blast from my past

I found this vest in a pile of clothes a friend gave to me when Biz was born. It looked familiar. Where did I recognize this top from? Think, Trixie, think . . . then it hit me.

I knit that damn thing!

At first I was a little irked that a gift was "re-gifted" back to me. But then it occurred to me that because this was one of my first knits, no photos were ever taken. All I had to document this fun garment was a notebook page with the details. So, let's begin, shall we.

We are all aware that I lean (understatement) toward Debbie Bliss patterns. I am not sure if it is the pattern itself or the styling/photos in the books that reel me in. either way, I have knit a few here, and here, and here, and . . . you get the picture.

This pattern is titled Eyelet Vest and is on page 8 of Special Knits by Debbie Bliss. I knit this in record time, only five days from start to finish. That includes shopping for ribbon and buttons.

Can I mention, extremely off topic by the way, that it is almost 60 degrees outside! The sun is shinning, the birds are singing and I can hear the hum of a boat motor on the lake. Biz is napping on a blanket next to the slider, which is open slightly to let in a fresh breeze. If I take a deep breath, I can almost smell summer.

Back to the matter at hand. I used Plymouth Yarns Dreambaby DK in a soft green. It knit well, from what I can remember. The yarn also seems to have stood the test of time and baby wear, as there is no pilling and any stains wash right out. Feeling smooth and soft is also another positive for this yarn. I ask myself why I haven't knit with this yarn again. There is no excuse, except maybe that I like natural fibers better than microfiber. Only taking two balls of yarn was very easy on the pocket book! Back in 2006 I wasn't as worried about these things as I am now.

A word about the notions on this vest. The pattern calls for a small button at the back of the neck (thank heavens, because Biz's big noggin definitely would not fit through without it). I chose a small shell button with browns and greens. It compliments that piece nicely. After several attempts to photograph the button I gave up. Biz was not cooperative at all. The ribbon is run-of-the-mill ribbon from the local craft shop in an ivory color. I do not know the brand.

Blocking the vest after each wash is a must. Notice the fabric roll at the bottom. No matter what I do, at the end of the day it is rolling.

So this was my trip down knitting memory lane. It is very nice to see where I started my knitting era and how I have changed since then. Re-gifting back to me in this case was good. Note to self: I think I'll hold on to this vest for when Biz has a baby. Then it's not re-gifting . . . it's passing along heirlooms!

New Look

What do you think?

Better Photo

Here is a better photo of tulle-ing around.



If you want all the juicy details, they can be fournd here.

Tulle - ing Around

Here is a cute little hat I knit for Bean. What a fun project. It has all the ingredients to make for a quick, adorable project.

Obviously, Bean wouldn't hold still to get a clear, crisp photo. So we take what we can get.

Details incase you want to make one too. The pattern is from Susan B. Anderson's Itty-Bitty Hats, called Simple Baby Cap 1. I followed the directions to add the tulle, though next time I will shorten the tulle length's from 20 inches to 10 or 15 inches. I used Debbie Bliss' Baby Cashmerino in lavender. Can you believe I found tulle that matches perfectly?!

Nearly Done

As you can imagine, babies get in the way of knitting. Seriously, I thought I would chug right along after Bean was born. Gleefully knitting, stopping for the occasional diaper change, feeding or play time. Can we all say "Wrong!" together?

Picture this: I am serenely sitting in my pristine house, knitting on my next project. It was started yesterday and I will finish it tomorrow (though all other knitters are taking a month or more to complete it). Being dressed in a trendy, yet classic outfit that is newly pressed, I am comfortable and looking good. The sun is a casting her rays through my spotless windows on to my lap, where my knitting rests. A soft baby lullaby plays in the background; I smile and turn to look at my lovely jewel of a baby sleeping in the bassinet next to me. She gently stirs, coos, and then returns to blissful dreams. All the while I knit. Truly the perfect picture.

