What a week!!

We had a busy week. I don't think I have knit in over a month. There has been so much going on. I think I may be ill because I never go this long without picking up the needles. I even spent 5 hours total on a train without any knitting. I did take a book to read.

The girls and I went to Chicago last weekend for vacation. We had a lovely time visting the American Girl Place. (My wallet did not have a good time there) We also visited the Shedd Aquarium. Lots of great meals and good times were had.

We did cut our trip a little short because my Grandmother passed away. It was expected but still very sad. I did give up my stops at yarn shops in chicago so we could leave early.

This week was filled with visitations as well as the funeral. It was nice to see so many people that I haven't seen in quite some time.

Thank you supersock for the package. It was great. I will post more later.

warm weatheritis

I have had warm weatheritis lately. That is my excuse for not blogging in a long time. I have hardly even sat down at the computer. I have been very busy with birthday celebrations for both the older girls. They are very excited about our trip to Chicago next week. (So am I)

I have did very little knitting in the past two weeks. I have not had any ambition. I think it is the warm weather. I did break down and turn on the AC last week when the temp was in the high 80's with very high humidity. It was worth it just to dry the air in the house out some.

Nothing new

I just realized that I haven't posted in a few days so it is time. This will be a quick post as I have to get Kara off to Kindergarten in a few minutes. Not much knitting going on here. I still need to rip back my sisters socks. I just don't feel like doing it. I finished up the baby sweater for the shower. I am really thining about getting Ariann out today and working on it.

The ambition is very low. My allergies are acting up and I feel crappy. I really should go walking this afternoon. On Monday Amy and I walked 2.6 miles. Actually she rode in the stroller and I pushed her for 2.6 miles. I really need to walke if I want to keep loosing pounds. I have lost 6.25 lbs so far. I am shooting for 30lbs right now but ulitmately want to loose 50 lbs. I can do it. At least knitting keeps me from eating.

Sunday night

Well I have been off all week and have yet to post. I guess I just kept myself busy with other stuff. The weather has been so nice that it is hard to sit indoors at the computer. I go back to work tomorrow, which I am very ready to do. I really need the time off, not just to heal physically but to decompress for a little bit.

I spent the week planning my vacation for the kids which will be short but fun. We are taking the train to Chicago for a weekend. My sister is going along so we will pick the train up in Kalamazoo were she lives and then it is only a 2 and half hour train ride. So not bad 3 1/2 hours travel total. We will take the girls to the american girl store which they will love. The hotel we have booked has a special package for the american girl dolls so the kids will feel special. We are also going shedd aquarium and navy pier.

Now I just have to do a little searching for yarn shops near where we will be staying. There won't be much yarn shopping time since this is a kids trip.

As for knitting progress I started some Monkey socks by cookie A which I was totally loving until I tried them on and the heel is huge. They are for my sister who has smaller feet than me so that won't work. I will have to rip all of the stitches back the heel flap (I just finished the gusset decreases) The pattern calls for a stockinette stitch heel but I think I will change it to my standard slip 1 knit 1 heel which should help. I also think I will go down a needle size as well for the foot. Pictures to come later. Time for bed.

Is my secret pal psychic?

It seems that my secret pal is very good at reading me. But when I opened up my package I received on Saturday I was sure that she can read my mind. I have to say that this box was very full. The pictures don't do it justice. I had to take lots of pics just to get everything in.

Here is the inventory. One skein of tofutsies, one skein of ribbon yarn, a skein of fun fur. A pattern for the tidal wave socks from SWTC. (more on this later) a card, a CD of mixed songs (which I love, they will be great for when I can get back to the treadmill next month) scissors, notecards, a pedicure kit, a cool swirly glycerine soap, coconut lime body lotion and body spray, bath paints for the girls, tea, hot chocolate, dove dark chocolates, coconut hersey's kisses (were did she find them, they are divine) dark chocolate M&M's, microwave popcorn. I think this completes the list. If i missed anyting I'm sorry supersock.

This package came at a perfect time as I have been laid up since my surgery. I feel great today but my doctor will not let me return to work until May 7th. Oh well if I am forced to take a vacation while I feel ok then so be it.

