Slow Motion Knitting

I finished another Daisy, a cardi for Peanut's buddy, Jack. A very simple baby cardi that would normally have taken me a week or so to knit, depending on how busy I was, took a couple of months to make. Oy! That's life with a baby for you. I finished it just in the nick of time for our baby shower (Jack's mom and I work together and our coworkers threw a party for us this past week). And I forgot to take a picture before I gifted it. D'oh. Anyway, it looks just like my baby's Daisy, but it's a pretty jade shade of Cotton Fleece, with cute white star buttons.

Am I the last person in the world to figure out that Project Runway is really fun? This is the first season I've watched and I like it so much that I went back and Netflixed the first season. Don't tell me how it ends!

Dr. Girlfriend posted a knitting backwards tutorial recently; I've always wanted to try it out because I purl slower than I knit and I think it would be really handy to know how to knit all rows when you're not knitting in the round.

Big Sister just posted her list of unfinished projects. She has 21. I was really proud of her for listing all of them because I also have many WIPs in my knitting basket(s), but don't have the guts to make the list. I think I already have enough self-inflicted guilt! Some days I wish I could go back to pre-mommy time and just have a day to knit and catch up with my projects (plus all the ones I have in my head that I'd like to make), but then I look at my sweet baby girl and no sweater in the world is equal to the time I'm having in my life right now.

AWOL

Hello. Remember me?

Baby A and I have kept ourselves very busy and I'm actually getting a few rows of knitting in here and there. I've been (mostly) keeping up on reading all of your blogs, but somehow posting to my own blog hasn't happened. A and I are starting to get into some routines, though, so maybe it will be easier now.

Baby stuff:

She's seven weeks old and smiles and coos like crazy. She's sleeping through the night! Eight hours straight last night! She has these amazing big blue eyes; when we stare at each other (and I'm singing goofy made up songs and such), I can see her soaking up every little thing in her world. Anyway, we absolutely adore her and once in a while we look at each other and say, "Woah. We made her!" It's a trip and a half.

Knitting stuff:

Here I am, knitting with baby in my lap. It's almost the only time I can knit unless she's napping. It's easier with the napping, lemme tellya. I'm still lumbering along on Duke. Duke is the name I gave to this little green baby sweater, which is truly Daisy from Knitty, just like the red one I made for A, but it's for her little buddy Jack, so I thought I'd give it a dude name. A's Daisy whipped up so quickly... this one is taking weeks because it's hard to find time to knit. But I'm almost done! I'm on the second sleeve!

Since I have so much time to knit and so few projects to work on (snort), I finally ordered the Schoeller Stahl Merino Stretch to make this cabled cardi. Every time Elann posts more of this yarn, it catches my eye and I wish for it, but then I look over at my stash and my long list of projects and step away from the computer. This time I decided that since it *still* catches my eye after all this time, it must be for me.

The new IK is yucky. I'm super disappointed. I haven't seen much chitchat about it in blogs, either. The new VK is better... at least, there are a few things I could imagine knitting and wearing. The Gray's Anatomy section is lovely. I'm also lusting for design #3, the violety/maroony deep v-neck pullover with lace details. It reminds me of one of the newer Glampyre designs. I think that, at least with the VK sweater, I would need to make the v-neck less deep to go with my bod. As it is, I can imagine my impressive breasts popping right out of the front of the neckline. So modifying that has been running through my brain. Because I have so much knitting time. (snort)

Okay, just one more sweet baby picture to say goodbye. In this one, A is showing that she truly is her daddy's little girl: she has the same crooked smile.

My Little Buttercup Has the Sweetest Smile

Not that you'd ever know it; her smiles are so random that we can't capture one with the camera yet!

But she does love taking a nice warm bath!

I can't believe she'll be three weeks old this weekend! Mr. Goodkarma and I are very much in love with our little girl and couldn't be happier to have her in our family.