Reality: My house looks like a bomb has gone off. Glasses, food and toys lay every where. All traces of knitting have been placed high and away because the sight of them makes me sad. There are umpteen projects in various stages of completion that are nowhere near the end (though all other knitters have completed the same projects months ago). I am in a semi-comatose state, with baby spit up on my holey sweatshirt and ripped jeans. BTW - if you could smell me, well . . . let's just say a bath in the last 24 hours hasn't happened. The snow is more than a foot deep and the temperature could freeze the *&!#% off a witch. We haven't seen sun in weeks! I'm not sure how we would as my windows are a filthy blend of finger prints, dirt and ice. Wall-e plays on the DVD player, while RM and I play Rock-Paper-Scissors to see who is going to change Bean's dirty pants. Did I mention that she can cry . . . LOUD? Truly the picture of reality.

While I make it sound terrible, I do love my family. We have a lot of fun and I wouldn't trade them for love or money. They are my life. My lovely, average, normal life.

I have managed to get some knitting done on my lunch hour. May I present Bean's Cardigan - pre blocking. It's a nice knit, that in someone else's knitting repertoire would have been completed much sooner. I think I cast on about September, 2008. The pattern is Cardigan with Moss Stitch Edging by Debbie Bliss. Easy to follow, though I found the pockets a bit fussy. If I were to make this again, I would omit them. I used the Bernat Soy Natural Blends that I frogged from Juliet. It is a very soft yarn. Leaving me to wonder why it was discontinued. If anyone has a clue to this, I would be glad to know. I now need to wash, block and sew on the button - in my free time.

Well, I lost at Rock-Paper-Scissor . . .

Remember?

What? I can't remember . . .

Coffee Cup

See, i knew it was a good thing . . .

Happy Holidays

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

It's off to Boyne Mountain for our annual week of rest, relaxing and skiing/snowboarding. See you in the Snowflake Lounge! I'll be the one with a baby and my knitting. What a wonderful way to end 2008 and begin 2009.

Gifts From The Village

We are blessed to live in a neighborhood where everyone gets along. In truth, this is an understatement. During the summer month's we spend most of our days and/or evenings together. The kids play while the adults sip cocktails and laugh - a lot. We help one another when times are tough or when the big household job gets to be too much. Each adult in my neighborhood truly believes that it takes a village to raise a child. Consequently, we are entwined in each others lives. It is a great feeling.

When bean was born, they threw a shower for me. And someone was very thoughtful in their gift! The book is Cashmerino 2 by Debbie Bliss. There are some beautiful designs in here. Oh where to start!

A bonus was the yarn included. I see this as a cute little bolero or something. Who knows yet. It is sitting on my desk, aging to perfection. What an excuse to peruse ravelry for a new project!

Pouring In

Rain that is. Southwest Michigan seems to be getting quite a bit today. There is a small leak in our roof - in several places. With buckets safely under the offending leaks, I can now focus on the water that is slowing filling my basement. An indoor pool has always been a dream of mine, but honestly.

Why do we tolerate this? Because we a slowing working our way toward a new addition. These decisions are big and we wouldn't want to rush them. To make a roof replacement only to rip it off the next year for the addition is silly.

In the mean time, it pains me to report that sweet Juliet has met her demise and was frogged yesterday. Due to a slight miscalculation on my part, not enough yarn was purchased to complete the sweater. After checking several sources, I found out that the yarn has been discontinued and no one seems to have any. In addition, the sweater seems to be HUGE and I am knitting a small. The weight of double stranded yarn made the bodice stretch too much for my liking. New revelation - anything knit in a double strand of worsted or in a chunky yarn is too bulky for my frame. My thoughts are turning to knit this up single strand of worsted, in a different gauge. Having never attempted this feat, let alone without a net, I think I will table this for quiet, up-north knitting.

Silence

At 8:46 am we will remember.

Round And Round We Go

We took a little family trip to Cedar Point! I love thrill rides. The taller, faster and zoomier (my own word) the better. RM and soccer chica love the rides too. Boo-boo, not so much. So we were iffy on whether or not he would have a good time. It could have turned out as a day of motorized cars and Jr. Gemini for us. Yet, he found his inner coaster love and can't be kept off them. As for Bean, she definitely wouldn't ride any rides this year. Our model of baby definitely does not come equipped with thrill ride capabilities. We will have to purchase that up grade when she gets to be 48" tall. She reclined gracefully in the stroller, choosing to be chauffeured around the park in style.

