Getting somewhere on that list

So in my last post this list of known UFOs/WIPs was on my do do list:

1. Curlicue for big girl in rainbow colours - FINISHED - and she loves it. Now of course the little one needs a larger afghan
2. Wedgette - have finished the bodice and have the neck band almost done - need to start stitching it down. Then I need to figure out how much yarn is left for the sleeves.
3. replacement fingerless mitt for Mom - she lost one - done and in her hands - it is two coloured, but finished 1 night and mailed the next morning
4. Crocheted Daisy purse - for little girl just needs seaming, lining and handles. - well I've looked at it at least...
5. Gray Farmer's Market Cardi - frogged the sleeve and wove in a myriad of ends, joined the shoulders - need to block so i can mattress stitch the pockets and hem in preparation for that lovely collor
6. Bulky sweater for me - two sleeves are done, and the body was half done with pockets and everything, but has been frogged. Needs to be restarted.
7. Owls sweater for me - didn't bother redoing - wove in the ends and wore it - fits much better when you lose 20 pounds...
8. Bunny cozies -picked it up and remembered why I quit - I keep running out of yarn on the last arm...
9. Single sock I f ound - ends woven in and second sock all done - ready for washing
10. Fiddlehead mittens - (previously frogged) outers all done with ends woven in even - need to block and then knit the lining.
11. Princess crown - all done - big girl is wearing it since she has outgrown hers and little girl wears hers.
12. Mindless headband - not feeling the love on it, but it's over halfway done...
13. Necklace - crochet (from the weekend I frogged the fingerless mitten twice and was tired of the fiddle heads - need to weave in ends, sew on a button and make a flower decoration.
14. Fire bird socks - still need to embroider these...they are in my current wip bag at least...
I hope that's all of them...but likely not.
Of course that isn't even mentioning the to do list...Manu, Rosamund, mittens, socks....
but there is time...

Happy Valentine's Day!

We are getting lots of loving around here as Norah and i have been home sick since Wednesday - she has infected ears and I have a cold. Poor Megan is putting up with us.
I finished the February Lady's Sweater - with exception of buttons and cast on Wedgette, just for fun. Too sick today to knit. Anyone know a good cleaning service - that is quiet and will just get it done?

Happy New Year! and February...

I haven't been around in a couple of months.

You likely noticed. I've been lurking and ravelrying, just not blogging.

I've also been knitting. I have a slew of FO's - even blocked ones.

They may make it up in pictures.

It will likely take me a while.

Just a moment while I go look:

This is my little Diva showing off her Blythe and 'our' neck wrap, based on this pattern.

This it my big Diva showing off her Monica. It was modified to be less ruffly cause of the way I knit it - another will be made with the correct ruffle.

And here is the big Diva of the household modelling her coordinating Grasshopper scarf and head wrap.

You can also link here for my other photos.

I have been successful in my yarn diet - to date only 5 skeins bought since the end of June.

I have made myself a promise that I must finish the February Lady's Sweater, at least two sock yarn projects and one more sweater sized item before I can buy anything else. Argh.

But I have had more money for, well, paying the bills.

And yes, the renovations are done for now. But my bathroom is a disaster.

once a week posting....Controlling the Clutter

So since I last wrote, i have completed
Blithe - except for the blocking;
Monica - except for the ends and blocking;
sots III - except for the ends and blocking;
Moeibus - except for the seam and blocking;
Ascot scarf - except for the trim, ends and blocking.
I am sensing a slight trend here....
I have started:
Ascot scarf mentioned above - now complete (black)
Triangle scarf/wrap for me - black
Qiviut scarf for Mom - black.
And I finally wore my Grasshopper scarf today, but plan to block before wearing again.
Also awaiting blocking - sots I.
And my grasshopper head wrap is waiting on a button and Megan's pop scarf is waiting embellishment...
Can anyone tell where I have issues?

On the purchasing front - I have purchased only the current magazine issues for Interweave Knits, and Vogue Knits along with a new magazine called Living Craft. The gurls have received some new DVDs - and me too, but that is entertainment and...
I didn't do too bad and got rid of a number of unnecessary items this past month. I am going to work on this for the next month also, however I do need to purchase some fibre products for a swap I am involved in, so...I will be purchasing some yarn/fibrey goodness this week.
Anyone have some Merino/Tencel roving in manly colours?!?!??
I did pretty well considering we had to buy some pants for the big gurl as she grew a bit, but all in all

September happenings

Getting to be a once a month blog over here.

