Well, Let Me Tell You!

Life here at Casa Fantauzzi has been chaotic. Busy. Hectic. Soul Crushing. Eh, maybe not really soul crushing. Soul consuming is more like it. This week my energy has increasingly betrayed me. One moment I'm ready and rarin' to go. Next moment it's like I haven't slept in weeks. Of course, nothing changed that today. I was up and making breakfast while preparing the turkey. I was answering phone calls and trying to wake up Shawn. I was feeding a fussy baby and doing laundry. (Btw, remember my leaking washing machine that they fixed but two weeks later was broken? It's still leaking. So much so that the leak is trailing into the kids room.)

I've neglected my blog in lieu of getting the sock swap ready. Answering emails from panicky swap participants. Adding links. Checking blogs. It's done. Everyone is paired off. Everyone is happy, (I hope).

Sewing has ceased all together. I wish it weren't so. I've been sewing the panels for Scout's baby quilt. I'd also been cutting and sewing, (and sometimes re-sewing), knitting needle cases for my diminishing Etsy shop. (Not that I want it that way mind you, it's just that this has been a bad time of year for me with all the holidays.)

All the holidays, get this: October 31sy is Halloween. Third Thursday in November is Thanksgiving. November 27th is my birthday. December 12th is Shawn's sons' birthday. December 21st is Scout's birthday. December 25th is Christmas. January 4th is my mom's birthday. January 28th is Shawn's birthday. Tell me where this is fair?

It's so unfair. Especially after making a decision not to do any holiday knitting. But the past few months we've been a bit tight on funds. Now it seems like the best thing to do is to do a homemade Christmas with a few small packages for the kids. I found the greatest Homemade Advent Calendar to adorn a hallway. Though I don't know how long it would take to cut out 25 red and white squares of felt and then embroider them all. Then find little trinkets in each one. I remember my mom would go to Cost Plus World Market to buy my advent calendars. Of course, they never made it to Christmas. How could they when they had such delicious chocolate inside?

Nevertheless I am working on a few things. Like the Cobbelstone for Shawn. I think I'm about 9" from the edge. For my mom I'm making a pair of socks that won't fall off her calves. (She's convinced that handknit socks won't stay up because they don't have enough elasticity. I'm going to prove her wrong.) Scout will be getting her baby quilt. (Once the sewing machine works. Basically I was sewing a few nights ago and a needle snapped and it seems that a piece may have gotten stuck where the needle should be picking up the bobbin. This is all so new to me.) As for Jem, I honestly don't know. He doesn't seem interested in me making him anything.

But aside from all that, I have been knitting a bit. Not as much as I'd like due to all the stress. I don't like working charted projects when I'm stressed. It just doesn't work for me. But this project has a bit of stress added to it. Somehow when I caked the skein it tangled up inside. So my cake is everywhere but in a nice and neat ball.

Either way, they are turning out lovely, (I think):

Waving Lace Socks by Evelyn Clark from "Interweave Knits Favorite 25 Socks".

Close up of the stitch pattern. They are 20 row repeats, very easy to remember.

The heel. I'm proud of my heels. Someone once commented on a pair of socks I made saying that I had excellent gusset pick ups. That person has given me a complex.

The yarn is from the Yarn Pirate. I absolutely love the colors and I absolutely love the feel of the yarn. I know what I'll be getting myself for my birthday or Christmas! (Just a tiny splurge.) How I lived without this yarn before is a wonder. Not quite as good as Koigu, (then again, what is?), but it's second to it. Most definitely.

