Snake Socks Complete

I finished Shawn's Snake Socks last night. This gives me time to work on the Charlotte's Web. (The one that I accidently dropped a stitch two rows beneath and am now having to unknit two complete rows of 191 stitches...of LACE.) But that's ok. I really am trying to stick to working on one big project at a time. My WIP's are, (finally), decreasing.

Snake Socks for Shawn

Yarn: Koigu KPPM (the stuff I bought from the 50% off sale last month)

Gauge: 8 sts to 1" on US 1's

Pattern: I attempted to do that Basketweave pattern from Charlene Schurch's "More Sensational Knitted Socks", but it was wrong, (and I have to say that Charlene emailed me! and sent me the right pattern which will probably be the next pair of socks I knit). So I used her template and just did stockinette stitch over 80 sts in the round, Easy Toe and Short Row Heel, with a 1x1 rib for the cuff.

That's pretty much it.

We ended up not going to the Strawberry Festival, due to finances, which was kind of a bummer. But I did have a chance to sleep in this morning, Shawn made a fantastic breakfast, I went swimming with Jem, and now I'm making manicotti and chocolate cupcakes. (Even though my TMJ flared up, again, yesterday...I'm willing to risk it again with cupcakes. I just won't open my mouth too wide.) Yum!

Other than that, I am going to do Ann Budd's 2x2 Toe Up sock from IK Summer 2007 for my Hogwarts Sock Pal in her House Colors and maybe make some headway on the Rowan Flood Sweater since it's been sitting in the bin for a while.

Ciao!

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?

One Big Bag

Well, I didn't save my money. Shawn bought it for me:

What a great guy huh? Actually, he bought it for me because he went out and did a little retail therapy shopping for himself. Then he decided to do some retail therapy shopping for me. (Gotta ♥ that!) It's a Namaste Messenger Bag in Chocolate. The bag is made from cordorouy and is very soft.

I ♥ the inside lining. I love a brown and blue color combo!

When you open the top flap there are two smaller pockets for accessories. All the closures are those magnetic button type clasps. (That's good for someone who constantly breaks zippers...don't ask me how!)

And the inside is quite roomy. There are two large compartments seperated by a zippered compartment, (that's perfect for patterns or books). There are smaller zippered pouches in there as well. Along the bottom of the bag is a zipper that allows you to open up the bag and expand it a little.

It holds my two current WIP's: the Matinee Coat, (which as of last night, I finished the back and started the Left Front), and my Dalton Socks. Plus the pattern books and my note book. Oh and my accessories pouch. It could hold more. (Don't tempt me!)

The booties that my Favorite Color Swap Pal made for Scout:

Scout is really good about kicking them off of her. Any of the booties or socks that she has. She's especially good about kicking off the left one.

Yesterday Shawn and Scout were playing around on the couch. I didn't get too many good shots because every time I'd take a picture they'd move around and the picture would turn out blurry.

And today I got the new issue of Vogue. I am a bit disappointed though. Once again the plight of the big boobied girls needs to be addressed. *sigh* There were a number of projects that they VK+, meaning that they have larger sizes. I think that the fact that they are increasing the number of projects in larger sizes is a wonderful idea. (I had just read that the book "Big City Knits" by designer Twinkle has mainly off the wall sizes...one project is for a size 27" bust!?) But I really think that Vogue needs to add larger sizes for at least 75% of their patterns. All of the patterns that I liked and would be very tempted to knit were simply too small. 28" bust? I think not. Even 33"? Nope. And it's not that I couldn't figure out the measurements and design it so that it would fit me, but where would I find the time? I am certainly not a mathematician. I don't want to stress over numbers. I want the guesswork done for me. Isn't it enough to have to swatch and substitute yarn and needles for the pattern at hand. Must I do the rest of the work as well? If so, who needs Vogue?

I MUST be InSaNe

First and foremost, Happy Saint Patrick's Day! We didn't do much, but I did make cupcakes. I truly believe that any, and all, holidays should be celebrated with cupcakes. They are just too yummy! So I made four leaf clover cupcakes. Clever, aren't I?

