has a good spot for my gun to be carried concealed (please, only do this in accordance with your state's laws regarding conceal carry!). I ordered this Namaste Zuma from Jimmy Beans Wool and it meets all my needs and expectations!

I chose the Zuma over the other bags for its size, appearance, and price. At 69.00 that price was right for a bag that had the things that I wanted. I originally ordered the Peacock color, but the nice ladies at JBW emailed me very quickly to say that it was out of stock and that they'd be happy to either send a color that was in stock or mail the rest of my order right then and send the peacock when it came in at no extra charge! Excellent service! I chose to go with Eggplant, which was in stock, and I'm happy with it.

The bag is large. It easily holds one or a few wips, my everyday necessities (keys, wallet, phone, etc), and then some. I love the accordian pocket in the front... my Grendel handgun fits perfectly in there... snug enough to keep it in place, nothing else in there to interfere with grabbing it or to cause a negligent discharge (something that always made me afraid to cc in a bag before... I want the gun to have its own separate place free from pens, lipgloss, or anything else that might pull the trigger), and roomy enough that I can grab it quickly if needed. The opposite side of the bag, on the back, there is a great little zippered pocket that is perfect for my keys and wallet and phone or any combination of those three things! The main part of the bag opens very wide and has open-top pockets inside for little things. I can easily fit my wips, notions kit, a small book, plus whatever else I want to carry with me at the time.

The faux leather is wonderful. I love leather, but it's too expensive for me right now! This bag is very attractive and wears great. I've already spilled something on it and have had both dogs and cats walk on it... all the spill took to clean up was a wipe down with a damp cloth and the bag has yet to get claw scratches on it.

I guess my only real "complaints," if you can call them that, are that the bag might be a little too large for me. I'm 5'2" so I'm a little self-concious about how large the bag looks on my shoulder. I really think that's just me, though, as I have received a few compliments on it already. Also, the straps don't both stay on my shoulder. Again, I think that has more to do with my size that anything else. The inside strap stays fine, the outside one falls. No real biggie, just an observation. All in all, I highly recommend this bag and Namaste in general!

The other part of my order... 2 BSA Pretty Cheep Bags. Very inexpensive and really cute. I need some bags for the move and these are great.

Here's my current go-to project for when I want to just sit and knit. It's the Oatmeal Pullover in Knit Picks Cadena, Seraphim colorway. I'm loving this sweater! It's an easy and quick knit and I think the result is very cute. My gauge is a little off, but I'm trying it on and it seems to fit ok. It's meant to be worn with a few inches of negative ease and I think, as far as I can tell, I have a good fit in this sweater. I really hope it's cute on me. Like I said before, at the very least I'll have an around the house sweater for my first Michigan winter.

Here's my progress on the Roma Shawl for the TTL KAL. It's slow-going!!! I'm using laceweight and that's really slowing things down. I have no idea how many repeats I've done... just going to stop when I think it's large enough. I haven't read ahead in the pattern to see how the edging is done, so I might have to do some maths when I get there. I like how it's looking, though. I really need to work on this more since it needs to be finished by September 20-something to qualify for the price drawing. I think it'll be my travel knitting for our upcoming move. I would work on it more now, but a full pattern repeat takes quite a bit of time at this point, so I don't have much opportunity. My last day at Walgreens, EVER, is the 19th, so I'll have a little freetime after that to give it more attention.

*sigh* What's wrong with this picture? No, not the fact that Charlie is exhausted and it shows, but the tiny little kitten that isn't Bams, Colt, Rocky, or Savage. Yep, that's a new one. Meet Red Ryder (named for the bb gun). We call her Red. I found this little thing IN THE DUMPSTER last week. Someone threw her away. She was so hot and weak/sleepy. We gave her a bath, fed her, then tried to decide what to do with her. Didn't plan on keeping her, but we named her and got a collar and tag for her, so she's ours. Colt's in love with her and she's in love with Charlie. Of course, I rescue the little thing and she prefers Charlie to me. Oh well, Savage and I have become buddies, so it's ok. Oh, and speaking of Colt, my poor little man broke his leg this week in a cat tree accident. He ran too fast, jumped too hard, and got crushed when it fell on him. He's gimping around on three legs, but we think he'll be fine.

How adorable is this?

The Pet Parade (and a new sweater in progress)

2011-08-02T23:32:00.003-04:00

I guess I'll get the sweater out of the way first. This is the Oatmeal Pullover (Rav link) I started on the 30th. I have always kinda steered clear of using bulky yarns for garments because, while not overweight, I'm not really a skinny mini and I think bulky yarns can sometimes make a person look, well, bulky. But, I really fell in love with this pattern and it is flattering on all body types from what I can tell by looking through Ravelry project pages. So, I'm trying it. If anything, it can be a wear-at-home sweater. I am moving to Michigan in a month, after all.

Anyway, details... Knit Picks Cadena in the Seraphim colorway I ordered specifically for this project (how about that! Actually using yarn purchased for the project it was intended for!). I wanted a light color and this dusty lavender was all they really had. I like it though and it's a very quick knit that's for sure. My guage is a little off on row but spot-on for stitch, so I'm going with it. Knitting the 36" size.

Ok, now for the pet parade part. Remember how I said that Barrett was the last pet in the Knoll household for a while? Well, that went to hell real quick, huh? A guy in Charlie's Army nursing class had 2 cats (note the use of the past tense 'had') and he chose us to be their new family. Of course, we agreed to it because we are complete suckers for anything living and furry. The guy and his wife just had their first baby and weren't devoting enough attention to their kitties, who were used to being the center of the family and spoiled rotten. These two came home with us yesterday. The blue guy above, who we named Rock Island ("Rocky"), is very skittish in his new home, but is slowly coming around. We did see them in their home environment and they are very friendly, but are a little freaked out by Colt and Bams (and Gideon and Barrett) right now.

This is Savage (we named them for gun companies, just like Colt and Barrett). He's a little more personable than Rocky, but is still very scaredy cat right now. They are slowly making their way out from under the bed to explore. Soon enough they'll be best friends with Colt and Bams (who, by the way, are so wanting to meet their new brothers, but are being very respectful and allowing them their time and space).

A new-ish pic of Barrett playing in the apartment. She's gotten even bigger since this pic! She's growing so much and is such a smarty. Her training is coming along so well... she's crate-trained, housebroke, and will sit, heel, stay, and speak (bark on command).

Our little Bamberdoodle. She is so silly and was "hiding" in the kitchen. She got herself into this bag thinking that we couldn't see her. Silly kitty! No worries, though, Charlie cut a breathing hole for her.

Counting Down...

2011-07-20T15:48:00.002-04:00

The clock is ticking for several things...

1. My last day at Walgreens, EVER. Woohoo!!! I will work my last day as an assistant manager for Walgreens on 19 August. I'm beyond excited.

2. Alicia, my sister-in-law, & Ryan, my future bil, are getting married 26 August. I'm excited for the quick trip up to Michigan & to visit with Charlie's family again.

3. Charlie graduates from the Army M6 program (nursing) 29 August!

4. We are moving to Detroit around 03 September! It's going to be a looooonnngggg trip, but I'm looking forward to it. We're stopping by Georgia first to pick up the rest of my stuff. I can't wait to spend a day or two in Georgia... I miss where I grew up.

5. Christmas is getting closer & closer, which means it's about time t start thinking about gift knitting! I'm gonna have a tentative list posted sometime in the next week.

Circus, New Puppy, Knitting

2011-07-12T19:09:00.003-04:00

The Ringling Brothers circus was in town last week and we went. It was great! My family would go every year when I was growing up. Charlie had never been to "the big circus" before. We had a great time. They put SEVEN motocyclists in the round cage!!!

