Day 8... Clothing for men...

Today is Clothiers, and I'm very excited to go, the only thing I'm not hot on is I'm worried my hives will come back and if I take Benadryl it will knock me on my ass. I don't think I'll have an issue but who knows what caused the reaction in the first place.

I'm going to bring my knitting, hopefully I'll get a little time to work on T's hat. I'm also thinking of stopping at local yarn store, if they're open that is, to get some alpaca for my m-i-l for a hat. We'll see.

Well I'm going to go get ready to leave, those that will be their, see ya there, those that wont, take care. I'll write up how it went later.

Ahhhh, there's how many days until Christmas....

Well here is my newly revised Holiday Knit List, oye. I've got lots to do and not enough time in the day. Knittin Brit in WI had asked how I was doing in the comments, so I thought I would just post it here for all of you.

Well better get back to that knitting and I have some pics to take for you all as well. Hope the mails here early today, I'm going nutty for my yarn, mittens are an addiction, don't say I didn't warn you.

Last Day,.. of NaBloPoMo,,, I did IT!!!!

So I promised a better post today. It's been a lazy day with the kids, they're still feeling yucky. Not a bad but still haven't kicked it completely. Last night they decided to give daddy a taste of what mommy normally has to deal with, of course its when he wants to watch his two favorite teams play. And the game was only on satellite which is over at his parents place, so he had to miss the game. I feel bad for him but I wasn't going to leave knit night, I don't get out much as it is and he's been hunting a lot. So I don't feel super sorry but at the same time I do feel bad that he missed a game he really wanted to use.

I'm starting a pair of Firestarter socks for my m-i-l for christmas with the Fleece Artist Nova Socks colorway Sangria that I had purchased her. (links are Ravelry)

I'm now patiently waiting for my wool-ease so I can finish all the mittens I need to knit. Patience is waining.

Post Turkey day report...

So Thanksgiving went relatively well, I ate until I was near to bursting, and it was totally unexpected. When I was eating I didn't feel like I was full and than all of a sudden it hit me, hard, I was beyond full. Argh! The kids ate a lot as well, Se loved pumpkin pie as well as the Tweedles. I don't know what pie Ju had but I believe pumpkin and I know she liked it.

I got some knitting done, I'm up to 2 whole repeats on the scarf, I did about a half a repeat last night and I got started on the strand work on the second mitten.

Well I'm off to make breakfast for the munchkins and get them ready to go "shopping", see you all tomorrow.

Cadena in Peat

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ETA @ 6:53pm: We went to Kohl's this morning, it was crazy busy, but my mom bought me 3 bras, so now I can have my boobs where they're supposed to be :P. Than lunch at Baker's Square and after that off to the Maplewood Mall. We saw Santa first and then did two rounds on the carousel, after all that we went to B&N and looked at books for a little bit. When all was said and done we went to dinner at my parent's house and now Ju is staying over night there and is going to help MamaTee (my mom) decorate the tree. Over all it was a good day, I missed going to some places I'd hoped to go too and I didn't get any knitting done, but I hope to do some in a little bit. Hope everyone's Black Friday went well. See you tomorrow.

...Cheeckan Good...

Today we had oatmeal again, the kids love it, and I didn't over salt this time so things were good. The monkeys played their hearts out this morning and all laid down for naps at their regular times, it was great. I cleaned up my desk and the kitchen (some more) and started another holiday gift. This one is the scarf for my Gran, I wanted to get it started and the pattern figured out so I could have it as a take along knit. And if I don't think it's long enough, I found some places that sell the yarn and colorway.

For dinner the kids and I had chicken pre stuffed with wild rice stuffing, white rice (there wasn't a ton of stuffing and the kids aren't big fans of it either) and mixed veggies. Se's teeth were hurting so bad he didn't want to eat dinner, so he ended up with baby food, he was hungry, he just didn't want the dinner I made.

Before dinner and after naps, Courtney stopped by again with her Peanut, and the babes had a bawl playing and running around. I showed Courtney the wonders of Ravelry and we talked about some books we both like. Good times, I love it when people visit, it's a definite sanity break.

T is home from hunting, no deer yet. Hope he gets some soon. I missed him and so did the kids, Ju even told him so on her own. She's such a smart girl, I sure do love those kids. And I love T, too.

