'tis the season

The Gaming One and I had a great time in Florida and were tempted to stay an extra day. Our hosts actually said to me, "You get to see the kids every day. Stay another day! You only see us once a year!" As tempting as it was I don't think my liver could take another day! We managed to polish off five and a half fifths of liquor and a case of beer in our short stay. Fun fun fun. Surprisingly hangover free.

Even though we were in the car for so long, I did not manage to get much knitting accomplished (I can't knit in the dark and The Gaming One expected me to entertain him) and did not really knit much while in Fl. I did manage to finish the body and most of one sleeve of the little something something that jumped on my needles-a sweater based on The Somewhat Cowl. I plan to change the neckline instead of knitting the cowl, but I have really not decided what I am going to do. I am knitting it with KnitPicks Ambrosia that has been in my stash since my birthday (Thanks, MIL!). So far I love the yarn, it is a dream to knit with! I can't wait to wear the sweater. Unfortunately, it has been put on the back burner for a bit. My Mom has a friend from church- a surrogate grandmother of sorts- that just found out she has cancer and I am knitting her a cashmere Swallowtail Shawl to let her know that she is surrounded by love and prayer from our family. I say a little prayer for her each time I pick it up and am going to see if Mom can get it blessed by the Father of her church before it is sent. I am trying to get it finished before Mom leaves our again after Christmas, so I figure I have just over a week to get it done.

Christmas stress is kicking my ass yet again...I have 6 batches of truffles to make for neighbors, hosts of Christmas parties and The Gaming One's co workers. I have yet to buy a single present for my kids, not to mention the fact that I have not wrapped a single thing. I need to go through all the presents that I have bought and make sure I have not left anyone out. The tree is up and decorated thanks to the kids. Since the Girl Wonder is so tall, I did not even have to put the lights on. Thank you growth spurt! Can you tell, I am really not in the Christmas spirit this year?
The kids are counting down the days until Christmas, I am counting down to the 26...bah humbug.

This will probably be my last post until after the holiday rush and I would like to wish you all a very happy holiday (whatever you may celebrate). I feel blessed to know y'all through your comments and blogs. Hugs, kisses and lots of love!

Off for some sun and fun

So far, I am managing to keep the winter blahs at bay and The Gaming One is doing his share to help. He took a week off work and early tomorrow we will be headed to sunny Sarasota, FL to visit two of our favorite people in the entire world for a week WITHOUT THE KIDDOS! I am so looking forward to a week of warm weather, good company, hard liquor and no responsibilities!

Hopefully, when I return I will have a FO to share with y'all- 20 hours in the car should be ample time to finish the little somethin' somethin' that practically jumped on my needles before my stole had even finished blocking.

I almost forgot, I have a little FO to share with y'all now! I completed the Star shaped baby blanket I started in October for the Gaming One's buddy.

Pattern: Beth's Little Star Afghan 27 rounds

Hook: F/5

Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby 2 skeins -I hated crocheting with this yarn, it was splitty and tedious to work with. The blanket is snuggly soft (and machine wash/dry) so I guess that is what really matters! Hope the new Mommy likes it.

Finished size: 39" tip to tip

I will be back in a week!

Secret of the Stole

After two months, the secret is revealed! The Secret of the stole is complete!
Pattern: Secret of the Stole (name not yet release) available via DK the Nautical Knitter.
Yarn: My handspun (mill ends from Sheep Shed Studio wool/mohair) less than 1234 yds.
Needles: Size US5
Finished size: 16" X 7 feet

Opinion: I do like the finished product, it is warm and soft although the mohair sheds. I am glad I participated in the KAL as it really kept me on task. The pattern was well written and easy to follow. I am not a huge fan of the sword motif, but I am not complaining- it was a secret after all! Now to figure out all the clues and take a stab at guessing the theme!

Is there a way to wear a long stole and not look like a little ol' lady?

Happy Wednesday Y'all!

So sorry for not posting the promised pictures yesterday, we went for sushi for lunch (I am so lucky my kids would rather eat sushi than McDonald's for any meal) then went shopping for the kiddos some winter clothes. Both of them have grown so much since last year! After that we got a call from the in-laws requesting a visit, so by the time we got back home it was after dark. Anyway, here is my meager progress on my so-called rug... So far it is 20" x 2.5" I like the way the colors are pooling, so I hope they continue to do so. I love the fabric this fiddly stitch makes!

