Final FOs of the year?

Pattern: Jarrett from Rowan Vintage Knits
Yarn: Ella Rae Classic, color 103, 6.5 skeins
Needles: Sz 5 and 7 Clover Bamboo circulars
Dates: mid September-Monday December 24.
Mods: Tons. I knit an XXXS size using Flintknits Pam'smods she was so gracious to share with me (thanks to the magic of Ravelry, I saw that she had knit a smaller size for her Jarrett, so emailed her and she shared her mods. Love Ravelry!). I also knit the sleeves smaller and not from the top down as she had done. Hubbo decided on a short collar (and he likes the standing-up of it), and no elbow or shoulder patches (for now).
Thoughts: he loves it. I love that it is done, and he can stop saying I've never knit him a sweater. He picked out the buttons, and it needs a good blocking so the button band will lie flat. He did say "Don't loose this pattern, 'cause I'm sure I'll wear this out in a few years and I'll need another." I think that's the mark of a successful knit!


I also knit up a quickie project for me. I started these a few weeks ago when it was starting to get chilly in the mornings, but put them aside to finish my holiday knitting. I threw them in my bag when we were leaving on Friday morning, and had them finished about an hour into our flight. And I enjoyed wearing them when it was chilly in the evenings in D.C. The color doesn't really go with any of my coats, but I don't really care!


Pattern: Fingerless Mitts from Weekend Knitting.
Yarn: Lana Grossa Cool Wool Big - less than 1 ball.
Needles: Sz 8 Clover circulars.
Dates: early December - Friday December 28.
Mods: none.
Thoughts: Great pattern. Easy, quick, useful. I see more of these in my future - in fact, hubbo has already requested his - in grey, of course!

I have more to say about our trip, and my year in review, and my future knitting "goals", but that will have to wait, as I'm trying to finish up one more FO for the year! Fingers crossed!

Holiday wrap-up

Happy Thursday! Hopefully by now, you have all recovered from your turkey/pie/gift/mess comas. I was lucky enough to finish all of my holiday knitting in time! Very quickly, I have some less-than-stellar photos to share with you.



Pattern: Generic sock over 72 stitches.
Yarn: Lana Grossa Bosco, not sure of the color number.
Needles: Size 2.25mm ChiaGoo DPNs
Mods: none
Dates: late November to Monday December 24.
Thoughts: I did not really enjoy the yarn. But the socks fit great!



Pattern: Seaman's Cap by Brenda Zuk at Needle Beetle.
Yarn: Mission Falls 1824 Wool - 1.5 balls
Needles: Sz US 7 Circular and DPNs
Mods: only 2" of ribbing, brim does not fold up.
Dates: mid December to Sunday December 23.
Thoughts: love the yarn. Glad this one fits.


Hubbo's sweater is also done - buttons and collar and all. Hopefully we'll get a FO shot for you this weekend in Washington, D.C.! We're off in the morning for a quick trip with lots of dorky museum and National Archives, and Library of Congress visiting. I'll have more on that and a bit of year-end wrap up coming soon!

Stick a fork in me

It's done. Up at 5:30 - all seamed up, and wrapped. I left the needle in the collar, since I don't know how long he'd like it, and it doesn't have buttons, since I thought he could pick those out. But it's done, for all Christmas purposes. I never thought I'd make it. Now I just need to finish my MIL sock. Wow. Done. Nice.

Pictures after he opens it. Have a great Christmas Eve. And, if your gifts aren't done, there are always gift cards, right?

No time

Collar? Done.
Buttonbands? Seamed.
Sleeves? One set in.
Sock? Heel turned, through the gusset.
Hat? Done.

It will be a Christmas miracle if this gets done. Must go to bed so I can get up at the crack of dawn.

Knit yourself an ornament if you need a last-minute gift. You know how to find the patterns on ravelry, right?

Close

I've gotten to the heel of the second MIL sock. Whew. Might be done. The shoulders are joined and the collar is started on hubbo's sweater. Must find some secret knitting time. There is more to talk about, but I'm beat.

If you find yourself with free time this weekend, why not knit your gift wrap? Try the drawstring bag, the the tree and rose bags and the wine bags are all super cute, and two gifts in one!

Off to sleep - we're lighting the advent candles at church tomorrow! Must get up early. Hopefully I'll have some seaming time!

Clogs times 2

Second verse, close to the first.

Pattern: Felted Clogs by Fiber Trends
Yarn: Ella Rae Classic (1 ball black) and Knitpicks Wool of the Andes (2 balls Mist, 3ish balls Coal)
Needles: Clover Sz 13 circulars
Dates: mid December - Wednesday December 19
Mods: none
Thoughts: they look too big, but I can always refelt them if needed.

