Saturday, July 31, 2004

Can't I just go back to bed?

My son was not feeling well last night. He kept waking up during the night and of course he always wanted me and not his father. He finally got settled in and slept between the two of us, managing to kick me, slap me, and elbow me through the night.

I woke up in pain, irritable, and extremely fatigued.

I'm going to try to work on the square for Henry today. We're going to an informal Wedding Reception later, so I'm hoping knitting will be acceptable behavior. My hubby introduced the lucky couple. They are basically having a large gathering/cook-out, celebrating the recent nuptials. Seeing as it's quite informal, I'm thinking knitting should not be a problem.

I may pull out the Fair Isle Sweater later to frog the last row and then re-knit it. Depending on the progress I make with the square, I'm going to try to also concentrate on my rug. I also need to choose a yarn and buttons for my Baby Einstein, so I need to break out the pattern. The Knit-Along starts tomorrow so I've got to pick up the pace.

Wish me luck...and energy...and a positive attitude...

What does one wear to an informal reception/cook-out/barbecue?


Friday, July 30, 2004

Coordinating the WIM's with the WIP's and WIF's

I cast-on for the second square for Henry's blanket. My goal is to have this one done this weekend so that both squares can go out on Monday. My weekends are usually pretty hectic, so it may not go out until Tuesday but Tuesday is my absolute deadline.

So far, I'm in a rug knit-along. I've signed up for an Einstein Coat Knit-along and the Klaralund-Along. I'm considering a poncho-along but that just may be more knitting than I can really get done.

I really need to practice my seaming and I still have the strong desire to make a shawl, socks, hats, a shell (sleevless top) and baby items. Of course, my Fair Isle Sweater is still calling, actually crying now, for me to pay attention to it.

If you're in the mood for a little eye candy, here are some of the projects I'd like to make. Cheesylove, Audrey, Sitcom Chic, Cloud, Elderflower, Rapunzel, Trigger, Red Hot, Gothic Lace, and a beautiful crocheted top that Sara, a knitting/crocheting buddy, pointed out to me.

Some day, when I'm really brave, and have more patience, I'd like to make Shaded Diamonds. DB's Noro Entrelac Sweater and Fillie.

The list of shawls and socks is super long, so I dare not share even a partial list.

There are even more patterns in my magazines and pattern books that I'd like to make.

I never realized how much I would like to knit or how I would want to make so many different types of things.

I need to decide the order of importance, the portablility factors, the financial factors, and the pure "just want to knit it" factors of these projects. I also need to do this without making my hobby a source of stress.

My life is so filled with stress! Knitting is my outlet and I can not let it turn into another source of frustration.

Guess I'll just make myself a list and just do whatever project calls to me the loudest.

***Definition of acronyms in title
WIM = Works in mind
WIP = Work in Progress
WIF = Works in Future

Thursday, July 29, 2004

Some Knitting--A little non-knitting related

I went to my appointment yesterday.  I get the results of my biopsy next week.
It's one of those hurry-up-and-wait situations.  It's frustrating but what can you do?

I knit a couple more rows on my rug.  All I've felt like doing is sleeping, though.  I stayed home from work today but instead of really being able to rest, I let my son stay home with me.  As much as I wanted and needed rest, I still just wanted him near me.

As a birthday present to myself, I'm joining the Klaralund-Along.  I fell in love with Klaralund after seeing it on Wendy's blog.  Then saw it again on Froggy's blog.  I told myself, after seeing it twice in such a short time, that this was a definite sign that I needed to knit it.  Now they are co-hosting a knit-along that starts in September.  I ought to be able to make a decent seam by then.

I didn't take my knitting with me into the doctor's office.  Since I was going to be sedated, I didn't want to risk misplacing anything.  I missed having it as I sat in the waiting room.  Instead, I read a little magazine/newspaper that had ads and events for all sorts of fabric and knitting shops throughout the state of Virginia.  It made me just want to jump into the car, throw caution to the wind, and drive to all the yarn shops I could find.