As for the slipper/boots I am knitting for The Boy Wonder, I finished the first garter stitch one in the car yesterday during our shopping excursion, realized I really don't like the fabric garter stitch makes and ripped the entire thing out. I started another in stockinette, but only have a few inches of the cuff,so again you will have to wait for those exciting pictures.

Ironically, in a matter of weeks I will be cursing these beautiful trees for dropping all these beautiful leaves that are bringing such a smile to my face this week...

I adore this tree covered acre...until it comes time to rake all the damn leaves!

The Girl Wonder loved this yarn I spun and dyed a month or so ago. Yesterday she started on a scarf for herself with it and has already knit 16"! Makin' her mama proud since 1996!And since it would be unfair to post a pic with one of the kiddos and not the other, here is my little war monger.. I slept like a baby before I had babies last night! Ahhh sweet relief!

Keeping busy

I am still trying to look on the bright side despite having the daylight hours shaved away minute by minute, day by day. I am fighting the blahs by sprucing up my surroundings- raking leaves, cleaning out closets, spackling the dents and dings in the drywall that are inevitable when you live with a rambunctious 6 year old. These things are filling my days, causing me to collapse from exhaustion around midnight (I tend to go to bed around 2) only to wake around 3 or 3:30 unable to sleep- my mind racing from one thing to another. Worry, worry, worry... I wish there was a switch just to turn it off- I guess we all do. The thing is I tend to worry about things I have no control over- my brother's crappy relationship, how my friend is coping with her twins, why my bank account seems to be hemorrhaging money (perhaps I could do something about that last one...). I try to tell myself to think about something else, I count sheep, I say the alphabet but nothing seems to work. Suggestions are welcome! I can't be the only one! What do y'all do to turn it all off?

On the knitting front, I am still working on the Secret of the Stole and am really happy with the pattern so far. I have to say, I am glad I took this on as a secret project because I am not sure I would have chosen it had I seen a completed stole first. Not that I don't like it, because I do! There are just so many lace stole patterns out there and I have such a hard time choosing between them. I would have missed out on a great pattern. I am really enjoying the larger sections of stockinette as opposed to a more open pattern. There are just two more hints to be released and it will be finished. I can't believe it is almost over. I really like getting a pattern like this in chunks- it gives me a good deadline to keep me interested and does not seem like such a daunting project.

Of course, I have also started a new project or two since finishing the Tyrolean Stocking. (Thank you for all the compliments, by the way! Y'all are always so sweet! I have to do something about being able to respond to comments left on my blog. I don't want people to think I don't appreciate all the nice comments, because I do! They really make my day. I feel kinda silly posting a reply on their blog. What to do? Again, any suggestions? Is it in poor taste to respond to them in my comments? It has to be better than not respond at all.)

Anyway, the new projects.... one is a rug for my kitchen using the stitch pattern for My So- Called Scarf knitted with Sugar and Cream cotton. I am sure I will finish it about the time it is too hot to actually need it in the kitchen. The cotton is a little rough on the wrists, though the pattern is pleasantly mindless, so I can only knit a few rows at the time.

The second is a design I have had in the back of my mind for awhile now- slippers for The Boy Wonder that look like laced up army boots knit with camouflage yarn. I am to the toe on the first one, writing the pattern as I go along instead of just taking notes as I have in the past. I knit the first in garter stitch, but am thinking of knitting the second one in stockinette to see if I like it better.

Pictures tomorrow, I promise! As now it is 6 o'clock and pitch black outside... sigh...

Tyrolean Stockings

Pattern:Tyrolean Stockings, Interweave Knits Fall 2007

Yarn: Knit Picks Swish, color Dublin 4 skeins

Needles: set of 4 dpn size US4- I knit a bit tight and they fit my size 6.5 feet perfectly.

