New FOs

Kids Do the Darndest Things

E is growing like crazy. His language is especially impressive (scary impressive). Of course now we have to stop cursing in front of him because he does repeat everything we say.
Knitting is going well. Here are some of the recent accomplishments:















I've been on a sock kick lately. All of these sock picks are from Wendy Johnson's "Socks from the Toe Up" (the slip stitch heel vanilla pattern). I really want to work through my sock yarn stash which has grown to ridiculous proportions. I'm also working on the Mondo Cable Cardi via the Knitmore Girls Podcast KAL. That will be my first real sweater.

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.

Holiday Knitting in Transit

I did some holiday knitting over Thanksgiving while my dear partner drove, and drove, and drove. He did all the driving and I did all the rest stop diaper changing. Not so bad since baby boy did cooperate.
He is the best traveling baby. Doesn't complain at all. Next time we go for a long road trip I will have to be more organized with his food. He did not eat well on the road. None of us did really. You know how that goes. But in the rush to pack all the necessities: pushy toy, pack-n-play, diapers I didn't bring his favorite steamed veggies. BAD MOMMY. Next time I'm on it.

So while baby boy slept (we affectionately call him Chooku) and daddy drove, I did some knitting. Here's a sneak peek at my first Baby Kimono. I had to frog back because I had misread the pattern. But now I'm on track. So far it's looking pretty good. I want to finish this first one and knit one more for my newborn niece and another for her big sister.

Another project that I'm determined to finish and gift to myself for Christmas are the Bacchus Socks from Fall IK 2008. I've been struggling with the Turkish Cast On but Allison from Ravelry was a huge help as was Ericka from knitting group and now the socks are cast on and moving along.

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