Baby in some hand knits

*The sweater was purchased, and probally wasn't handknit.

I admit it, I haven't been the best blogger lately...

But hey, I just had a kid! Blogging was something to keep me busy while I was pregnant, and bored at home. But now the baby's here and I never get a moment to myself, let alone two free hands to type with. I've contemplated taking this blog down all together, but haven't made a final decision yet. The baby's getting bigger and no knitting is getting done. I never finished SWDR and have really begun to realize that have spent far too much money on yarn and have nothing to show for it. I have a huge amount of yarn and have no plans on making anything. To be honest, I'm kind of over knitting at the moment, but go through phases like this often. I have decided against the Sgt. Pepper KAL, reasons having to do with realizing the pattern just wasn't for me. I really would love to make Forecast. I think it would look great with some of my skirts, and no seaming would be a nice change.

I'm In Love!

By mere chance and accident, I came across the new Knitty, well fall Knitty. I never pay attention of when it comes out, but I've seen it and am in love. Look at this! Isn't it great. There aren't many patterns from Knitty that I would consider me, but I would wear this one all the time. It would totally go with my other rockabilly clothes and heels...if it came out properly done like the models! Also, I fell in love with Sherwood. My boy would look perfect in that. I invision it, which means I shall make it. It is advertised as piquant, which I assume means diffucult, but I think I can do it since I have finally learned how to read a chart.
P.S. Happy B-day Old Ball and Chain!

Oh, and just so you know...

I finished both sides of SWDR. I would have given up on this already if it hadn't been for chunky yarn and big needles knitting this up so quick. It still seems really short. I admit that I haven't ever stretch-blocked before and maybe it works wonders. I ripped one side of SWDR down to the armhole shaping and tried to figure out a way to lengthen the piece, but since the diagonals are all the same amount of stitched inbetween, I can't. I've also thought about using larger needles, since my gauge is possible off. So, first I will stretch-block one-half of the sweater, and see the results befor making any further rash decisions.

Hey Ma! When are you goin' to finish my pants!?!

Okay, you started them months before I was born, then finally seamed them together on my due date- luckily I was born 4 days later!
So get your act together and finish them already! By the time you get around to it, I won't fit in them anymore!
Sew in those loose ends!



Finish the orange stitching!
And for goodness sake, put some elastic in the waist so I don't blush when the pants drop and my diaper gets exposed!

"What I Did On My Summer Vacation"

I gave birth...



I learned how to take pictures on my 8 month old Mac...



Part of SWDR

The Sweater with Diagonal Ribs and Cables...

Once I finally figured out that I was doing wrong with the pattern, (which was trying to match the each row up. does that make sense?) this sweater became very easy. Easy enough for me to actually memorize the pattern, up to a point atleast. It looks great, and I'm very happy with it, but it is so springy that it looks way smaller than it should be. I never check my gauge. Boring. But the pattern says that you need to block it a bit. I hope that's all and that I dont have to rip out a huge chunk of it and rig it myself.

Here's the completed back. I hope I don't have to add more to it.



A somewhat close-up. I thought I had a really great camera, but it looks better in the camera screen than on the computer.



And this is the beginning half of the front.

Baby in an Eggplant Hat

Pattern: Ann Norling Kids Fruit Cap
Needles: Clover bamboo 16" circular and dpns in Sz 7
Yarn: I used yarn that best represented an eggplant best. They are two different brands and fibers. But I can't remember which exactly. The purple is a cotton and the green stem is a Lamb's Pride Worsted.

Go Dodgers! Stitch n' Pitch 2006

Last Thursday we went to Stitch n' Pitch at Dodger Stadium...



I got about half a row done, but proceeded tp rip it out, since I'm still struggling with the pattern to SWDR. It's just the placement of the decreases that neither way look right to me.



I spent most of the time with baby, who seemed fascinated with his surroundings between nursing and crying. He actually looked a little nervous as he watched others knit around us. "Oh no! It's not just her!"



