Yawn Over

Happy New Years!

2009-12-31T22:52:00.005-05:00

Just wanted to take this opportunity to say "Happy New Years!" It's been a LONG time! New job responsibilities have left me with absolutely no time for blogging. I couldn't be happier about my situation, though, so it's all good.

I'm still pretty active on Ravelry and have managed to make time for knitting most weeks. And of course, Frisky is as high-maintenance as ever ;)

Wishing you all the very best that 2010 has to bring.

"Peace, love, and chewbones."

Time Flies!

2009-08-07T22:23:00.006-04:00

Can't believe it's already August! I have been immersed in an intensive online course development seminar and have totally lost track of time.

The seminar was fabulous! And though I'll still be working to get ready for the fall semester, the next two weeks are mostly about vacation. That means lot and lots and LOTS of desperate, pre-semester knitting ;)

So...I've been working on another Bonne Marie Burns pattern: the Eyelet Cardi in Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool.

I've been looking for an excuse to try the Silky Wool and so far it has lived up to expectations - lightweight, gorgeous color, and soft to the touch. (I am a little bit worried about pilling and/or snags, but only time will tell.) I'm past the sleeve divide and getting close to the waist shaping. Love the pattern so far, but omg - that was a WHOLE lot of stitches there before that divide!

Unfortunately, this baby is being moved to the back burner because I am off to San Francisco for a conference. Fortunately, though, the trip gives me time to work on a smaller project: Aestlight in Araucania Ranco Multy in a luscious palette of blues and purples, because I am a sheep who could not resist the lure of the bandwagon. I'm really hoping to finish this one up during the trip - fingers crossed!

Another project that's on hold for the time being is my Behrnardt cardi. I guess I should be happy to report that it is finally too hot to knit with worsted-weight wool.... It will keep for a couple more months, though ;)

And - despite my already-heftily-laden plate of WIPS - I am already coveting my next project: The Mondo Cable Pulli by Bonne Marie Burns. It's not available in pdf just yet, but rest assured that I am stalking the Chic Knits discussion board on a daily basis and will be poised to pounce on that bad boy the instant it hits the streets.

Hmm...do you think I maybe have an issue with startitis?

I will leave you with today's gratutious chihuahua shots, which today feature Frisky being rewarded for his bad behavior. (Will we ever learn?)

The hubs and I were up early trying to squeeze in a few early-morning moments of work before the tweens emerged from their sleep-dens seeking large quantities of food and parental engagement and asking the question every parent loves to hear: "Why are you wearing that?"

Frisky was scratching my legs (in the desperate, attention-craving way that only a chihuahua can) and after 10 minutes of listening to me complain, hubs picked the dog up and deposited him into his polo shirt.

By all accounts, this seemed to do the trick. Maybe too well:

I can't help but be reminded of that old movie, Alien. ;)

Happy August - wil try to post an update when I get back.

The Summer of Knit

2009-07-14T08:11:00.007-04:00

My, this certainly has been a wool-friendly summer. I'm aware that in some places in the US the heat has reached record highs, but here in New England? We are all about the chilly.

This is driving some people nuts, but, honestly, I kind of like it. Sunny and 70 degrees in July? I'll take it, thank you very much. Not only have I saved bundles on my electricity costs, my knitting output has never been better. That's a win-win situation as far as I'm concerned.

Baktus Update
Turns out that the lure of the Baktus was too much for me to resist. As soon as I got my hands on another skein of lovely Brooks Farm Acero I cast on again.

Because I am a sheep (and because the lure of everything Terhi makes is also too much for me to resist - am I becoming a Ravstalker?) this one is the lacy version. The pattern is such a peach - the ultimate travel knitting project.

I got the yarn from a fellow Raveler who was doing a major destash. She gave me such a good price on it that I almost felt guilty. Almost. It really is gorgeous. (Details rav'ed here.) Oddly, I am in no hurry to finish this. I just like looking at it.

Both pictures are from atop the breakers at Hampton Beach, NH. It was our first sunny day here in some time, and we stuck it out for as long as possible by moving our gear up onto the rocks. The sky was absolutely gorgeous:

Acer Update
The lesson from my first Acer button disaster is that looks aren't everything, *sigh*. I needed something really feather-weight. (Details rav'ed here.) After checking out the project pages for Acer I ended up going with the same style of button used by a few others, and the shape is just right, I think.

I would have liked an even lighter-colored maple on this pale yarn, but these will do for now. And, since I plan to make it again in Peace Fleece...

Mondo Cable
But first, I need to finish this little bippy:

Honestly, I liked this pattern in its first incarnation, but the more recent top-down version is a real winner. The provisional cast-on gave me a few headaches (you can read all about the agony here) but did make for a lovely seamless shoulder. I hope to have this done in another day or two.

Next Up
So, what bandwagon to jump on next? I've been thinking about breaking into my luscious Silken Mohair (a worsted-weight silk with a mohair haze, yum) to do a Mara or a November Ruffle. Or maybe I'll get back to Bernhardt. Or..or...or...

Gratuitous Chihuahua Shots
Clearly I could go on and on, but that wouldn't do either of us any good. There is work to be done besides the knitting, after all. And you may even be asleep by now. So I'll bid you adieu with some parting shots of you-know-who:

I'm not afraid of fireworks, no siree, are you afraid of fireworks? because I'm not, no, no way, not me.

Well, someone has to prop this kid up, right?

Stick a Fork in It...

2009-07-03T18:50:00.004-04:00

...because Acer is officially done. In exactly two weeks, including blocking and buttons. Woot!

Speaking of buttons, I am gradually coming to the realization that the ones I just sewed on, though gorgeous, are really just too heavy for this light and lofty yarn. Hence, I can't get a decent, non-gappy picture of me wearing it :(

So, eventually I will need to swap these buttons out, but for now I'm going to just sit here in a pleasant state of denial and enjoy my finished sweater. And have a cocktail.

Obviously this plan gets the official Frisky TM seal of approval.

Tomorrow I'll be watching fireworks, the Pops, and Neil Diamond (that's right, Miss abby) and working on my Lacy Baktus. Hope you enjoy your 4th too!

Cold Weather Sweater Frenzy!

2009-06-29T11:19:00.008-04:00

Still knitting with bulky wool in June, you ask?

Why yes, as a matter of fact, I am. One advantage of being a knitter is the ability to find some small measure of enjoyment in a crappy, cold, wet summer. I am doing my best - but it ain't easy.

Finished the body and started the first sleeve on Acer. Love it!

Btw, the Cascade Eco+ is much softer than the regular Eco - much less rustic as well.

And, speaking of Eco, I finally found a button (at Ewe'll Love It) for the Eco Vest:

I lurve this pattern - the shaping is really, really nice. It will be very wearable come fall and I definitely see another one in my future.

Now, for my next project, I'm finding myself torn between two great patterns: Bernhardt (see below), which I've already begun, but barely, and the Mondo Cable Vest/Shell from Bonnie Marie Burns, which I would do up in DIC Classy as a vest, like this. Oh, decisions, decisions...

Is your head also spinning from all the new patterns out there?? I think maybe I just need to stop looking.

So, what are you working this summer? Do you keep knitting or take a break for the heat? Or do you change the things you knit?

And PS More sexy Baktus to come. (Take it to the bridge!)

Escape from Manville, and a Tale of Two Sweaters

2009-06-22T09:59:00.005-04:00

Right now I have a bit of downtime between two action-packed semesters and it seems like a good opportunity to crank out a sweater or two. My picks: Acer from the totally awesome Kirsten of Through the Loops, and Bernhardt, the totally awesome cardi from Twist Collective Summer 09.

I just had to run and cast on for Bernhardt as soon as I bought it (lurve that lace rib), but have decided to put in on the back burner and see if I can finish Acer before it gets to hot too knit with bulky yarn. (Assuming it ever actually gets hot around here, that is.)

Pattern: Acer
Yarn: Cascade Eco+ in Lavender
Needle: Size 9 29" circ (size 8 for cast on and row 1)

Though I’d LOVE an excuse to pick up some Peace Fleece, I’m going to be a good little recessionista and knit this one from my stash. After reading the comments on others’ projects, I casted on and knit the first row with a size 8 needle, then went up to a size 9.

This is going to be a quickie, I think. I got a nice jumpstart on it this weekend during some unexpected girl time. My mom had planned to spend the weekend in Ogunquit, and I decided at the last minute to tag along to escape the red meat/baseball/Golf Channel-saturated manfest that is Fathers Day at my house.

It was heavenly to get away, and we even managed to take advantage of the few sunny hours on Saturday to soak up some rays at the beach. Thanks, Mom :)

The only one who wasn't entirely thrilled about the weekend was Frisky, because in his heart, he really is a Ladies Man.

"ohhh, aren't they back yet?"

I'm Bringing Sexy Bak(tus)*

2009-06-16T17:38:00.010-04:00

What do you know? I actually finished something.

Pattern: Baktus
Yarn: Brooks Farm Acero (from Rhinebeck. I just like saying that.)
Needles: Size 2 Addi Lace

I think the reason this got finished is because I didn't waste time blabbing about it all over my Ravelry project page like I usually do, updating the Progess-o-meter every 5% just to pump up my ego. No, this was hardcore, monogamous - and mostly public - knitting. Also, it was the kind of knitting that can be combined with cocktails (hi Lynne and abby!)

And now it's done, yay! This is a terrific, easy-but-satisfying pattern. I would love to make another, but in stripes like Terhi's adorable version.

I can see this baby getting some serious wear come fall. I love, love, love the shape - very versatile.

And the yarn...seriously. Now that I have had my initiation knit with Brooks Farm, I can see myself doing some serious damage to the ol' bank account come October (Rhinebeck!) I'll be the one causing an avalanche at the BF booth.

In Frisky news...doesn't he look like the figurehead on a ship?

He was, hands down, the absolutely, most horrendous, badly-behaved dog at the entire soccer field. And, high maintenance too:

Good thing he's cute.

*Now, go listen to the song. You know you want to.

Caught in the Act

2009-05-24T16:50:00.006-04:00

For some time now I've been noticing that, for no apparent reason, one certain corner of the dining room tablecloth has been mussed up. Here's why:

"Oh oh...here she comes. Act natural."

Apparently, it all begins here in the chair by the window:

Stand up, and then it's just a short leap across to the table. Thinking about what would happen to those spindly little legs of his if he missed makes me a bit lightheaded. Luckily, he doesn't miss.

So, now that I know how, I have to wonder, "Why? Why does a chihuahua want to be on a dining room table?"

Some things are maybe not meant to be known.

In knitting news, here's my Buttercup still in progress.

I should be done by now, and I would be, if I hadn't had to rip the front lace section out THREE TIMES.

(I want to make clear that this is not the pattern's fault - it is entirely my fault for not paying attention. It is partly Frisky's fault for leaping around onto furniture in a dangerous and distracting way. It is partly my family's fault for expecting me to produce meals and know things and answer complicated questions like, "I left my ipod on your desk and now it's gone and where did you put it?" at times when I am trying to knit. But it is definitely not Heidi the designer's fault.)

But, no matter now, it's almost done. Really a cute pattern. Easy, too, if you can avoid being distracted by flying chihuahuas...

Spring Cleaning

2009-05-15T10:35:00.005-04:00

The only downside of Mother's Day this year was that I didn't get to spend it with my mom as she was out of town on Nana duty. However, this did give me some time to whip up an extra Mother's Day gift:

It's the Sundance bag from the Classic Elite Web-Letter. A great, quick pattern, details rav'ed here.

Now that the semester is over I've finally had a little time to get myself organized. (Actually, by "myself" I really mean "my knitting stuff." Organizing myself - now there's a project, heh heh.)

Although I've never been keen on adding my stash into Ravelry - I wasn't sure it would be worth the time and effort - I finally spent a little time doing it this weekend. I have to admit that when queueing projects it is a huge help to see what I already have available. It also made me very aware that I do not need any more yarn.

I also finished adding my needles into the needle database. I do not need any more needles. Then I went through a bunch of half-heartedly-begun projects, frogged them, and put the yarn back into the yarn bins, the circs back into the circs bag, and organized all the other needles. It feels great to be organized!