Ugh - allergy land and renovation hell and housework nightmare and throw in a couple of funerals and oh some back to school and heck they still expect me to work. (no discussions allowed of the pair of socks that made it to the heel - yes both - and are currently in sweet little pull balls waiting for try number 3)

I have done some knitting. Lizard Ridge block number 3

sotsIII - hint 3 complete

Hopefully the picture pulls up bigger when the post is sent.

talk later

FO and a prize

I finished a pair of fingerless mitts this week. Took less than a week to do - they were my take a long project for the Zooz on Sunday and the Stitch n Pitch on Tuesday - and they were finished on Thursday - amidst stomach ache and unwell feelings. Love them and pretty much need them as the evenings drop to about 13 degrees (50 to 60). The scarf that was an FO and is now a WIP has just the final edge to go - about 19 rows of seed stitch and I added a pattern repeat.

I won a prize. Not a blog prize, but an online prize.
The Old Mill Knitting Contest. Every month they post their contest- little fanfare or warning and you enter and then on with your life. Saturday afternoon, I was catching up on my emails and stuff and wasn't quite done playing, so I hit some of my different yarn store links. One was the Old Mill and their contest was posted, so I entered. And I won!!! As I can't win for another year, I suggest you haunt their site for September's contest. I am going to receive Naturally Aspire DK (which looks like a single ply like malabrigo) with a coordinating pattern. I AM SO EXCITED. This really made my day, as we have to rip down another wall before we can proceed with the bathroom and that means another 100$$ at least in materials. argh.

Oh and for some totally awesome designs - go check out Jacquelyn Landry. Got to get me some of that curves.

From FO to WIP

Generally speaking if I post about an FO - it has not been blocked or something.
I had 6 FOs to show off - blocked and all. But now I have 5.
I am too sad to show the 5 that are fine (and I did forget a picture of one).
Because my lovely scarf is once again a WIP. My little gurl and my nephew - the oldest brother to little Brianna - had scissors and for some reason selected my lovely scarf to clip a little whole in. I was pretty calm. It's just over two rows in moss stitch - it will invisible seam up and yay - the scarf was almost dry from it's blocking.
Last night at knit night, Charles helped me reskein the 3 pattern repeats and edge that I had knit. It was over 3 rows. 3 measly rows and only 6 stitches affected, but after a half hour of trying, I asked for a vote. Consensus was to frog. And I did. The yarn needs a good soak and then weighing before reknitting it as it is quite kinky.
Now I know why I never finish anything.
On the plus side - I finished a lovely matching head wrap for the scarf (except button and blocking).
I have not bought new yarn for at least a month. I didn't renew my Lucky Lurker's club (that really hurt) and I am not ordering any more of Robyn's sock clubs.
I still get yarn though. The last lucky lurker and plucky knitter clubs came in and I have the Tsock Flock and Scout's Swag which will run until February I believe.
I am enjoying knitting from my stash.
Now if I could get over the pain of a FO turning back into a WIP, I will be fine.
Then I will show yarny and FO-ey goodness.
OH and there is a parcel at the post office for me!!! HURRAY.
Tomorrow, tomorrow....

A few little things...

Hello Merry Mog, the crown on my big gurl is from Knitting Daily/Interweave.com. I am getting the link.....
.....
.........
....
ok that did not work. I will find it...
....
It is Make-Believe Crowns, design by Nicholette Hoyer. However I can't get the link to work. I'm not sure if it is no longer free...
However Nicholette's new store looks awesome...

I am 3 rows and a shut/bind hem from finishing the knitting of my firebirds.
My scarf, knit in Plucky Knitter, Pumpkin Latte, 100% worsted fingering (label is elsewhere - imagine Malabrigo in fingering weight - drool). As my yarn is finer than her pattern calls for, I worked 19 rows of seed stitch (half of a pattern repeat) cause that worked for me and am now on row 5 of the first pattern repeat. I am knitting it on 2.75 mm (cast on 3.0 mm) - those casein ones with pretty leopard style print or whatever. That is my before sleep knitting.

Sis LOVED her afghan. Picture will be posted but far too much trouble right now.

We both loved our - relaxation massage and facial, followed by spa pedicure/manicure. Very nice and relaxing day.

