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.

Frustrating Start to the Day

My day began with a frustrating revelation at my son's new pediatrician. Apparently, I needed his new insurance card, the actual card, in order for him to see the doctor. Never mind the fact that I had ALL of the policy information. Sorry, the little plastic card is of critical importance. And why wasn't I informed of this when I made the appointment? So my morning was shot when I could have been working. Fine. The Littleman went on to preschool and I headed home to get work done (housework and work work).

On a more happy note I did pick up some Koigu fingering in an amazing colorway. These will make a super cute pair of socks.

New FOs

DAY 57

My days are pretty routine at this point. 5am wake up when the Littleman climbs into my bed and proceeds to ninja kick me until I just give up and get myself ready for the day. Then I get him up and begin our "Potty, Toothbrushing, Face Washing" regimen or fight. Then it's breakfast time and preschool. Back home to check emails, print out daily job listings, prep letters, follow up emails etc. I'd forgotten how absolutely tedious the job hunt can be. I can't wait to be settled in a job and my own home.
Knitting progress has not been good but my friend Jane just had her baby so I really have to finish that baby blanket. I'd also love to send her some booties and a little hat and something for the new Big Brother. I miss my Cali friends so much. I hope I can visit sometime next year.

DAY 8

I made it out of Detroit and this is my 8th day in New Jersey. I've managed to get my new license, plates, daycare for the Littleman, auto insurance and perhaps most important, I found the nearest yarn shop for when I'm ready for a pick me up. Once I set up my office I can take a few minutes a day to do some spinning and knitting and thus preserve my sanity.

Even Knitting Hasn't Cheered Me Up

It's so sad when knitting and spinning fail to cheer me up. I didn't even come close to meeting my goals for the Summer (big surprise there!). I was stressed most of this Summer over the fact that I don't have a regular job. How is it possible that after all the work, time, and money I put into a Ph.D., I'm still unclear about what I want to do "when I grow up." I'm almost 40, this is no time for uncertainty and yet . . .

Anyway, I am going to start a large spinning project this week. I have 1lb of Shetland from Windswept Farms. I want to 3ply it and knit up a vest and perhaps matching mittens or cowl. I have to see what my yardage is but 1lb of fiber should yield some serious yardage.

I want to knit up a quick sweater for my little boy before winter arrives. There's a pattern I've been meaning to knit up but the largest size is too small for him so I will have to bust out the calculator and make some adjustments. I usually don't like to alter a pattern because I'm not very good at the calculations but I figure a child's sweater is a good project on which to practice.

I also have some serious sewing I'd like to do but man am I bad at it. I have not returned to the Box Bag but will do so very soon. I was hoping to sew up a bunch of them for my small projects.

Here are a few of my finished objects for your viewing pleasure:

Sweaters Are Heavy!

I am finally knitting that sweater I promised my partner years ago (Biker Boy - rav link). I'm knitting it in a bulky wool/alpaca blend and man does it feel heavy. Thank goodness the designer recommended knitting it on circulars to keep the weight off the wrists. This is officially the first adult sweater I've ever knit and I'm a bit nervous. I've cast on and frogged a few times now never getting past 2 or 3 inches of knitting but I've been steadily knitting without mistakes for 8 inches now, so far so good. I was concerned about the size but I'm trusting the gauge and I'm just going with it.

I'd love to cast on Pioneer using a 100% bamboo my sister bought for me but I'm worried that the bamboo may stretch out. I need to order Sz 5 dpns and then I'll cast on.

My entire family is suffering with allergies this week. My son is able to sleep but he is very runny nosed. Since the symptoms aren't too severe we've decided not to give him any drugs. His pediatrician said it would be ok to give him something but if he's eating and sleeping and generally happy, why bother. We adults on the other hand are not doing so well. I haven't been able to take in a deep breath all day without coughing. I'll have to sleep with my emergency inhaler tonight.

Oh I just got two books in the mail: Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross; and Little Stitches for Little Ones by Amy Butler. I really want to get some sewing done, especially for the new babies that are due this Fall and Winter. I figure if I practice on small projects the bigger ones will be easier.

