Holiday cheer

Ah, the holidays. A time for good food, good fun, and quality time with the family. So far our holiday get togethers have gone without a hitch. Nate has this week off and tomorrow morning, we head to Ohio. We will spend New Year's with my in-laws, as we do every year. No, I'm not complaining. Do you want to know why?

I want to start off by saying that I LOVE MY FAMILY. I love being able to spend time with Nate and Jess. But I have not been able to even (forgive me crudeness) take a pee without company. I cannot sit down without another body swooping in to snuggle up to me. Yes this was nice and cute, for the first couple of days. But I have stuff to do, and you'd be amazed how chores grind to a halt when you have to give "hug breaks" every few minutes. Again, I love them, but I cannot wait until the 3rd when life goes back to normal.

Now, knitting news.



*a tumbleweed rolls through this part of the blog*


I have none. Except to tell that all knitted gifts have thus been received favorable, and I have a request for ANOTHER poncho.

Other than that, I have not had time for any knitting. I am going through withdrawals, I am getting quite snippy.

I look forward to the trip tomorrow as it will give me time to knit in the car, time to knit while all others are visiting, and time to knit on the way home.

I plan on taking the afore mentioned poncho, (harlot pattern, black woolease) Nate's second sock, and I dug up an orphaned sock that I had made for myself, that I will work on the mate. We will see about my progress next week.

What was I thinking?

Tuesday night I was suffering some sort of delusion. I actually though I would finish Jill's tote bag to give her this morning. Needless to say, it did not happen. Yesterday I did not knit. At all. Nada.

Actually, Jess and I spent most of our day braving the cold and the traffic. It was "Do-every-errand-I-can-think-of-so-I-don't-have-to-go-out-again-before-Christmas" Day. Oh, and "Meet-Jill-and-the-two-Amys-to-plan-Katie's-baby-shower" Day.

So, Yesterday I called Katie to report that, although I had lots of odds and ends for Jill's gift, I had no bag. It's now in her hands. I dropped off what I had to Katie last night(before the snow hit) so she could present the gift to Jill today.

Oh and by the way, my mother called last night to ask me to pick up a gift she will be unable to. So much for no more errands.

Every year my family goes crazy at the holidays. We buy too much, we eat too much, we stress too much. Every year I try to simplify and every year I get pulled into this frenzy with the rest of them.

I think I'm going to crawl back in bed. Wake me for New Years.

A better ending

So, after I locked myself in the bathroom and wept a bit. Jess and I went on to salvage the rest of our day. (By the way, thank you, Cari for reassuring me that other children have these tantrums. Also, that others have "wax art" residing in their heating vents.) We didn't do too bad. We even ventured out and rounded up a few things to include in Jill's birthday gift.

Jill's birthday is the 23rd, and Katie called me to run her gift idea by me. Since Jill has taken quite well to her knitting lessons, Katie thought it might be nice to round out the basic "learn to knit" gear I equip my "students" with. So she had asked that since I would know what would be useful, etc, if I could give her some ideas. I offered to do the legwork for my very cute pregnant friend, if I could share in the idea and contribute to it. So Jess and I went out to round up supplies. We did pretty well too, with one exception. No knitting bag (the bag was not only meant to be useful, but also as a sort of "wrapping"

All the bags I encountered today were either way too old lady or so "unfun" tacky, that I could not pick one out. So, I'm attempting to make her one. It's sort of a suki bag that I am making with odds and ends. I do realize it may be tacky, but I am trying to go more for "funky". What do you think?

So, I have popped open a bottle of Pete's wicked Ale, and I'm knitting what hopes to be a funky tote.

It's going to be a long day

I should have known. Really I should have. Yesterday had gone so well. I should have known today would not have.

Yesterday went like a dream. No fits, and Jessie wanted snuggle time. We played, we laughed. It was a good day. When I went to bed at about 2 am, I felt pretty good. (Going to bed late is a pretty normal thing for me. It gives me some quiet time and some time to battle the effects a toddler can have on a clean house.)

I should have known, when at 5:30am Jess was up and ready to play. I begrudgingly got up with her and started my day. And it wasn't too bad. Until this was lost.

Approximately at 6:30 am, Jessie, who has been shape obsessed recently and goes no where without her foam book with coordinating foam shapes, realizes she is missing the heart.

