Q&K! Quilting & Knitting

2009-10-30T14:45:00.005-04:00

I've been writing posts in my head for awhile (until I decided it might be considered strange to talk to myself, hear voices - does that qualify for mentally unstable, hmmm)... But just haven't had time to write up an update.

It's been a busy month... full household sickness, starting a new Master's program in Project Management, meet-ups with friends, swap packages, family visits, and last but not least the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival (AKA Rhinebeck).

Rhinebeck was a blast - I went with two work friends who are fairly new knitters. It was my second time attending and I enjoyed it much more as we drove ourselves (rather than a bus) and spent the night. It was fun to go with newbies who were totally awed at the sheer number of people, fun stuff to touch (and you didn't get yelled at - encouraged actually), and the wonderful viewing of knitwear. It was funny - no one thinks twice if you are staring, pointing or talking about them (i.e. knitwear). It's almost a compliment instead of an insult - out in the "real" world. I bought a few things that I really wanted or am giving as a gift:

I couldn't resist a few skeins of Socks That Rock from The Fold even though I have more STR and/or sock yarn that I know what to do with. The mill ends were really reasonable and some may be gifted. I bought two rare gems that I just love (4th and 5th from the left). The other 4 main skeins from the back are from Briar Rose. I regretted not buying anything from them the last time I attended - as I love the fiber content, size, price and color. Anne Hanson shows their yarn on her Knitspot blog all the time and I've been interested in trying some out. I have a hank of bulky Robusta that I'm splitting with a friend for a hat/fingerless mitts set, a skein (750 yds!) of Abundance for a pattern out of the Fall Interweave Knits - they had a sample that was gorgeous, and a skein of penny lane (silk) for a cowl or 2.

We had pics that we took of the festival but they are on someone else's camera so I need to get a copy. Cool both days and slightly rainy on Sunday, but I love looking at all the vendors and the farm animals. I'd love to get a few goats - they are so friendly or a bunny - very soft and lovable. Maybe someday - we definitely have the room these days. Plus the Food! I got to try a chicken pot pie on Sunday (much shorter lines) and it was fabulous! We've already decided that we definitely want to return next year. Anyone wants to go holler and we'll start planning. we'll have to book our hotel by February before they're all gone again. Kingston area was sold out by the 1st week of March this year.

I also got a great swap package in the mail last night. I joined the Ravelry group Odd Duck swaps and it's lots of fun. They host a few swaps each month that have "odd" themes... such as Wizard of OZ, Favorite Color, Favorite Season, Crime Shows and Mystery Books, etc. You can sign up for as many or few as you wish. It's fun to put together thematic packages for your swappee and include their likes/dislikes. You have to include something handmade in each one and I enjoy seeing everyone's creativity and craftiness. I signed up for the Favorite Season (mine is Fall)- and look what I got!

There's yarn (3! skeins including some Malabrigo Sock - fabulous colors), lots of little knitting and non chatzkies, and a cowl pattern (perfect timing- I'm making a few for holiday gifts). I just love packages in the mail and am enjoying shopping creatively for them.

Have a Happy & Spooky Halloween. We are going to enjoy a quiet family night at home carving Jack-O-Lanterns~

2009-09-27T17:14:00.003-04:00

***Blue Moon Sock Club SPOILER ALERT***

We've had a busy but fun weekend with 9 month baby photos (what a ham), a neighborhood birthday party, house chores (well this wasn't fun but necessary), sewing, knitting and sock club mail!

I did a bit of sewing today while the baby napped. The baby's finally getting on a great nap 2 per day nap schedule (and still sleeping through the night). My husband is at the Bills game. Go Bills!! - wow a fake field goal - where did this team come from! -

Sorry distracted by the game there for a minute.... Back to sewing progress.

I made a couple of sock or small project bags. I tried out a new pattern - that I think I like. Thoughts? It's a straight forward design, but it feels like it's a good one.

It's just big enough for a small project with all the accompaniments. It has a short handle that you tuck a longer one through to create a natural closure.

