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.

Slipping off the Yarn Diet Wagon

I haven't been completely faithful to my yarn diet (although I've done pretty well I think). I bought some Berroco Metallic Sox last week. It was so pretty and on sale. I just could not resist. I immediately cast on my first pair of toe-up socks. They're coming along nicely, in fact I'm on sock #2.

I've been visiting the WEBS site periodically, filling my cart with lovely yarns but closing the browser before making a purchase, so sad. I keep telling myself: this yarn will be on sale again one day, just work with what you got. But me wants the precious, big time!

I'm going to resist and work on spinning some of the fiber stash I've developed.

Wish me luck.

Ahh My First Singles Bobbin

Pretty Single 1
Originally uploaded by Rosemary/ sancocho y mangú

Well actually it's my second. After my first spinning class I was able to do this and it feels great. My partner doesn't believe me when I say the spinning wheel he gave me for my birthday was the best present I've ever gotten. But really it was. Not only because it was a total surprise, but because spinning my own yarn was something I really wanted to do. The next step will be learning different drafting methods, different plying methods, and how to plan a whole project.

Does Life Ever Calm Down?

Well I haven't been blogging because life just keeps getting in the way. I started my new job in September and between planning my classes, grading, taking care of Baby Boy, quality time with hubbie, laundry, cooking (sometimes), cleaning ---- CALGON TAKE ME AWAY!! I have so much respect for my mom who managed to do all this with 5 kids. How, HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE????

We have reached some amazing milestones: Baby Boy turned 1 in September. A whole year has passed, unbelievable.









I have been knitting but I haven't been taking pictures. I do have some great new yarn. The stash enhancement has been nuts. Some more Berroco Ultra Alpaca, Araucania Chunky, more Malabrigo Silky Merino, Lamb's Pride Worsted. I think there are a couple more but I can't recall at the moment.

I finally bought a copy of Mason-Dixon Knitting. I also bought Knitting the Nativity and Itsy-Bitsy Hats. I've been on a real book kick lately.

I need to get back to my knitting group. I haven't been there since July or August, I can't even remember. I contact my local knitting guild and will try to go to their meetings starting this week. I'm really hoping I can meet some folks. Maybe I should join a Swap? I thought that would be a good way to meet folks but I've only done one and have done another. There just doesn't seem to be enough time for anything.

I'm going to stop babbling for now. But hopefully I can get back to taking pics and posting on the blog. So for those of you who do check in I hope you'll stop by again soon. Bye for now.

Waiting for the Moving Truck

We arrived safely in Michigan on June 29th and have been staying at the in-laws while they were traveling in Asia. It has been really great to have a nice place to stay where we can enjoy a brief respite before our moving truck arrives on Thursday and we have to unpack like lunatics before our jobs start up in August. I am so exhausted taking care of our little guy full time while my husband frantically finishes his book edits. Of course I immediately broke my yarn diet when I arrived in Ann Arbor. I bought the most beautiful Malabrigo Silky Merino and cast on my first (but definitely not my last) Clapotis. This yarn is such a joy to work with I'm considering going back for more next week. I also bought a copy of Latvian Mittens and The Sweater Workshop. I've been wanting these books for so long I couldn't resist. Of course I paid a lot more than I would have if I had bought them online which is always upsetting but supporting an LYS every once in a while is important.

I will update with pics as soon as I can.

Ravelry Feeds My OCD

Ok, I've only been on Ravelry for two days (id: sancocho) and I've already added my projects, yarn stash, future projects. I worked up the courage to add some friends today, mostly folks whose blogs I frequent. My goal is to add all my favorite knitting bloggers. Ultimately I think Ravelry is going to be a great place to learn about complex knitting techniques and fibers, especially handspun/dyed fibers. I haven't taken a huge plunge in that direction yet but as my projects get more complex I think using unique fibers will be ideal.

For everyone who is still on the waiting list it won't be long and it's very much worth the wait! Hang in there.

My First Swap

YEAH, I'm joining my first swap. Wish me luck!

It's the Monkey Sock Swap 3

You can sign up until August 31st. The swap will run from September 1st – November 1st. All packages need to be received before the end date.

And to get the ball rolling here are my answers to the Monkey Swap Questionnaire.

The basics:

Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate, or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair in your sleep?
I think of myself as a beginning sock knitter (I’ve only completed one pair). But I’m committed to mastering socks since there are sooooo many amazing patterns out there that I’d love to knit for myself and others.

The measurements:
Shoe Size: 7 U.S.
Foot circumference: 7.5”
Foot length: 8.75”

Yarn Preferences:
What colors do you love? Deep Reds, Avocado Green, Turquoise, Camel Beige, Charcoal Grey

Do you prefer solids or variegated? Solids

Do you prefer wool, cotton or acrylic yarn? Wool

What colors would you never wear? Any shade of neon, bubble gum pink, orange, bright yellows

What are your favorite brands of yarn? Elsebeth Lavold, RYC, Debbie Bliss, Berroco

Are there any new brands you would like to try? Lorna’s Laces, Cherry Tree Hill, Louet, Filatura di Crosa Zarina (but there are so many amazing brands I haven't tried I'm open to anything)

Cookie A. Patterns:
Which of her patterns have you already knit? None

Which pattern(s) would you like to knit and don’t already own?
I’d love to knit Rhiannon, Millicent, or Baudelaire.

Other pertinent information:

Would you be willing to have an international Monkey Pal or do you prefer one in the US? Either is fine with me.

Do you have any allergies? No.

Will your knitting be exposed to smoke or animals? No smoke. I do have a small dog, but he’s not a big shedder.

Are you on Ravelry yet? If you don’t mind having new friends, what is your Ravelry name? I’m anxiously waiting for my invite. Only 2,412 folks ahead of me as of Aug. 16th.

I can't wait to get started on this swap

I Deserve a Treat

Much of this weekend was devoted to organizing our home in anticipation of our September arrival. I of course can't lift anything heavy so my loving partner and sis-in-law hauled in our "new" sofa bed. My sweetheart also moved in the baby's dresser, removed my tall heavy bookshelves from the room and set them up in our living room all by himself. I did my part of course by cleaning the house like a lunatic -- nesting is amazing!

So after all that work -- and there's still more to do -- I decided to spend a couple of hours at my LYS to pick up yarn and tools for two upcoming projects:


RYC Cashsoft in Amethyst
for "Best Friend Bags" by Kristin Goedert








Berroco Ultra Alpaca in Redwood and Fennel
for "Gold Bobble Booties" by Gryphon Perkins