We had a day of fun, thrills, and trip to first aide. Suffice to say the Snoopy Balloon ride did RM in. He can ride all the coasters, ski down double black diamonds, hike to the top of mountains, etc. But when it comes to the kiddie rides that go in a circle . . . he's toast. Having never had motion sickness before (and being a bit of a drama-king when it comes to feeling ill) RM thought there was something seriously wrong with him. He was certain it was a stroke, heart attack or some dreaded disease. So off to get some Dramamine and an hour of rest at the First Aide Station. For the rest of the day, it was RM not Boo-boo who was content to ride the motorized cars.

Note to all mothers nursing or not: Both First Aide stations in the park have a beautiful nursing room and kid area, complete with TV and games. This was a god-send for nursing and once discovered, used frequently. BTW - it's air conditioned.

So while RM and I took turns waiting for the kids to ride the coasters, I did a little knitting. I mentioned here that I bought some Panda Bamboo Silk at Your Local Yarn Shop. A hat for Bean would be the right choice because it is such a lovely shade of pink. Never having knit with this yarn before, a gauge square is a prerequisite. I think the hat will be a simple stockinette stitch and knit in the round. As for embellishments, I have vision of some flowers - big and flashy for Bean's inner diva.

Did you take note of the tennis shoes I was wearing? They are my beautiful Chuck Taylor's that I received for my anniversary of my birthday. I wear them everywhere. The other items on the stroller were necessities for the day. Gum to keep away bad breath. I always indulge in the over-priced, uber-greasy park food. Plus pain reliever to take away the various headaches that arise when we travel with a 16 year old (who wants nothing to do with kiddie rides and never smiles), a 6 year old (who discovered that he loves roller coasters - yea - and wants to ride them all NOW) and a 6 week old (who just wants to eat, sleep, and poop).

In the future, I will be knitting circles around RM as he sits out the circle amusement rides.

New Yarn Shop in Town

RM wanted me to get out of the house, though I don't understand why. I haven't showered in what seems like a month. My new perfume is a combination of baby poo, breast milk and 7 layers of floral scented deodorant. But he insisted I get out for an hour or two. So I showered and took a drive. Meandering along, I decided a nice visit to a new yarn shop would be good. And good it was. I wanted to snap up several things, but in the end got two skeins of Crystal Palace Yarns Panda Silk in pink and lavender. Not sure what I will make with them yet. Maybe a cute pair of socks and hat for Bean? A pair of bed socks for me? Belt or headband for Soccer Chica? Who knows. For that matter who cares? What I do know is that I got to purchase yarn from a nice shop.

There is a new yarn shop in my town! I should tell you it's within walking distance of my house! Please read into that statement "dangerous . . . too close for comfort . . . thinking of moving even closer." It's called Your Local Yarn Shop and it just opened. They have a good selection of yarn and shipments just keep coming in. Everyone was so friendly. There is a lovely spot with comfy couches and good light to "just come in and knit!", as I was so kindly invited to do.

The Great Unveiling

So I have been working on this project with RM for a while now. And many of you may have noticed a few baby knits I have made for a "dear friend." Well, here is what we have been stressing, sweating, eating right and exercising for . . .



We are pleased to announce that Curly or Bean, as she is now being called, entered our family in mid-July. She weighed 7 lbs and was 20 inches long. This model does all the normal things a baby girl is advertised to do. She poops (a lot), eats and sleeps. Repeat every two hours or so. We are woozy with excitement, OK really it's lack of sleep, but woozy just the same. At 40 years old, I don't know if I am equipped with the coping abilities needed for a new baby, but what the hell.

She is a blessing and we are very excited to welcome her. Hope you like my big project as much as we do.

Lot's of Life, a Little Knitting

My blog sub title says "Knitting . . . with a little life thrown in." Well, that is true with the exception that life has been over taking all knitting of late. Remember the secret project I have been terribly preoccupied with? Well, in a few more weeks that will be wrapped up. RM has even contributed a bit to give the finished product a little flair. We are breathless with anticipation. It has not been an easy road. Along the way we have had nausea, disappointments, aches, pains and many bumps in the road. I know the end result will be fantastic. Hopefully we get great reviews on it.