Common sense took over.  So then I flipped through my Lifetime magazine.   They had some makeovers featured and the people seemed to look better to me  (or just as good) in the Before pictures.  You really have to be careful who you let give you a makeover. 

So now I'm jsut trying get back to normal, everyday living.  Wish I had the energy.

Another For Michelle

Here's another button.  This one may be a little better.  I'm still quite rusty.


Hmmm...it's looking a little bigger than I thought.
Let me know if you like it and I'll resize it for you.


Tuesday, July 27, 2004

For Michelle

Michelle, I don't feel well and my PSP is rusty but here's one to start.
I'll try to make a better one when I'm feeling better.  Tried to use burgandy since your blog had burgandy in it.


Monday, July 26, 2004

Rug Update 7/26



I finished the first pattern section. 


There appear to be five sections to complete the entire rug.   There are three sections where the heart appears twice, as pictured above, and two sections where the heart only appears once.

I'm about 20% done.  It would be really cool if I had the little progress bars to show my progress to show the percent of completion of my projects but I haven't tried to figure those out yet.  Maybe next month.

I'm almost sorry it's a rug because it is SO SOFT.  I'm debating about making a blanket in this pattern.

I'm going to try to knit more on the rug this week but the next few days will probably be hectic.  I may not get a chance to do as much as I'd like but I hope I will because it helps to distract me from stress.

 
On a side note:
If you pray, I've got some medical tests I'm taking this week.  Please pray that everything including the prep for the tests will go smoothly.  Please pray that it's nothing serious and that I can handle whatever news I am given.
 
Thanks.

Sunday, July 25, 2004

Rug Update 7/25



I've made a little more progress on the rug.  I hope you can see the pattern, as the picture is a little dark. 



The picture is actually a portion of the rug, about 2/3 of the width.  You can actually see the bottom of the little heart forming...Can't you?  Of course you can.  (Just nod and smile.)

Working on this is project has been tough but rewarding.  The two balls of yarn seem to want to twist, so I'm wondering if I do some type of twist when I'm knitting or purling. 

In any event, I'm pleased so far.

Hoping to continue knitting this during the week.  I'll probably take a different project to my doctor's appointment on Wednesday.  I need something that won't really require as much attention as the little heart pattern is requiring of me.  Something about the little chart just bugs me.  That's not a complaint.  I think it's just a lack of chart experience.

Somehow, even though knitting with the two strands is tough for me, and the chart is making me count AND remember whether I"m on the WS or RS, I'm still getting a kick out of knitting this little rug.

Many thanks to Natalie who started the whole Rug-Along.

Buttons

I've been wanting to make a button for my blog.  My Paint Shop Pro skills are a little rusty, making the task less than pleasant.  Then to add to my dismay, pictures seem a little more grainy to me when I load them to my photo host.

Since I have not yet decided on a background for my blog in general, I'm a little hesitant about choosing a background for my button because I don't want the two to clash with one another. 

 

These are two I'm considering but I'm sure I'll make more and use them as I change backgrounds.  The second one is probably a little too big.  I can always resize it.

Speaking of backgrounds, I really need to pick a new one or make my own.

Who would have thought blogging would be so involved? 

Friday, July 23, 2004

Rug Update 7/23


I frogged the rug and started over.  Knitting with two strands of yarn is not exactly my cup of tea.  I don't think I'll be doing it again any time soon.  It creates a bigger chance for making errors, uneven stitches, and dropping partial stitches.  Even if a pattern calls for using more than one strand of yarn, I think I'll just find a single yarn strand that will match gauge.

So far, I've just gotten the first few rows done, which is pretty much just seed stitch.

I have a very busy day ahead of me tomorrow, so I'm not sure I'll get much done.  I'll try to post a picture of the first few rows tomorrow morning.

I may try to pop in the Crochet Made Easy CD at some point this weekend to brush-up on my skills.  Maybe I'll even pop in the Knitting Made Easy CD just to see if they have any of the seaming techniques demonstrated. 