We got a new dog (the last addition to the family for a long time, I promise). Daddy was a German Shepherd, momma was a Lab. She's such a sweet girl. We named her Barrett, after the maker of the 50 cal. When we move to Detroit (beginning of September!) we're getting a house with a yard. Gideon and Barrett both will be happy (as will Charlie and I).

A hat using Berroco Comfort Worsted. An airsoft buddy requested it.

Progress so far on the Roma Shawl. Looks like a big blob of nothing.

My handsome hubby. He had a Class B inspection today and I think he looks SOOOOO handsome in his dress uniforms! I look silly in them, but he looks so good.

Gideon woke up from a nap like this. He wants to be a turtle for Halloween.

TTL Summer Shawl KAL - Roma Shawl

2011-07-02T01:39:00.002-04:00

Progress so far. Slow going at first because I'm kniting with frog hair, but it's picking up now that I'm getting used to it. I have 2 pattern repeats so far and I'm definitely in love with the pattern and this gorgeous silk yarn!

FOs and Such

2011-07-01T14:29:00.002-04:00

Made these for my mom at her request. Can never go wrong with Fetching... such a quick, simple, and cute pattern. I used leftovers from my cardi I made back in October.

I've been making airsoft/paintball kill rags for hubby and I to use, as well as to sell. They say different things like KILLED, DEAD, OUT, HIT, OWNED, NOOB, etc. That's my m4 airsoft gun in the pic.

I picked up a drop spindle the other day and am spinning on it some. Slow going compared to my wheel, but it's fun. This is 100% Australian wool.

I'm going to start the Roma Shawl using these yarns... Henceforth Beforehand (100% silk laceweight in natural) and Buffalo Gold Lux (45% bison down, 20% cashmee, 20% silk, 15% tencel) in a natural brown. LOVE LOVE LOVE. I'm entering the shawl in the Through The Loops shawl kal and contest.

Pets :-)

2011-06-24T18:54:00.004-04:00

Meet Brain, Lonesome George's new friend! I guess George isn't so Lonesome anymore, lol.

Here's Charlie's new pet, a female argente gerbil. No name yet.

This is my little girl gerbil, a pied agouti. No name yet either.

They love each other :)

Gideon being all sleepy.

Bams sleeping on the bed with her daddy (Charlie is passed out behind her, he's had a long week at work).

Colt being bad. He loves the bathroom... drinks from the toilet like a dog and sleeps in the bathtub like a silly boy.

Flat Rate Box Swap Packages!

2011-06-20T15:02:00.006-04:00

This is my swap box from knit-o-matic!

* handdyed yarn from Dawning Dreams - a great turquoise color, bulky. Think this will be a hat for my first Michigan winter!
* 1 ounce braid of bamboo fiber in the same color by the same dyer
* toys for the kitties and pup
* treats for everyone
* 2 bars of handmade soap (the dino duck is so cute!)
* handmade animal-themed stitch markers
* notecards with butterflies on them
* handmade project bag
* Bath & Bodyworks hand sanitizer

And for the second box...

This is my box from JohnnaMarie!

* sour candies for hubby
* treats for all the animals
* toys for the animals
* a yarn dying kit in a cute felted bag - she even sent a skein of yarn to dye!
* Berroco yarn in a great blue-green color
* a notions case with stitchmarkers
* an adorable little notebook
* a pet-themed bag

Here's the yarn I dyed using my yarn dying kit!

Left to Right: Plymouth Yarn Dye For Me Dancing Toes (Strawberry, Black Cherry, Pink Lemonade Kool Aid), ~170 yards Lamb's Pride Worsted (Lemon-Lime, Black Cherry), Knit Picks Bare (merino/silk) (Orange)

FO!

2011-05-31T23:23:00.003-04:00

Hemlock Ring Blanket is complete!

The leftovers became a little hat for Colt.

Gideon wanted in on the cuteness.

Date Day at The Alamo 28 May 2011

2011-05-31T09:55:00.000-04:00

Pictures

2011-05-26T13:48:00.004-04:00

I'm on the last few rounds of the Hemlock Ring Blanket (Jade Sapphire Mongolian Cashmere). It's beenonly a few rounds away from completion for some time now, just haven't been paying much attention to it. I do love this pattern (and yarn!)... so pretty and so great for mindless knitting that isn't too boring.

This is the Knit Picks lighthouse tote kit. It's gonna be a tough knit, but I think it'll be fun and a great way to improve my intarsia skills. My mother-in-law is going to LOVE it.

Five skeins of Knit Picks Shadows. I think it'll become a light summer cardi.

Four skeins of the new Knit Picks Stroll Tonals. So pretty! Destined for a cardi or pullover or some sort.

Pretty Miss Bambi lounging in the kitchen.

Handsome Colt. He likes to read.

Gideon in his nest.

Still Here

2011-05-16T22:48:00.002-04:00

I'm here and alive! I know it's been a while, but I've really just been working a lot and trying to find time to hang out with the pets, the hubby, play video games, knit some, and keep up with the apartment and everyday things like laundry and such.

We went out for my birthday last weekend and it was really fun. We went to Sea World. Military gets in free once a year (and can get 3 dependents in as well), so we used my ID this time and we'll use his next. Of course, I forgot my camera. It was really fun and we got to see Shamu (and get splashed... soaked). Charlie bought me a stuffed walrus and I named it Chuckie after him. I always name stuffed animals I get from him after him... Chuckie, Knolly, and Uno (because he's my one and only :)

No FOs to show and very little progress. It's a sad thing, but it's getting harder and harder to divide my time between the things that I love! I am almost finished with the *ahem* February plain vanilla ribbed sock in Jojoland Melody. The first one, that is.

I made a Knit Picks order last month and got a few things for swaps as well as the lighthouse intarsia tote bag kit. I haven't started it yet, but this will be a Christmas gift for my mother-in-law. She loves lighthouses. It works out great because I really wanted to make one of the bags, but didn't really want to keep it once finished (they're nice, but not something I'd really use a lot). She'll love it.

I made another order last week and should be getting it in soon. Again, a few swap items, but I did get a few things for me. I love the new tonal colors they have in Stroll, so I got enough in a nice gray color for a cardi or something.

sigh

2011-04-30T21:29:00.002-04:00

It's Saturday night. Instead of being at home with my handsome hubby playing Fallen Earth, I'm at work. Same story yesterday night, too. It's a sad sad sad thing.

I'm off tomorrow and Monday, which should be a good thing, right? Well, it would be, but I have drill! I was supposed to go today, but work got in the way, so I have to go in tomorrow & Monday. Yay me, right?

I am getting paid, so I guess I really shouldn't complain too much, but I just feel like whining right now. I want to be home with Charlie, leveling our FE toons together :(

Ok, whine session over.

Pretty Proud of Myself

2011-04-27T18:33:00.002-04:00

I made beef stew! Maybe not a huge triumph for most of you, but it's a big deal to me. I've never really been much of a cooker, though I always wanted to be. I kinda figured that one day, when I got married, I'd be a good wife and cook and clean and do all those good wifey things. Well the cleaning part is easy. I thought I'd struggle with the cooking part. Now that I'm the little miss, I've found that it's not as difficult as I thought it'd be! Good thing, too, since Charlie eats like a dinosaur, lol.

The stew came out delicious. I did forget the macaroni noodles, but it's yummy nonetheless. Perfect amount of spice and cooked though well... veggies are soft enough to be good, but not soggy.

