Great to Be Home

We had a fabulous time in New Orleans, but it's good to be home! The flights were fine, weather was perfect and we walked until our feet hurt. Doug's co-workers are a lot of fun (much more than us.. we were in before midnight each night.) Judy, who's in charge of arranging everything for the meeting did an amazing job (as usual). The last meeting was on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. It was fun as well, but I was pregnant with Lainey.

One of the highlights (can't say the best, but only because I don't want to hurt Doug's feelings! ) was meeting up with Christina to knit at Cafe du Monde. She emailed me about some yarn that I had for sale on Destash. When she sent me her address I realized that SHE LIVES IN NEW ORLEANS! I emailed her and asked if she'd be interested in meeting up and I could hand deliver the yarn. Luckily, she didn't think I was (too) weird... We met up and had cafe au lait and beignets while we both worked on our STR socks. I'm so jealous... she's in the Rockin' Sock Club. I just didn't get into socks in time to sign up before it was closed for the year. Her socks are beautiful and I love the yarn and pattern... Maybe next year! After we knit for a while we walked over to Quarterstitch, the LYS in the French Quarter. It's a tiny store, but they have some beautiful yarn. I ended up with some Koigu (above) to make socks for me (browns/pinks & solid pink) and Doug (blues/solid blue). The top skein is some Mama E's C*Eye*Ber Fiber Sock yarn in Indian Corn colorway. (It didn't come from New Orleans, but I hadn't shown it yet.) Christina got a skein of recycled sari yarn. It's beautiful stuff! As we were leaving the store we saw Jerry Springer. We stood outside the store debating.. him, not him. We were pretty sure it was him, but our suspicions were confirmed when some guys working next door started yelling "Jerry". He waved just a bit and another woman snapped a picture as she walked by. Unfortunately, neither of us had cameras with us. You should definitely check out Christina's blog! She was planning to go Saturday night to get a tattoo and there are pictures on her blog. It's amazing! I didn't get as much knitting done as I thought I would, but I did make it to the gusset on the first Jaywalker.

We found cute t-shirts for the kids. Hayden's is a pirate shirt (cartoonish skull and two pirate ships - pillage. plunder. pillage. plunder). Lainey's is a cartoon crayfish and says "Who's your crawdaddy?" And, of course, we brought home pralines (for us and the grandparents).

We also stopped for a couple of hours in KC after we got back to visit Greg and Sara. They're due in July and she's just so darn cute! We don't get to see them often, but they are always fun. Sounds like they (or at least Greg - just depends on how she's feeling) will be coming to the CD release party on June 2 for Doug's band, Celandine. I think it's going to be a great time!

Jenn

MMMmmmmm, yarn.....

I cast on for my Sockpals socks. I'm using the Waving Lace Socks pattern from Favorite Socks. (They're the ones on the cover.) I hope to show some progress soon. I had a little help removing one from the needles (L loves yarn!) I didn't have the brain power to work on it last night, so I started a Jaywalker with STR in G-Rocks using Magic Loop. I haven't started Doug's socks because I need to go get some dpns in a different size. The colors in the picture are much brighter than they really are. No morning light, just foggy and grey here at the moment.

I started my Clapotis a few days ago (since I couldn't start Doug's socks). I'm using Brooks Farm Four Play in Nantucket. This yarn is so soft and beautifully colored! It's going well. I'm trying to get one dropped row done each day. It's good knitting while we watch TV after the kids are in bed or when I have an odd moment during the day.I'm finally getting over this crazy sinus infection. I've been sick for almost 3 weeks. Hopefully, I'll be completely over it by the time we leave for New Orleans! (Next weekend)

I hope everyone has a wonderful Mother's Day. Mom's make the world go round! H said he wants to get us and come crawl in bed with me while Doug gets up with L. I haven't been able to lounge in bed since I had H over 4 years ago. I'm all for it! We'll also be seeing my mom and my grandmother! They're both great women (and mothers).

Jenn

Road to Recovery

L and I came down with head colds on Sunday. Hers hasn't been nearly as bad as mine. I've been so congested that I thought it might take dynamite to get some air through. I'm finally feeling better. L is still breastfeeding, so I'm sure that's what saved her. I turned around after she finally slept well for a night (Wednesday night - 8p.m. to 8 a.m. with one wake up to nurse at 5:30! Sleeping was going better, then we got sick... I'm hoping we can get more rest this weekend!)