Gotta rest up for Saturday's events.  Hope I can make it through them all without too much pain or becoming completely exhausted.

Thursday, July 22, 2004

Now that's just ugly

Have you ever seen anything that is so ugly that it is cute?
Well, that's not the case with the seam on my hat.  It's just plain ugly.  Now I know why I haven't seamed the other items.  I was afraid of just how ghastly they might look.

Well, I took the seam out half-way, then redid it.  It looked better but it was still not up to par.  I'll be ripping the seam out until I get it the way I want it or until the yarn wears out. 

It's a cute hat, other than the seam.  I'd post a picture but the batteries in the digital camera are dead.  The picture, of course, will not include the hideous seam.

Maybe I'll practice seaming little squares.

I now truly understand the virtues of knitting in the round and the appeal of seamless patterns.


Finders Weepers

Now that I'm already started on my rug, I have found some Crafter's Cotton, as called for in the pattern. http://www.yarn-and-threadbylisa.com/catalog/sugar_n_cream_crafters_cotton_287428_products.htm
If only I had found this site two weeks ago.  Oh well.

So far, the rug is going well...except that I left the pattern at work.  I do not want to print it out again.  Guess the rug will have to wait for the night.

I finished the DB baby hat.  All that's left to do is the seam.  I really am going to do the seam.  Yeah, that's the ticket.  

We'll find out soon if my seaming will need more practice.

Wednesday, July 21, 2004

My Rug Knit-Along Progress, WIP's and WIF's/WIM's


I'll be swatching with a new yarn for my rug.  I decided to try the Sugar and Cream doubled up.  It's for a bathroom rug, so a cotton washable seems the right way to go.  Since we'll be stepping all over it and getting it wet, I like the idea of a pure cotton, rather than a blend.


The other yarn was not quite right for the rug.  We'll see how this yarn does.

Meanwhile, I had a 1/2 off coupon for Joann's.   I was planning to pick up a knitting book with it but I've lost it.  I had it this afternoon but this evening, it disappered.  I'm wondering if it fell out of my purse.

I'm so tired of losing things.

The DB hat is coming along nicely.  I'm at the point now where I start the decreasing.  Hopefully, I will follow through with seaming it.   I've got the bug to knit baby things now.  Good thing I know some pregnant people and that I know of charities.

I also joined the Einstein Coat Knit-Along.  I think I'm going to do a Baby Einstein.   All things considered, I probably shouldn't try any project that is really large and heavy.  Once I'm stronger, I'll consider making the larger version.

I found some Paton's Grace for a gift I want to make.  It's sort of a surprise, so I hope the recipient will like it.

Trust me when I tell you that the actual color is navy.

I have one ball of Eros I'm planning to use to make a belt to tie around a dress.  I could change my mind and make it into a scarf or use it with another yarn. 

The Eros is actually lighter than the picture indicates.  The gold is more subtle and the tan is more beige.

The Rowan lover in me is suffering, so I really need to try to do something from my Summer Tweed book.  I already have the yarn, the needles, and the book.  I guess I've still just been to afraid to knit something that I'm going to wear. 

I've definitey got enough patterns to keep me busy for a while...but I like it that way.

Of all the things I've lost...

I did in fact start the DB baby hat on Sunday.  I didn't do much knitting but I did cast on and knit about three rows.

Monday, I went in to work late.  I had a horrible time getting up.  The fatigue and pain were really bad.  I dropped my son off to play again with M.  Later, I watched the two of them play and argue, depending upon the given task, and worked a little more on the hat.

Tuesday was a repeat of Monday, only I didn't get to knit because I accidentally left one of the needles at home.  Instead, I flipped through a knitting magazine making mental notes, and a few written notes, about things I'd like to make.

When I got home, I knit a few more rows of the hat.  Please excuse the darkness of the picture.  Some day I'll get a new digital camera.