Thanksgiving here was great. Everything went smoothly. The pies I made were delicious and it made me think why I only make pumpkin pies two or three times a year. It was just nice to have us all here together. I wanted a peaceful holiday and so far I got it. Unfortunately Shawn is going to work tomorrow. He doesn't have any more vacation days right now. So, while Shawn is at work I'm going to play. I'll be at the LYS and quite possibly the mall, (gasp!). Shawn gave me an early birthday present so I could use it to hit the department stores during their Black Friday sales. So I'm off to find a pair of running shoes. I've been wanting to go running, but with my horribly messed up feet, (I had club foot surgery when I was a few days old, years of corrective shoes...Now I'm just left with an insanely high instep thus limiting my shoe shopping), I haven't been able to go without a good pair of running shoes. It's something I've looked forward to, so that's what I'll be doing. I can't wait for Bandit to grow up, (stop piddling), and go running with me. I suppose I don't really need a guard dog, but one never can tell these days.

That's my week(s) in a nutshell. I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful that there is someone out there who can fix a sewing machine. I'm thankful that the LYS will be open and ready for my reprieve, however short that may be. I am thankful for whoever dreamed up Cool Whip. I am thankful I have a fat, warm kitty to keep my feet warm at night. I am thankful for leftovers. I am thankful for hot water cause boy do I need a bath. I am thankful that I've been blessed with such a beautiful little girl who gets me through the day. The list goes on, but I do not. I'm having a piece of pie and then off to bed I go.

Mission Complete

I finally finished my sock pals socks for the Sock It To Me Sock Swap, (you know, the one I am hosting). Shaemful to be so late. But life, and nature, have been throwing some curve balls lately you know? Anyway, the fact is they are done and ready to ship. Now I just have to find a box!

Heel Flap:
And the finished project:

The pattern is from Charlene Schurch's book, "Sensational Knitted Socks". It's like my sock Bible! This is the Garter Rib Stitch, which I have done before. (Remember the River Socks?) But the ToFutsies was much thinner and, unfortunately, isn't plied very well. Not like Koigu. I made these on US 2's. Yay! An FO!

In other news: We did not get evacuated. The fires have pretty been contained, though they are now doing burns around the area so as to get rid of any fuel for another fire. The winds have died down too. It was 86 here today! I don't get how one week it's cold and rainy. The next is week filled with firestorms and crazy heat. Indian summer in October maybe?

I'm hoping to have a puppy post for you guys too. :) Can't give anymore details than that. Off to work on my Chevron Scarf for a bit!

Take a look at this Monkey

I finished it last night, after updating my blog. I told you I was further along then the pictures showed. And I have more than enough yarn. Shawn found his scale and we measured. I was really worrying that I didn't have enough. And you know, looking at a wound ball doesn't help. Anyway, it's done and waiting for it's mate:

I'll definitely be making myself a pair. This pattern really knits up quick!

A Productive Weekend

Saturday and Sunday proved to be a bit productive.

I worked, a little bit, on the Wheat Ear Yoke Sweater from Interweave Knits. I am working the sweater on US 6's and 7's, instead of 7's and 8's.

I'm not too sure about the stitch definition though. I really think it would look better if I went down another needle size and just make the largest sweater size. I have enough yarn. But tell me what you think? (When I stretch it out a little, it looks 100% GREAT...so I guess the blocking could make all the difference.)

I also made a lot of headway on the Monkey Socks. I am using yarn from my stash that I bought on Etsy a while back. I went up a needle size, (from 2's to 3's). They are a bit loose for me, so that's a good sign. Cause they aren't for me. I'm actually further along then the pictures. (I'm almost to the toe shaping.)

This is a great pattern.

The heel flap was a bit long for the pattern, but that's probably because of the change in needles. I will definitely be making myself a pair of these...quite possibly in some Koigu.


And because she's driving me crazy, I thought I'd post a cuteness picture.

She's not so cute when she's munching on grasshoppers. Three this week. Gross.

I'll be updating Etsy later. There are a couple Amethyst sets I'm adding. (Just in case you ♥ purple.)

A Day At The Zoo

Shawn took the day off of work, (which didn't really work out too well because his boss called him in to work today), so that we could go to the zoo. It was a really great day for it too, because there weren't scads of people running around with their children or women trying to manuever their babies strollers. It was a bit hot, but overall it was a nice outing.