Not much knitting got done but if you look to your right side of the screen, you will see I've added a new section called Patterns. These are patterns I've created that you all can share, just don't claim them as your own, Thanks.

Of course, it would help if I knew how to add pdf files. Anyone??


ETA: Figured it out, googled it and found the answer I was looking for. :D

Another day in the Jungle....

So it's been another long day here at home. My mom stopped by for a little bit so I could run to the library and drop off an overdue book and pick up two that were on hold. Time to get reading. I also finished one of the mittens today other than the thumb and running the yarn through the top stitches and weaving in the ends. I've changed my mind on whom they are for now, when I saw how big they were I decided that maybe I needed to make a smaller thumbless pair for my youngest niece and give these bigger ones to her big sister. So I think that's what I'm going to do, I'll have to change Ravelry or at least add these in to my projects page.

I watched the beginning and end of "The Little Princess" (middle was during my lib run) and "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" with Ju this afternoon, these are the classics with Shirley Temple in the former and the 1957 version for the later. For $5 at W-Mart, I purchased this box set of 20 classic movies, I figured they would all be pretty safe for the kids to see and better than daytime crap thats on.

This evening the girls watched "Avatar: The Last Airbender" or something like that before bed. Than I flipped channels for a bit, re-watched the first two episodes of "Firefly" and than flipped some more. That's when I got most of my knitting done. I love Joss Whedon and can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

Well I'm off to bed, hope all is well in your homes, mines in the midst of toddler craziness times four. May tomorrow be better than today, PLEASE!!!

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PS My KPs yarn came today YIPPIE!!!!!!!!!!

Free Rice....

For Each word you get right, they donate 10 grains of rice to those in need, to end world hunger.

It's kind of fun and you get to help someone out, how cool is that.

I finished the fingerless mitts for my friend last night and woven in the ends today. I'll take pictures and post them soon. The yarn was a lot like a pencil roving, I could probably buy a ball and re-spin it. It actually split on me near the end, it pulled apart just like roving. You know now that I think about it, I may just do that.

I'm now in the process of deciding what to go forward with next.

• Fetching or similar for my mom
• Mystery socks for me
• Socks for m-i-l
• Calorimetry for me
• Calorimetry Repurposed for T in orange
• Tam for my mom
• Lace Scarf for my mom
• Cabled Scarf for Gran
• Scarves for Tweedels (Ro and Ra)
• Socks for Hubby
• Something for f-i-l
• Tie for my dad
• Itty-Bitty-Bears for the kids
• Shawl for sis

Most of this I would like to do before Xmas but I'm in serious doubt, for one I'm not working on the shawl until after the holidays. The socks for hubby are unlikely as well. Mom's scarf will be after I do the mitts and hat, for sure, and that leaves still a whole lot to do.

I guess that means I should get my butt (hands) knitting, and this will really be fun when I go to the dentist after Thanksgiving, yippie.

It's HERE...

The Winter 2007 Interweave Knits cam in the mail today, YIPPEE!!! Funny I also got my new check cards and checks, good day for the mail. Of course all this good mail karma means that my children are being exceptionally whiny, it's awesome.

So I'm think I really want to make the Celtic Tote, and I'm thinking maybe the yarn that is supposed to be used for it would be cool too. I don't think I've ever used the yarn suggested in a pattern before, so that would be really neat to do.

I finished the Tasseled Earflap Hat last night (sans tassel) for hubby, I decided to frog the whole thing and reknit and it looks a lot better. I'll take pictures tonight when he gets home, and now there is a request to make the Calorimetry for him (he uses it as a face guard) in the orange because he is feeling a bit on the colorful side with a green face mask, orange hat, and dark blue fingerless mitts. I guess it's just too much. We'll see.

Calorimetry Repurposed

The Infamous Fingerless Mitts for Hubby

Pattern: Fingerless Mitts pattern
Source: Twin Rib Fingerless Mittens/Wrist Warmers by Dawn Adcock but I made quite a few changes for my hubby's special needs.
Materials: Cascade 220 Heathers | 100% Peruvian Highland Wool
Original Purpose: Purchased for this purpose
Source: LYS, I can't remember which
Color: Heathered Blue | Color Number: 9414 | Lot Number: unknown
Needles: unknown size (Knitpicks)
Started: January 24, 2007 (?) | Finished: February 18, 2007

These were a pain to knit and seemed to take a lot longer than they actually did to knit because of mistakes and nagging from the hubby.