Three-year-old meltdown ensues. Jessie screams and cries and proceeds to throw a fit. All the while screaming "I wanna find your heart!" every two seconds. Things escalate from there. Meanwhile, I am FRANTICALLY searching the house. Which is hard to do because anytime I walk more than three feet from the screaming three-year-old, she starts screaming in the upper octaves.

Finally at 8am, (Yes 8am. This screaming fits last the ENTIRE time with the "I wanna find your heart" chorus continuing the whole time) I find the heart under the Christmas tree.

Now, many of you ask why I didn't make the screamer find the heart herself. Normally I do, and to her credit she tried. But due to her visual impairment this is a very hard task for her. Especially a red heart on a maroon carpet. If it was more that 18 inches from her face, I don't think she could have seen it. So I bear no ill will about it. I understand it. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go lock myself in the bathroom for a few minutes.

I just wanted to give a heartfelt thanks to those of you have posted such nice comments about my mitten. It really does mean a lot to me. Unfortunately, the way Blogspot is setup, I cannot reply to you personally, So, Cassie, Norma, and KarenK in Oregon, "Thanks!"
Thanks to you too Carma, we talk enough I didn't feel the need to include you above.

'Can't hardly feel my ears.

I have cast on my second mitten. But really that has been all I have been able to accomplish on it. With Fair Isle (especially being new to it) I find I have to knit loosely and have a minimum of distraction. With school out, and Nate starting his vacation midweek, I don't see that happening. I mean I guess I could find a way, but it requires me locking myself in our only bathroom to work on it. Jess only goes to school a for roughly three hours a day, but I think that has spoiled me. So, I might have to hold off on the second mitten until January third. That is the day my life is scheduled to return to normal.

So, I had decided to use this time to finish up (or at least work on) the 6 work in progresses I have. Yup all set to do it. I swore off all new projects until I had made some progress. That was Friday night.

Saturday afternoon My Mom and my 8 year old nephew, Austin, came over. It was cold. Austin was wearing one of the first hats I had ever knit. I had made it just for him. It is his favorite. It's a plain green ribbed hat. I noticed one problem. I can see his ears. He had grown so much in the last year, his hat no longer fit. It was too small to the point that I wonder how he's able to keep it on his head.

Austin, the master of subtlety, said nothing of his ill-fitting headwear. He tromped in and stated, "Whew, it's cold out there! 'Can't hardly feel my ears." He then walked up to me, looked at me for a good 10 seconds in silence, and removed his hat.

Point taken. Any other kid attempting this would have gotten an earful from me on manners, But I can't help to giggle at Austin. He's really one of the sweetest kids I know. He just has that quirky Krafft humor, and that Brandon self-confidence, that our family shares in.

So I cast on this and I hope to have it done when I see him on Wednesday. Sort of a pre-festivities gift. Before he left he asked when Jess was gonna come stay with him now that school's out. (what other 8 year old do you know looks forward to their 3 year old cousin coming to spend the night? He very much likes to play the part of older brother, I think.) Not a word about that around his friends, of course, that would be uncool.

Pattern

Well, The thumbs done, and the pattern is posted. (see side bar) Not much else to report. Today is the last day of school before winter break, and there's lots to do. Later.

Giddy up

Wow, I am so excited.

My mitten pattern actually looks like a mitten.
I have a comment from Cassie (ok, I emailed her and implored her to come look at my mitten. Because her mitten posts really gave me a shove in the mitten direction)
I have a comment from Norma (unsolicited. How cool is that?)
If you goggle "dork carma mitten" I am first. Now I realize that no one is going to google "dork carma mitten" but me, but hey, it's still a little bit of a thrill to see it there.
Did I mention my mitten pattern looks like a mitten? Yeah, that makes me happy.

Tahdah!

ok, so it's still missing a thumb and is lacking some weaving and blocking. But essentially it is done. The best part? My pattern worked! Whoo hoo! I'm in the process of typing it out and I have yet to be able to successful tansfer the graph, but as soon as I finish that I will have my first written out pattern posted for all to enjoy. Oh wait-- here's the "palm view".

purposeless amusement

You're a punk rock mommy! DIY is probably your
motto, because you're a punk mama at heart.
Your kids are getting your independent spirit
and guts, and learning to solve problems
themselves. You love it when they show their
independence, even when it's breaking your
heart.