I took a few pictures, including one of the koalas during his lunch "break":

And we finally had a chance to see the Black Bear. He was missing the previous two trips, so it was nice to see him. (There were actually two this time.) This guy was lounging behind the cave, in the shade:

This was Scout's first trip to the zoo. She wasn't too aware of what was going on, but she was definitely interested in those big furry things that were swimming under the faucets of water. Here she is with Daddy taking a peek at what was down in the pool:

On the way to, and from, the zoo I had a chance to work a few rows of sock #2 for the Pink Granite socks. I got about 12 rows done in the car, (meaning traffic was very light on a Friday on the 5). I worked on the rest of the sock last night and, successfully, finished while watching an episode of, "Murder, She Wrote".

Not entirely sure why these striped like Shawn's Stormy Socks, when my Little Bunny Foo and Dalton Socks didn't stripe at all. Must be the gauge I suppose.

Close up of the lace pattern on the foot:

And the short row heels:

I used the Easy Toe and Short Row Heel pattern, like always. (I'm in my comfort zone). And I knit the 4 row Little Arrowhead pattern from Charlene Schurch's, "More Sensational Knitted Socks". I used US 2's for the sock and US 1's for the 2x2 ribbing. I really like these socks. Lacy and feminine without being too frilly. And they are uber comfy!

I updated my Etsy shop with a couple more sock stitch marker sets, including these pretty little pink butterflies:

And now? Well, my neighbors moved a day earlier than expected, though the Charlottes Web was nowhere near being done. So I'll be working on that, and Wicked. I might start another pair of socks, and I might not. I have to figure out what socks I will knit for my Sock It To Me Pal. And since I joined the Hogwarts Sock Swap, Round 2, I will need to get on the ball for that as well.

I suppose you'll see the next I post!

All in All

It's been a fairly good week. The weather has calmed down, a bit. The pool was re-opened yesterday. I've been working on socks and knitting stitch markers. I've joined a couple KAL's.

Yes, all in all, things have been pretty good.

Nothing really special to report since I'm in the middle of projects, but I thought I'd give you a "teaser" for the new socks I'm working on:

It's Socks That Rock in Pink Granite, lightweight. And yes, another pair for myself. These won't be anklets though. I actually finished the other one the other day, and I know many of you will say WOW, but don't get too impressed. While life is busy, I'm not drowning in so many fancy and exciting things to do. Knitting is it.

I'm also still working on Wicked, though I have already separated the sleeves and am now just doing the mindless stockinette stitch for the body until I get to the shaping. I have yet to decide on short or long sleeves. I've seen a lot of short sleeved ones on Craftster. They are all very nice and very pretty. But I'm thinking long sleeve might be the way to go. Especially since it's made in Cashmerino and it would be a great sweater to wear on those cool fall/winter nights when school starts. (Not too long to go, you know? I'll be whizzing my way through French and Yoga!)

I've also updated my shop tonight. I have been a little discouraged. I have a number of views, but no buys yet. I guess it's one of those word of mouth things. So go do it people! *smile*

This was a set of glass beads in aquamarine and black that I just added. I ♥ black onyx. It's very pretty indeed. I've also added a few sets of freshwater pearl markers.

In other news, well things are fine. I've been reading up on beading and started looking into classes. I decided to do Year Two of the Hogwarts Sock Swap. I originally hadn't intended on it, but I had fun and decided why not? I also joined Secret Pal 11 for the third time. This last round was fun. And I hope Katie is loving every moment of her new baby! She made this round very special for me, all the while being pregnant. Thanks again Katie! Let's see, I also joined another round of Sock a Month 4. Since joining at the end of February I have knit 7 pair of socks. This KAL really gets me going because while I love to knit socks, I love seeing what everyone has created and getting a chance to see more patterns and yarns. Knitters are quite resourceful.

Everything on the homefront is good. Jem is more than ready for school to start, and I can't say that I don't blame him. He's driving me N.U.T.S. "Bored" has taken on a new meaning in our house. Scout is great. She's sitting up on her own and had a chance to swim in the pool today. She was bouncing up and down and drinking water, (ewww), and just having a great time.