I promised to show off Daisy. This cardi was meant to be part of a 4th of July ensemble. See, we have friends who have a houseboat on Lake Union where the big big fireworks display is every year in Seattle, and of course the 4th of July is their favorite holiday of the year. I bought Peanut a little American flag onesie and some blue pants and thought a red cardi would be the perfect topper. Well, we didn't end up going to the party (she was only a week old!), and the clothes were too big for her, but she's growing.

Daisy, Knitty.com
Designed by Stephanie Pearl McPhee
Cotton Fleece in Barn Red, 1 (and a tiny bit of a second) skein

This is a really, really, easy peasy cardi to knit. I knit most of it in one day in the car, and the trip was probably two hours roundtrip. Highly recommended pattern, easy to follow, simple for the babies, and Stephanie's directions are hilarious. I mean, she tells you to stop for chocolate for goodness sake! It's so easy, I started a green one for A's little buddy, Jack. I've knit about one row since Peanut was born...

Just today we got a surprise package from our friend Parikha. This I was not expecting at all. I opened the box and saw this sweet little handmade bag...



and inside were these sweet little booties! Ack! Tooooo cute. And Parikha, thank you for putting a little dab of pink on them but not going totally Pink Crazy. They're perfect!

Peaceful, Easy Feelin'

Our dear, sweet A is already five days old. Or should I say, only five days old?! The first couple of nights home were rough; she thought it would be a great idea to have lively chats and cries from 1:30am to 5:30am each night! Yeah! But I have to say that the last 24 hours have been the most joyful and amazing hours I could ask for. She's a champion nurser and must have a little clock in her tummy; she wakes up every two hours for a change and to eat, then drops off to slumberland or plays "Let's Stare Lovingly Into One Another's Eyes."

Daddy and I are enjoying every moment and are so in love with our little peanut. He's already looking at sweet girly things to give to his little baby and I can't stop kissing those big cheeks! I took this photo of her sleeping in her crib tonight. Although she came in at a healthy weight and has big cheeks, she still is such a little one with cute skinny arms and legs and absolutely edible feet.

Let the adventure begin...

PS Thank you so much to everyone who left such loving comments. Mwah!

PPS I did finish up a Daisy cardi for A and will post it soon... too cute!

Introducing: The Peanut!

At long last, the moment I've been waiting for! It's a girl!

Peanut Baby "A"
Born June 25, 2006 at 6:05pm
8 pounds, 9 ounces
19.5 inches

Baby's First Mama-Made Sweater

Knitty's Trellis
Size 6 months
Lion Brand Cotton Ease, Vanilla: about 1.5 skeins
Cast on: Mother's Day
Cast off: Father's Day
Finished up: Due Day
Isn't that a coinkidink?

What a fun pattern. The stitch pattern kept my interest and, after a bit, I was able to memorize the twists and turns of it all. If you're interested in making this for a little friend, it's highly recommended!

ETA:

Peanut wearing her Trellis at age 3 months! :)

Yes, today is my due date and no, I haven't had my baby yet. Wanna see what I look like?

You're perfectly allowed to say things like, "Holy cow!" and, "Wow, your belly is huge!" I'm measuring right on track in spite of the tent-like effect that my shirt is making. My body is definitely making early labor noises and I don't expect that I'll go toooo much longer like this. Wishful thinking? Maybe!

Here's a picture of my dad, me, and my brother... they came over just to make fun of little ole me.

Next up: a baby and a Daisy cardigan that's *this* close to being finished!

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

Hello, my name is Karma and I am the luckiest girl in blogland! I'm sitting here waiting for peanut to be born, knitting, house cleaning, relaxing... the most exciting thing is when the mail carrier comes. Usually the best part of the mail being delivered is that a new DVD comes from Netflix, but that's not a surprise because I picked out what's coming.