Mom worked a little on her Noro bag that she's slowly been knitting since 2004. (See, it's not just me that procrastinates on projects :)



One little sister was converted...



As the other decided to stick to sewing...



And even Rick decided to give it a try once he noticed two other men knitting away.



Plus- we got a free bag of goodies!!!!

ARRRR...The frustration!!!!!!!

I can not understand the pattern for Rebecca 28 #41. I have looked around the internet, and apparently am the only one out there in knittersland with a problem. I understand all the stitches, but somehow I must be knitting it up all wrong because it doesn't look right at all! The worst part is that the yarn I'm using is discontinued, but I found a site that still has it! I bought it going with what I estimated the yardage to be, but I used WAY more than expected when I completed a simple ribbed sleeve, which means I have to buy more. The problem is, I don't know how much until I finish the back of the sweater, which I'm trying to do ASAP, but keep having to rip it all apart. IT IS SO FRUSTRATING!!!!! Especially when the baby is being so good and cooperating, and I feel like all this quiet baby time is going to waste. I can't find one person who had a problem on it, and I even saw the sweater as a kit labeled BEGINNER. I'm not a beginner am I? Who knows, maybe I am.

Finally, they comment!

I've been unstitching the Rowan Echo sweater since I did it all wrong. How frustrating. I didn't even think to actually look in a book and see HOW to seam. Now I pay the price of endless unseaming after endless seaming. A lesson WELL learned. The Kool Wool arrived two days ago and I immediately cast on for SWDR. I understood all the directions, knew how to do all the stitches, but after attempting twice, have realized it must be the pattern that is wrong. I can't figure it out.



In other news, today I actually checked my comment status and was excited to find TWO. Wow. I know what a nerd huh? Well, don't you remember the first time you noticed a comment? Exciting stuff. I've also decided to join my first KAL. It's for the Sgt. Pepper jacket and I've already been scouting the internet for yarn. Atleast if I have a problem with this pattern, I can ask my fellow knitters:)

And after much crankiness, crying, squealing and refusing to eat, a quiet moment to do all this unseaming, uneventful knitting of the SWDR, and purchasing of Sgt. Pepper yarn.

Note to self: things to knit

Okay-well some of them anyways. I realize my expectations are high, and that I have yet to complete, finish or seam all my other projects. But I get bored and have to dream of other things to knit. This list is just of the ones I like today. If I made up the complete list, this post would be much longer and I would really be dreaming.

This is Demi from Rowan Vintage Style. Very nice, but very complicated looking and I don't quite think my knitting is up to par yet.


Next is the Apricot Jacket from Rebecca 27. Not too difficult, everyone's knit one, but I don't know how much I would ever wear it. So pass for now.



My next attempt at cables will be this sweater from Rebecca 28. I really like the sweater, but the yellow is kind of disgusting. I have already purchased the yarn online and is being shipped to me as I write. Can't wait to attempt it, if the babe cooperates. Cross my fingers and hope to knit.



This is from Rebecca 28 as well, the pattern reads okay to me. I think I'm up to it, but will attempt above first. A good-looking fall/winter sweater though.



I'm really excited about this one though. I've read that it was complicated, but worth it in my book. I will order the pattern and take it from there. Maybe order the yarn as well. ;)

The new way to knit

On a rare day I got a little bit of knitting done. Hush is almost done and just waiting for straps. I don't like the way they are turning out and have decided to put it down until I get a brainstorm idea of how to finish it better.

Still not much knitting goin' on

Still not too much time for knitting. But things seem to be getting better. I have finished the second sleeve to the "Ballerina" sweater by Debbie Bliss. Horrible name for a little boys sweater, but the color is great. I'm using Rowan Glace in Mystic and looove the color so much that I'm thinking of knitting myself up something with it as well. I'm in the process of seaming up my mother's Kyoto sweater that I knit for her about two years ago. Maybe if all goes well, I'll knit myself one as well. Except the recommended size needles for the Glace yarn is 3-4 and Kyoto is for 7's so I'll have to do some refiguring.
In other news, I have just order the Kool Wool for my "Sweater with Diagonal Ribs and Cables" from Rebecca 28. I must agree with Domesticat when she says that she refuses to pay more for yarn than she would for the sweater itself. I've decided to use the same yarn and color as hers, because I really like the way it turned out. I believe that copying is the highest form of flattering and hope she agrees.