I have also misplaced Henry's square.  I knit it, washed it, and laid it flat to dry.  I wanted to mail it the next morning but it hadn't dried yet.  I threw it into the dryer with a dryer sheet to expedite the drying process.  Thankfully, it didnt' shrink very much.  HOWEVER, as I was trying to fit it into the proper sized envelope or box, I notices something that looked like lint on the square.  Turns out, the dryer sheet left some of it's "stuff" on the square!  Now the square has to be rewashed and I'm aggravated, disappointed, and frustrated with the irony of it all.

So....I put the square into a bag so I could take it home and rewash it.  Unfortunately, it's not in the bag that I thought so I have to remember where I REALLY put it.

Here are 2 pictures of the square without the ends woven.  Hopefully I'll be finding it soon because I wanted to get it out right away, and now I feel like it's already late.





I will be knitting another square but I really want to send two. 

I'll be hunting for this square tonight.

Sunday, July 18, 2004

Nightmares while you're awake

Last night was horrid, truly a nightmare.

I was in pain all over, extremely fatigued, and my body did not want to keep food--if you catch my drift.   I got no knitting done but I always had some type of knitting project nearby.
 
Today, I really want to knit, but I just feel so awful.  All I've managed to do today is add myself to the KR Webring queue, botch up my blog, then correct the error to the blog.
 
I did manage to get my son ready and take  him to Sunday School.  He looked rather handsome but was a little frustrated because all he wanted to do was go see his cousin, TE, who treats him like a little prince.   Hubby is there with him as is another cousin, M.  He'll be fine.  He's just stubborn and opinionated.  He also knows how to tug at my heart strings.
 
I'm trying to decide if I'm going to the car to get my DB book out so I can try to start a baby cap or if I want to just climb back into bed.  I think I'm just going to climb back into bed.
 
Unfortunately, dear readers,  I don't think I'm going to get much knitting done today.  Even sitting here typing is painful.
 
I really hope I can knit something, even if it's only a few stitches.
 
Wish me luck.



Friday, July 16, 2004

Got the pain, looking for the gain

The pain is continuing, so not much is being accomplished right now, knitting or otherwise.
 
I've done more reading about knitting than I have actual knitting in these last few days.  At night, if I wake up, for whatever reason, or if I'm having trouble sleeping, I've been watching EZ's Knitting Workshop.  I've also found a few other blogs which I'll probably try to read on a regular basis.
 
I found a pattern in the FC Easy Knitting for a tie that I want to make for my husband.  It looked pretty simple to make and seemed aesthetically appealing.   There were other items that seemed worth knitting but this one called to me, telling me it would be quick to knit, a nice gift, and a portable project.  I sweetly answered the call and said, "Let me check my stash."
 
I've decided that I really do need to knit something personal for myself.  I think I need a little boost and that would help me feel better about my current situation.  I can't take my physical pain away but I can give myself a little treat.
 
I'm still planning to attend the Knit-Out in DC.  I was reading an article in FCEK that mentioned Got Yarn in Richmond, VA.  The article said there was an annual Knit-Out in Richmond of which Got Yarn was affiliated.  I'm wondering if it was a misprint and they were actually referring to the Knit-Out in DC.  If there's one in Richmond, I want to go to that one too. 
  I'm going to have to do a little research on this.

In the meantime, I'm going to take my medicince and try to get some rest.  I feel awful.

Thank you to all who have sent me kind wishes!


Thursday, July 15, 2004

Rug Knit-Along

The Rug Knit-Along starts tonight.  I have my pattern printed and the needles ready but I was not successful in finding the yarn I wanted.
 
I am probably just going to double up some Cotton-Ease that I purchased to make a tank/sleeveless top.
 
I'm hoping it works out and I'll be trying to swatch tonight.  Right now, I have pain in my shoulders, arms, and part of my hands so I don't know how well my swatching would really reflect my normal knitting.
 
Hoping to get my square off for Henry's throw tomorrow as last night was a long and rough evening and I did not get to wash it.  I'll be handwashing it in a few minutes.
 
I think I'll knit another.
 
Still haven't seamed the hat or booties...
I'm so ashamed.


Tuesday, July 13, 2004

Measure and Mail

Finished Henry's square tonight. Now I have to wash it, measure it, and mail it.

