Friday, February 29, 2008

March - Second Sock's Month

Today is Big Boy's birthday. His birthday dinner of choice: homemade macaroni and cheese ("Like Grammy makes it." FYI - when I make it just like Grammy, they don't like it as much. Shh..don't tell!), hot dogs, sparkling grape juice, and yellow cake with white frosting.

I have to say, I personally find yellow cake with white frosting to be a waste of cake. But that's just me. My kids have a thing for sparkling grape juice. Sometimes, you just need something to fancy up a meal, and, as little girl says, "it has bubbles in it."

I finally started feeling better yesterday, although I developed a new, runny nose, to go with my cough. I asked my husband if he found my husky (cough-induced) voice to be sexy. Maybe I should have waited until after I showered...

Second sock finally got some love. And I'm telling you, this is it's month. This month, second sock is going to be finished. It's not going to be put down every time something more compelling comes along, or pushed aside just because I don't feel like dealing with five needles. I'm going to end this month having knit myself and worn a pair of socks!

Of course, I'm also going to end this month with a brand new lace shawl. We'll see how it all shakes out.

BTW - I keep forgetting to mention. Someone's avatar on Ravelry is a silhouette of a pregnant woman and it says "I'm so crafty I make people". I just thought that was hilarious!

Too Sick to Knit

I mean, really.

I spent yesterday in bed, occasionally tooling around the Internet because I couldn't really focus on anything.

I spent today - in bed. Urgh! Enough already! My head hurts too much to hold it up to knit. I do think I'm getting better. During one of my (many) naps, I missed a dose of medicine, and didn't wake up feeling all that worse than when I fell asleep. Still a far cry from better though.

The mailman cheered me up a little.


2 skeins of Knitpicks Gossamer (purchased on clearance!) for the Blue Jeans Lace Shawl KAL on Ravelry. I'm not sure when I'll wind it, but I am excited!

Poor second sock has been on the night table next to me, just waiting for some attention! I am past the turning of the heel and all. I just have 8" of stockinette stitch to knit for the foot before decreasing. (Yes, I do have big feet!)

Happy Knitting!

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Dishcloth Topic #6

I want to join Alana next to her lake. I like the idea of being magically dropped there, with all food and drink needs being provided without me lifting a finger. Except, I'd rather have hot chocolate than coffee. I wouldn't mind it being warm enough for a swim in the lake either.

I finished Calorimetry. Here it is!


This picture doesn't do the colors justice. The yarn is Fantasy by Elegant Yarns, Inc, and I LOVE it!

The Sickies

Oh, the sickies linger. "Mommy has the sickies, Daddy. She has to get better."

Today is worse than yesterday. The little ones have gone to my in-laws for the day. My in-laws are really wonderful. I'm hot and cold at the same time, and my head feels like cement bricks. Little girls wants to know why Daddy's sickies came over to me, and she says they came in through my cheeks.

Miss Me - the fish is deep fried. I love Ontario. The Toronto Zoo and Science Museum were favorite places to visit as a kid. I want to take my kids, but this whole passport thing is rough. In early college years, we crossed the Rainbow Bridge into Niagara Falls all the time. Usually, we walked across. It's fun to straddle the middle and have one foot in each country at a time. It also takes a lot of energy to SKIP across the entire bridge. I had fun friends back then.

I feel like I'm not making any sense. Must be the sickies.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Catch Up

Apparently, I'm sick.

DH was sick Friday and Saturday, and now I'm sick. The one complaint I really have about being a mom, is that mom's don't get sick days. Thankfully, I think Little Girl is fighting off sickness, so she's been pretty quiet today. (Just to be clear, I'm thankful that she was quiet, not that she might be sick.) Also, thank the Lord that PBS plays cartoons all day! I could be a lot worse, but I'm pretty achy and have a cough. . Little girl received a Drs. kit for Christmas, and she's been taking care of me, and drawing pictures of my "sickies". Little boy has been using this opportunity to play with all of little girl's toys.

On Sunday, I visited my in-laws and left second sock there by mistake. Poor second sock. I've worked a little bit on Calorimety, but I haven't felt much like knitting today.

So, a little unfinished business.

Miss Me asked me to describe a WNY fish fry. Oh, so good! Okay, so you get a BIG piece of haddock - think 10-12" long and decently thick. It gets beer battered and fried - crispy, not greasy. Served with french fries and coleslaw. I didn't realize what a regional thing it is, until I moved to New England. I mean, Boston is lacking for seafood, but Fish 'n Chips is NOT the same as fish fry. It's just not. When I was home, we ate at the Family Tree, which is a little Greek restaurant (Baily Avenue, Amherst). I miss chicken souvlaki - they don't really have Greek diners around here. If you wanted something a little more upscale, The Eagle House also has an excellent Fish fry.