This should last about a week...so let's have a look at it before the system falls apart again, shall we?

The "Upstairs Stash" (let's not even speak of the "Downstairs Stash")

Straight needles, crochet hooks, and dpns:

Wood needles

At least I can walk through my office without tripping. And now I'm off to cast on for something new. Hope you are enjoying your own rites of spring!

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T08:53:00.005-04:00

I don't know about you, but my idea of the perfect Mother's Day involves knitting, not having to cook, yarn, being outside, spending quality time with my family, and knitting. I was able to squeeze all of that in yesterday, because, after breakfast in bed, the menfolk chez Yawnover indulged me with a jaunt up to the New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival.

Obligatory animal pics. Aren't these two just beautiful together?

omg - babies!

I was impressed at how well the local kids handled the alpacas, some of whom were not being very accomodating (this guy wasn't too difficult, though.)

While we all enjoy the sheepdog trials and alpaca demonstrations, my guys share a curiously strong aversion to anything that looks like a yarn vendor. (I can't imagine why...) Luckily, they have developed a appreciation for other aspects of the Sheep and Wool phenomenon: Buffalo burgers, fried dough, and apple crisp. Together, these create a powerful distraction that allows me time to cruise multiple shopping venues without interruption.

Since I had just spent some serious time on Saturday re-organizing my yarn and needle stash and planning new projects, I found I wasn't actually too tempted to buy. The was one deal, though, that I simply could not pass up - a bin of laceweight marked $2 per ounce. I have never purchased laceweight yarn and after the yarn-ventory started thinking I really should venture into this territory. The colors in the bin were a bit wild, but I noticed a copper that I really liked:

When the owner whispered in my ear that he would take two bucks for the whole skein, how could I refuse?

Back at home, Frisky, who was sad that non-working dogs are not allowed at the festival, enjoyed some quality time out in the sun:

He also approved of my bargain.

"Plenty of money left over to buy more turkey jerky."

BTW, that is dh sacked out on the lawn behind Frisky, too full to move :) A good time was had by all.

Crunch Time

2009-04-30T18:51:00.004-04:00

Thanks so much to all who left comments on my last post. I'm especially grateful to those who validated my self-pity - now that was awesome ;) In all seriousness, your kind words and thoughts really cheered me. It certainly is nice to be part of this little community, isn't it?

Frisky also thanks you - see the sincerity in his eyes? (Or is he just begging for that piece of cheese on the counter?)

I am in week 2 of Feeling Much Better. So, now it's the end of another semester and I'm up to my ears in papers and exams that still need to be graded. This is an improvement over yesterday, when I was up to my forehead in papers and exams. Just two more exams to administer and then I can hang up my hat for a week or two before summer session begins. Woo!

Now, on to the really important issue: knitting. I am ready to divide for the front and back of the Sleeveless Drops Top and thought I would share some pics of its turquoise yumminess:

This colorway (Dream in Color Blue Lagoon) is really fabulous. I'm so glad to have found a project for this yarn, especially a sleeveless one as I tend to wear a lot of this kind of top layered over blouses and tees. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a good fit - so far, it's right on.

After this I am looking forward to dipping into some DK cotton and cotton/bamboo stash I've had lying around. There are some terrific summery top patterns - now, how to choose? Any ideas? What are you knitting this summer?

Knit Therapy (warning: whining and self-pity ensue)

2009-04-13T19:38:00.008-04:00

Although I haven't mentioned it here, people who know me in real life know that I've been going through another round of giant kidney stone drama. I had the main surgery last week and have one more procedure to go this week. Unfortunately, this time the surgery was a lot more invasive. It hurts more, and it's taking more time to heal. I am also completely exhausted.

So, today has been a day for feeling sorry for myself, boo-hoo :( A month is a long time to be in pain.

It's times like these, though, that I also realize how much I have to be grateful for: a family that loves me, a job I love going to even when I feel crappy, friends, really good health most of the time, and omg - health insurance.

Also, I am grateful for the fact that I have knitting to obsess over. Waiting rooms are a great place to get a few rows done. Check out my progress on the Drops top:

Even when I've been too tired or sick to knit, scrolling through FO pages on Ravelry (and blogs, and knitting mags, and catalogs) is like an extra dose of percoset, baby. Not to mention poring over the stash and planning my next projects...

Is that weird? Oh well, no matter ;) This is my holistic health plan, and so far I haven't noticed any negative side effects (other than the mess of yarn and pattern bits scattered around the house) or drug interactions.

I am also grateful for Frisky. He always seems to sense when I'm not doing well, and he drapes his healing aura over me at these times. Or maybe he's just taking advantage of the fact that I'm spending more tme on the couch?

Either way, there's nothing like a little puppy love when you're feeling low :)

Next post will feature more knitting and less whining - I promise.

Has Spring Really...Sprung?

2009-04-04T17:44:00.009-04:00

Although it is officially spring, the weather in these parts has continued to fluctuate between barely-warmish and pretty-darn-coldish. Frisky is patiently waiting for summer to arrive:

"Brrr..."
In this season of renewal I have been evaluating both my yarn stash and some long-term projects, and mercilessly doing away with items that have become stagnant.

First on the chopping - er, frogging - block: The February Lady sweater. I totally, shamelessly, geekily wanted to be part of this bandwagon. I even joined the KAL on Ravelry. I eventually got through the bodice and a good chunk of the lace before realizing the unfortunate truth that this is one wagon I needed to get off.

The problem was not so much about the sweater as it was about me. Trying the sweater on as I went proved to be a painful reminder of my last trip to the junior department somewhere in my late 20s...that feeling that suddenly, without warning, I had become irrelevant to (in?) that particular fashion genre. And so it was with FLS.

After many months of denial I finally bit the bullet and started ripping. It was actually not as painful as I thought, mostly because the Dream in Color yarn is just so delicious.

At first, I cast on for the Striped Modular Vest (details rav'ed here.) Unfortunately, getting the required gauge for the project resulted in a fabric that was...well, droopy, even wimpy. I will try again later with a slightly heftier yarn, but in the meantime, it was back to the frog pond for that beautiful DIC.

Now I have cast on for what I fervently hope will be this yummy yarn's final incarnation: the romantically named Pattern #105-12 from Drops (Details rav'ed here.)

This seems like the kind of top that could be worn most of the year layered over a tee or a blouse. Me likee.

The pattern is typical of Drops - really great instructions (as long as you read ALL the way through before beginning) and some nice little details. For example, it's not showing up too clearly in the pic above, but there is a very cute raised figure 8 detail that runs up the sides. Check it out:

Hopefully I'll get through this project in time to get a bit of wear out of it before the dog days of summer.

"zzz-huh? Dog day whats?"

I'm also swatching for a super-secret mystery project using some dyed Eco Wool I got on sale at Webs:

This stuff grew a LOT after washing. So far the swatch on the left is spot-on, but I will reserve judgment until both are completely dry.

I initially thought I would dye this yarn first, but now that Ii've seen it knit up, I might just leave it alone. We'll see. (But you haven't gotten rid of me yet, Lynne - I will definitely be dyeing its turquoise cousin, heheh.)

So that's the news on my side of the fence. Hope spring has sprung where you are!

One Thing at a Time

2009-03-16T16:55:00.013-04:00

I'm always reminding my kids: "Finish one thing before you start the next." However, I normally do not practice what I preach - at least not when it comes to knitting.

Until the beginning of 2009 my house was littered with wip's in various states of completion, or limbo, or denial, and few items ever seemed to get finished up. Especially, bigger items like sweaters.

Last year I finished only about 25% of the sweaters and vests I started, and the rest of my fo's consisted of a hat here, and a scarf there, with lots and LOTS of little things started and then frogged.

Not such a terrible thing, I guess, but not terribly productive, either. So I've been trying to limit myself to one project on the needles (two if I need a little one for the road), and since then, the fo's have been piling up like hotcakes!

Transitions Sweater and me on our first date, he :)

Well, okay, maybe not like hotcakes. But stuff - wearable stuff - is definitely getting done.

Project: Eco Vest
Pattern: Modified version of Lion Brand's Vest-in-a-Jiffy (God I hate that name), details rav'ed here.
Yarn: Cascade Ecological Wool, chocolate brown, 1 skein (476 yds)
Needle: Size 10-1/2 29" circ

Now, I'm beginning to think that there *is* something to this whole "one thing at a time" business I've been trying to sell to my kids.

Next up - this modular vest by Andra Knight-Bowman. I was interested in the construction, but not sure about making one for me until I saw this version. Love <3! Below is Square #1, "details rav'ed here.

Frisky is not a fan of the Modular Vest (or of hoomans knitting in general, for that matter.)

"Too much knitting. Not enough treats."

DONE

2009-03-08T19:02:00.002-04:00

At last! And just in time for spring, heh heh. Oh well, it'll be a great fall color too...

Pattern: Transitions Yoke Cardigan
Yarn: Patons Classic Merino in Moss Heather
Needles: size 6 circ's (16" and 29")

Just needs a wash and a good blocking to even out those button bands, then I'll add the buttons. The silver buttons I tried at first were too small, and not quite the look I wanted. I ended up going with a slightly larger button in a shade that's close to the yarn color - I have one up there at the top but will take some better pics once they are all in place.

I made a few modifications - if you can call it that, given that the pattern is more like a general recipe than a specific set of instructions - including more garter rows, wider button bands, and shorter, wider sleeves. So excited to have finished a sweater for me!!

Now, I'm off to choose my next project. It's spring break this week, and even though I have a massive amount of work to do I don't actually have to go anywhere. This bodes very well for my stash - and the likelihood of another FO in my future :)

Weekend Away

2009-02-26T14:48:00.009-05:00

Last weekend, the hubs and I decided to take a last-minute road trip down to Salem, MA. With Nana down South for the winter, this meant either: a) boarding Frisky at the kennel, b) sneaking Frisky in with us, or c) finding a hotel that would let us bring him along.

Frisky vetoed the first option, and the second option just seemed like a Very Bad Idea. Luckily, the fabulous Salem Inn allows four legged guests to stay in one of its three historic buildings, the West House.

(The picture is from my last stay this summer - hence the lack of snow and ice.) With a family suite available (albeit on the 4th floor - and no elevator), we were in business!

"Boy, this is the life! You hoomans sure know how to have a good time."

Immediately upon our arrival I took Frisky for a walk in his snappy aran sweater, whereupon he proceeded to tinkle on every bush, cobblestone, and historic landmark on the block. When we got up to our room he began tracking some unseen object in the air with his nose. I swore he was seeing a ghost - until hubby pointed out that his Dingo Bone was up on the dresser and he was simply trying to get a better look at it :) As my older son remarked, "You know the weekend will end up being all about him!"

When Frisky settled down for a nap and the boys decided to go off to look at some historic ship, I thought it best to allow the guys some male bonding time. In order to give them the maximum amount of space, I went off to Seed Stitch. Oh, the selfless things I do for my family, sigh.

I picked up this cute shawl pin and some Ecological Wool for myself. Although I probably won't need more than one skein for the project I have in mind, I thought it prudent to pick up a second, just in case ;) It's a great bargain, so how could I resist? I'm sure i'll find something to do with it. The nice lady in the shop reminded me that I probably wouldn't want to be winding 478 yards into a ball back at the Inn, so when they returned from their male bonding the boys helped me work the winder and swift.

We poked around in the army navy store, and the comic store, and several doggie supply boutiques, and ate at a few terrific restaurants, and generally just kicked back. We also spent the better part of Sunday at the Peabody Essex Museum - a must if you are ever in the area. We took the kids through the incredible Yin Yu Tan house and enjoyed both the Contemporary Chinese Art exhibit and the interactive Polar Landscapes.

Back at the inn the kids read comics and watched cartoons, and I started this:

It's an improvised version of a vest from the Lion website that I thought looked cute and comfy. I've been wanting to try the Eco Wool for a long time, and this seemed like a perfect project for it. I love the definition on the seed stitch.