I also made a little dress for Anna. [Just imagine there is a little girl in there - not paper towels]

It's the first time I've attempted any sort of garment - so I picked a pretty easy/straight forward pattern from Indygo Junction. I think it came out pretty well. I'm hoping it will look cute with a long/short sleeve onesie underneath and leggings. It has an adjustable bow tie at the shoulder so it should fit for awhile. The pattern says it's a size 2, however, it seems small/short for that size. Though that's OK since she's in 9mos now - so it's a bit big now, but gathers enough so that it is wearable (and should last longer).

I finally washed and blocked my February Lady Sweater. I've warn it a few times, but hadn't had a chance to wash it yet. Wow - the hand wash/wool cycle on our LG Washing Machine is awesome!! I braved it with the sweater and it did a beautiful job. The sweater is made from BMFA Twisted - which is so soft and blooms wonderfully once washed. It's laying out in the foyer drying...

A fun yarny goodness shot for you... My September Blue Moon Sock Club package arrived on Saturday.

The photo does not do the yarn justice. It is one of my favorite colorways yet this year. I need to get knitting on my socks. Works been so busy - I haven't been able to squeeze in much lunch time knitting (in the evenings - I've been plugging away at my Trellis & Vine pullover- making good progress - I'm almost done with the body).

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday. Go Football Season! I love Sundays.

Bag-a-licious

2009-09-13T10:59:00.007-04:00

You may recall months ago that I won the pockets galore demo/sample bag from D Whynn Designs on her blog. I loved it so much that I purchased the pattern to make another. I finally found the fabric I wanted over Labor Day weekend while visiting my folks.

Sample on Left - My version on Right

I followed the pattern mostly as written. Modifications: Slightly heavier weight fusible lining (I'm very fond of Pellon 987 fusible fleece - gives structure but has a lot of flexibility), I added a key hook to the inside, and I did the handles a bit more narrow using my normal strap construction (I hate having to turn handles inside out - I suck at it. So I make my fusible about 1/2" narrower than the strap -fold over each edge to the center (about 1/4") on each side and iron to the fusible - then fold the strap in 1/2 and edge stitch both sides. easy peasy).

I LOVE the pleated pocket - very functional (I use this purse everyday and it holds everything in a very organized fashion. I'm definitely going to incorporate the pleated pocket in other bags.

I'm hoping to do some more work on my Vine pullover and some socks today during football.

We're ready for football season. Are you?

Quilt-a-ploosa

2009-08-30T10:53:00.007-04:00

I have made incredible quilty progress this weekend. I'm thrilled. My husband was away Friday and Saturday, the baby is a bit sick, but I still managed to complete a great deal of craftiness (house is a mess, but you can't have it all). It makes me happy to realize I can make time for the things I love to do - not everything, but enough to make me happy.

Friday - I made and sewed binding to 4 quilt projects (wall hangings to lap quilts).
(binding done on this one)

Saturday/Sunday morning: I completed the binding on 1.5 quilts and started a baby quilt for a friend. I'm thrilled with the baby quilt - it's leftover blocks from another made into a totally different quilt with accent fabric left from one of A's baby quilts. I stitched in the ditch on my sewing machine. It went really well - though I definitely couldn't do anything larger than this. I'm not a fan of machine quilting - it frustrates me more than I find pleasure in it - straight stitching is OK though. I've been sending most of my quilts to a professional - it's faster and nicer looking on the larger ones. I do think the baby quilt turned out well and is perfect for the recipient (they love pink).

I learned a neat technique at the quilt festival, where you can easily get half-square triangles as an "extra". Typically, when creating squares that have triangles in the corner - you sew a smaller square (across the diagonal) to the larger (right sides together) and cut away the excess (then throw excess away). The teacher suggested sewing an additional line 1/2" to the right of your diagonal - which gives you your block, plus additional extra blocks that you can arrange as pinwheels (like my baby quilt) or as diamonds, rows of triangles for a border, etc. I couldn't figure out how to post a drawing - so I tried to give a general idea with the quilt itself:

Dad came to visit last week and brought 2 of my quilts back from the machine quilter. They are for 2 of my nephews for Christmas - love them:

This one was sewn with Lizards...

And this one with Monkeys...

So cute!

