Long Time No Blogging

It feels a little strange to sit here and write a post. I haven't blogged in such a long time and if I am being honest, until this week I havn't missed it. I haven't been knitting all that much and there have been other things going on in my life. All of them are good things! Just busy things.

I am not making excuses because...well who really cares. I was just at a point where blogging was not a priority for me. I have been very focused on work at school this year and have reorganized a lot of things. I have been working a lot on myself at home as well. Trying some healthier eating habits and different exercise than what I was doing before. I was finding that going to my gym and everything that I had going on was being more stressfull than "health-ful" and that was the opposite of what I was trying to accomplish. So it was time for a change.

Now I am getting to the point were I'm am feeling like I have gotten into a new routine that I am happy with. It is an actual routine now and not chaos. That is exactly how I was feeling. Now that I write it down I realize I felt like I was in complete chaos and turmoil.

I am happy in my job. I am more balanced about my eating. I am sleeping well. I am reading books for enjoyment again (realizing how much I missed it). I have more time for friends, more time for my hobbies and ultimately ....more time for ME!

Addictive knitting

I have been knitting and I have proof.

Even more of an accomplishment because I had to rip out half of the first side and do the whole thing over again. Silly me did two very silly mistakes. Mistake number one was that I cast on the number of stitches for the wrong size. I did not notice mistake number one until after I noticed mistake #2.

I looked at my work and counted my stitches. I was almost done the decreases. The excitement builds. We have almost finished the majority of the stockinette stitch and am that much closer to the fun stuff.

But wait....I think I have too few stitches too fast. Count....count again.....look at pattern. Ooooh crap. I had been decreasing for the front panel the same way I did the back ( on each side ) but because it is only one side I should have only been decreasing at the side of course. Silly knitter.

So now the brain starts to work out how to fix this rather large mistake with the least amount of work to do/work lost. My hubby suggests "just rip the whole thing out and start again". I glare at him.

My brain decided to drop a few stitches down the side where I should not have been decreasing and pick that section back up without the decreases. Of course because this little section ( inches and inches of a section) had been gradually decreasing in stitches the work is gradually getting tighter and tighter. But I persevere. I'm not sure I'm happy but maybe when I'm finished I can work at the stitches to even them out.

All picked back up again ready to go I do another count. Hmmmm....count again....look at the pattern again.... There it is MISTAKE #1 you cast on the wrong number of stitches for your size you twit. AHHHHHHHHHHH.

So hubby did not say "I told you so" but.... I did have to rip the whole thing out after all.

Today I am happily working again and just roaring along. This is my problem now. I can't stop. I'm on the pattern section of the sweater and I had to make myself put it down at 10pm....11pm....midnight.

Crafty

I haven't been posting but I have been being very crafty. I don't have many great exciting knitting pictures because for all the knitting I have been doing trying to finish my UFOs I haven't had a lot of focus. I have been working a little bit here and there and not making any real progress on any one thing.

I have also been trying a few new hobbies. The thing with having the summers off is that you find new ways to fill your time and spend your money.

First was the sewing. I pulled out grandma's sewing machine again and did some experimenting. I ended up watching this video online. and changed a few things about it, added and iron-on and voila! A skirt!

The other crafty thing I have been up to is a little drawing and painting. It started with me starting to design a new tattoo for myself. Then I started to do a little painting.

The one on the right is the one I did first. I learned a bit doing that one and then did the one on the left a little later. I like the one on the left better but my hubby likes the one on the right.

I haven't completely stuck by my promise to myself not to start anything new. But I have a good reason. There are two babies coming that need little sweaters and then there is this one.

I even love the stockinette stitch of the back. Spud and Chloe is so nice to work with. Psst I know where you can get some ;)

Ranting

Let me start by saying that there is no knitting content in this post. Let me also add that whatever I say here I say with no real understanding of that things are like for my hubby right now.

That said, here we go.......

There are many things that I love about my husband. One thing that I could live without is the smoking. Since we have moved in together he has not smoked in our house he always goes outside but... as a non smoker I can really notice when he comes inside and when I kiss him.

He has tried to quit a few times over the years that I have known him but he has been smoking since he was 13 or 14? He has (in my opinion) gotten past the hardest parts of quitting only to start again.

I do not claim to understand. I never say "I know it's hard" because what I do understand is that there is no way I could possibly understand. I do tell him how proud I am of him for doing what he has so far and to some extent I wait on him hand and foot to keep his stress down and his happiness up.

Because he is not smoking his is eating. Boy oh boy is he eating. So I buy him snacks that I don't like to keep in the house because I like to eat them too. Cookies, chips, pudding, and as strange as it sounds KD and instant mashed potatoes. When he says he is hungry I make him what he asks for (even if it gets in the way of my knitting time). When he tells me he is dying and that he wants a smoke I smile and say "you're not dying hunny, can I get you something?" Ugh...I frustrate myself but I think it is for the greater good.