Not Much Knitting

Seamus has decided that knitting is for nerds, and he refuses to let his mommy be a nerd. The second I pick up a project, he immediately begins to cry and scream. (sigh). It doesn't matter if he's asleep even, apparently he senses it. Seaming is okay though. Especially if his daddy holds him, and their his little knit jeans from Knitty. I'll be the first to admit I can't seam for shit. It wasn't until I had a baby and couldn't knit that I became aware of my unseaming abilities thanks to my new Vogue knitting book. No wonder my first sweater and first attempt at seaming looks so crappy. Maybe if the babe ever lets me get around to it I'll be able to fix it. No rush though, I couldn't fit into it anyways, until I lose the post pregnancy weight. There are a few baby sweaters waiting for seaming. Maybe if I'm lucky...And they're so small...And maybe if I cross my fingers and the baby isn't fussing, I can get the right kind seaming going. I've never even seen a blog entry where people struggled with seaming. Maybe it's just me.

Life, so far...

The last twelve days have been pretty intense. No matter how many times you hear "you'll never have time for yourself again", it still doesn't sink in. I'm lucky to get a quick shower and then I'm immediately covered back up in spit-up, etc. As I sit nursing, I think of all the projects I would like to start, but know that realistically the chances of me ever getting to them is slim to none. (sigh). But my little peanut is safe and happy, and when I think about it, that's all that really matters. I have just ordered the yarn I need for Eunny's V-Neck sweater and the Rowan Denim Raspy sweater. Hmm...Maybe as I start to figure this motherhood thing out, I will find the time to actually knit up these things.

He's Here!

Seamus*
(not actual name)
7 lbs. 8 oz.
21 inches
June 18, 2006
4:42 PM

Where is he already?

I've been pregnant for nine months and I'm ready to not be. It's time for him to come out. But apparently he disagrees. He is now teasing me by causing light contractions that make me wonder, "Hey this might be it!" But no, they are never consistent and always stop. I have taken everyone's advice to walk. Walk up hills, walk long distances, you name it. At yesterday's doctor appointment, the doc told me that I'm 2cm dilated(yay!!!), but not at all near effacement. Apparently this kid has no plans on leaving anytime soon. He must not realize that come next Friday, if he hasn't already graced us with his presence, he is being evicted from his cushy home in my uterus. Yes, come next Friday I will be induced, and if that doesn't work by Sunday, I will be sliced open for a cesarean. I'm hoping it doesn't get that far though. Rick thinks it will be on Father's Day, I don't want to have to wait that long, but I guess that's only two more days. I've knit myself into boredom. My fingers hurt and my hands feel dry, and I swear I need to take a break. I must convince myself that the Debbie Bliss blanket that isn't quite done, is not the reason he refuses to come out. His crib is built, his clothes are washed, his room is done; he's just not coming. Here are just a few of the fabulous gifts that are waiting for his arrival.

From Auntie Kelly:

BF's a huge Johnny Cash fan, (hence the dogs name) and can't wait for him to fit into this. If our dog's name wasn't Cash, our sons name definitely would be...

This one's from me:

I love old classic-style tattoos and couldn't help myself even though BF has been complaining about how many clothes the baby already has...

This is a gift from Nana-to-be:

She didn't crochet them (in case you were wondering), someone on eBay actually does. They were a big hit at the baby shower, and I totally love them.

What I've knit for him so far...


Pattern: Eggplant Hat by Ann Norling
Materials: Sz 7 circular needle





Pattern: Ugg Booties from "Knitty Gritty"
Materials: Sz 3 needles, Suede by Berroco in Hopalong Cassidy (main color) and Wild Bill (for the soles) and Plush by Berroco in Crema (for the fur)
Notes: They were really easy and fun. It only took about three hours to knit while watching late night TV. Directions were really easy to understand.