A few last crafty items for your viewing pleasure.... (yes, I'm a dork)

Handbag:

Start of the Trellis and Vine Pullover from the Fall issue of Interweave:

Some sweater yarn from the Village Yarn and Loopy Ewe anniversary sales:
6 skeins of DIC Classy and Louisa Harding Kashmir Aran

Progress

2009-08-16T14:37:00.006-04:00

I really am terrible about posting regularly, but I'm trying to find a life/work/home balance - which as many of you can imagine is challenging at times.

Though -I have been doing a bit of sewing and knitting, which makes me happy. We've spent the last few weeks adding some organizational fixtures to my sewing room. Primarily two big peg boards to hang my rules, scissors, thread, etc. and felt for a design wall. I love it all! It makes it so much easier to spend 1/2 hr or so sewing and not have to spend time hunting down everything.

As a result of the reorganized sewing room and a recent trip to the Quilt Odyssey in Hershey, PA - I've been doing a bit of sewing.

Binding for two quilts that recently returned from the machine quilter:

Crayon/Doodle Bag(s):
Free online pattern (http://www.edonyourown.com/crafts/ColoringBookCrayonTote.pdf). It's pretty easy and quick to do. I made a few modifications (used lightweight fusible interface to help give more structure, 1/8" seam on both sides of handles, attached handles in my normal fashion - nothing major). I found the perfect fabric grouping at Joann's - it's all crayon/coloring related. They were a perfect inexpensive alternative to my regular quilt fabric. Here is a picture of one:

I've finished a few others as well. They are pretty cute and will make good b-day and x-mas gifts for my nephews and friends.

I've been working on the three classes that I took at the Quilt Odyssey. Fabulous!! Highly recommend it to anyone who likes to quilt regardless of your skill level. It's fun and you can always learn. Mom and I went from Wed to Sun and had a wonderful time together.

This quilt I've almost finished (it's about lap size) - I just need to add two more borders:

The layout make it look like circles, but it's really just snowball blocks set around a 4 patch star. Pretty neat. The start was a bit of a pain (paper-piecing - not my favorite), but well worth the effort.

The other two classes are in progress. I have a preliminary photo of one:

It looks much more complicated than it is. My favorite method... The teacher is coming out to teach a class locally next spring and I plan to try and sign-up if the date works. She's going to do a class on using her method to do a pineapple block (it has no triangles or set-in seams).

Knitting -
I've been doing a few small projects...

Dotty Hat from Itty Bitty Hats

I fully lined the hat with no-pill fleece and it is really soft. I also made fleece lined mittens to match:

Olive You from Itty Bitty Hats (ravelry link)
Anna was kind enough to model the hat (it's a gift - but I might just need to make her one), though I probably should have put on a clean bib. LOL

I also started a sweater, but there's not much to look at yet. Hopefully, it won't take me so long to post pics of it. Enjoy the last few weeks of summer!

Knitty Progress

2009-05-27T18:55:00.005-04:00

Well I haven't gotten much better about posting regularly. I'm still trying to find that balance between work, family, hobbies, friends, etc. I have been doing a bit of knitting and taking a sock class.

My February Lady Sweater has made some good progress. I've completed the body and am 3/4 of the way through the first sleeve. I love working with the Blue Moon Fiber Arts Twisted yarn - the color is fabulous (Korppi) and it works up wonderfully.

I've also been working on a number of socks - though progress has been minimal since I haven't had much time to work on them during lunch at work.

Sock #1 - plain jane sock - It's a basic broken rib pattern with Wendy Knits' Temptation Top-Down sock pattern. It's a neat heel pattern to eliminate the need to pick-up stitches for the gusset.

Sock #2 - Sky Sock - Cat Bordhi New Pathways for Sock Knitters. I enrolled in two New Pathways sock classes at one of my LYS - one top-down and one toe-up. It's really helped me to get a better understanding of the book and the concepts. I'm in the process of finishing up the heel.

Sock #3 - Riverbed - Rushing Rivulet Socks - Cat Bordhi New Pathways for Sock Knitters. Toe-up -- only the toe is done - I need to make some headway on the rest before next week's class.