Around the Apartment

2011-04-27T16:39:00.004-04:00

I had to start over on the aid bag. I tried a new design technique in hopes of making it perfect... um, yeah. That was definitely a case of shoulda stuck to what I know. Soooo.... here's attempt number 2, using Araucania Nature Wool (it's actually much more of a dark olive green than this flashy pic shows). Coming along much better.

This shows the true color of the green. Here's the medic arm band. My own improvised design, the center white stripe is knitted in, but the circle and cross are duplicate stitch. Please excuse the bare chest, lol.
These are the only surviving plants from the ones we tried growing. The others were doing so well, but the cats killed them. Kept knocking them off the windowsill til they died. Argh. But these zucchini plants are starting to flower! Yay! They look a little rough (they really should have MUCH larger pots, a bed really, but we're making do with the space and supplies we have).

Sleepy Gideon.

Bams on her 'balcony.' Charlie adjusted Kitty City so Bams has her own apartment with a balcony she can step off onto.

Colt's preferred napping spot on Kitty City.

Mrs. Knoll

2011-04-24T03:00:00.001-04:00

<3 20 April 2011 <3

Knit Knit Knit

2011-04-12T11:17:00.002-04:00

I started Charlie's aid bag for his zombie LARP... this is the progress so far. I have to have it completed (felted and all) by Saturday. I think I can make it. I'm about finished with the part (the strap and bottom and sides of the bag). I'm using the Maple Bag (Knitty.com) as inspiration, but it's really an original pattern with how much I'm changing and improvising.

I whipped up this little sweater for Gideon on Sunday. The pattern is the Candy Corn Pet Sweater. Charlie is on a softball team with the San Antonio Sports and Social Club and their team color is orange. The name is Low Expectations. Gideon had to have a sweater to wear to all of daddy's games!

This is the Chiton Pullover I started waaayyy back in January. I had to stop it because that little rascal Scout (who is in Georgia with a new mommy... she couldn't come to Texas with me) ate the pattern. A nice Raveler sent me the part I needed to finish, so I'm doing a few rows here and there. I want to finish this soon so I can get some wear out of it before it gets too hot. I may be able to wear it more than I think... we'll see how hot it gets.

Charlie bought himself a few new paintball guns last week. Here he is testing one out... in the bathroom. No worries, he was shooting into a 5 gallon bucket of water, covered with a now-destroyed towel, so there wasn't paint all over the place!

OH, and I have some big news, but that'll wait til later... It's good, though!

Yarn Shopping

2011-04-04T23:04:00.003-04:00

I was off today so decided to check out a San Antonio LYS. I went to The Yarn Barn near downtown. It's only about 6 miles (15 minutes or so) from us, which is such a treat considering the closest LYS in Georgia was at least an hour and a half. I went with the intention of only buying yarn for Charlie's aid bag and medic arm band for his upcoming zombie Nerf gun LARP event, but of course came home with a little something for me as well...

This is Knit One Crochet Too Crock-O-Dye in a really pretty neutral colorway, kinda the color of sand. It's a tannish drab and I love it. Not sure if it'll be used for socks or for a pretty summery scarf.

White Lamb's Pride for the aid bag/arm band. I've never used this yarn but know it's popular and I'm sure I'll like it.

This yarn isn't orange, it's red Cascade 220. The lighting in here is terrible right now. It's a regular crayon red for the medic cross symbol on Charlie's stuff.

Very very very pretty olive green Cascade 220 Heathers for the body of the bag. The true color isn't showing in this picture, but it's gorgeous and and I love the rustic look.

You've already seen this, but here's the balled up pic of the Knit Picks Gloss Lace yarn (carrot colorway) I recieved in my last SP16 package. It'll definitely become a summery scarf for sure. I love this color and the yarn structure is so nice.

Fishy

2011-04-03T06:34:00.003-04:00

Charlie and I went to eat Mexican food for dinner yesterday and decided to head to Petsmart to check out the fish. He and I are both fish lovers... I used to keep a large koi pond and raised guppies, he bred guppies and bettas. We intended on getting a betta and even picked one out, but Charlie decided that if we were to get one, he wanted one from a breeder he knew online. So, goldfish (my favorite) it was. This little guy (the one in the front) is Sgt Finney. He's the smallest of the three and has black fins. We had a platoon sergeant in medic school named Sgt Finney. We call this little fishy Finney for short, reserving Sgt Finney for when he's in trouble, lol.

This is Elena, named after Elena Winters in the game we play online, Fallen Earth. Just a plain gold comet.

And this is Lt Dan. He has some black on his face, making him look like he's come back from war recently and has battle scars.

Yay for new fish! I LOVE little 13 cent comet feeder fish... they might be little now and not so interesting to look at compared to the larger more expensive "koi" and other specialty goldfish like fantails and such, but they will GROW GROW GROW if given a large enough space. We used to stock the koi pond with feeders and would have fish a foot long and gorgeous only a short time later. They are extremely hardy and easy keepers, very pretty, and so cheap.

Pictures!

2011-03-31T22:19:00.002-04:00

The lovely swap package from SP 16! I really like it. It's the first package I've got in San Antonio. The bag is sooo cute and I really love the color of the yarn. Bath & Body Works is always a winner. The crocheted bag is adorable and in such fun summery colors.

The pets have settled in just fine. Gideon napping (what he does best), Bams showing off how beautiful she is by blocking the tv and forcing us to look at her, and Colt in the tub after I took a shower. He loves the tub.

Charlie and I started some seeds and they have really taken off. All sprouted. These are the zucchini plants.

This is a gift from Charlie I'm drying out. Isn't he sweet? He surprised me with a rose when he came home from work last week.

The rest of the plants. Left to right: tomatoes, cucumbers, dill, and one more cucumber. We want to make our own pickles this summer.

Charlie in his normal spot... playing some Left 4 Dead 2 after work.

Progress on a sock I started when I got here to Texas. Creatively Dyed Calypso (King colorway) being knit using the Braided Rib pattern from Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn.

French Toast Pecan Wheels. I saw on Cattywampus's blog (see links to the right) how she made cinnamon roll French toast and it looked delicious. I couldnt' find real cinnamon rolls, so I got those pecan wheel things, sliced them in two, and made super yummy French toast.

Wow Am I A Happy Girl

2011-03-23T18:34:00.003-04:00

I am so glad I moved to Texas! It's been a little over a week & so great. The animals have adjusted very well & everyone is settled into the little apartment. I love living with Charlie. I promise to update with pics & knitting content soon; we just got internet setup at home yesterday.

Almost

2011-03-09T10:11:00.002-05:00

Only 4 more days til I leave Georiga & 5 more til I see Charlie & start my life with him!

Moving!!!

2011-03-02T19:18:00.002-05:00

I'm moving to San Antonio!!!

Charlie and I talked about getting hitched "sometime in the next 2 years" (his words). He said he wants to marry me before he goes active so that I'll be able to go everywhere with him (and so I'll be his wife, lol). Yay, right? Well, I got all excited and asked if he'd like to earn BAH (the housing allowance and extra pay the Army gives us soldiers for being married) now. He will be on active duty orders until the end of August, so could be making about 1200.00 extra a month until then. See, I was so excited about getting married to my boy that I couldn't wait. I was pretty nervous about the whole deal and how he'd react (rejection is a killer), but he was ok with it. I was thinking that I'd stay here in Georgia and he'd stay there in Texas, but get married so he could make the money. Weeellllll.... his commander doesn't allow married soldiers to stay in the barracks, where he gets to live for free. He'd have to move out, kinda defeating the purpose of the BAH money. BUT, he said that I could go ahead and move to Texas with him! I kinda thought it might be a silly idea since we'd be moving to Michigan later in the year, but he said he was so bummed when I left him last time he wants me to come be with him now.