I know, I know - snuck that scarf in when I have
1) ss i (Guinevere) 2) ss ii (Savannah) 3) socks for little gurl 4) afghan for some baby with matching sweater 5) lizard ridge 6) cardi/shrug for me 7) other socks 8) moeibus headscarf 9) pop scarf (just blocking and decorating) 10) squatty sidekick (decorating and lining) 11) wedding cross stitch begun some 12 years ago 12) quilt for big gurl 13)Make-Believe crown for little gurl 14)Saartje booties (blocking/decorating)
I know there are more. Go Here for more
But the wool it called me and I have been planning on casting that on since the whole detangling debacle.
Do you know how to pronounce 'picot'?
I said it like it is SPELT(to me) - same as picket. My mother told me off (as she often does when I mispronounce something). It is pronounced peek-oh. Stupid. Why didn't they spell it that way then.....
Here are a few observations made in the last 36 hours...
so... according to one slightly 'anxious' source, the St. Catharines TSO was locked up tighter than a **** at 1:00ish this afternoon. Of course then proceeded to put important mail in 'your mailbox' out front. Hmmm I wonder what building he actually was at - it was the non-operational side door and he put the 'mail' in the CANADA POST box (red) and not the CRA box (grey and labelled CRA). They will likely not be getting what they want tomorrow. He is a l*wy*r - nuff said.
It takes about 35 days to get to St. Catharines from Fort Erie, if one first takes the 'mail route' to Ottawa and then eventually finds your way to the desk of the necessary person. Most people believe the trip is generally a 35 minute drive.
Wheelbarrows are essential components of every good house and should therefore be added to the property ACB and deductible for tax purposes.
Heard last evening from distraught 7 year old "I can't sleep because I keep seeing the word in my head that was on the wall at school". Calm mother, "What is the word honey?" Increasingly distraught child, "I don't knowwwwww." Mother, "Well can you spell it for me?" obviously thinking that child cannot pronounce word and therefore spelling it would help
Child, "I don't know". Stymied mother, "But... I... Picks up children's night time story and reads it to child. Prays that God will take word out of child's head so she can sleep. Goes upstairs and guzzles water. Contemplates alcohol in fridge.
Same child earlier in the evening "well you have 11 pairs of shoes and I only have 10 so I need more". because 2.5 year old received new pair of shoes - she only has 3 that fit her right now.

Welcome to my life. Thank the Lord that tomorrow is Friday.

Woo Ha FO!!!

So the afghan is blocking as I write this. Children are in picture for size - it is 52 by 52 as it blocks. A nice size I think and so soft...

My Firebirds are about 10 rows from completion - 2 extra sts on one (or 2 less on the other) but who cares.

Tomorrow is Spa day. Sis and I are going for the Spa mani/pedi and the relaxation facial/massage. HooRAY.

We may get some pics of said afghan, socks and another couple FOs. And perhaps some pretty yarn that came my way.

Robyn's Nest May Sock Club - Jennifer of VanCalcar Acres did the dying - firebird is also her dye job. Lovely yarn.

This is my Plucky Classics in.... a lovely sport weight yarn that may make it's way into one of those amazing cowl patterns that are circulating blog world and ravelry.

And here is the May edition of the Lucky Lurker's Club from a Swell yarn shop.
The yarns are in my favourite colours.... all is right in the world. If only I could actually use as much yarn as I have acquired. However I wish it to be known that I have not bought yarn this month yet - the July issue of Robyn's Nest Sock Club will occur, but only because I don't want to miss out. I am working hard on not buying the yarn.

Another afghan pic

And my beautiful big gurl in her crown.

A new week has begun

happy Sunday evening everyone!!
It was a busy weekend - bathing suit shopping will kill anyone, and add two children into the mix, it's lucky there was a Second Cup coffee shop around.
I went to the coffee store to exchange my concrete coffee for a more palatable one. I opted out of the Maple Harvest as she couldn't say for sure that it wasn't the same batch. Plenty on the shelves. There was a lovely Vanilla Hazelnut, which was fresh ground that morning, so I chose it. Interestingly enough, she stated it likely wasn't concrete/cement as they figure it is chunks of the ceiling from the roaster's building. As someone with new drywall ceilings in some rooms, I know what those old ceilings have in them and that is not something you want to say to a coffee lover. My coffee this morning was lovely, but I'm not certain I will shop there again (at $6 for 8 oz, I'm not wanting anything but the best coffee thank you).
I lied in my last post. I forgot one of my sock clubs. Funny that, it was really bothering me that I felt I had forgotten something. I won a place in a sock club that has interested my for some time. Scout's Swag Sock Club. I knew more money had left my account than I remembered. Now granted, i joined the Flock Sock back in February, so that doesn't really count (or does it).
Anyways, I am a member of the Sock Stash Elimination Campaign, so I need to start using some of this sock yarn. The problem is that I have a number of projects on the needles - only 2 of which are sock weight yarn.
They are: (in order of priority)
1. Sis's afghan - Malabrigo (10 skeins at 216 yds per.... just balled skein 6) 7 of 16 blocks done
2. Monica - BS Cotton Fleece - have 4 skeins of this - front tank part is done, back is half. Each from their own skein as hate weaving extra ends (and have two...) currently my mindless knitting time project as have screwed up #1 too many times when trying to multitask.
3. Pop scarf - ends to weave in, block and add decoration
4. Squatty sidekick - knitted and felted, need to needle felt a design, cut and sew the lining and add the button.
5. Briggs & Little Tuffy Socks -(forgot about these) helping Mel learn sock knitting so cast these on 2 weeks ago. First sock is like an inch from heel. Top down, Paton's textured & trimmed socks (2 colours)
6. Cinderella sockettes - little gurl - this is out of sock yarn - skinny duet to be exact and is the second pair from this 'duo' skein. one is done, 2nd is about a 1/4 of the way
7. Saartje booties - same yarn as above - JUST NEEDS SEAMING
8. Guinevere - I have less than half of clue 7 and 8 to do yet. And they involve decreasing.
9. Dashing - one is almost done, 2 not even started...
10. Baby afghan - it was for the little gurl. About one skein left to do.
11. Matching baby sweater - just needs seaming (sense a trend here
12. Cropped sweater - BSA dyed cotton, out of yarn and still deciding....will likely frog.
13. Moeibus head scarf - over halfway. Just need some mindless knitting time not occupied with Monica.
14. Opal (i think) Mom's Second sock - don't like what I did with the first, don't want to repeat, but the yarn won't frog. Thinking it makes a great stocking and will use the remaining yarn for something else.
15. Sis's scarf - one of these days. Out of Carmen I think and just not so nice to work with after Malabrigo.
16. Savannah (sotsii) - 6 rows in is still 6 rows in...
... and I still have to block my Koolhaas.
My fingers are just itching to cast on some little finger gloves for me.
MUST RESIST.
So am I going to make any stupid non yarn promises for next month? No, but I am going to try to finish at least 5 of the above items before I cast something else on. And, except for renewing my Robyn's Nest Club for May (I know when I am beat - but she has Noro Sock yarn and I am resisting that!!!!!) I am going to do my best to only buy yarn when I am on vacation in Florida and when I am shopping for coffee swap pal.
In order to help me in this endeavor, I sincerely wish that all the people whose blogs i peruse will not post any new cute projects or yarns. That way I will be happy with my stuff and not want to make these or this or....
I mean it's not like I don't have boxes of patterns and stuff, plus unlimited web options already.
Have a good week if I forget to post later...
and of course there is always the Firestarters. Does casting these on after frogging count as a WIP or a new item?