Caffeinated Swap - Come Join

2009-05-27T13:00:00.003-04:00

The Starbucks and Yarn Swap sign-ups started today. Come and join us on Ravelry... I subsist on caffeine these days - so it's my kind of swap....

Details
Sign Up Begins: May 27th
Sign Up Ends: June 3rd
Matches Sent Out: June 5th

What Will Go In The Kit

$10 Sbux Gift Card One hank/skein of yarn
One small projects pattern (i.e. wash cloth, fingerless mitts, coasters, etc.)
One set of Stitch markers

Dollar Amount: Minimum of $20 - Maximum of $30
Duration of Swap: Two (2) Months
Swap Ends: August 7th
Participation: All participants will need to check in weekly on the Ravelry Group. There will be a weekly check-in thread posted. Passes will be given to those on vacation and if family emergencies come up, but any absences must be communicated as soon as possible. After being absent for two weeks with no communication swappers will be dropped from the swap.

Looks like it will be fun!

I also have some knitting and general content update - that I'll try and post tonight. I'm almost done with my February Lady Sweater and I have a million socks in process.

Knitty Progress

2009-04-11T17:47:00.005-04:00

I've been showing a bunch of my quilt projects lately - so you might think that I've not been doing much knitting. You would be mostly right. It's hard to find time these days after I get home from work - but I've been trying to make some headway on a few socks and a sweater.

February Lady Sweater
I may be one of the last people in the knitting community to make this sweater - but I'm really loving it. I can see why it's so popular. I've also been reading the Elizabeth Zimmerman book that contains the original children's version. Highly entertaining. I may make a matching one for my little one if I have enough yarn left. Yes, I'm that much of a dork. I'm making mine out of Blue Moon Twisted in Korppi.

I've also been working on learning some of Cat Bordhi's sock architectures. I'm currently working on a Sky Sock in The Plucky Knitter's merino/cashmere fingering. The colorway is Colonel Brandon - it feels absolutely lovely. Yippee for Cashmere! I've got to find time to apply myself to this one sometime soon. It's just been hanging for awhile.

The last sock is my on the go sock - since I can't mentally tackle the sky sock out and about. It is a simple rib pattern applied to Wendy Knits' Temptation Top Down sock pattern. It is has a very cool heel.

Have a great Easter weekend. I'm hopeful for some more knitting.

Bags, Bags, Bags

2009-03-28T22:06:00.006-04:00

I've been on a bag kick for the last few weeks. To thank a few women at work for all their assistance/coverage while I was out on maternity leave, I made each of them a bag. It's kind of a catch all bag to throw your lunch or a book, some papers, knitting, etc. My mom made me one last year and I really loved it. It's easy and inexpensive as it's only made from 4 fat quarters and some fusible fleece. It's sewed in easy squares then cut in 1/2 into triangles that your re-sew into squares to create a "crazy" mix-up of fabrics. The pattern is called the perfect bag from Fiber Options.

All the gift giving must have given me some good karma -- I won a bag on a blog giveaway!! I never win anything. The bag was made as a sample for her shop D Whynn Designs. The owner designs quilt bag patterns and sells finished handmade bags. It arrived in the mail today. It is absolutely fabulous - I love it!! I think I may pick out one her her patterns to try. She has a cool Etsy shop - go check it out. Here's a pic that I stole from her blog of my new bag:

Quilt Pattern

2009-02-20T11:42:00.005-05:00

A few people asked for the title of the third quilt pattern (one that you cut apart and sew together to create the on-point setting). It is "Jelly Patch" by Ann Anderson and Susan Mayer. You can purchase it at:

Quilt Woman (publisher)
Mt. Pleasant Quilting Company (A local shop where I purchased mine, but they also have an online shop)
or they may carry it at your local quilt shop

It is a well written and easy pattern to follow (in my opinion). A time saver for this project is to use a Jelly Roll - since the strips are already cut and you'll have a large variety of coordinating fabrics - though you could easily use scraps. I'm particularly fond of the selection from The Fat Quarter Shop (partially because I'm a Moda junky. I've ordered from them multiple times and have always been impressed. They often have sales too.