Sooooo..... yeah, I'm moving to Texas. I requested a transfer with my job at Walgreens. Nope. No open MGT positions. So I said that I'd be willing to take a paycut and step down from my management position so that I could move out there. Today, I get a phone call (on my lunch break of all times... see, it's meant to be) from the district office in San Antonio and there's an open MGT spot! It just opened up and it's all mine mine mine. Woohoo! Only thing is, my start date in my new store is MARCH 21. Wow. That's soon.

I talked to Charlie and he's started the search for apartments already. I'll be moving in about 2 weeks, which is pretty crazy! I'm excited and nervous and happy and all sorts of different things right now. I need to look into how much a U-Haul thing is, start packing, make arrangements for everything... a lot to do in so little time!

My brother has joined the Nat'l Guard and ships off to BCT on 19 April. I really want to go ahead and get married before then so that he can be there. We don't want a big deal wedding, just go get married somewhere, but I do want Arthur to be there. I told Charlie I wanted to get married before he left. He asked when. 19 April. "I'll see what I can do" was his response. Silly boy.

I haven't told my parents yet... I'm scared. I did mention that Charlie and I had talked about getting married eventually, but was pretty vague on when. They don't really know him and seem a little concerned about that, but they live in Colorado and won't really know anyone I meet. I guess I'll tell them that I'm moving to Texas so I can be with Charlie. I'm not sure what to do about the wedding part... I don't even know a date yet (that's Charlie's thing), but since we aren't really having a wedding and aren't making a huge deal of it, I don't really plan on them making it. They'll probably be a little upset that I'm doing this (ok, they WILL be upset I'm doing this) so probably wouldn't come anyway. Arthur thinks I should call them and tell them after the fact, but isn't that a little wrong? My aunt thinks I should tell them the date and that I'd love for them to be there, but understand if they can't make it. I'm undecided. Opinions? This whole deal of getting married and moving so suddenly might seem a little crazy, but it is what it is and I'm excited about it.

Still Here

2011-02-24T21:25:00.002-05:00

I'm here. I usually try posting more reguarly than this, but I've been busy.

I didn't finish the Chiton Pullover in time for my trip to Texas, but it's almost there.

I had a fantastic time with Charlie! His birthday was great and the whole trip was so good all the way around. My baby is now 22. Seems so young. I'm an oldy moldy and will be 24 in May.

For Valentine's Day, Charlie got me a new laptop! SOOOO NICE! It's perfect for gaming (better than his, lol). He also got me a gaming mouse. I can really tell the difference and am doing a lot better at Fallen Earth, the game we play together online. I also got the locket necklace he got me for Christmas. It only comes off my neck when I shower. I love it.

He liked all his gifts and was able to keep his .22 rifle at a friend's house (they weren't so keen on keeping an armory there, lol, so the 308 went home with me).

*sigh* I hate having to come home again, leaving my boy so far away. We did make the plans on moving, though, so I have an exact date! YAY! I'll be working my last day at my store 23 August (thank God, I hate that place) and using up my remaining vacation days then. Fly up to Michigan for Alicia and Ryan's wedding (Charlie's sis and future bil) on the 26th, then down to Texas for Charlie's graduation the 29th. Riding back to Georgia after that (will take a few days since he'll have his bike and 15 hours sucks in a car...) to load up my stuff. I think we'll be here a few days, then we'll make our way up to Michigan!!! That trip will definitely take a few days, maybe 3 or 4. Long ride and we'll have the critters. Dogs travel well, cats not so much. I'm soooo excited about my life up there and with him.

Ok, on a knitting note... not much has been done lately. I am knitting on my February plain vanilla socks here and there. Might not finish by the end of the month, but I'm not too worried over it. They'll be done soon enough. If I'd get off Fallen Earth some then I'd make some real knitting progress, but that game is consuming me for now. I really don't see how some people juggle a spouse, a job, social life, and several games at once. Well, unless they don't sleep and combine the spouse and social life with the games (I think I have more online friends than I do in real life friends and Charlie and I spend more time together online gaming than we do in person... sad, I know). Even when we were together in Texas, we were gaming together! Lol. Side by side, playing the same game together. But we love that time. Video game dates are really fun and something that we can share... something together without being all over eachother and stuff. They'll continue our whoel relationship. I'm never going to be that girl who gets mad at her man for playing video games all night... I'll be that girl who's up all night playing with him!

Texas!

2011-02-15T21:26:00.002-05:00

Yay! I'm going to Texas tomorrow! I'm leaving after work and driving throug the afternoon/night & should get to the hotel at around 0730 or so Thursday morning. Charlie's 22nd birthday is Thursday... I can't wait to see him & celebrate his bday & a late Alentine's Day with him. Oh, & it's soooo great because he has a 4-day weekend! So I'll actually get to see him for a full 4 days, which is so rare for us. The cats are coming with, but the pups are not (cats can be alone in a hotel room all day ok, dogs cannot).

Charlie sent me a vday gift & I really hope it gets here before I leave tomorrow. I'm excited to see what it is. I'll also be getting my Christmas gift from him this weekend... A nice locket necklace :) that's such a special present from him & I can't wait to wear it.

I'm taking all the guns & all the ammo I have at the house because we are going to the range with The Zombie Squad (a club thing Charlie is a member of; they are interested in survival & such). That's on Saturday. I can't wait! It's been a few months since I've gone shooting & this will be the first time Charlie will see his rifles from me in person (i got him a Stevens .308 for Christmas & a Remington 597 .22 lr for his 22nd bday).

Package :-)

2011-02-06T21:56:00.003-05:00

This is my first SP 16 package! I love it...

* Peaches & Creme lotion! I love love love peaches (I even have a peach tattoo) and this smells soooo yummy.
* A skein of Knit Picks Stroll Tonal in the Gypsy colorway. Gorgeous stuff!
* The cutest little zippered project bag ever! I LOVE this and already have my current knitting projects in it.

Thank you SP for such a wonderful January package! I can't wait to see what February brings...

Progress on current projects... I'm working away at the Chiton pullover and have started on my February YOSS socks (another plain vanilla) using Jojoland Melody Superwash. The Ruffledy Scarf I started in the Studio June from Michigan is on hold for now. I need to finish the pullover first.

Naming

2011-01-31T10:30:00.002-05:00

I think naming something is something to be thougt about. I have never been one to just name something because I couldn't tink of something good (like an old friend I used to have.. She usually named male pets Moe just because she couldn't think of anything better). I also try not to name things based on trend (you'll never see a Bella in this house) or anything too cutesy. I have Gideon, Colt, Bambi (i didn't name her, she was named that by the adoption place & Charlie kept it), Chef (the fat black hamster that lives at my brother's), and the fish, Adam, Bingo, & Chomper. So, my new baby needed a good name. Nothing suited her, thoug. We wanted something along the lines of hunting since she's a Dachshund & will hopefully make a good squirrel dog. Adolfina? Cabela? Benelli? Luger? But last night I came up with her name & Charlie approves... Scout. Maybe not the most original since I've met a Scout or two at the vet clinic, but it's rare enoug & so fitting. She is named, so is really a part of the family now.

New Knitting & New Puppy

2011-01-29T12:58:00.002-05:00

I frogged the red socks. Just wasn't fun anymore. I cast on for the Chiton Pullover in the winter/spring Knitscene. I'm using Knit Picks Shadow lace held tripled.

My new puppy! She's a dappled red and white female Dachshund, born 17 Dec. I normally don't care much for an odd-eyed dog, but she's cute. Haven't decided on a name yet; Charlie and I are thinking on it.