I am very close to finishing hubbo's sweater - I have a few inches left on the second buttonband, then seaming and the collar. I really think it will be done. I also need to finish a hat and my MIL socks. But the house is clean, and I've been to the store, and my presents are all purchased, and the wrapping is done. I'll make more cookies this weekend for gifts, and work tomorrow, then relax. Relax. Ah.

A few more knits for you last-minuters. Dishcloths make a great gift - and they quick and easy! The ballband dishcloth is a big favorite, while the round dishcloth is one of my favorites, and the corner to corner is nice and easy.

Sweater update tomorrow!

One more day

of school. I can survive. Movie, caroling, party, clean. 8 more hours.

I did finish some clogs - picture tomorrow when they're dry. But if you are still whittling down the list, add some "home" knits as gifts. Hand towels are perfectly lovely, as are Felted Bowls. All of you environmental types can also knit your own lunch bag! (I totally want one of these!)


OK - really more exciting content this weekend. Really. Must go clean and sleep.

Ditto

Second verse, same as the first. No time to say much, no time to knit. Gah! But if you have time, and need a quick gift, why not a hat? Odessa is cute with or without beads. Fake Isle is one I've admired for a while, while Zee Bee appeals to my garter stitch side, and Calorimetry is quick and easy.

Ok. Off to knit.

Nothing

I got nothing. No pictures of knits in progress or finished. Nothing to say about my knits unless I say that I haven't gotten anything done since last night. I do have the second clog knit, now to knit two soles. Too bad we have another (unexpected) event tonight. Argh.

But for those of you who will be home, enjoy The Christmas Wish, A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer, Rudolph's Shiny New Year, and Snowglobe (which kind of sucks, FYI).

While you're watching, if you need more knit ideas, whip up a pair of fingerless gloves. Try Fetching or Dashing. I also like the Endpaper Mitts and the Fingerless Mitts from Weekend Knitting. (I may have a pair of these hiding on the needles for me. For after Christmas, of course.)

Must think good, positive thoughts. Like how I'm going to stop sleeping and going to the gym in order to get some more knitting time.

Cute Baby Hats

Pattern: Inca Snowflake Hat from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Um, not sure. The white is Debbie Bliss Wool Cotton
Needles: Sz 7 Clover circulars and DPNs
Mods: yarn sub, not as many snowflakes
Thoughts: very cute - a bit fiddly with the finishing, but cute.

So, late posting tonight due to all the busyness. So no movies, but a few patterns. Tonight it's all about the toys. Kate is awfully cute, Hedgehogs are a great use for fun fur, and dinosaurs are sure to please many kiddos.

No noticable sleeve difference tonight - trying not to panic.

14 inches

Of sleeve. That's what I got done today (and I finished the sleeve cap on the other sleeve). I think I can, I think I can. Hopefully I can finish up some little things tonight to get them out of the way.

I spent a lovely afternoon knitting sleeve and watching bad holiday movies. Really bad holiday movies. Let me just say that Holiday in Handcuffs was the highlight, which, if you've seen it, explains a lot.

But if you're not me, and you're up for more holiday movies, there are still some to choose from! Christmas at Water's Edge, A Diva's Christmas, The Road to Christmas, Meet me in St. Louis, The Nutcracker, Casper's Haunted Christmas, All I Want for Christmas and A Season for Miracles, plus your usual weekend movies.

Still need project ideas? It's go time, folks! How about a bag? Sophie is quick and easy, while Booga Bag is a bit roomier. And, for those of you who like complicated bags, try the Brea Bag (which I can't wait to make for me!).

Most of our holiday busyness is over - hubbo's Christmas program is tomorrow, and then we should have a quiet week until my family arrives on Saturday. Plenty of time to finish all the projects, do Christmas cards, make cookies and ornaments, wrap presents, finish decorating the house and cleaning.....send the elves. At least all the shopping is done! Woo Hoo!

Ok, can't spend any more time on the blog - must finish slippers!

Um, so not a gift

In lieu of any exciting progress pictures ('cause there isn't much progress to see), allow me to present a long hidden WIP - a sock for me!


I started these this fall, in an effort to get them finished for xmas. Ain't gonna happen though. But they're pretty, and they'll be finished maybe for Valentines Day!


Mittens not your thing? Need some scarf ideas? Why not try My So-Called scarf, a Noro scarf, or the One Row Scarf. Lovely, easy options. And someday I'll knit them all!

To aid your knitting tonight, there are quite a few options, Snowglobe, A Hobo's Christmas, A Dad for Christmas, Christmas in Paradise, and the Saturday Night Live Christmas. Plus a lot of other movies. Pretty exciting, eh? I *might* have tivoed Holiday in Handcuffs earlier today, so I'll report on that tomorrow. If I tivoed it.