FO and a PACKAGE

FO - my hat is done!!!

Here it is - please ignore the person in the photo, the gurlz were asleep and unavailable for modeling.

Koolhaas, from IK Holiday Knits 2007

Malabrigo Worsted in ... purple - just over half the skein.

It fits me, Mom, and both the gurlz. I am thinking of trying it with a slightly thicker yarn and a needle size up. Or adding the additional 8 rows for the mens size. We will see.

I LOVE THIS PATTERN. It took me from Tuesday night until Saturday - when I wove in the ends. Would have been less, but I cabled wrong in two spots.

Denise of Nanaknits is the winner (cause she got it right away). Now I get to send her some yarn and other special stuff.

My Hot Cocoa Swap package arrived. My little buddy too - a fortune kitty, sporting cute medallions that match my new stitch markers.

There was Hot Cocoa - organic with no dairy included. Am thinking tomorrow night to drink some of that. 2 dark chocolate cadbury bars - one with nuts and one fruit and nuts. Only one is left. Dark Cadbury eggs - I may share with the gurlz, we will see. Marisol yarn - Miske, 100% baby Llama. This stuff is super soft and love the blue green colour. Stitch markers - beside the can of Cocoa - lovely cloisinne with a medallion or symbol on them. And of course the Blah Buster Buddy - a purple kittly with a sweet bright fish. Here is Madeline (named by big gurl) hanging out on the big table saw and surveying the renovation debris.

And here she is in my dirty front window, sitting on the super wide ledge. Around her neck there are two little medals (which likely mean something) and then there is her sweet little fish. Thank you Emily.

Have a great week.

Happy New Year to all!

We are home and well (for now).
Snow has covered the ground and my sister dropped by for a visit from Vancouver.
I finished little gurlz socks on Sunday the 30th, and she wore them for 24 hours after.
The scarf is on its last foot or so and an afghan has been commissioned by baby sis.
A parcel awaits me at the post office - was home to late today to go get.
We were spoiled and spoiled others and had lots of food.
Now it is time for back to business and routine.
Must shop for a washer, a carpet and shoes; and visit the eye doctor for big gurl.

Arrgghh
(as I type this my head is rhyming it to 'twas the night before Christmas')
Pictures will be posted as soon as I can and a list of projects that will be completed this year (I hope).
TTFN!!

FOs, new projects and sad news

Finished work - Needy socks (Australian Merinos by King) and Monster hat (sans monster unless you count the gurl monster).

The hat is from Insubordiknit and also includes a felted eye patch, but I haven't decided if it will go on yet. I loved working with this yarn Jacey!!!!

New projects - one is a wip that didn't get frogged, I'm calling them my rainbow socks. I have just cast on for the second (during the cavity filling session for the big gurl).

I have joined the Firestarter Kal and am just deciding which pink yarn will be used.