Ok for the psychic part. A few weeks ago while out of town I picked up a skein of tofutsies in a pink color. (She sent me blue which I really love blue) However Saturday morning I sat down and cast on for the very pattern which came in the mail later that day. My last package contained some blue trekking which was very close to a skein that I had just bought for myself. I looked back and I never blogged about theses purchases so she must have me pegged. The music on the CD is all stuff I love on the radio but did not yet down load. I can't wait to get back on the treadmill next month and listen to this cd. (I have it in the PC right now.

Ok now I need to eat somemore of the treats as tomorrow I am joining weight watchers. I have put on about 25 pounds in the last year so it is time for some action. My goal is to lose 50 pounds. This seems lofty but not unattainable. I am now 185lbs and 50 would take me down to 135 which is ok for me at 5' 3". So my posts will also include weight loss from now on.

FO's

Being home on bed rest has really got me moving on finished objects. I would post more pictures but dial up makes it very hard to upload more than 2. So far I have finished Kara's red and pink socks. These pics were taken before she went to school today. After school she says that she had to show off her new socks at show and tell. They are Regia crazy colors. She loves them. I finished them last night while I could not sleep. It seems that all of my sleepind done during the day kept me up all night despite the narcotics. These socks are just a plain vanilla pattern. I have used in the past. I made them slightly on the long side for her feet since it is April now and I know she will not be wearing them much before summer. I hope she will be able to wear them all next winter. (the other girls also requested the same sock but I find that to be boring.)

Today I finished the drawstring baby pants from last minute knitted gifts. I had already joined the legs so all I had to do was the diaper area, sew down the waist band and make the drawstring. They turned out really well. I now want to order some more knit picks shine sport for a sweater to go with the pants. The pants are the grass color so I am thinking cream for the sweater and maybe some socks as well. The baby shower is tentaively set for June 3rd. I. have. time.

I also cast on and finished a cell phone case using up the scraps of regia this afternoon. It only took 1 and 1/2 hour to do. Very simple.

I also pulled out the jaywalkers that I started last month. Sock one is now at the toe decreases. I hope to finish it before bed tonight. Not quite sure if I will cast on numer two or not. I really want to cast on for some tidal wave socks with tofutsies instead. I am just not loving the Jaywalkers color.

I should really work on my ariann sweater but I think I lost that mojo for a while.

I am really amazed with the amount I have accomplished in the last two days seeings as I had surgery and all. I think it is the drugs. I feel great. Just a little stiff from sitting so much but I was doing lots of that before. Maybe it is just the knowledge that I need to keep moving to get better that is keeping me from sleeping. Anyhow my doc wrote me a slip to be off unitl next week monday May 7th. I think I will go stir crazy to be home that long. And then to be on restrictions for another 3 weeks at work will make life not fun for me.

Ouch!

That is how my face feels right now. This morning I went to see a plastic surgeon (one with whom I work with on a regular basis at the hospital) so he could take a small cyst of the bridge of my nose. It ended up being bigger than he expected for an office procedure. I am just thankful it is removed. It was in the way and my glasses were not fitting right. I do have to say that my bandage is attracting all kinds of looks. (I went grocery shopping on the way home)

Today is the first of 7 consecutive days off of work. I might actually be off for 9 days depending on how things go tomorrow. I am having a small out patient surgical procedure. I am not worried at all. I have a great doctor and great staff in my room to take care of me.

I am hoping to get some knitting done. I bought the first two seasons of greys anatomy on dvd this weekend to keep me occupied. I finished the first pink and red sock requested by my five year old and am turing the heel on the second.

Organization continues

I did not get as much stash organization done today as I would have liked. The play date is over but now I have a huge headache. I still have to pick up the oldest from her playdate at 7pm which will give me just enough time to get all of the girls a bath and into bed by 8pm. I hope the headache is gone by then because tonight is a new grey's. I have been waiting long enough.

I do have to say that kids are something else. Kara who is 5 asked me today if I would knit her a pair of socks. Sure. Look through that basket of sock yarn and show me which colors you like. After a few minutes she says none of these. I want pink and red socks. Looks like I am buying more sock yarn. (I have found some regia in pink and reds, and I only need one ball for her socks) Now I just have to order it.

One thing to vent about. For the last few weeks every time I have did a load of wash I have found water on my floor in the laundry room. So today on my day off I pulled everything out of the laundry room and put some blue surgical towels on the floor (they have a very obvious color change when wet) and started the washer. I was hoping that I would be able to see were the water was coming from by where the towels started to get wet. I watched and watched thru all of the cycles and no water appeared. Go figure. All that work for nothing.