Anyway, we all had a great time, and although we had to leave super-early on Monday morning to get back in time to teach my 10 am class, it was well worth the inconvenience to stay the extra night. And someday soon, I will finish you, Transitions sweater:

"Don't you forget about me!"

Only You....

2009-02-14T19:36:00.003-05:00

It is only appropriate that I blog about my Transitions Yoke Cardigan on Valentines Day, seeing how it has been my only purely monogamous (knitting) relationship in, like, ever.

Just the button bands the rest of the sleeves to go.

When I opened the latest edition of Interweave Knits, I had to laugh at the irony of Vicki Squares' article, "Start as Many New Projects as You Can." Vicki, where the *bleep* were you last year, when I needed you to validate my multi-project madness?

Oh well. If loving this sweater is wrong, I don't want to be right.

The other loves of my life came through for me today as well. I awoke to handmade pop-up cards and these:

Unfortunately, a certain someone else got into the valentine spirit today while we were at Boy #1's basketball game, working his way into Boy #2's backpack to extract the candy haul from yesterday's V-Day party at school. The wrappers strewn across the living room said it all, as did the expression on this little mug.

I knew the romance of the day was over when I heard the veterinarian say, "Well, you're going to have to make him vomit."

Happy V-D to you and yours :)

Transitions Yoke Cardigan

2009-01-31T20:51:00.006-05:00

Well, so much for new year's resolutions. Almost as soon as I swore off top-down construction, I went and cast on for the Transitions Circular Yoke Cardigan. What can I say? I have absolutely no willpower...
Details rav'ed here.

I'm definitely hoping to break my streak of making sweaters that are too big in all the wrong places...wish me luck.

So far, so good. I think I've done a better job this time of calculating shoulder width and underarm length so it should be a pretty good fit. Also, this yarn knits up more like a light worsted, so the seamless construction here should keep its shape better than the heavier Manos top-down I made last year.

I'm really loving the heathered tones in this yarn. The stockinette body section is a little tedious but it's making for some killer basketball knitting - now that I'm sitting courtside 4 evenings a week, I need it!

Extreme Knitting

2009-01-30T22:01:00.003-05:00

Okay, I am totally stealing this from Jena because I *really* got into watching it.

If only my paltry 1-strand knitting went so smoothly...sigh!

Enjoy!

Thermis Done!

2009-01-22T10:04:00.007-05:00

And it's a good thing, too -- it's freezing out!

Pattern: Thermis by Kristen Patay
Size: Smaller
Yarn: Patons Classic Merino in Taupe
Needle: US size 6 circular
(Pajamas by Eddie Bauer, tee hee)

Love it! Such a great little pattern. I love the placket and the wood buttons. Speaking of which, what happens to wood buttons when you wash a garment - do you need to take them off? Inquiring minds want to know. The only discussion of this on Rav left me feeling vaguely uncertain, so please share if you know.

Turns out it fits hubs a little better than it fits me, so this one goes to him. The only thing I'll do differently when I make one for myself is to shorten up the bottom ribbing. Also, I think I'll do a different stretchy cast-off than the sewed one recommended in the pattern.

Also also, although it looks like I am sporting some kind of weird mullet in that photo, rest assured that I am not :)

And now for the local forecast, courtesy of Rasta Chihuahua:

"Too Cold, mon."

Working, lurking, knitting...

2009-01-15T14:43:00.008-05:00

...yup, that pretty much sums it up.

I made a trip down to Salem, MA a few weeks ago and stopped at the local yarn/crack den, Seed Stitch Fine Yarn. Seriously - you cannot leave this place without at least an armful of something.

My mom, whom I'd dragged along for the ride, fell in love with the shop sample of the Soft Drawstring Pouch from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts, done up in festive sparkly things, so of course I loaded up my basket (yarn specifics on rav).

And just like that, despite the onset of a raging case of new year startitis a lone project actually managed to complete itself:

This was a treat to knit - it's a little hard to photograph as the Holo Hoops yarn is pretty ba-blingy, but trust me, it is ever so cute. Those ladies at SSFY are so darn clever.

Also picked up a Pretty Cheep Bag. Tempting as it was to buy all three, I managed to restrain myself. This time, anyway.

Other items on the needles: (hope I'm not jinxing myself by posting them - a pattern seems to be developing whereby the moment I announce that I'm working on such-and-such a project, I immediately lose all interest in it...)

Transitions Yoke Cardigan in its infancy:

Also jumped on the utterly irresistible Thermis Neckwarmer bandwagon:

I found some cute natural-colored wood buttons for the top. This really should be done by now - hopefully I'll be wearing it next week.

And now, for the obligatory Frisky gallery. Here, he models his new "Heart breaker" t-shirt:

And here is proof that here is nothing smaller than a chihuahua on a very cold day. Hope you're staying warm, too ;)

The All-Knowing Frisky Speaks

2008-12-31T08:16:00.008-05:00

"Oh great and all-knowing Frisky, tell me what to do about my Manos sweater that is too long. Should I frog it?"

"Nay. Give it to my Nana."

"Oh yes, that is much better!"

"Of course it is, silly hooman. Next you must make her a Huckleberry Ascot. Except with picots instead of bobbles."

"Of course, Wise One."

Handmade Holidays

2008-12-28T11:59:00.006-05:00

For Mom: Breeze from Knitty

For Hubs: IK Holiday 2008 Aran Isle Slippers

For DS #2: Cabled Footies from OneSkein

For DS#1: (made this at Rhinebeck - just added the fleece lining for Christmas)

For my niece's American Girl Doll:

Last-minute Gift for Self, modeled on DS's perfectly round noggin :)

Ornaments: (the kids made these for everyone - very cute and easy to do)

And More Holiday Wishes from Frisky, hiding out under the tree with his handmade gift from Hubs's co-worker: a bunch of fleece stips knotted together securely to create a ropey thing with little ends hanging off all around. He is in love with it - a great gift idea for those doggies who have everything.

Also, thank you so much for your kind words and thoughts on my dad's passing. It has been a very difficult time. Thank god for family, good friends, and knitting - somehow we get through it, right?

Happy Holidays

2008-12-24T14:19:00.003-05:00

Wishing you a blessed holiday season, whatever your reason.

Loss

2008-12-19T19:07:00.002-05:00

It's been a while - and a tough time for my family and me. My stepdad passed away very unexpectedly on November 30.

He was my kids' hero, my husband's buddy, and the light of my mom's life. I think we are maybe still in denial. It's still so very hard to believe he's gone.

I've been doing a lot of knitting and rav-trolling and trying to get through the end-of-semester grading/drama/ice storm/snowstorm bullsh*t. Guess it's a blessing to be so busy.

Hug your loved ones tonight, and be safe.

Second Childhood

2008-11-29T09:49:00.007-05:00

Don't get me wrong - I absolutely love being the mother of two boys. I wouldn't trade them for the world. But every now and again, I do wish I had an opportunity to do some "girl" things, especially the things I enjoyed as a child, sigh.

Fortunately, I found that some of these things have a boy equivalent. For example, reading the Henry Huggins series by Beverly Clearly was almost as satisfying as reading the Ramona series by Beverly Clearly. Stuffed animals are stuffed animals. All good.

One thing I haven't gotten to do the second time around? Dolls. Mind you, I was never into Barbies. (I sure was crazy about that baby from The Sunshine Family, though.*) But I did love me a historical doll and have always felt a little cheated to have missed out on the American Girl phenomenon. Luckily, I have a niece and can experience this vicariously ;)

A search of the great and wonderous Ravelry produced a bounty of seriously cute patterns. I like this one, and this one too, and a few others that I've queued. Like this one that I knit last night:

(Pardon the partial nudity, heheh - this is a generic 18" doll I picked up for cheap to use for sizing.) Pattern is here, and details are rav'ed here.

It was supposed to have sleeves, but wouldn't you know I ran out of yarn. I finished the arm openings with single crochet and did the same on the hood. I would probably make a few mods to cut down on the ridiculous # of ends that needed to be woven in, but will definitely make another with sleeves.

Also whipped up a little headband and a fun fur boa. He.

I scored a great doll trunk at the Black Friday sales so there's no stopping me now. There are hangers and drawers to fill, people. In fact, I think there is a tiny hooded cape in my immediate future...

*Consider yourself officially Middle Aged if you know what I'm talking about.
OH! and PS, lest you think I have gone all Steve Carell with his action figures in "The 40-Year Old Virgin," these items are actually for my niece, not me!! (I think...)

Busy, busy....

2008-11-25T21:07:00.003-05:00

...Well, I am at least! Can't say the same for anyone else around here:

Should have a FO Christmas present before I fall asleep tonight.

"Mom, shhh! Can't you see I'm trying to nap?"

Update, Patient #1

2008-11-18T17:11:00.005-05:00

Time to check on the progress of my first guinea pig, er, cut-and-repair project, the Top Down Raglan.

But first, a PSA: Frisky would like to remind everyone that winter is for coziness:

Anyway, here's a shot of the saggy, baggy patient in the pre-op phase, ook:

The surgical team (comprised of me, along with my painfully honest family) recommended a complete neckline reconstruction and shoulder lift. You can view the gory details here.

After snipping, decreasing and binding off, I decided a collar might improve the situation. Here's how far I've gotten:

So far, so good. I like the way this looks.

Unfortunately, though, I got off to the wrong start on the first row so there is a nasty ridge at the join. It will have to be ripped out and reknit, but at this point in the saga that is small beans. I will get back to this for real this once the Christmas knitting settles down.

Speaking of Christmas knitting, I do have quite a bunch going that I can't show here. (If you are on Ravelry, go here and type "christmas2008" in the search box to view the current lineup.) I have to do things in spurts due to the presence of "prying eyes" in my house :) Thank goodness certain people do go to bed at some point.

Hope your knitting - holiday or otherwise - is going well. Know that I am busy Rav-stalking and queueing your projects, mwahaha!! (Except you, Kathy - yours are too hard!! LOL!)

I May Have Missed My Calling...

2008-11-08T16:18:00.004-05:00

...perhaps I should have gone into medicine rather than social science?

My latest surgical procedure: The Cotton Vest Reduction. Here's the patient pre-op:

Not too bad, but unfortunately it was just long enough (and being made of cotton, it stretched even more) that it clung to my least favorite body part, The Post-40 Lower Abdominal Area.

As Jo the Supernanny would say, "that is not acceptable."

So out with the shears:

And back onto the needles we go.

Is it just me, or is it a mystical experience to witness how knitting down looks just like knitting up? I DON'T GET WHY IT WORKS, BUT THANK GOD IT DOES.

So here's the finished product. Much cuter, don't you think?

I swear, my laundry room mirror doesn't look nearly that gross in real life...ook.

Quick - look over here! It's Pepe Le Pew!

Tuesday, November 4

2008-11-04T07:38:00.002-05:00

2008-10-29T22:13:00.005-04:00

Finally - an FO! Can't show it here, but you Ravelers can click to view. LOVE these! And clearly, Frisky is mesmerized by the knitting:

"Ooooh...shiny!!"

I'm also making some progress on this. Shhh...

In other knitting news, I had to do some surgery; my top-down raglan apparently intended to go south for the winter - as in, creeping down my shoulders - and I had to take action.

You know, as much as I love that top down seamless construction (and as much as I respect the guru EZ's opinion on the matter) I've come to believe that there really is some truth to the idea that seams help a sweater keep its shape.

I don't mean to criticize anyone else's preference, but I do have to admit that being at Rhinebeck and seeing all those handknits together in one place drove that point home; I saw some absolutely lovely examples of why seams work. Lightweight sweaters might work just fine without seams, but a heavy wool sweater - and especially in a large size - not so much. Gravity is a reality that has some inconvenient consequences - as those of us over 40are well aware - that must be taken into consideration.

Anyway, I decided at the outset that here was no way I was going to frog my raglan. After considering my options, I took a deep breath and snipped off the neckband:

Then I picked up the live stitches and started knitting up, decreasing as I went.

Once the neckline was small enough to stay up on my neck, I bound off the remaining stitches. Next step will be to pick up stitches along that bound-off edge and knit a collar. I'm hoping that this treatment at the top will help keep the rest of the cardi from sagging. Fingers crossed.