Also, a few days ago I was tagged by Cathy

The Rules
1.Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages.
2.Open the book to page 123 and find the 5th sentence.
3.Post the next 3 sentences.
4.Tag 5 people

I couldn't find a book with only 123 pages, but someone else had this on their blog as 123 or more pages. I'll go with that one! The nearest book is Home To Holly Springs by Jan Karon.

The palm of her hand was cool; she wore a suit the color of the blue parlor walls.
"I didn't know whether you'd come."
"I wasn't so sure about it myself."

Okay, my head hurts.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Procrastination

I've been procrastinating in a number of areas lately. Most notably:

Here are my two swap packages which have been ready for over a week. They need to go to the post office today. I can't find the address of my dishcloth swap pal. I'm an idiot.



I still haven't finished second sock. So, I cast on for Calorimetry.



I have yarn to make mittens, a baby hat, and a cap for my nephew. I also have the yarn ready to go for the Dogwood Blossom Wrap. I just ordered yarn for a March KAL - the blue jeans lace shawl. A KAL I shouldn't be participating in because of all the other knitting I have to do.

I should be cleaning my house, but I'm here, blogging.

Yup, it's all procrastination.

Happy knitting (or procrastinating).

Friday, February 22, 2008

More FOs

As you know, I've finished the Noni Bag and the Norwegian hat. I'm really pleased with both of them!

Here's the bag, with the really cool dragonfly lining. I don't think the picture does it justice - I love, LOVE, LOVE IT!


And now, the hat! (That's me!) The hat has several inches of ribbing, followed by a YO, K2tog row. The ribbing is sewn up in the hat (so warm!), and the YO row creates that really cute edging.


I cast on for calorimetry yesterday. I broke my own rules and bought one skein of Fantasy from Elegant Yarns, without having a project in mind. Thank goodness for Ravelry! Someone else was using the yarn for calorimetry, and I've been admiring the ones Moriah made. And yes, that means I've been neglecting second sock again.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Pictures of FOs

The little ones and I drove home yesterday. The trip took 7 1/2 hours, including stops. Usually it's 8 hours, so we made great time. In general, the kids do really well in the car. This trip, they slept a lot less than they normally do on the way home (they get tired out at Grandma and Grandpa's!), but they were remarkably calmed by music. Not just any music - Neil Diamond.

Now, I like Neil Diamond. I like to belt along with him in the car. I've even seen him in concert. I didn't expect my kids to like him! Specifically, they like "You Don't Bring Me Flowers", "Forever in Blue Jeans" (requested 12 times in a row), and "America". Little girl refers to "America" as the "today song." As in, "They're coming to America. Today!" My kids are fun!

I have SO many pictures to show everyone! Here's a few of them. I took them on my front porch this morning. While wearing my pajamas. Which meant every time I heard a car, I ducked back inside. All in an effort to bring you the truest colors possible - I hope it worked!

Now for pictures.

First off, the 2 hour felted bag is LINED:

The shamrock lining is particularly appropriate for N, who will be receiving the bag for her birthday next month. That thing in the bottom is the extra button to a sweater. It's not supposed to be there.

Then, I seamed up the baby kimonos and my mom helped me attach the ribbons. The green kimono is for a boy. Do you think the ribbon makes it too girly?




There's a lot more to show, but I think it's too much for one post!

My package for my Defeat the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth swap has been complete since before I left, I just haven't gotten a chance to address it and bring it to the post office (this is always a problem for me - addressing things!). I just need one more thing for the Crochetoholic Debb's February swap. I'm debating if I'm going to the store today or tomorrow - I try to avoid putting the kids in the car the day after a long trip. We'll see.

The sun is shining today, and I hope to at least walk a little with the kids all bundled up.

Happy knitting!

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Dishcloth Topic #5

If money were no object, and the day was just perfect - not to hot, not too cold, sun shining, slight breeze - how would you spend a perfect day out that had been given to you in the middle of a cold and blustery winter?

Well, let's see...I would take the little ones to the park, and let them run around until their cheeks were nice and rosy. Then, we would go out for lunch. Nowhere in particular - Colleen's in the Square, or Friendly's, or anywhere that's sit down. After lunch, we'd go home and take naps. I would take mine in the living room, where there's a chance of catching some of the sun's rays through the windows. Hopefully, DH would be home on the early side, and I would take a walk. In a perfect world, I'd live within walking distance of a yarn store (hmm, if I'm visiting my parents, I AM in walking distance of a yarn store.) I'd buy myself a little something that fit my mood, and cast-on for the project while sitting wherever there's is some sun shining.

Sadly, it's finally warmed up a little in Buffalo, but it's pouring. :(

Happy Knitting!

Saturday, February 16, 2008

More Project Updates

I feel like posting right now would be so much more fun with pictures!