Stash assesment

I truely did not realize how large my stash has grown until today. I bought some of the ziploc big bags (the 10 gallon size) and was going to sort yarn to put away. I started gathering up just sock yarn and was shocked that I have enought for at least 20 pairs of socks. I don't know if I want to dive into the rest of the stash or not. But it needs to be done. My closet is running over! I have organized a few other rooms / cabinets and my stash will soon have a new home.

As for knitting news, I started yet another project. I cast on for a pair of draw string baby pants from lmkg (wait, I think I posted about this previously, oh well) I now have both legs done and will join them tonight before going to bed. I hope to finish them tomorrow as I have another day off. Yeah! My little girls are having a play date as there is no school for kindergarden and my oldest will be going home after school with one of her friends. So I will have 4 girls in my house tomorrow 2 four year olds and two 5 year olds. Lord help me. I can forsee very little getting done around here.

SP10 Contest #3

It took me a while to choose least favorite project that I actually completed, but it only took a few minutes to choose my most favorite. My most favorite project would have to be my very first pair of socks. They were the begining of it all for me. I fell in love with making socks. I have very much evolved since this first pair of plain vanilla socks. I wish that I had photos of all of the socks that I have made but never thought it was important to photograph them before gifting them away.

My least favorite project was this hat that I knit about 4 years ago for my daughter. At that time she was 2 years old. She is now 6 and as you can see the hat is wide enough to fit her head but not long enough. At the time when she was 2 it was long enough to fit her head but waaaaaay to wide. I guess that's what you get for not checking your gauge. I kept telling myself it's just a hat so gauge is not important. Who knew! (Also this was one of my first foray's into stripes in the round and I did not know about avoiding color jogs)

I really don't feel much like knitting today as this week is really catching up with me. I feel like I am whinning about a job that I really love but sometimes it can get stressful. I am praying that tomorrow is a slow day. Sundays are reserved for emergent / trauma cases but that doesn't mean anything for how busy we will be. The last Sunday I worked we ran two rooms all day long.

For the rest of today I think I will help my 6 year old knit a scarf for her american girl doll and sew some sock bags. I am going to use the basic concept of my knowknits bag and make some like that for other small projects so I don't have to keep switching my projects out when I want to take something different with me.

Friday!

I am so glad this week is over, even though I know I have a short weekend coming up. I made a road trip to Marquette on Tuesday. (8 hours there and 8 hours back)I hate having to go back for court hearings with my ex but I do like going back to my favorite LYS. I lived in Marquette for 8 years and really got to know the knitting community there (and I miss them too) The one thing I love is that with in one mile there are 6 stores that carry yarn.

I was able to do some shopping for my pal because I got to town about 3 hours before my hearing. I also picked up some for myself. I got some tofutsies by SWTC for me and some more trekking for socks for the girls. I can get three pairs of kids socks out of one skein. The girls love having matching socks. I just give them different colored toes so I can tell them apart.

I think I found my love/ hate projects for the sp10 contest. I will post them tomorrow, which is my only day off this weekend since this is my Sunday to work.

I am hoping it is a slow day since scrubbing in for cases is painful lately. I have a huge rash on my arms from a new surgical scrub I tried and now it won't go away. Now to take some antihistamines and go to bed.

Look what I got!!

After going grocery shopping this morning the girls and I went to get the mail. (We have a central mailbox location for our mobile home park) As I was returning to the car all three of them exclaimed "We got a package!!" I don't know who was more excited, them or me! I told them Mom got a package but they were pleasantly surprised when we opened it up to find that they got something as well.

Thank you Supersock for all of the wonderful presents. I love the blue of the trexxing. I think I already know what pattern to use with it. I feel like you must know me very well or we must have similar tastes. The varigated cotton is one that I have used many times because I love the fresh colors. I plan to knit the bunny washcloth tonight to take to my mother for Easter tomorrow.

Chocolates, coffee (alcohol flavored at that) and tea are all treats I like. I will have to keep the lotion away from my girls if I want to use it myself. They love the smell, too. The girls say thank you for the jellybean eggs and egg laying chicken.

I actually own A Good Yarn by Debbie Macomber. I think I will re-read it an pass it along to my pal. If you have not read he other book A Shop on Blossom Street I will send it to you. It is the beginning of the whole story as to how the shop got started. In away the book held a personnal message for me. Like the character Bethanne, knitting helped me deal with the stress of divorce and becoming a single parent.

