It's been, like, forever.

Hello!
The baby is officially ours and is 10 months old now.




I don't know if you can tell, but he's HUGE. People aren't asking if they can hold him as much, and I'm guessing it's because he looks like back pain waiting to happen. He's a sweet and happy kid and we're even happier parents.




I don't get much knitting done, but I've done a little.



Knit for me from Red Heart and Sole.



I finished these for my MIL and gave them to her for Mother's Day.

I've knit a few other things but haven't gotten any photos of them. Maybe they'll show up when I post in 5 months. :)

Five Months! Count 'em!

Life is good! Here's The Griff in his new sweater. This is the Kai pattern from Natural Knits for Babies and Moms. The yarn was a "kitchen cotton" kind of thing from good 'ol WalMart. I have half a cone left! I washed the yarn and put it in the dryer to preshrink it and to soften it a little. It's really not too bad!

Ive started Brigit socks in DIC Smooshy.



I've been working on the Vintage Velvet Scarf off and on. The yarn is Touch Me in Ashes of Roses I'll probably finish it in July...



I made some socks for gifts, as well...



These are for my Brother in Law, knit in KP Risata.




And, these are Log Cabin Socks in Wool Ease for my Mother in Law's birthday.

I hope to write more than once every three months from now on! :)

Update!

Yay! He's still here! I'm sorry if I left any one hanging. He will be 11 weeks old on Saturday. Only 5 more until we can really breathe!



Oh yeah, and he's awesome!

I've knit some gifts. Apple Sweaters for the girls at work...



A Leaf Cravat(from an old Interweave Knits)for a wonderful friend...



...and a few things I can't post here.

I hope everyone fully enjoys and appreciates their holiday(whatever that may be). Don't let the economy, or other troubles, Scrooge you out of the best time of the year. You don't get another one for 12 months, so cut loose and party!

I Have a Really Good Excuse for Not Keeping Up...

This is Griffin. On Friday he should be one step closer to being mine(and I'll share him with my husband, I guess). He was born on October 11th and he was placed in our arms moments after he was born. The Birth Mom (who is a very sweet person)signs over her rights on Friday. Then we wait 4 months for the Birth Dad(who is officially unknown)to show up. If he doesn't, we finalize it and Griffin is stuck with us! Poor kid!

Here he is in a sweater I knit for him.



He's completely annoyed that I'm delaying his date with a bottle here. That just adds to the whole dastardly pirate look I was going for. Arrrgh!

I must say, I love a man who wears what I knit and has nothing to say about it.

The Baby Next Door

Well, the neighbors have a brand spankin' new baby. It's always amazing to me that all humans start out so small. Anyhow, new babies mean gift knitting! I made a blanket.



This is no wimpy, thin, sportweight baby blanket. It's worsted, which makes it cushy and a little weighty. Perfect because winter is right around the corner. I used Caron Simply Soft Paints and Louisa Harding's pattern from Natural Knits.

I've made some progress on Monkey socks, meant to be a Christmas gift, in Patons Stretch Socks.



I feel pretty awesome that I have a Holiday project just about finished in September. I have to admit that I love Christmas so much that I start planning for it in August. I've even purchased my wrapping paper melange(I must always have a theme) for this year. But I rarely find myself ahead on the Christmas knitting. Wheee!

Closure

I've finished 2 more projects.



I put some buttons on the Mossy Jacket in Moda Dea Vision. I really like the look of shell buttons. They sort of "class up" any garment. I got these from an old jacket, so I've been all "green" and recycled something. Yay!

Here are the finished Leafy Lace socks photographed on a piece of fabric my husband brought home from Africa.



This was a great pattern! Everything made with Trekking XXL turns out gorgeous, doesn't it.

Currently I'm making some scarves and stuff to sell on Etsy and a cowl for my boss. I'll post photos of the cowl when it's done.

Have a good one!

My Away-cation

I thought I needed to specify, you know with everyone on stay-cations. We were in Florida for 2 weeks! We even got to out run Fay!!!! Wheee!

While I was there, I soaked up some sun and knit some baby stuff!




This is a little raglan turtleneck knit in the round from Patons "Grace".



Thia is another Oz vest knit in NaturallyCaron.com "Country".




These are some tiny baby socks I knit from leftovers of Opal Rainforest Tiger and Sockotta.



This is a Mossy Jacket knit in Moda Dea "Vision". It still needs buttons. It was supposed to be good for a boy or girl, but it's really more girlie. I'll give it away if we end up with a boy.

I've made a little progress on the Schurch socks, too.

Mac can kiss my...

Yep.
The Mac is dead again.
That's twice in less than one year, people.
I can't even look at the Mac.
I'm currently using my husband's laptop(a PC), so I don't have the access that I used to. Also, my camera and the PC don't get along so I have a hard time with photos right now. That being said, I have some photos!