I love these socks! They are so warm and squishy. There was so much going on in the pattern that I was never bored knitting them. The pattern was very straightforward and easy to understand. These are a little thick to wear with shoes and a bit slouchy (as in the pics in the magazine) but they are perfect for wearing around the house- especially since I am always cold!The details really make these socks...like the way the ribbing flows into the cable. I am in love with that cable!The cable also flows onto the top of the foot. Did I mention I love that cable?I love the very hard to photograph cable down the back of the leg and the slope of the decreases down the leg. The heel flap fits my heel perfectly! I shall never knit another short row heel!

Hands down this is one of my favorite knits ever! They were interesting to knit, the pattern was perfectly written, I learned a new technique (Old Norwegian cast on) and most important-they fit!

and how is your weekend?

Because mine is just shitty. Literally. You know the kind I am talking about. The kind of shitty day when you have brown water rising in your bathtub and the toilet refuses to flush. The kind of shitty day chemicals and sewer snakes can't fix. The kind of shitty day that requires the expertise of this company...

The kind of shitty day that you know is gonna cost ya. To make matters worse a certain someone had a bit of a hangover because she is apparently getting too old to hold her liquor. The very friendly Roto-Rooter man informed me that the only way to resolve the problem was to remove my toilet and use his high powered auger and that it would cost $350 for him for him to do this and do I agree to the charges. To which I replied, "well what other choice do I have? I have to be able to flush! I NEED the water to flow down the drains!"

He neglected to mention that the high powered auger was loud as hell. Did I mention that my head was pounding and my stomach was churning? 45 minutes later the very kind Roto-Rooter man informed me that my pipes were too small and his loud ass equipment would not fit down to reach the clog. I almost cried. He then informed me that that he would have to install a new 2 way clean out in front of the house since the one in my crawlspace was too small to fit his big ass high power auger. Again, almost apologetically, he informed me that this would cost more. Much more. $550 dollars more. Again I replied meekly "what choice do I have?" "none" was his only reply. He then informed me he did not have the parts on the truck he needed and would have to go fetch them. Now my house smells like sewage, my stomach is churning, it is almost 4 in the evening, I have not peed all day long and I am about to spend almost a grand for some sweet relief.

The very nice Roto-Rooter man returns from his shopping excursion, fixes the pipe, informs me that tree roots are causing the blockage and it is a common thing this summer thanks to the drought. Then he springs this little gem on me.
"How do you feel about replacing your toilet in the master bathroom?"
I must have looked at him like he was crazy, I just knew he was trying to take advantage of me. "Why? Is it necessary?"
"Um, well, yes, because I accidentally broke it with my auger. But I will replace it free of charge."
No shit! I think to myself. sigh. "I guess I feel pretty good about replacing it then."

Imagine my delight, after the man was paid and gone for the day, that I discover these shmeggy auger marks on the walls of each bathroom (since he was using the machine in one room and managed to break through the toilet of the other one). I do not want to venture to guess what grossness lies within those smears. After scrubbing with bleach, I realize the only way I am going to to fix it is to sand the walls and repaint both bathrooms. Of course, it is behind the toilet and therefore the hardest part of the bathroom to reach.

At least it can't get any worse, and I have been wanting to paint the hall bathroom... <---that is me trying to look on the bright side.

Happy Halloween!

Hope you all have a safe and happy halloween!

secret stole, stargan and seven random things

I zipped through the fourth hint for Secret of the Stole. I finished the clue Sunday morning while nursing a hangover. Thanks to this awesome gin.

I also started another stargan last night. This one is for a member of The Gaming One's clan that is expecting his first child in a few weeks. Though they have never met, they play online at least once a week for the past 3 or so years so they are pretty good friends.

I was tagged by urbanknitrix in the 7 Random Facts Meme.

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog
2. Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

I did a version of this meme back in May, but then it was 8 random things...

Here are 7 more random things about me made much easier because I have so many things in common with Urbanknitrix...

1. I write with my right hand but can do everything else either handed. I tend to throw or bat left handed.
2. I can't "go" if there is someone else in a public restroom.
3. I do not read the newspaper or watch the news on tv. Everything seems to be bad news and depresses me.
4. My Mom is my favorite person (next to The Gaming One). She is the one person that I have never been mad at. We are very much alike and see eye to eye on most everything.
5. I don't believe in marriage either. The Gaming One and I got married so I could have insurance so we could have a baby together. We had each been married before so we knew that it takes more than a piece of paper to keep a couple together.
6. I don't believe in organized religion, but am very spiritual and pray often.
7. I also used to make spaghetti sandwiches when I was a kid. My step dad hated it and also had a "no spaghetti sandwich" rule. He said the action reminded him of something his bratty assed nieces did and he did not want reminders of them!