I had one of these a week or so ago. Now, I really love my birthday, but really don't like receiving presents, being the center of attention or my age. Back about 7 years ago, I decided that I would no longer celebrate my birthday, but the anniversary of my favorite birthday. Happy anniversary-birthday to me!

The kids made a lovely cake that tasted a hell of a lot better than it looked. Though beautiful, it would not make Food Network's top ten list. I took this photo after the candles where gone and a few tasty pieces eaten.

JJ is getting ready to burst, literally. The baby should be here by Monday (as if nature doesn't take it's course, her doctor will be helping things along). When we spoke yesterday, she was having fun picking out what her little sprite will wear home from the hospital. She has even knitted a hat, sweater and booties for him if it is cool enough . . . in Oklahoma. Somehow, I doubt it will be that cool. But they could always turn up the A/C a little (kidding!). Mom is there providing love, support and smothering helping JJ out. Yep.

I started this little project the other day. It is the bow-tied bolero from Simple Knits by Debbie Bliss. Having made this several times (it makes a quick and easy new baby gift), I can knit it in my sleep. Someone near and dear is having a baby and I wanted to knit her something for after the baby arrives. She is having a little girl, so this will be perfect.

I am using Debbie Bliss Pure Cotton yarn for the sweater. It is so soft! Definitely will use this yarn again.

Seeing Double

So here is the finished product for JJ's little guys. This pattern is so easy to knit and goes fast. Too bad I don't have any more toddler boys to knit for.

I had to use the flash so the stitch definition would be clear. So, the colors are slightly off. I really think that JJ's boys will enjoy these sweaters with a pair of khaki shorts and sandals. Little Man looked adorable in it (his was the larger size) with white linen pants.

I had stated that the yarn matched perfectly despite a three year difference in knitting time. Well, I was wrong. The smaller size is a touch lighter than the larger. Yet to someone watching a toddler and infant, they will never notice. So, what the hey?!

JJ's new little man is due any day, with a scheduled induction for July 14. Um, sounds painful. We are all waiting with bated breath for the new little man to arrive. I'll keep you posted.

An now for the exciting details. I blogged about this here.

Pattern: Hooded Sweater by Debbie Bliss
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Needles: US 8 Bamboo Circular
Started: April 13, 2008
Finished: July 1, 2008
Notes: None, I was definitely taking the safe road on this one.

New Project

At the beginning of my knitting career, I knit a hooded sweater for Boo-boo. Because of my naivety in the realm of natural fibers I chose a lovely acrylic with no dye lot. I did not do a gauge swatch, just matched the recommendations on the ball band to the recommendations in the pattern. It knit up just fine, though pilled like mad. It must be mentioned that the pattern only went up to 12-24 month size. Alas, Boo-boo was well beyond that size by the time I took up knitting. What was I to do? What every naive new knitter does . . . I forged ahead and made something up. Really, I did. In actuality, I just made note of the adjustments the author made for each size and kept doing that on scrap paper until I got to the size I wanted. Bravely casting-on I and knit the sweater. At the conclusion of the knitting, blocking and sewing I had a great piece, that by sheer luck, fit the boy. He looked so sweet in it with khakis and sandals.

Forge ahead to now (in reality only a few years later). My sister, JJ is having a baby boy in late July. I am sending her all of Boo-boo's baby items in an effort to be kind and reuse some of the lovely things we had. While sorting these things I found the above mentioned hooded sweater. Still in great condition and ready to have the ends woven in - but that's another story for another day. My brain in it's tired and overworked state thought, "Hey why don't you give the already knitted sweater to JJ for LG and knit a second for the new baby!"

I cast on and am doing just that. Here are some details:

Pattern: Hooded Sweater by Debbie Bliss from Special Knits
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in Country Blue
Needles: US 8 Bamboo Circular
Started: April 13, 2008

Even though these sweaters were knit 3 years apart, the colors match perfectly! Thank heavens for no-dye lot yarns! Hopefully we will get photos of these sweaters for all to see.

Check List

Keep plugging away at Roza's Take Two Socks.
Check.

Eat Lunch.
Check.