I won't be knitting again tonight, since I have my xmas party to attend. But I'm almost done with the first sleeve, so hopefully I can finish it tomorrow and start the second. Send good thoughts!

Two does not a pair make

I have another clog done. Unfortunately, two done things (especially when one's a sock and one's a clog) do not make a FO. Damn.

Hopefully at least this one will have a mate this weekend.

It's cold here. And wet. And I know most of you are getting snow. So it's time for mittens! Anemoi is my current favorite (although those Bird in the Hand mittens are stunning. May have to have those soon.) For a little less work there is Corazon, and for even less there are Basic Mittens. Something for everyone.
Tonight it's the big one - It's a Wonderful Life is on! Crazy for Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Silver Bells are also in the lineup, as are lots of other non-holiday movies. if you're burned out.

I have a wild weekend of sleeve knitting, clog and sock knitting and (hopeful) hat finishing.

One down

One more to go.


Just a quickie again tonight, since I forgot we had the holiday program at school and I (again) wouldn't be home until late. But let's not forget the babies on our list! Try the Baby Surprise Jacket, Saartjes Bootees, a bib, or a cap. All super cute!

And now that I missed my knitting group tonight, I'm three more hours behind on my sleeve. Double crap.

Crap. Crap. Crap.

Um, ya'll know there's only two more weekends until Christmas? And I really only have one, since the fam will get here the Saturday before Christmas. Crap. When will I finish hubbo's sweater? Crap. Must knit faster.

One more gift done!

Pattern: Garter stitch over 15 stitches.
Needles: Sz 15 clover bamboo circs
Yarn: Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande - 1 skein
Dates: Friday December 7 - Tuesday December 11
Mods: n/a
Thoughts: Love the garter stitch in the lovely yarn. Oh so pretty, simple and warm. A sure winner!

Time to crank the gifts. Time for some speedy gifts. Speedy socks are my favorite kind, and these should zip right along. Monkey, Thuja and Log Cabin Socks should fly off your needles.

The TV pickings are slim again - I may retreat to the bedroom for some hubbo sweater knittin'. Wish me luck. And enjoy The Santa Claus (again), Grandma got run over by a Reindeer, The Ultimate Christmas Present, The Polar Express (again) and All I Want for Christmas.

2 weeks!

It's not time to panic - yet. There is still hope (there had better be, or I'm screwed!). 14 days is a long time. Hopefully I can finish my MIL socks before then, but it may be close.



Now that we've got the kids taken care of, what about the furry babies in your life? Surely they deserve a handknit gift too! I love the snuggly Kitty Pi, which hopefully I'll get to after the holidays. Also of note is Penny for the canine babies in your life. And my kitties love catnip mice! (so much so that I had to hide their presents in the tip top of the closet!)
The TV offerings are a bit slim, but hopefully you'll find something you enjoy! Shrek the Halls, Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too!, Miracle on 34th Street, Disney Holiday Magic, Billy and Mandy Save Christmas, Meet the Santas, and Holiday in Handcuffs (again!)

I had intended to write more, but I have a terrible sinus headache, so I"m going to beg off. We had a good time at the party last night, though I didn't get much knitting done! Time to make up for lost time!

Drive by

So, it is not yet a project, but it is possibility. Or it was, until this weekend, when I started a simple garter stitch scarf with it. Yum. Pictures of the scarfy goodness to come.

I'm in a bit of a hurry tonight, as I prepare to rush off to the yarn store holiday party (drinks and mexican food - huzzah!), so please forgive.

For knitting inspiration today, let's not forget the kids! Drive Thru works for girls and boys, while the Pinwheel Sweater is super cute. I know there are tons more kid's patterns, but we're all about the time folks. These two are quick and easy, while not being a plain old stockinette pullover.

While on the tube, you can enjoy The Road to Christmas, Snow Dogs, Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus, and I Want a Dog for Christmas Charlie Brown. Also, when is the darm writer's strike going to be over? The reruns are killing me! Thank cheese for sappy holiday movies - I don't know what I'll do in January!

More tomorrow, when I have more time!

Nice and cozy

It's cold here. Raining and yucky. I love it when it's like this on a weekend - snuggling up with my knitting, my furry babies and my tea (plus bad lifetime movies) make a great day. Here are my cute kitties all snuggled up on mom's lap. I know it's cold when Cocoa will share the lap with Otis.



And Otis can't be bothered with photo-shoots. He's too tired.


To keep hubbo's granddad's feet warm, I whipped up a pair of felted clogs.