We had planned to maybe go to see a movie tonight. I was going to meet him after work and go to an early show. He called me after he finished work to tell me he had a bad day and just wanted to go home.

I made him a snack when he got home (dinner was going to take an hour in the oven) he still asked me after for a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup. I made him both served with a cold beer.

Then when dinner was ready (lasagna) he started to eat it...looked at it funny and asked if mine was still cold in the middle ("no") we ate a little longer. "Where did we get this lasagna from?... I cant eat this" Then like a silly little wife I offer to make him something else. He didn't want anything else but.....grrrrrr. Now he is sitting here on the couch and is he ever cranky.

He has had one cigarette today and has had 2 or 3 every day for the last (almost) 2 weeks. I am starting to get just as cranky as he is.

If anyone else out there has any suggestions for me about how I can be supportive and not lose my mind please let me know because sometimes I feel about as shaky as he is.

P.S. Just as I was spell checking this the dog rang the bell to go out.....I just wanted to post before I took him out. Hubby asked me if I was going to let him out ("yes") He rang the bell 4 times what are you doing("blogging. I don't see you getting up to let him out") Fine ("I'm going now") Then I'm going to the store (This would imply he was going to buy cigarettes but he instead lay down on the couch.)

Too Busy to Blog

When you go on vacation you have a list of all the things you will get done because you will have all this time on your hands. What happens to that time? Why do you still never seem to have enough?

I have been a busy little bee this week and a bit. When I got better I was talking to a friend that I don't see very often (sometimes only once a year) and we made plans to meet at her cottage. I was very excited and I wanted to take her a birthday present and also a present for her 10 month old baby.

I'm sure you can see where this is going. As a knitter I thought I would make something! Won't that be nice! So I had a week to start and finish 2 projects but hey....I'm on vacation so I have time.

Project #1 : ITV Digital Monkey. I found the pattern on Ravelry and thought how cute it was.

It is cute but.....there are many pieces.

I made changes to the mouth that were suggested by a few other people who made this monkey. I still wasn't completely happy with the shape of the mouth but overall the monkey is cute. But I don't think I will ever make one again.

I loved my Milkweed shawl so much and it was so fast I thought it would be perfect for my friend so....

Project #2 : Milkweed Shawl (x2)

I loved this one just as much as the one as I made for myself. Perhaps more because mine has not yet been blocked.

But wait there is still more.

Project #3 (yes I know): Leaves of Grass Scarf

When I was sick I didn't get the scarf finished in time for my friend's birthday. I hopefully will be seeing her tonight or this month sometime so no excuses. It is finished.

I have often thought I could use blocking wires but I never buy them for myself. I could have really used them for this project. I tried to keep the sides as straight as possible but it was a challenge and I think I put pins in, took them out and moved them at lease 3 times.

I am happy with the way it turned out. I hope my friend likes her gift because I was worried she might like a little brighter blue more but I think she will be happy.

I have a few things on my list now that are not knitting related and without a deadline I have no excuse to ignore my housework any longer.

Sick, Yuck

I haven't been blogging or doing much of anything lately because I have been sicker than I can remember being for a long time. I told my husband I almost wish it was the flu because at least you can tell when you are fixed because you stop being sick.

I have strep throat. YUCK! I haven't had this since I was going to school. It was so painful to talk and swallow a few days ago that I could cry. I had a fever of 100.9 F. I take my last antibiotic today and I'm still not completely better. I might have to go back to the doctor next week. But the last two days have been so much better than the days before. I think because I was trying so hard make it through my last few staff meetings for the year that I wasn't getting the rest I needed.

Friday I got home from work around 3 and slept on the couch until 5, then went to my bed for another hour. Then I had a bit of dinner (more than freezees and popcicles anyway) and fell asleep again on the couch. Then hubby suggested bed at 9:30 and I still slept all night until 6am and then napped on the couch until 7:30. I obviously wasn't getting the rest that I needed to heal.

But why is it that when the woman gets sick nothing gets done. No dishes get washed, nothing gets put away and the house might even fall apart. My Hubby might even starve because he has barely had more real food than I have.

Because I haven't got a lot of knitting done I didn't finish the scarf in time for my friend's birthday. I am getting close though. I can't wait to see it blocked.

But I needed something to work on during the end of the year staff meetings on Thursday and Friday and I couldn't work on her scarf in front of her so....I have a new project that I am in love with at the moment.

The Milkweed Shawl
I am using Dream in Color Starry. I fell in love with the colour (Punky Fuchsia) and had to make something with it and Milkweed is perfect. I am really enjoying it.

Baby baby!

I was cutting it close but the two baby surprise sweaters were finished just in time for the shower.

This one was very unisex because mommy and daddy are waiting for the worlds greatest surprise.