Meanwhile, Frisky is busy trying to stay warm and adjust to the pretty drastic drop in temperature we've been experiencing over the last few days. He's been pulling out and assessing his winter wardrobe

and getting caught up on his naps.

Rhinebeck, Part 2

2008-10-20T18:54:00.010-04:00

Back at the hotel we made a group decision to skip the Ravelry party - we were pooped! The guys went for a swim and I worked on kid knits for the following day. I had brought a bunch of needles but not the ones I needed to finish the hat - luckily for me, size 6 + size 3 = size 9 :) Worked like a charm.

Here is the hat keeping a head warm at the Pumpkin Chucking.

The neck warmer, made with 3 strands of Cascade 220, was a ridiculously fast knit. I posted a pic on Rav but trust me, there's not much to see, lol.

I missed the Leaping Llama contest but did see llamas:

Here is a fellow flaunting his ribbon - sound like anyone you know, Heather?

The sheep herding trials were brilliant - those border collies are so incredibly intelligent and well-behaved. As for the sheep, well...they certainly were cute :)

The canine frisbee demonstrations were also a lot of fun. My normally "frugal," anti-consumerist husband was sufficiently impressed as to purchase a small dog frisbee for Frisky. (For those of you who may be concerned about Frisky's welfare over the weekend, rest assured that he was busy being spolied at his nana's house.)

I didn't buy much, just a skein each of Brooks Farms Acero and Mas Acero. My pics don't do it justice so Im not posting them here. I also bought this fingering wt cotton/flax to make some Reusable Produce Bags. (Cotton is surprisingly hard to find in this weight.)

Also got some sheepskin insoles (I definitely needed them in my rubber boots) and this nifty maple WPI gauge:

Also some weird discounted yarn that made me say "wtf" almost moments after purchase. Oh well, what's Rhinebeck without a little buyer's remorse? At least it was cheap :)

And that's that. Goodbye, Rhinebeck. See you next year!

Rhinebeck

2008-10-20T07:49:00.009-04:00

Have to admit, I've been a little bit skeptical about the hype surrounding Rhinebeck. I mean, it's a sheep and wool festival. Really, how great could it be?

It was easy enough to convince my family that this would be a nice weekend getaway. (Hubs says I had them at "Pumpkin Chucking.") We started looking early (in August, I think) and were able to get a room in Kingston, a short drive from the fairgrounds.

I guess the first indication of just what kind of weekend this would be was the sight of Ravelry buttons on seemingly everyone I passed in the hotel lobby when we arrived on Friday night. And then this happened. I have to tell you, these are some *seriously* fun girls.

The next morning, after a giant breakfast the family and I headed out early to the fair:

I immediately began kicking myself for underestimating the weather forecast. It was COLD!!! and all of our warm knitted hats and scarves were back home in NH. No matter - we found creative ways to layer and drank lots of hot beverages.

While I didn't take a ton of pictures, I did spot a number of people I recognized from rav and even my snb knit-bud Lynne. I think I probably scared some people with my "enthusiasm," but hey, I was a Rhinebeck virgin. Cut me some slack.

At one point I noticed someone I knew strolling by and almost shouted out, "Hey!" and waved frantically in this subtle way that I have of recognizing my homies in public. Fortunately before I did this I realized that it was Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. Oops :) I don't actually know her. Crazy world, this internet.

I saw two friends sitting side by side wearing February Lady sweaters, and a couple of Tangled Yokes, and oodles and oodles of Clapotis. By far the most amazing knitted sight I saw never made it onto my camera but you can view it here. Even more gorgeous in person, if you can imagine, and the weather was just perfect for it.

Fiber - along with the animals that produce it - was everywhere. Knitters knitting on benches and in line. It was utterly fantastic. I didn't buy a ton, just a few things that I absolutely loved. (Also, believe it or not, some Cascade 220...to take back to the hotel and whip up some super-fast bulky knits to keep the kids' ears warm on Sunday!)

More later, maybe, after I catch my breath.

Bigger Than My Body...

2008-10-12T21:43:00.002-04:00

...is a song by John Mayer. It also seems to be a theme with my knitting, sigh.

Exhibit A: My much beloved raglan cardi

Looks okay here, yes? But after washing it has some *serious* issues with the bigness, especially under the arms, and seems to grow a bit more every time I put it on. I still love it, and will definitely wear it anyway, but really wish I had made it smaller to begin with.

Exhibit B: My eagerly awaited Breath of Fresh Air Vest

I am a vest girl and wear them often in the fall and winter. I had an uneasy feeling about this one, though, so I put it on waste yarn and - yup - too big. In a sacky, unflattering way. This one is now in hibernation (I am still in denial.)

I am all about comfy knits but this is ridiculous. I can't help wondering why I keep making the same sizing mistakes. I made a Drops vest in cotton this summer that suffers from the same issue, and I haven't even washed it yet, ook! Is it a faulty gauge ruler, evil yarn fairies, or maybe (insert dramatic music here) a negative body image?

We may never know for sure.

Rather than tackle the problem head-on, though, I've conveniently chosen to set an all-accessory agenda for myself for the next few months. Socks, scarves, wraps, hats - oh yeah, baby. I know how to make those fit!

Today I started the Campus Scarf in a heathered charcoal grey (no stripes) for a certain someone special, and am finishing a pair of Breeze for another someone special, and will probably continue on this path until about Christmas.

And next week: RHINEBECK! Can you hear the angels sing?!

Progress!

2008-10-03T14:55:00.004-04:00

Despite a rather chaotic week I have managed to make considerable progress on two projects that have been in the works for quite some time.

First, the Top-Down Raglan:

Just a cuff, people! That's all that separates me and this finished Manos yarny goodness. Here's a closeup of the mismatched buttons, which, incidentally, I have had in my hot little hands for nigh on three years now just waiting for something to attach them to:

Fortunately it is almost cold enough for me to get some wear out of a sweater like this, especially at those endless late-night kid baseball games. At times like this, Frisky realizes how lucky he is to live in a house with children who take his comfort needs very seriously:

" zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz "

But I digress.

The second project is one that has come - quite unexpectedly - out of long-term hibernation and is now whizzing right along. I will leave it at that for now, but hopefully will have photographic proof of it, or them, by the end of the weekend. Go me!

Happy Fall :)

Hypervigilant Redux!

2008-09-17T19:15:00.008-04:00

It's nice to be back into teaching mode and over the hump of the first few weeks of the fall semester. Now that I have hit my stride, I'm ready to reclaim my knitting mojo and tackle my wips...again.

First up is the Top-down raglan cardi: (sorry for the horrendous pic!)

Now that the evenings are a bit cooler I find I'm really, really enjoying knitting with wool again, especially a nice wooly wool like Manos del Uruguay. There's such a deep softness about it...not even sure how to describe it, but I guess it's all in the spin. I should have this one done pretty soon and look forward to wearing it - so far it is a very comfy fit. Laura Chau rocks :) I'm hoping to stick with this one until it's done.

Of course, something always seems to come along to test my commitment to project monogamy. In this case it was DS the younger and his 10th birthday yesterday. He has had his eye on Spherey after spying it during one of my numerous Rav surf expeditions, and I decided to make it as a last minute birthday gift - as in, the morning of.

I am nothing if not spontaneous, but also prone to making myself crazy with my last minute "inspirations." Fortunately, Sphery was a quick knit:

In addition to making my son very happy, this little guy also proved to be a great opportunity to break out my lovely Lantern Moon ebony dpns. Being size 6's, they don't really get a lot of play around here, but they are such a pleasure to use and this helped make the project go much more smoothly. Plus, just look at this guy:

How could anyone be grumpy in the face of such cuteness?

One thing I did learn is to never use black needles with black yarn - I switched to some pink Susan Bates for the arms and legs :) Spherey was very warmly received by his recipient.

I can't seem to get Frisky to sit still for a picture tonight, so I'll have to settle for a flashback link to one of my favorite pictures of him, from November of last year:

Hypervigilant!!!

Fall In!

2008-08-25T13:29:00.004-04:00

Well, back from our seaside vacation and back into the fray. After a raucous 12-year old boy pool party/birthday in the backyard we are getting into the fall-wise swing of things here at chez YawnOver. School starts tomorrow! for my kids.

It's been a great summer...much more fun than I expected to be temporarily unemployed. But like my pal ADD and others of you out there I find my fall semester coming up faster than expected. Glad as I am to be getting back to work I am already a wee bit nostalgic for those lazy days at home with the kids. And the knitting...oh, the knitting :)

So, like my kids who are hiding downstairs frantically cramming in as many last minute video games as possible (no, they aren't allowed to play on school days/nights, yes I am mean), I am upstairs frantically photographing and Raveling all my hastily begun knitting projects, organizing them into neat little bags, clickety-clicking some last-minute favorites and queue-able stuff on Rav, and putting all of the above (well, not the kids) on the back burner for awhile.

Now, I'm off to do some clickety-clicking on my syllabi and BlackBoard pages and return a few emails...and fill in my snazzy new academic year planner with my snazzy new mechanical pencils heh heh. (This part of back-to-school I never outgrew.)

Here are some parting shots. Note that most are at about 55% completion...I wonder what that says about me?

Unfinished ravelympics project:

Hastily begun Birthday Cowl:

Lingering Top-down Raglan Cardi:

Floundering Breath of Fresh Air Vest:

Goodbye my dahlinks. I will try to knit on you occasionally on the sidelines at the kids' games...but...don't expect too much. I just need...a little space...

Happy back to school to you, whatever that means in your world :)

Summers' End...

2008-08-15T07:31:00.005-04:00

My summer is ending faster than I could have expected. The kids go back to school (middle school for Boy #1, ook) and I go back to teaching quite soon after we return from our vacation in Maine. Despite the rain it's been a lovely summer and I give thanks every day that my boys actually still like me and each other.

Not sure yet of the outcome of my Knitting Olympics project. On the one hand,I'm past the sleeve separation, which is a good thing:

On the other hand, the lace is a little tedious. As usual, I feel my attention drifting...

Fortunately the yarn itself is so freaking beautiful, it provides a good impetus to stay on track. But finishing by August 25? Not so sure...

I did do just a wee speck o' cheating this week...but for the good, I think. I don't know about you, but I can't seem to bring myself to throw away the yarn left over after projects. As a consequence I have about 1,000,000 tiny balls of yarn in my stash, mocking me as I pass. Most of it is worsted wool, and I've mulled over a variety of possibilities (Bobby's blanket, granny squares, etc.) but when I saw the vintage stripes blankets that are popping up on Ravelry I knew I had found my project:

Ch 125, one row of single crochet per color, totally random color placement, knot the ends for fringe. I love it. It will likely take forever to turn out an actual blanket but that's fine by me. It's in a basket in my office and I'm sure we will get together often :)

Chihuahua Update

When Frisky was a pup I bought him several beds, each of which met a tragic end. One was uncovered to expose the foam which was then torn to shreds; one had its cover torn from incessant digging; and one was, erm, "inappropriately loved" and had to be removed for the sake of decorum.

The whole thunder trauma thing got me thinking that maybe Frisky had outgrown his wicked ways and was now ready for his own bed. It would be nice for him to have a place to burrow when the weather gets wild.

So, what do you think?

When I came down this morning he was all curled up in it - an excellent sign. We are all glad to see him enjoy it; he is part of the family, after all...

Enjoy the last bits of summer - I know I will :)

Dog Days of Summer...

2008-08-12T09:37:00.005-04:00

Lately it's getting harder and harder for Frisky to find his place in the sun...

"mmm...sunpatch..."

There just hasn't been much of it :(

Thunderstorms are especially troublesome for the very small:

{{shudder}}

Sometimes the best thing to do is just find a safe place and wait till it's all over.

Luckily for Frisk, the Olympics has led to lots of family together time in front of the tv (not something we normally do a lot of) hence, lots of opportunities for snuggling with various family members. Luckily for me, the Olympics means a good excuse for doing lots and lots of knitting on the February Lady Sweater (I laugh every time I say that lol!). The pics below are a little outdated - I'm past the sleeve separation and working the body now - but will give you an idea of the tone variations in this yarn (Dream in Color Blue Lagoon):

Yum! Hope your knitting, Olympic or otherwise, is going well too :)

Quickie

2008-07-31T12:48:00.004-04:00

I'm rushing around to get ready for a conference and a few days of R&R with the hubs. When did my house get so messy?! Where are all my #@!% clothes?!