Pattern: Felted Clogs from Fiber Trends
Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes - 3 balls red, 6 balls black.
Size: 13. Never again.
Needles: Sz 13 Clover bamboo circulars
Mods: none
Dates: summer sometime - December 6 2007. Felted December 8.
Thoughts: Sorry I didn't take a pre-felting picture - they were HUGE!


Since we're on a warm kick, I thought I'd share my warm gift ideas. the Felted Clogs are great, of course. Also nice and cozy are Hot water bottle covers (there are tons of different patterns), and Legwarms (also tons of patterns available).

On TV tonight - The Christmas Shoes, An Accidental Christmas, Santa Claus, A Christmas Carol, Holiday in Handcuffs (?), When Angels Come to Town and The Christmas Card. The girl and I are off to The Nutcracker though, so enjoy them for us - oh and the sock did get worked on at the movie last night - slowly but surely!

No longer a WIP

Today's project is soon to be no more. I'm not loving this scarf, and I've decided to rip it. Pretty exciting, eh?

Today's projects are even less work than a vest! We don't have time for no stinkin' sweaters, so shrugs are it! Some of my favorites are a One Skein Wonder, the Turtleneck Neck, and the Anthropologie Inspired Capelet, which is not really a shrug, but is cute!

For your TV viewing tonight, we've got The Santa Clause 2, The Polar Express, A Christmas Wedding, and Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Me? My MIL sock and I are off to see No Country for Old Men. See you tomorrow!

TGIF

Oy vey. Am I glad it's Friday.

Not much excitement today either - I'm just glad I survived the week with all of the members of my class still alive.

Today's project is a sock for hubbo - I started it several weeks ago, but I haven't gotten beyond the cuff. It isn't a high-stress gift, and probably won't be done in time for Christmas, but that's OK. I'm slightly irritated that the yarn is pooling, but I'm hoping it will stop after the cuff. We'll see.

I have the first pair of Felted Clogs ready for seaming and felting, so hopefully a FO tomorrow.

Tanks too cold for you? (Not here, were it was over 80 today. Sheesh.) How 'bout a vest? A ribwarmer would make a great gift, as would a Boogie vest, and for simplicity a leftovers vest is so cute!

On TV tonight we have Grandma got run over by a Reindeer, All I Want for Christmas, The Polar Express, and Elf. I think we're settled in for a long night of knitting. Woo Hoo!

Better late than never

Sorry it's so late tonight - I completely forgot that I wouldn't be home until after knitting. So a quickie -



My MIL's sock. Stuck in the heel flap. While this is nothing new for me, I have to get over it and get 'er done.

So a quick list - you're running out of time! You need a knit gift! Agh! You still have time for a tank - try Orangina for those of you who have lots of time, the Razor Cami for some pretty lace, and Sizzle for a little va-va-voom!

No movies tonight, since they're mostly over (but I'm watching the end of Christmas Vacation - one of my all-time favorites!).

More excitement tomorrow!

Some days are better than others

I do have two FOs today, but only one had the desired effect.

Pattern: Quick Hat from Y2Knit
Yarn: Mission Falls Superwash Wool - a bit less than a skein and a half.
Needles: Sz 7 Clover Bamboo circulars and DPNs
Dates: late last week to Tuesday December 4.
Mods: none
Thoughts: It is too small. Too freakin' small. It is squeezing hubbo's brains out in this picture and can't keep his ears warm. Solution? Give this one to the Neph and knit another gift, using my tried ant true Seaman's Cap pattern. Go with what you know. I wanted to try out a new pattern, branch out. I've made the Seaman's Cap about 8 times now. But I know it works. I shouldn't have tried to reinvent the wheel. Lesson Learned. And I only have to buy one skein of yarn to knit the second, since I have leftovers.


Pattern: Wool Noggins
Yarn: Lion Branch Landscapes - about a skein and a half.
Needles: Sz 10.5 Clover Bamboo DPNs
Dates: late last week to Tuesday December 4
Mods: I didn't do the picot cast-on or the garter edge. Whoops.
Thoughts: quick, warm, and with the partial acrylic content I don't think the recipient's mom will felt it.

I have hopes to finish off two more WIPs, but since I cast on th ending amount of stitches instead of the cast-on number for the second sole for my second slipper, I'm hoping the knitting gods are on my side. Fingers crossed.

Many of you asked if I have a schedule a la the Harlot for finishing my gifts. Nope. I just try to work on a few here and there, knit simple things while I read blogs, work in the morning in the car on the way to school, knit during the Girl's holiday program, etc. I find that my ADD helps in the xmas knitting frenzy - I work on 2-3 projects a night, and while I don't finish anything in one sitting, I also don't get too sick of my projects.

If I can find my Interweave Holiday Gifts, I'll be knitting some Garter Mug Cozies for office staff gifts. Must find it. 4 more gifts for the list.