Last week, the same day I had to say goodbye to my Julian kitty boy, I got a little package from Superstarra Christie. Isn't this the cutest thing? Not only is the monkey probably a spitting image of the alien that is growing inside me, but the color combo is so NOW. So brownand (hi Cathi!). I will have the best dressed baby on the block, lemme tellya! It couldn't have come on a better day. I was so emotional about my kitty and there was this sweetness in my mailbox.

Today, when I'm truly on maternity leave and getting used to my days being pretty uneventful, a package came from Meredith at Mer Knits!. She made an extra cute Winnie the Pooh hat for the peanut, but says it can be any bear, or even a dog, or her husband says it can even be a camel! What a joker. Guys really know just what to say, don't they? Heh.

She also included a little sweetness for Lennon. Notice how excited he is to have a new mouse to play with! He literally just killed his last (store-bought) mouse this week. So Mer's new mouse couldn't have come at a better time.

Finally, thanks to everyone who left such kind comments to my post last week about Julian. It was really hard to say goodbye to him... his health deteriorated pretty rapidly so it was a little shocking for me. As much as I miss him, I feel better about my decision to let him go since he was feeling so badly. At the very end they diagnosed him with a brain tumor, possibly cancerous. Poor little boy.

Who's the Best Boy?

Julian 1996-2006

In loving memory of the prettiest, most graceful, softest, velvetiest eared, smartest, lovingest cat there ever was.

T Minus 16 Days And Counting...

Lennon says, "Mom, it's so nice to erm, ugh, cuddle with you, even though your lap disappeared..."


"...what's in this bubble, anyway?"

Notice the knitting by my feet? Yes, I've been knitting away on Trellis while also trying to prepare myself, my home, my workplace, etc., as much as possible for the baby that's due in 16 days. SIXTEEN DAYS. Sorry, didn't mean to yell, but woah. I've been doing pretty well up until the last couple of days when it's become pretty uncomfortable to sleep and I can't seem to get caught up on rest. So I'll be working a few days this week and then I'm done. I hope this baby will let me rest a few days before it decides to make its grand entrance. My mom and sisters are predicting June 14-15ish, and I could live with that.

Here's my progress on Trellis... I like how the white cables look like cake frosting. I just have the two little sleeves to knit and then the finishing. I thought it would be a pretty easy pattern, and really, it is, but since I'm tired a lot of the time, and you really have to pay attention row by row, I've had to do some ripping and reknitting. If I weren't tired, it would be so easy; the stitch pattern and cables are pretty intuitive.

Time to knit a bit more while my eyes are still open... I hope to have a finished cardi to share very soon!

Time, Goes By So Slowly, and Time Can Do So Much

Are those the right lyrics? Well, they're a lie. I should have written, "Like sand through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives," because my goodness it's already late May and

the baby progress bar just moved to 90%.

Holy cow. I have four weeks to go. That is, if this wiggly little person can stay put that long. Whew.



I'm knitting Trellis for the same wiggly little person and am nearly done with the back. That "left twist" thing threw me for a loop! But after restarting the piece at least 4 times, I've got it down now and barely have to look at the chart. It's a fun pattern, keeps my interest, which is good because I seem to be bored with plain stockinette right now.

Also, did you watch 24? Oh. My. God. Can you believe we have to wait until JANUARY to find out what happens next? The pain! The torture! Oh Jack, can you hold on that long? The sad thing is that he's been a super action hero for the past "24 hours" (riiight... and yet I suspend disbelief more than willingly every single week) and now he's going to go without sleep for another 24 hours, undoubtedly while he's fighting terrorism. (Shut up, Karma, don't ruin it for yourself by thinking about it too much...)

On Ribs, A Robot, and a Really Big Belly

The Ribs

I finished the second Rib and Cable Sock pretty quickly, I must say! They've been sitting here patiently, waiting for me to share. Just in time; the weather is forecast to be in the high 70s all week.