I am pretty sure all the blogs I regularly read/comment on have done this one, so I am changing the "tag" part. Consider yourself tagged if you have anything in common with my 7 random things. But leave me a comment so I can read your list.

Would you rather...

This has been the view from my front window for the past few days- grey and dreary. Granted, we really need the rain but the endless lack of sunshine is really starting to get to me. But with my desire to make this winter a better one, I was reminded of a little game of sorts the kids and I play when taking long walks. We refer to it as "Would you rather...?" We often set off with a thermos of water and a portable snack and walk along the the fitness trail that the local college maintains for its cross country track students. It is a great walk in the woods on wide maintained paths that leads to a beautiful lake. It usually takes 2 to 3 hours to complete the walk so by the time we are back to our neighborhood we are all dragging our feet. To take our minds off our tired legs and feet we play our little game. We take turns asking silly questions starting with the words "Would you rather..." and then we each give an answer. Most of the time our questions revolve around something gross ("Would you rather eat an earthworm sandwich or a bug milkshake?" Worm sandwich for me, bug milkshakes for the kiddos.) or something scary ("Would you rather be eaten by a shark or jump off a building with no parachute?" We would all jump.) but it takes our minds off our weary bodies and makes the last bit of our walk fly by. Not to mention we get to know things about one another that we would otherwise not know.

So today, I asked myself, "would you rather mope about and grump the day away, or throw open the windows and enjoy the pitter-patter of the rain on the leaves?" Today I am opening the windows and listening to the rain. No grumpiness allowed!

I have also been thinking about Christmas and the mountain of presents that usually comes with it (and the headaches and money wasted and unappreciated gifts). I have been thinking of starting new traditions and creating a more joyful atmosphere for the season. I came across this post while blog-hopping today and one of the ideas for gifts for children really stuck with me- Four Gifts: Something you want, something you need, something to play with and something to read... I love this idea and plan on running it by The Gaming One and the kiddos to see what they think about it as a new tradition.

What are your traditions to make the holidays meaningful? I am open to new ideas.

Secret of the Stole- Hint 3

I finished knitting the third hint for The Secret of the Stole a few days ago. I must say I really am loving this pattern. It is, in my opinion, an easy lace project. I love that the pattern is given in pieces as it makes it so less daunting of a pattern. DK has done a great job with this one so far, I can't wait to see what the rest of it will look like. I am also itching to block this so I can get a glimpse of it's true beauty. I am being faithful to the stole, knitting only it until I complete the clue for the week so I do not get behind. So far I have been able to finish up the clues within 4 days or so.

I am working on the second Tyrolean stocking as my in between the hints project. I can't wait to get them finished, but have some way to go as I have only knit about 3 inches of the second one. These are just way too cute for house socks, I think some shoe shopping might be in order! I cannot for the life of me get a good picture of them- one that shows off all the delicious cabley goodness. How does one take a cute picture of ones own foot?

Remember to smile

Many people love fall- the beautiful colors of the changing leaves, sweet relief from the blistering summer heat- but as the leaves drift to the ground, my mood gets darker and darker. I am filled with dread at the thought of the approaching holidays- all the obligations and fake happiness. The long, dark, cold days zap my energy, leaving me withdrawn and silent.

This year to help combat all the negative emotions I am looking for joy. There are many little things that make me smile. I thought, since y'all have seen what I am working on and they are all long term projects, that I would share the little things around me that make me smile.

Since I was a kid, I have always loved little groups of acorns stuck together. To this day, I still pick them up and cradle them in my hand, careful not to break apart the connection they share.

I have to admit, my favorite part about fall is the food. I could eat greens and turnips every single day. But they have to be cooked just so...

My favorite Greens and Turnips
1 Bunch of greens (these are collards) stripped from their stems and roughly chopped
1 onion diced
olive oil
salt, pepper, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, oregano and red pepper flakes to taste
turnips peeled and diced

In a deep pot, saute onion in olive oil until translucent. Add chopped greens and cook until wilted. Add all seasonings and turnips. Cover with water and simmer until turnips are tender (about 20 minutes). Eat and enjoy! Especially good with cornbread!