But what should you knit? We're T-minus 3 weeks and counting, so It's time for smaller gifts. How 'bout Rusted Root, Picovoli and the Leaf tee top my list of favorites. Think how much faster the knitting will be without sleeves!

Tonight I'll be watching the Mavs with hubbo, but you all may enjoy these holiday treats. And I can't believe I missed Rudolph last night! Agh! Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, George Balanchine's Nutcracker, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.

OK - off to finish up these slippers and restart the hat!

3 weeks and counting

Palms sweaty yet? Short of breath? By now you should all have your holiday knitting list semi-planned out, if not finalized. I know I'll probably add things to it, but mine is pretty much set.

There are a fair number of smallish projects on that list - several hats.





A few of them are very close to being done, so I'm hoping to turn these all into FOs this week!


For your inspiration today, may I present the shawl? Shawls make a lovely gift, whether comfy or classy. My favorites include Clapotis, Icarus, and Cozy.

Tonight, to keep you entertained, may I offer, Snow, Santa Baby (both on ABC Family), The Legend of Frosty the Snowman, and The WEdding Planner (in case you're sick of Christmas movies already).

Whew! This is hard work! Don't worry - I have more up my sleeve to come!

Is it really December?

I knew that it was December. I'd posted twice. I'd thought about the Christmas countdown. But it wasn't until I wrote the date on the board in my room that I really KNEW it was December. Boy, was that a rude awakening!



Today's WIP is a FO!


Pattern: Diagonal Rib scarf from Misti Alpaca
Yarn: Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande - 1 skein
Needles: Sz 15 Clover circulars
Mods: none, besides larger needle.
Thoughts: relatively quick and easy and oh-so-warm!


What's up for today's project list? Blankets! Snuggle up with your knitting by casting on Log Cabins for mindlessness, Hemlock Ring Blanket for those who want a challenge, and Ripple Afghan for those crocheters out there.
If you really want your blanket to go fast, double up that yarn! Really, I think this is a great gift - keep yourself warm and finish your gift knitting!
I still have grand plans to someday soon finish the girl's log cabin blanket - maybe after Christmas.


Tonight, for your viewing pleasure - The Closer special 2 hour event (what I'll be watching! that and Heroes!), Father of the Bride 2, Bolshio Ballet Nutcracker, The Year with out a Santa Clause, and Silver Bells. Whew! I need more TiVo space!

For the lady in your life

Today it's all about the ladies. For myself, for Christmas (though there's no way it'll get done in time) I'm knitting Bristow.


Here she is, up to the armholes. I've been working on her in pieces, as I have time, and need stockinette and can't work on hubbo's sweater in front of him.

What about the lady in your life? Doesn't she need a sweater? How about Hourglass, Wicked, Ariann, or Bristow?

Get started now, to finish in time!

If you need more gift ideas, the lovely folks at Garnstudio have put together an advent calendar of knitted gift patterns for us! See it here.

For your viewing pleasure tonight, there is a plethora of choices. Ion is showing The Night They Saved Christmas and A Christmas Memory, Ovation is showing Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker, Disney is showing Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas, TCM is showing The Shop around the Corner, and Lifetime has a few cheesy Christmas movies to choose from. Or, there's always football!

I've done little knitting today, as I tried to get the decorations up (some are up, the outside lights are done, the tree is up, but naked. And the advent calendar isn't done. We may be a few days behind - I'll live. I do have one of the fronts done for hubbo's sweater though! Three pieces and a buttonband/collar to go!

Off to the girl's xmas musical at church - she's playing a "rapping mouse!" Pictures to come!

24 days

While many of you have just completed NanBloPoMo (whatever it's called), I think November is overrated. I totally have time to blog every day in November, I just choose not to. What I don't have is time to blog every day before Christmas, so that's what my challenge is. Every day. A post. And in order to make myself work even harder, I won't just post a picture. Or a line about how busy I am. No. I have A PLAN.

Every day I'll share one of my WIP gifts, and help you finish off your list with a project suggestion that could be finished before xmas (those of you who celebrate Hanukkah, well, you're out of luck on this one. That's way too soon for me! Good luck!). And, in an effort to get us all to knit faster, I'll try to throw in a few TV recommendations to speed that knitting along.

My first suggestion? Get the house cleaned and the decorations up today. Do it, get it done, and then enlist your slaves husband/wife/child to keep up with the cleaning. You should also get your holiday cards done this weekend. Think about how much that is to cross off your list! Woo Hoo!


On to the knitting - for your enjoyment today, may I present the finished back of Hubbo's xmas sweater. It is too big to fit into this little picture (20 inches from underarm to hip. 20 inches.), but it is done. I'm onto the first front, and I'm hoping to knit a piece a week in order to get it all done.