Finish Curly's Baby Shrug.
Check.

Head right to yarn shop for more yarn to make a hooded sweater from Special Knits by Debbie Bliss.
Check.

I appear to have my priorities in order. So on to some serious knitting. It seems everyone I know is having a baby! Oh a scary thought, I know. But it's good for me because I can knit some cutie-pa-tootie baby items in no time flat. Not to mention the cost is easy on the check book.

So here is a baby shrug I knit for someone near and dear to my heart. We'll call her Curly for the sake of Internet anonymity. This pattern is from Simply Baby by Debbie Bliss. If you know me at all, you know that I have been a fan of Debbie's since I first began knitting. This is especially true of her baby designs. They are classic and seem so simple. Yet, anyone who has knit them knows they are not. So when I had to come up with a quick gift, viola, Debbie comes through in a pinch. Here are some details:

Pattern: Baby Shrug from Simply Baby by Debbie Bliss
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Merino Aran in Chocolate Brown
Needles: US 8 Bamboo Circular for the body and US 7 Bamboo Circular for the cuffs
Started: April 4, 2008
Finished: April 12, 2008
Notes: First, I substituted yarn, though in the Aran and Debbie Bliss lines. The pattern calls for two balls to complete a 3-6 month size. Slight fib there (unless of course the Cashmerino Aran has more yardage than the Merino Aran, which in all honesty, I have not verified). This necessitated a return trip to the yarn shop for a third ball. Other than some risky business picking up stitches along the edges, this shrug went off without a hitch. Quick, easy and cute.

Now for the new baby project I mentioned earlier. My sister JJ is coming to visit and bringing her kids! Aunt Trixie is all a jitter for this visit because sister is very pregnant and having a little boy! Yea! I have already knit the sweater once for my Boo-boo and will give it to her for her oldest son. Now I can knit a second one that matches for the new son! Personally, I'm not into the dressing the kids alike thing, but sister is. So I hope this will make her very happy.

Roza's Take Two

This year on RM's side we drew names for the Holidays. I received some lovely yarn from my brother in law. His wife is a dedicated knitter and knew just how to gently guide him in his purchase. It is Artyarns Ultramerino4 in colorway #136. I never would have guessed that this color combination would be enjoyable, but oh my it is!

I delayed thought long and hard about what to knit with this gorgeous stuff. Obviously socks were the choice of the day, but which pattern? Nothing seemed to fit. Once I find a pattern I like, I have re-knit it in the past. So why not again? The Roza's are my current favorite and get lots of wear.

I started these back in March. Using my trusty Addi Turbo US#1 circular needle I am slowly chipping away at them. They tend to get a few rows completed each day during my lunch. We have a group of ladies who sit in the Library and knit during the first half hour of our lunch and then we go eat. Logistically, a completion date is far and away.

I am not knitting at home so much because of the big project I have been working on. It's very exciting and we are looking forward to a reveal sometime in August. RM has been big help. He has made some major contributions and will be given much credit in the end. So keep watching. . . the end is near.

How It Adds Up

Housework - um, none is getting done. This summer I would wake up, drink my coffee and begin the day. By making beds, straightening the bathroom and making sure all the dishes are done; I felt that my day was off to a productive start. I could begin. Well, now it's not up to me to do these things as I am up earlier than any normal human should be and out the door soon there after. When I get home no beds are made. No bathroom is straightened up. No dishes are done. In fact, cupboard doors are left standing open (detest this). Beds have not been made since the first day back to school after Holiday break . . . uh, that was four plus weeks ago by the way. And dishes, with morning milk are still on the table! BTW - half the cereal is gentle strewn all over the floor in no clear pattern. A nice touch, don't you think?

Now I go blissfully along all day, not thinking of these things. They do not cross my mind. I am working, being productive and earning my meager salary. Why then, the minute I walk in the door and see these wonderful "gifts" the boys have left me do I instantly go insane?