Currently in Progress:




Pattern: Farmyard Baby Wrap by Debbie Bliss Quick Baby Knits
Materials: Rowan DK Handknit Cotton and small amounts of scrap yarn. I didn't want to buy all the other colors for literally maybe 10 inches of scraps. I've been usin the Berroco Suede for the brown animals and I think really makes it look nice, and the little bit of fake suede seems more realistic. I'm really happy with the results.
Notes: I have only been working on this for three days now, but you must realize that I mean ALL day and ALL night. I wake up and begin knitting, and stay up until 1:30-2:00 AM each night working on this. It's actually really small. I know my gauge is right, but I don't even think you could wrap a baby in this if you tried. I've also made a few minor mistakes that I will refer to as adjustments because I don't think they are serious flaws, even though I'm sure this is considered a major faux pas in the knitting world.



But the little farm animals are so cute that it's worth it. I realize I probally wouldn't be letting him actually use it on an everyday basis anyway.

Just a few of the many...

I have so many half-knit uncompleted projects that it is beginning to get ridiculous. I'll put one down and start another for many reasons. Boredom, the directions become confusing, or I might have ran out of yarn and still feel up to knitting something. Whatever the reason was, there is now no excuse. Today was my due date, the baby should be coming any day, minute or second; and the only thing completed is an eggplant hat and some baby ugg booties. It's time for me to get my act together.

Exhibit A:


The SnB Nation "Baby's First Tattoo" sweater. It's still missing the swallows that need to be stitched on to the front pieces, but I think that is done lastly. I really do need to start leaving post-its on the unfinished pieces because I tend to forget what size I knit some of these in. I believe it is 12 months though.



Exhibit B:

This is "Trellis" from Knitty. I really love the color 'Limedrop' by Rowan that was used. I'm especially proud of this piece because I had never worked cables before. It took forever and many botched attempts before I figured out the cable patterns, but look beautiful now. I did reach a part in the pattern, near the collars that I still haven't figured out, but I've found that putting down a pattern and working on another, (besides not letting myself get too stressed out over it), I end up understanding it better later on.



Exhibit C:



This is another project from Knitty called "Hush Hush". I liked it right off the bat, but didn't think I would be able to understand the pattern. It's not difficult after all. I guess I was just intimidated by it. I love the way the bottom part looks.Now I'm at a part that is relatively long with not much else to do but stockinette. Usually this is where I get bored. But my "nesting" instinct must have gone into my knitting instead of cleaning like crazy, because I've stayed up every night this week until two in the morning knitting in bed. This piece might actually be completed before the rest. I'm not too worried though because I cant fit into it right now anyways. I think I like this so much because I don't have to seam anything together. Yay!!!!



Like I stated at the top, these are just a few. I have more, and have just begun two more baby projects. One is working out better than the other, but as long as I finish it before the baby is six months old, he should be able to wear it.

Ruby's party was a huge success yesterday. It's like she knew it was her big day. Cash (my other Boston Terrier) seemed to think it was his special day too. But at one point.. Ruby was so excited that she seemed unaware that she had played rough enough to tear part of her du claw (basically her thumb nail) off. But like a big girl, she braved it out while her dad played medic and bandaged her up. I think the cupcake and presents helped ease her pain. And the fact that we let her sleep on the bed last night where she snuggled up comfy with her dad. Cash was too excited to sleep and kept wandering into the living room all night where you could hear him sifting through all the toys like a little kid on Christmas. Oddly enough, Ruby didn't seem to mind.

Today she seems to be in no pain from her thumb and is back to bullying us all around to throw her favorite red bone.

Happy Birthday Ruby!

Today is my dog Ruby Tuesday's 2nd birthday. So we have decided to throw her a little birthday bash. Here's a picture from last years festivities.