Those of you who haven't started your holiday knitting, or are in desperate need of ideas, today's suggestions are for men's sweaters: Jarrett, Cambridge Jacket, and Cobblestone. Two cardigans and a pullover. All relatively plain, in an effort to speed your knitting, and please the man in your life (who, if he's anything like my man, loves plain. Hubbo doesn't even like the Cobblestone pullover. Too fussy.).

Get thee some worsted weight yarn, and get started!

Tonight, for your viewing pleasure, NBC is kindly presenting the Rockettes in the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Special. Their high kicks should inspire you to knit that much faster! If that's not your cup of tea, ABC Family (with their 25 days of Christmas, one of my favorite things about the holidays!) is showing the first two Harry Potter movies today.

GOOD LUCK!

Rappin' penguin

Pattern: Playful Penguins from Fiber Trends
Yarn: Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport, some black fun fur, leftover Lovely for the hat and scarf.
Needles: Sz 11 Circular and DPNs for penguin, sz 8 for hat and scarf.
Dates: Wednesday November 21 - Wednesday November 28.
Mods: None
Thoughts - I think he is really cute! I was nervous at first, but he turned out pretty well. Last night, before I had his scarf finished, he looked like a rapper with just his stocking hat on - hence the "rappin' penguin" title. His beak is a little crooked, and one of his wings is more forward than the other, but that just gives him personality.

Unfortunately, he is not a Christmas gift, so I can't cross one off the list, but it is a WIP down!

Holiday WIPs

Last night, after surviving the first day back to school, I got down to brass tacks and started my holiday crafting. This is an entirely different category from the holiday knitting, so it requires a different frame of mind. And a different set of tools.


These little pockets were inspired by Jenny at allsorts. When finished, they will turn into this. So cute! We don't have anything other than a paper advent calendar, so I am looking forward to having this finished. Last year I attempted to create some decorations, but ran out of steam. The advent calendar is the first thing I have planned (I don't have too much planned), but I have other holiday crafting to do - some of which is gifts.


Speaking of gifts, I have another complete!



Pattern: Sophie (I know, it's really getting old)
Yarn: Paton's Classic Merino - 1 skein
Needles: Sz 6.5mm Circular and DPNs
Mods: none
Thoughts: my favorite quick gift project. All of my gift Sophies are finished. I do have a skein of red Paton's to make a christmassy Sophie for me, but we'll see.

I have another project nearly done, but it requires a trip to JoAnn's, which hasn't happened for the past two nights, since we've had unexpected family stuff. Hopefully tomorrow after school.

Off to finish up another!

Weekend wrap-up

This week, some projects were nearly finished.



And others were barely started.


There is more, but much of it is secret, so I can't show you right now. Hopefully, some fully finished projects later this week!

I'm feeling a bit recharged, and hoping I can make it through the next four weeks with a fairly positive attitude. I'm also hoping to get some crafty holiday things done around the house, and will share those with you as they get finished. I even have a few plans for my December blogging, in an effort to make it "more exciting" for mom (and the rest of you).

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving, and have that holiday knitting list finalized!

Thanksgiving socks

Pattern: Generic top-down sock over 72 stitches
Needles: ChiaGoo sz 2.25mm dpns
Yarn: Trekking XXL
Mods: none
Thoughts: love the colors. The perfect fall socks!


Just in time for 34 degree temps, sleet and snow! I'm all bundled up in my new fall socks and my orange hourglass.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving - we did, and I'm looking forward to some snuggly knitting this weekend!

FO for momma

Pattern: Basketweave Pullover from a pattern leaflet mom sent me (I don't have it handy to look up - I'll try to find it.)
Yarn: Manos Cotton Stira, Tahki Cotton Classic
Needles: Sz 8 Clover Bamboo Circulars
Mods: lengthened sleeves
Dates: sometime this summer - end of September. Seamed November 17.
Thoughts: DONE!

This was actually a fairly quick knit, when I would work on it. I striped in the Cotton Classic, since we were worried I would run out of the Stira. As it turns out, I have a skein and a half left.

The sweater fits mom really well - which I was tremendously worried about. Perhaps that's why it took almost 2 months for me to seam it?

She seems to like it, right mom?

In other news, an unloved knit has gone on to live with my MIL, whom I hope really likes it and isn't just saying so.

I'm trying to finish up a few more things this week, cross your fingers !

Wicked awesome!

See? There has been knitting! I'm through with the body of Wicked, now I just need two sleeves (and yes, I'm making long sleeves, 'cause if you're going to make a wool sweater, I feel like you should go all the way. And besides, even though I live in Texas, I'm usually always cold.)