Anyway, here's the project I'll be taking with me - it's about the only thing small enough to travel with me right now:

This is the Breath of Fresh Air Vest by Kim. As it happens, I love vests, and this is a cute one :) With all the books and mags out there I rarely purchase single patterns but I just couldn't pass this up. Love the clean lines and the ribbed sides. I converted to knit in the round and it's going very quickly.

I'd love to get this *and* my top-down cardi done before Ravelympics, but that's actually *really* unlikely to happen, knowing me :)

And now a quick DOT shot:

Online ID tag shopping with Frisky:

"Quick, pass me the credit card, Mom - I'll take one of each.

And yes, I do wear those pj's quite a bit ;)

10 More Days...

2008-07-28T10:28:00.001-04:00

My project details are here. So, what are you making?

Summer of Frog...and Dog

2008-07-18T16:36:00.005-04:00

So far, my knitting this summer has been equal parts FO and FrOg. I've finished three items that I will actually wear (two cotton tank/vests and a wrap). I've also cast on several new things that I realized I would *never* wear, and so they have been (or soon will be) frogged.

I've also found myself reevaluating wips that have been sitting around for a while. Let's be honest: Most of the time, "sitting around for a while" is code for "this isn't working/isn't me/looks like crap/wrong yarn/wrong color/wrong pattern, but I'm just not ready to throw in the towel." I'm sure you know the feeling.

And so, in this spirit of realism (and desperate need to clean up my office) I've bitten the bullet and frogged two long-time "sitting around" projects. One, a feather and fan shawl in Manos del Uruguay, because I realized my needle size was wrong - that sucker was getting so stiff and heavy it could practically stand up on its own. (Note that this Manos has already been frogged from a different project :) ) The other, a top down turtleneck, because there is no way in hell that I will wear a wool turtleneck, ever. What was I thinking when I cast *that* thing on?

It's hard to let go, but I'm feeling good about emptying those project bags and returning reclaimed yarn to my stash. It'll become something nice, someday.

Now, onto the latest fo: The All-Star Shoulder Shawl, so named because it has been my mindless knit during my younger son's endless little league all-star games and practices this summer.

Pattern: The Maggie Shawl Pattern Generator by Lucia Liljegren
Yarn: Patons Grace (sport-wt mercerized cotton)in Tangelo colorway
Needle: 24" circ size 4
Mods: I sandwiched some stockinette panels amongst the garter to keep things interesting yet still mindless enough for spectator knitting. The panels are 8 rows stockinette between 6 rows (3 ridges) garter. I also omitted the shoulder shaping part of the pattern and the picot bindoff (looked too foofy with the stockinette stripes.)

Ordinarily this is not a yarn or a colorway that would interest me in the least. I don't know what possessed me. Maybe it's just this nice summery weather? I don't know. But I bought it and cast on immediately and didn't stop till it was done.

I'm *very* happy with the finished product (although I do hope it will grow just a bit with washing.) I will totally wear this with a white tee or blouse and khakis. Now, to find the right shawl pin...and cast on for either the February Lady Sweater or Laura Chau's top down raglan cardi :)

Now, about the dog...

Chi coverlet

The tedium of frogging led me to ponder some alternative uses for my beloved silk Della Q project bags.

Chi shawl

Chi super-cape

Chi kerchief

"Chi whiz, will you please go away and let me sleep??"

Stay cool!

Unintentional Moebius

2008-07-02T07:04:00.004-04:00

Although this project (Leaf Lace tank from Spring/Summer VK 2008) was not actually written to be knit in the round, I am well acquainted with the general knitting admonishment to "join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches."

...being careful not to twist stitches...not to twist stitches...

Let this be a reminder to us all: The wine comes after the cast on.

In the spirit of the 4th of July weekend, I'll leave you with a gratuitous chihuahua-on-vacation shot:

"Hoomans: The only way to travel!"

Dogs and Knitting on Friday

2008-06-27T09:22:00.003-04:00

"Welcome to Frisky's backyard wonderland."

"Sometimes I think I want to go out, but then I think I want to go back in..."

"...until something distracts me..."

"...like the sound of hoomans in that big water thing."

"Too many decisions."

On the knitting front, a quickie project gone awry. Sunday Market shawl, details on my Rav page. This one is a big UGH. Wrong kind of yarn: too slippery and way too much stretch. In the pic below I had actually ripped out quite a bit.

Frogged soon after the picture and repurposed as a Strangling Vines scarf. We'll see how that goes...the yarn is terrific, I'm determined to use it for something!

It's a wonder I ever get anything done around here...

2008-06-15T12:41:00.005-04:00

...given what I have to put up with. Realizing that holding my arm with his front paws didn't work Frisky has now taken to pinning down my arm:

"No knitting! No!"

Despite this I did manage to finish a cotton tank (click for specs on Rav) for myself.

Also started a cute wrap out of some Araucania Nature Cotton I've had kicking around. More on that later...

Bagged!

2008-06-10T22:43:00.004-04:00

Hmm...thought I could get away with lurking and snurfing but, sigh, I got bagged by Ericka of the Pointy Sticks. Thus I am coming out of blog-ernation long enough for a meme.

*Never* let it be said that I welched on a meme tag.

First, a gratituitous chihuahua shot:

"Hey, bro, what d'ya know? Hows about a little turkey jerky?"

And now, the meme:

1. What was I doing 10 years ago? Hubs and I had just sold our first house (tiny new construction) and bought a second (large fixer-upper in a *fabulous* neighborhood). I was about 7 mos pregnant with my second babe and the house, which had looked pretty great before we owned it, was turning out to be a money-pit nightmare of poor maintenance and problems. A crazed pregnant woman in a dirty house in the heat of summer with a two-year-old in one hand and a paint scraper in the other. Oh yeah. That was me.

2. What are 5 things on my TO-DO list for today? Ooh, this is actually a good day to ask me that question! Go to elementary school to help make silhouettes of the graduating class, write, read (Sisterhood, Interrupted by Deborah Siegel), go out to lunch with hubs, go for a swim with the kiddos after school. Don't I sound fabulously fun?! (NOTE: Today is an anomaly. Also note I left out "pick up dog poop" and "scrape unknown sticky substance off of refrigerator door handle".)

3. Snacks I enjoy: Oh, man, what don't I like? Minute Maid raspberry lemonade ice pops, roasted red pepper hummus with pita chips, ice cream of almost any kind, mozzerella cheese sticks, veggies and dip...the list goes on...and on.

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire: Buy a summer house on Cape Cod, spend some time in California, breathe a sigh of relief that the kids' college tuition would take care of itself, and see to it that the Women's History Museum in Washington DC becomes a reality.

5. Places I have lived: Ottawa, Canada. Narragasett, Rhode Island (on the beach). Salem, Massachusetts. Caen, France.

6. Jobs I have had: beach parking lot attendant, aerobics instructor, summer camp counselor, kitchen designer, college instructor, research assistant

Bloggers I am tagging for this MEME: The ADD Knitter, witchypoo, Vivian, and Rima - if you haven't been tagged already - because I'm really looking forward to reading your responses! :)

No more Mrs. Nice Guy...

2008-05-25T19:57:00.004-04:00

It's been awhile...I have been beyond busy, but in a very satisfying and productive way. Finally have made some good progress on my research - and have jettisoned most of my old obligations in order to make time to do so: reduced my teaching load; got hubbo to take over our finances; dropped PTO, most school related volunteering, and all housecleaning. But did I give up knitting? Nay. Proof:

The free pattern can be found here. I've listed other specifics on Rav. Drops is an unbelievable resource - so. many. patterns. Their yarn looks nice as well.

Okay, now back to work. Hope you are enjoying the Spring as much as I am :)

Dogs on Thursday on Friday Plus Demonic Cookie

2008-04-11T08:44:00.010-04:00

Well, well, is it Friday already?

Sigh, another perfect evening - if only all those "others" would go away and leave us in peace.

Oh, yes, now a little to left please.

"Mom?!" "Yes, honey?"

Curses...durn hoomans!

And now, a miracle of nature that I simply had to share. If you liked the Virgin Mary grilled cheese sandwich, you'll love...

Satanic sugar cookie! Mwahahaha!

In knitting news, I'm working on some things I can't show just yet (gifts), but I will probably post on Ravelry this weekend. Happy Spring :)

You Must Be a Genius...

2008-04-03T16:21:00.004-04:00

....to read my blog, apparently:

See - we really DO have a lot in common. Besides knitting and all.

See you 'round the blogs, genius ;)

PS: I totally stole this from Lynne.

Holy Cannoli, What a Sale!

2008-04-01T19:36:00.004-04:00

Webs is having an Anniversary sale - such bargains! Staples like Cascade 220 and superwash even. Get thee to the mecca or at least go do some drooling:

WEBS YARN SALE, PEOPLE

This PSA brought to you courtesy of YawnOver.

Support

2008-03-16T18:43:00.005-04:00

I have been too busy to blog much lately, but just had to take a moment to pass this link on. I want to give others the opportunity to support a fellow knitter as she works to raise money for a cause that is far too close to her life.

I don't have much of a readership, but if you do, please, please consider posting this link. Every dollar counts in fighting this horrible, invasive disease.

Thanks - and good health to us all.

I'm Just Wild About DOT..

2008-03-07T08:48:00.006-05:00

A Day in the Life of a Busy Chihuahua:

SNOW!! Come on Dad, hurry!

Whee!

Whew - time to hit the shower...

Dig a hole...

Watch for intruders....

Hey, you want a piece of me?!

And finally, a little joyful writhing just because. Happy DOT!

And now for something completely ridiculous...

2008-03-02T19:23:00.007-05:00

...I give you the knitted notebook cover:

You know how sometimes you knit something because the pattern is somehow compelling, and sometimes because you have to have the thing the pattern produces? This is definitely a case of the latter. I just wanted a fuzzy wool sweater for my notebook. Because yes, I am a giant nerd.

After knitting it this weekend I realized that the notebooks I planned to use this on (I have two old ones and thought the cover would come in handy) are actually much larger than 5x7. Doh! :) So, for now, it's covering Max Weber. The Protestant work ethic, capitalism, and some warm fuzziness all rolled into one, sigh. Not sure Weber would approve...

And now, a PSA from Frisky:

"Sorry, I'm busy drying off from my bath! Dogs on Thursday will return at its regularly scheduled time next week! See you then!"

Dogs on Thursday

2008-02-21T21:25:00.003-05:00

"Dreaming of turkey jerky...mmmmm"

Happy DOT. The shawl continues to occupy my knitting time, and Frisky continues to occupy my lap :) SSDD, lol.

Spring!

2008-02-19T17:47:00.007-05:00

Well, not really, but soon. Look what we saw in our cherry tree yesterday:

Eastern bluebirds. So adorable.

Also, we noticed today that it was still light out at 5:30 pm. Barely, but some light was definitely still visible. Good, good stuff.

Lest you think that between Frisky and the bluebirds we've gone completely Wild Kingdom here at Yawn Over, I give you the new love of my life:

Feather and Fan Comfort Shawl by Sarah Bradberry, in Manos del Uruguay. (Click here for some Manos versions on Ravelry.) Oh, the wooliness. Oh, the rippliness. I simply cannot put this down. I have not experienced this level of project monogamy since...never. How long will it last? Stay tuned...

PS: Many thanks to Kat with a K for patiently explaining to me which end of the shawl is supposed to be the pointy one - before I tugged the whole thing completely out of shape :) Yes, I am clueless!

DOT: Cheap Fun with Chihuahuas

2008-02-14T19:45:00.013-05:00

Also, now that my mom received her Valentine's Day Malabrigo Loafers, I can post about them here. SO comfy! And the pattern is fantastic, click here for the link. There are three different embellishments and options for men's slippers too. And it's Malabrigo! Seriously people, what more could you want?