Laundry Solution

The Girl Wonder drew these pictures for me a few days ago and I just had to share them!

This first picture is of me in our laundry room...notice the mountain of laundry and the frumpy mom.

The second picture is me finding a solution to the mountains of laundry... joyfully burning them in the backyard! The kiddos are in the background in just their bathrobes, since I burned all of their clothes! Poor Kids!

Clue 2 for The Secret of the Stole was completed yesterday due partly to insomnia. I was able to crank out the last half of the stole thanks to waking at 4am and nothing being on tv... I also finished the first Tyrolean Stocking yesterday. It fits like a dream and is so warm I can't wait to finish the other one! I have already cast on!

The Super Twins made their arrival last friday! Both boys are home and healthy! The family and I went to see them for the first time today. So cute and tiny it makes my ovaries hurt!

Awwwwwwwwwwww! I love those babies already! I almost cried when I saw them! I am just so very thankful they made it safe and healthy.

Pumpkin Apple Mini Muffins

I made the Pumpkin Apple Streusel Muffins again today. I halved the recipe and and replaced over half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The halved recipe was enough for 24 mini muffins (filled almost to the top of the muffin cups) and only took 25 minutes to cook. I asked The Boy Wonder if he thought they were good. His reply, "No, they are not good...They are delicious!" I guess these will become a staple in our house!

I knew I was onto something...

I mentioned just a few posts ago that I thought the cable from the Tyrolean Stockings would translate well into a cardigan. Imagine my surprise when I saw this sweater in a promo for the new Men in Trees. I wonder who designed that sweater?

Whole lotta craftin' going on!

I am 110yds into the Tyrolean Stockings. This was the perfect project for the beach while the kiddos frolicked in the ocean waves. Quite a few ladies stopped to ask what I was knitting and gushed about the beauty of the cables. I think I even convinced one lady to give cables a try! The stockings soaked up the sunshine and lovely memories. I am sure to remember this end of summer fun when I put these on this dreary, cold winter. I have officially changed my mind about knitting socks...as long as they are for me and knit on size US4 needles. I have gotten quite a bit farther since this pic and am almost ready to start on the heel. I also managed to finish the first clue of The Secret of the Stole. So far I am loving the pattern (two points! how clever!) and very happy with the fabric my handspun is creating. This is sure to be a warm wrap when it is finished.


I have also jumped on the Babette bandwagon. I do not have the magazine, so I am just winging the pattern based on pictures I have seen on the web. I am using the leftover Knit Picks Swish from the Super Twin's Starghans. I have decided to seam and weave in the ends as I go along so I can keep up with my squares and so I won't abandon the project when it comes time for that last crucial step. So far, so happy!

The quilting bug has officially bit me (thank you very much, Sara I officially blame/give credit to you!). I decided not to sell my Golden Eggs- seems like most people do not want donated eggs that have been thoroughly bathed in alcohol...go figure.) Instead, I decided to seek out a deal on Ebay on a lot of Amy Butler fabric to make another practice quilt. $25 for 7 yds of fabric...not too much to spend if I manage to fuck it all up. I am sewing strips together then will cut them and rearrange them...strip piecing I think it is called. I am taking the time to *gasp* measure and iron as I go along and it is making quite a difference.

I loved reading all your responses to Rambling, I guess I will have to give the fingerless gloves a try after such overwhelming support. MadMad, yes I normally get to sleep until 10am. Both my kiddos are old enough to make cereal at least when they wake (usually around 9am) and The Girl Wonder will sometimes cook eggs or oatmeal if she is not in the mood for a cold breakfast. We often have elevensies, just like the Hobbits, consisting of hot tea for the kids, coffee for me and pancakes, waffles or muffins. Speaking of muffins, I also tried the best recipe ever for Pumpkin Apple Streusel Muffins! I made them to take to the beach and I think they got better every day. I suggest you try it if ever you have an hour or so. I made them in a 9X9 pan instead of muffin pan so the cooking time almost doubled, but they were moist and delicious- so much so that The Boy Wonder referred to it as "cake". I am going to make them again this week and see if I can make them a little more healthy (a little bran and whole wheat flour instead of all white flour, perhaps add applesauce instead of some of the oil.) and will report back.