As far as the stack-n-wack quilt goes - I think it is the 8 point 30 or 60 degree triangle pattern from the first book (linked in yesterday's post). I don't know the exact name as my Mom has my book.

More Quilt Progress

2009-02-19T17:25:00.010-05:00

One of my goals on maternity leave was to finish up some of my outstanding quilt projects. I have a few that are pretty close to completion and just needed a bit of focused time. I finished three tops so far this week.

Quilt #1:
This was a kit that I purchased a few years ago because I really loved the colors and pattern. I cut out the pieces when I was pregnant, but didn't have a chance to assemble it. I'm fond of baby quilts that are made with brighter non-traditional colors. I plan on putting it away for when Anna's a bit older. We have another that I made in her crib now - so I'll save this one for later.

Quilt #2:
A stack-n-wack quilt that my mom and I took a class for at a local quilt shop a year or so ago. The blocks were all done they just needed to be set. It's really neat to see how different all the blocks can look when they come from the same fabric. I also have 4 blocks that were a bit smaller left that I can use for a small lap quilt. I'll need to purchase some additional complimentary material for those at some point.

Quilt #3:
This was a top that I completed in a class last year, but never had a chance to add the borders. It is a fascinating pattern because it uses a very interesting technique. It is a pattern that would be great for a beginner because it is simple strips sewn together - there are no setting triangles that you would usually need to do a quilt set on point. Instead you sew it together (then hold your breath) and cut it apart and resew in a very specific fashion to create an on-point quilt.

I've also continued to work on completing some of last year's Socks that Rock club kits. I started the July kit. I've completed the first sock and am almost done with the top of the mate. I really love this pattern - it's been awhile since I've had a pattern go this fast. It has a wonderful rhythm. I wasn't so sure about the garter stitch short row heel and toe - but it actually fits really really well and is extremely comfortable. I hope to finish the mate this week and start another kit.

Sock it to me

2009-02-10T14:36:00.006-05:00

I've been on a bit of a sock kick since it's hard to squeeze in much knitting time with a newborn. Plus, I need to catch up on my Socks that Rock club kits from last year that I couldn't work on in my prego fog.

I started with the November kit because it seemed the easiest on my brain. I really liked how the pattern flowed. It took a bit since I was extremely sleep deprived for the first few weeks. :O)

Holidazed in muddy autumn rainbow by Anne Hanson (details on ravelry)

Then, I decided to start Gumdrops with the Goody Goody colorway by JC Briar. I'm about 3/4 of the way down the leg. I love it! The pattern is fun and addicting, plus the color fits the bout of mini-spring weather we are having.

A few just to make you smile photos....

Quilts

2009-01-20T10:37:00.006-05:00

I've had a few quilt tops that I finished ages ago and just never got around to quilting by hand or having professionally finished. When we were packing to move in Sept/Oct - my Mom volunteered to take them to a couple of machine quilters near my home town. She brought them back a few weeks ago when the baby was born and I didn't have a chance to post them.

They turned out great! (especially since my Mom bound them for me knowing how busy I was)... The one below surprisingly enough matches our new great room perfectly (surprising because we did not repaint when we moved in). They did a beautiful job on the machine quilting - dragonflies and an abstract pattern in the middle and flowers that mimic the border fabric around the edges:

The second quilt is a children's twin that I did to use up a variety of scraps. I think I'll put it away and use it as a gift or maybe for Anna when she gets older. This one is quilted with an all over pattern of butterflies and flowers.

I hope over the next month - I can finish a variety of other quilt tops that are very close to completion and send them off for quilting. The baby's sleep pattern is getting a bit easier, so I hope that I'll have the energy to work on some fun projects before I have to go back to the office.

I also finished the 1st sock in my Blue Moon Socks that Rock November package and started the second. I really love how the fit. It is a nice simple pattern (by Anne Hanson) that is perfect for me these days. All the details are in my Ravelry Project Page.

