Testing out new Blog Editor

I'm deciding between two blog editors: Blogo and now ecto. I really enjoyed using Blogo but I'm a bit concerned that there hasn't been much activity on the developer's blog site. Now I am trying out ecto and so far it is pretty easy. I think I prefer the look of Blogo's interface but I can get used to anything.

Here's a pic of my latest FO: Red Velvet Cupcakes in Koigu KPPM

I am also knitting this pattern up in Malabrigo Sock, Velvet Grapes colorway.

We're gearing up for Easter so this week will be filled with basket shopping and knitting up some Easter eggs and bunnies like I did last year.

New FOs

The Bella MIttens Are Done

My Bella Mittens are done. This is a free pattern that is based on mittens worn by one of the protagonists of the Twilight movie. I haven't seen the movie or read the books but I love the mittens nonetheless.

Knitting Gone Bad

I'm trying, I'm really trying to follow patterns and perfect my skills so I can step back and admire my work with pride. Instead I think I'm following the pattern but in the end it's a big 'ole mess.
Here's the proof:






My Baby Kimono Sweater, which I had to frog and start over at the beginning was a wreck in the end. The back is longer than the front, the sleeves don't align. It makes me sick, this is not a difficult pattern. This seems to happen with most of the things I knit. I need to concentrate but I don't have the time to work big chunks of a pattern in one sitting. I have to be able to put work down and pick it up later when I have some time.

This sweater will have to be frogged later. I have to cast on another one ASAP and hope I get it right this time.

On a happy front. My family celebrates Three Kings' Day and here's what my husband gave me:

A Jordana Paige knitting bag. Tucked inside the bag was a gift certificate for a spa day (woo hoo!). AND, as if all that wasn't enough, he also bought me a copy of Victorian Lace Today which is a beautiful book. What an amazing treat!

The Three Kings' also brought me a skein of Misti Alpaca Handpainted Sock Yarn and some Lisa Souza Merino Sock (the last of my yarn shopping for the rest of 2009). I've got loads of sock yarn and great patterns so that's what I will be working on most this year.

My first spinning class is this Saturday. Finally I will be able to use that other amazing gift from my husband, the Ashford Traditional spinning wheel.

A Year in Knitting

I have definitely improved my knitting skills in 2008 and have been much better about finishing my wips. One of the difficult steps I took a couple of months ago was frogging a bunch of hibernating projects. But here is a sampling of the things I finished. Not too bad.

Finished Petal Bib

We're still exhausted from the lack of sleep. We had one break on Saturday night when the baby slept for 8 hours and 6 minutes!!! I slept for 7 of those hours, the most I have slept since the end of my second trimester. Of course since Sunday he's been back to his every 3hr wake schedule. It's nuts. I did manage to finish one of the petal bibs that I'm making for the many friends who have had babies recently.


Oh and I don't remember if I ever shared pics of the Monkey Socks
I got from my wonderful pal Kristy last year. I love them!

Done!

FinishedMonkeys1
Originally uploaded by Rosemary/ sancocho y mangú

I'm finally done with my Monkey Pal's socks and they are on their way to their new home. I am so so so so sorry it has taken so long. I'm pretty pleased with the results given that these are my first dpn socks. I have to say that I enjoy the dpns more than the Magic Loop -- is that sacrilege? Also, my grafting skills need some serious refining (sorry pal). I don't know why it is so difficult to do but it isn't as clean as I know it should be. I will have to practice.

I am definitely investing in some sock blockers this week. The one sock that I finished a while back was very "relaxed" whereas the more recently knit sock is still a bit "curly" -- I can see where blocking would make a big difference in a crisp presentation.

I hope my pal forgives the grotesque delay and enjoys her not-so-perfect Monkey Socks.

Bootie Progress

Baby's due date is almost here and I'm knitting away like a fiend. I finally felted the Gold Bobble Booties and they look pretty good for my first felting project. Hardly small enough for a newborn but I think they'll work well at 3-6 months.




And after failing at my first attempt with the Saartje Booties I finally did get it and finished my first one last night. The plan is to finish the second one today and pick up some cute buttons at my LYS.