It's been a rough day. I'm glad I was able to knit today.

Monday, July 12, 2004

Henry's Square

I've started Henry's square. I had a tough time finding a yarn I was willing to use in an appropriate color. Finally, I decided I would try Jaeger Aqua, and if I liked it, I would use it for Henry's afghan.

Here's a picture of the skein.

It is navy, which is the contrasting color that was requested. I could not find a green that I thought was masculine in a yarn that was not acrylic and I love navy blue.

I'm hoping to finish in the next few days so I can mail it but I have found an error. I debating on ripping back but it's a patterned stitch and I'm afraid if I start ripping I have to rip to the very beginning. That wouldn't be so bad except I've already ripped it 3 times.


Since the digital camera is acting up, here's the square from the scanner.


Meanwhile, I've tried to make a button in PSP for the Knit Out. Looks like I still need to practice but I didn't do too badly.

Unless my health prevents it, I AM GOING!

Saturday, July 10, 2004

Knit-Out & Crochet Too Event, DC

If health permits, I'm going to the Knit-Out in DC. The event is being held on September 19 from 12:00 noon to 5:00. I'm excited about it.

If you think you might want to attend here are a couple of links for you.
http://www.knit-out.org/
http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/knitoutbrochure.html

Information I've read so far indicates a fashion show and local yarns shops showing their newest yarns. There are areas to learn to knit and crochet, help with problems with a project, as well as areas for making items for charity.

No selling of any knitting crochet items will take place due to Park Service Regulations. You can still meet other knitters and crocheters and see and touch yarns you can buy if you visit a store or store website.

I'm thrilled about meeting other knitters and crocheters. Hoping to meet a few other bloggers too.

There's also an event in NY in October and I think there is supposed to be one some time this year in Los Angeles.

As long as health permits, I'm going. I'll be taking lots of pictures and donating some squares for charity.

I believe I read somewhere that they still need people to teach crocheting and knitting. I'm not good enough at either to volunteer for that just yet but maybe I will be by next year!

This should be so much fun! I can't wait!

In other knitting news, I finished my second bootie and I picked up a skein of yarn for Henry's Healthful Throw. I'm hoping my hands will allow me to make the square and send it off this week. I've got two doctor's appointments this week, so hopefully I can at least knit a little in the waiting rooms, if the pain isn't too bad.

I requested permission from Jolene to post her picture from Georgia's Healthful Throw, and here it is.

The amazing ladies in the photo are Jolene and Pam, who actually joined all the squares and sent the completed throw off to Georgia.
It is an unbelievable feeling to be a part of a gift of caring.

Friday, July 09, 2004

Green

It's a particularly green day, today. We've had a bit of rain so the grass and trees all around me look healthy and vibrant. For me, it's like a message of renewal from God. It reminds me of the value of natural resources, of nourishment, and of people.

I'm looking for a little of what was in that rain to renew me. Last night I had horrible pain. Normally the pain is not in my hands but by the end of the evening, everything except my fingers hurt.

I managed to watch a little knitting and feel a little more confident about a few techniques. It's time for me to start my hat. Maybe it too shall be green.

Unfortunately, I'm a little green with envy, envious of those not in pain. I know we all have our crosses to bear, so I'll just concentrate on looking for the rain. Soon the rain, my rain will come and renew me. Then I'll be another green altogether.

Wednesday, July 07, 2004

Pain, pain, go away

I'm still in pain. Have I mentioned the pain before? Right now it's in my head, my neck, my shoulders, my arms, my legs, my knees, but not in my hands. Yesterday the pain was even in my hands. I need it to go away.

No knitting done yesterday and not a stitch done today. I'm planning to climb into bed a little later and try to work on the booties.

I did manage to watch a little of Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop last night. I'm enjoying it. Once I finish the booties I'll probably cast-on for the hat that's shown in the beginning lessons.