What kind of a freaky mother are you?
brought to you by QuizillaI know quizzes are basically a big waste of time, but they amuse me to no end. I think this one is accurate for the most part.

Tonight I have a stitch n bitch. We are to vote on our "name" I think i voted for "Knitfits". Right now it is tied with "knitwits" and the tie breaker poll will be taken tonight.

Jill thinks she may be coming tonight. Katie is still unsure. There should be a least a couple people there who have been unable to make the last few meetings. So It should be fun.

I'm knitting like mad to finish this mitten so i can post the pattern. More later.

NNK2

Ok, I've been holding out. I have yet another blog I read regularly, that I don't have linked on the side bar. Now Norma Knits 2. I always read her after I read Too Much Wool.

Anyway, Norma ran a contest yesterday and the comments are very entertaining. By the way, I love the idea of blog contests. Too bad no one reads mine, or I could hold my own. *sigh* Oh well.

My mitten is coming along. And Look it's actually the same one from the last picture. Amazing!

I figure I will "test knit" one before I post the pattern on my free patterns page. Now the question is whether anyone wants my pattern.

Ok, ok here are the dang pictures!

Camera's up and fully charged.

Mitten, for a third time.

UNdecorated tree, with 6 foot hubby to provide some sort of scale reference.

Decorated tree minus hubby

Stepmother's scarf, short one ball of silk garden

Newsboy cap, for myself, in Jo sharp silk road tweed aran.

I finished my book. An enjoyable read, especially since the author pokes some fun at the Borgia family in it. I think I'll have to pick up another of Mr. Maguire's books up soon. But first I have a few others n my imaginary reading list.

I caught up with the Yarn Harlot's entries today. Part of me thinks, "Wow. How cool would it be to have someone organize my time and tasks into a workable schedule?"
Then the other part of me snorts with a laugh and answers, "Please You'd never follow it even if you had a schedule." (You see I tend to have issue with anyone telling me how to spend my time, even a piece of paper. In high school I refused to read the "required reading" in English class, BS my way through the tests, and then go back and read the selected novel on my own. Yup, THAT stubborn.)

Technical difficulties.

Due to a very harsh windstorm Sunday night, our phone service had been disrupted from early Sunday evening until about 10 am this morning.

I know I promised tree pictures, but my camera is charging (again) My batteries don't last for anything anymore. Maybe I need new ones.

Mitten news. I ripped out and started over. Why? In laying out my chart, I failed to realize that my hands are stubbier than most. If I continued with my original pattern, I would have an extra 3 inch of mitten with no hand to occupy it. So I went back to my chart and shortened it, but that meant overhauling the design as well.

I'm not complaining It's sort of fun, in a masochistic way I guess.

When not working on my mitten, in the last few days, I have been reading. I took out a book from the library, and I must say I like it better than I originally thought I would. It's called Mirror Mirror by Gregory Maguire. It's a decidely adult version of the Snow white and the seven dwarfs tale. I'm hoping to finish it today so I can head to the library tomorrow. (it's along my errand route for tomorrow)

Oh! I have also been working on a birthday present for my step mother. I decided on a Noro silk garden scarf and the pattern for the pinecone scarf in the latest issue of interweave knits. But I have run out of yarn and need to get one more ball, so that will have to wait until tomorrow.

I think I'll start my newsboy cap from the Stitch n Bitch Nation book. It'll be a birthday gift to myself.

mitten progress

I know what your thinking.


"Wait. Something's....different....."

Well, you see, I was about to start on the next part of the design, only to realize that if I rearranged things a bit, I would like it much better. Plus, I had noticed a couple puckers. These puckers mean I'm knitting way too tight.
So I opened up Excel and graphed things out. I do like it much better this way.
Also, I waited until everyone had gone to bed to start to work on my mitten. It's amazing how much of a difference a little peace and quiet make.

Tomorrow: Christmas tree pictures (hopefully)

Warning: colorwork can be addicting

See, Carma, you're Secret Santa does like you after all. (who was it??)

Hee hee and now you know why your cardigan, done on size 4 needles, has been taking me so long. :)

Well, I have started my mittens. Here's what I have so far.


