Knitting, sewing, cross stitching, my life in general.





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2005 knit FOs

• 6 scarves
• 1 ipod cozy
• 1 baby sweater
• 15 pairs adult socks
• 3 pair infant socks
• 1 pair earrings
• 3 baby hats
• 1 adult sweater
• 9 wool soakers
• 2 washcloths
• 1 toy
• 2 Christmas stockings
• 1 watchband
• 5 Christmas ornaments
• 2 wire votive candle sleeves

Sometimes it seems like I never finish anything. Well, other than socks that is. I'm glad that I kept my photos organized over the past year so I was able to look back and add up everything that I did finish. Hey, that's not too shabby! The only "big" project I finished was Rogue, and most of the knitting for that was actually done last year. Lots of socks and soakers! I also did some cross stitch and quite a bit of sewing (lots of diapers)! Oh, and of course Henry was my most important FO of all!

posted by Stephanie at 2:52 PM

 

New pj pants! I love this fabric. I love these pj pants. I love the leetle red pom-poms on the bottom.

When I was in Wisconsin in October I saw this fabric (it's flannel with little fat cardinals on it) and I put it on my Christmas list. My mom, I mean Santa sent me 3 yards or so. Yay! I got the red pom-pom trim at Walmart.
posted by Stephanie at 7:22 PM

 
I borrowed this from here, but only picked the things I wanted to answer (mainly all the ones pertaining to Henry. heh).

end of year wrap-up

What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before?
Had a baby!

Did anyone close to you give birth?
Me! Also, Sarah and Dody

What date from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 22--the day Henry was born (also May 18--the day my water broke 7 1/2 weeks early)!

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
heh. I think we all know the answer to that one.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not really, but I did spend a week in the hospital.

Where did most of your money go?
Bills, food, yarn, fabric, Henry.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Hmm. Henry? ;)

What song will always remind you of 2005?
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer

Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?: happier
ii. thinner or fatter?: about the same.
iii. richer or poorer?: about the same.

Did you fall in love in 2005?
definitely.

What did you want and get?
a healthy baby.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 33. I stayed home and took care of a baby and a sick husband. and ate cake.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?
yoga pants, babeee.

What kept you sane?
Prozac, knitting, my husband, Henry, Karen, my sister, my mom (I need a lot of help).

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I can certainly tell you that it is not Tom Cruise (I had to borrow this answer too cuz I loved it so much).

Who was the best new person you met?
you have to ask? ;)
posted by Stephanie at 9:32 AM

 

Have I mentioned that my friend Karen (owner of phibetababy) is extremely talented? And kind? And generous? Well, she is. She gives Henry (and me) gifts all the time (here's one of my Christmas gifts). But this gift just takes your breath away. It's a handknit Dale of Norway fair isle baby blanket. Click here for a better view. Amazing.
posted by Stephanie at 9:16 AM

 

posted by Stephanie at 8:23 AM

 

posted by Stephanie at 9:46 AM

 
Random Friday

• I've been doing some baking. I made holiday pretzel treats, snickerdoodles, gingersnaps, m&m cookies, and peanut butter cookies. Tomorrow I will bake a pecan pie and I might also make some raspberry thumprint cookies since Karen sent me a recipe.
• I think I have a sinus infection, but naturally my doctor's office is closed until Tuesday. So I consulted the very wise (and kind) Norma (did you see her gorgeous mittens?) and I am taking her advice (steam, neti pot, myrrh, and slippery elm, sudafed). Hopefully I will feel better by Sunday, when we are supposed to take Henry to visit his Grandma in L.A.
• I'm having lots of fun knitting my Port Orford sweater (I'm working on the back right now).
• Have you seen the YEAR-END BLOWOUT sale at Webs? Hmm, very tempting. I'm thinking about some Donegal tweed. We'll see if there's any left after I decide what to do with my Christmas money.
• HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

posted by Stephanie at 3:48 PM

 

posted by Stephanie at 10:48 AM

 

Here are my 2 finished votive sleeves (modeling next to Mr. Tubbs the snowman, of course). The pattern is from the (awesome) book Handknit Holidays by Melanie Falick. I used 26 gauge wire instead of 24 gauge cuz that's what I had on hand. For one (on the left) I used all faux pearls and for the other (on the right) I used faux pearls plus some white and clear beads that were in my stash. I think they look cute, but not great. I'm not sure if I want to give them as gifts or not. They worked up quickly, but knitting with wire isn't all that fun IMHO. It's hard on the hands (and the needles)!
posted by Stephanie at 6:26 PM