I'm On a Roll

2011-01-27T20:47:00.002-05:00

I finished both pairs of socks in the early morning of 25 January! So nice. I'm not wearing my pair until I get to Texas on my visit with Charlie. I tried to get a shot of the boyfriends on my feet, but they were way to long and didn't show the pattern off well, so it's on my hand instead.

I'm back to work on the My Vampire Boyfriend socks. I like how they're going so far.

I cast on for a Ruffledy scarf with the Studio June Bamboo-la-la I got in Michigan. I didn't want this special yarn in my shoes.

Gideon in his little nest. There's a dog bed under all the comforter somewhere.

FOs

2011-01-24T01:33:00.002-05:00

I made 2 kitty ass mats for the cat crates with Lionbrand Homespun (Tudor colorway). Quick little crochet project and the cats like them. Colt looks so spooked because Bambi was on top of the crate swatting at him. I'm taking the little furry family with me to Texas for Charlie's birthday and 15 hours (one way!) is a long time to sit in a hard plastic crate, so these mats should be appreciated.

I just whipped up this ugly mitt. I play the online game, Fallen Earth, a lot. Sometimes for 6 hours straight. That puts a lot of strain on my left hand (the hand the controls character movement)... laptops are hard! So, I made this puffy mitt to cushion the place where wrist meets hand. It works.

FO!

2011-01-21T16:02:00.002-05:00

Made this baby in one day. I haven't crocheted in a while and forgot how quick and gratifying it is!

Scarf

2011-01-21T13:38:00.002-05:00

I tend to under-value scarves. I see them as being too simple of a project to be worthy of nice yarn. Pretty dumb, huh? I've now realized that they can be the perfect way to showcase nice yarn. This is the Tulips scarf (I made 3 a few years ago for the neighbor girls) in my recently spun Creatively Dyed Seawool singles. I wanted a lot of texture in the scarf, so I didn't wash the spun yarn, leaving a lot of energy in the singles. I LOVE how it's turning out. It's about 1/4 of the way done and I'll show off the FO in another post (with closeups of the lovely texture).

Bambi's Birthday Hoodie

2011-01-18T16:20:00.001-05:00

I started on Bambi's birthday hoodie the other day and finished it today! I modded the pattern a little for a better fit. She isn't thrilled, but I like it.

I Heart Socks (and Bambi)

2011-01-16T12:47:00.002-05:00

I finished sock one of the plain vanillas for Year of Stash Socks January. Second is already cast on for.

Progress on the second boyfriend sock. Almost finished with the toe increases.

A kitty hoodie for Bambi's birthday! Caron Simply Soft, Watermelon colorway (actually much brighter pink than the pic shows).

Kitty to go in said sweater :-)

First Sock Finished!

2011-01-14T00:59:00.002-05:00

I just finished sock one of Charlie's second pair of birthday socks!

Just An Update

2011-01-12T12:35:00.003-05:00

This is one of my Christmas gifts from Charlie. A hippo Chia Pet! I just started him up, so hopefully I'll have some green things growing soon. I love hippos and was telling coworkers I wanted a Chia pet just before Christmas. He must have read my mind.

He also got me Left 4 Dead 2 for pc and I LOVE IT. I played it for the first time yesterday night and I'm hooked. Only thing is, my graphics card isn't good enough or something and I can't see the special infected, so I get hurt and die a lot right now. Hopefully we can find a remedy for that soon so I can really get into playing. My final gift has yet to be received... my love got me a nice locket necklace (LOVE LOVE LOVE), but it never shipped and he never got it. Good news, though, is he called them up and they overnighted it to his dad's house in Michigan for no charge. So, I'll be getting it when I go visit Charlie in February. I can't wait to get it; that's such a special gift to me.

Progress on the YOSS plain vanillas. They look big... I cast on 60 sts, but maybe that's too many for a stockinette sock. We'll see. If they are slouchy, they'll just be pretty around the house comfy socks. Much loved either way.

Charlie's birthday socks are coming along nicely. Working on the leg. I'll probably go a good 5 inches in pattern, then a 2 inch or so ribbed cuff. Or, I may tire of it before then. We'll see.

This is a super silly super cute Valentine's Day gift for Charlie. It's a lovebug! That's what I call him, so I had to buy this little guy when I saw it. It has a zipper to put goodies inside and his little lovebug legs hold stuff. I printed a picture of us for him to hold. Kinda silly for a 22yo male in the Army, but he's such my lovebug and I don't care :-)

His birthday is the 17th and I'll be in Texas for a visit from the 17th to the 21st, so it'll be a birthday/Valentine's Day/Bambi's birthday celebration (Gideon, Colt, and Bambi will be coming along and Bambi's birthday is the 14th). I wasn't going to get Charlie any pressies since I went all out for Christmas, but who am I kidding? I really want to get him a new .22 rifle (the Ruger 10/22), but we'll see if it's in the budget. It'll cost enough just getting out to Texas and a hotel for so many days. I did order him a little something from etsy, a really cool hard wallet/cigarette case (with a built-in lighter!) that has the Resident Evil Umbrella Corp logo on it. He doesn't smoke, but it was just too cool to pass up and he can use it as a wallet instead. And, we're soldiers, so the lighter can be handy for those tough survival situations, right? lol

Colt investigating the camera. I love kitty noses.

Socks Socks Socks

2011-01-09T19:00:00.002-05:00

I think 2011 is going to be a year for socks. I have 3 pairs otn right now, though the Vampire Boyfriends are on hold until I finish the other 2. I think it'll be a pair for February (more fitting anyway since it'll be love month and all).

I had drill this weekend and got started on my interstate transfer to Michigan! I won't be moving for another 8 months, but I wanted to get the ball rolling so that it'll be a smooth transition and finding a unit up there that needs a medic won't be a problem. Charlie is working on finding me a recruiter up there to get in touch with.

I'm making good progress on Charlie's second (and final) pair of birthday socks. I'm really loving this pattern though it's tough on the hands on size 0 needles! I'm actually a full repeat farther along than this pic shows... it was taken a few days ago. I'm about ready to start on the heel. This is my second pair of toe-up socks and I do like the construction, though I think I might prefer top-down unless I'm trying to use up every last bit of a skein.

These are my plain vanilla socks for the Year of Stash Socks group on Ravelry. These are my January pair. I'm using the ShibuiKnits Sock from Denise (Ho Ho Ho Christmas 2010 Swap). I'm loving the yarn and the pattern (stockinette on size 2 needles) offers a nice break from Charlie's socks when my hands can't take it anymore!

First FO of 2011

2011-01-05T20:44:00.002-05:00

I finished Charlie's first pair of birthday socks early this morning! Took me a week to finish the first one and only 2 days to finish the second. Quick and easy pattern and I hope he loves it.

I cast on for his second pair today... Boyfriend Socks in Knit Picks Stroll (Ash colorway). This is a little harder on the hands than the first pair (size 0 needles vs size 2 needles), but it's fun.

New Year

2011-01-01T16:09:00.002-05:00

This is going to be my lucky year. 11 is my lucky number, it's the year of the rabbit (the luckiest of all signs), and I'm moving in my with baby later. It has to be my lucky year.

Resolutions... Be smarter with my money. I need to pay off some stuff and really save a lot for my big move. Knit more. I really want to get several sweaters and a bunch of pairs of socks done in 2011.

Secret Pal 16

2010-12-31T20:15:00.003-05:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely not like?