I am also part of the Secret of the Stole on yahoo. (please don't ask me how to link that, cause I am still trying to figure out how to put a button up here!!! I bought my yarn, beads and needles today at the Knitting Habit. That is my sad news. Susan has decided to close. The worst part (for me) is I would have paid full price for the stuff regardless. Thought of that after I got home - should have told her not to discount it!!! So if you are in the Niagara Region, she is here and will be having an online store too. Right now almost everything is 30% off (not sock yarn or needles) and there is lots to go.

Other not so great news - the big gurl was brave and good for the dentist and then had a total melt down - kicking and beating mommy while screaming. So I took away her prize for being good. Arrgghh. She doesn't like me very much right now.

The little one had me at home for the last 2 days with something wrong. She had diarrhea on Monday and Tuesday with a temperature and no appetite. Back to normal eating habits today SHIT need to remember picture day and Blood Donor Clinic tomorrow and the big one's library book and the laundry is still only half folded and the quilt blocks need to be worked on and my mom may come down and ....

PARENTING is not for the faint of heart who just want to sit at home and knit. (for just one day....please).

A Little Update on Stuff

So just a couple of pics for this post.

The first is completed sock one and start of sock 2. Sock 2 may be frogged due to issues with the picot edge.

Next comes my yarn from Pixie Riot. Smells like kool-aid. Will become socks one day. Very lousy photo.

Next is Ice cream loungers and my normal front yard. They sure had fun. They were also the sidewalk artists and official dog greeters.


This picture is of the current state of my front yard. Reminds me of a couple I've seen posted - Yarn Pirate had one with all sorts of digger tools and there was someone else - although hers was of the beautiful work she had done. This will be beautiful again - but who knows when!! I am standing on the sidewalk in the above photo.

Do you see the lovely chalk work beside the front door? That is my big gurl's art that she was 'extremely' upset would be inaccessible. However, they did not have to go through the porch floor (were able to tunnel under) so I am very happy and so is she. (it's just not safe for her to be on the porch due to the hole and only plastic lattice and a large board in the way). That was a whole nother discussion as she just didn't understand why.

And last but not least, my gurlz in my brother's shop yard at my parents last Friday night. The little one literally sat in the mud. Her shorts are actually pinks and brown not just brown. The boots had mud in them. The big gurl is not sitting, but it sure looks like it. They had so much fun!!!

FO, father's day and other

So I promised a Finished object and I had one due for father's day. So here they are.

I finished them except for the ends on Saturday night before cards with the parents and my youngest brother and his wife. I didn't want him getting them until morning, but I'm no fool and wanted him to try them on before finishing up. So in the morning, he got them and after he had showered he tried them on. He couldn't get the cuff up to or over his heel. Shucks. Now I am very glad I knit these toe up, cause that was just the inch of ribbing causing a problem. So I frogged back to the 2nd row of ribbing (a whole 4 rows) and then did two rows on a size 5.0 mm needle as opposed to the 4.o mm I started with. Then i had him try 1 on. It was great - see sunshiny pic!
Then I finished the other and there they are on the feet.
Project Specs:
Thuja, from Knitty but knit toe up as opposed to cuff down. Used the magic cast on from Knitty and the heel from Widdershins, also Knitty.
Yarn is from spindlecatstudios@etsy. Lovely dark pigeon in 100% superwash merino wool.
Knit on size 4.0 mm with the exception of the cuff.
I will definitely use this pattern again - simple seed stitch rib over 4 stitches. Approximate yarn usage 200 to 300 yards - still have two decent half skeins of yarn. Want to make that cute rainbow elephant of ????
Father's Day was lovely and sunny. The little gurl did not sleep well and neither did I, but I figured I could squeeze in a nap. There was swimming and food and napping.
We left around 5:00 pm as both gurlz were exhausted and I was wide awake from my nap. They lasted 5 minutes. Before she crashed though, the big gurl asked to see Grandma and Daddy. I promised to call when we got local and we would see. But she had to sleep.
So I called and Daddy said great and would make dinner. A quick stop at home for the bag of goodies for Dad and off we went. It was great. The gurlz had a good time, I had some adult conversation- got to see the new menu for his new job and we were home and in bed a little after 10:00 pm. Reminded me again why no other guy will do - too bad this one is dedicated to work!
Who knows what the future holds!!!
Tonight I was inspired by the nasty looking lawn and whipper snipped and mowed and it looks very lovely now. I must remember to get out of bed on time in the morning so the garbage, recycling can go out and so I can water those poor plants. We got lots of rain yesterday but they are still drooping.
I have another pair of socks on the go. They were supposed to be Monkeys with the picot edge from Caro at January One. But the yarn I am using is super patterned and I felt the monkey lace would get lost. They are my take anywhere socks and are so easy.
I have yarn coming my way - bad girl I know, but there was the Booty Club from Yarn Pirate and Pixieriot had this gorgeous yarn she hand dyed(mysterious) and then Nell needed to destash and it was stuff I can't get my hands on here. And then the Insurbordiknit yarn for June came in Dirty Mash you can see it if you click on the picture - the big gurl has already claimed it for a Babushka (one of my words of the day used to define anything Polish or slightly unknown).
To further explain that - at work today we had a My Canada Day where we celebrate the diversity of the people in the office with food. For $3.00 we got a taste of food from 19 different cultures/countries. To put this taste into perspective - I ate breakfast this morning. The tasting started at about 10:30 am and it took me until 3:00 pm to eat everything. The only other thing I've had is water and a cooler. I wasn't hungry at dinner. I'm still not hungry. The polish ladies had what I called a Babushka - I know it wasn't but I can't think of the name.
Back to the big gurl - she wants a knit bandanna triangle/headband from the yarn. I think I will also make her a scarf - there are 80 yards so it should be enough - on size 13 needles.
Must go to sleep now as tomorrow is the big gurlz Senior Kindergarten Celebration and I have to work in the morning (and a trip to the dentist will likely occur, cause something is up with those teeth).
have a great Thursday.