Today was also egg coloring day. I know have fingers of assorted colors. It was loads of fun. We dyed about 3 dozen eggs. We also used leftover dye to paint coffee filters. They look very cool. Now that they are dry we have to figure out what to do with them.

Hello wall!

This is Arrian. I was so loving this sweater. I was hoping to be able to wear it still this spring on our cooler days. However I have seem to hit the wall. The picture shows the body up to the underarm. I have one sleeve knit but can't seem to force myself to cast on the other. Last week I cast on a pair of Jaywalkers while I was at the hospital and have made decent progress. (I finished the gusset this morning) Maybe I should just put them down and focus on the sweater. I also have baby gifts to finish but that's a whole other story.

I think that the whole lack of motivation comes from all of the recent stressors in my life which has caused a lack of sleep. All three kids seem to be doing great since the tonsills came out. (except at night when the little one wakes up every four hours asking for tylenol) Hence the lack of sleep. It's like having a baby in the house again. I was fortuante enough to get a 2 hour nap this afternoon. I feel like a bad mom when my kids sit down to watch a movie and I fall asleep. At least I can trust them to be good.

Big Day

Tomorrow is the last of the kiddo's surgery. Amy has her tonsils out tomorrow with an overnight stay on the peds ward. This is because she has a little bit of sleep apnea. I know that it will be another sleepless night. I have already planned to bring lots of knitting. Sleeve number 1 for ariann is almost done. I was planning to work on ariann at the hospital but it takes up so much room in our bag that I think socks are in order. I am just about to the toe on my socks that rock. Then I think I will do some jaywalkers. Now to pick out the yarn before bed. (We have to leave the house at 5:15 am )

Knitting is everywhere!!

Lately it seems like I see knitting or yarn everywhere!! What amazes me even more is that my kids see it too. While watching a movie this morning one of the characters is knitting. This started a conversation between the three of them as to what she was making and exactly what color it was. (It was kind of dark in the room where they were as the characters were having a blackout drill during WWII) It gave me great joy to hear what they thought it was, a sweater, a scarf or even socks.

So far this week we have seen knitting or yarn in the following programs: The Lady and the Tramp, Maya and Miguel, Jimmy Neutron, some other cartoon for which I don't know the name and the Molly Movie (american girl doll).

I was also excited when my neighbor showed up this morning. The mailman delivered my package from knit picks to him 2 days ago. Why did he wait two days? I finally got Barbara Walkers 3rd treasury. It's too late for the baby shower gift but I have got some ideas for future projects.

Favorite knitting accessory

My favorite accessory currently is my knowknits knitting bag. I love it because it is perfect for portable projects. I usually holds socks. I take it to work and it is small enought to shove in my mailbox for some break time knitting. (I work in an operating room so it is hard to take knitting to work) The breakroom is the only place to leave it as my locker room is far from the breakroom. I take my knitting bag to pick up my kids from school. It hangs nicely from my belt loops so I can stand and knit while waiting. It also attaches nicely to my purse handle so I can take it to doctors visits. (Which we have did alot of lately)

I bought this bag for myself as a birthday present in January. I himmed and hawwed about the purchas for a while since I have many knitting bags. But I have none like this one. In the picture with the bag you can see my other birthday present to myself. One skein of Socks that Rock in the colorway Love in Idleness. This is the second sock. I have hit a speed bump in progress. I got distracted by ariann for Chicknits. Today I got to the arm holes so I get to start the sleeves if I feel up to it. (I took a sick day from work. The weather here in Michigan can't make up it's mind so it is playing games with my allergies/ sinuses)

New appreciation

After this week I have a new appreciation for my mother. My mom provides daycare for my three children as well as my sisters son and my brothers daughter and son. This week my Mom and Dad are on vacation. The first that they have had in a while. So my brother and sister and I are taking over the task of day care. The schedule is hectic to say the least. In the am 4 kids to school on 4 different routes. 2 busses and 2 drop offs in less than 1/2 hour. I am so glad that my parents were able to take this vacation. It is much deserved. They did go on vacation last summer but that was when my kids were gone to their fathers house for 6 weeks so childcare wasn't an issue but this time I think my brother and sister and I pulled it off. The kids miss grandma and grandpa badly.