 
I love my slow cooker. Especially now that Henry is here. I can prepare dinner early in the morning before he gets up or when he is taking his first nap. Then I don't have to worry about doing it in the evenings when he is usually crabby. Here's what we're having tonight with some buttery garlic bread

Crockpot Ravioli casserole
Adapted from The Slow Cooker Ready and Waiting Cookbook by Rick Rodgers

1 small onion, chopped
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 28oz can crushed roma tomatoes in puree
1 15oz can tomato sauce
2 t Italian seasoning
¼ t black pepper
1 10oz pkg frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed to remove excess moisture
1 lb farfalle pasta
2 c ricotta cheese
½ c shredded parmesan cheese

Combine the first 7 ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir and cook on low for 7-8 hours.

Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Stir pasta and cheeses into the slow cooker and cook for 5 minutes.
posted by Stephanie at 12:06 PM

 

Hurrah, I am finally done with all of my Christmas gifts (4 sewn, 8 knit). Here's the last of the bunch--woolease slipper socks for my BIL in LA Dodgers colors.

So you know what I did today? I cast on a sweater for me. I'm using Cascade 220 in a yummy heathery green color. I also played with the votive sleeve pattern in Handknit Holidays. My first try came out kind of mneh. I'm not sure if I will try another one right away or not (I was thinking about making one as a last minute gift for my MIL, but if I don't feel like it that's fine too. We already got her a gift).
posted by Stephanie at 10:12 PM

 

Hurrah! DH's stocking is done. Well except for the blocking, which might have to wait until after Christmas. This is a suprise and I don't really have anywhere to lay it out and block it where DH won't see it. Except in my shower maybe?

Anyway, I used Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool and Cascade 220. Just like Henry's stocking, I cast on 64 sts with US 7 needles. The cuff is seed stitch. It's hard to see, but there is patterning on the leg (which I got from the Christmas Stockings book). A band of snowflakes and a band of dots. Once again my duplicate stitch looks crummy, but oh well. At least it's consistently crummy on both stockings. Heh.
posted by Stephanie at 5:34 PM

 

I took a litle bit of a break from my holiday knitting to make something small for myself. When I first saw the pattern for boogie time in the new knitty, I really didn't think much of it. But then I saw that someone on this blog made one as a gift, and I started thinking that maybe I needed one. I am very picky about watches for some reason. They certainly don't have to be fancy or expensive--my last watch was obtained free with proof of purchase from a cereal box! But for some reason I always have trouble picking one that's just right. Well, you can't really go wrong with a koigu watch, now can you? I used some koigu from my stash (sorry, I don't know the color number) and the watch was $4.97 from Walmart (I know, evil empire yadda yadda).

This I like.
posted by Stephanie at 2:45 PM

 

Here are Henry's new Christmas pjs. I bought a yard of the red and white checked flannel fabric (it has little embroidered gingerbread men all over it) from JoAnns, not really knowing what I was going to do with it. Of course when I decided to make the pjs I didn't have enough fabric so I had to use the red flannel from my stash for the sleeves. Now I really like it and I think it looks better than if I had used the print for the sleeves as well. I used a commerical pattern and just made a few changes. It's a gown style, but the pattern called for a drawstring at the bottom. I used elastic (hurrah for easy diaper changes)! I also left off the hood and sewed on a facing instead, didn't using interfacing, and I had to shorten the sleeves. Anyway, they kept Henry nice and warm last night and he likes scratching the little gingerbread men. :)
posted by Stephanie at 9:22 AM

 

Well, I'm not sure why I haven't felt like blogging lately. Maybe it's the stress of the holiday season, or this headache that I've had for days (and maybe the 2 are related, ya think)?

Anyway, at least my cold is just about gone and neither DH or Henry seem to have caught it. I've been doing some knitting and I'm almost done with my holiday gifts. All of the sewn gifts are done. I finished knitting my sister's bf's boot/slipper socks (see pic). They are 2 strands of woolease (in wheat) on size 8 needles. BIL's slipper socks--1 down and the second one started. That only leaves DH's Christmas stocking, which I just started today. Oh, and I need to finish up a frame that I'm painting for my mom.