Granny Blankie

2009-01-15T17:52:00.002-05:00

I finally finished the RYC Cashmere granny blankie that I started years ago. When I first learned how to knit - my LYS owner encouraged me to try out a book that had 200 plus pattern squares to learn a variety of stitches in a small forum. I learned a ton and used a great yarn - but I never really got around to finishing enough to do a larger afghan. When I found out I was pregnant this summer, I thought a perfect solution would be to do a small blankie for my baby. I had just enough squares to do a nice crib sized blanket. I started sewing them together and knitting on a border during my last trimester. I just needed to finish weaving in the 9million ends - which I finally did today! I really like the way it came together. It has some wacky colors and looks a little funky - but it is so soft with the cashmere content.

My Anna should be able to use it with her next nap....

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T12:41:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year everyone. We have been laying low and enjoying our new little girl the last week, so not much of an update. I unfortunately developed mastitis under my arm so I've been a bit under the weather. Thank goodness my Mom stayed with us for almost two weeks to help us get settled at home. She and my Dad left today - we are certainly going to miss them. I don't think my husband and I have ever eaten so well, had the house this clean and all of our laundry done.

I have been doing a bit of knitting - hopefully I can take some pictures soon. I finished Anna's blanket with all my old practice squares out of cashsoft - I'm just weaving in the last of the ends. I'm also almost done with the first sock in the November Blue Moon Fiber Arts sock club kit. I really like the pattern and colorway. Nice and simple which is exactly what I need these days. The lack of sleep and on/off fever make concentrating a bit difficult. But it is well worth the result:

I can't wait to experience all the new and wonderful things we have coming this year. It will be a year to remember. Here's to a fabulous 2009 to you and yours!

The Greatest Christmas Gift...

2008-12-25T08:48:00.003-05:00

I didn't do much blogging during my last trimester as we prepared for our upcoming arrival. However, I'm going to do my best to keep this updated with our little one.

On Monday, December 22nd - we received the best Christmas present anyone could ask for:

We are very excited to enjoy our new baby girl. Everything went very well with my c-section and the doctors let us come home a day early - so we arrived home yesterday afternoon. It's so nice to be home for the holidays and to welcome Anna into our family.

Best wishes to you and your families over this holiday season. May your blessings be as wonderful as ours.

We're moving!

2008-10-04T08:15:00.003-04:00

Finally, we are making some progress on the house front! Every time we've thought things were progressing another road block popped up. We were supposed to be ready to closing the week of Sept 15th. However, our attorney discovered that the sellers of the house we purchased filed for Bankruptcy in 2005 and their attorney did not file the necessary release form with the Bankruptcy court. So we've been on hold for the last few weeks, as we've waited for the Bankruptcy Trustee and Judge to sign off on the release of the house. Yesterday - we received the fabulous news that we are scheduled to close on Tuesday afternoon!! Though it will be absolutely nutty - I feel like we are finally making progress and a huge weight has lifted. Particularly, since we are supposed to close on our current home on October 17th and this upcoming weekend would be the last "weekend" that we could move. Our friends are helping out and if we had been forced to move during the week it would have been difficult with everyone at work. It will be nutty, but manageable. We can't move on Saturday because my husband coaches HS Varsity Volleyball and has a tournament all day and I am 4 hours away in Northern NY for my 1st baby shower in my hometown. Nothing like trying to cram it all in. So - Sunday it is! Thank goodness it's a Buffalo Bills By-Week.

I'll try to post some pics after the big move. I have been doing a bit of knitting. I have another sweater done, a Clapotis (that I don't think I took a pic of before sending it to the giftee- oops), a sock and the mate partway along and a BSJ baby sweater in the works. I can't wait to get my storage pods delivered and set-up my new sewing room. It's all mine, mine, heeeehheee.

See you again in the new house. If you're local - please come and visit!

Finally ... A Lovey

2008-09-07T16:57:00.003-04:00

A lovey for my little one....

It took me forever to find the time to make this:

Become that:

Some facial features will be added once we move and I can get to my embroidery floss.