On the knitting front not much was accomplished since my schedule is so off. I still have to finish the straps for my sisters felted purse. I plan to finish during nap time this afternoon. Then it is off to the washing machine.

SP10 Questionaire continued

I'm not sure what happended to these answers the first time around but i'll try again. Thanks for your e-mail supersock. I did not even realize they were missing. Have fun yarn shopping. Once my kids are healthy again I hope to get more me time for knitting. Very little knitting this week. Next week is surgery so there should be some waiting room knitting and I have 5 days off of work so I hope to make progress.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? My oldest was 6 years. (I knit a baby sweater for my oldest daughter but never sewed up the seams) This weekend I pulled it out and finished it. It won't fit her but I have LOTS of baby showers coming up at work. So one gift done. Besides that my next oldest is 3 years old. It is a bohus sweater for myself. After starting it I put on some weight and I know it will not fit so no desire to finish yet. It is up to the yoke so not too much left to go.

18. What is your favorite holiday? I love Christmas time, but I really enjoy any holiday which allows all of the family to be together.

19. Is there anything you collect? Besides yarn not really. My home is decorated with lots of county inspired items so I pick odds and ends up when I can. I do seem to have a book collection since our public library does not have many books of the new genre "chick lit" .

20. Any books, yarns, needles, patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I subscribe to Interweave Knits. I am really trying to find Barbara Walkers third treasury. I have searched all of the book stores in my area and no one has it in. I am thinking about ordering it on-line if I can find it. I have also wanted to try the knit picks options since I love addi turbos but they are soooo expensive.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Two handed Fair Isle and intrasia. I have avoid color work but I really want to learn how some day.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes I knit socks. My foot is 9" around and about 9 3/4" long ( I wear a shoe size 7 1/2) However my calf's are bigger (12") so I always make the cuff a little bigger.

23. When is your birthday? January 22. (Î just had my 30th )

forget the turtle

Well I have had to scrap the idea of a turtle blanket. It seems where I live it is impossible to locate Barbara Walkers Third Treasury in person. I tried 5 yarn shop and 2 major booksellers and no one has it. This means a) I could order it online and knit like crazy or b) forget the whole idea and start something else. I went with b. I have a few burp cloths and baby bibs knit already so I think I will knit the stuffed turtle pattern on knitty.com. I did finish the body of my sisters felted bag yesterday and the handles will be done today. I hope to finish it tonight and felt tomorrow. No knitting on ariann which is sad. I am loving the pattern. Plus it is all for me so it is selfish knitting.

Project update

Today is the start of my 4 day weekend. I have high hopes of finishing at least one project. I plan to finish my sisters felted bag for her birthday which is the 20th. I also need to decide what to make for a baby shower for a co-worker. The invitation arrived in my mailbox yesterday at work and is on the 25th so I have a little over two weeks. I also need to deceide what to make for the other 3 co-workers who are pregant. I am thinking of doing a small (receiving blanket size) blankie for this shower. There is turtle pattern in one of the Barbara Walker Treasuries books and this coworker loves turtles. So I thought I could do a few blocks with turtles and a few garter stitch to make it go faster.

I hope to show some pics tomorrow of my Ariann. It looks great. I am half way between the first and second buttonhole. I am a little sad that no progress will be made on it in the next two weeks.

New projects

This weekend I started two new projects. My sister asked for a felted bag for her birthday which is on the 20th. I also started Ariann for myself. I am using cascade 220 superwash since I wanted something easy care since I intend to wear it alot. I chose a light grey since it will go with most anything. It will be slow going on the sweater since it is knit in one piece which means unti the arm holes every row has 224 stiches. I figure I will finish it in time for next fall.

Secret Pal 10 questionaire

1. What is/ are your favorite yarn/s to kint with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

• Any natural fibers but mostly wool. I currently love superwash merino like mission falls 1824. I love cascade 220 for felting. The only fiber I am allergic to is acrylic. I do not enjoy the feel of it as I knit.

2. What do you use to store your needles/ hooks in?

• Straights in a needle roll, circulars in a plastic storage tote, and dpns in a plastic pencil case

3. How long have you been knitting and how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to beginner, intermediate or advanced?

• I learned to knit at age 10 or 11 from my Grandma Aileen. Up until 6 years ago I only made dishcloths but I was inspired by a knit out event to learn more. I am now an intermediate knitter. If I would allow myself to take more risks I could move up to advanced.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wishlist?