I went to the post office today and mailed off most of my packages. There's just one big one left that goes to my mom's house so it's not quite ready to go yet.

I made the executive decision to put my sewing machine away for a little bit. I keep wanting to start new sewing projects but I just don't have the time right now since I need to finish up the holiday stuff. Then when I get the sewing machine back out, my first priority will be size medium cloth diapers for Henry (size small don't fit any more)! I need to order more Aplix although I may use some Christmas money to buy a snap press.

edited to add: sock labels available here
posted by Stephanie at 4:45 PM

 
I'm still sick, but luckily I don't have to work this weekend. DH and I can get some much-needed R&R (well, as much as one can get with a 6-month old in the house).

I finished 2 more Christmas gifts and I posted about it here.
posted by Stephanie at 9:48 AM

 
Random Wednesday

• I have another cold. So not fair. I feel like crap.
• I'm almost done with my mom's Christmas gift socks. woot! (they're in worsted weight with short cuff so yeah, they go pretty fast)
• The UPS guy commented on my gnome pjs today (no he wasn't delivering yarn, just some digital prints)
• I did order some yarn from elann yesterday (Rowanspun 4-ply, which sold out right away) to make a vest in this book (ordered the book today. heh).
• Mr. Tubbs the snowman came to live with me yesterday. He is so cute.
• I sewed 2 Christmas stockings (no pic, see point #1). A huge one that I put on my front door and a smaller one that's going to my mom (they were made from printed fabric panels from Joanns).

posted by Stephanie at 4:59 PM

 


I'm not doing my usual all-out Christmas decorating this year. Too busy, too tired, apartment is too cluttered (with baby stuff. oh, and yarn. and fabric). I did steal an idea from some other bloggers and make some festive pom pom garland. I love it! I put some on the cactus on the patio and some on our tiny potted live tree. Note that the topper on the tree is one of my festive penguins. And he has pom pom earmuffs to match the garland!
posted by Stephanie at 10:24 AM

 


I've been sewing up some Christmas gifts. Partly because it's faster than knitting, but also because these are things that were on certain people's lists! Shorts for my sister and a fleece jacket for my mom. Did I mention that we're Green Bay Packer fans? Heh. I think the only things left on my sewing gift list are a couple of stockings that I just yesterday decided to make. They should be quick. Then I really need to get back to my gift knitting (and I need to stop making Christmas decorations)!
posted by Stephanie at 9:42 AM

 

Yay, it's finally finished! And hung by the fake fireplace with care. It's not perfect (especially where I had to do fair isle over the gap between dpns), but I'm pretty happy with it. Yes, I wet blocked it. Twice even.

Yarn: Cascade 220 (I love this yarn)
Needles: US 7
Pattern: I basically just cast on 64 stitches and made a big sock. I did a foldover picot hem at the top. The fair isle patterns were taken from various sources (special thanks to Karen for finding the moose). The name was duplicate stitched on later.
posted by Stephanie at 8:15 AM

 

Here's what I finished up at 6am this morning (Henry was up at 4:45 to eat and then went right back to sleep....) You can click for a bigger pic.

Inspiration and instructions here at Molly Chicken. I used cheapie craft store felt and buttons for eyes cuz that was easy. I added a few little embellishments like ribbon bow-ties. I'm quite pleased with them, but I haven't decided how I want to display them. I'm thinking I might put them on a ribbon and make a garland to hang on the front door.

Henry's Christmas stocking is finally finished and I wet-blocked it a second time. I will post a pic once it's dry. I'm sewing a fleece shirt jacket for my mom for Christmas.

Today I work, but it looks like I will be off tomorrow. Yay!
posted by Stephanie at 6:55 AM

 

Random Wednesday

• I'm tired.
• I made this sock doll from one adult Christmas sock. He is going to live with my sister.
• I've determined that I hate duplicate stitch. I'm trying to stitch Henry's name on his Christmas stocking and it looks like shit.
• I really want one of these. And some of these. And this.
• Henry ate organic rice cereal yesterday and today. I swear he already gets this whole "eating from a spoon" thing.
• I was making my Christmas list and checking it twice at 4am this morning.
• so tired.

posted by Stephanie at 1:35 PM

 
Henry had his 6-month well-baby doctor visit this morning. He is doing great and we got the green light to start him on solids!