Sorry no braid thingies (I wouldn't have a clue how to make'em) Actually, no pattern for that matter. That's right no pattern. Just some measurements and a colored pencil mock up of a motif I'm going to use. Am I asking for disaster? It would sure seem like it. But if (by some small miracle) this works out and I like it, I'm taking detailed notes that may some day be transcripted to a pattern. Although I fear that I may become addicted to colorwork. It's fun, and it seems to go faster than, say, a normal section of plain Stst. I have been forcing myself to stop between designs and do other things, so the house does not fall into chaos around me.

Easily persuaded

I've been thinking of making myself some fair isle mittens. (I so badly want a pair) And, with the Harlot and Cassie's high mitten content, (they make it look so easy don't they?) I finally decided to go with it. So I bought my yarn; Jamieson's 2 ply to coordinate with the colors in my Noro Kureyon hat.

Here it is.

Then I flaked. What the hell am I thinking? I don't possess the skills for beautiful fair isle mittens. But, since Cassie highly recommends mittens, (Mittens are small, easy, portable. They require only small amounts of yarn and are a great format for trying new techniques. She notes.) I'm going to give it a go. What results may be good or bad, but either way should hold some entertainment value. Now. Off to find a pattern.

Bookworm

Not much knitting to report today. I stayed up late last night tandem reading three books. I wanted to read them all but could not decide which to start first. (I do this a lot)
I read the second book in the Series of Unfortunate Events. Not bad, not great but Lemony Snicket makes me giggle.
I'm also reading the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Truth be told, I've been reading it for a while. The stories are well written but they do become predictable after a while. I don't know if they really are more predictable, or if the reader "catches on" the Shelock's methods. Since it is just a collection of short stories, I read a story or two here and there.
I also started reading the Devil Wears Prada not too far into it yet, but I am already hooked.

It's nice to have my holiday shopping/knitting done. One less stressor to the holidays. ( I'm really not trying to rub it in. You must realize I start my holiday shopping in August. I see this as a nice little vacation from holiday stress.) Now, Thanks to Carma's post I need to go find my tom petty CD and listen to it so I can get "you're a free girl now" out of my head. Take care

Carma,

Boys = PU

What else can I say?

Knitting progress.

Carma was out last weekend. As always, it was good to have her here.

She showed me her 9 washcloths. Here's the picture. ( I realize I don't actually have a pic here. My camera is charging as I type, so I will add them later.)


Pretty good, eh?

She has since "branched out" to a scarf, and has learned to purl. She does not believe me, but now that she can knit, purl increase and decrease, she can make a whole lot of stuff. Saturday, we went shopping. We bought Carma circulars, which she has yet to make peace with (it will happen) We also perused Marshall's where we uncovered my dream knitting bag. Which I now own. (Merry Christmas to me)

I have finished Abigail's pink, pepto bismol blanket.

I have started what I think will become a scarfy cowlish thing.(Sorry no picture. I didn't like how it was turning out so i frogged it.)

The Hoodie is FINALLY sewn up.

I have started Michelle's top. (met the same frogging fate.)
I have made real progress on Natey's socks.

I have made Carma a replacement hat that will not try to leap off her head, unlike the previous one I had made for her.

I have made Nana a cap. I like it so much, I think I will make myself one.

Jessie wanted to model it. She likes hats.
I made my little sister a "school spirit" hat. (why else would I pair these two colors?)

My first attempt at Fair Isle. I made Jess a new coat. She has yet to wear it, but that's a pretty consistent response to my knitting for her.

The only pair of mitts I remembered to photograph before wrapping.

Katie called last night while I was at my Stitch n bitch. SHe wanted to proudly proclaim that she had cast on, and knit 30 inches of scarf. I'm very proud of her.

Short but a little neurotic. (Hey, that sounds like me.)

In the next few days I am going to try to do something I have never done before. I will attempt to write out a few of my own patterns. If I am successful, I will link to them in the sidebar.
I can knit my own stuff no problem, but I find it very difficult to write them out. I don't know exactly why. Every time I try to write out a pattern it looks more like a formula, or I constantly go back and edit because I think there is a better way to do it. This is why I refrained from making my own needle case, and refuse to design my own knitting bag. The details would drive me crazy. Maybe this is why I have become estranged from my quilting supplies.

I also realize I am lacking pictures. I will attend to that as well.

Carma's coming today, and the house is a wreck. I have loads of errands I should run. I feel like crawling back into bed. *sigh* I know Carma would understand a messy house, but I don't want her to have to. So, I guess I should get off my duff and get to it.