We didn't do anything yesterday, aside from that. To tell the truth, I've had a rough spot for the past four days or so. I don't know why. Well, I think it has to do with the fact that I was trying to stop breastfeeding. Mentally I'd tried convincing myself that I was ready to stop. But in my heart, I'm not. Luckily my milk hadn't dried up and we are back to breastfeeding. I suppose I'll stop when I know I'm ready. But I'm pretty sure that the change in hormones caused a little emotional instability the past few days. And since I have not been on medications since last April, well yeah. (Though everyone says how great I'm doing, I have to say that they don't see how I am at home when I'm really a wreck! Yikes!)

Anyway, Shawn is also having troubles. As in he is diseased. He is ill. Damn him. (I really try so hard not to get sick I tell ya!) It turns out that a few coworkers came into work sick this week, which in turn means that Shawn brought back their germs! Ewww! He's hurting pretty bad though, poor guy. It's mainly his throat. Then this morning he turned the wrong way and now has a pinched nerve in his neck! (I did that about two or three weeks ago. Then he made fun of me, well just teasing, and not three days later he did the same thing to his back! I tell him all the time: KARMA KICKS ASS!) So he's trying to relax. (Trying is the operative word.)

In the midst of all of this relaxing, I decided to go through my stash. Not really to make myself feel utterly and totally horrible, (I can't help but to think that I might have an entires month rent sitting in these yarn tubs...tubs!). But I wanted to get my needles organized. I tend to just throw them back in the closet when I'm done using them and they are never to be seen again until I actually need to use them. And honestly, I'm sick of buying another set of size 9's, (even though I have 4 pairs of straight ones and 2 pairs of circulars and get this: I rarely need my size 9's).

So this is just part of the mess:

And here's another part of the mess:

And when it comes down to it, that's not even the entire mess. What makes the situation worse is that I decided, (lastnight), to see how many UFO's and WIP's I had. As of lastnight I had 13! As of today, the number increased, (couldn't have decreased somehow could it?), to 16! Sixteen projects on needles or in bags needing to be finished. Ay yi yi!

Which only makes me feel bad for having gotten this in the mail the other day:

It's Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK in Peacock. It's absolutely gorgeous and uber soft! This is the substitute yarn for the Norah Gaughan tank in the Interweave Knits Spring 2007 issue. Can't wait to start. AFTER I finish the other 16 projects I have going. (Yeah, right!)

I started the Matinee Coat for Scout, but also have been working on my Dalton socks. (Which, btw, thank you all for either your helpful tips, your links, or your support. I am hoping once I get to that point in the short row heels that the tips that Jillian sent to me will help. I'll let you know. All in all, I think that yarn over cable pattern is very pretty and the STR yarn is a wonder to work with. (So much so that I might have to order Little Bunny Foo Foo for another day!)

As for the Matinee Coat, well I don't think I need to explain do I?

The yarn is uber soft, (like the Cashmerino DK), and very easy to work with. The fact that a little less than three skeins will get me a beautifully knit sweater for Scout to wear in a few months just makes it all the more sweet. I decided to do the 12 month size to be safe. She's growing so rapidly and I don't want her to grow out of it too fast. (Friday's Dr. appointment: Scout weighs 13 lbs. 8 oz. and is 24 1/2 inches long. Her Dr. said that Scout's, "a perfect baby" and I totally agree!) Besides that, the yarn seems to be great for keeping someone warm, which she won't need until the Fall.

Yup. That's our weekend.

Ordinary Weekend

I don't know who she is, but my Sockret Pal really rocks! Look at all the loot!

But best of all, looky here:

Those are the handknit socks she made. Just for me! I put them on last night and vowed never to take them off, though I did take them off. They are just so comfy and pretty. Thanks to whoever my Sockret Pal is.

In other sock news, Shawn wants a pair of socks in this:

It's Socks that Rock in Stormy Weather. So it looks like I will be making a lot of socks in the future.

I'm nearly done with the first sock, just a few more rows on the toe shaping. I am hoping that they fit. So far they do. I will finish the first one tonight and I promise pictures tomorrow, (assuming that they fit of course).

They would have been done but I was quite busy with this:

Shawn and Dalton. A love/hate relationship. Why? They are both jealous of each other. But Dalton was spreading this love this weekend and decided to make peace, even if only for a few minutes.