We haven't done anything truly exciting - just hanging out with family, running little errands here and there, and eating out a lot. Last night, we went out for a fish fry (NOTE - this is not fish and chips. It's a genuine, WNY fish fry!) SO GOOD! Also, visited with friends who are expecting in May. I think the little ones have exhausted/frightened them for their upcoming bundle of joy! (Little ones were VERY excited to have an audience!)

In project news:

1. I've started the heel flap on second sock.
2. I've finished seaming up both baby kimonos. I just need to attach the ties (with mom's help!)
3. I've completed two little sewing projects - one with a lot of help from my mom and one with very little help! (My mom is amazing on the sewing machine. She made her wedding dress. She made my senior prom dress. She just made little girl the most beautiful Easter dress. She's unbelievable!)
4. I have 10 pattern rows left on the Norwegian hat. I'm really pleased with how it's turning out.

I still have to sew the lining and the strap for the Noni bag. Planning on doing that tomorrow.

I haven't walked as much as I wanted to while I'm here - it's really cold, but that's such a pansy excuse. I love walking here, and I've walked plenty in the freezing cold. It's truly just laziness on my part.

Well, that and it interferes with my knitting. :)

Have a very happy day, and as always, Happy Knitting!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Project Updates

I've been in Buffalo for 2 1/2 days. The little ones are having lots of fun with Grandma and Grandpa, and we've gotten quite a few errands done - the little ones have been fitted for new shoes (little boy's shoes have trucks on them. He's very excited!) and have many new clothes. I've been to Walmart to pick up some Peaches & Cream and other needed supplies. Also, my mom helped me pick out fabric to line the two felted bags.

Here's what I've accomplished so far:

1. 1/2 of the pink kimono is seamed up. I'm a little nervous if a little newborn hand will fit through the sleeve opening.

2. Both linings for the two felted bags have been sewn. I'm 1/2 through sewing the lining in the green bag.

3. The 1500 yards of laceweight has been wound into a ball - no easy task!

4. I've completed 3 patterns rows in my Norwegian hat.

5. I've knit about 1/2" of the never-ending K1P1 rib for second sock.

In a few minutes I'm leaving for knitting class at Linda's. Can't wait!

Happy Knitting!

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Dishcloth Topic #4 (Edited)

I was a little grumpy when I first answered this, and I don't like to be that way. Here is the non-grumpy, edited version.

"Defeat the Winter Doldrums" for some of us we get the doldrums and others don't. For the ones who get doldrums what helps you get rid of them? For the ones who don't get the doldrums, what helps you keep them away?

I never had much of a problem coping with winter, until I moved to Boston. Winter lasts longer in Buffalo, and there's a lot more snow. BUT, everyone is used to it, so you just go on with your life. Plus, there's sledding and tubing and quiet walks to take. I think the fact that it's lighter out until later is a big deal to me. Yes, it's lighter here earlier in the day, but that doesn't help me much. I had a hard time adjusting to it when I first moved here, and it's upsetting when it's already dark by the time my husband gets home (and he's a teacher!) Also, parallel parking with snow is HARD!

How do I get rid of them? I try to be outside a little bit each day. I try to exercise. I take a lot of bubble baths and watch a lot of movies. I wait for spring. I dream of retiring in the country. I enjoy my children, who are truly, despite being obnoxious at the moment, real joys!


Happy knitting!

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Show and Tell

I've been busy!

I finished the second dishcloth for my swap pal. I now have everything for her package and just need to box it up.

I felted the Noni Bag, and it will be traveling to Buffalo with me on Monday to get assembled with Mom's help.



Last night was Knit Night at my house. 3 brand new knitters were working on 2 scarves and 1 pair of fingerless gloves. You should see them! I'm so impressed with their work - even stitches, recognizing mistakes - they're great! I knit up the 2 Hour Handbag with double-stranded Cascade 220.


Today, I felted it. It will also be traveling to Buffalo for a lining.

(Sorry, it's not a very good picture!)

So, besides finishing and lining the Noni bag, lining the 2 hour handbag, and sewing up the 2 baby kimonos, I plan on finishing second sock, knitting a pair of cable mittens, working on my Norwegian hat, and starting the Dogwood Blossom wrap while I'm in Buffalo. Hmmm, that sounds like a LOT! We'll see how it goes!

Happy Knitting!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Pre-Felted Noni Bag

Here it is:



The bag is actually pretty simple to knit. I did have to really learn how to pick up stitches after knitting the base, but that was on my list to do last year. And really, it wasn't hard! The questions I had about the pattern were totally answered on the errata on the Noni website. I plan on felting it tonight after the kids are in bed.

Also, here's the picture of second sock, because I know some of you are worried that the socks just aren't getting any love. This sock is on my list to finish next week. 5 1/2 more inches of K1P1 rib to go!



I made potato soup tonight. I think I might try it with some clams next time!

