That Sweater is Wicked Yo!

I finished Wicked last night while watching "Dead Silence". Not that I had much to do, just finish the second sleeve. All the same, it's like Second Sock Syndrome, but more like Second Sleeve Syndrome. I get to the second sleeve and man, oh man, the project takes a windfall in priority status. But I did good.

That's the crossover rib pattern for the collar.

An arm shot. I decided to do sleeves to my elbows. So it's somewhat like a T sweater.

And the seed stitching on the hem, which I think was kinda weird for the pattern since the collar and sleeves all had the crossover pattern. But the seed sitch gives a little, so it's all good.

Sorry there's no modeling shots, but it was hot here today and I enjoyed a nice, cool, air conditioned aparment hanging out with Scout! She even let us have a 2 hour nap this afternoon! (Much needed as I'm sure you all know!)

I'll take pictures of it on me this weekend!

And now, for the Wheat Ear Yoke...so far the 7's are keeping a good stitch definition. I need to do a few rows of St St to see if I have the right measurements. Otherwise I'm going down another size in needles and I'll do the largest size in the pattern.

A Big Pile of Stuff

I realize that my posting has been quite infrequent. But so has my knitting, I'm sorry to say. I don't have too much to update on, on a daily basis. I am in awe of those knitters who constantly have a flow of FO's, like Tienne. She makes me want to be a better knitter. (When I get the time, *smile*.)

But there has been some big piles of stuff that I've been working on, (or giving away). For starters, I haven't started another pair of socks, (yet). I decided to finish the Rowan Plaid Sweater, (dubbed "The Flood"). I had about an inch going on the front side, (the back was complete), and decided to pull it out of the deep depths of my closet. That was last Wednesday. It's Sunday and I finished the front the other day. I forgot how wonderful big needles, (US 10 1/2's), and how big yarn, (Rowan Big Wool), make a project go somewhat quicker. I am now a few inches into the first sleeve. (The best part? I have enough yarn. After getting the back done, it didn't look like I had enough.)

So it's just a big pile of grey/white stitches. For now. I'm hoping to complete it by next week. That all depends on the rate of knitting I get done with this damn thing:

I'm still trekking away with the Charlotte's Web. For some very odd reason, (and I attribute it to the fact that I'm reading "Amityville Horror" and the fact that I told Shawn it would be kinda neat to live in a haunted house), I've been having major issues with row 103. I easily ripped back a few rows at least 4 times!!! Yarnovers are not easy to pick up! Sometimes I'd get 2 stitches too many and other times I'd be one stitch short. Finally I ripped back about 5 rows and I'm now on track. Nonetheless, I'm thinking there is a ghost that's messing with my lace!

I did a little, (late), Spring cleaning and gave some more yarn to my neighbors 9 year old daughter. She's already crocheted a blue baby blanket out of some acrylic that I gave her. Plus she made a scarf with some yellow cotton. And I saw the way she was eyeing the pink cotton. I also gave her some fabric and stuffing. I feel cleansed. And I know she'll use it and appreciate it. I get the warm fuzzies.

One of the reasons I haven't been knitting is that my TMJ came back full force. Tuesday morning my jaw locked after trying to eat cereal. That was around 8 a.m. 3 a.m. the next morning it finally unlocked, but it was still very sore. Thursday morning I saw the dentist, who really didn't tell me anything new except that I didn't have any cavities. (By the way, I don't think I told any of you about this, but when my TMJ first started with the jaw locking I went to Western Dental. They took 2 1/2 hours to get to me after my appointment time and told me that I had three cavities. I didn't believe them, so I left. Looks like I'll making a complaint with the BBB for them trying to dupe my insurance company.) Anywhoo, a few hours later the pain was worse, (my face has been swollen, my eyes, ears and throat hurt, and obviously I can't eat much of anything, not to mention that I've been feverish). I went to Urgent Care and was given a prescription for Ibuprofen, (for the inflammation), and some muscle relaxers to help with the actual tensing. The muscle relaxers have kicked my butt! So I have been sleeping a lot, (when I can), and not trying to stress with my knitting, (i.e.: Charlotte's Web).