I'm back!!!

*Imagine a three-year-old yelling this at the top of her lungs.*

I'm sorry for the long break between posts. I've been in a bit of a funk lately, and the last thing I wanted to do is bore you all with my negativity. (Who am I kidding? I think Carma and I are the only ones who read this.)

First, much love goes to Carma today and for the rest of the week, as she deals with a lying, cheating sack-of-doodoo. Know that you are loved.

Let's see, I have finished all but two knitting projects for Christmas.

I have:

Abigail's blanket

Natey's socks

Oh, wait, make that three. Michelle's top.

I have a few mitts made, But they are lacking thumbs. As I finish and block I will post pics.

I just have no holiday spirit.

In other news, Jill and Katie have been stopping by every week or so, to have a little "knit-in" here. That's been really fun.

Carma is coming for a visit on Friday, and staying the weekend. Her niece turns two on the 6th, so they'll be celebrating, I think, on Sunday.
Carma will be bringing her 8 washcloths that she has made since her last visit. I'll have to take pictures.

I would like to make a couple more hats for Christmas gifts, but we'll see if I get to it. I have resolved to finish my works in progress (again) before I start mye new endeavor (The Yarn Harlot is making me salivate with her gorgeous mittens. I'm just itching to try a pair.) I have decided though that I first need to finish:

Ma's cardigan

Cara's cardigan

Baby Sara's shoes

Sara's sweater

Jessie's coat


Plus, I think I might have a few birthday gifts to get to as well. I just might be making mittens in June. :)

And so it begins.

If any of you are wondering about the title of my blog, I'm about to explain it.
See, anytime Carma or I (mostly "I") do something incredibly stupid, we feel compelled to call the other. Each of these conversations do not begin with a "Hello", or "How're things?". No the other picks up the reciever and is greeted by this statement, "Your best friend is such a dork." Then the story follows.

Here's my most recent:

Carma, your best friend is such a dork. I have been jonesing for some new knitting books, I was doing very well at resisting temptation, but yesterday I caved. I bought Knitwit, and Stitch 'n Bitch Nation. I was so excited, I brought them home, I set them on the dining room table.

I decided I need to pour myself a beverage, and then planned on grabbing a seat with my new additions to my knitting library. The drink of choice? Dr. Pepper, of course. I just so happened to have an unopened two liter on my counter. I grabbed a glass, filled it with ice and set it on the dining room table. I then grabbed the two liter and, (This is where I erred) walked it over to the dining room table to open it. Mind you, setting it in close proximity our my new treasured tomes.

Well, I opened the two liter, only to have it erupt. Everywhere. All over me, and *gasp* my new books! I was just sick. I ran down the hall to the linen closet (tripping on the toys left scattered about and practically breaking my other arm) grabbing towels and trying desperately to salvage my new books.
I did salvage the books, but they are not pretty.

But they are still usable.

yup, such a dork.

In other news, Jill and Katie, and I went yarn shopping and then they both came back to my house for a little knit in. Jill started work on a scarf for her Grandpa, and Katie practiced some more ( remember Jill has almost a week headstart on Katie) I started work on these.

They are basically from the knitwit book. Since I can rarely follow a pattern to the letter, they are a little different.

They do not really match anything else I have in terms of winter wear, but I love them, (When have I ever worried about matching?) I had thought about giving them to Carma, but they are wool, which makes her itch. Guess I'll just have to make her a non-itchy pair.

The good and the bad.

Well, yesterday I was stressing A LOT about my Christmas deadline. I realized that I should be enjoying myself. Knitting is my hobby and I should not feel like Christmas is this impossible deadline. So, I have reevaluated my Christmas knitting list to look like this.

Ma's cardigan and Cara's have been taken off the Christmas list, and I have decided that they'll get done when they get done.

I have finished Engrid's felted hat.

It's drying now.

I still have to sew up the hoodie.

Nate's socks are still on my Christmas knitting, but if they do not get gone, it's not the end of the world. I have a back up.

Jennie's sweater is still on the list, but if it does not get done, I have a back up gift.

Now the good. Two of my very dear friends came over yesterday afternoon for a knitting lesson. My friend Jill, who I started on a knitterly path on Friday, and our friend Katie, who started her first lesson yesterday. Both are doing very well. And last night Jill called me to ask that we all go on a "field trip" today to the store for their respective scarf projects.