Happy VD, and Happy DOT :)

Aye Carumba, It's Cold Outside! DOT.

2008-02-07T21:31:00.000-05:00

"Brrr...! Hoomans sure do come in handy."

"But thank God for cashmere!"

Top secret loafer project done - check out my Ravelry page. Also finishing Thorpe.3as we speak. And finally! frogged the Einstein coat - good riddance :)

Dogs on Thursday: Social skills...

2008-02-01T01:47:00.001-05:00

...or lack thereof.

Frisky: "Bark, grrr, growl, slobber..."
Lucy: "Kiss my grits."

ETA: Lest you find yourself worrying about Lucy:
1) She outweighs Frisky by a good 5 lbs or so;
2) Her growls are about an octave lower; and,
3) She is a talented boxer with a penchant for hitting Frisky with a quick two-paw right-left smack to the face.

Believe you me, the smart money is on the cat.

Dogs on Thursday and Thorpe Love

2008-01-24T06:40:00.000-05:00

Remind me again why I live in New England?

"Nobody knows the trubbles I've seen...oowwooo"

Did you know: With just a bit of finagling, your neckwarmer can double as a warm yet stylish chihuahua snood? It's COLD out there! On the plus side, though, it's the best winter ever for handknits. So many opportunities, and so many grateful recipients. Like Frisky, for instance.

In knitting news, I'm wishing I'd nominated Thorpe for a Bobby award. It is the perfect winter hat; quick to knit, warm, practical, and equally cute on guys and girls. Not only do my sons love theirs, some of their friends have started hinting to me how much they love them too :) Amazing that we have so many free patterns to choose from - so many talented and generous people out there!

My last Thorpe is too big for my little guy (though he insists on wearing it), and I am still mad at the yarn. As soon as I can get my hands on a skein of Malabrigo Chunky (LYS is fresh out!) in something close to red I'll be Thorping once more.

Happy DOT :)

ETA: Oops - guess I never posted about the second Thorpe, see below - full sob story available on Ravelry

Thorpe and Dogs on Thursday

2008-01-17T13:27:00.000-05:00

News flash: LOL dog runs out of turkey jerky:

Halp am out of treats - gasp! - please send more thx.

Below is a project I just had to cast on yesterday - it is so fast and the pattern is very well-written. DS #1 hath already claimed it for his own. Something tells me I will be making more of these.

Pattern: Thorpe
Yarn: Malabrigo Chunky, Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande for the trim.
Needles: sz 9 dpn and circ, sz G crochet hook

I'm Back...

2008-01-15T22:30:00.000-05:00

Hello :) I am finally home and beginning to feel better.

What I've learned: listen to your body - no matter what the doctor tells you. Anyone who suggests "waiting it out" as a strategy for dealing with extreme pain is to be avoided. Put your foot down and insist on high quality care.

I say this because, in addition to everything else that has fallen by the wayside these past few weeks, I have wasted valuable, valuable between-semester knitting time. My pitiful progress:

Lobster cloth for my mom, because she asked. It's a paltry reward for coming up to frigid New England from her warm winter retreat to sleep in a cot in my hospital room and watch endless episodes of What Not to Wear between rounds of walking me to the bathroom. Also, folding 1,000,000 loads of laundry, humoring the chihuahua, buying my kids Hef-style bathrobes just because, and generally being super-nana. Thanks, mom. The lobster is in the mail.

Another Bib n Burp set, this one for DH's cousin. Check out the dragonfly button :)

And that's it. sigh. Now I must hit the ground running with teaching and school as the semester kicks into high gear. After perusing the latest issue of Knitscene and getting caught up on my Ravelry trolling, I've quite an impressive wish list of projects to address. Hopefully February will be a whole lot less painful - and more productive!

Dogs on Thursday

2008-01-03T13:55:00.001-05:00

I finished my multi-directional diagonal scarf. I love it, and Frisky does too:

Wha? Huh? zzzzzzz...

Also, thought you might like to have a peek at Frisky's rockin' New Years' Eve:

Wha? Huh? zzzzzzz...

It's good to be the chihuahua.

Gift Along 2008

2008-01-03T13:03:00.000-05:00

See link in sidebar.

Yikes - a Meme!

2008-01-02T14:58:00.001-05:00

Vivian tagged me for a New Year's meme! I am pretty boring, Vivian, but here goes ;)

New Year's Eve -- do you like to stay in or go out?
When I was younger I wore the lampshade, but now dh and I would rather cosy up at home with the kids and the dog.

Do you like to stay up or just go to sleep?
Always! Stay up!

Any special plans this year?
I was sick, so we had to plan our extravaganza around laying on the sofa. We all watched Mythbusters and the Three Stooges marathon together. At midnight, we watched the ball drop and drank ginger ale out of festive polka-dotted champagne glasses. Frisky used me as a nap mat. Woo-hoo!

What's your favorite New Year's memory?
Y2K - dh and I experienced a small moment of Y2K disaster panic in the final hours - I seem to recall that we ran out and bought some bottled water and batteries. It was exciting and the water lasted for months :)

Do you make New Year's Resolutions?
Not anymore, not really.

Feel like sharing them?

Do you do anything special on New Year's Day?
We just hang out and play cards and board games and stuff. Usually, the boys build a lego model of the new year (eg a 2007 out of legos).

I'll tag Cynical Knitting Gal and Brit Knitter if you haven't been tagged already ;)

The Knitting Frenzy Continues...

2007-12-31T00:15:00.000-05:00

Two more quickie projects:

First, I just got an email from one of my college students - she recently delivered a 10-lb baby boy! Ouch!! He is quite the cutie and I am absolutely thrilled for her. I wanted to make her a little something and thought these might come in handy:

Because, as we know, spit happens. Burp cloth is monogrammed because I figure if you have to drool, you might as well do it in style. (details/specs on ravelry.)

Note: I am digging the periwinkle and must make something else in this color soon.

Second, a basic shawl/throw/lapghan for my mom's cousin. She is in an assisted living facility and is beginning to fade, and I wanted to make her something soft and cozy.

I hope it gives her a little comfort.

Actually, there was a third thing too - I knit a second teeny tiny mitten to complete a pair for my SIL. I attached them to a teeny tiny piece of wire with teeny tiny wood clothespins. Unbearable cuteness ensued, but you'll have to take my word for it as I forgot to take a picture ;)

My procedure is at 12 pm tomorrow - wish me luck!

Knitting as Sanity

2007-12-29T12:30:00.000-05:00

Still feeling miserable :( Thank you for your kind wishes. I'm having a procedure done on Monday that is *supposed* to help, so we shall see. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

On the bright side, while I did miss a few holiday get-togethers, I have spent a lot of quality time with family. Also, have been treating pjs as outerwear - I highly recommend this. And, importantly, rekindling some very close friendships with my pals, addi and Clover ;)

Other than whining and mindlessly trolling Ravelry, here's what I've accomplished this week:

1) Redo of last December's Calorimetry, only with a new skein of 127 Print purchased for me by hubby. The tan one is the newer, smaller version:

Mods: Cast on 100 st, size 6 needle, 9 repeats of Row 5. This time was the charm - it's a perfect fit. New plan is to rip out the red one for the SECOND time and reknit it with these specs.

2) Rip out Textured Baby Jacket (Lois Dakin) and repurpose yarn as a Personalized Baby Blanket (Erika Knight) for dh's cousin's new baby girl:

Nice yarn for a blankie, soft and washable. Pretty sheen to it too.

3) Continue making Christmas dishcloths, only now it's for next Christmas :) I'm thinking it would be nice to bundle these in 3s for small gifts:

So, I got the teacher scarves done, but the backpack, afghan, and loafers have been bumped up to the next holiday. Under the circumstances, I'm okay with this outcome. And who am I kidding - that afghan twarn't happening any time this year anyway hehe.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-26T20:32:00.000-05:00

"Christmas is...freezing."

I've been in the hospital over the last week and, luckily, I made it home just in time for Christmas. Nothing life-threatening, just painful, tiring, and extremely inconvenient.

No knitting to show, and I'm too tired to write, just wanted to send my warmest holiday wishes to all my knitting buds (and their pups, of course) :)

Happy, happy Christmas and New Years!

Dogs, snow, and knits on Thursday

2007-12-20T21:54:00.000-05:00

We got a little more snow today. Another day off for the kids, and for me, an excuse to drink hot chocolate and knit like a mofo.

"You want me to do what? Out there?"

"Noooo!"

My Christmas knitting scheme has completely fallen apart, but I am okay with this. Maybe because the same thing happens every year? I don't know, but here's what I finished the last few days:

Teacher Scarf 1:

Based on the Spring Butterflies dishcloth pattern - I just halved the pattern (CO 25 st), did 2-1/2 repeats, a whole bunch of garter, then 2-1/2 more repeats. I used just a little over one skein of Paton's Classic Merino and it was a super fast knit, about 72". I love the way it looks on - the garter looks so organic.

Teacher Scarf #2:

Just one skein of Malabrigo makes a 59" scarf. This gorgeous pattern is very fast, and totally easy to memorize. And heavenly soft in the Malabrigo, but you already knew that :)

Desperation Dishcloths

What can I say? A last ditch effort to produce yet a few more gifts! Trying to get a small stack of these (though a stack may end up meaning "two") made for my cousin. Random patterns, Christmas colors.

After this I have about half a loafer and one neckwarmer left to knit and that's it for the gifts. Oh, a a few more teeny tiny mittens, now that I found some teeny tiny clothespins to clip on them - cute cute!

Hope you are surviving the holiday knit countdown too!

Got sock yarn?

2007-12-14T20:45:00.000-05:00

...then go make some teeny tiny mittens:

tee hee. so cute. perfect project for those pesky oddments of sock yarn.

What else? Dogs on Thursday!

2007-12-13T12:03:00.000-05:00

Big man, small dog. Some men have a "thing" about little dogs not being cool. Luckily, my husband is not among these:

(You know you blog too much when your husband sees a picture of himself with his head ineptly cut off and remarks, "There's a good one for your blog.")

I've also heard that some little dogs have a "thing" about men. Clearly not the case here:

Napping with Dad.

With one exception - don't try to come between Frisky and Mom or you will SO feel the wrath of chihuahua!

Honestly!

Dogs on Thursday and Ravelery-ing

2007-12-06T15:23:00.000-05:00

"Oh, Mom, why does it have to be so cold out?!"
Poor Frisk - it's just too frigid for him to spend more than a minute or two outside. And anyway, all the good smells are covered up by that doggone snow. *sigh* Get used to it, little buddy.

With the end of semester upon me I am juggling the needs of my stressed out students, my finger-drumming diss committee, and my busy schoolchildren, not to mention trying to be ready for that big holiday that's coming up. Naturally, I find myself spending more and more time on Ravelry, aka my fantasy dream world. My favorite new pastime is clicking "friend activity" so I can see what y'all are doing - and then queue it too. Heck, you guys have great taste! And I am such a sheep.

I heart you, Ravelry :)

Dogs On Thursday

2007-11-29T09:29:00.000-05:00

Frisky: A Dog of Many Moods

Alert:

Vigilant:

Hyper-vigilant:

Yeah, he's a little high-strung...when he's not napping.

Happy DOT :)

How to Find the LYS...

2007-11-27T14:18:00.000-05:00

...anywhere! Have you seen KnitMap? I just spotted the link at Crochet Me and thought I'd pass it on. I wish I'd had this on my last vacation!!

Finished another hat in Plaid (see it on Ravelry) Love this yarn! Must get more on closeout at Webs...

Mad about Plaid!

2007-11-24T10:04:00.000-05:00

I bought this skein of Rowan Plaid while in Montreal at a conference over a year ago because I loved the sample hat the shop had on display. It came from the Plaid pattern book, which I decided not to buy as it was $15 and the hat was the only pattern I would have used.

I've looked at this skein often, loving the colors and the feel of it and wondering if I should just give in and buy the pattern. Yesterday, I finally decided to improvise instead. All I really wanted was a cable/rib look. It was pretty easy and now I'm wondering why I waited so long. I guess I was worried about the decreases at the top and how that would work with the cables, but it was actually pretty intuitive.