Finally!

The first clue is finally here! The family and I are going to the beach for a few days and am so glad to have this in my hot little hands before we leave!

Happy Birthday Dad!

rambling...

I woke today with a sore throat before 6am. Now I know this does not seem too early for some of your poor, poor women that have public schooled children, but this is about 4 hours before my normal wake up time. I realized exactly how good I have it as I tossed and turned in bed, trying to go back to sleep and I heard a rumbling outside. It was still dark mind you and I was thinking, "is that the garbage truck a day early?" Then I realized that it was the school bus! At 6:15! AM! Then I kinda figured in my head how early I would have to get up every single day to ensure my darling children made it to school on time if they attended public school. I think I then did a full body shudder and decided to take advantage of the few quiet hours before the kiddos woke up and drug my sleep deprived ass out of bed. To all you Mama's out there with kiddos that do have to be awake (especially if they are like mine and can roll out of bed, hit the floor and still stay asleep), washed, brushed, dressed (in matchy outfits and not pjs), packed (homework, books, permission slips, oh, my!), fed and hustled off to catch the bus before the fucking sun even peeks itself over the horizon...My hat is off to you. All of you. Homeschooling is a cakewalk compared to all that.

The following are a few knitterly things I just don't get. (Please realize, sweet readers, if any of these things appeal to you, do not take it as a personal attack- I love all y'all! Stand up for the things you love! Drop me a comment and tell me why they appeal to you, perhaps you may help me see the light -except with the fun fur, I will never get that.)
1. fingerless gloves- who has cold hands and hot fingers?
2. those new Harmony Needles- granted I have neither knit with them or seen them in person, but I just think they are kinda gaudy.
3. Giant gauge garments- quick? yes. flattering? not quite sure.
4. magic striping yarn...besides Trekking XXL and Noro (I love that stuff). Gradual color shifts are fine the other is just a bit much.
5. Fun Fur-I think that one needs no explanation
6. Art Yarn-what the hell do you use it for? It just confuses me.

After finishing The Gaming One's quilt I have been itching to try to make another one. Damn, I thought knitting was an expensive hobby! A quilting fix is going to break the bank in this single income family! But they are so pretty and tempting! Maybe I can sell plasma (I would have to gain a few pounds first) or sell my golden eggs since I don't really need any more of them... decisions, decisions...

Gentleman Socks

Finally off the needles, washed, dried and ready to be gifted! (note to self: Do not attempt to kitchner stitch the toe after drinking Gin & Tonics all night... it will result in ripping and reknitting. Thank you, that is all.)

Pattern: Gentleman Socks (you have to scroll down a bit for the pdf.) for my Dad's birthday.

Size: Men's large

Yarn: Trekking XXL, color 66, 1 skein

Needles: size 2 dpn

Mods: knitted shorter cuff because Dad prefers short socks.

This was my first time working socks from the cuff and working a heel flap. They were the second pair of socks ever knit. I had The Gaming One try them on to make sure they would fit my Dad and he wanted to keep them for himself. I guess that is a good sign!

scratching the itch

I don't know what it is, but as I approach the end of a project I am filled with a mix of anticipation and dread- anticipation for the big FO and the dread of empty needles. I tend to put off the last bits of finishing and instead surf the 'net for that next must knit project. The last bit is so much easier thanks to Ravelry (I know, I know, I am 'preaching to the choir'). There are just a few more days until the first clue to Secret of the Stole comes out and I want to knit Ivy for NaKniSweMo, so I really don't need a big project. Looking through my limited stash, I decided to go ahead and cast on for the Tyrolean Stockings. I can't help but think this pattern would translate so well into a cardigan.
It has only taken two days to finish the first pattern repeat, and I learned a new cast on (Old Norwegian Cast On) as well! My row gauge is a bit off, so I may be in trouble once I get to the heel, but so far I love these socks. The knitting is very satisfying (mmmm cables!) and the charts are easy to memorize. Just what I need for a good, in between project!