Now the bad. I had worked more on the bottom edging of Abigail's sweater yesterday. (The pink one from the last post.) I needed 14 little "petals" I had done 10, then set it aside.
Unfortunately, I did not set it above the three-year-old reach level. Jessie found it while I was in the shower. I guess she had pulled the needle out of it, then realized what she had done and ran down the hall with it, in order to find me and give it to me. As she ran down the hall, --you guessed it-- it unravelled. When she handed it to me It only had one petal intact. She meant well, and I appreciate that, but I still cried a little inside.

So I took a long hard look at the project. It's a worsted weight, heavy cotton, and besides the petal lacing and the flower motif, it's done in reverse St st. which I decided I most likely wasn't going to like it anyway. But the picture is really cute.

So I have taken Abigail's sweater off my list. I know, I'm a wuss. I guess I just don't have enough Harlot in me to take on impossible dealines and actually make them.

I've just decided to destress. Especially with the holiday season marching steadily toward us. It's enough stress in and of itself.

Plus I keep getting sidetrack with little projects. Like my scarf is a little over the halfway point.

Christmas panic

Oh, so much to do. Here's my list thus far.

Yup, another harlot poncho, black. I don't know who will be the recipient, but this is the yarn I bought for Jennie's sweater that is just way too bulky for that purpose.

Ma's cardigan. I have yet to do from the armpits up.

Cara's cardigan. 1 1/2 fronts plus sleeves to go.

Sweater for Abigail's first birthday.

The pattern's from this book.

It's a bit more involved than I'm used to, so I can only work on it while Jess is in school or otherwise entertained.

Nate's socks. I love them, so why have I ignored them? I dunno.

Engrid's felted hat.

Note that I have switched yarns. No real reason. I've just never used Brown Sheep before, and I like this color.

Striped scarf. I don't know who this is going to either, but it's a fun little change of pace thing.

Oh! And Jennie's sweater. All I have is the yarn.

No pattern no inkling of what I'm doing, just the yarn.

The hoodie? The hoodie is almost done, It just needs a bit a sewing up. will post a picture when I get to it.
Now, Let's see if I can finish it all by Christmas.

where's Rod Serling when you need him?

I've finally finished my Afghans_for_Us blanket.

I have more squares, and I have started joining them for Jessie's blanket.

I don't think we have enough remaining members for me to be able to get another blanket out of the trade, so I guess I'll Have to supplement with my own squares.

I finished Emily's poncho. It turned out pretty cute.

I started working on a scarf last night. I have two odd balls of wool I'm trying to use up. I haven't decided who it will go to yet.

I'm trying to use up my stash, so I can buy more yarn guilt free. :) Which also means I need to finish up my projects (that seems to be an ongoing theme)

Our Stitch n Bitch has started tossing around some group name ideas. There are some pretty good suggestions I have yet to chose my personal favorite.

Nate belated birthday celebration went well. Actually, is was a bit surreal for me. My parents are divorced, and both remarried. Up until recently, they avoided each other. If they were both invited to a function, one would be unable to make it, etc. Now, (the power of grandkids) they are starting to make a point to attend. Saturday, my Stepmother, Mom, and Stepfather were all present. (Dad had to work) They sat next to each other, engaged in conversation, and my Stepmother dished up my Stepfather's plate. (Stepdad's not in the good health)

It was one of the strangest sights I had ever seen. It was so friggin' cool!

Anyway, Nate had a wonderful time. One of his gifts was a new telephone.

So, Carma, Now The probability of me being able to answer the phone, instead of cussing at our extremely temperamental talk button, is no longer a crap shoot.

Knitting gangs

Today we're having everyone over for a belated Birthday celebration for Nate. SO I've had a day of cleaning and shopping.

Yesterday I saw my friend, Jill, and taught her to knit. SO far we've only covered casting on, the knit stitch and binding off. She took pretty well to it. I'll have to stop by again soon with another lesson, maybe drag our friend, Katie, along.
I know this sounds like I'm pushing my craft onto my friends. But I am telling you this is not the case. They have asked me to teach them, and I'm more than happy to.

I have started Emily's poncho, and am about halfway done with it.

I took a break from to start Jennie's sweater. (I know, I know....why on earth would I start another sweater when I already have two half done and neglected. I tell you it's a sickness.)