• age: 6months+8days (adjusted age: 4months+22days)
• weight: 14.14lbs
• height: 26 1/2 inches (!!)
• head circumference: 42cms

posted by Stephanie at 12:57 PM

 


Yesterday I saw this post by Larissa and decided that I had to knit Henry one of those baby gnomes. So I did a web search and found the free pattern here (oh how I love the internets). I whipped one up for Henry using my trusty Cascade 220 leftovers and polyfil (instead of wool batting). He seems to like it. Mainly, he likes eating the end of the hat.
posted by Stephanie at 9:46 AM

 


Yes, the Packers lost again yesterday. But Henry still loves his new Packer soaker. I used Cascade 220 in green and gold and this pattern (the adorable snowman blankie was a gift from Karen).
posted by Stephanie at 12:05 PM

 

Lazy Sunday

We had a very nice Thanksgiving. It was just the three of us (!!) at home and I cooked an easy meal (no sweet potatoes or anything for Henry--he hasn't started on solids yet). Friday morning I braved JoAnn's for their big sale. It wasn't too crowded and I got a few good deals (like cute flannel prints for 96 cents a yard)! Then I went in and worked all day since DH was off and was able to stay with H. Yesterday was work, grocery shop, migraine, sleep. Yuck. Today should be a nice lazy day with everyone at home--reading the paper (see pic), watching football. I may even do a bit of cleaning and sewing or knitting.

Knitting Update. No knitting time at work over the past 2 days so I only managed to cast on my mom's Christmas socks (Lorna's Laces worsted) and knit about 5 rows of ribbing. I finished H's Green Bay Packers soaker and I just need to embroider a big "G" on the butt. I'm cruising along on H's Christmas stocking and I'm almost to the toe. Of course, DH did say something about H having a fancy stocking and the two of us having cheap store-bought ones.....we'll see if there's time. Maybe next year.
posted by Stephanie at 9:36 AM

 


posted by Stephanie at 2:50 PM

 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

First, I finished my apron (click for big) for Nov/Dec tie one on (the theme was holiday). I found both of these fabrics at JoAnns and I thought they would be just perfect for my Christmas-cookie-baking-apron!

Second, I started Henry's Christmas stocking! See my post and in-progress picture at the StockingAlong blog!
posted by Stephanie at 8:53 PM

 


posted by Stephanie at 9:22 AM

 

Two good things about working weekends

1. DH is starting to realize that my 'at home job' isn't such a piece of cake (and he doesn't even do the laundry, dishes, etc). Heh.
2. I can sometimes squeeze in some knitting time while tests are running and I finally finished the Opal Tiger socks that have been languishing since I returned from Wisconsin last month. These are a xmas gift for DH's cousin (for those keeping track I am now 3/7 on knit xmas gifts).
posted by Stephanie at 11:57 AM

 
The weekend. Right. There probably won't be a lot of weekend crafting going on in these parts since I'm working weekends now. I talked to the people at the temp agency where I was working while I was pregnant. They were kind enough to let me work weekends whenever there is work to be done. It's a good thing since I can get out of the house and make a little dough, and DH can spend some quality time with Henry. And actually this afternoon I was able to sneak in a bit of sock knitting at work while waiting for some tests to finish running. woot!

I need to stop at JoAnns on my way home tomorrow. I need fiberfill to finish Henry's stuffed Rudolph and red bias tape to finish my holiday apron for tie one on (which is extended through the end of the year btw, so you have plenty of time to get in on the fun)! Knitting--green and gold soaker, opal tiger socks, blue and white slipper socks. Thinking about--xmas socks for mom and Henry's stocking.
posted by Stephanie at 8:29 PM

 
It's 85 degrees here in San Diego and I'm wearing hand-knit wool socks. Do I have the air conditioning on? Nope. I'm still sick. Wah. I guess I should be thankful that I'm not at my mom's house right now. She said yesterday when she got up it was 5 degrees and there was 8 inches of snow on the ground!
posted by Stephanie at 11:33 AM

 