Okay, some pics of this and that

FIRST - my Insubordiknit artyarn club yarn. MMMMMMM. These are going to warm my aching wrists and I think, I may even get a little scarf out of the deal - or a head wrap or.... Very fabulous yarn, Jacey!!!

Finished socks - which are on my feet right now and may never get washed as I want them for my evenings. I did the slip stitch heel from Knitty's Widdershins. The rest was a combination of the Widdershin shaping and the toe up formula. They used half a skein of spindlecat studio's Tabbytux(d) which she made into 4 pull balls for me. I had about 1 yard total left from the two socks. Because I did them toe up and didn't want to start into the other balls, I measured the total yarn needed per row and then took the total yardage left (by measuring) and divided it out, based on how many rows of rib I wanted. It's a 2x2 rib that is just right. The other reason I didn't go up any higher is that I would have had to get into shaping and that is something for the next socks, not the first pair. May I say Kate, that the yarn is great to knit with, washed fabulous and is so comfy to wear. The random colourway is just what I needed to help me through the first socks. Thank you so much.

My other FO was an experiment. Wendy and Cara were pretty into these last month and my head couldn't wrap around how it worked. Using this pattern, I did up a simple dishcloth in cottontots to try it out. I will definitely do it again, however in less pretty colours, so I can actually use my dishcloth (I really need one). However, the yarn was originally bought for the big gurl, so she can keep the blankie/tablecloth for Barbie. I will not be doing anything too large scale in mitres, but it was fun (except the frogging because when I think about how I crochet, I change it. This was knit on size four dpns. I think I will use some more of Vyvyan's dishcloth patterns in the future.

WIP

I took pictures of the WIP's that have been floating around for a few years.

The little gurlz crib sized baby blanket and sweater. Little matching booties. I finished a delightful pumpkin hat for her, but just never got into seaming up the sweater and finishing the blanket. Someone will be a lucky baby someday.

My Moeibus. Oh how I love this yarn and this knit. The problem is, it is slow going so I take many breaks. It's a great pattern to just pick up and take anywhere.

The Carmen scarf in plain old garter. Also very easy but boring so not holding my attention very well.

The sweater. What pattern? don't know. I believe it was a sleeveless cowl neck that I was converting into a V-neck. Yup, well we'll see.

That's it for now. I will post some pics of the gurlz from today a little later. They are my WIPs also but didn't feel it was a good way to do it.

Another LYS closing

Yesterday, I went to buy the needles I 'thought' I needed in order to start my father's socks. The LYS was closed and a sign up stated they would only be open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Everything in the store is 40% off. I went back today, and bought a few balls of yarn and a different needle. The socks were already on my dpns. Now I have to go back for other dpns cause, there are a couple of projects that need working.
And at 40% off, my self imposed no more yarn buying is gone out the window as I pick up some of the yarns that are very pricey.
Some came home, some more will.
As the socks are in the drawer at my desk at work, I started on the tank for the big gurl. The yarn is different so I am actually knitting a test swatch and I need to go get some 4.25 mm cause the 4.5 is too big and the 4.0 is to small. I need to make a detailed organized list of my needs and bring the patterns in order to get the right stuff.
We'll see.
Pictures will be coming of the completed socks, but I have a wedding to attend tomorrow, Friday. So maybe Saturday.

Just sank into a deep sleep and then...