This one will be for a little girl with an incredible mom. I know she will be a lovely little girl because her mom is lovely.


And a quick pick of the two of them together.


The children in my class saw me wrapping them at lunch (I told you I was cutting it close) and the asked me about them. When I told them they were for two other teachers one of my kids asked "how are they going to fit them?" I guess I needed to be a little more clear. Some didn't notice that they were pregnant at all. They are so sweet.

The gifts were very well received and appreciated. Every baby needs at least one knit gift.

A time to rest

I am excited that the school year is winding down again. I always think I would like to keep my kids a little longer, like there is never enough time. But I am excited for rest.

I'm looking forward to Knit in Public day this Saturday (June 13th). Come by Pick Up Sticks!! I'm really looking forward to it. I will be able to work on my June deadline projects.

Monday is the baby shower for the two girls I work with. They are both due in September I believe so they will be off next school year so we are doing the shower before they go on leave.

So priority is finishing the second baby surprise jacket. One down, one to go!!

This is the progress on #2.

Of course Oscar has to get his nose in there to give his approval.

Then my next deadline is June 27th for my friends birthday. I need to have the Leaves of Grass scarf finished by then.

So...See ya Saturday???

Weekends

I love this time of year and the weekend! I look forward to weekends to just be out and chatting with the people in the neighbourhood.

The last few weekends we have all been out getting flower beds done, fixing lawnmowers, hanging screen doors. It is just such a friendly and relaxing place to be. We spontaneously BBQ, and help each other carry things, dig holes etc.

Sometimes it feels like our town is stuck in a time capsule (which I love). It reminds me of when I was growing up and you could ride your bike further than your parents could see you without having to worry. People smile and say hello as they walk their dogs ( everyone here has at least one dog it seems ).

This was last weekends gardening.





This weekend we found this cute little table and chairs.



Perfect for a cup of coffee, a glass of *insert beverage of choice here* and some chat with a friend or just some quiet knitting.

A little bit of knitting content. I have made the pattern designs that I have done for Pick Up Sticks available on the side bar. Please check them out if you are interested. Enjoy what's left of your weekend everyone.

Birthdays and Babies

I was making so much progress on the Brooke's Lace Shawl but had to put it aside to work on a few baby gifts and a birthday present.

This is the present for my friend at work. We both have June birthdays. She asked me to make her a blue scarf that was pretty open. So I thought the perfect pattern would be the Leaves of Grass Scarf by Sunflower Designs. And the yarn and the colour was a bit of a debate for me but in the end it was some more of that lovely Jojoland. Melody this time. Again from Pick Up Sticks.

When I finish this scarf then I will be starting another Baby Surprise Jacket (Jojoland Rhythm again--I loved the first one so much) for another girl at work.

Here is Oscar on the couch as part of our Sunday morning ritual. We cuddle on the couch, I knit, drink coffee and watch Coronation Street.

"Mommy come back to the couch, I don't have a lap to put my head on."

Spring In Socks

Size: woman's size 9 ( but the size can easily be changed by adding or removing stitches from the even sections between the pattern repeats)

Materials:

Indigo Moon (100% Merino Wool; 370 yrds/100g)

2.5 mm dpns

Stitch marker for the beginning of the round (optional)

Guage: 7 sts per inch in stockinette stitch



$5.00 USD

Surprise!

What the heck is that?

SURPRISE!!

It's the baby surprise jacket by Elizabeth Zimmermann.

I used Jojoland Rhythm that I picked up (hehehe) at Pick Up Sticks. It took just over 3 balls (figures). So so cute I love it.

I am pleasantly surprised not only that that strange object turns into a sweater but at this yarn as well. Looking at it in the ball it doesn't really appeal to me. Connie assured me that I would fall in love with the yarn and I did!!! The way the colours blend keeps you interested the way Noro Keeps me interested.

I'm have to do it again. I have another colourway for another BSJ. And it just so happens that two of the girls I work with are prego. We are having a shower for them in June so....I have my presents all planned out.

Present #1 = Check!

Knitting not posting

I have been a busy knitting bee the last little bit that is why I haven't been posting. Since the Frolic I have......

1) Finished the Biker Baby Sweater. It is here blocking waiting to be given.

The front

The back

The buttons (not a great pic but you can see the Dream in Color Classy Black Pearl Colour really well - not as solid black as it appears = LOVE IT!)

2) Made progress on the Brooke's Lace Shawl.

I have finished the first panel. And am ready to start the lace section of the second panel.

I would like to say that I was finished the two but I realized that I had joined to knit in the round and had it twisted. I don't know how it took me until I was over halfway done the section to notice my error but I had to go ALL THE WAY BACK and start again.

So feeling discouraged I started......

3) one of 4 baby sweaters I will need to have finished in the next month.