It's Snowing.....

Well it isn't staying but we do have the first flurries of the year. I tried to take pictures but the snow doesn't want to be photographed. So I took this test instead :D...





No knitting questions but what do ya do. I got this from someone else's blog but I can't remember who's because I was just doing the click links thing.

I did get out yesterday after about one o'clock, but T kept calling me so I felt rushed for being out and enjoying myself. I went to the yarn shop Knit'n from the heart in Woodbury and helped a lady figure out how to do a k2, p2 rib, that was cool. Then I grabbed dinner and headed over to Rachel's to help her pick up boxes and go have a visit at Starbucks and knit. It was great to hang out with my friend again, I missed the time we used to hang out together. I'm really excited for her that she is going to be a homeowner soon and have such a great new place to live.

At the yarn shop I purchased some yarn and a magazine to knit T a hat that was on the cover. The yarn is Cascade yarns Lana Grande in a great burnt orange and the magazine is Knit Simple Fall 2007, it's a really cool pattern. Only problem is that his head is bigger than the pattern can handle so I had to figure out how to up it and then when he tried it on this morning it was a bit to shallow so I need to pull back my decreases and fix that, I may just frog the whole thing and start again my added on stitches suck, but I'm kind of mad at the hubby right now so I may say I don't care. Also just a note, 2 hour pattern took 4 without tassels and braids and crochet, and I need to find a crochet hook somewhere size K.

Well the natives are restless so I'm going to go get breakfast started and hope they chill.

I'm alive and I have FOs

Okay, I'm still not quite up to par from the weekend but I'm alive and "well". I've been pretty busy with Ren faire and family life. I've got two finished objects for you so hopefully that will appease the need for a long blog, I'm too tired to write too much, sorry.

Pattern: Fetching
Source: Knitty
Materials: Knit Picks Andean Silk | 55% Super Fine Alpaca, 23% Silk, 22% Merino Wool
Source: Purchased for this Purpose
Color: Pitch | Color Number: 23516 | Lot Number: 1491
Needles: US 6 (4.00 mm)( Knitpicks 24" Options circulars)
Started: September 17, 2007 (?) | Finished: September 21, 2007

These were gifted to my boss at the Renaissance Faire, Slugger.

Pattern: Tessellating Lace Socks
Source: Test Knit for someone from Ravelry
Materials: Knit Picks Essential Tweed | 65% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon, 10% Donegal
Source: Stash
Color: Flint | Color Number: 23861 | Lot Number: 4470
Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm)( Knitpicks 32" Fixed circulars)
Started: July 26, 2007 | Finished: October 3, 2007

These will be a gift for the Holidays to come.

Houston. . .

... We have a problem. Or is it I have a problem. Whichever.

I'm out of fleece to spin and don't have the funds at the moment for more. This sucks, I was just starting to really get a groove. Not the best groove, mind you, but one none the less of a beginner. Argh, I need a sheep and a drum carder now. :P or at the least more roving. Anyone want to go buy me fleece and bring it to me is more than welcome, I'll pay in something not sure what but something. You think T would let me get more if I offered sexual favors, me neither. Damn.

Fleece Need

So I'm figuring out this spinning thing when I look in my basket and realize that I'm almost out of my first fleece, huh oh. So I take a look at the finances and maybe after my pay from last weekend I can order some but maybe not, I may have to just wait, grr. I did stop at the lys and get a 4 oz ball for $6.00, I don't know though if that's a good price, it's not super soft but its romney, just plain white. After thats gone I'm out, and that's a sad thought, I'm going to have to ration it all out. I am improving though, I started with bulky to lace to bulky again and now I'm more of a sport worsted to lace fingering weight. Need to keep up the predraft.

I'm definately looking forward to this next week, I'm going to Monday fiber night and Thursday knit night, no if, ands, or buts about it. T will finally be off of 3-11 so I can go and leave the babes behind.