Random Thursday

• I sewed this cute flannel baby blanket for Henry. He approves (click for big. there are cows in santa hats)!
• My sister sent me the following regarding the Rogue sweater I knit for her "Oh, I forgot to tell you that I wore my hand-knit cable sweater out on Friday night to the art walk, and I got TONS of compliments from all the hip art enthusiasts! I guess they really can appreciate handmade artwork!" Aawwwww. That's why that girl gets so many handknits from me.
• I started a pair of slipper socks for BIL with one strand of blue and one strand of white woolease (for the Dodgers). zzzzzzzzzz, bored already.
• So, I just cast on for a new wool soaker for Henry. In Packer colors. Hey, he needs a new one, what can a mama do?
• I have no idea what we're doing for Thanksgiving.
• Today I got our Christmas cards in the mail and they are sooooo cute. Nope, sorry--can't show you. It would ruin the suprise.

posted by Stephanie at 7:46 PM

 


The good news is that I don't think I have mastitis. The bad news is that I have a nasty cold. And Henry and I are on our own for the entire week because DH (who gave me the cold, btw) is on a business trip. Wah.

I did manage to finish two things yesterday, though. First, I sewed together this cute little Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer soft book for Henry. I bought the panel for about $4 at Walmart and just added some quilt batting that I had lying around. He seems to like it!

I also finished the Green Bay Packers slipper socks for my dad. I used this pattern and one skein of woolease in butterscotch and one skein in hunter green. They work up really quickly cuz they are bulky (double-stranded woolease on US 8 needles) and they have a short cuff. These are really perfect for when you need a quick gift on a budget! Plus they are easy care. I'm planning on making another pair for my BIL in Dodger colors.
posted by Stephanie at 1:22 PM

 

Well, I went back and looked at the pics of Henry that I took yesterday (for our Christmas cards). I ended up finding one that I really liked so I went ahead and ordered some cards from snapfish. Phew. There's one thing I can cross off my to do list, and I didn't even have to haul H to Sears photo studio or anything. Here you see an example of a pic that will not be featured on this year's cards. Heh.
posted by Stephanie at 7:48 AM

 
Gah. Today was one of those days. One of those days where I have a million things I want to get done, but I keep flitting from one thing to the next and I don't really accomplish much of anything. And then I feel uneasy. Like I'm trying to rush everything and doing everything poorly.

Things I tried to work on today (but didn't finish): organizing sewing notions, sewing a Rudolph soft book, knitting slipper socks, Henry's baby book, Christmas gift photos in frames, a photo shoot for this year's Christmas cards. You get the idea.

I ran out of chocolate. That is obviously the problem. Oh, and I think I'm getting a cold. or mastitis. or both. Like I said, gah.
posted by Stephanie at 6:09 PM

 

I am really pleased with how this turned out. I used Lion Brand fun fur (white) and Lion Brand woolease (red, from my stash).
posted by Stephanie at 12:35 PM

 

Your Birthdate: November 11

Spiritual and thoughtful, you tend to take a step back from the world. You're very sensitive to what's going on around you, yet you remain calm. Although you are brilliant, it may take you a while to find your niche. Your creativity is supreme, but it sometimes makes it hard for you to get things done. Your strength: Your inner peace Your weakness: You get stuck in the clouds Your power color: Emerald Your power symbol: Leaf Your power month: November

posted by Stephanie at 12:58 PM

 
Happy Birthday to me! I'm not sure what the plan is for today. Originally DH was going to take the day off and watch Henry so I could have the day off. BUT, DH has a nasty cold so it looks like I will be 'working' today after all. Oh well, I will be hanging out with the super-cutest-sweetest baby in the universe! And I got some great gifts to play with (more on that tomorrow) and a bit of money--maybe I will do some online shopping.
posted by Stephanie at 1:30 AM

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOM!

I have the greatest mom ever. Seriously. I am lucky and you should be jealous (don't worry, I have lots of other annoying and crazy relatives to even things out).

I called her bright and early this morning to say happy birthday and make her open her present (nothing handmade this time).

• Green Bay Packer ski gloves (for the game she's going to on Christmas day...brrrrr)
• Green Bay Packer snowman earrings
• 2 Christmas ornaments
• some yummy shower gel

Hope you have a great day, mom!

posted by Stephanie at 7:18 AM

 
Hmmm. I am struggling with trying to figure out how much holiday knitting I can really get done this year. Babies can keep you very busy, so my knitting time is pretty limited! (like right now, Henry is taking a nap. but I want to blog and then take a shower. see, no knitting time) And since I'm staying home with the baby, money is limited as well.