..the little gurl woke up screaming. I know I went in and put her in bed with me but I don't really recall doing it. Obviously went right back to sleep.
..."Mommy?! Mommy?" "what honey?" "I wet my bed." "okay just one minute while I wake up."
She didn't just wet her bed. She had the runs. So at 1:00 in the morning, I have my big gurl in the shower (crying more because she doesn't want the poop on her than because she is all that sick). Then I bundle her up in a towel and dry jammers and lay her in my bed (on top of a towel), somehow manage to get the little one out of the way, strip the bed, Thank God for plastic sheet protectors, wipe the mattress down with a clorox wipe, open the window so can breathe, put the little gurl in her crib, remake the bed, find a dry pillow (a couple were still out of commission from the previous week), and tuck the big gurl in with a barf pail, towel and a few blankies. The little gurl needed her bum changed and on goes the night night music and off to sleep we go.
..."Mommy, I did it again." "okay honey, go up to the bathroom, I will be right there - did you get any on your bed?" "no, sniff sniff" "It's alright honey" (note - she turned the bedroom light on before telling me - therefore little gurl wide awake again). This time shower was not necessary as it was a contained action, however she has two less underwear. I am into reduce reuse recycle, buy secondhand etc... but when it is so heavy with poop that a plant could grow in it - I don't need to throw up while trying to clean up my gurlz messes. She had a little drink and went back to sleep.
...wah wah wha whhahahwhwhwhwhwhwhwwhwhw. The little gurl had had enough of the interruptions and since I was dead tired, she got two thirds of my bed.
...I woke up and it was morning.

That's right, a week later the big one gets a 24 hour case of the diarrhea. Great long weekend beginning. But on the plus side, her bed is clean clean. As our all the comforters and pillows. And the house is now very fresh smelling.
But my socks are done!!!!!! I can't decide what to cast on next - Dad's (cause there's a bit of a deadline, Mel's - cause I love the colour of the yarn, or mine.. or start one of the other projects but really wan to knit a pair of socks again.)
I am halfway through the housework, two thirds of the way through the laundry and three quarters of the way through the dishes. one quarter of the bathroom has been properly cleaned, one third of the basement, and forget about all the paperwork I was supposed to get through. Oh and the flower garden in the front is about halfway - may pick up some pretty mulch instead of the plain leafy stuff - the neighbour has some red stuff and it looks nice. I still need some more plants and there are the plants that I want to go along the fence line, but that will be a while. I'm supposed to be making some dessert for tomorrow. Cannot get inspired.
Maybe I will cast on a pair of Fetching and then do Dad's socks. OH that's right!!!! I have a wool winder - I can roll up the colinette for Mel and start her socks. Wonder what size feet she has - I know they are bigger than mine - maybe the MONKEY socks!!!! Has anyone out there tried these on two circ's? Really really really want to - maybe I will!

Oh yes and my you pissed me off real good buddy!!!!
This is the second time this happened, but the first time I assumed it was a special booking. It was about 5:30 ish and we hear the ice cream truck song. The big gurl is over the moon excited and I tell her that if the truck comes down our street, she can have some ice cream.. She continues playing outside, patiently, impatiently, excited, because she saw it go into the townhouse subdivision. Then it gets louder and she is squealing because it turned towards us - but the song is off. Okay, no big deal, I had my wallet in hand!!!!~!!!!! She is skipping and jumping down the sidewalk and he looked straight at her and drove off. Have you ever seen total devastation strike a child - I was so mad for her. She thought it was a mistake but then just cried. Thankfully she was distracted by the reminder that Shed and Tammy were going to BBQ her hotdogs and she brought them up, but that man will never be forgiven in this household (not by me). UNBELIEVABLE. EVIL PERSON!!! You may think this harsh, but she was still thinking about it two hours and ice cream later. Shift over or not - he could have stopped - we were all getting some if he had, but the next time we hear his song I think we will get out the eggs to throw.

Gurlz, Yarn PrOn, FO and sock knitting

The gurlz - birthday pic from at Grandma.

The little gurl with her shoes - she carried 3 pairs up the stairs at once and the pair on the chair was brought by the big one.
It's Friday, and I am home with the gurlz. The big one went to school this morning, but the little one has only eaten Baby MumMums and drank some juice. Not enthused about much. Do you know how smart she is - she fake drinks?!?!?! Yesterday, I filled her sippy cup with half powerade, half water (my kids won't touch pedialite or anything like that). She drank and smiled and kept going back for more. Imagine my surprise, six hours later when I open the lid and a whole inch is gone. Just to be sure, I gave it to her one more time - and sure enough glug glug, mmmhhh mmmhhh and some lip smacking for good measure. But no real drinking going on. I went back to real cups where I can see the amount of consumption going on.

The big gurl stayed home yesterday - she did not sleep well the night before and I was afraid she would end up with the flu. NOT DOING THAT AGAIN - SHE CAN GO TO SCHOOL!

Enough said - however the computer/office/den is very neat (except the corner with all the filing paperwork) Funny how it's my stuff that is still messed up.