Favorite yarn companies are Blue Sky Alpacas, Araucania, and Knit Picks. I love indie dyers and am a huge fan of nice sock yarn. Mostly use fingering, dk, and worsted weight in natural fibers/blends. No real use for novelty yarn. I want yarn in usable amounts, so that single skein of 400 yards of fingering weight will be preferred to a single skein of 150 yards of worsted or bulky.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have a Knit Picks interchangeable set, so they live in the little pouch thing. The rest are in a cosmetics bag. I'm always looking for better ways to organize. I don't do straight needles, only the interchangeable circs and dpns.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

Nothing really to learn that I can think of. I pretty much tackle new things soon after deciding I want to try. I'd consider myself advanced intermediate... not much I've tried and haven't been able to figure out after a little try, but I'm no expert.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Knit Picks is here.

5. What’s your favorite scent?

Coconut, lime, gingered peach

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

I like salty/sweet combos, peanut butter, milk chocolate, caramel, Lays potato chips, Sour Patch Watermelons, Sour Dots

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

Spin, crochet, video games (Mario, Kingdom Hearts, Cabela's hunting games, Left 4 Dead 2, Fallen Earth; I have a Super Nintendo, PSP, and computer)

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Taylor Swift, 90s alternative (3rd Eye Blind, Goo Goo Dolls, etc), Cake, Weezer

9. What’s your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can’t stand?

Olive green, turquoise, mustard yellow, purple, red. Don't really care for pastels, but there's nothing that I hate.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

Just me. Boyfriend is in Texas most of the time for Army nursing school (we're both Army). I have our two cats, Bambi and Colt, and one dog, Gideon (Dashchund/Chihuahua mix). Also have three goldfish, Adam, Bingo, and Chompy.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Scarves, hats, mittens, gloves, etc. Not really ponchos. I'm moving to Michigan in September, so warm handknits will be needed!

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Socks, mittens, one-piece sweaters, stuff for the critters, stuff for the boyfriend

13. What are you knitting right now?

I'm just about to finish a Hemlock Ring Blanket in 100% cashmere. Also working on a pair of My Vampire Boyfriend socks (KP Stroll Tonals), a pair of birthday socks for my boyfriend (Not Cable Socks in KP Stroll Twists), about to start on a spinning project for a handknit sweater.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Of course!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Circs and dpns. Bamboo or acrylic, no metal (too slick).

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Both, but my ball winder is about to die on me. Pup got to it and chewed it up pretty bad, so it snags the yarn pretty bad.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Not that old. I think August?

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?

I love Thanksgiving and Christmas.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Yarn and fiber! I try not to collect too much these days because I plan on moving later this year.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I like sock knitting books and those on one-piece sweaters. I love Interweave Knits, but no subscription.

21. Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn?

Not that I can think of.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes! I wear a US 6.5 female shoe.

23. When is your birthday?

08 May 1987

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what’s your ID?

SpinKnitUp

Yay :-)

2010-12-27T20:55:00.002-05:00

I'm in Michigan! Got here yesterday, finally, after my flight got cancelled TWICE. I was smart and bought flight protection and got put on a later flight AND got upgraded to first class for free. I really love Michigan and really really really love being with my boy. I've been working on his first birthday sock...

I'm making him a pair of Not Cable Socks in Knit Picks Stroll Twists (Terrain colorway). Such an easy, fast, and handsome pattern. I started these on the 24th and am already working on the heel flap.

I gave Charlie his gifts and he LOVES his PS3. I'm so glad that he likes it so much. But, it is yet another time suck for him... something he can do other than talk to me... lol. I'm glad to make my babe happy though.

FO Friday

2010-12-24T14:46:00.002-05:00

YAY! I finished Abalone today and I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE it! It's my favorite FO EVER. I haven't blocked it and won't be doing so for a while. I'll be wearing it on my flight to Michigan Sunday. It's perfect. You can see my pattern notes on Ravelry.

Now on to other projects... I'll be working more on my Vampire socks and will be casting on for boot socks for Jack (the bff) and birthday socks for Charlie. Travel knitting... I'm thinking Charlie's socks since I'm trying to finish 3 pairs for him by 17 February and he has size 12 feet. BUT, the boot socks are so easy and quick, I could easily knock them out while in Michigan. Maybe I'll take both? My socks will wait since there's no real deadline for them and they are supposed to be a fun project for me, so no rushing allowed.

Mail Day

2010-12-22T17:30:00.002-05:00

Good mail always seems to come at once. Yesterday I got my Christmas gift from my parents... A Kindle! I've been longing for an e-reader and am SO HAPPY to have it! I've already downloaded 3 books... The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe (actually it's a 5-book package), World War Z (about zombies), and The Serpent and the Rainbow (also about zombies, but the real kind... a non-fiction on Haiti, vodoun, and real zombification). I'm reading the last one right now... SO GOOD. I recommend it to anyone with an interest in Haitian history/culture or zombies. Even if you aren't interested, read it anyway! You'll probably like it.

Now for other mail that came today...

My latest Knit Picks order (that I couldn't really afford, but got as a Christmas gift to myself anyway). Starting on the left, with the brown yarn, and going clockwise: 2 skeins of Stroll Tonal (Kindling) for birthday socks for Charlie, 3 skeins Stroll Twist (Terrain) for birthday socks for Charlie, 3 skeins Stroll Sport (Baltic Heather) for socks for my friend Jack, 3 skeins Stroll (Ash) for birthday socks for Charlie, and a lone skein of Stroll Sport in Sarge because it was on sale and I can use it for more boot socks.

My swap package from Denise (knitterdlc on Ravelry)! I participated in a Ho Ho Ho Christmas 2010 Swap on Rav and was really spoiled! I got 2 skeins of Shibui Knits sock yarn (yum!), a Knit Picks needle sizer (really needed since the cats lost mine), some really cute yarn ball stitch markers with a fortune cookie case, a sock pattern, a sweater keychain, 2 packets of Eucalan wipes, and a wrapped gift for Christmas day. Oh, and she was kind enough to send the cats 2 toys, which they've already thrown under the fridge (there's a sea of lost toys under the stove and fridge).

Progress & A List

2010-12-21T00:58:00.004-05:00

I'm actually making pretty good progress on my Abalone!

I already have about 10 inches done in only 2 days of knitting (and I worked both days). I may actually finish this one by Saturday night!

I'm through the first repeat on the socks. So pretty and the cable pattern is actually pretty fun once you get into it.

I have joined several Ravelry groups that are all about stashbusting and knitting a lot in 2011. I got to thinking about my knitting goals and plans. I'm making up a list of projects that I want to finish next year. That will come to the blog later, maybe for my New Year's post.

Here are 2 of my babies doing what they do best...

For Gideon, that would be sleeping. I bought him a nice real Army bed (which you can see the corner of on the left), but he still prefers that old tattered ACU print comforter, which he dragged off the couch and into his bed.

For Colt, what he does best is terrorize me and all things that even remotely resemble yarn! He's been cuddling in my lap for an hour, but then turns ferocious when I bring the camera out (that's the camera wrist strap thing he's eating).

A Lot Of Knitting

2010-12-18T20:09:00.003-05:00

I've been doing a LOT of knitting lately...

I ended up making Colt and Gideon hats as well. Gideon's isn't being shown because he has to be the least photogenic dog ever.

I made Charlie another pair of boot socks.

And a hat. I held Cherry Tree Hill Supersock DK and Knit Picks Stroll Sport together and used the Hurricane Hat pattern.

Then Charlie requested that I make hats for his sisters' dogs. I used leftover yarn from my Basic Chic cardi.

I wanted to make me a heavy scarf for Michigan, so whipped out this Mary Mary scarf in a few movies' worth of knitting using my handspun from the San Antonio roving.