Sewing time is almost non-existent too. Partly because we have no space for me to haul out my sewing machine and accessories and it's almost impossible to find room to cut stuff out. Then there's the fact that the sewing machine is in the dining room and Henry usually naps in the living room so of course I don't want to run the machine and wake him up!

I think I will take the easy way out and give framed Henry photos to a lot of the relatives. I have one pair of socks done (sister) and another pair is 75% complete (DH's cousin). I really want to knit a new pair of slipper socks for my mom since her favorite pair has holes. Then, my sister requested a pair of sewn Packer shorts (like some I made for myself) and my dad requested Packer socks (after he saw mine). Let's not forget that I simply must knit a santa hat and Christmas stocking for Henry.

Uh, I better get to that shower so I can do some knitting during the next naptime!
posted by Stephanie at 7:20 AM

 
Random Tuesday

• Go vote today (if there's a local election where you are). I'm all happy because my polling place is within walking distance. This means I can take Henry in the stroller. Very important.
• I'm almost done with my commissioned knitting, then I can get back to knitting and sewing for the holidays!
• Today Henry is 4 months adjusted.
• Yesterday I baked a pumpkin pie. My DH is out of town. Hmmm, I wonder who will eat the entire pie? (Well, as desserts go, it's relatively healthy. That's my story and I'm sticking to it).
• I need to sew some size medium fitted cloth diapers. I also want to experiment with some pull-on covers in both PUL and fleece.
• I may be going back to work, for weekends only.

posted by Stephanie at 7:45 AM

 
Another meme....20 things about me
(because I've just been knitting commissioned scarves so I don't have much to show you)

1. I was born and raised in northern Wisconsin.
2. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from UWSP and a Master of Science degree in chemistry from LSU.
3. I've been married since 2002, but my husband and I have been together since 1995.
4. I have one son named Henry.
5. I am a huge Green Bay Packers fan.
6. My favorite season is fall.
7. My favorite holiday is Christmas, even though I don't consider myself a Christian.
8. I love drinking hot beverages from mugs.
9. My first job was at Hardee's.
10. Since finishing graduate school I've worked as a lab technician, research associate, chemist, software engineer, and sofware tester.
11. I was a vegetarian for 10 years, but now not so much.
12. I like to cook and bake when I have the time and energy.
13. I have one sister. My brother passed away when he was 14.
14. My best friends are my husband, my mom, and my sister.
15. I have a major sweet tooth. Especially for chocolate.
16. I'm a homebody.
17. I don't really like movies, but I love tv.
18. I'm a morning person (which is a good thing when you have a baby).
19. I love pajamas.
20. I think I like shopping for crafts more than actually doing the crafts.

posted by Stephanie at 8:25 AM

 

Because I don't have much to say, I'll do this knitting meme

What is your all time favourite yarn to knit with?
That's a tough one, but I'll say koigu.
Your favourite needles?
Crystal palace dpns, size 1 (I knit a lot of socks).
The worst thing you've ever knit?
A cardigan for my DH. It turned out way too big and ended up in the trash.
Your most favourite knit pattern? (maybe you don't like wearing it...but it was the most fun to knit)
Probably the Garden shawl from Fiddlesticks (of course, I haven't finished it yet...)
Most valuable knitting technique?
kitchener stitch. I love it and I'm not sure why so many people avoid it like the plague.
Best knit book or magazine?
My favorite magazine is Interweave Knits. I don't think I have a favorite book...it just depends what I'm interested in at the time.
Your favourite knit-a-long?
Knitting on the Road knitalong
Your favourite knitblogs?
Knitorious
The Blue Blog
The Yarn Harlot
Now Norma Knits
Your favourite knitwear designer?
Alice Starmore
The knit item you wear the most? (how about a picture of it!)
socks! (the ones above probably get the most wear of all. They are regia cotton plus)
posted by Stephanie at 4:12 PM

 
We're back from Wisconsin. We had a very nice time and Henry was very well-behaved during traveling (I'm not saying it was easy or fun, but he was a pretty darn good baby).

I didn't get much knitting done at all. I have no idea why I brought so many projects with me because the only thing I worked on was the Opal Tiger socks. Nice and mindless and portable and they are about 75% complete.

