CRACK....

ing under the stress and strain of renovations. Seriously. My work life right now is fabulous - nothing piled up excessively - I spent most of the last few days cleaning up filing and helping out my partner in non-resident taxation. He has a fun job in that anyone who comes to the Niagara Region to work (perform) and is a non-resident and doesn't want to pay us taxes (15%) has to apply to him for a waiver. He's seen paperwork on them all, and I got a chance to play with some of it and in fact make decisions. If only the granting of a waiver could be done with a free ticket exchange to some of my favourite artists - speaking of artists, I bought a new CD today. My Hot Cocoa Swap partner stated she really enjoys Feist and I heard this song from her the other day (1234). Since the Grammy's recently happened (I think) there was a compilation CD out, so I bought it. It has that song and a bunch I don't know and then a whole bunch I enjoy. That was fun. Even more fun though - I bought myself a new mattress set - FINALLY - bought one with my own hard earned money (err credit). ALL for MEEEEEE!!! And it was on for like 50+% off because it is the floor model and then she took another $50 off because there was a 'mark' on the cover - like I'm not going to put sheets on it???? Thank you so much Josie!!! It even comes with a bonus offer - which I am rethinking - I don't have an ipod so why get something with a docking station - I am going to ask for the sweet 'iron look headboard' or the top quality pillows instead. (I went to Sears, cause big gurl was complaining her snow pants were too tight and I did pick some up, but she doesn't want to try them on)
And then I went over to the new LYS in the area - I'm sorry Jack for messing this up, but I know it is at J&J's Florist and I think it was called Rose's fine yarns. (there is the yarn shoppe, a flower shoppe, antique shoppe, gift shoppe - thank goodness I was on time constraint, or I woulh have had to return the mattress set). Anywyas, I needed 5mm dpn and I have already checked Zellers, Walmart and Michaels - they don't have what I want. The lovely yarn store assistant was very helpful and we had picked some sweet bamboo ones and then we were debating the attributes of fine yarns (uhm Noro Silk Garden and Kureyon) and bam - right there - one set of 5 mm dpns in lovely Rosewood. I put the bamboo back - price difference was negligible (put me in a happy place - right up there with the lovely mattress set). I also picked up some lovely Noro Silk Garden - they had two different ones so I bought one of each for my Lizard Ridge. The colours of the Kureyon they had was just awesome and it was difficult not to buy some, but I haven't even knit with it yet. I also picked up a skein of Sprinkles by King Cole - but I just realized the coat that needs a scarf is pink, not purple. Well, I will make a doll blanket or something with it. lovely stuff. Then I get home...
Wait a minute - why am I cracking (or was)?
I called Keith on Thursday afternoon to get an idea of where he was with the primer and ceiling- and he informed me that the new ceiling was cracking - I mean SHIT (sorry) that's why we ripped everything down in the first place. We debated the need to do items and before I went to sleep it was determined that he would rip down the tape and mud and redo it with better stuff.
Then when I came home, I noticed our condensing bucket was off kilter and ... there was water under the neat stack/layering of various furniture pieces that don't have a home right now. So, I can't wash laundry, cause the washer is buried, can't fold laundry cause it is inaccessible, and there is furniture in my stairwell (not cause it is wet, but cause I couldn't handle the bedroom - previous post - and moved stuff around and out and...)
So I destressed with shopping, Keith and his dad worked on the ceiling (and cleaned up alot of the floor and dirt that was around) and now I am going to try to resist the siren call of the yarn - oh yes and my Malabrigo destash purchase from Aija of zer0 markers arrived with two lovely little stitch markers - they look like pearl earrrings!!
I could cast on for sister's blanket (who so carefully mailed me a cheque to help pay for the yarn, advised me when to deposit it and then promptly forgot that she wrote the cheque until she got an overdraft notice), for Lizard Ridge block 2, for a sweet washcloth, a baby blanket, knit the 2nd Cinderella, the SoTS i or ii...
No, I will go look at the destash site, my yahoo account and then go to bed.
I hope.
Happy Friday

What a day!