Anyway, not a lot of knitting going on and nothing worthy of pictures. I'm working on the Opal socks and re-reading Harry Potter. I'm hoping the socks will be done by Sunday so that I can start another pair (Coriolis sock by Cat Bordhi is a possibility). I'm also leaning towards a pair of Jaywalkers. Something a bit more interesting that straight stockinette! I was also looking around the other day and realized that the LoopyEwe is in St. Louis. They have an amazing selection of sock yarn and patterns! Then, when I've returned to my normal self, I'll start on Sahara. I'm beginning to doubt it will be ready for our trip to New Orleans. I may just go ahead and start on my Clapotis. I'll decide soon. I've also sent and email trying to join Destash - Cash for Yarn. I'm going to try to whittle down my yarn stash, some needles and, possibly, a few books. We'll see if I'm accepted!

Jenn

No Sahara Yet

I'm sure I'm just biased, but are these not the sweetest feet you've ever seen! I could just eat those little rolls on her ankles. The Sahara has been sidelined for a few days because I decided that she needed an equally sweet pair of socks for those toes. I'm using a pattern (changed for a larger size, etc. Basically I just used the idea and went from there.) from the latest Debbie Bliss book and some baby cashmerino that I had in stash. I know a lot of people have problems with DB patterns, but this is the first one that I just haven't liked. I wanted a little something before I knuckle down and work on Sahara. I figure I'll wait until I can have some alone time this weekend to get started.

Here are the finished socks... (They're cuter than they show in the picture. I had trouble getting her to hold still long enough to snap a picture.) They'll keep those piggies warm and feel so soft for her. I'm sure she'll outgrow them quickly, although there is a bit of extra room, and I'll have to make another pair for the Fall, but they were pretty quick so I don't mind. H wants a pair of socks as well. He's requested that his be red (it's all about red.... red sheets, shoes, sweats, t-shirts. Our house would be red if he could convince me. I keep thinking he'll outgrow the red phase, but it's been this way for 2 years. Half of his life has been devoted to his search for red... He cracks me up!)

Also, still plugging along on my pair of Opal socks. I'm ready to start the heel, but just haven't done it yet. Maybe I just need to get it done before I start my Sahara... then, I can start another pair of socks (for my secret sock pal??) before we go on our trip to New Orleans in May. Usually socks don't take me this long, but I think it's just the plain stockinette. I'm looking forward to something with a pattern and trying toe-up.

Jenn

Green Gable

It's finally finished! It's been a slow week for knitting and it seems like it's taken forever. Here's a quick picture of it blocking, but I'll take a picture of it on once it's dry. I added about an inch of lenth, but the rest is by the pattern. I stayed up late to get it done.
I also finished a swatch for Sahara last week, but my gauge was off. I'm going to swatch again on size 7s and see what I get. I'm hoping to start the Sahara tomorrow.

Also, on a non-knitting note... We've finally gotten around to the sleep issue with L. We had her 1 year appointment last week and I spoke with the Dr. about it. All of her teeth have come in, no sicknesses about and we started letting her fuss. I appreciate both sides of this argument and we've tried many different things before we started this. We kept her up an extra 30 minutes Friday night. It took about 45 minutes for her to go to sleep with us entering after 3 minutes, then 5 minutes and then 10 minute increments until she was asleep. She was up 3 times in the night. Each time she was back down in less than 10 minutes total. I only nursed her once over the course of the night (it was quite a feat with her standing in her crib... anyone who has nursed a toddler can attest to the gymnastics sometimes needed!) She woke for the final time at 7:30 a.m. Her naps went well too. I went in once after 3 minutes for the first and didn't have to go in again at all for the second. She seems to be catching on well. Bedtime went better tonight. I went in twice with the timing lenthened a bit and she was asleep within 20 minutes. I'm trying not to be overly optimistic, but think we're on the right path (finally!)

Oh, I joined the Sockapalooza 4 last night. I can't wait to see who my secret sock pal will be!

Jenn

I Need to Knit

First, I want to thank Chris for her support of my proposed cry it out method for L. It helps to have someone make you feel a little bit less of a bad guy for having your own needs too. We've implemented nursing before bed in the living room and Doug putting her to bed. She's thrown quite a hissy the last couple of nights, but went down without a peep tonight. She was up a bit last night, but we had thunderstorms and (unlike her brother) she does not like them. After I nursed her though, she sacked out until 7:15 this morning! It probably helped that I had avoided nursing her until that point. I also appreciated the time that Trish (her profile isn't enabled, so I don't really know who she is) took to supply me with links to multiple articles discussing the problems with crying it out and brain development. I did read as many as I was able to actually pull up, but feel that I've tried just about everything I can. My daughter is thriving, VERY loved and developing well (she's got 7 words already!)