This is the Oz vest from Natural Knits for Babies and Moms. I used Cotton Comfort from Green Mountain Spinnery, dyed green. The booties were just me messing around with the last of the yarn.

I've finally Finished the Bee Sweet Socks.




Writing up the pattern will be more work than the actual knitting. The 2nd photo shows the "beehive lace" detail. I really like the results and they look exactly the way I pictured them. That never happens!

I've cast on Lacy Leaf Socks from More Sensational Knitted Socks in Trekking XXL #105. They're prettier than I expected. I love Trekking but the texture is kind of a rough shock after knitting with my own yarn(I can't help it. Mine is just softer! ;)).



So, there you go!

Mean Green Warmin' Machine

Sorry.
It's tough coming up with catchy titles, you know?





It softened up a bunch after washing. The pattern is the Basketweave Blanket from Knitting for Baby. The yarn is "Bermuda Green" Cotton Chenille from The Chenille Shack on eBay. Good prices and gorgeous yarn. I adore this color.

Now, I'll go back to finish the Bee Sweet Socks I've been avoiding.

I have a good excuse...

I have been working a retail job to make money for the adoption. It's supposed to be "part time" but that is a very abstract term in my particular retail establishment.
I have done some knitting, though.


From the book Knitting for Baby and knit in Moda Dea Washable Wool. Very soft.






The little hat above is also from Knitting for Baby and the vest is Pebble by Nikol Lohr. Both are knit in Wool Ease. I found little African looking wood buttons and used red thread to sew them on.


This, too, is Pebble, only knit in Green Mountain Spinnery's Cotton Comfort(a DK weight cotton/wool blend)and on smaller needles. It's so tiny that the baby will probably outgrow it on the way home from the hospital!

I've finished the green cotton chenille baby blanket, but it's been washed and is drying right now. I'll take some pretty pictures tomorrow.

I think I'm going to focus on the Bee Sweet Socks this week. I am scheduled for jury duty this week so, hopefully, I'll get in some quality knitting time. I'll try to be a better blogger, I swear.

Bee Sweet

I'm not dead. I'm designing a pair of socks for Ravelry's Sock Knitters Anonymous June Sockdown project. They're taking forever. Everything has to be just right, you see (My husband claims this is one of my less endearing traits. What?). So I knit, then I frog. Then I knit, and then I frog. Finally, I'm nearing the toe and I'm satisfied with the design. That means pictures!




"Pay no attention to the dog hair behind the curtain." ( or, on the sofa. Well, it's on the curtain too). I dyed the yarn so that I wouldn't have to go out and buy 4 full skeins of different shades, and I really wanted the bees to be a variegated yellow for dimension (control freak).
I knit a picot cuff, did the bees in intarsia (my first real attempt), placed little lace "beehives" between the bees, and knit a honeycomb pattern over the body of the sock. The honeycomb pattern is basically a rib, so the socks are "clingy" too. I like a clingy sock.
I plan on publishing the pattern at some point, but I should really finish knitting them first.
I'll keep you posted!

Jack Sparrow's Favorite Socks

I love Jack Sparrow, but I'm sure that if he did own a pair of socks, they would be really smelly. You know with all of the sea water and stuff. Anyhow, I have some new favorites:





These are the Jack Sparrow's Favorite Socks knit in Knit Picks Risata. If you haven't tried this yarn, and aren't a fan of "cotton" sock yarns, you're missing out. It makes awesomely cushy socks that wash and wear very well. What can I say? I'm a big fan. Savvy?

Myrtle and a Bunny

I finally finished the Myrtle Leaf Shawl from VLT.





I kept putting it down for other stuff, but it really isn't a difficult knit. I used Knit Picks Shadow in Oregon Coast(I love this yarn) and 6US needles. I will never get over how lace transforms once you block it.

I also had a fuzzy little visitor in the yard.




I was hoping it would stay, but the neighbors kids make me wanna run away, so...

Why Rain is Good.

Here are a few beauties that have reaped the benefits of our rainy Philadelphia spring.

Arrrrgh!

I'm working on Jack Sparrow's Favorite Socks in Knit Picks Risata. Love the pattern. Love the yarn. This Risata stuff rocks!



I have finished one, and have yet to cast on another. I told myself that I had to finish The Myrtle Leaf Shawl before I picked up anything else. I have 4 chart repeats to go, and then the border. Not so bad! Yep.

Out of Many, One.

So, I've been working on several projects at once and, when I do this, I always feel like I'm not getting anything done. Finally something is finished.




The Maple Leaf Socks from Jeanie Townsend in CTH Supersock "Java" are done! They are a comfortable fit and I know I'll wear them constantly in the Fall.