Go Bills!! Football = Uninterrupted Knitting Time (other than the periodic shouts from across the room)

I assure you that

2008-09-07T08:14:00.007-04:00

I'm still here. It's just been insanely busy with all the house goings on and baby on route. It's been a rocky road for the last few weeks. We had finally sold our house 3 weeks ago --- for oh, all of about 24 hrs before they backed out due to "financing issues." Whatever that means - you'd think you'd have figured all that out before you started house shopping and signing a contract. But - we've come around in a full circle. Three different groups made offers on our house yesterday - so we had a minor bidding war - very exciting! We ended up better off than before and are generally where we wanted to be for closings. We just need to get through the engineer's inspection this week and hopefully we'll be home free. Literally! So please keep all your fingers and toes crossed for us!

I have been doing a bit of crafty work. I cut out the pieces for the baby's quilt and purchased the fabric to make a crib skirt and bumpers from Amy Butler's new book Little Stitches. You can actually see the skirt and bumpers I'm making in the third photo on the Amazon website. I'm making the set in fabulous shades of pinks, yellows and greens from lights to dark rich shades. Can't wait - I just need to clear out the space to my sewing machine - though that might not happen until after we move. Hopefully - in the new house by late this month - 1st week in October at the latest.

In knitting news - I've been doing pretty well. I've had a lot of opportunities to knit on the go, which is perfect for baby stuff. Very portable and quick:
(all Ravelry links)

Almost finished with 2 Mason Dixon Bibs

Yarn: Cotton Stria and Peaches & Cream

Kimono Sweater from the Mason Dixon Book:
Looks a bit like origami right now - but the last side/sleeve is almost done and I should finish the whole thing during the Bills game today.

Yarn: Moda Dea Washable Wool (leftovers project - until I realized I miscalculated and had to go an buy another skein - now I have 3/4 of a skein to figure out what to do with LOL)

Hat from Wee-One Welcome Set

Yarn: Berrocco Comfort (worsted)

Offset Wraplan by Sara Morris:
Just needs snaps added....

Yarn: Socks that Rock Heavyweight in Storytime (LOVE THIS YARN!)

Pair of matching - Wee Baby Scratch Mitts

Yarn: Leftover bits of cotton stria and socks that rock heavyweight

Also in progress - A Slip Stitch Baby Hat to match an upcoming Tulip Baby Sweater:

Yarn: Dream in Color Classy Hat Kit - Spring Fling from Coldwater Collaborative. They have hat and sweater kits in some great colors that saves you from having to buy full skeins of Classy to the multi-color look that you want.

Plus - just a little bit of yarn stashing love for you -- we should have all known that I wouldn't survive without any yarn in the house for 3-4 months. It's like slow water torture not to be able to get to my stuff. So project yarn above plus:

Socks that rock medium weight (1-3), Chewy Spaghetti (club package), Cherry Tree Hill Supersock, Elann Peruvian Wool (for pinwheel sweater), Dream in Color Classy Tulip Kits, Karabella Aurora 8, Karabella Soft Tweed (I love sales - $3 a ball! - I have over 2000 yards - now to find the right project), Berrocco Comfort, Berrocco Comfort, Plucky Knitter Fingering (club package)

I have not fallen....

2008-08-19T12:41:00.008-04:00

off the face of the earth. It's just been incredibly busy with the house stuff, work, family weddings, etc. Plus - I managed to get the worst summer cold last week that is still ongoing. However, I have managed to ease in some crafty time during all of this (in car, will wishing I was dead in the recliner - coughing my head off).

I have three more baby sweaters in various finishing stages:

Pattern: Mossy Jacket by Fawn Pea
Yarn: Berroco Comfort
Just need to weave in the ends and sew on two buttons (which are where? You guessed it - Packed in no man's land until we move next month)
More Details on Ravelry

Pattern: Ribbed Baby Jacket by Debbie Bliss from her Special Knits book (ravelry link)
Just needs arm seaming...
More Details on Ravelry

Pattern: Helena by Alison Green Will

Yarn: Moda Dea

Just need to finish the front/neck bands...

More Details on Ravelry

Then, I think I'm going to do one of these next:

Tulip Baby Cardigan

Seamless Baby Yoked Sweater

I love little girl clothes...

Plus - I'm going to start the crib bedding (quilt, crib skirt and bumpers) with these...

Last, but not least our little girl is growing like a weed... Belly bump expansion:

21 Weeks...

Need I say more...