YARN PRON

The following pictures are of some of the lovely yarn that has been coming through the mail or somehow came home with me because they were in this huge sale basket or have been in the designated project stash for two years now.

Above is - the yarn from Jacque of This Kitten Knits - Loonie Lilac, Bernat Frenzy. There are 12 balls. On the front one you can see the beautiful pink stitch markers she sent. I see some capes/ponchos for the gurlz.
Below that is the Dark Pigeion worsted weight yarn from Spindle Cat Studio with Dolly by Laines Du Nord. Hoping to work this into socks for my Dad.

Picutre #3 has Noro Kureyon in #95 - two skeins for??? Three skeins of Scheepjes Cotton Trend in orange, purple and green. They were bough to make the flower dishcloths for two? Christmas's ago. Maybe this year? And then there is the Opal in??? which will make some lovely socks.

Below that is two of the missing yarn from Spindle Cat Studio, Almost Black & TabbyNoir. I see a fuzzy little kitty or two and toes and heels. With them is Australian yarn from Pierre the Yarn Snob in Lover's Walk. Lovely lovely yarn.

And above we have some more sale bin snags -3 skeins of Geranium, Needful Yarns in purples (2) and greens (1); 1 skein Calico, Berocco in rainbow colours; Kim - looks like a fine eye cord in bright orange (italian); 1 skein Silky Tweed, by elsebeth lavold; 1 ball Rowan, 4 ply cotton #139; and the rainbow fuzzy in front is Online's PUNTO, Linie 43. Most of the single skeins were picked up to do something for Barbie or dolls. Oh, beside the Online is Ovation from the SRK Collection, kid mohair and silk. Loved the Colour!!!

And then we have the Spindle Cat Studio yarn in pink, ecru and white with her variegated crisp. This is 100% wool so it will be felted into something lovely. I see matching mother/daughter bags. The singles and some of the paired skeins were picked up at Serendipity Yarns in St. Catharines. It is a block from work. Not a good thing!!!!!!

Sock Knitting

Here are the socks in progress - I had to frog the heel last night as the sock was too small. I am working between two different Knitty patterns (toe up sock formula and Widdershins) and running into some problems. But I only had to do the one heel and I was able to get right back on track. Hopefully some good heel turning will happen this week-end.

These are in Spindle Cat Studio's TabbyMix D.

Finished Items

The beautiful blanket for Barbie - Satin- Bernat I believe.

Have a fabulous week end everyone!!!

Must get gurlz to sleep - they are way overtired!!!!! Tonight is the ballet recital and it's not looking to good for the big gurl's attitude.

Must sleep myself~arrgghh.

A day well spent.

Saturday Night, da ba dee da ba doo...
Used to dance to that song (or something like it) quite a bit on Saturday nights and Friday nights and Wednesday nights. Tonight my song is 'sleep sleep sleep, my little child sleep'. And they are. What a great day. I did nothing more or less than I wanted to and if it doesn't get done tomorrow, oh well. I like that feeling.

My aunt in the Netherlands is getting married on Tuesday. A civil ceremony to her long time boyfriend. We found out last week-end. Our family has decided not to go. The part that gets me, is this: He lives and works "somewhere else" (my mother's words) and she is going to try and get a job near where he lives, but if she can't she will keep her flat in Amsterdam and just continue on. Wow. I mean, that's some commitment. See I do the reverse: I'll get pregnant and have a baby, but forget about marrying me buddy. It's an interesting start to a marriage I guess.

I have a Finished Object. (no picture cause I haven't the energy right now). I mean really! Barbie is going to be much warmer ( if she ever finds her afghan buried under everything else). A delightful little afghan complete with fringe. The pattern, from Knits for Barbie, by Nicky Epstein was a fairly quick knit. I was going to embroider the flowers on it, but the gurl didn't want that so I won't.

The big gurl is sleeping with a boy tonight. It is Mel and K's wedding anniversary (9th maybe) and I offered to take one of the kidz - the boy. Except for the occasional tiff over a toy or not wanting to play the same game, they were great. The sleeping together in the same bed is not really an issue at 4 and 6 as they have no concept of each other's bodies (yet).

That's all to report tonight. little cotton rabbits had some thinking awards to hand out and I linked to those, which then linked to some more, and well, wow. Some people do a lot with their time. I took the kidz to the park this afternoon and the gurlz went grocery shopping with me this morning. I think it may have something to do with their ages, but I am going to have to plan some day trips. Need to look into booking a hotel for the wedding at the end of the month. May is going to be insane.
And then June will be the end of the school year trips and this and that and ballet ends next week. I think I will go cast on my socks. A little confused am i by the way they wrote in the short rows, but will try it and see. I have her blog address if I run into a problem.
Have a great night!!!