I'll probably work on the sleeves this weekend and next week, when I DON'T HAVE SCHOOL FOR A WHOLE WEEK! Woo Hoo! Plus, my mommy is coming to visit, so I desperately need to finish her sweater, right mom? So there'll be that too hopefully. Can you imagine? Two finished sweaters? Be still my beating heart!

Also in the wicked awesome category, I'd like to give myself a wee pat on the back. You see, I've been trying to get motivated to loose what I like to call the "knitting weight" (you know, all the weight I've gained since I took up knitting and starting sitting for long periods of time. Because before the knitting it was the reading weight). I rejoined my old gym this summer, and was going on a regular basis and getting to take yoga class 2-3 times/week. Unfortunately, they only offer yoga on Tu/Th/Sat mornings, so I don't get to go anymore (I'm at the LYS on Saturdays). Poop. I called and tried to talk them into evening classes (like they used to offer) but they aren't interested. And I'll be honest - it takes a lot for me to want to go to the gym (but I feel guilty about spending the money and not going, so that helps a little). But I really want to fit back into some of my old clothes, so I need to drop just a few pounds, and be healthier. I know I mentioned the getting up at o'dark thirty a few days ago, and this is why: I've made a deal with myself - go to the gym four days a week, for four weeks and I get to take a personal day from school. Very excellent motivation. Though I won't get to take my day until well after the holidays, it looks like, that's OK. In fact, I was thinking today that maybe I don't need that motivation anymore. Maybe I just want to go. I've been reading on the elliptical machine, which I don't make time for anymore, so that's been nice. I've almost finished a book, and I can't tell you when was the last time that happened!

So wickedness all around! Only 3 more days until VACATION! And mommy!

What I've been up to

Prepare yourselves: I've ripped some projects. Still breathing? OK.

Last Sunday, with my extra hour, I ripped. Ripped and ripped and ripped. Off the needles? Kyoto, the grey hat, mystery stole, Myrtle Leaf Shawl, 2 secret projects, the Somewhat Cowl, Jumbo Elephant and my sock log cabin blanket. Whew.


Of course, I had to start some new projects, but I don't feel guilty about them since they're both gifts.


Snowman Hat from Itty Bitty Hats for a Christmas baby, and another Sophie (someday I'll get sick of this pattern. Someday).



So, this brings up the question: What am I knitting for Christmas?


Socks: done
Sophie: done
Dishcloths: done
Bottle Cozie: done
baby hat: done
Sweater for hubbo: in progress
Scarf for The Girl's teacher: yarn bought
Scarf for friend at school: started
Socks: yarn bought
Slippers: started
Socks: started
Slippers: yarn bought
Hat: yarn bought
Hat: not started
Scarf: started
Sophie: started
Baby Hat: started
Baby Hat: yarn bought
Slippers: not started
Hat: not started
Kid's Hat: not started
Ornaments: not started


Whew. Writing it all down like that sure seems like a lot. And I'm sure that there are thing's I'm forgetting, but for now, that's it. And that's plenty. I've also got some sewing to do, but I'll post more about that after the holidays.

So, what are you knitting for Christmas?

Single Sock Club

I have a problem. When I knit socks, I get stuck in the gusset. For some reason, all those extra stitches slow me down considerably. I had several pairs stuck here, so I spent last Sunday trying to get them all through the heel flap and turn, and most through the gusset. That allowed me to finish two single socks since then. Woo Hoo!



Plain sock - must finish second for Thanksgiving - according to hubbo.



Monkey sock. Nothing new to see here.


Now if I only had the motivation to knit the second one.

Give them all your money

I had a delightful surprise last week - Jillian over at Sknitty posted about the haul she got from a new yarn shop. I hopped on over to check it out, and not only were there gorgeous yarns, but the shop is run by Kris, my very first sockpal! Of course I had to check it out, and give her some of my hard-earned cash - and so should you!


Left to right - Chewy Spaghetti in Meandering, Mama Llama in River, and Zen Yarn Garden in Maraca. Oooh so pretty.

Where did I get it? Sonny and Shear which wins my personal award for best yarn shop name ever. Go. Give. Money.

Do not adjust your screen

These are real finished knits you are about to see.


Pattern: Bottle Cozy from Yarns Ewenique
Yarn:Cascade Fixation
Needles: sz 6 Chiagoo DPNs
Mods: none
Dates: September-October 2007
Thoughts: One more for the gift pile.



Pattern: Sophie from Magknits
Yarn: Paton's Classic Wool
Needles: Sz 10.5 Clover bamboo circular and DPNs
Mods: none
Dates: September-October 2007
Thoughts: Another gift compleated



Pattern: Little Pumpkin from Itty Bitty Hats (one of my most favorite books ever)
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease in discontinued Orangeade and Rowan Calmer for the stem and leaf
Needles: Sz 7 Clover bamboo circular and DPNs
Mods: none
Dates: October 2007
Thoughts: Super cute!