It is a baby surprise sweater..... my first time and I am still amazed. I know the basics of how this works but how does one (i.e. E.Z. ) think this up in the first place? I love this sweater.

I'm back to it now....I can't leave my knitting alone lately.

Oh yeah We Froliced!

Saturday was the Knitter's Frolic. As usual I was there with Connie at Pick up Sticks. Friday night set up was long but fun. I always enjoy seeing yarn galore coming out of boxes and bags and being beautifully displayed.

The night was restless as we were all excited for the show. The morning came early and anticipation was high. This was the picture that I took before they opened the doors to the public.

(I emailed this to my hubby on my phone with the subject "you think I'm crazy?"- his response was "you are all crazy"--yes I suppose we are but...we are happy that way)

This was our booth.

At least these are of two sides of our booth. I thought I had a pic of the back where the Baby Bamboo was but I can't find it.

This is the beautiful basket that Connie gave me as a gift. So cute! And No Lisa I am not going on a picnic!

This is the yarn I bought when I thought my budget was in good shape. There is some Fino alpaca and silk blend ( the green) lace weight from the Purple Purl.

On the left there is some Jojoland Melody for the beautiful Leaves of Grass Shawl pattern from Sunflower designs from Pick Up Sticks.

Those were in the budget! This is what took me over the top.

I bought this one from Needle Emporium and if you can't see it in the picture it is the Brooke's Lace Shawl. I saw it and had to make it. The picture on the pattern does not do it justice if you ask me and the yarn is not something I would pick on it's own. However when I saw it in person I decided I must have it. I also had a few enablers (you know who you are ladies).

I have already started it (because I have no self control) but you can't see much of the pattern yet but ...I love it!

Diana Socks

Size: Women's Size 8-9

Materials:
Apple Laine, Apple Pie (65% Superwash Merino, 20% Kid Mohair, 10% Nylon, 5% Silk)

2.5mm dpns

stitch marker for beginning of round

It may be a little hard to see in the pictures (and I can't for the life of me figure out why blogger sometimes turns my pictures without my say so) but it is a spiral that works around the sock.

$4.00 USD

A whole lot of changes going on

I am going to be playing with the template of my blog the next few days so if you stumble on it and it looks to be in some disarray please just come back later!

Some People's Friends

I have really been enjoying my knitting again. It is all I think about right now and all I do. I have taken a nice big chunk out of a not-so-baby-baby sweater (it is probably more 1-2 yr size)

My husband has a friend who is expecting a baby boy. He is kinda a tough guy and he is into bikes and stuff so I thought he might want a tough baby sweater for the new arrival. Soooo........

This is what I have been working on.

It has been so much fun to work on something like this. I don't do much colour work so it has been fun so far.

It helps that I kinda have a thing for skulls myself! I am using the chart from Domiknitrix. I have made a few little changes to help it fit the back of the sweater but it is such a great chart as is.

So the back of the sweater is the skull and the front needed a little something as well. Time to revert back to childhood crafts and hunt down the Fimo. I never really did Fimo before but I remember my friends making jewelry and things all the time. This was my turn. I made some buttons for the front.

The ones on the right are the ones I think I'm going to use and the ones on the left are my first attempts.

Also my hubby (who is blind without his glasses) has taken to calling me four-eyes because of my new reading glasses. Even though it is a very mild prescription I do notice a big difference when I'm reading in bed at night and working on the computer. These are my new specks.

My hope is that they will help with my headaches. Not the migraines I know (cuz I had one on Thursday) but the little ones I wake up with but go away in a few hours.

I'm am almost done the body of the sweater so sleeve and a hood are still to come. Check back to see more progress!

Rest, Relaxation, and Knitting

It is March Break time again. This time last year I was in Jamaica on my honeymoon enjoying some rest and relaxation. This year that doesn't fit into our budget but I am home enjoying some rest and relaxation. I am also planning on getting a lot of organization done this week (particularly in my office) but I do plan on enjoying my week off and working on a few knitting projects.


One of those projects is great for the relax part of my week because it is close to mindless and it is big enough now that I can curl up under it on the couch. Some people may have seen this project before but it was in the closet for a long time. Oscar is happy I brought it back. He thinks that if I'm working on this project it is time to cuddle up on the couch.



Aaron likes this blanket too and sticks his feet under it on the couch while I'm working. He can't wait for me to finish it. I was surprised that he likes it so much because he talks about being allergic to wool. This blanket is Silk Garden and I love Noro but some people find it a little scratchy so for people allergic to wool it can be like hell in fabric but he seems to not have an issue with it. (he also doesn't have an issue with the hat I made him out of Mission Falls but I didn't tell him that it was wool because I figured it was soft enough--He wears it all the time with no itchy or bumpy reactions).

I'm off to work in the office so I can relax later with some more knitting. There will be some serious sock knitting this afternoon!