Jennie's sweater is thus far a disappointment. I ordered some black cotton, intended for this project, only to realize that it's really too bulky for what I had planned. So, Jennie's sweater has been put on hold until I find something else to use.

Our Stitch n Bitch group has decided we need a name. I'm quite curious as to what suggestions come about this. We have a graphic deigner in our midst, ready to make up posters and gear. Should be fun. I have yet to come up with anything clever.

That's about all the news around here. (Boy, the excitement never stops around here. hew doggie!!)

Visually lacking

I want to apologize for my lack of pictures lately. We took the camera on our trip to Ohio. We didn't take any pictures, because I forgot I even had it with us. Any way, I came home and unpacked, and specifically remembered taking it out of the bag. It's in this house somewhere, but amidst Jess being sick , our washer breaking, the fruit fly population exploding, and just mass chaos in general. I cannot find our camera. As soon as it is found (and charged) I promise to take pictures and "retrofit" them into their respective blog entries.

Also I'm trying to play around with this thing and see what all I can add. Eventually I want to add a bunch to the side bar. Links, free patterns, pictures, etc. But I am learning as I go, so It may be a while.
Well, I guess it's time for my to change out of my mourning dress and into some pjs. (Mourning dress....It was the only thing clean. But how appropriate, as I was despondent after Kerry's concession speech. All I can do is wonder who will dig us out of the mess in 2008.)

Boy the days really do get shorter

Jess' doctor visit yesterday revealed that she is suffering from a sinus infection. I know, poor, sweet, little thing's suffering. She ran a fever all day yesterday that was a continuation from the day before. I was getting a bit worried. About 2:30am this morning it broke. Jess woke up refreshed from a seemingly fitful sleep. She wanted to play. I wanted to pass out. We finally reached a compromise at 4am that I would sleep and she would "pretend" to sleep. She is still pretending.

So why am I awake? Well, last night we brought a new washer. Ours was dying a slow, agonizing death. But then, our washer was over 20 years old. We bought it for 30 bucks 3 and a half years ago at a garage sale. It served us well, but it's time was up. Anyway, we bought a new one last night, (not the front loader I have been dreaming about, but a pretty nice one. I know, what kind of sick person dreams about a washer? A dorky one--get with the program!) and they were to deliver it this afternoon.

Did you know that according to appliance delivery persons, 7am is considered afternoon? They must knock off for the day at like 1pm. Huh, learn something new everyday.

Onto knitting. I have finished Jennie's poncho. I like it I still have a bunch of this yarn left over and even more in blue. Not sure what I'll do with it yet.


Started Jenna's poncho. She's 5 so I am completely winging this one, but it's based on the Harlot design.



(Actually, Photo taken of finished project)
and worked some on the hoodie's sleeves. They're getting there, just not anytime soon. I'm sorry but sleeves are so boring.


I have a SnB meeting tonight. Apparently there were quite a lot of us who were unable to make Monday's meeting , so we decided to have a "make up meeting". Can't wait. Although I'm sure much of the talk will be about the election results.

When I was jolted awake by burly-delivery-man-knuckles rapping on my door I had a moment where I thought that the results were dreamt. Only when I was fully awake (after coffee refill) did I realize that were are sort of right back where we were four years ago, only much, much worse. All I have to say is I don't want four more f#cking years of Bush making an a$$ of himself and our country. But I voted, which is all I can do.

ok, enough of that, or I will carry on the rest of my day mad at the world.

greetings from the insect world

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you left town for four days and forgot to empty your compost bin that sits on the counter, and your daughter leaves a half eaten apple hidden under the couch?

Of course not. Why would you? Well, I can tell you exactly what happens. Fruit flies set up residence while your gone and have a four day orgy. You are greeted by a swarm of fruit flies as you walk in the door, and become so desperate to be rid of them you start attacking with Lysol. (Which, by the way, is not nearly as effective as one would think it should be.) I have been trying to reclaim my house and end this fruit fly party. But progress has been slow.