Rib and Cable Socks by Nancy Bush
Interweave Knits, Fall 2005
Mountain Colors Bearfoot: Wildflowers
Addi Turbos US1

I really liked this pattern a lot. It's only the second pair of socks I've knit for myself and they're a super fit. Either I'm getting used to placket and flap heels, or this one was just very well written and relatively easy to do. The toe is the 5 point toe from Knitting Vintage Socks and is just lovely.

The Robot

On to the robot. (backstory) I'm trying not to say, "I told you so," at all to Mr. Goodkarma, but he is returning the robot. The robot was pretty expensive, even though he bought a refurbished model, and I thought it was a ridiculous expense for such a basic function in life. However, since he was really, really excited about a litter box that would keep itself clean while I'm not allowed to clean it, I left it up to him.

- The entrance to the robot is smaller and narrower than the entrance to our normal litter box with lid.
- I think the inside is also smaller; it's just the globe part of the top that your cat goes into.
- I saw Lennon use it several times and he's the bigger cat! He's very easy going as long as there's a steady food supply.
- Julian only used it once or twice. He really avoided the robot.
- The noises and motions were weird... Lennon got used to them but Julian never trusted the thing. He's more skittish.
- Finally, sometimes when Lennon used the box, the way he positioned his body was... well, as if there were no litter box at all. He pointed his tail out the door and sprayed! Ack! Fortunately, in the place where the litter box is we currently have old carpet that's going to be replaced, but it's still disconcerting (not to mention smelly) to see a spray of cat piss coming out of the entrance of the litter robot onto the carpet.

Enough of that. Bye bye, Darth Vader Robot!

The Really Big Belly

And now what you've all been asking for.... a belly picture. First off, let me say how fortunate I feel to be pregnant and how much I am looking forward to knowing this little peanut that's growing inside me. However, and I know I've mentioned this before, but the whole pregnancy/weight gain/body morph thing has been really, really psychologically bizarre for me. Some women say that their pregnancy was the best time of their life, they loved it, bladdyblahblah. My pregnancy has been relatively easy and I'm feeling pretty good physically, but I guess I'm so used to working hard to lose weight when I was heavier and working hard to become more fit, that this is not the golden goddess time of my life.

Click here to read my Invasion of the Body Snatchers post, including a before picture and a 24 week picture. And now I present a 34 week picture taken a week ago at a baby shower:



So the countdown is progressing... about five weeks until Baby Karma makes an appearance! My midwife today told me it could really be any time, but she hopes I'll stay pregnant for at least two more weeks. Wish me luck!

Jenny I Got Your Number

Just a few tidbits and I promise soon I will be back to being a knitblogger.

1. If your name is Jenny Z and you're from Cali, will you please send me an email? I got your sweeeeet package today and I want to thank you for it. But I don't know who you are! This is the ultimate mystery.

2. Many of you asked how the Litter Robot is working. I haven't replied to you because we're still letting the boys get used to it and transition from their old litter box. Today it looks like there's some action in the Mr. Roboto, so hopefully I'll have a full review for you soon.

3. Has anyone knit with Schoeller Stahl Micro Cable? (Googling didn't help much, sadly.) Or has anyone seen/touched it? Is it going to be nasty acrylic-ly yarn or is it really, as elann describes, going to be a "Satiny smooth, airy light microfibre!"??

4. Have you seen these ads? Super cute.

Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto!

When you're pregnant, you're not supposed to change the cat litter box. Mr. Goodkarma wasn't very happy about that. He made the loudest, most dramatic protests every time he had to do this chore that I've been doing for the last ten years and insisted that it was time to get an automatic litter box. The kind that basically cleans itself. Right. Away. This is what he came up with. Naturally, he chose black.


It's enormous and robotic and the first time Julian and Lennon saw it do its thing (the globe part mechanically rotates more than 360 degrees and then back again to clean itself, each time a cat leaves a deposit), they must have thought Darth Vader just invaded their home. BIG eyes. Very curious and a little scared. But now, a day or two later, they seem to think it's just another part of the house.