So that's it for now.

One Sock, Two Sock

Just call me a sock knitting machine, because I just finished pair number two for the month.

A pair of Anklets. I'm calling them my Sunset Socks.

The symmetry.


And the close up of the stitch pattern, (sorry it's not that defined).

Sunset Socks

Yarn: Koigu KPPPM in blues, greens and oranges, I used a skein and a half

Needles: US 2's and US 0's for the ribbing and cast off

Gauge: 7 1/4 stitches = 1" on US 2's

Pattern: Toe Up Sock from "More Sensational Knitted Socks" by Charlene Schurch; Lattice Stitch (p. 94 I believe, it's the same as the Diamonds Sweater that I'm knitting for Scout from Debbie Bliss' book); Short Row Heel; 1x1 ribbing

These socks were really easy to knit. I guess now that I know how to knit socks it's "easy", huh? I started the toe of the first sock last Friday. I started the foot of the first sock on Saturday. I started and finished the leg on Sunday. Yesterday, I started the toe and the foot and the leg. I did the last 22 rows today. Fast huh? I was in a hurry. After the first sock was done, I had to finish the second one. They are just too pretty.

I suppose I'll have to start another pair. But what yarn? And what pattern?

No More Weaving!!!!

That's right folks, no more weaving because I'm D.O.N.E. Oh yeah.

My Hogwarts Socks for my Gryffindor pal are finished:

Gryffindor Striped Socks

Yarn: Lorna's Laces in Cranberry and Sunshine

Needles: US 2 DPN's and US 4's for cast off, (I can't find my 3's)

Pattern: Basic 56 stitch sock; Toe Up with a Short Row Heel; Six Row Stripes; 2x2 Ribbing

Essentially that's it.

What's really bad is that I started the toe of another sock, (the Koigu Sunset Socks), on Friday night. I finished the foot and heel by Saturday night. I finished the leg and ribbing yesterday. I'm ready to cast on for the second sock today.

Or maybe I'll work on the Charlotte's Web.

Or Wicked.

Or the sleeve for Scout's sweater.

Or maybe, just maybe, I'll do something else.

Today was a busy day, most of it sitting in traffic while getting to or from the places I was going. My first stop was the LYS so I could knit my new pair of socks, (see below), and skein up the STR Pink Granite yarn. Doing 300 some odd yarns by hand isn't my idea of a good Saturday night. I really need a yarn swift. Badly.

After that I stopped by the bead shop and bought some more supplies for my shop. I only have four items up for sale at the moment, but I have oodles and oodles of things being listed soon.

Then I stopped by the r/c shop for Shawn. He's temporarily blind. He has a sty of some sort on the inside of his eyelid, (I attribute it to the fact that he very rarely changes his contacts and though his Dr. said it's ok to wear them at night, he always wears them and doesn't let his eyes rest...This is the second time this has happened.) It's caused him to be extremely sensitive to the light, so he can't drive.

After getting home in the 103 degree heat, (and the pool still being shut down by the Health Department), I found a package of goodness waiting for me from my Hogwarts Sock Pal, Marie:

Here are my socks. I was in the Ravenclaw house and boy was I lucky with the colors! They are awesome!

But it doesn't stop there, Marie spoiled me even more with stitch markers, Crystal Palace size 0 DPN's, a little lamb candy dispenser, (that can also be a keychain), some Bertie's Botts Beans, some mints in a really cute container, a Ravenclaw keychain and a gray knitted bunny! I have been quite the lucky duck lately. I ♥ Marie! Thank you lady, you totally ROCK!

Tonight I spent some time working on my socks, but I also spent some time with these:

Chocolate Frosted Donettes. Right before dinner I was having a powerful chocolate craving. But not just any chocolate. I wanted chocolate donuts and chocolate ice cream. (I haven't had the ice cream. Yet.)