I'm not sure how closely this hat resembles the one in the book, but I'm really happy with it :) This yarn is fabulous for cabling - and it's discontinued, so it can be had for about 1/2 price! I'll be picking up a few more skeins for sure.

Fight the power! lol

Four Words...

2007-11-23T11:35:00.000-05:00

...seamless top down raglan! After years of not being a "sweater knitter" I'm convinced this is my sweater salvation. Now granted, my red one is temporarily on hold due to holiday knitting, but at 70% done it's the closest I've come to finishing a sweater in years. And look! A real live baby sweater:

Unblocked, and a bit washed out by the sun. It's actually a celery green.

Knitted in about a day for my overdue neighbor. Check out the pattern here, and my mods on Ravelry. So easy!

Jacki has also just come up with a version for bulky yarn, shaped even more like a tiny Japanese kimono. Cute overload! I may have to keep this top-down raglan vibe going - my husband's cousin just had a baby girl and I'd love to whip up one of these in lavender.

Next up: I'm casting on for a Malabrigo pattern that I can't blog about (but I'm posting the details on Ravelry) and the felted backpack. Also, the men's neckwarmer man-ia continues, see below. Holiday knitting, ho!

Note artful staging featuring "manly" colored backdrop. Brown yarn is Misti Alpaca Chunky, green is Malabrigo Chunky in Olive. Man alive, this is a quick project!

Boston area knitters, please click!

2007-11-17T14:06:00.000-05:00

If you are in the Channel 2/WGBH or Channel 11/WENH viewing area, click this link to request that the TV show "Knit and Crochet Today" be added to the lineup. It's a bit dated, but episodes feature Amy Singer, Kaffe Fassett, and Lily Chin, so why not? Beats another 1/2 hour of Teletubbies...

Dogs on Thursday on Friday

2007-11-16T08:58:00.000-05:00

Caution: Dog-Only Post. Cuteness will ensue.

"Cold weather afoot - better start hibernating now!"

"Are you still here? Go find your own couch!"

And later....

"ZZZZZZZZZ..."

A Loverly Bunch

2007-11-14T21:04:00.000-05:00

Lots of knitting and some insanity happening here. Want to see?

(Come on, sing it with me…)
"Oh, I've got a loverly bunch of wips and fos...

(Muffler that boy #1 asked for this am - yeah, I'm good.)

There they are just standing in a row...

(Psst, here's another shot.)

Big ones, small ones, some as big as your head...

(It is a little big - "comfy," we'll call it.)

Give 'em a twist,
(But don’t drop that stitch)
And now I’m off to bed."

(The scarf that is, as Erickajo puts it, "endlessly entertaining.")

And so with my selfish knitting winding down, the Christmas countdown begins - did someone say 42 days?
-Felted backpack for nephew
-Double thick earflap hat for dh
-Ripple afghan for the 'rental unit
-Monkeys for my boys (monkeys, not socks - don't ask)

Also, overdue baby sweater for overdue neighbor. The kid's even giving me a little leeway, and I'm still not finished!

So, how is your holiday knitting going? Are you frenzied, relaxed, or abstaining this year?

It's Starting to Look Like Something!

2007-11-06T15:44:00.000-05:00

Looks a little like an actual sweater, yippee! Keep your fingers crossed for me. It's been a long time since I actually finished a sweater - 3 years - and that one ended very badly. Ook. Before that, it was about 20 years. So finishing would be good.

The multidirectional scarf is also growing, and I still love the pattern:

Next in the queue is this:

Also from Knitting in No Time, it's knit side-to-side in one piece. With this:

Isn't he cute?! He also came to me from England, all 400 grams of him. He's so big he needs his own chair! Yo Yo: I adore you (even though you are acrylic.) Apparently, one of him is enough to make the whole sweater!

In the "Any Minute Now" queue is this quickie shawl I'm crocheting for my mother's elderly cousin:

She is in a nursing home and is always cold.

I also knitted her a fluffy little scarf which she's hopefully received by now. It's so nice to knit for people who really need it :) Speaking of which - is it Knit Unto Others Time yet?

Glittens!

2007-11-02T11:00:00.000-04:00

Good heavens, I think maybe I have posted every day this week! Extreme work avoidance - great for the blog, yes?

If you like to knit mittens or gloves and are looking for something new, run, don't walk, to Kathy's blog to see her fabulous glittens pattern! Be sure to check out the pictorial, and scroll all the way down to see the gauntlet version. Great job, Kathy! The chihuahua is pretty cute too :)

Knitted Stamps! And Dogs on Thursday

2007-11-01T13:17:00.000-04:00

Look at these!!

Don't they just make you want to mail all your handknit gifts?!

And in the DOT department, I give you: "Portrait of Small Dog in Autumn"

"Brrrr! Sure is chilly in here, Mom!"

What's the Big Whup?

2007-10-30T22:20:00.000-04:00

Why has it taken me so long to make up my mind about this silly scarf? First, it was this. (Family brought me back to reality; it was a bit weird-looking.)

Then, it was this. I love the look of this pattern (my so-called scarf) but - and this is my second time attempting it - I simply can't manage to persist past a few rows. I'm just not feelin' the lurve.

So, on to this:

The multi-directional scarf. I think this is the pattern the yarn was made for :) Love it. (Note: I have been referring to the color as Geranium when in fact it is called Regency. Oops.)

One thing this process has accomplished is help me to see that what I appreciate most in a pattern - interesting shaping, construction, and/or texture. Stockinette, or even garter, is a-okay as long as there's someting to look forward to along the way ;)

Other finishes:

Simple crochet scarf from Happy Hooker Crochet. I don't care what my family says about this one, I love it. It's a keeper. Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (cotton/wool blend, divine). Note my fabulous work-from-home-day outfit, complete with bedhead hair. Pretty! Here's a shot sans moi:

Also, this:

Seminole Indian shirt for boy #2s 3rd grade social studies unit. I am not so much the seamstress, but at least it's done, yippee! Design goes around to the back and was fabric-markered by every member of the family, including Nana.

Blue! and purple!

2007-10-27T14:48:00.001-04:00

Blue! and purple!, originally uploaded by YawnOver.

Also Good!! (See Red! below)

Red!

2007-10-26T11:44:00.001-04:00

Red!, originally uploaded by YawnOver.

I had no idea how much I liked red! Check out the mosaic maker at fd's Flickr Toys. Thanks to cosmicpluto knits! for the link :)

Dogs on Thursday: Sure, He Looks Cute...

2007-10-25T22:08:00.000-04:00

...but beware the dark side:

When In Doubt, Cast On Something New

2007-10-23T11:31:00.000-04:00

A while back, I was turned on to this book by some lovely ladies (book pushers and arm-twisters, all of them) at a Knit Night I sometimes attend:

I know, I know, Reader's Digest, yawn. At first glance, it looks like one of those late 1990s-early 2000s-era "HIP CHUNKY" knit-type books. Many of us, or at least, I have, come to the realization that the only thing "HIP" about chunky knitwear is how giant it makes your HIPs look. But, some chunky things are good:

Chunky cabled throw from the book:

Chunky vest from the book:

Just plain Chunky:

But I digress.

The book has a few real winners in it, not all of them chunky, including a black lacy wrap and - just what I've been looking for - a super cool top-down aran weight seamless raglan. So, rather than choose from amongst my current holiday gift knit projects when looking for some Red Sox knitting, I opted to cast on said sweater for myself*:

I've been looking for a comfy seamless sweater pattern, and this one is fun and fast. It is a lot of stockinette but so far the shaping has held my interest. I can't wait to get past the armholes and see how it all fits together. The yarn is Paton's Classic Merino in Rouge Red, and it was even on sale! (I love me some yarn on sale.) Obviously, the Knitting Fates were guiding my hand as I swiped my credit card.

I'm not a stripe person, but it would also be lovely in a Noro stripe as shown in the book. A cotton blend like Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece would also be nice. I'll see how this one turns out.

Also, in Seamless Knit News: If you have Cobblestone in your queue as I do, go feast your eyes on this version. Didn't she do an amazing job? Makes me want to go cast on now...

Also,this afghan. Yum!!

must...resist...!

*(Didn't someone just blog about that? The inexplicable need, when gift deadlines loom, to cast on something for yourself? I know someone did but can't remember who...obviously their words resonated with me, the Selfish Knitter hehe.)

Fall Frenzy

2007-10-18T13:14:00.000-04:00

Hey, long time no see :) I have been busy, busy, busy with my work and research. Also, the flu, blech, which I have now lovingly passed to my husband. And, with all of this in mind, and after much painful deliberation, I cancelled my room at Rhinebeck and crossed that trip off my to-do list. *le sigh*

Next year, for sure. Y'all have fun out there now, y'hear? Don't worry about me, I'll be okay! (sob!)

I have been doing some knitting. The scarf is a gift for a certain someone who is not much of a knitwear enthusiast, but who has been known to complain about the cold:

Excuse the wrinkliness; it's been rolled up in my purse. Just some moss stitch, twisted stitch, and a big fat cable, but I like the way it's coming out. The yarn is Moda Dea bamboo wool and I'm surprised at how much I like it, too. Very smooth and great stitch definition.

Also - carpal tunnels and other hurty-hand people take note: the needles on this bad boy are plastic! Kids needles by Lion Brand, from the local craft store. They are so plastic, in fact, that they are super-pliable, almost rubbery, with lots of give. Much easier on the joints. Unfortunately, though, they only come in straights and in size 7, 8, and 9. Plastique! Who knew?

Next is the Textured Baby Jacket:

It's getting there! Despite my sweater-phobia, I might actually finish this one. Geez, it's all wrinkly too. (Hmm, my purse is getting crowded.)

Gimme An F!

2007-10-04T10:08:00.001-04:00

"F!"

My son swears that's what Frisky is trying to tell us. (Sometimes Frisky actually does get off the couch and run around, though you'd never guess it from my photography.) Happy Dogs on Thursday.

Good news: my laptop is back. From what we can tell there's not a thing wrong with it now. The Geek Squad paperwork said reloading the O/S was only "optional." Freakin' Best Buy. I'm just glad my laptop is back - even if Vista did cause the problem, I love it because it makes everything look really pretty. Is that so wrong? Am I completely shallow?

Anyway, there is a small amount of knitting/crochet to show:

Dorky Crocheted Scarf in Patons Merino Geranium

Dorky Crocheted Scarf Rethought as a My So-Called Scarf

Baby Sweater WIP

Also wanted to pass along the best piece of advice I got about Ravelry: "Start taking pictures NOW and meet your new best friend, Flickr." Thanks, ADD :)

Worst Buy

2007-10-02T21:16:00.000-04:00

I don't usually do stuff like this, but I am so angry I want to make sure this doesn't happen to anyone else. I bought a laptop computer at Best Buy back in February. I also paid $300 for the extended warranty and accidental damage coverage that is supposed to cover me for "everything," including spilling a drink on it or dropping it out a window.

It started crashing on me in September. I brought it in to have it serviced and was told it needed to be sent out for service because it was a faulty memory chip, a problem covered by the fancy warranty I bought. Two weeks later it turns out that's not the problem at all - it's the Vista operating system that came with the computer. They want me to pay them $150 min to reload the OS. On top of the $300 I already paid. Why? Because this is a "software issue," and hence not covered by my warranty despite the fact that the computer cannot function without it.

Spilled drink, covered. The operating system craps out, not covered? I don't get it. Especially after the salesperson did such a great job overcoming my concerns about Vista being so new.

So be warned. If you need more reason not to do business with this company, check out what ComputerWorld had to say. Also read this (scroll down to the part after the Circuit City review.)

Foreign Correspondent

2007-09-30T19:11:00.001-04:00

I'm blogging to you today from the sanctity of my parents' condominium. They are away for the weekend and so I am utterly alone. Say it with me: a-l-o-n-e. No husband, no kids, no chihuahua. Just me :) I came here to get some work done.