So let's find a few positives, shall we? I have a few projects that are in the works. Two I can tell about, one is top secret that I will only tease you with right now. So, first up is a project I have literally been working on for five years. Beginning two generations ago, women in my family have been crafting hand made felt socks for Christmas (yes, this must be one of the last 2007 Christmas posts!). Each one with oodles of pieces, sequins and the tiniest damned beads I have ever seen. With the birth of each new child, a new Christmas sock is begun and, ideally, finished. The socks sparkle in the lights and my kids just love them. Since we all know I can begin anything, I began this sock five years ago when Boo-boo Bear was just a wee cub. Well, let's just say I am pacing myself, as it is still not finished. But we got close enough that he could use it this year! The back is sewn on at 11 pm Christmas Eve. When Boo-boo flew down in the morning he was tickled pink! Until he noticed that his name was not on the sock . . . so being groggy and really tired from late night sewing and wrapping I did the only thing I could do . . . I made up a big fat story! See, Santa came while I was sewing and told me he was on a tight schedule and HAD to deliver the goods now, so even if the sock wasn't done, up on the mantle it had to go. It was either that, or no goodies in the sock. Yes, not a big lie, but a lie no the less. In the end my son was very happy, so who am I to judge? The sock is now put away until next Christmas when I will pull it out and attempt to embroider his name on the top. Beginning good, endings . . .

The second is a treat I am working on for myself. This little beauty is Juliet from the great ladies at Zephyr. It is a quick knit that I am itching to finish. There is a slight snag with not purchasing enough yarn, but I will overcome. I must tell you about Zephyr's spectacular customer service. Since planning ahead is ingrained in every fiber of my being . . . anyone who knows me realizes that that statement is a complete and utter fib . . . I clearly ordered the pattern ahead of time. We all know I did not order ahead. We were leaving on an 8 hour drive to ski and I wanted to take it with me. I ordered two days before we left and my paypal showed the monies had been transferred, but I had not received the pattern yet. Zephyr's website clearly states it could take a few days after the money is transferred. But I was desperate, as eight hours in a car with all RM's buddies would drive me bananas; I needed something to occupy my time. So I Sarah and Rachel an e-mail pleading for mercy. After explaining my situation, these lovelies sent the pattern straight up! I had it within an hour of the e-mail and in plenty of time to run and buy the yarn before we left later that day. These gals saved my sanity. Thank you Sarah & Rachel! Normally I like to knit with all natural yarns. But in my desperate state I wandered from wool, alpaca and the other lovelies to *gasp* acrylic and soy. It was all I could get my hands on in the color I liked at 5 pm on a Friday. But it seems to be knitting up nicely and is very soft. The yarn is Bernat 50% soy/50% Acrylic in the color they call Sugar Cane. The Zephyr girls give you two options with this sweater, a cropped version and a longer, hip length version. Because the cropped version has the garter stitch ending right in the middle of the chest area and my chest area has been blessed by two rather larger "friends", I am opting to go with the longer version. I feel this will be more flattering to me. So knit on!

Now for the "secret" project . . . well, I have a partner in crime and when it's all done, I think it will be spectacular!

Begin - Again and Again and Again?

I have been toying with a few posts for a while . . . OK more than a month . . . but just couldn't get my thoughts in order. I would begin, really enthusiastic about my topic, knitting and life in general. Then something would side track me (usually RM with some type of ache or pain - he's been sick). So the post would go by the wayside. Tomorrow I will post, I promised myself. Now, tomorrow came and went, and guess what . . . still no stinkin' post! The next week was here and I began again. Not really enjoying the post I started from last week, I began again. Wait, now I am bushed because work is kicking my arse. Whomever thought I could jump right back into full time work after 5 years off was loco. Oh, wait that was me. So instead of posting, I slept for two weeks. Well not really, but it just seems that way. A month or so passes and still no post. Really nice blogging friends begin to e-mail me about my whereabouts. I don't even have the energy to respond - bad friend that I am.

But my guilt is killing me, so finally I post. I get my lazy butt to the computer to set something out.
What to I write about?
Where do I begin?
It seems I can't remember the beginning, middle and right now don't want to know the end. All drafts seem frivolous and nonsensical that I can't bring myself to look at them. So I have begun, yet again. Begun to blog about knitting, life, skiing, running, kids and whatever else I damn well please. Mainly the knitting part, because it seems that's all I know. So watch for me!