Baby knits

My sister asked the other day if I had started knitting for the baby - I have, even though you haven't seen them yet. Here goes:


Sweet Baby Cap in HIll Country Yarns Sweet Feet


Baby Bolero from One Skein in Manos Cotton Stira


Ribbons Baby Blanket in Sublime Organic Coton


Baby Surprise Jacket in Mirasol Hacho


February Baby Sweater in Mirasol Sulka (I think)

I'm starting to think that she's going to be naked if I don't get moving. Luckily, only 3 more weeks of school left, so hopefully I can get some more stuff knit up.

Again, apologies for my bloggy absence - it's been tough as I seem to be thwarted by the camera - it is either dead or only takes blurry pictures, but I do have some FOs to share - hopefully soon!

Thanks for hanging in there!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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?

Sweater weather?

I know I really shouldn't be complaining, after the mild summer we had, but can fall hurry up and get here already? It's been over 90 every day for over a week and a half. Luckily (according to the weather idiots), we're having a "cold front" today and it's only supposed to be 86. Brrrrrr. A breeze.

However, these warm temperatures haven't prevented me from starting a few new fall sweaters (nor have they enabled me into finishing my summer sweaters, but that's a topic for another day).



Several weeks ago, when I wanted something to just go around and around on, I started Devon out of Rowan Cotton Glace. I love it. I love the colors, and the stripes, and it's taking me FOREVER. But that's OK. I don't have to knit any sleeves!



Ariann out of Ella Rae Classic. Love the yarn. Love the color. Love the pattern. Not very far yet.


Buttony out of Debbie Bliss Cashmernio Chunky. I'm a bit nervous about this one, since it's really a "wing it" type of sweater. My fingers are crossed that I can pull it off. If not, I'm sure I can find another sweater to use this yarn for.



And finally, Jarrett (from Rowan Vintage Knits), for Hubbo, out of Ella Rae Classic. I've had a bear of a time trying to get gauge for this. I originally purchased Silky Wool for this sweater, but came nowhere near getting gauge (20st/4in) with it. After much perusing of the internets (and of Ravelry), I realized that 20st/4in is WORSTED weight gauge. Not DK/Sport. I swatched with the Ella Rae, he picked a color, and I haven't looked back since.
I'm trying to knit this one in secret for Christmas. I plan to work on it at the shop on the weekends, and when he's not around here (for example, I plan to go do a few rows before he gets up this morning). It may take me until next Christmas, but I am determined to get this done. Of course, last night he told me that he really liked this sweater Monk is wearing.

Practically the same people. He's so predictable.

I do have other grand fall/winter knitting plans, but this will have to do for now. I've got to finish some projects first!

Your $.02

Time to chime in people! I started this scarf several weeks ago in the full-on chevron scarf frenzy. I wanted to not knit an entire scarf in sock yarn, so I looked for something a bit heavier. Claudia's Sport caught my eye, but since the yardage is slim (as well all know, since I have teeny socks knit out of it), I didn't want to make it as wide (and well, with a heavier yarn, it would be hyouge if I knit all those stitches across). So I did some maths (aren't y'all proud?) and decided to sort-of halve the pattern.

Now? I'm not sure about the color combo, though I'll admit that not working on it for several weeks has made me appreciate it more.

So, what do y'all think? Color combo good? Bad? OK? I'm waiting to continue until I hear from you! Vote early, and vote often!

Sock-tacular!

I may have started a few new socks. In my defense, I did rip a few out this weekend as well.


Ripped: Knee High to a Grasshopper - I was trying to change this into a top-down pattern, and my skillz just aren't up to it right now. Ripped.
Monkey - Love the pattern. Not sure it looks great in this yarn. Ripped.
P-word socks - too small. Rippppppp



Started and ripped: Wandering Cable Knee Socks. Started, and decided that they were too small. Ripped, and I hope to restart soon.