These are some sweet digs, let me tell you. Marshmallow Fluff, miniature Dove Ice Cream Bars, Lean Cuisines (selection's a bit skimpy tonight though, I'll have to speak to management about that) and lots of diet beverages. And q-u-i-e-t. Did I mention I'm alone? They have DSL, cable tv, an impressive selection of dvds... Unfortunately, though, I'm here to work. Which I really do plan to do, any time now, as soon as I'm done talking about myself.

Knitting has been slow going. I'm finding I can only knit for a little while and then my fingers ache and I have to switch to something else, like crochet. I crocheted and then ripped out two scarves (pics later) because they were too big for a child and too dorky for me (well, I didn't think so at first but dh had that look on his face like, "OMG you aren't actually going to go out in that, are you?" Yeah, that look. Significant others are our link to reality.) The baby sweater's coming along slowly, and I've made some progress on the ripple afghan. Henry's on hold as I realized I haven't nearly enough yardage with the hand-dyed I bought. But thankfully knit and crochet things are still happening, so all is well on the fiber front.

Ravelry: ultimate time-sucking vacuum! Whee! One could conceivably go in there and never come back out. Lots of fun, though, and it's sort of like the heaven of the knitting world because you get there and are greeted by all those people you thought you'd lost. You know, the ones who used to blog :)

So, anyway, knit on. Hope you're also enjoying your little corner of the world.

Any Day Now....

2007-09-26T15:16:00.001-04:00

Found you!
You signed up on July 20, 2007
You are #18983 on the list.
970 people are ahead of you in line.
17210 people are behind you in line.
49% of the list has been invited so far

Dogs on Thursday

2007-09-20T16:47:00.000-04:00

Frisky is nothing if not expressive:

"Oh, I am filled with ennui...See how my eyes weep with despair..."

"What? Did someone say peanut butter?"

There's a reason they call it a dog's life :)

ETA: Check out the new DOT button - cute!!! Looks just like Frisky ;) Thanks, Paula.

Pictureless, Woe-filled Post...

2007-09-19T15:35:00.000-04:00

...don't say you weren't warned!

Not much to report on from the knitting front due to the lingering finger pain problem that now appears to be related to carpal tunnel syndrome. I am treating the problem with ibuprofen, a compression brace, and *hopefully* a more ergonomically kind computer workstation situation. Because apparently, I've been going about the computer-using stuff all wrong. Stay tuned.

Knitting is still uncomfortable, so I am sticking to crochet for the time being. Couple a scarves, a few rows on the old ripple afghan, you know. sigh. Reading the old blogs. Stalking some new blogs. What I am really wanting is to finish the oh so cute baby sweater and the Tess twisted rib socks. I also want to cast on for Henry for my dad, for which I have already even purchased the yarn (color=Michigan), from here (a great little shop btw). sigh again. Oh, the humanity.

Anyway, I have to think about the blue skies ahead - the Ravelry waiting list is cranking along and I am now #4545 in line. Woo-hoo! And things could be worse - at least I still have plenty of time until Christmas to finish up some of these things, right? Right?

Dogs on Thursday

2007-09-13T12:28:00.000-04:00

And They Called it...Puppy Love---

Frisky as a Pup

More fun with blogging! I wrote this yesterday (Thursday) but forgot to post it! So it says the 13th, but in my world, it's actually the 14th. Weird! Anyway, happy DOT.

Startitis, and Some Other Kind of -itis...

2007-09-12T19:10:00.000-04:00

Startitis: it strikes when we least expect it, and usually when we can ill afford to experience it, like right now as I return to teaching,student-ing, coaching, and the kidlets' return to school after a decidedly more leisurely summer.

Startitis: there is no cure. And I am its poster child.

Here's what I've cast on since my last post:

1. Textured Baby Jacket by Lois Dakin (Knitting, August 07.) I've been trying to choose from amongst a few baby sweaters, and this seriously cute baby was the deciding factor. (I'm doing mine in red.)

2. Twisted Rib socks in the bee-ewe-tiful Tess Designs yarn I bought at the TKCGA yarn market in July.

3. One-skein scarf from Debbie Stoller's Happy Hooker in Paton's Classic Merino, Regency colorway.

4. Felted backpack for my nephew, because he wants one, in a pattern from this ebay shop. This is a great pattern, by the way. I had to look for a while to find one that would work for a boy. I'm doing mine in blues and browns, with a slightly different stripe configuration:

Also, a WIP: Finally! The endless kid socks have ended.

Plain stockinette 64-stitch sock on sz 1 dps in Colinette Jitterbug Sahara. I love this yarn - vibrant colors, great feel, a treat to knit. I made them a little big so that (1) the kid won't outgrow them by next week and (2) if my some twist of fate he does outgrow them by next week, they will fit me ;)

The Other Itis: I really could have gone up to at least a size 2 needle on the Jitterbug socks. In fact, I probably should have because, as it turns out, I knit these so firmly that I actually did something to my finger. As in, like, damage! Doh! The metal dp ended up pressed too tightly against the inside crease of the uppermost knuckle of my left hand ring finger, and the tip of that finger has been alternately numb and tingling (painfully!) for almost a week. My middle fingertip (or, "Tall Man" for you parents of little people) is also experiencing some sympathy spasms. This leaves me in a dreadful sort of startitis knitting purgatory. So many lovely projects, and all I can do is look. *sigh*

Fortunately for me, I don't really need Tall Man or Ringo to crochet, so I have been working on both the ripple crochet afghan and the one-skein scarf. So all hope is not lost, but somehow, it's not the same.

Knitting, Blogging, and Dogging on Thursday

2007-09-06T10:37:00.000-04:00

Knitting…

...the endless kid socks (or, as the knitting ladies put it last night, “Black Hole Sock”.) Finally, they are ready for toes:

Well, at least this one is. The second is about 1-1/2" behind. But soon!

Blogging…

…about how I am possibly the last knitter on planet Earth to discover the joys of the diet scale for weighing yarn:

Why didn't I try this before? Used it to make these babies, 50 g apiece, oh yeah. Ask me how I know :) They will soon be cast on for socks, Rosa’s Socks, I think. The photo does not do justice to the lovely purples in this yarn (Tess Designs Super Sock and Baby from my stash.)

Also, fun pins. This one from Day Trip Society cracks me up.

"Shhh..."

Dogging…

...because it's Thursday. Isn't it nice when your loved ones appreciate their handmade gifts?

"Thanks, Mom."

A GBCAC

2007-09-02T23:06:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I had to give it a whirl. Here is my answer to sophanne's question: GBCAC*

*(Great Big Crazy-Ass Cable)

An interesting look, but I think the bulk might make it too uncomfortable to wear, at least in the heavy worsted I used. I'll be watching to see if anyone else takes a stab at it ;)

I really need to get some sleep. Must. stop. reading. blogs.

Dogs on Thursday (Oh, and a Lunar Eclipse)

2007-08-30T11:20:00.000-04:00

Frisky is a lap dog in the literal sense of the word. As soon as my behind hits a horizontal surface, thwunk, there he is.

The funniest thing about this picture (aside from the the cellulite, sorry about that) is the story on the back page. Do you think maybe Frisk was trying to read it? It wouldn't surprise me.

Edited to add: If you like dogs and want a giggle, go check this out. The music completes it.

Also this week, we woke the kids up at 5 am on the first day of school to see this:

Lunar eclipse! It was so cool. We sat on the back porch wrapped in blankets and watched the whole show.

Summer's End...

2007-08-28T17:29:00.000-04:00

I’m back from vacation and rushing around to get ready for the upcoming semester. The kids went back to school today and I’ll admit I was a bit stunned when the bus actually showed up – it doesn’t seem possible that summer is already over. We had a fantastic few months around here and it’s a bit sad to see it end, though the school year always brings exciting new things to look forward to. It’s the pace of summer that I really enjoy, I guess – that and having more time to just hang out with the kids.

In any case, I have a few FOs to show. It’s vacation knitting, mostly, little things that didn’t require too much concentration:

Cashmerino nap mat for Frisky:

Cute washcloth for a friend:

Another cute washcloth, also for friend:

And one WIP: Redo of my son’s socks – hopefully for the last time!

My niece LOVED her felted bag (and the Uglydoll I put inside it.) It was hilarious to see her galloping down the beach on a hot summer’s day in her bikini with this felted wool bag hanging around her neck and the Uglydoll’s head peeking out. Ah, to be 8 again. Also, one of her brothers has decided that if I can make his sister a felted purse, I can certainly make him a felted knapsack. Any pattern suggestions would be most welcome!

So, between now and Christmas I have to apply myself to several pairs of socks, the remaining Breeze, and the ripple afghan. And probably a scarf or two. And maybe a knapsack. Oh, and a baby gift. And I'd like to finish Einstein in the next month or so. That’s the plan, anyway, until I get distracted by something new ;) Or until reality sets in.

And now, my Ravelry update:
You signed up on July 20, 2007
You are #18983 on the list.
8296 people are ahead of you in line.
10436 people are behind you in line.
35% of the list has been invited so far
*Sigh*

Dogs on Friday

2007-08-24T08:09:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I'm a little late. We are vacationing on the coast of Maine and dh and I are currently enjoying free wi-fi at a local cafe. I have to type fast before my battery runs out :)

Frisky is enjoying long walks, meeting other small dogs (man there are a lot of small dogs) and chasing sea gulls. He would send his love, but he's too busy napping.

On the knitting front, I went here, and bought some of this on clearance at 40% off. It is magically soft and I used it to make a tiny nap mat for Frisk - perfect for snuggling. Pics later.

Also realized that tiger socks for ds, almost done, were too small for his newly growth-spurted kid feet. Fortunately my little nephew was only too happy to spend some time frogging them for me at the beach. Now they are back OTN and my mission is to finish them before the little guy's feet get any bigger...

Off to enjoy the Trolley Museum with my kids and their merry band 'o cousins, and then hit the beach. Hope you're enjoying these last days of summer too. TTFN ;)

Yawn Over

Happy New Years!

Time Flies!

The Summer of Knit

Stick a Fork in It...

Cold Weather Sweater Frenzy!

Escape from Manville, and a Tale of Two Sweaters

I'm Bringing Sexy Bak(tus)*

Caught in the Act

Spring Cleaning

Mother's Day

Crunch Time

Knit Therapy (warning: whining and self-pity ensue)

Has Spring Really...Sprung?

One Thing at a Time

DONE

Weekend Away

Only You....

Transitions Yoke Cardigan

Extreme Knitting

Thermis Done!

Working, lurking, knitting...

The All-Knowing Frisky Speaks

Handmade Holidays

Happy Holidays

Loss

Second Childhood

Busy, busy....

Update, Patient #1

I May Have Missed My Calling...

Tuesday, November 4

Rhinebeck, Part 2

Rhinebeck

Bigger Than My Body...

Progress!

Hypervigilant Redux!

Fall In!

Summers' End...

Dog Days of Summer...

Quickie

10 More Days...

Summer of Frog...and Dog

Unintentional Moebius

Dogs and Knitting on Friday

It's a wonder I ever get anything done around here...

Bagged!

No more Mrs. Nice Guy...

Dogs on Thursday on Friday *Plus* Demonic Cookie

You Must Be a Genius...

Holy Cannoli, What a Sale!

Support

I'm Just Wild About DOT..

And now for something completely ridiculous...

Dogs on Thursday

Spring!

DOT: Cheap Fun with Chihuahuas

Aye Carumba, It's Cold Outside! DOT.

Dogs on Thursday: Social skills...

Dogs on Thursday and Thorpe Love

Thorpe and Dogs on Thursday

I'm Back...

Dogs on Thursday

Gift Along 2008

Yikes - a Meme!

The Knitting Frenzy Continues...

Knitting as Sanity

Merry Christmas!

Dogs, snow, and knits on Thursday

Got sock yarn?

What else? Dogs on Thursday!

Dogs on Thursday and Ravelery-ing

Dogs On Thursday

How to Find the LYS...

Mad about Plaid!

Four Words...

Boston area knitters, please click!

Dogs on Thursday on Friday

A Loverly Bunch

It's Starting to Look Like Something!

Glittens!

Dogs on Thursday on Friday Plus Demonic Cookie