Now I need to go knit!

A Strange Occurrence at the Local Home Depot

Have you ever seen someone you know do something unbelievable, and luckily they didn't notice you were there? Well, here's a strange little story...
(This has nothing to do with knitting, by the way. I'm going to tell the story here on my little blog, because to tell anyone in my neighborhood would be mean and gossipy. This way no one gets hurt and I get to tell the story)
Okay. There is this woman on my block who does things to upset all of the neighbors. She'll tell someone to move their car because it's been in the same spot for 24 hours(street parking, mind you). She asks her immediate neighbor to cut down her ornamental grass because it is making the value of her own home depreciate. She takes pictures of the only black family's house for "evidence" because she is convinced they are drug dealers(it's really the "nice" white family directly across from her, if she would pay attention). She has never bothered me, and I know everybody has one in their neighborhood. Anyhow, she needs another hobby, right?
Well, today the Hus and I were looking for stuff in the Home Depot garden center, and I decided to look at the plants near the entrance while he was waiting in line to pay. I saw this neighbor and her husband loading all kinds of plants and a tree into their truck at the curb. I was behind a wisteria on a tall trellis, so she never saw me. An employee comes dashing out and asks to see her receipt, and she says "No! I don't have it". The husband, however, did. Apparently she told one of the nice young men from H.D. that the tree was hers and asked if he could load it into the truck, but never paid for it. The employee grabs the tree while she's calling him all kinds of names, and her husband proceeds to say "If you ever pull a stunt like that again, I'll kill you". Do you know how glad I was to be standing behind the wisteria? I was actually mortified for her.
I know about 20 people on the block who would love to hear that story, but I won't tell them. That's why I told you... er, or my blog. Now I won't feel the need to blurt it out when I chat with the gossipy neighbors. Ahhh! That's better. Thank you!

Knitting? Oh, yeah! I am onto the foot of Jeanie Townsend's Maple Leaf Sock, knit in Cherry Tree Hill's "Java" Supersock. It's much prettier when it's on a leg because the "leaves" open up under the tension.



I've gotten 16 repeats of the Myrtle Leaf Shawl from VLT done.


It would seem that there is a leaf theme here. Hmmm.

Anyhow, friends of ours just adopted the cutest little boy and we all went out to dinner last week. Here's me and David!



I think I'm in love!

Unrequited Yarn Lust

Did you ever see a yarn that you loved and couldn't have? Either it was discontinued, or won't ship to your country, or is insanely popular? There was such a skein of yarn that was forever eluding me. I admit that I would stalk it. I'd stay up until all hours of the night because it had been hinted, via 3rd party, that it would be listed for sale that evening. I had even saved up and put aside the ridiculous amount of money I would have to pay for it, if I ever got it. Finally I said, "Woman! People tell you that you're a talented dyer. Why don't you just dye the perfect skein?" So, I did. It's not exactly like the coveted skein because I made it a little better! What I love is that I don't have to worry that, when sent to me, my skein will have too much green, or that my skein would be missing that pretty color where the magenta meets the blue. It truly is the perfect skein( and the price is right too, let me tell ya)!


Its twin is in my shop.


But I don't dye one or two skeins and put away the dyes. Oh, no. Here are a few more that I'm letting go of.





The last one is named Spice, Spice, Baby and I think I'm hilarious.

All Done!

I just wanted to do a quick post for the finished Broken Cable Rib socks.




This pattern seemed to work up quickly and the results look masterful with very little effort! On the feet, the socks are soft and snuggly. They're going to be perfect for cold, damp days. I love them!
I don't know if you can see it, but the yarn did an unusual thing. The second sock has many more "red spots" than the first and, as a result, is a different color overall. My husband can't see it, but it even shows up in the 2nd photo above. It doesn't really matter, but I've never seen anything like it from a single skein. Very interesting.
Now, I'm going to try to finish that green baby blanket....

Spring is Purdy!

See!



My husband got these for me a few days ago. I didn't know that tulips could smell so wonderful!

I have made some progress on the Broken Cable Rib Socks.



These have a very nice fit due to all of the ribbing. I just might knit another pair of these one day. Maybe I'll even knit them for someone else. You never know!

Little Lamb, Little Lamb

Lookie!




I got them for my husband's Easter basket, but I thought they'd be so cute for knitters! I, of course, love the black sheep the best. I wonder if they all taste the same...

I've started work on the Broken Cable Rib sock by Ann Budd. The yarn is Socks That Rock in Mustang Sally. Here's the cuff in progress.



The color makes me thirsty for Sangria.

Two

My beautiful niece is turning 2 this week, so I had to make something good. I was going to knit a little shrug, but I was worried about the size. Then I thought, "Why not knit a toy?". I would want a toy! So I did!