My Halloween treat

Madelinetosh in Bullion, Socks that Rock in Lenore.

Bubkis

For all my talk last week, I've managed to finish nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Zero. I'm still close to finishing a few (and may actually accomplish that this week), but I didn't get anything of note done last week.

In all honesty, this school year is kicking my butt. I'm under constant scrutiny from my administration, I have the pressure of three state standardized tests weighing down on me, and the constant data gathering, benchmark taking, etc. on top of weekly day-to-day teacher tasks (grading, planning, meetings - and, well, teaching), mixed in with a new reading curriculum, and I'm exhausted. I'm lucky if I make it through 1, maybe 2 TV shows a night, and if I'm not in bed by 10, I'm a wreck the next day. (Man, I'm whiny.)

I'm also trying to get back in shape, so I'm getting up at the ugly end of dawn (4:45) every day to go to the gym before school. In an effort to make my family not the thing that suffers, my knitting is taking one for the team. Other than two socks that were really almost done, I don't think I've finished anything since school started two months ago.

I felt bad for a few weeks when I thought seriously about the number of projects I have going, (and one night I nearly had a heart attack when I counted them) but I've decided that if this is the way I deal with stress (as opposed to copious amounts of drinking) that this is the better choice. So cast on I will, and finish I might. I will try to refrain from buying more needles, in order to keep the WIP list below 100.

I know the blog's been boring for the past few weeks (few months if I really think about it), and I apologize. I really appreciate those of you who check in still, and leave a note every once in awhile. I know there's not much to see here, and there are many other blogs to read, and your time is valuable, so I feel unworthy that you spend it here (but I'm not complaining). I'm trying to stick to an every-other-day schedule, in order to motivate myself to do something. I'm going to not stress so much about the quality of the pictures in order that I might have a post about something.

There are several projects that you've never seen, so I'll try to dig them out every once in a while. I'm also working on a few secret projects, but I may tease you with them. I keep telling myself that there won't be a lot of Christmas knitting this year, but I told myself that last year, and that didn't stop me. So we'll see.

As Dory would say, I'm going to just keep knitting, just keep knitting, and if all I get is a few rows a night, someday it might equal a sweater. And if it's this winter, or next winter, I'll love it just the same. No pressure. Just knitting.

In which no one is surprised

While I'm trying to be "good" this week and not start any new projects, this clearly wasn't a priority last week.



The beginnings of Anemoi mittens in Louet Pearl (or whatever they're calling it now). For the record? I hate purling in colorwork. But I'm through the cuff now, so I get to start the chart.




The beginnings of the Superlong Wrap (Ravelry link) from the Knitting To Go deck, with the yummy alpaca I bought on the crawl. This one is on temporary hold because the lovely big cake of yarn was pulled apart by one of our four-legged friends (and not the usual culprit, as he was in his kennel when this happened), and I have to rewind it. Blech.


There is also a new sock around here somewhere that hasn't had its picture made yet.

I'm trying to stay true to the finishing feeling I had Sunday, but I haven't finished anything but the socks yet. I'm hoping for some good knitting time after school today, since we don't have meetings and I'm caught up on my grading.

Don't worry though, I'm sure a new project will sneak in there sometime. Wouldn't want to let y'all down now.

Just in time

The high today is 55. Good thing I have new socks to wear!


Pattern: Generic top-down over 64 stitches
Yarn: ONline cotton
Needles: 2.5mm Brittany DPNs
Dates: June-October 2007
Mods: none
Thoughts: Very soft, not very splitty for a cotton yarn. Love the colors.



Plus, they go perfectly with my new shoes!


I'm on a finishing kick this week - stay tuned to see what manages to get done!

Tease

Fall briefly ran by on Monday and Tuesday, bringing terrible thunderstorms, and cool enough weather for wool socks and handknit sweaters. Too bad it's going to be nearly 90 again today and tomorrow.

Anniversary Socks

By some miracle, I managed to finish these up before bed on our anniversary Tuesday. Whew!



Pattern: Generic stockinette sock - top down, over 80 stitches.
Yarn: Trekking XXL
Needles: Chiagoo DPNs sz 2.25 mm
Dates: June-October 2007
Mods: n/a
Thoughts: Again, much love for the Trekking. But hubbo's socks seem to tak so much longer than mine! He's worth it though.

I did have to start another pair right away (couldn't leave those needles empty for long!), but I don't have a picture yet. Hopefully soon.

That's one pair down for socktoberfest. Way too many more to go.