Spinning Out of Control?

I've managed to get some amazing spinning done in the past few weeks by spinning 15-20 minutes per day. It was great. I finally feel like I've got the hang of it and am actually noticing more of the yarn's behavior as I spin. This is a pic of 8oz of Polwarth roving spun and 2-plied. I have yet to skein it up and wash it, but I may do that tonight. It is so much fun to spin I recommend it for anyone who loves yarn.



I need to keep a better record of the fibers I spin and I need more information on the variety of fibers. I want to check out Clara Parkes' new book The Knitter's Book of Wool to see if she provides good details on fibers that I could use as a reference.

Unfortunately I am going to go on a fiber stash diet. I have so much roving, locks, and silk hankies that I should be pretty busy spinning for a long time to come. My last purchases were 1lb of Jacob roving and 1lb of Rambouillet roving. The Rambouillet was no where near as soft as I thought it would be and I actually contemplated buying some hand carders to process them some more before spinning. I'm going to sit and think on that a bit since hand carders are pretty expensive.

I'm also putting my other gadget purchasing dreams on hold. I've been trying to win a bid for a Swedish bobbin winder on eBay but I keep losing. It seem as if the same people keep bidding on these winders and I wonder if folks just create multiple identities on eBay and bid to drive up their own prices. In any case it is so frustrating that I just prefer to buy a new winder. If I buy new however I will buy an electric winder recommended to me by Jasmin of the Knitmore Girls Podcast. The idea is to use the winder to store my spun singles onto plastic bobbins which are much cheaper than the Ashford bobbins. But I'm asking myself more and more, "Is this a need or a want?" It's just a "want" so it is going to have to wait perhaps until the end of the summer.

Our urban gardening is coming along nicely as well. Tomatoes, peppers and basil are all doing nicely. Unfortunately I was unable to find an inexpensive strawberry pot (you know the kind with the holes in the sides) so I just left them with the tomatoes and they took root in that planter (oh well). I should admit that I'm only good at growing mold and this is really my partner Luke's adventure. He of course has a wildly successful garden at the Department of Health where he works. I will post pics of that garden soon.
And finally my knitting has been a bit stalled of late, I'm still working on the Lacy Rib Socks (rav link) from Wendy Johnson's Socks from the Toe Up. They are very easy but I just haven't devoted time to the pattern. The 4th of July holiday driving odyssey will no doubt provide ample knitting time. I must plan carefully what projects I will pack for the road. I'm thinking the socks as well as my Noro Kureyon Leaf Lace Scarf and perhaps a few bibs and burb rags for the impending arrivals of my friends.

I also want to plan out some quick knitting projects for my friends in California. I haven't seen them since we moved and all our kids are 1 week apart. I was thinking about some cute vests with "gender appropriate" colors. I'd have to knit 4 plus one more for my little man so 5 toddler size vests by September. It seems doable.

Well it's back to work now. Happy spinning, knitting, and gardening!

Radical Knitter Profiled on Colbert Report

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Nailed 'Em - Radical Knitting

Colbert at Christmas
Colbert Christmas DVD

Green Screen
Bill O'Reilly Interview

Blogging With Baby?

Although baby has only been with us for two weeks he basically runs our lives. Does that sound familiar to all you parents out there? I've finally figured out that the best time to shower and have an uninterrupted cup of coffee (decaf unfortunately) is right after the 5am feeding. Those of you who know me well probably just fell off your chairs because I have never been one to do anything at around 5am in the morning let alone shower and start my day.

I have to set aside some time to finish my Monkey Socks which I took with me to the hospital thinking I'd have time to knit between contractions or while I was in recovery. Am I insane or what?! I do think I can finish them if I put in a couple of hours the next few days. They're coming along so beautifully I can't wait for my pal to get her package of goodies.


And finally, I know mothers always think their kids are beautiful but come on this is one cute kid!

Saturday, etc.

Ahhhhh, lazy Saturdays. Well not so lazy for me. I think I'm finally have some real contractions so whatever is left on my Mami-Do List better get done soon.