I don't often say that honestly, but I feel like today I was homeowner of the year, employee of the year, mother of the year and friend of the year. That's a lot for me.
Homeowner of the year - this flows from last nights yard work. Today is garbage and recycling day and I got up bright and early (before 6:30 even) and made coffee, got the little gurl something to eat and then outside to get the garbage, paper recycling, plastic bag recycling and organics out. Stuff that had been waiting to go for two months left. The cement pad at the back door was swept. The planters and pots were watered. The car garbage and recycling left. (we won't talk about the interior of the house or the number of pens I stepped on just to get to my computer or the fact that the only reason the bathroom floor is washed regularly is that my gurlz dump water out of the tub everytime they are in it).
Employee of the year - I got so much done in 3 hours today, soothed so many ruffled taxpayers and didn't really muck around on anything that, well I felt like I worked a whole day.
Mother of the year - ready for this. I made sure the big gurl wore what she wanted to daycare, but packed a sweet clean outfit for the SK celebration and ensured that her hair was brushed and the necessary hair things were along for the fix up at school. I didn't yell and scream about the outfit she had on (just told Miss E at the daycare to please have her changed for 12:30 pm) At work, I remembered to call and beg the dentist for an appointment for those teeth cause they are still bothering her (and now me). I left work later than i wanted to, but stopped at the school and found my gurl in the outfit I picked out ready for new hair. The celebration was cute with lots of pictures and child participation and the requisite inability to understand what was being said into the microphone by the adults. Even though she whined, I didn't get overly upset or anything (just threatened no shopping) and when the teacher easily convinced her to go back to class for an hour that was fine with me. I returned to pick her up with beverages for both gurlz and diapers etc as we were headed to Old Navy (they have a sale on). Both gurlz got new clothes (matchie dresses and gauchos and tanks-i even got a matching tank) and the little one got some needed cute stuff. Then they got to play at the park (until potty break was needed). The sandals that wore out before the bill came in, were exchanged for some lovely pink ones.
Then off to the dentist - who determined the teeth must come out and my brave big gurl refused drugs and let him just pull them out. Just like that. Priceless. Then out to dinner for milkshakes and noodles. (i had steak fajitas and iced tea - no alcohol - another great step).
Friend of the year - one of my good friends just broke up with her guy(he dumped her) - he is going back to an abusive exwife because they have three kids and he misses his kids and she has threatened to move two hours away. CHUMP. Interesting that she wasn't interested until my friend and him became an item. K is naturally devastated and isn't eating and just stressing about it so, we had dinner together and well, she ate something so that was the important part. I feel for her, it's just she has to work through it and know that it wasn't anything she did.
So to end that, I just have to say that I am exhausted and only did mindless knitting (self patterning sock) which is turning less mindless as a heel has come into play.
The weekend is almost here. Hurray.

Work stuff done and some knitting

The last few months have been a bit of a turmoil as I was on a committee for my division all day meeting and was a speaker for a presentation. That is all done now. Today at 4:00 pm it was officially over. There may be some feedback and committee meetings after the fact, but no more 'brain storming' of 'extra curricular' activities.
So as a reward, I drove the short blocks to The Knitting Habit and spent a lovely hour with Susan, discussing yarn and prices and rules and lots of other stuff. Thank you SUSAN!!!! She informed me that is Saturday is knit in public day - International Knit in Public Day and provided me with a local link where I can go and Knit. Me thinks the gurlz and i will maybe take a walk (short drive) there to investigate.
On the knitting front, the sock has been frogged back to pre-increase, cause, as I was figuring the dynamics of the heel, I realized that I had knit it exactly the same as my previous socks, which were a knit on size 2.5 mm needles as opposed to 4.0 mm needles. So I did some fractional math, based on the number of stitches I was using as opposed to the pattern I am following for the heel (which is knit on 3.25 mm) and came up with 16 stitches to increase for the gusset. This way I will have room to turn the heel, which I did not have- a 10 inch foot and the sock was already at 10.5 inches before heel turning. Based on everything I have read and researched, the sock should be a little shorter than the foot, not much longer. So I frogged back to 7 inches and will work 16 rows for the gusset (which works out to 2 inches). So should I only work a 6 row heel - or should it still be 8 rows? ARRGGHH
For the big gurl, who was a real trooper this morning and said I could go to work, I picked up a the French Knitting Bee by H.A. Kidd and Company Limited. For myself there was a lovely ADDI Natura in size 4 mm (for Monica) and a ball of turquoise Madil's Eden. I could not resist - it was the last in stock, so lonely and so soft. It is 100% bamboo and 109 yards. I am wondering if it will work with my Debbie Bliss Silk in a similar colour to make something oh so soft. I will have to check yardage and needle sizes, but this could work (especially if knit in the round) I will also check to see if I have even one more ball of similar weight to ensure enough yarn. Mmm - i need that book Knitting Lingerie Style by Joan McGowan-Michael. There's bound to be something for these soft yarns in there.
I hope to post some pictures of the sock later this week. I also need to work on that Insubordiknit yarn, but was unable to find large enough dpns today. I'm getting picky and want bamboo.
How did the big gurl like the 'knitting bee'. Well she has been playing doctor with the stitch lifter and pretending all sorts of stuff. her response to my comment that it is for knitting not doctors - 'It's mine mommy, I can do what I want with it'. She is right, but I did request that she stop picking the curls out of the carpet. I have my limits.
Now off to sock knitting. I saw some delightful yarn that I want to buy, however I need to use up at least two more sock yarns before I am permitted to go further.
I am wondering if the Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmere would work for Monica - only cause the cotton twist is just not what I am looking for. I think I will peruse their product specs and then maybe we will see.