Every few rows I'd pop a donette and make progress with my new project. (I just had to, you understand.)

I'm a tease though. I'm not showing you, or telling you, what stitch I'm using for the instep. I will tell you though, that it looks great and I'm about 1/2 to the heel. These are going by quickly. I wish I could say the same for my pals Hogwarts socks. I guess that's what I get for not buying self striping yarn and knowing that I will hate myself once I get to the weaving. The deadline is coming up. I only have about 8 sets of 6 rows in changing colors. But the weaving. Oh the weaving.

I also started Wicked the other night, though I haven't done much more than 10 or 12 rows. I will say that I'm loving working with the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK. It's silky soft and I know this sweater will quickly become a favorite.

In other news...Dalton didn't come home yesterday. All day I went outside searching for him. I walked to all of his hiding spots. I called him. I yelled for him. Then finally I cried. Here's the thing about Dalton. I rescued him when he was about 7 weeks old when I still worked at the Vet. He had an upper respiratory infection and I nursed him back to health. He's been my best friend for the past 7 1/2 years. The other thing is that he's declawed. And while he can kick some serious cat ass, he can't defend himself from owls or coyotes. I don't see coyotes near here, though they are around, (they just don't come into our apartment complex). But I have seen owls and while Dalton is a good 20 lbs., and owl can easily carry 3x their own weight.

After hours of searching we heard some meowing in our neighbors storage. It turns out that they were out of town for the past week. They came home and their storage door was open, so they locked it. It wasn't until a few hours later that we realized that they locked Dalton inside.

So now he's home, safe and sound. And he got a good cuddling and lecture about not leaving for so long and hiding because I love him too much and could never replace him. That darn cat!

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!

Little Bunny Foo Foo

I finished the Little Bunny Foo Foo socks. Yay!

And the up close:

Little Bunny Foo Foo Socks

Yarn: Little Bunny Foo Foo, light weight, by Socks That Rock

Pattern: Baby Fern from "More Sensational Knitted Socks" by Charlene Schurch

Gauge: 7 sts=1" on US 2's

Mods: I used US 1 DPN's for the K1, P1 ribbing for a tighter fit.

I've already started another pair. For Shawn. In Koigu. Yum! I really need to get on the ball. Fall is only 6 months away, but I have a feeling if I continue to procrastinate then I won't have the Cabled Tunic done for another 18 months.

In other news: I took Scarlett to the shelter. I didn't want to, but it had to be done. I miss her. And that's all I have to say about that.

I can't say there's too much going on. Shawn has decided to go on the racing circuit with this r/c cars. In return for this Saturday night races, I will get one night of knitting a week. I'm looking forward to a few baby/child free hours of knitting. Some days I can't even get a stitch in edgewise at home.

Our room is painted. No pix right now though. I'm waiting on picking out the new bedset and some other decor. You'll just have to wait.

It May Not Be A Lot

I've been trying, very hard, to get things done. But it's really not happening. I'm making progress, but not much.

Starting with the Little Bunny Foo Foo Socks:

No, I didn't finish them. But I did finish one. And I couldn't wait to show you. I'm about 50% done with the second one. But again, one sock won't do anyone good unless you are a one legged person, which I am not.

I've also been working on the Cabled Tunic, but two or three rows really isn't working out too well. I'd have to do one 24 row repeat to see a noticable difference, you know? Cables are endless!

I made a gauge swatch out of the Lana Grossa Elastico yarn:

It's going to make a Diamond Sweater by Debbie Bliss for Scout. I've actually knit this sweater twice, (one in cream Debbie Bliss Wool/Cotton and another in some Sirdar Snuggly in a pale pink shade).

So that's it really. Not much to even blog about.