In more interesting news, I met Sundara and her friend V again last night, and their friends S and D were there, too. This time, we actually knit! Yay! These are four really great gals and I'm glad to have met them. Plus, V taught us all about hush puppies. She thought we were all so cute for not knowing what they are. I've had them a couple of times but most of the others hadn't. Next time, though, I want her to explain the mystery of grits.


I finished the first Rib and Cable Sock over the weekend and it fits perfectly! Yay! Nancy Bush is really smart and I should just follow her directions. (Unlike with the Conwys when I assumed that my feet were bigger/wider than they truly are and ended up with sloppy socks.) I like the toe shaping; I believe it's the same as the Star of Three Points toe in her Knitting Vintage Socks book. Here's the first one:

And so of course I cast on for sock #2 right away. For me, in my limited sock experience anyway, sock #2 always goes so much faster. I take my time with sock #1, sometimes putting it down for days/weeks, because I worry that it won't fit or that my heel will suck or that I'll run out of yarn or some other ridiculous thing. I think now I'm going to attack socks much more confidently (as long as I have a pattern that I know is well written) and not worry about that stuff. I have yarn for a couple more pairs of socks (thinking of those Retro Rib Socks by Evelyn Clark in IK for one pair) and then I've got to try out Sundara's sock yarn. So. Pretty. She tells us about the yarn that she chooses (only the best, none of this cheap stuff for her), and tells us what she does or doesn't like about other sock yarns out there, which is really good information for me since I'm still experimenting so much with different yarns/fibers/brands/etc. I am super tempted to buy her yarn already, but I'm trying to be reasonable and not have tooooo much "overstock" in my house at once.

At my first meeting with Sundara, I had Jemima with me and she said I was "brave" for knitting sweaters while I'm so preggo. That made me stop and think. Am I being brave, am I determined to get my figure back as much as reasonable, or am I in denial? Something to think about while I redirect my attention to socks! haha


And speaking of babies, I have received the sweetest gifties in the mail recently! The first one came from Mitten's mama, Heidi. She's makes baby bibs and changing pads out of cool vintage fabrics and sells them at her shop. I was surprised and happy to receive this cool one! I love the red print and it's reversible with an olive green back. Tres chic! My little peanut is going to be so stylin'. Heidi also sent a couple of great articles; what a good pal.


I was really surprised to get a package today from New Zealand. Kim (aka Kozmic at Knitty) knit this sweet baby sweater for the little peanut! I love the colors. The yarn is a machine washable wool blend with primary colored flecks, from New Zealand, naturally! Can't wait to see this on the little one, maybe with the red Robeez monkey slippers my mom gave me. How lucky am I?

Finally, I got the new KnitPicks catalog this week and decided to skim through it this morning. I found two projects that look strangely familiar....

Tidbits

I brought the Shawl Collar Pullover to my mom's house for a visit a few days ago. Guess who it fit perfectly? Grr. Jealous? Me? Hmph. She said she wants "hers" to have longer sleeves, though. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink.

Guess who I'm planning to meet tomorrow for the first time? I'll give you a hint. You might know her by her purly whites. And she dyes really beautiful yarn! We've been chatting for ages about meeting up sometime to knit and we finally made plans for tomorrow, after my yoga class. Can't wait!






I'm still in love with Jemima + Rowan Cashsoft DK + Addi Turbos. I finally found a good solution for Jemima, too. I've been mentally tinkering with how to add length and waist shaping, possibly keeping the lovely tubular cast-on and subsequent ribbing, without having the puckering at the hip problem. Wanna know what I'm doing? I'm using the directions for Shawl Collar Pullover for the bottom half of Jemima! I'm also thinking of ixnaying the placket and buttons. I don't think I'll ever find buttons that will match my colors, and I hate that poorly matched buttons might make the whole sweater look cheesy. So now, is this still Jemima? Maybe her name will change to Jemi-not. Or something equally dorky. 'Cause that's how I roll. har har.