Anyway... On to knitting! I'm having the overwhelming urge to knit. Since I haven't had too much time to actually pick up the yarn and needles, I started planning my Christmas knitting already. Since Doug, his dad and brother have each received a pair of socks (Opal self striping), I'm planning to knit a pair for his mother and SIL. I saw the Canal du Midi socks on Grumperina's blog and thought they would be great for Doug's mom. I've got some Lorna's Laces in Periwinkle that I think would look great! I haven't decided what pattern to use for my SIL. I'll probably use some Cherry Tree Hill Supersock that should be arriving any day. I think I'll be making Fiber Trends Felted Clogs for his dad and brother. I'm also planning to learn the circular for two sock method (doesn't look too hard, but I've yet to cast on... figure I should finish the current pair of socks first.) I'm hoping to stave of the 2nd sock syndrome. Doug's going to get a nice, thick pair of wool socks to wear when he's camping, fishing or just lounging around the house. I've had the yarn for them for a while, but just haven't gotten around to it.

Unfortunately, no pictures of quickly expanding WIPs today.

Jenn

Up and At'em

After a fitfully night, we're up for the day. I think it will be a sock day (too tired for the mitt, but I need something to keep my mind off how tired I am.) How can two children be so different sleep wise? H slept through the night at 3 months, immediately reverts to sleeping well after sickness or teething, rarely gets up and goes right back to sleep in minutes when he does! L has only had 5 or less 9 hour stretches EVER and she'll be a year old next week! We've tried everything (No Cry Sleep Solution, Co-Sleeping...) but may have to resort to letting her cry it out. We actually started this and the second night she slept 9 hours, but then we all ended up sick, teething or both. I hate leaving her to cry, but sleep is starting to win out. Over a year of no good sleep will do that to you... (BTW, just want to clarify... I'm fine if she's up at night, but we're both getting so much broken sleep it's not helping either of us! 4-5 times a night when she's not sick is too much.)

On the positive side, she is finally starting to nap a bit better. Which means, if the night hasn't been too bad and H is playing in his room (and all my "chores" are caught up - at least to a tolerable level) then I get to knit. I wish I could nap, but between H, 3 cats and a dog it doesn't usually work out. Knitting is better anyway!

Jenn

Birthday Presents Arrived

My birthday presents to me are here! I got my yarn from Brooks Farm on Friday. It's just as gorgeous as I thought it would be! It's so soft and the colors are wonderful.
It's going to become a Clapotis (never got around to making one when the pattern first came out on Knitty.) I ordered 4 skeins (1080 yards) which should be more than enough. I'm hoping to knit up a scarf as well.

I also got my Knit Picks Options needles. The binder at the top is my current storage system for circulars and DPNs. I'm hoping to hit the office supply store and see if I can find a few more of the storage pages for the KP binder. It's smaller and zips so everything stays in.

I'm working on the second Wine and Roses mitt and I've got a quick pair of Fetchings in DB Cashmerino Aran to finish up. Then I'll get to try out my new needles on my Clapotis. I'm headed to New Orleans (the French Quarter) with Hubby for a work related meeting in May and thought this might come in handy at night while we're walking around.

I also won a 7 oz Cherry Tree Hill Mill ends skein and ordered three skeins of Lorna's Laces sock yarn on ebay from Birds n Yarn . Just got it and it's beautiful as well! Can't wait to make some socks with the Cherry Hill, but I bought the Lorna's Laces with L in mind. Something little girlie... I'll have to give it some thought! (But, it's all sock yarn and doesn't count for stash.)

I guess I'm not doing so well at my knitting from stash resolution. Can I try again starting April 1?? No jokes! Do birthday presents count? As of April 1st I'm on the wagon and will attend all Yarn Anonymous meetings I can!!!

Here's a picture of my recently catalogued stash closet. The drawers aren't all full, but since I got a couple more drawer units I can open them all. A lot of my yarn is left from other projects. It looks like a lot, but I'm sure it's not as much as some. Right? (I do not need to buy any more yarn! I could knit for a very long time without it and will stick to the Knit from Stash rules.)

Here are a few other pictures of my rearranged and straightened knitting/guest/play room. Hubby has a room set aside for his band to use for practicing. I figured that if he was deserving of a whole room that I should AT LEAST get to share one. We enjoy spending time down there.

We're having absolutely balmy weather here (70 today). I hope everyone gets a taste of this sometime soon!

Jenn

PS. I was just checking out Larissa's website and she has the blanket together from the KAL that I joined (my first.) I clicked on the photo to see whose squares were being used for the book... check out the square in the bottom right corner! I think I scared Doug when I started squealing! Thanks Larissa!