I'm happy to report that my mom loves all the wool socks that I make for her and she does indeed wear them. A lot. As a matter of fact, she still continues to wear her favorite pair even though the heels are blown out (must make her a new pair for Christmas). She seems to like the worsted weight socks the best since they are very warm and cushy for wearing around the house. Of course, the fact that I use superwash merino and she wears them around the house = blown out heels. Maybe I will try to knit the next pair on smaller needles.

We did stop at a rummage sale and I got a bunch of great old knitting/craft/crochet magazines for 50 cents for the entire bag! Woo!
posted by Stephanie at 1:05 PM

 


posted by Stephanie at 6:23 AM

 
What knitting am I taking with me on my 2-week trip to Wisconsin?

1. Opal Tiger--plain stockinette socks that will be a xmas gift (I just cast on the first one about 5 minutes ago)
2. A scarf (commissioned)
3. Feather and fan socks--I'm working on the foot of the first sock
4. Henry's lace baby blanket (wouldn't it be nice to finally finish this?)

That should keep me plenty busy. I won't have any airport/airplane knitting time since I will be entertaining Henry. Once I'm home I will be busy taking care of my mom, taking care of Henry, and fending off crazy relatives. But hopefully I will be able to sneak in a little bit of knitting somewhere.

I've also been informed that the local Ben Franklin is going out of business and everything is 70% off. I wonder if they have any yarn left?
posted by Stephanie at 4:05 PM

 


Here's my contribution to Socktoberfest! The koigu Green Bay Packer socks are finished, just in time for my trip to Wisconsin.

Yarn: 1 skein gold koigu and 1 skein green koigu. Needles: US1. Pattern: Basic. 64 sts for the leg and 60 sts for the foot.

I may finish another pair of socks this month, but I will be without internet access from this Tuesday until November 1!
posted by Stephanie at 8:42 AM

 
Drunken CrockPot chicken

3 whole chicken breasts
1 12-oz bottle or can of beer
salt and pepper
dried thyme
1 large potato, cut into chunks
2 c. baby carrots
4 large garlic cloves, sliced
1/2 large onion, sliced
margarine or butter

Put chicken breasts into crockpot. Season skin with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Throw in potato, onions, garlic, and carrots. Pour beer over the top and add a bit more salt and pepper. Cook on high for about 4 hours and low for another hour. Remove veggies with a slotted spoon and put them in a large bowl. Add 1-2 T. butter or margaine and stir well. Remove chicken to a plate and serve!
posted by Stephanie at 11:07 AM

 
Today was another pretty good day. Henry slept from 10pm last night until 6am this morning!!!(!!!) We went to the grocery store and Henry did not cry. I baked cupcakes (from a box). I made chicken in the crockpot and it was really good (yes, I used to be a vegetarian. now, not so much. no, I don't really want to talk about it). I took Henry for a 40 minute walk (stroller). I turned the heel on my second koigu Packer sock. I got my amazon order in the mail (2 knitting books, 2 parenting books, and 1 fiction). My favorites, of course, are this and this. Handknit Holidays has a pattern for some Christmassy legwarmers that I must make. Of course, I'm not going to buy the yarn called for (Jo Sharp. $50 for legwarmers. yeah right) and I'm also not going to knit them flat and then seam them (fair isle! as if!) I'm saving Yarn Harlot for my trip.
posted by Stephanie at 9:20 PM

 


Look--it's Mr. Pumpkinhead! Yarn: sugar n cream cotton. needles: US 6. pattern: cast on 80 stitches, knit in 2x2 rib, then change to green and do the decreases until you have 4 stitches. Make a short i-cord. Wash and dry so it shrinks up to the perfect size for mr. pumpkinhead (he has about a 16" head circumference right now).
posted by Stephanie at 9:13 PM

 


I finished Henry's Green Bay Packers mini-quilt and as you can see, he really likes it! I made it with 48 3-inch squares purchased from here. The back is plain gold cotton and the binding is purchased forest green quilt binding. I machine pieced and quilted (the piecing is obviously random--I just pulled the squares out of a bowl as I went along).

What I am doing: trying to knit socks, trying to plan for our trip to Wisconsin, trying to keep Henry entertained. Stay tuned to see if I succeed at any of these.
posted by Stephanie at 9:02 PM

 
Today was a pretty good day. It was cool-ish (for SoCal anyway), so I pretended it was fall. I made sweet potato-cinnamon pancakes for brunch and slow-cooker vegetarian chili for dinner (yumyum). I went to Ross and bought some new flannel jammies for me and 2 cold-weather outfits for Henry (for our trip to WI).