I had to buy a new bra today. In a new (read: bigger) size. And dangit, the lovely associate at Nordstrom wasn't convinced that I'm done growing in bra sizes. She thinks I should come back again a couple of weeks before my due date and get fitted AGAIN. Like expensive supportive bras for girls like me grow on trees. Aiya. Whatareyagonnado.

Have you heard of mail2web.com? Maybe I'm the last girl on earth to find out about it. I thought I'd never be able to access my home email on the web (what a pain when you're traveling, out and about, at work expecting an important message to come to your home email addy, etc.) and the Mr. just found out about this one. Cool.

Adrienne Vittadini Shawl Collar Pullover

We haven't had many shiny happy days in Seattle lately, so I forgot all about photographing this finished sweater. In fact, since it doesn't fit me right now, I put it in my knitting basket and forgot all about it!

Adrienne Vittadini Shawl Collar Pullover
Vogue Knitting Winter 2004/05
Cascade Lana d'Oro, Heathered Purple, just over 10 skeins

I love the shape of this top. The pattern is exceptionally well written with clear instructions on which increases and decreases to use when. Gentle waist shaping means it's going to fit me well this fall. It's really a simple design, and the collar is all the detail it needs. I didn't have to make any alterations to the pattern to make it fit (my normal body) just right, except for adding some length to the sleeves. I tried it on today, just for kicks, and I can tell that later I'm going to love wearing this sweater!

Now I just have to translate this fit to Jemima and I'll be flying high!

Cascade Lana d'Oro was discontinued a year or two ago, so I'm lucky to have bought a couple of bags of it when I did. This purple bag has been sitting around waiting for just the right project. It's a great yarn to knit with and I can't wait to wear it. Lovely soft heathery goodness, great stitch definition with the ribbing.

I'm on spring break this week, which means getting lots of things done around the house, but it also means a little much needed R&R time. It was spring break two years ago when I bought my first needles and Lamb's Pride Bulky to make my first scarf. Two years already! Wow, this hobby has really taken hold.

P.S. Just have to share this sweetness sent to me by dear Karen. A Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran baby hat, so sweet, and a great book of fairy tales, poetry, etc. that will, I know, be a bedtime staple in Casa de Karma. I'm such a lucky gal! I can't wait to show a modeled shot of the little hat. Thanks again, Karen!!! Mwah!

Grumpy McGrumpybutt

Spring break starts in about 7 hours. I'm not counting or anything. I've been a big grumpy sourpuss this week from lack of sleep and readiness for a break, so I want to thank my Mister for putting up with me. xoxo

I was tagged by Big Sister Nicole today. This meme spoke to me for some reason... It's a short little meme that I think had to do with yesterday being the 5th of the month, so I will progress it to 6 for the 6th:

Six minutes to yourself: how would you spend them, ideally? Relaxing in a comfy chair with my eyes closed. See, I told you I'm tired.

Six bucks to spend right now: how would you spend it? I would buy a big pack of Diet Cherry Coke. I'm out. I've been out for a couple of days. Maybe that's why I'm tired?

Six items in your house you could part with, right now, that you hadn't thought of already? We're in the middle of Goodkarma Clean Sweep at my house. I can see about 60 items I could part with! Possibly not working paper shredder, possibly not working inkjet printer, a box of styrofoam peanuts, a bamboo window shade that was never installed and never will be, a vinyl window shade left behind by the previous owners of the house, and a few bags of magazines that multiplied overnight.

Six items you absolutely, positively could never part with in your house? My husband, my iPod, my Mac, my digital camera, my knitting stuff, my photos.

Six words you love? "Come here and snuggle with me."

Your turn Moni, Parikha and Angela.

Jemima was here

I'm still working on Jemima. At least, that's what I tell her as she sits patiently in a big zip-lock freezer bag for the past few weeks or so. The two sleeves are done. I've been working out how to add both length and waist shaping to the bodice. I started out with a tubular cast on (love it) and kind of winged it but now I think I have too steep a slope from hip to waist and I don't want any bulging going on at the hips. So that's why she's sitting in a zip-lock still.