You just can't beat a purple bunny in a Tu-tu! The pattern is from a Debbie Bliss book and the yarn is plain old acrylic baby yarn from my stash. I really think I need one too!

I actually miss knitting socks at this point. I gave myself an unintentional break from them, and I'm just really noticing it. Well, I've got a blanket and a shawl to finish soon, but I might be able to sneak in a pair...

I've spun a pretty yarn too, but, alas, I'm not going to keep it.



Have a good one!

3 Weeks

... and no posting!
I had the flu(fun) and then went on vacation with the husband. I managed to complete one project in that time.




It's the Hoodie Baby Blanket in Cotton Ease. I knit this for friends who will receive their adopted son in a few days. I think the colors are pretty cool together, if I do say so myself. This is a quick and easy knit!
Next to hit the needles is a shrug for my soon-to-be 2 year old niece. Then, another Hoodie Blanket for her sister who is due in May! Yay babies!

So, anyways...

I've been so busy that I haven't had much knitting to blog about. I did, however, get a great package in the mail from Knittin' Pretty. I won a random prize drawing from the Holiday KAL-CAL, and this was it!



How lucky am I? The gorgeous yarn is hand spun 100% Falkland Wool in "Happy Holidays". I think I might knit a Swiss Cheese Scarf with it. It's too pretty to be stuck on my feet! I'm assuming she made the adorable stitch markers too. Wasn't that the sweetest thing?

I've been knitting one of three future baby blankets. This one is The Basketweave Blanket in a cotton chenille I found on eBay. It's really very nice.



Also, I finished the SWS Seed Stitch Baby Sweater. I only have mediocre photos, but I'll post them anyhow!



I've spun a 2-ply yarn from a wool/mohair roving I purchased at the Berks County Heritage Festival 2 years ago( It came from the Aboundingful Farms booth). I really love the colors.



Until I make some more progress, Adieu.

Eff-Ohh!

Just wanted to post photos of the finished Twisted Flower socks! This pattern has always reminded me of work by the architect Louis Sullivan.

I Got Nuthin'

Well, nothing much. That's the problem with working 3 projects at once. I never really do more than 2 at once but I guess I was so excited to be done with Christmas knitting that I just cast on whatever was within reach.



Here's one of the Twisted Flower Socks...



...and this is the beginning of the Myrtle Leaf Shawl from Victorian Lace Today in Oregon Coast, and....



...this is a seed stitch baby sweater in Patons SWS. I love this icy blue!


I won some yarn from the Ravelry Sock Knitters Anonymous "Sockdown " group on Ravelry! These beautiful skeins are Dream in Color Smooshy in Beach Fog and Cool Fire. They came from Sonny and Shear, who have it going on!



Hey, it turns out I had sumthin' !
Yay!

Twisted Flower is All Talk

I had a fear of the Twisted Flower Sock pattern by Cookie A. Designs. I've owned it for some time. It's one of those patterns that is so beautiful and intricate and involved... that I put it off. I'm afraid I won't be able to understand the chart or perform some crazy stitch. It taunts me with it's twists and trellises and texture.
Well, I sat down, after all of the needy animals were fed, watered, and asleep, to conquer it 2 nights ago. I knit the 1x1 ribbed cuff. I finished the chart. I moved over the instructed number of stitches, and completed a second round of the chart.
You know what? It's not so bad! Now, I've only knit the cuff and the leg. There may be some heel weirdness or toe complications to shut me up, it's true. But, I bet not.



The air seems fresher. The sun? Brighter!

Now, I only have (doctor's) needles and very confined spaces left on my list of scary things...

Split Toe Socks? Check!

Done! Done! I'm done!

I just finished the seemingly never ending black Sockotta split toe socks for my Brother-in-Law in Florida! I would never have done this for someone I don't love! They came out better than I thought they would have. Here they are modeled by me, my foot many sizes smaller than the recipient and they haven't been washed or blocked in this photo, so be kind.




Now that I've finished my gift knitting, I can work on other projects! I currently have a sweater for my dog in MCY Silk Wool on the needles. When the yarn arrives, I'll start the Myrtle Leaf Shawl from Victorian Lace Today.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Whatever you celebrate, have a safe and love-filled holiday!





See you soon!

Heather

Weasleys!

They are done! I even made the little hangers for them!



They're knit in Woolease and the initials are done in doubled Knit Picks Essential. My niece and nephew will love them!

I've only to finish the socks for my brother-in-law, and then I'm free to knit anything I want! I'm pretty sure it will be some sort of lace project, because January is usually a nice, quiet, snuggly time to concentrate on something intense. I may also do Cookie A.'s Twisted Flower or Gothic Spire. Ah, to dream...