A Little Progress...

Oy, mama is knitting again! I just had to share this picture since I'm quite infatuated with this little, squishy baby. Unfortunately, her brother doesn't want to hold still for the camera lately. Here's my progress on the Wine and Roses Mitts. I can't wait to see it once it's blocked! I hope the recipient likes them as much as I do (and I've got yarn to make a pair for myself as well.) These are definitely an "after the kids are in bed" knitting project. I'm slowly finishing my sock and Doug's mitts when kids are up, but not needing me at the moment.

I had a nice little break from the kids yesterday. Mom came and watched them while I went to see the ladies I used to work with and have a knitting lunch. (I was at the same place of employment for 15 years - although not the same position). It was great to get to catch up. Most everyone brought their knitting or crocheting with them. We had a pair of fuzzy feet on the needles, a couple of scarves and a hat. I've been home for 2 years in July and I still miss everyone!

As for the picture below, I believe she's trying to gnaw off the store bought socks so mama can make her a pair worthy of such sweet little feet. I've got some Gems Opal in pink panther and a pattern picked out. Good thing she'll be able to go barefoot soon though since she may not have them before fall. Does anyone else find themselves dreaming about knitting on current WIPs? Between L being up last night and weird knitting dreams, I didn't get much sleep. Maybe they weren't dreams... Maybe they were just hallucinations.

Well, off to get L up from her nap so we can run around before H gets home from grandma's house. (It's a great thing to have my mom so close! I did manage a short nap before the phone rang today.)

Jenn

Resolve Weakening...

Well, my resolve has weakened. I've stepped back a little from the sock. My husband keeps mentioning how he'd love to have some fingerless gloves to wear when he goes fly fishing, so I finally got started on some. I had a few extra skeins of brown DB Cashmerino Aran in my stash and he asked that they be soft and not too thick/stiff. I hope this works out for him. I've only got about an inch of ribbing done right now. If it doesn't hold up well enough I'll use some Brown Sheep I have in my stash (but he might have to settle for something a little less "subdued." I'm trying to use stash. Does it count against me if I tell him what he wants and he buys it? If he likes these I'm sure he'll ask that I make some for my BIL and FIL for Christmas.

Before the pestering began last night (about the fingerless gloves) I also cast on for the Wine and Roses Mitts in the Winter 06 Interweave Knits. I had some Frog Tree Alpaca in fingering weight (the pale yellow) that I thought might look nice. I'll try to have a picture in a day or two.

I went by the LYS today to get the new issue of Knits, but they didn't have it yet. I ended up with Mason-Dixon Knitting and a red skein of Opal sock yarn. H has been asking for a pair of red socks, so I'll have to get to that sometime soon.

Too much to knit, so little time!

Jenn

Sock It To Me

Not much to tell... Just plugging away at the sock and dreaming of what I'll work on next. Baby stuff? That's pretty much a givin. I'll try to come up with something cute and interesting soon!

Jenn

My First KAL

SQUARE


Well, it took a while, but I finally finished a square for my first KAL! The pattern wasn't difficult, but two cute little kids decided to wake me up a lot recently. I had trouble finding much time to knit. (It's a bit tough to do with a baby attached to your hip.) I was hoping to finish at least two, but I'm not sure it will happen. I'll start another today and see if I can get it there in time. They have to be in their mailbox on the 1st of February.


I'm trying to decide on my next project. I have to finish a pair of socks (in Opal Rodeo #1156)... my first pair for myself! (I started these over a year ago for a friend. She's since received a different gift and I'm keeping these instead.) It's just a basic top down pattern. My husband, FIL, BIL and mother have all received pairs in Opal.






We have some close friends that had a baby girl yesterday (Amelia - that was one of our top picks when we had L.) I think I need to make a sweet little hat to keep her head warm.

I've also got a stash of Mission Falls cotton that I got on sale when they were having problems and stopped selling it for a while. I bought it for some very sweet baby sweaters, but also bought a couple of Mission Falls design booklets. The Spring 2001 edition has a sleeveless sweater that only takes 7 balls. Lucky me! I've got enough for a couple of them in different colors! (plus some...) That would assist with my "knit for self" resolution!

Here are my knitting resolutions....

1. Knit for charity
2. Knit for self
3. Knit from stash (although new yarn isn't ruled out. Especially when trying new yarns.)
4. Trying new techniques (already did my first moebius. I'm also hoping to try steeking this year.)
5. Get started on Christmas knitting early!
6. Post to my new knitting blog regularly.

Have a knitty good day!

Jenn