Jess is sick. My guess is bronchitis, but we'll know for sure when she sees her doctor this afternoon. I'm hoping Nate gets home in time for me to vote. Maybe I'll have to ring my sister-in-law or something. See these are the times it sucks that carma lives in Iowa. If she were here, she would just ride with me and keep Jess company in the car or something. Oh well. I'll find a way to get out. I don't want to take a feverish coughing 3 year old into a polling place when the flu vaccine shortage has everyone a little spooked already. (maybe she could cough on some republicans) No, really, I am NOT a straight ticket voter, I just have some real issues with president Bush. I do not want to bore any of you with my reasons. I think we are all a bit sick of this election. I want to give a vote to the one who deserves it most. I support the redskin loss prediction. :) Hmmm... carma has posted. Guess I'll read that, get ready to go see the doc, and buy some borax to poison my new fruit fly population. Yuck.

Back home again

Well, we made it home Saturday safe and sound. We had a wonderful visit with the in-laws, as usual. I belong to that glorious minority that enjoys absolutely wonderful in-laws. Seriously. It's wonderful. It makes my friends jealous. *heehee*

I didn't get much knitting done on the trip, but I didn't miss it much. I came home with a renewed effort to finish up my sweaters. (Also, with a few more poncho requests) I'm hoping to get the majority of my Christmas knitting done before Thanksgiving. (....just what makes that little old ant, think he can move the rubber tree plant....) We'll see if I will actually be able to achieve that.

So far I have:
Ma's cardigan,

Cara's cardigan,

Nate's socks,

Engrid's felted hat,

Jennie's poncho,

Jenna's poncho,

Emily's poncho,

and, if time allows Jennie's birthday sweater.



Her birthday is January 9th, so ideally, I would like to have it done in time to take it to her at Christmas. If not, I'll just have to mail it.

I can sense some of you are wondering what happed to Jess' pullover. Well, with the very discouraging reaction I received when I presented her cardigan, I took a close hard look at the pullover, and I started to work on it. After finishing one sleeve I realized I did not have enough yarn for a second. I took it to Jess to see if she even liked it before I headed out for more yarn. She did not, so I pitched it.

Yeah, it hurt to pitch something I have worked on, but the pain was far less then if I had gone through the trouble to buy more yarn and finish it, only to have her refuse yet another garment, lovingly made especially for her.

I have a SnB meeting tonight. trying to debate whether I should go. I have a LOT of things I need to catch up on here, but I hate to miss a meeting, because they are usually so much fun.

I promised pictures Of my huge teddy bear I made, but I cannot seem to find the picture I took. The next time i visit the recipient of the bear with the enormous head I will snap a photo and post it. Take care all

I'll show you a Grouch

Jessie has a new passion. The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland She has watched it non-stop since Sunday afternoon. Needless to say, my feelings towards Elmo at the moment are far less than amicable. I'll just be glad to send her off to school so I no longer have to endure this torture. He only upside is the movie has a good dose of Oscar, and cookie monster has a small appearance. (COOKIE!!!)

Other than my muppet hell, not much else is going on. I have another long list of things that should be done before we leave. We'll see exactly how many I get through. First and foremost, I have to finish Jess' Halloween costume. She has a party at school tomorrow. I have it all done, except for the skirt, but that is just a couple seams, then it's all good to go. I will post a picture as soon as I am able to get a pose without too much incident.

I'm also trying to figure out what I need to pack. We will be taking the truck, which limits our cargo space. (I know that doesn't make sense, but we have learned the hard way not to use the bed of the truck for storage. Think all of our clothing sitting in the bed of the truck as we drove through a wicked rainstorm.)

Also I don't know what projects to take. I know I seem to have an attention span of a gnat lately, so I have SEVERAL projects started, but besides Nate's socks, I cannot figure out what to take with me.

small triumph

Well, I put a serious effort towards my sweater carnage clean up effort, and so far I have this under my belt.



It's Jess' cardigan. I love it. It's cute, and it's soft. Ok, the sleeves are a little long, but hey, it's for a growing girl. What does said girl think of her new cardigan? I can tell you she doesn't think much. I tried to have her try it on for a picture, and she shed the garment, threw it to the floor, and walked away. Why do I even bother?

I pulled some thick and quick woolease out of the yarn stash, and made up a bear from my new pattern. The thing is HUGE!!!! I have to sew on the ears and give it a face. Then I'll post a picture.

Right now I'm trying to work through some odds and ends of my stash, so I'm making hats. While I'm making hats,



I'm also debating on how to finish off my short row experiment.

I'm off to do laundry, and clean, and go to the post office, and the recycling center, and to the store, and to the library.....the list nevers ends....