• No

5. What's your favorite scent?

• I love coconut or anything tropical.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

• I have a BIG sweet tooth. I love dark chocolate.

7. What other crafts or do-it -yourself do you like to do? Do you spin?

• I do a lot of kids crafts with my 3 girls. Currently beading is their favorite. I sew a little bit. I really want to learn to spin but have no idea where to start.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/ stereo play MP's?

• I like most music except for heavy metal and rap. Country, R&B and top 40 are currently on my playlists. I can play mp3's.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you can''t stand?

• I have always been fond of blues but lately I have been straying more towards pinks and greens. I like all colors.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have pets?

• I am a single mother (divorced) of 3 daughters, ages 4 years, 5 years and 6 years. I work full time (12 hour shifts) as a certified surgical technologist at a level 1 trauma center. We have no pets as we have no time for them.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

• With our Michigan winters scarves hats and mittens are a definate yes. I have never wore a poncho in my life.

12. What is are your favorite item/s to knit?

• Currently socks but felted purses come in second to mittens.

13. What are you knitting right now?

• The clementine shawlette from the new interweave knits and socks with blue moon socks that rock

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

• of course

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

• Depends on the project. Bamboo is usally my favorite but I just broke down and bought addi turbo's for socks on two circs and I LOVE them. Previously I knit socks on my brittany birchs which I loved but this is even better.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/ or swift?

• No but I desperatly want both. But if I had to choose one I would take the swift first so I don't have to bribe my kids to hold the hank while I wind.

Stash

Today's goal is to rearrange the stash so it follows some order and move it to a new location. I am hoping to get part of this done, however the little one is still feeling sick. Her temp was 104 this morning. I have not left my house in 3 days and I really need to get out. I am hoping this afternoon my mom will stay with her for a little while so I can go to the grocery store (actually this is an excuse to get a latte since the coffee shop is in the grocery store) Today also marks the first day of Lent and I am putting my lenten promise in writing this year. No more Coke. I heart Coke with all of its sugary sweetness. I am going to try to give up all soda pop but Coke is a good start since I am addicted. I usually drink two a day. It probably would not be so bad if I was drinking the diet stuff but this is the hard core regular stuff I drink. Any diet soda makes me have intense headaches so I don't bother. If I can cut back the soda I am hoping this will also mean some weight loss, but I won't hold my breath.

Heatwave

While the weather was warmer yesterday (up to 42 degrees) the real heatwave is going on inside our house. I now have two sick children. The oldest has been running a 102 fever since midnight Friday night. Now the youngest started with the 102.5 fever at 5am this morning. The doctor says that this infection is viral and it just needs to run its course. That means I have to take time off of work to stay home. Normally grandma watches them while I am at work but I won't even send them like this. They are supposed to go visit their father this weekend but I think I will try to keep them home. 8 hours in the car with a fever and headache would not be fun for them or me. Hopefully I can get some knitting done today. House work is all done since I thought I would be going to work today. This should give me some free time this afternoon.

It's 6 o'clock already!?!?!?!

That was how I felt this moring when I was awoke by the cries of my 6 year old. She has had a headache and fever for two days but no other syptoms. She slept well all night but awoke in pain. I was glad that she slept because my 4 year old did not. She is having some sleep apnea which wakes her up so she sleeps with me most nights. (but she kicks in her sleep so I do not get much rest) She will be having her tonsills out next month which I hope corrects the problem. I took the 6 year old to the ER this morning since her temp was still around 102. I was smart and brought my clementine shawl which I swatched last night. It looks great. I am really liking this pattern. I have never did any lace projects before so this is fun.

Happy Birthday!!

Today is daughter #3's 4th birthday. It makes me sad to see how much she has grown up. She absoultely LOVED her new purple sweater. She put it on as soon as she opened it and has not taken it off since. Except when she put her PJ's on a little while ago and then the sweater went back on over top. Now I have to make two more sweaters. (For the two older girls) I also finished my first pair of sock for this year. Lorna's Laces sheapherd sock yarn bittersweet. They are just a basic stocking stitch. When I have such lovely yarn I prefer plain Stockinette stitch. I also cast on for my second pair of sock. Socks that rock by blue moon fiber arts. I am loving this yarn. Great stitch defintion and they feel soooooo soft. I can't wait to wear them. After I put the girls to bed tonight I think I will swatch for the clementine shawl in the new interweave knits. I have never did any lace knitting nor have I made a shawl but this one has caught my eye. I have some louet gems that will try.