Number one on the list was bathing Harrison. Done! We marvel at how a dog this small can smell so bad, it's amazing. He may not look very happy but once the bath is over he runs around playing with his tennis ball, clearly feeling refreshed. I also gave him a little haircut. He is cute.


I also got started on my Red Scarf Project scarf. I'd been putting it off searching for a pattern but time is running out. Luckily, Knitting Daily posted a great pattern called "Connections" so I'm off and running. I started yesterday and I'm making some good progress.

Today will be devoted to that To-Do List and some periodic napping.

20+ Days and Counting

As baby's due date nears, physical changes are pretty intense. I'm bigger -- didn't think it could be possible but yup the belly is bigger. My seating arrangements are much more deliberate, note the stacked pillows in this shot. If I'm not careful I could end up in a seating arrangement that would take me a good 10 minutes to get out of.





On a more positive note I'm almost done with the Gold Bobble Booties. Well with the knitting that is, then I have to felt them. My very first felting project! Knitting during the pregnancy has been great. I just wish I could knit faster and get more of my projects done. I'm still jealous of all those knitty bloggers who start baby sweaters on a Friday and are done by Sunday. Ahhhh, someday. . . . .



And last but definitely not least, L. and I went on a much needed date on Friday. It was so great to get dressed up, leave the house, and just remind ourselves that we are still a young couple in love. The plan is to have a date night each week even after baby boy arrives. Wish us luck.

Calming Down to Knit

This is my 32nd week of pregnancy and so far so good. A little tired towards the middle of each day but otherwise I feel great. Lots of projects in the works and and not all knitting. The baby's room is still not set up. We're trying to be realistic and keep it as a baby/guest/mami's office- room so it will take some serious organization (which for me often translates into procrastination). I will be posting before and after shots to document my progress.

Yesterday was our first childbirth prep class. It was fun. Great instructor and group s of first time parents-to-be. Today I have an OB appt. and then lunch with a friend that I haven't seen in months, and then I get to shop for household cleaning supplies and a nursing bra. And at the end of all that I'm going to my LYS for a treat (a new pattern book and some yarn for baby).

Oh before I forget (mama brain!) I want to thank Judy at Persistent Illusion for sharing the Simpsonize Me website. Here's my Simpsonized self:

Web Rings and Ravelry: Am I Worthy?

I'm working towards joining the "Knitting Blogs" web ring AND put in my request for a Ravelry invite. But now I'm feeling a bit insecure about my knitting progress and whether my blog belongs on these sites. Maybe I'm spending too much time on other folks' blogs but there seem to be no intermediate knitters on the web. Everyone out there is working on amazing projects and getting so much done. When I finally get my Ravelry invite --

• You signed up on June 28, 2007
• You are #11501 on the list.
• 4233 people are ahead of you in line.
• 9872 people are behind you in line.
• 33% of the list has been invited so far

-- I'm hoping it will help me to get organized and improve my crafty productivity. Until then, the blogosphere is a lonely place for us newbies. (boo hoo!)

Je Suis Jolie Mitts, Frill Collar, & Crusoe Socks in progress

"Je Suis Jolie Mitts" by Clara Parkes in Knitscene Fall '06
"Frill Collar" by Emily Bixler in Knitscene Fall '06
Yarn: 4 skeins of Elsebeth Lavold Angora (019)
Needles: Clover Bamboo Sz 6

This yarn is super soft and warm and the color is absolutely beautiful. I made the mitts shorter than the pattern. My only problem with the collar is that it turned out very floppy. I expected a stiffer Elizabethan-style collar. But I love wearing it anyway and if I make another I'll try another yarn.

"Crusoe Socks" in Knitty.com Spr '03 -- so far so good. I'm working with Cascade Sassy Stripes

Fun So Far

OK, so far customizing my blog space has been fun. The frustrating part is not knowing how to add blog elements I've seen on other sites. I mean why reinvent the wheel, right? I got the boyfriend (tbf) to bring over his digital camera (mine is an obsolete relic that only uses floppy disks - remember those days?). Tonight I will try my best to take some shots of my recently completed knitting projects and works in progress. Wish me luck!