Other things to note in life:

I spoke with my therapist on Tuesday morning and we went over the DSM, (which is a book that psychiatrists/pyschologists/therapists use to follow the criteria, and diagnose, mental/behavioral disorders). Jem has 9 out of 9 under the ADD symptoms guidelines. He has 8 out of 9 under the ADHD symptoms. I've spoken with his therapist as well. We have a psychiatric evaluation on May 9th and then we can go from there. I know there is much controversy about diagnosing and medicating, but it seems it's our last option as this point. And I'm really hoping that it will help him.

We still have Scarlett, though I don't know for how long. We haven't found anyone who can take her, which makes things hard because I really don't want to take her to a shelter not knowing what will happen to her, you know?

I went the LYS, again, for the sale and bought two more skeins of cashmere. I'm thinking I, (might), try Eunny Jang's Anemoi Mittens. I'm not sure, mind you. But I might. They'd be awfully pretty in baby blue and white cashmere, don't you think?

Not much else to report really. I did finish Scout's letters for the bedroom, but I couldn't take a nice enough picture. Believe me when I say they look great! Jem says he wants his done too, so I will do his next week.

This weekend, you ask? Tomorrow, I'm going to have my nails done. (It's time for a fill.) I'm also going to catch up on my blog reading, since it's been about a week. I plan on making lasagna, (from scratch), and maybe something from The Cake Book. (If you are a baker or you just plain ♥ cake, get this book!) Sunday, I'm going to sand and paint Jem's dresser, (it's pink and white...he wants blue and white). Then Shawn and I are going to paint our bedroom.

Pictures to follow...

Little Lamb

About a week ago I ordered some more stitch markers from Jillian's Etsy. I got them in the mail the other day, aren't they cute?

I already had some light colored Siamese cats, but I wanted a set that looked like Dalton, (can you tell that I'm obsessed with my cat?). Anyway, now I have four Siamese kitties and they won't be lonely!

I've been working, relentlessly, on the Cabled Tunic. Last night I finished Row 19 of the twisted rib. Twisted rib feels like it takes four times longer than just a plain old K1, P1 ribbing. But it does give the edging a bit more of give, elasticity wise. And it's pretty. I can't complain.

I started my Little Bunny Foo Foo Socks, (I don't have a name for these, so I'm going with the colorway name):

It's, as you can see, a toe up sock. I'm using a pattern from the new Charlene Schurch book, "More Sensational Knitted Socks". But you'll have to wait and see which one! No sneak peeks this time!

Life around here has been kinda quiet. Yesterday, Scout had her four month check up. 14 lbs. 13 oz. and 25 1/4" long!!! I can't believe it. Her Dr. said she's a wonderful baby and I'm lucky to have such a mellow little girl! I agree.

It started raining around 6 a.m. this morning and though I don't tend to keep the windows/blinds open on a sunny day, they are today! I ♥ the rain! But since it's a little chilly I dressed Scout in her Little Lamb outfit, (it's the one I blogged about in August/September). She's still a bit too little to fill it out, but she's still cute.

Isn't she?

Done and Done

Not too much to report, except that I finished Shawn's Stormy Socks last night.

Stormy Socks

Yarn: "Stormy" by Socks That Rock, light weight

Needles: US 2's, 4 dpn's

Gauge: Approximately 7 sts=1"

These socks fit a US 10 shoe size, approximately 9 3/4" foot circumference.

Pattern: Yarn Over Cables from "Sensational Knitted Socks" by Charlene Schurch

So it's over. Shawn has his socks. Finally.

Friday night I went to the LYS for a little SnB and was able to do about 30 some odd rounds on the sock. (I forgot my note book so I had to stop at row 56 because that's where I thought I ended before starting the heel. I was right.) Then yesterday morning, I was up at about 6:30 with Scout, (me no likey early mornings), and decided to work the heel. So I finished that and then did the leg last night.

Two pair of socks in a month! I'm on a roll. So much so that I had my Little Bunny Foo Foo caked and it's ready to get on the needles today. Well maybe. I'd really like to get more done on the Cabled Sweater. I'm almost finished with the back. Almost.