I've cast on for My Vampire Boyfriend Socks using Knit Picks Stroll Tonal (Gypsy colorway). A bit fiddly, but good. These will be for me.

I'm about to cast on for Abalone using Brooks Farm Yarn Mas Acero. Think I can knock it out in a week for my trip to Michigan?

And, of course, what's a blog post without kitty pictures?

FOs

2010-12-07T19:37:00.004-05:00

Charlie's Christmas scarf is finished! My grandmother handsewed the lining to it this weekend while I was at drill. I love it. It's already wrapped and ready to fly to Michigan with me.

A while back, not too long after I moved into my house, I spun up 4 ounces of superwash merino I got in a swap from Colorado. It's a cushy thick/thin singles and I just couldn't decide what to do with it. I decided to make a hat for Michigan. The Hurricane Hat pattern is perfect with this yarn. I don't normally like myself in hats, but I do like this one.

Bambi saw my hat and liked it so much, she asked for one to match it. She is from Michigan, so wanted it for that reason, too. I whipped one up in no time using the A Hat For A Cat pattern. So simple and adorable.

Then I had a lot of yarn leftover, so decided to make me a cowl to match the hat. I improvised this design, using the hurricane hat stitch pattern.

Day of Knitting

2010-12-01T23:10:00.002-05:00

I was off work today and actually got up early enough to enjoy it. I finished Charlie's scarf! Don't you love it? It's blocking now (I'm horrible at that... I really need to invest in blocking wires). I'm so excited to be finished with it and am really please with how it turned out. I hope my man likes it.

I also finished the first of the Kissing Koi mittens! I changed the thumb up a bit and like it better. I already cast on for the second one to avoid second-mitten syndrome.

Isn't this the cutest picture you've ever seen? I love this little kitty.

Pictures

2010-12-01T11:48:00.002-05:00

Look what I got today! Internet! comcast Xfinity. I'm sooo happy to finally have internet access at my house. Now I can start playing Fallen Earth again and Skype with Charlie!

Progress on the Kissing Koi mittens has really slowed due to work and trying to finish Charlie's scarf before this weekend. I need for it to be blocked and ready so that my grandmother can sew the backing to it when I go to their house for drill.

I'm so close... I'm on the 'e.' I got some dark navy fleece to line it with. This will complete Charlie's Christmas other than one other thing... I'm getting him a PS3. Yep, I decided to get him one. I was going to wait for his birthday in February, but I really want him to have it before then. I don't really consider his rifle to be a Christmas gift since he's known about it for months now.

I spent most of this past weekend in Texas with him. I flew out Friday after work and got back Sunday before work. A short but good trip. It's nice to see my boy. I can't wait for Christmas... I'll be in Michigan with him from the 26th through the 31st. I'm buying my tickets tonight.

Still Here

2010-11-24T08:19:00.002-05:00

It feels like forever since my last post. No pics because I'm doing this on my phone... Will get some up soon. I've been working a lot & when I'm not working I'm trying to catch up on sleep. My parents have moved to Colorado and I guess are happy out there. Haven't really talked to them since I took my mom to the airport on Sunday.

I got 2 new tattoos, bringing the count up to three. I have one more planned, but may not go through with it.

Almost finished with Charlie's scarf and about halfway throug with the first kissing koi mitten.

Christmas!

2010-11-13T21:39:00.002-05:00

I'm officially finished with Christmas shopping and crafting, with the exception of Charlie's scarf (which will be finished soon enough). I chose to make a few gifts, but mostly shopped from etsy.com. I'm a huge etsy supporter and try to go there first for everything. Here's what everyone is getting...

* Arthur - a 5x7 print of Ash from Evil Dead (his favorite movie and Bruce Campbell is his favorite actor), a metal drinking bottle with a Yorkie on it (his breed of choice), and a small geolog notebook (he's a geocacher).

* Michelle - a pocket mirror featuring birds (a favorite theme), a web belt with a bird buckle, and a small journal screen printed with a bird and books (she's also an avid reader)

* Moma - a pair of handknit socks (requested by her) and a skein of Knit Picks Stroll Tonals in her favorite color (a limey green)

* Daddy - the woodburned placque shown in the previous post and a German Shepard bookmark (Kaiser the GSD is his service dog and goes everywhere with him)

* Charlie - a Stevens 308 with scope hunting rifle, the zombie scarf, a load of zombie stuff from a few posts ago, a shot glass etched with The Umbrella Corp. symbol (Resident Evil is his favorite movie), Umbrella Corp. stickers, and a metal Zombie Crossing sign. The scarf, shot glass, and stickers are for him to open on Christmas; the rest he's either received or already knows about (he does know he's getting a scarf, but doesn't know what it looks like).

Well, I guess I do have to get a few gifties for the critters, but they are easy to shop for. Gideon is getting a new bed and the cats are getting a piece of Kitty City (Charlie and I are trying to get them a nice set-up).

Update

2010-11-13T19:48:00.003-05:00

It's been a bit since I last posted, mostly due to being busy with work and drill, as well as my limited internet access (soon to be fixed... Comcast is coming out on the 26th to install xfinity internet!).

First off, pics of my babies:

Colt, in the rare pose. He's so energetic and playful it's hard to get a good pic of him like this.

Gideon doing what he does best... chilling.Bambi hanging out on my bed, her new favorite spot. I just got a new mattress (I already had a bed frame) as an early Christmas gift from my grandparents and we've all been spending a lot of time on it. So nice not to be sleeping on the floor.

The newest additions to the family... Adam (far left, named after Charlie (his first name is Adam)), Bingo (middle), and Chompy (far right).

Now for crafting...

This is my dad's handmade gift for Christmas. I haven't woodburned in a while and am pleased with how it turned out.

I LOVE this cape from Patons. You can get the pdf for free. I'm not much of a cape/poncho person, but I love this.

The above patterns are from the new Vogue Knitting magazine. Most of the patterns in there I find to be too runway for me, but I really love that dress (I can see myself in it for Christmas parties and such) and I plan on casting on for the top left scarf soon.

Progress on the Kissing Koi mitts has slowed. I'm trying to finish Charlie's scarf before 03 December, when I'll be visiting my grandparents for drill and my hal-meh (Korean grandmother) can sew a lining to the back. It's about 3/4 of the way done and is pretty boring with just stockinette stitch. Once that's finished these mittens will get a lot of attention since I need to finish them before my trip to Michigan.

Kissing Koi

2010-11-03T03:12:00.002-04:00

The color in these pics is actually pretty true to life. I'm making these Kissing Koi Mittens for my upcoming trip to Michigan (I will be up there from 26-30 December to visit Charlie's family and spend time with him! How exciting!). I'm using Knit Picks Stroll in Mermaid and Hearth Multi. I'm loving this so far.

A Little Update

2010-11-02T01:17:00.002-04:00

I came down with a nasty cold as soon as Charlie left and am just now back to feeling normal. Of course, I had to work my regular shifts at Walgreens since I can't bear to use sick days (there's always that disappointment from the manager when you call in sick and I just can't deal with it). Anyway, I did find comfort in knitting when I wasn't at work. And knit I did...

Charlie's I Heart Zombies Scarf is growing... fingering weight yarn and stockinette stitch for miles. Boring! But, it is good for sitting in front of the laptop (my dvd player for now since I don't have a tv).

The Hemlock Ring Blanket is almost finished! Just a repeat or two then the bind off. This has been a love project all the way through.

(Obligatory pet picture!)