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.

caffeine, mmmmm

This morning, I woke up to silence. The gurlz were sleeping over elsewhere and I stayed in bed until almost 9:00 am. Then I brewed a delicious cup of coffee and checked my computer for email and worked on the special project discussion and then read through all the blogs I haunt. A couple hours later, I headed out to lunch at the Mandarin with the big gurl and Mel. Then it was off to Chapters to spend the big gurlz birthday card from Aunt Nancy and some other money. I resisted the knitting book I wanted and the other full price books that struck my fancy cause I know I can get them delivered to my door for free. They are currently in my shopping cart at amazon.ca waiting for me to buy them Funny that, amazon is a little less than dollar per book cheaper. Which books you ask - this one and two for the gurlz, Fancy Nancy and Fancy Nancy and the puppy (or something like that).
Purchased Bounce from Knit & Tonic. I am going to make it in matching yarn to Monica. I bought some on Thursday and went back Friday to pick up a different contrast, cause I felt the Berocco Cotton Twist was too heavy for the ruffle. But that left me with a little bit of extra yarn.
I managed to fold the laundry this evening, as Dad's sock has now been frogged (i keep writing ripped) three times. I am working it toe up and keep discovering my little issues with making it work. The second time there was a 'loop' left from Judy's magic cast on and I hadn't adjusted the rib to account for the edge stitches. I managed to fix the left over loop by just wrapping the yarn instead of slip knotting, but then I cast on the wrong number of stitches and figured that out on round 4. It was not meant to be right now (I was 4 plus inches in on the first sock).
The little gurl arrived home from her first sleep over at her Dad's and that went well. I'm very glad that they have a good relationship. Of course, he 'forgot' to tell me that she was soaking wet until I had given her a hug - funny how they (men) find annoying things like that funny.
I thought I would have pictures but I have some housework and yarn searching to do. I want to make forecast the way evergreen knits did. I know I have a purple that may be just the thing.
However, I need to go plot and plan something else entirely and can't tell you about it cause... I can't.
Have a great night.

Dizzy Dancing and a Hat

Gurlz = pretty things and dance. Two nights in a row. But she was just beaming when she came out and Emira, from daycare, said she was bouncing off the wall. That's okay then, it makes it all worth it.

I have a finished object. Crocheted, but completed nonetheless. Megan wanted a poncho and we found a pattern at Zellers and the yarn was on for buy one get one free. So we bought enough for the hat and the poncho. I started the granny squares right away. There were six different designs (three colour selections) and I made one of each. By the last one, I was reminded why I don't have a granny square skirt (i want one so bad). The ends, finishing the ends. Even with working over as many as I could, there were so many ends, the squares looked fuzzy. It looked like Megan was not going to get the poncho.

Then we went to H&M and there was the sweetest poncho for $13.90 cdn (about $15 with tax). After a debate (they are not as well made as we would like) the green/orange/pink one came home with us. But I still had these completed granny squares and felt like the ultimate heel (we reserve this for the daddy's to be) so I started on the charming hat that was with the poncho.

Since I don't do gauge swatches, the hat was tried on at round three. "It's too tight! We'll have to give it to Kadyn, or my sister." aaarrrgggghhhh. Frustration set in - it wasn't even finished. But since I wanted to make a hat for myself, I was determined to finish it. What's a mother to do for 1/2 an hour while #1 daughter is dancing? Crochet on the hat (and chase daughter #2 out of the toilets and change her bum...) When the class was done, the hat was almost done, so I had Megan try it on. She loved it. Even smiled through the comment that should make tea cozies (it sort of looks like one) and the girl has confessed to being greatly enamored of tea. Might even make her a tea cozy.
Monday night while awaiting the final bid from eBay for my Koigu, I completed the hated task of weaving in the ends and cutting and ... (the Koigu is mine along with some scarlet fleece tubular x 2 hand painted luxury yarn)

The hat on the floor - most neutral background.

The hat on Megan - 7:00 am just out of bed and look at that!!!