I was thinking about whether or not I really want that ribbing at my hip. And then it hit me this morning on my way to work: why not build an Hourglass Jemima? I can use the bottom half of Hourglass to construct a knitted hem (including a couple of rows of contrast color at the very bottom, just like Jemima has?) and waist shaping, but keep everything else true to the original Jemima pattern. Hmm. Still considering this. I think it's a good idea.

Now I must get my fix watch 24.

F is for feet

Where have I been? The past two weeks have been unbelievably frantic.

*Car repair estimates: check.

*Kitty cat feeling better: check.

*Attend Sen. Barack Obama rally for Sen. Maria Cantwell: check.

*Baby's first goth show: check. (Sisters of Mercy came to town... sadly, their show was very poorly engineered so they sounded awful and the smoke machine was working so well that you could only see the performers' sunglasses... but on a brighter note, Rob Dickinson, lead singer of The Catherine Wheel, opened with a solo set and was brilliant.)

*Prenatal yoga classes: check.

*Childbirth classes: check.

*Pass the gestational diabetes screening: check.

*Belly finally grown bigger than bust: check. check.

*Home office deconstructed to make room for nursery: check. I've been relegated to a corner in the dungeon basement rec room, which is working out pretty well. Lennon (in the picture to the right) welcomes me to his lair. His favorite spot is on top of the hot water heater.

*Bureaucratic meetings, workshops and conferences: check.

*Report cards: almost done.

*Knitting: check.

Ruffle Rib Socks
Interweave Knits, Summer 2005
Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, Georgetown colorway, leftover from my own Conwys.
Addi Turbos size 0 (2mm)

These were fun to knit. At another time in my life, they would have taken so little time, but they were the perfect project to bring along to a meeting or to knit along with the little bit of TV I've had time for these days. A row here, a heel there, and they're finally done!

I've been wanting to try short row heels and this pattern felt like a sampler: short row toes and short row heels, plus a decorative zig-zag bind off that I hadn't tried before. I'm really happy with the results; I hope the future wearer of them feels the same way.

My Conwys (color is more true on the first two pictures than here) were knitted on Addi Turbos size 1 and I really, really like the denser fabric of these socks done on size 0. Lesson learned: check!

Murphy, Lay Off!

Remember when I said I was going to have knitting content soon? Yeah. I'm having one of those Murphy's Law kind of weeks. My car was hit on Tuesday (I wasn't in it)(the guy left a note, thank goodness), so that's one more thing to deal with. Sweet kitty baby Julian is not well. He had bloodwork done on the same day my car was hit (luckily the car is drivable!) and I'm hoping that he will improve. I went to yoga last night and got so relaxed I could have fallen asleep three times! :) But my evenings have been spent with a sad, clingy furball in my lap, so not a whole lot of knitting done.

Notice that Jemima is making steady progress? The sleeves are done. Yay! I cast on the front (tubular, my new best friend) yesterday during a painful budget meeting at work (money + public schools = pain and anguish) and then realized that I forgot something... the sweater as designed is a bit shorter than I wanted and has no waist shaping... it just increases up from the hem to the bustline. I need more of an hourglass shape so I need to figure in some waist decreases from the hip, and then increase to the bust.

So I'll redo that tubular cast-on when I have that all figured out. Should be simple to reconfigure, as long as Murphy's Law doesn't send raining frogs or some other catastrophe to add to this lovely week. :)

One more thing:
Addi Turbos + Rowan Cashsoft = Heaven.

E is for Earth

My students, along with another class, planted 600 plants, shrubs, and trees on our campus last week. They've been learning about water conservation, native vs. invasive plants, drought resistance, etc. They had a blast planning the gardens, preparing the soil, and finally planting. I can't wait until spring is truly here so they can see some of the plants come out of dormancy.