Started: Monkey socks in Blue Moon Fiber Arts Silkie - not much to look at right now, but soon....
Plain socks in Trekking, Sock-it-to-me, and Scout's Swag. Yum. Plain socks.
Smokin' Socks in Fearless Fibers. Love this yarn.
Embossed Leaves in Sweet Georgia. I've had this yarn in the stash for months, marinating, trying to save it, since you can't get it anymore (for now, hopefully), but the pull of the pattern I had purchased it for was too strong. One repeat in, and I love it. Yay!

WIPs - mini update

Just a quickie tonight....

I seem to have finally conquered the gauge monster on mom's sweater, and it is moving along. Now I just hope it fits!



Hubbo's granddad is in the hospital (he fell on Friday, the day before his 95th birthday, and they're not entirely sure what's wrong.) - and his feet are freezing. Felted Clogs (with Tech colors, of course) to the rescue! I'm hoping to get these done quickly, though I'd rather he get out of the hospital before I finish.


Why hubbo's photo thing keeps insisting on rotating photos I didn't want to be sideways boggles the mind.
And in random news, I got a cute new purse this weekend........at Big Lots, of all places. I tell ya, it really is my favorite store.

Typical

I know I'm livin' it up when I start not one, not two, but six (!) projects in three days.


Luckily (or not) these four are shop samples. Samples are a great way to start a new project without buying yarn, but then again, I'm also not using up my stash. In that pile I've got a Petal Bib from One Skein, a Felted Bowl (also from One Skein), a ballband dishcloth (my first - I'm loving it!) and the Upside Down Daisy Hat from Itty Bitty Hats.


And two new pairs of socks. The pink are the Child's First Sock from Knitting Vintage Socks, out of Rio de la Plata sockweight (YUMMMMMMMMMMMM). This pattern kicked my butt quite a bit at first, but I'm hopefully now getting the hang of it. The grey socks are for hubbo - new Trekking colors. We had planned to go to a movie on Friday and my only other pair of plain socks are at the gusset, and I can't keep track of decreases in the movie. So I gave him the bin of sock yarn and told him to choose a new pair of socks for me to knit. Of course, he picked out socks for him, but I didn't really expect any different! So I cast on and get through the ribbing before the lights go down. I'm on about the third row (still in the previews here) when I snap a needle. Damn it! I tried knitting on four instead of five needles, but it hurts my hands. So I had to sit for an entire movie without knitting. Damn near killed me. Especially since my lovely friend Kerri was knitting the whole time. One of the shop owners told me to always carry extra needles. I was thinking I needed an extra project.

However, I did get a replacement needle and worked on these Sunday night at Patty Griffin. Oh, and Jen? You can't have things to say about us going without you, unless we can say stuff about you moving across the country!

I was tempted to cast on for two new socks last night (I have empty sock needles, after all), but so far I've restrained myself. We'll see how long that lasts.

On the road

We're en route to Colorado and had a bit of wireless (seriously - I *heart* La Quinta - free internet, free breakfast, clean rooms - what's not to like?), so I thought I show you what I didn't have time to show you yesterday.



First up is a pile 'o socks. 8 pairs of socks to be precise. I'm really hoping that at least one of these pairs will be complete before we get home, but all are going. And yes, there is a sock in there that hasn't been blogged about - more on it later.



The accessories - in this pile is hubbo's pirate hat (which he wants done in time to hit the slopes tomorrow), my grey scarf, and Icarus.



And finally, the sweaters. I'm bringing Salina (to see if it can behave), hubbo's Cambridge Jacket (which I haven't worked on in months), and a new sweater - another not yet blogged project. I wanted something wooly when I was having those bad weeks,(I'm not sure why, but wool was the only thing I wanted to knit with. Worsted weight 100% wool. I'm a freak.) so I started this - it is the Cabled Hoodie from the Paton's Street Smart booklet. I love it. I'm using Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool and I love that too. I'd like to get this done before I start more spring/summer knits, but we'll see.

I'm also bringing the long-suffering log cabin blanket. I want this to be done, but I don't want to work on it for long stretches, so I have no idea when it will be done.

I did leave Branching Out and Kyoto (and Hourglass since I only work on it on Mondays) at home, but otherwise this is everything in the WIP basket. What's in your basket?