Charlie got his package today and sent me the sweetest text... a picture of him wearing the boot socks I made for him! They fit just fine. He's such a sweetheart... that boy went to all his friends' rooms in the barracks and showed off his socks, saying, "My girlfriend made these for me! Can you believe she actually made them?" He said tomorrow he's going to wear them in his boots and tell everyone that he's wearing sock his girlfriend made for him. I love Charlie.

Around The House

2010-10-26T00:12:00.003-04:00

It's been pretty lonely around here since Charlie left. I thought I got lonely before... having someone aruond to talk to that can actually talk back was a treat and now it seems that much lonelier here. But, it's not my babies' faults they can't speak to me... they do try, just doesn't work that well.

Gideon, my little worrier, loves his bed and the cotton rug I wove for him. He snuggles it all the time.

Colt loves his toys and hasn't learned to put them back in the toy box when he's finished. I swear, I'm always picking up after that little guy (and, he is very little! He's a runt. I didn't realize just how tiny my little man was until Bambi came... she's twice his size and she's an average-sized kitty).

Bams loves her kitty post and her rat rug. If she were a human, she'd be a sniper for a living. Always perched up somewhere, watching everyone else. She was a little upset at me in this pic for waking her up. A beautiful girl needs her beauty rest!

I decided to pick back up on the Hemlock Ring Blanket in Jade Sapphire 100% Cashmere. I've really got a lot done on it in just the one day I've worked on it. It's going to be my go-to project when I'm at home. I started on it with the intention that it would be a very special blanket for when I move in with Charlie next year. Now I'm wondering if I should make it a wedding gift for Charlie's sister who's getting married in August. We'll see. I'll probably end up keeping it and making another gift for the wedding (which reminds me that I need to make something for Arthur (my brother) and his fiance for their wedding next year! Yep, he finally proposed!).

I made these in three days. They are boot socks for Charlie in Knit Picks Stroll Sport, Sarge colorway. I improvised the design. I really hope they fit and he loves them.

One Happy Girl

2010-10-22T20:44:00.003-04:00

Charlie came to visit me. I was so excited to see him. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see him his first day here because I was at drill, but I did get to spend 4 wonderful days with my love.

We went to the Georgia Aquarium, which was really nice.
Here Charlie is petting a ray.

Some jellies (they are so cool). I did get a lot more pics of the animals, but these are my two favorites.

After that, we went over to the World of Coke (military gets in free!!!) where Charlie sampled all 64 flavors and got a bellyache afterward :-). Then it was lunch at this really cool sushi bar, Think Sushi, right down the road from the Aquarium. We had time to kill between lunch and Netherworld (America's #1 haunted house), so we hung out at the worst arcade ever and had a blast losing tokens to broken machines. Netherworld is worth every penny to get it... scary and amazing. I really recommend it!

A pic of my boy and me. I like this one. Charlie is 6'5", so usually has to duck to get in the picture when I take them of us.

Here's a bouquet of flowers my sweet boy got for me. I love little surprises like this. He's the best.

Bams! Bambi has finally come to live with me. She settled in nicely and has a real playmate in Colt.

FO, and I Love It

2010-10-12T23:24:00.002-04:00

The Basic Chic Hoodie is finished! I didn't have enough yarn for the hoodie, so I did a ribbed edge instead.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this! It's my first really successful (one that actually fits) sweater. It's going to get a ton of wear. I really wanted it finished before this weekend when Charlie gets here.

Sorry the pics are so terrible. I'll get better ones up from when Charlie and I go on date day to Atlanta (the aquarium! sushi lunch! haunted house!) next week.

Now off to Ravelry to find the next sweater project...

Knit Knit Knit

2010-10-09T21:31:00.002-04:00

I am getting over a little stomach virus and took a sick day, then had two normal off days after that, so plenty of time to get plenty of knitting done. I did venture out to go grocery shopping once and then took the dogs out on an ice cream date yesterday night. Anyway, here's some progress:

My Basic Chic Hoodie is almost finished! This looks like it's going to fit perfectly, making it my first real sweater success (I tend to make them too large, but this time I kept trying it on to be sure it'll fit). I love how it's turning out. I finished the bottom ribbing, got the pockets done, and have one sleeve finished. I'm well on my way with the second sleeve. After that, just the hood and button band! I picked out buttons today... the orangish ones are for the actual closing of the sweater and the turquoise ones are for the pockets. These are made from recycled wood (Jo-Ann's has buttons bogo right now, so check it out if you need any!). My goals is to have this finished before the weekend, when CHARLIE GETS HERE!!!! He's flying in on Saturday. Unfortunately, I have drill this weekend, so my brother is picking him up from the airport and taking him to my house, where he and Bams will wait until Sunday when I get back (luckily, we should be home by noon, so not too much time wasted).

Here's what I have done so far on Charlie's scarf... I thought about alternating to two biohazard symbols all along the scarf until I got to the point to do the "I Heart Zombies," but am now going to just leave it at that and just do plain stockinette in the Spearmint Palette until the other end's chart. Just too fiddley to do the intarsia the whole way.

Charlie's Scarf & Christmas

2010-10-07T12:09:00.004-04:00

I decided to start on Charlie's I Heart Zombies scarf yesterday. I went through the fingering weight stash to see what I had enough of... the main body is in KP Palette (Spearmint) and the rest will be in Creatively Dyed Calypso (King), KP Palette (some red colorway), and my handspun wool blend (Arrakis). I'm going to line the back to hide all the intarsia ends and to make it soft and cozy against my boy's neck.

I also went shopping for Charlie on etsy yesterday night (photos were taken from etsy and are the property of the respective shops they came from)...

Two shirts from Zed's Zombie Ranch. I think Charlie will love them, especially the top one.

This is a tag for Bams, Charlie's kitty that's coming to live with me in 2 weeks. The back has her name, both our phone numbers, and 'Reward.' This came from Pet Tags Direct.

This is the cutest little card I'm going to give him with his undead gifts. The artist's 4-year old son drew the zombie... adorable! This came from Non Compos Cards.

Here's a very cute bottle opener keychain from Ctrl Alt Deviant's Cache. I love this.

I also ordered him a book from Barnes & Noble, Zombie Haiku: Good Poetry for Your... Brains, by Ryan Mecum. A cute little book I think Charlie will find amusing.

Listy

2010-10-06T14:17:00.003-04:00

Here are some goals for the rest of the year:

OCTOBER

* Finish Basic Chic Hoodie
* Start and finish Arthur's Ponder hat
* Order the yarn and start Charlie's I Heart Zombies scarf
* Spin a pound of fiber
* Finish at least one of Jack's Christmas socks
* Start a regular PT regimen (I did run 2 miles this week, so it's a start!)

NOVEMBER

* Finish Charlie's scarf
* Start and finish Charlie's Cigar gloves
* Spin the yarn for Daddy's Cigar gloves
* Finish Jack's second Christmas sock

DECEMBER

* Start and finish Daddy's Cigar gloves
* Start and finish cat Christmas toys
* Start and finish Thumpy's Christmas sweater

WIPs

2010-10-06T13:53:00.002-04:00

Here's my Basic Chic Hoodie in Miss Babs Yowza! Whatta Skein (Ironweed colorway). I'm working on the bottom ribbing now.

I cast on for Jack's socks yesterday night. He's my bff and has been a little down lately, so I'm making these to send to him (he's at Fort Lewis, Washington). I'm using KP Stroll for the cuff/heel/toe and Lorna's Laces Shepard Sock for the rest. A simple ribbed pattern.

FOs

2010-10-03T01:32:00.002-04:00

Poorly blocked due to a lack of pins, but this is the kitchen window curtain! I had to use the existing rod mounts, which aren't level, because I don't have my tools here yet. It'll be all fixed soon.

My mom's Christmas socks! Finished!