The Packers won!

I even got to go to Starbucks and do a little bit of knitting on the feather and fan lace baby blanket. Pretty good. Too bad it's supposed to warm up again this week. Oh well, I will be busy planning what to pack for the big trip.
posted by Stephanie at 8:41 PM

 

• Later this month, Henry and I are flying to Wisconsin for two weeks. My mom is having rotator cuff surgery so we will try to help her out a little (or at least keep her company). I will get to see fall (yay!), but I will also get to experience flying alone with a 4-month old (eek)! If anyone has tips on flying with babies, please share. I should get some knitting time (once we're home, not on the plane) and Henry and I will both get to wear some wool sweaters and socks!
• Henry's Packer quilt is almost done. I just need to finish sewing on the binding (by hand).
• I've been working on my feather and fan socks (love) and some secret commission knitting (henceforth known as SCK). I really need to make Henry a pumpkin hat before we leave and I might try to sew a few flannel sleepers for him.

posted by Stephanie at 9:26 AM

 

The Friday Harbor socks are finally complete!
Pattern: Friday Harbor from Knitting on the Road by Nancy Bush
Yarn: Mountain Colors Weavers Wool Quarters in evergreen (the exact yarn called for in the pattern)
Needles: US 4 for the cuff and US 3 for the rest
For: my sister for Christmas (she spent a summer doing research at Friday Harbor Marine Station, and currently lives nearby)
KAL: kotr-sock-kal yahoo group

Thanks to Margene for posting her tips on this pattern. I seriously could not wrap my brain around the error in the lace cuff until I just did exactly what she said.
posted by Stephanie at 1:35 PM

 

Alas. Brett Favre was marvelous (Favrelous) last night, but my beloved Packers are still 0-4. Sigh. I did finish my first koigu packer sock, though. I will probably cast on for the second one as soon as I finish the Friday Harbor socks.

I did a bit of stash cleaning this morning as I was looking for yarn for a secret commissioned project (nothing that exciting, really. just a way to make some $$)

The Padres aren't doing so well either...
posted by Stephanie at 12:46 PM

 

In honor of the Packers on Monday Night Football tonight, here's Henry's Packer mini-quilt in progress. Again, we have 3" squares, although this time there are 48. I just picked them randomly out of a bowl and sewed them together. [Let me let you in on a little secret--I *hate* cutting little fabric squares so I buy them precut from here!]
posted by Stephanie at 8:14 AM

 

Halloween mini-quilt! (no, it's not really crooked--I just somehow managed to take the picture at a bit of an angle). This is made up of 30 3" squares, the back is plain orange cotton, and I used purchased black quilt binding. I took the easy way out and my "quilting" is just machine stitching "in the ditch" with a black zig-zag. That's how I put the binding on as well. But I think it's appropriate for a Halloween mini-quilt! This is going in the mail to my mom.
posted by Stephanie at 3:11 PM

 

Here's a weird photo of Friday Harbor sock #1 on my arm (shut up. it seemed like a good idea at the time). At least you can kind of see the lace pattern and the great colors in this yarn (Mountain Colors Weavers Wool quarters in evergreen). After my sister tried on my first attempt, I made the following changes: (1) I knit the cuff with a size 4 needle (while the rest of the sock is knit on 3s). It was too tight on her calf. (2) I did my 'regular' toe (the round toe looked and felt wonky). I think this sock will be much better on her. I did start sock #2, but it won't be finished by the KAL 'deadline' of Friday. That's ok--these are a Christmas gift so when you look at it that way I have lots of time!
posted by Stephanie at 9:25 PM

 


Well, the Packers are 0-3. Sigh. But, there are no fair-weather fans here. No siree! Here's a picture of me, my mom, and Henry this past Sunday. It was pretty funny when on Saturday I was thinking of taking some photos like this and I asked my mom if she had brought along a Packer shirt. Heeheehaahaa, of course she had! And this gorgeous (Green Bay Packers) sock yarn is from Dani. Go check out the great yarn she has for sale, or ask for your own custom-dyed sock yarn!
posted by Stephanie at 2:59 PM