Weakness

Just a week ago, I proclaimed my weakness for some some 'cinnamon bun' spinning action. Over the weekend I proved how weak I am and spun and plied 75 yds. In my defense, it only took one evening, and my parents went back on the road (they are cross country truck drivers) buying my three more weeks to finish dad's socks.
Knowing I had a little more time on my hands, I decided to go ahead and knit myself every spinners wardrobe staple- the handspun hat. After all, I have a little head and I knew it would not take long. I did not use a pattern, I just made a little gauge swatch, measured my head, did a little math and cast on. I tried it on as I went along to figure when I had to start the decreases, then decreased evenly around every other row until I had 8 stitches left. I used the leftover yarn to pick up the earflaps. I used every single inch of the yarn.

It's warm, squishy and just in time for fall!
Pattern-made up as I went along
Needles- US8 dpn's
Yarn-75 yds of my handspun wool- roving courtesy of Snowberry and Lime

Monster twins

The wee monsters are finished, now we are just waiting on the boys!

Pattern: Middle-sized Monster

Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Superwash, less than a skein each of Capri and Deep Ocean
Needles: US4 dpn

Mods: I left off the last row of decreases on the head, no legs or deedlybobs and added felt wings.

I finished these in just a couple of days spread out over the course of a few weeks. The pattern was very straight-forward and easy to knit.

WIP Wednesday

Dad's Gentleman's Socks are coming along nicely. I figured I only need to knit 8 rows a day to finish the second one by his birthday.

Since the socks are coming along so nicely I decided that I needed another project on the needles. I am sure this startitis is going to come back and bite me on the ass. It usually does, but I will never learn. This is the cotton yarn I spun before realizing that I wanted the cotton roving out of my house. The plan is to knit two Garterlac dishcloths, put some batting between them, stitch the edges shut and have a lovely new potholder for my kitchen. The cotton is no easier to knit than it was to spin. A fellow Craftster offered to trade me some lovely hand dyed roving for that horrible icky cotton and a few patterns from an old Interweave Knits. I really feel like I got the better end of the deal. Go check out her Etsy shop Snowberry and Lime, she has some lovely handspun! She named this roving 'Cinnamon Bun'.
I am trying to resist spinning it until I get dad's socks finished. But I am weak, weak I tell you! I am thinking it will make a great hat for chilly fall walks. My ears get unbearably cold and hurty if it is the least bit breezy and below 60 degrees and a warm woolly hat is just what I need!The Super Twin's monsters are knitting up very quickly. I have decided that they will not have legs. Instead I am going to make them little wings. This pattern is super quick and easy, though I am having a hard time getting the mouth stitched on just right. These little guys are only 5.5" tall and will be finished by the Twins birthday. Their birthday was going to be Friday, but after their mama's checkup on Tuesday, the doctor says they are doing well and should stay in the cozy womb a bit longer! This is, of course, excellent news, however their mama is really ready to have them on the outside...34 weeks down- I can't believe how the time has flown by!

Happy Birthday Quilt

Today is The Gaming One's birthday and every year I struggle with what to get him as a present, as he usually just buys what he wants, when he wants. This year I decided to make him a quilt with love in the stitches. I know it seems an odd thing to make for one's husband, but this man is sentimental and I knew he would love it. You see, he has a quilt that he has had since he was a child that his now deceased grandmother made for him. His mom has redone the binding time and again for him, but he has loved the batting out of it. If he is sick or simply chilly at night this is the first thing he reaches for. He has given it to our son, who traded his Star Wars comforter for this tattered blanket, after explaining how special it is. One night my son told me, as we were snuggling before bedtime, that he would not trade this quilt for all the money in the world and reminded me how very special it is.

His Mom gave me a bag of quilt squares that belonged to his grandmother and from these I made his quilt. I have been working on it for a few months while he was at work, so he had no idea I was making it for him. He was very surprised and very touched, I think. I am sure I have broken many 'quilting laws' in making this quilt. I did not pin anything until I got to the backing and binding or iron each square as I went along. Some squares do not line up, but I knew my darling would not mind. It serves its purpose to keep him snuggled and remind him that I love him. It measures 52" X 72" the perfect snuggling size for my 6'6 love.

I was quite please with the binding. It was actually much easier than I thought it would be.

Happy Birthday Sweetie! I love you bunches!