I did end up getting a referral to an oral surgeon at UCLA, so I'll be making an appointment Tuesday and hoping that they can do something, (anything), to make the pain go away. My jaw isn't locked, but the muscles are sore. I can't open my mouth all the way, (which sucks because Shawn bought some yummy doughnuts which I had to squish to get in my mouth), and when I chew I have to chew evenly on both sides so my right side doesn't hurt. What a life!

Jem started his ADD meds and is still forgetful as ever, but has calmed down considerably. I met with the staff about his IEP and they feel that he doesn't have a learning disability or need special ed. They say he's a little behind in the third grade, but as long as he does Summer School, he should catch up and be ready for 4th grade. He's excited. Also, because his birthday is at the end of June. We've discussed "field trips" and decided to see "Ratatouille" at the El Capitan theater in Hollywood. We are also going to a beach day, bowling day and a zoo day. Hopefully that will keep him busy, along with swimming.

Scout is doing good. She's found her voice and using it! She really doesn't like being alone and will scream a good scream if we are in the kitchen too long. I don't think she's going to be the, "good, quiet baby", at the yarn shop anymore. I can't believe she's already five months old. She's eating even better. She still loves her nanas, but she's also been scarfing down the pears. She's still not too keen on the green stuff, but hopefully that will change. She's not quite sitting up on her own yet, but she is rolling over. And she loves to lay on her side. When we do tummy time she tries really hard to crawl. I'm happy we aren't there yet. (We aren't quite babyproofed.)

Look at those bright eyes!

Wouldn't you know?

I'd say that I've been busy, that would be my excuse. And to some extent it's been true. But the real reason I haven't posted, (or knit much for that matter), is that I've been extremely tired. This whole week has been draining. But this weekend was excellent and here's why:

After finishing the Little Bunny Foo Foo socks, (which I have to say thanks to all of you for your nice comments, I appreciate them), Shawn requested another pair. So I cast on for his socks and lo and behold, the pattern from Charlene Schurch's "More Sensational Knitted Socks" was, dare I say, wrong! The picture didn't match the stitch pattern. Instead, Shawn asked that I make them plain. As in Stockinette Stitch. Sounds good to me.

I had to use Scout's Dino for a model. I couldn't find anything else. We are going to call these Shawn's Snake Socks. The Koigu reminds me of a snake. Thus, Snake Socks. I have no complaints about these socks, except that I may have cast on 6 sts too many, but I found a way around having to rip them out and start over. Stay tuned for that!

I started Scout's Diamond Sweater from one of my many Debbie Bliss books. I'm using the Lana Grossa Elastico that I got from the 50% off sale that I got last week. I love this pattern. It's the third time I've knit it and it's never gotten old.

And a close up to show the texture.

And I bet you wouldn't believe it if I didn't have a picture huh?

Yup, that's Shawn knitting!

You see, we kind of made this deal about him racing his r/c's every Saturday night and me going knitting once a week for a few hours, (at night). Well after reading, "Babyproofing your Marriage", I realized we really needed to make more attempts at spending more time together, rather than apart for our own hobbies. So yesterday, I went to see him race at 5:30. We stayed til about 8:30. And then today, he said he wanted me to teach him to knit. Now mind you, he's not interested in knit/purl/dec/inc...he is just doing garter stitch. He says he'll make me a scarf. I said I'd wear it. I'm really proud of him for a.) asking me to teach him and b.) that he took to it so well. Are you jealous? LOL.

This afternoon I made some cupcakes, (which would later turn my craving into my demise), for May: Yeah, I brought out the piping tips and all. I felt creative. Unfortunately, eating a cupcake caused my TMJ to flare up. My right jaw is extremely sore after having it locked up for about a half hour. The biggest problem is that the dentist really can't do anything. They can send me to an oral surgeon, but short of surgery all I can do is take Tylenol and wear a mouth guard at night, (which I'm doing anyway). Surgery isn't in the cards at the moment. Cold compress it is for the time being. *sigh* Were the cupcakes worth it, you ask? Yes. They were.

On the homefront, Jem is doing his State Testing this week. He also has his Psych Evaluation this Wednesday. It's looking more and more like ADD/ADHD. We'll find out the details on Wednesday and go from there. I must say, he's been a pretty good kid the past couple of days. After he got called out on the attitude though. *boys*

Scout is doing well, as always. She's eating cereal and baby food now. She ♥ Sweet Potatoes and Bananas.

She also ♥ her toys. She loves to suck on them.