I still have to pick my pattern for the rug knit-along. I think I'm either going to make the heart rug or a pattern I bought a very long time ago found HERE, (you can see the rug in the seventh thru ninth pictures) but I'm growing fond of this Crocheted Hearth Rug. Wonder if crocheting counts? It's a Rug-Along rather than specifically a knit rug-along...I think. Maybe I'd better check the rules/guidelines again.

I also need to find the yarn for my square for the Healhful Throw for Henry. You can read a little about him here at KR.

I have not forgotten my son's sweater. I'll try to get back to it soon but it's heavier and I don't want to make anything in my body hurt any worse.

If only I could make the pain and the fatigue disappear...

Monday, July 05, 2004

Booties, well, almost booties

I forgot to take a shot of the second bootie that I just started but it's only got a few rows knit.

This photo is the full bootie. It's knit from the ankle down. There's a little puckering that concerns me. It's in the area where there are an incredible number of decreases due to shaping on the foot. I'm hoping it won't matter. If it does, I'll rip and reknit.


This is a photo of the bootie folded, so you can see what it would look like. An i-cord tie goes into the little eyelets.


This is a photo of the bootie folded the other way because I can't remember right now which side is the right side is which side is the wrong side. Of course, it doesn't matter right now because I'm not seaming it yet and it will only take me a second or two to remember once I start knitting on the second bootie again tonight.


Hubby is really proud of the bootie. That made me feel good.

I'm back!

This is probably the LONGEST I've ever gone without posting. Life has been kind of hectic, so I haven't had the time to really sit and type things in a coherent fashion.

I've knit one bootie from the Easy Baby Booties pattern from Knitting for Baby. I have not yet seamed it. This will allow me to the second bootie to the first. I was distracted quite a bit while knitting the first one, so I may have altered the pattern unintentionally. I need to make sure they are the same. Then I'll seam them. I'll post a picture of the first bootie this evening.

Eventually, I will seam up the hat from the same book. I'm getting the feeling I'm not going to be pleased with the hat, just with the nature of seaming a straight edge to an angled edge, so it may end up in the frog pond.

I've joined a rug knit-along. It can be found HERE. I think I'm going to knit a rug for the bathroom or the kitchen. This will be something small but a little different than doing a wearable item.

I watched the new show, Knitty Gritty. I enjoyed it. The first episode was like an introduction to knitting. They showed different yarns, needles, notions, gauge, casting-on, and the knit stitch. They even showed spinning, which is something that never interested me before but had me considering the possibilities. Looks like each show will show a different technique and will get more advanced with each episode. I'm already hooked.

On another note, I'm trying to decide what to do with some yarn I have. I purchased it before I really knew what I was doing, not that I'm really aware now. In any case, I bought five skeins/balls each of these two yarns.

I have no idea what I'm going to make with them. I'll probably try to get a little more of the Cotton Silk Aran to make a baby sweater out of it. Both yarns are now discontinued so there is probably not a lot available. Maybe there's enough of the other to make a small shawl/stole.

I'm hoping beyond expression to be able to go to the Knit-Out and Crochet Too in DC. I'm just going to plan to go and tell myself that I will be there. I'm hoping maybe a few other knitters in the area will go, so I'll probably check with the LYS. If someone else from my general area is going I'll feel a lot better about taking the trip. I'll be starting my phone calls for candidates by Thursday.

I enjoyed a little family knitting yesterday. I took my booties with me to my MIL's house to work on them while the kids played. My SIL decided to try knitting again so we cast-on, knit and purled together, did a few yarn-overs and a little binding-off. She found a cool way to bind-off that seemed quicker that I may have to try.

I'm sure there's more but I fear this entry is getting a tad long. I will, however, post pictures of the booties this evening.

Thursday, July 01, 2004

The new Knitty!

The new Knitty is up! I'm going to check it out so I can see how many Works in the Future I need to add to my list. Click HERE

Looks like it's about lingerie, as the issue's name would imply.

1930 is kind of cute and I also like Hush-Hush

I think a few people were expecting a couple of wearables we let others see, but I think it was still nice. I think they were just having a little fun and taking a little risks.