Happy knitting!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Dishcloth Topic #3

Wow, I think I have little to say about this topic. At the moment, here is my yarn stash.



I think I've mentioned before, I'm not a stash builder. I almost always buy yarn when I know for what it will be used. I usually have one or two skeins of Lily Sugar 'n Creme around for a small take-a-long anywhere project. This is the skein I have at the moment. I also have a few odds and ends of cotton that aren't big enough for a cloth. I suppose, eventually I'll make one crazy striped cloth. Someone was using dishcloth cotton for baby hats - I guess I could make a crazy striped hat.

The only notions (besides needles, duh!) that I've had to use is stitch markers. I'm curious what other kinds of notions people are using. (What fun tools am I missing out on?)


Last night, DH, Big boy and I got to go to the Sabres/Bruins game courtesy of my Brother-in-law. I'm always surprised how many Sabres fans there seem to be in Boston. The first goal the Sabres scored, I thought they missed because the cheering was so loud. The Sabres won, 4 to 2. Poor hubby - his Boston teams are letting him down this week!

Happy Knitting!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

I Make Someone's Day!

Anne so kindly nominated me for the You Make My Day Award. (I feel like the cool kids just said that I'm cool too!)

You're supposed to nominate other bloggers who make your day. I read a lot of blogs - those involved in whatever swap I am, people I find through Ravelry, random links from other blogs. Here are some that I make it a point to check pretty regularly.

First, I would like to send this back to Anne. I actually started blogging so I could join her Fall Felted Bag Swap. I loved the swap, and I found that I really enjoyed having a place to share my knitting (where it would be appreciated. As opposed to my non-blogland friends who just don't get it) and a place to put down some random thoughts now and again. I check Anne's blog pretty regularly, and love hearing about all her projects.

Cathy has such an upbeat personality and always takes the coolest pictures of her work. I've really enjoyed getting to know her through her blog and emails (and REALLY, her pay it forward project is going to make it in the mail this week if it kills me!)

Kris is another upbeat person who really strives to live the Christian life, and always finds something to smile about.

I'm so impressed with Lynne's knitting - she knits herself sweaters all the time! When I grow up, I want to be a knitter like Lynne. She also is trying to live purposefully for Christ.

Moriah is super busy learning how to save lives, but she knits incessantly, and I love to see what she's done.

Alana knits up the cutest things, and I just love reading what's going on in her life.

Km has three kids, and a busy life, and still finds time to knit adorable things.

And finally, Debb runs such inspired swaps, and truly tries to create an environment where people get to know each other - making the world a little smaller place.

Thank you to all of you for keeping up such great blogs! Thank you also to all of you who read my blog and leave comments - that also makes my day!

Happy Knitting!

Monday, February 4, 2008

Grandpa 17, Daddy 14

It was quite the scene at my house last night. The Giants won, making Grandpa one happy guy, and Daddy one sad man. Little girls was an equal opportunity cheerleader though, calling out "Go Giants! Go Patriots! Go Pats!" In case you missed it, the Superbowl was a GREAT football game!

I've reached the point where I can do basic stockinette stitch without looking, so I did my February charity knitting during the game - 2 preemie hats.



I'm telling you this is the yarn that just won't get used up - look what I still have left:



Earlier in the day, I knit up a new dishcloth for my swap pal. I'm almost done with her whole package!



My dad flew home today. We had such a great and relaxing time visiting with him. It was a lot easier saying goodbye than usual, since the little ones and I driving to Buffalo next week. Little boy doesn't really get it, but little girl was very sad when we drove away from the airport. Although, she made Grandpa's day by yelling out "Go Giants!" as he walked away from the car.

I'm working on the Noni bag, but right now, I'm going to try and take a little nap, because both little ones are sleeping!

Happy Knitting!

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Where Did Knit the Classics Go?

Anyone know what happened to Knit the Classics? The blog just seemed to have fallen off the Internet. And I've already read February's book, and I'm super excited about my project!

In other news - MY DAD IS HERE! He flew in from Buffalo last night. His flight wound up being delayed over three hours. And can you believe, I had NO knitting with me! I figured the 200+ pages I had to read in my book would be enough to keep me occupied in the event the plane wasn't on time. Turns out, not so much. I did have some dishcloth cotton in my purse, but no needles. I considered trying to use straws from Dunkin' Donuts, but instead, I practiced going down the up escalator. I'm convinced that someday I will need that skill.

Dad is having lots of fun hanging out and playing with the little ones. Right now, he and DH are playing APBA Baseball.

I've cast-on for my Noni bag, and I am proud to say, I picked up all the stitches around the base! I think that I saw the Urban Adventure bag, but I'm making the evening bag. I'm excited though - I love the color of the yarn, and I'm hoping the bag will look gorgeous!

Happy Knitting!