And Friday, when I came home I was welcomed by this box of goodness:

My SP 10 pal sent me a gift! Yay for me! It's three skeins of Artyarns Supermerino in a blue and yellow colorway and some chocolatey goodness too! She knows the way to my ♥! Thank you to my SP whoever you are!

And here's Shawn in his happy place when he put his handknit socks on:

It was a good weekend.

What a weekend!

We've had a pretty good week since my last blog update.

Thursday and Friday, Shawn and I rented a couple movies and stayed home and cozied up on the couch to watch them. First we saw Turistas, which has made me pretty adamant that I will never, (ever), travel to Brazil, and then we saw Black Christmas, which convinced me that sororities really are evil. Both movies were cheesy, but good. Not the explicit gore and guts you'd get from an old "Halloween" or "Friday the Thirteenth", (which by the way, this Friday is Friday the Thirteenth, so beware).

Saturday we drove up to the zoo around noon and guess what the signs said: Parking Lots Full. We ended up having to drive back home. Normally the LA Zoo has a week of Easter activities around spring break. This year they only did the Easter stuff Friday-Sunday. So it was a no go. We are going this Saturday instead.

Since we didn't make the zoo, I headed over to the LYS earlier than expected so I could work on this:

That's right! They are Shawn's Stormy Socks. I finished the first one last night and cast on for the second one this morning. I still don't know what's up with the striping, but I am hoping I can get the second sock to stripe just as well. We shall see. But all in all, they are cool. Shawn tried it on and absolutely loves them. He was quite upset that there weren't two already. Talk about impatience! I swear!

Easter was really fun as well. I made some bunny cupcakes for Jem and the neighbor kids, (not that Shawn and I didn't eat like a dozen on our own or anything!):

Easter morning Jem went searching for his eggs. Out of 14 plastic filled eggs, he found 12. He needed help with 2. One of them got knocked over by Dalton's tail when he was laying on the couch. Jem made out like a bandit. He got a helicoptor set, froggy squirt toys, a load of candy, money, two pairs of jean shorts, and more I'm sure. Shawn got a 1/2 lb. box of his favorites chocolates from See's Candies and a card. Scout got a new dress and a blue and green musical dinosaur that she absolutely loves. She really loves music. My mom gave her a pink piggy bank and we both put some money in it for her as well. Me? Shawn said I could order some sock yarn, so I'm a happy woman! (Who wouldn't be?) But, I haven't decided on what I want yet. Maybe some Koigu? Or Socks that Rock? Or Lorna's Laces? I'd ♥ to order some yarn from Yarn Pirate but last week when she updated, she sold out as I was looking at the colors she had available. Literally sold out in like 5 minutes!

Anywhoo, we also took a few pictures, though I have to say I look pretty crappy after running in and out of the kitchen to make a turkey, (which my mom pretty much took over), and all the fixins. But I love this picture of us either way:

But my favorite is this one of Scout:

(You can check my flickr pictures for more pictures of Scout and the color version of this if you want to see the actual dress.)

In other news, I followed Abigail, (who is a GREAT secret pal, by the way), and joined the Hogwarts Sock Swap. I ♥ Harry Potter, though I will admit that I still haven't finished the last book. I'm maybe a 1/4 into it. (It's not my fault really, a friend of mine kinda ruined the story for me, so now I'm not as motivated to read it you know?) Anyway, I am in the Ravenclaw group and decided to post my swap questionnaire as well:

1.What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into? Ravenclaw

2. Shoe size? 9-9 1/2

3. Foot Length? 9 1/2

4. Foot Circumference? 9 1/2 (high instep)

5. List your three favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length: I mainly work with Clover bamboos, usually size 2 or 3.

6. Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length? Sure, maybe Lantern Moon or Blue Sky Alpacas. Small size like 0's or 1's. Length doesn't matter.

7. If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference? Doesn't matter a whole lot to me!

8. Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal? Yes

So that's about it. I'm happily knitting along and enjoying the change in seasons. And excited for another knit night this Friday night.

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.)