And then of course, I was busy with this:

It's amazing how time flies once a baby gets here. But how in the world did time stand still for those 8 months? *sigh* She's getting so big. But not too big that she can't wear the things I knit yet. I really need to get on the ball and finish the Sweet Pea Sacque and the Elann Pinwheel Sweater. (I am 1 1/2 of a sleeve away on the sweater.)

Last week I also had a chance to pick up a copy of Knit Scene. This was the first time I'd ever thumbed through the magazine and it's a really great magazine. I ♥ the Kenobi Jacket by Norah Gaughan. Looks like I need more yarn. (And maybe some more knitting time.)

Categories

My life seems to be divided into so many different categories nowadays. With Scout around, my day is even more divided. I'm balancing the cooking, cleaning, parenting, relationships and self-care, (even my blogging), into two hour increments. It's hard but worth it.

Especially when I see this:

That's right folks, I finished the back for the sweater. I've started on the front already, though I admit that I haven't been knitting much for the past couple of days. Last Thursday and Friday, Jem had a cold. And with an 8 year old, bored, boy around the house, well that doesn't leave much time for knitting. (Let alone anything else.) Over the weekend my mother was here {sigh}. And while she's my mother and I love her, she can push my buttons and make my skin crawl {shudder}.

Sunday was Shawn's birthday. Yay! The big 27, though he's acting like he's 50 and about to retire, LOL. Poor guy. We went bowling and he got absolutely hammered! The best part to his drunken tirade, besides making a fool of himself in an adorablely loving manner, was that I actually beat him bowling. The first round we played we tied!!! 120. I was the last to bowl on our lane, (we had to share with three nerdy, but hilarious teenage boys), and Shawn kept teasing me, not thinking I'd get those last 7 points. But I did! Oh yeah! The second round I don't remember, except that I came in 3rd or 4th. Not last, for once! And the last round you ask? Hehe. I had about 6 strikes and a spare in the round. I've never done so good in my life. And while Shawn was disappointed he lost, he went around telling everyone that I kicked his ass. Smiling the whole time! So this weekend proved to be productive, just not in the knitting category.

I am happy to say that though I ended up with some of the syptoms of being sick, (mainly body aches and a sore throat), Scout has not gotten sick. I can only imagine a 5 week old dealing with a cold. 5 weeks! I can't believe it's been that long. But it has.

We had some quality picture time. Usually I'm on the opposite side of the camera, but I finally convinced Jem to take a picture or two of me. This was the only one that didn't make my boobs look like two honeydew melons {sigh}. Some women look forward to the bigger chest with pregnancy. I am one of those who despise it.

But if they feed this cutie pie, whose to complain?

She's getting big. Too big. Soon it will be all about the mall and dating, (Shawn and I have decided that she's not dating til she's married!!!)

Jillian posted that the Interweave Knits Preview is up for the new issue. While she said she wasn't too interested, (well, not yet at least), in any of the patterns, I acquiese and say I am fully intrigued by SEVEN of the featured patterns. Though I haven't read the patterns, I can only say that the finished product is what has caught my eye. I'm sure once I read the pattern I will digress and only choose to knit one pattern that will probably end up in the UFO box for a good 4-5 months.

Tomorrow is the end of both the Secret Pal 9 Swap and the Sockret Pal Swap. I have to say that I wasn't very impressed with either swap. Not because of my pals, but because no one seemed to really be into the swaps this time around. I followed the Secret Pal swaps before joining this, and every round before seemed to have more spiritied participants. And there's been no mention if there will be another round. We shall see.

On another note, I am disappointed in the "new" blogger. I had a chance to switch over. But none of my progress bars, buttons or other photos switched. And I don't know much about html. It kinda sucks. Cindy has been very kind in trying to help me, but I'm thinking that I may switch over to TypePad. It seems like I know bloggers who are much more happy with their service. And really, I don't want to have to work so much for this blog if there's a service that will do it for me. (There's the tired mommy in me.)

Two more things. Rain. I love the rain. It was so nice to come home from our two appointments this morning and have it rain. I love listening to the rain. (Which is why I am up so late.) I love feeling the rain. I love rain in the movies. I love the smell of the rain. Rain is just great. But for the @ssholes who can not drive in the rain. That I don't love. I can care less about flash floods and El Nino storm watches. Just watch out for the people who freak out when a little splash of water falls from the sky!

I also love chocolate.

Can you guess what yumminess I made?