Bernat cottontots in strawberry, very berry and lovely lilac. From their Bernat, Kool Kids (to knit & crochet).

The hat went to the doctor for the annual check up, both girls are healthy. She wore it to school for gym and daycare and rockhunting and ballet. Oh and supper at pizza hut. I think from now on I will complete something for her and then see. (unless of course it is really horrible, then I will frog it and start something else)

The cable hat for me has made it's way onto the knitting needles. I've changed it slightly as I don't have the right size dpn or circular, so I am using the Lovely Lilac from Bernat and a size 4 needle. No gauge done so...

To correctly report the pattern, it is from, knit.1 spring 2007 issue and is called cable rib hat. Pattern calls for Organic Cotton by Lion Brand yarn on 3.75 needle. I'm a little different. We shall see what happens.

Of course, there are always the UFO's in the corner of my room.

Need to go to sleep because the little one has not been sleeping the night lately.

Sunday ..... unlike the others.

Sundays - as a child they were the day when you did nothing but have fun/rest. There was always church in the morning and night, but in between you could explore the world. Sleep in until about 8:00, read a book, watch a Disney special, craft, visit a friend, family get togethers. Work was unknown and unless you desperately needed gas you didn't buy anything.
I'm not sure what's happened, but my Sunday has changed quite a bit. Often I find myself finally finishing the laundry, dishes and housework. With kids you seldon sleep in, because they have their weekday routine and messing it up is not a good thing. Since you're up at 6:00 am you do all those housework tasks, pay bills, forget to shower and end up racing out the door so you can walk into church 5 minutes late. After church, I'm so exhausted by the time we get home that all I can do is put the little one, coat and all, in bed - praying that she'll sleep for another hour, and either convince the big one to nap too, or play quietly while I nap.
Today was different. The gurlz woke me from a deep sleep at some point this morning, but then played happily while I caught another hour or so of mild sleep. It was 8:00 when i entered the kitchen (one dirty diaper changed). Of course it was 8:15 before i got the first cup of coffee, but it was worth it. The gurlz played (norah getting into things she shouldn't) and it was almost a leisurely morning.
Funny that, I should have been anxious as family was due that afternoon and they hadn't seen the new house and they have three boys. But, megan had already decided that we were having homemade pizza and salad for supper and dessert was being brought. No rushed cooking of this and that although a stop at Zehrs was required as both milks were running low.
We were at church before it started - and since we moved 20 minutes as opposed to 5 minutes away, this is no small feat. Megan behaved in church - no squealing and whining that she wanted to go to babysit and was os tired and... Poor Barb behind me didn't have her morning entertainment.
After church, we needed groceries. A houseful of gurlz doesn't have all the right stuff for four boys, plus norah's sippy cups were being replaced. Spill proof???? Hello !??!?!!? the milk was pouring out of it. Sorry Gerber and Avent, but enough is enough. She's a Playtex girl now - they even have cool 3D designs on them.
I actually had time to sit quietly and crochet before the boys arrived. And Oma, what a surprise and a Godsend - I didn't even stress and believe me for the neatness upstairs, my bedroom is disaster (wasn't that the first place she went to see what i had done). Krista, my sister-in-law is finishing up her ministership courses (already has the degree but needs some courses - hence the new word).
It was a great visit. My oldest brother, Garret, checked out the broken dryer and determined, it was easier to fix a newer old one that his father-in-law has and then put together the handreel mower he brought. Yes, we are going Green here. If my muscles hold up and the lawn is more level than it actually looks.
The boys are justin (8), daniel (3) and calvin (1). Add in norah (18mth) and megan (5.95) and you have a party. Poor daniel often got the shaft because he is too little for one group and too big for the other. He survived though.
Supper was fun. Kudos to justin for letting daniel have the last bi-coloured pudding cup. Of course the peach pie and whipped cream was way better but to each his own.
Because i work for the income tax department (CRA), i help my older brothers and my sister with their tax returns. (david has his own business and i would rather not screw that up). Garret came to get his taxes done and help out where he could. He took back their old computer, so i have more space for my craft supplies.
Speaking of taxes - only two more weeks folks (in Canada) April 30th is the due date (unless you are self-employed then it is june 30th). But all bills must be paid by april 30th or they will start adding interest the next day.
Anyways, the boys and oma left and us gurlz are winding down. Norah is asleep and megan is playing something (involves a lot of talking to herself). Me - i have to make a hat for a wedding shower on the 28th and I found one i like in knit 1 (vogue knitting's more affordable and reasonable 'zine). That's the problem with shoppping without a list - you always go down that aisle...
I think i will go dig through my stash for the right yarn. Talk to you later.