2008-08-07T17:47:00.002-04:00

Check this out...

2008-08-04T18:10:00.007-04:00

Have you seen the Twist Collective? It's kind of like an online knitting magazine. It has absolutely fabulous patterns, photos and articles from all your knitting favorites. Socks from Cat Borhdi, Cookie A and Yarnissma (some free, some for sale/download)... Sweaters from Kate Gilbert, Veronik Avery, Pam Allen etc.... Articles from Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne, Clara Parkes, etc.

I couldn't help but order a few patterns:

Some Socks:
Maelstrom by Cookie A

Oolong by Mona Schmidt

P.S. Cat Bordhi's Houdini pattern is a free download if you are in a sock mood

Sweater:

Linden by Veronik Avery

Stole:

Gnarled Oakwoods by Anne Hanson

We got it!

2008-08-02T19:25:00.001-04:00

Yeah! The engineers inspection is done and they've agreed to our two minor requests. So all that's left is the usual attorney/mortgage stuff until we close. We are so excited and can't wait to move into our new home.....

Life is a Whirlwind

2008-07-24T13:06:00.007-04:00

Well life is pretty crazy here. We are in a whirlwind of house selection/selling madness. We think we've found the house for us. But as usual it is a complex situation with the seller and us - so we are waiting with baited breath to see if it's going to work out. It's a bit more expensive then we wanted (of course), but it is in the country (but within 10-15 minutes of the essentials) with 2 1/2 acres of land on a private drive with only 2 other homes.

Can you say peace and quiet. Plus, it has the office of my dreams - to become my ultimate craft room. It will mean a severe austerity budget for us - especially with a baby on the way. However, we think it will be worth it in the long-run because it is a "forever" kind of house for us. Our current home has had some very good interest this week so we are hopeful that everything might just fall into place this week. Stressful!!! Cross your fingers.... and help me find a way to sneak some yarn into the budget. Though I could probably craft from all my fabric and yarn supplies for about 5 years without buying anything. :O)

Pregnancy is moving along swimmingly. I love it! I feel so wonderful now that the endless sickness is over. I had my 17 wk check-up on Monday and I'm a picture of health according to the doctor. Excellent blood pressure, sugar, weight, etc. The baby is moving all over - the doctor almost couldn't count the heartbeats because the baby kept kicking the doppler away and sound would echo through the room. LOL We go for the anatomical ultrasound in a few weeks and I can't wait! I have two sweaters done and a third on the needles. I will try to post pics later this weekend.

Quidditch ~ Round Three

2008-07-18T19:27:00.015-04:00

Quidditch ~ Round Three
1. When Hagrid returns to Hogwarts after being sent to see the giants with Madame Maxime, Professor Umbridge questions him on his late return to school. She suspects that Hagrid had been to the mountains, but where does he tell her he has been?

d. South of France

2. Professor Umbridge comes to Hagrid's Hut and searches his cabin one evening (as she believes Harry, Ron and Hermione are there visiting him at night when they are not supposed to). When she walks past the place where Harry, Ron and Hermione are hiding under the Invisibility Cloak, Harry holds his breath. True or false?

b. False

3. A stately-looking witch in an emerald green shawl is one of the members of the Advance Guard who rescues Harry from Privet Drive. What is her name?

a. Emmeline Vance

4. What is the name of the witch who was killed two weeks after the photo of the original Order of the Phoenix was taken?

b. Marlene McKinnon

5. Which two fifth year Ravenclaw students does Dumbledore choose to be prefects?

d. Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil

6. Which house was Rose Zeller sorted into?

d. Hufflepuff

7. What is the color of Murtlap's essence?

c. Yellow

8. Name the Ravenclaw girl who became prefect in Harry's fifth year.

b. Padma Patil

9. According to a healer's portrait at St. Mungo's hospital, which disease was Ron suffering from?d. Spattergroit

10. Which book did Harry give Hermione for Christmas?

a. "New Theory of Numberology"

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Padma Patil

Hannah Abott

Percy

Dumbledore's Army

Cedric Diggory

(Extra 5 pts - What movie will Robert Patterson star in this December?) Twilight