Update

So the monkeys are all down early today, they're all growing and grumpy and this mommy can only take so much. I'm also a little grumpy, dreaming too much, not enough sleep. Just one of those full moon nights. Had a friend from Ren Faire over for dinner, T and our guest got along well, good conversation was had. I made meatloaf with corn side and quick drop biscuits, mmmm. Want to buy more yarn really badly, but I'm holding back at least for the moment. I need to get some money into savings first. And I really want my kid tattoo.

I've been listening to a lot of Lime & Violet, I'm on March 2007 right now. I'm enjoying the podcast a lot and think you should all listen as well.

I've been knitting on the second sock, I've turned the heel and I'm working the instep now. I hope to be done by the end of next week. (I'm working on realistic goals)

Well, I should get to that.

Bad blogger, no cookie.

Sorry I've been bad these last few weeks, it's been crazy busy. I'm working at the MN Renaissance Festival this year. And with being sick and than work and than my period and the children, well, I'm tired. It's Friday already and Tomorrow I have to get up super early so I can drive out to fair by/before 7 am to help open up shop and get ready for the day. Here's hoping we don't get rained out again. I just made a purchase at Knit Picks on Wednesday for some Andean Silk in Pitch, Memories in Redwood Forest and the book Selbuvotter, oh and another set of size 6 options needles so I can make a pair of Fetching for my Ren Faire boss, Slugger.

Well off to spend some time with the children, hubby and the in-laws. Chat with you later.

Test Knitting Part 3

This is before Fiber Night at G's, I'll be leaving in a little bit, here's hoping I finish.

Test Knitting Part 2

Well I'm done with the the chart and all looks good to me. I'm off to the heel. I decided to just do the two repeats of the pattern, one with the written out instructions and one with the chart. They fit well because I have big calves. I'm really loving this pattern and will definitely use again. I hope Kat is happy with how it is all turning out. I have to go email her now, I was lazy with the flickr and didn't size down my photos, so now I'm already at my download limit for the month because of the stash and my indecisiveness. (ooo, a $1.00 word)

Test Knitting Part 1

So I've been a wicked fast for me knitter lately, I started this on Thursday after knitting group and I'm done with the ribbing and one full pattern repeat. I'm test knitting this for someone I met on Ravelry, next up the chart instead of the written out instructions.

I'm using KnitPicks Essential Tweed in Flint.

Drool . . . . . .

I want to make this, not that I know any strand or sweater making knowledge but hey it's beautiful, one stitch at a time right??

Skogsmörkret, svart
Bohus Forest Darkness, black

I'm feeling rather spoiled....and its all for a laugh.

I waited to post this because I thought it deserved a definite viewing on the blog. I'm feeling quite warm and fuzzy by the showering of gifts for such a simple thing as a laugh, but sometimes that is what is needed in ones day. Well, Jen, you made mine, twice over, you should have seen me dance when I got both packages.

From Left to Right GingerMints, a Beautiful coffee mug, Sockotta sock yarn, Chocolates that Juju is trying to filch, Note, 4 oz Organic Fair Trade Sumatra (haven't tried yet), Kittie key chain that 'Meows' and has a light in it's mouth, 12 oz Organic A & E Breakfast Blend (yummy).


Juju thought that this was her gift in the bag, Daddy has gotten the girls addicted to Bubble Wrap.


Another Lovely note, saying she was sorry she hadn't sent these in the first package. It was fine with me, more fun stuff to open. Aren't all of these lovely and very very nicely made. Top Left: 4 fimo clay markers, Bottom Left: 10 lace & sock sized markers with very simple beads ( I love that ), Next Over: Stop 'n Go set of 5, and Far Right: 5 Dice Markers (these remind me of Roleplaying :D)



Quick explanation on the Stop 'n Go, the back states "Stop 'n Go Stitch Markers show you where to work incs! When you come to a green marker, GO past it, then work your inc. When you come to a red one, STOP, work your inc., then move on. Genius.

Poll for you all.

I just purchased three balls of Bernat Felting Natural Wool in English Rose. Now if you knew my Gran you would see this yarn and say that it was her exactly. The few issues are that there is only 84 yards/77 meters per 75 g/ 2.6 oz and I have only three. She is a fairly tall woman and she is English so I want something with lots of English taste. What would be the best pattern for this type of yarn? Would a simple cable look nicer than a lace or vice versa?

PLEASE HELP!!!

Thanks for your vote.