As you can see.

And on a final note. I'd really like to know what you all think about swaps. I'm a bit disappointed in the Sockret Pal Swap. Not in the person who spoiled me. But in the person I spoiled. I sent off the first package, no problem. The second and third, I put into one box and had Shawn mail off for me. Stupid me for not having him get a delivery confirmation. Apparently the box hasn't gotten there yet, and it's been weeks. Now, I understand her disappointment BUT she's posted about how she's been "jilted" (mind you she doesn't post my name), even after I offered to knit her another pair of socks and replace the things that I bought her. But I'm irked. It really bothers me that some people can't be grateful for the things they do get. I tried my best. In fact, in my first package alone I went above and beyond the "minimum", not to mention I constantly emailed without many responses.

I suppose my expectations of swaps are a bit more than the "post a blog twice a month, contact your pal on the 1st and 15th", kind of thing. I do a lot for my pals and now I feel like I am being outted because the lousy Post Office lost her package. *sigh* So anyway, I just want to know how you feel about swaps? Do you join them or stay away? What have your experiences been like?

I Don't ♥ Wool, THERE I said it!

A travesty, I know. But to clarify, I hate cheap wool. You know the kind that turns to crap the minute it hits water. I'd show you a picture, but I'm too disappointed, discouraged, angry and sad all at the same time. Remember that Shawl Collared Cardigan? You know, the one I knit for the Knitting Olympics from February 2006? Yeah, that one! Well, last night I was on a roll. I decided, "What the hell, I finished Scout's sweater, why not finish my sweater and the pockets?" All I had left was to finish one pocket lining and both outside pocket trims. So I did. Another FO! But that's not where the story ends sadly.

This morning I think, "Why not soak the sweater and get it nice and clean?" (It had been Dalton's cozy napping spot for a while.) So I do. I soak the 100% Merino Wool, (Paton's btw, you know the cheapy stuff you can get at Michael's), in cold water, (because as I'm sure you know, if you soak 100% wool in hot water than it will felt the material). All should be well right? No. The wool still felted in the cold water. How in the **** does that happen? Someone, anyone, please explain this to me. So now I have a halfway lovely sweater that I will probably never wear.

Shawn said it's not that bad. It didn't completely felt. There isn't much stitch definition though. I am telling myself that I don't care because a.) in the end, the sweater wasn't long enough, (though I measured relentlessly), b.) the arms came out too long, (though I measured relentlessly), and c.) I had run out of yarn at one point and could not find the right dye lot and you can tell (now that the felting has screwed me).

I never thought that this could happen to me. So don't let it happen to you. Please. I can't bear to read another horror story like the one I just typed. I'm still stunned.

BUT, (it's a good thing there is a but), I have good news as well. I finished something else! Three FO's in just a couple of days, aren't you impressed? Truth be told, the sweater had been finished for some time, though I hadn't weaved in the ends. I hadn't weaved in the ends because I hadn't finished the bonnet. (I attribute that to the fact that when I first knit this, I could not finish for the life of me. It took me a while. In fact, I think this was the first project where I learned how to do a three needle bind off for the shoulders.)

It's from a book called, "Monkey Knits", and I haven't decided if I will do the blanket stitch in white around the sweater yet. I don't have buttons for the front closure, but it is in the shape of a bone and matches the dog eared bonnet. I made it in a grey Debbie Bliss wool, but I honestly don't remember what kind. Or what needles I used. That's how long ago I knit it.

The body is garter stitch, with stockinette stitch sleeves and garter stitch borders. It's actually pretty plain without the closure and buttons. I will have to grab some at JoAnn's this weekend.

And of course, the obligatory, "Does it fit Scout yet?" shot.

Nope. Not yet. But all the same it's cute. Just needs buttons and the doggy bonnet needs to be blocked.

So, my list of fourteen is slowly decreasing and now down to twelve. I have a dress that needs to have the shoulders seamed and the armholes need to be picked up and have an edging, which I'm thinking I might do a single crochet, rather than go through picking up the stitches and then binding off.

I think I'm doing pretty good. I did get back to the Dalton Socks and the Cabled Tunic, which I need to measure. It's a bit discouraging though, it's just a lot of cabling. Lots and lots of cabling. It will be worth it though. In Winter. Of 2008. Maybe.