I heart socks on 2 circs!!!

I am just finishing up my first ever pair of socks on two circs and I love it!! I have forever been a fan of double points and was very reluctant to try two circs. Everyone I know says they are faster than dpn's so I broke down and tried it. I cast on my first sock last Thursday and I should be able to finish the second sock later today. (If I get every thing done for the big birthday party tomorrow.) I am still trying to figure out how to post photos. I guess I need to find someone to help me.

Day #3

It is now day three of being holed up inside my house with 3 children under the age of 6. We have did many activities but I seem to be running low on ideas. Right now the temp is -8. (And that is without the windchill factor) or if you are my 5 year old it is the windshield factor. I am on call for work tonight so I am praying that it is slow at the hospital so I do not have to go out. (However I am not looking forward to leaving my house at 6am tomarrow to go to work) I have used my time home to do some knitting. I frogged the socks but did not have the desire to cast them back on. (This is actually the second time this yarn has been frogged, so I feel that it is not ready to be knit) Instead I cast on for a draft blocker for my daughters bedroom window sill. Her window is the only one on the eastside of the house and when the wind blows it is rather chilly. I will be felting and filling with rice. Hopefully photo when finished.

Happy / Sad

Today is filled with both emotions as they relate to knitting. First the HAPPY. I finished DD3's birthday sweater. She will be four in 2 weeks (I thinks this is great to be done 2 weeks early) I am hoping to post pics sometime soon. Now the SAD. I finished the gusset on my Jaywalkers and decieded to try them on. (They are for my sister in law's birthday on the 20th) I could not get them over my heel. Not sure what happend. I checked my gauge and it was spot on. Maybe I should have made the bigger size. I will be frogging this afternoon. It's a great day to knit here in Michigan. It is blowing snow so hard that I can not see much farther than my backyard.

Happy Birthday to ME!!

Well yesterday was my 30th and I made it thru just fine. Best part was that I had the day off of work. I spent the afternoon visiting my two favorite LYS's . After hearing all about Socks that Rock by Blue Moon I had to splurge and buy myself a birthday present. I love this yarn. It is soooooooo soft. I can't wait to knit it up but for the mean time I am content to just touch it once and a while. I finished the Irish Hiking scarf a few weeks ago. I now have 3 fingers left to put on my second glove and DD #3 's sweater is coming along. I have put these items on the back burner because I have TWO baby showers this weekend. I have one set of booties and half a hat done and need another pair of booties and a hat done by Saturday. I know I can do it. I took a sick day today (I have the start of pneumonia) and spent the day knitting. I also have wed and thurs off .

One down one to go

I finished up the first of my gloves this weekend. It is absolutely gorgeous if I do say so. It is done in Trekking XXL and I don't know the color way but it is full of blues greens oranges and reds. I need to post pictures. Maybe on my next day off this week. (Wait my days off are filled with running around with children) I'm off thurs but daughters 1 and 2 have eye appointments and I have a dentist appointment. Working 12 hour shifts is great but my days off feel busier than when I am at work. I started one more new project this weekend. A top down raglan pullover for daugheter #3 who turns 4 next month. She LOVES purple which is one of my least favorite colors. So I went with Cascade 220 quatros purlple combo. It is really a lovely shade and is knitting up nicely. After the kiddes are in bed tonight I should be able to put the sleeves on waste yarn and set to knitting the body. I have just over a month to finish which should be plenty of time.

Happy New Year!!

I started my New Year off with some excitement and carpet cleaning last night. Daughter #3 came crying from her bed at 12:02 am. She was holding her nose and dripping blood all the way down the hallway. She has been plauged by nose bleeds this winter poor thing. I have been trying to find a balance between the dryness in the house and my allergies to mold (created by the humidifer). Humidifier on I suffer. Humidifer off kiddo suffers. I will say that spot shot is the best at cleaning what ever the kids throw at the carpet. As for new years knitting I almost completed my Irish Hiking Scarf which I am loving. I am knitting it in Cascade 220 Navy with a slight turquoise blue heather to it. (Can't recall the shade #) I will post pics when I figure that one out. My knitting goals for this year include sweaters for all three girls as well as one for myself. I am thinking of doing them in a slightly coordinated way for family photos this fall.