Catchin' Up

For those of you wondering, I did not drop off the face of the earth. I have, in fact, been busy knitting, playing constant taxi driver to kids activities and sick. But let's not talk about anything but the knitting, because that is much more interesting.

Last Saturday, I met .... Meg Swansen and Amy Detjen at Midwest Masters. Meg and Amy taught the class I attended on Unspun Icelandic Wool. It was f.a.n.t.a.s.t.i.c.!!! Not only was their class very educational, but extremely entertaining. I'm not really awed by celebrities, but I'll admit, I wanted to be their friend. All attending the class felt that way. We all selected a wheel of the unspun Icelandic (mine was a denim blue) and began knitting a shawl that Amy designed. We sat, we knit, we learnt, we laughed and we had so much fun. I was very surprised to enjoy working with the wheel of yarn and it was so cheap that most of us ended up buying more yarn to make a sweater. I'd recommend taking a look at the schoolhouse press website and grabbing some of this yarn. It's only $7 a wheel (around 300yds).

I've also been busy finishing the cape and tank samples for Tess Designer Yarns. (pics to follow later). I am very surprised with how much I like the cape. It's one of the designs from the last issue of Knitters in Merino and Angora. The color used in the book does not do it any favors. I knit it for Tess in a baby pink and it looks beautiful. Just the right thing for a prom or wedding to keep your shoulders warm on a breezy day. The tank... didn't turn out as well as I'd of liked. So, I stalled a day and will overnight it later after making some changes.

Good news! The camera arrived home from Best Buy hospital so I will hook it up later and post pictures of all the completed and WIP's. Let's be honest, that's the first thing you look at on a blog. Scan the pics and then read the text.

Mason-Dixon Knitting

I was recently reading Yarn Harlot's blog and came across her review of the Mason-Dixon Knitting book. I'll admit that I'd heard of the book and was not thinking of buying it, but YH was so excited about the book that it piqued my curiosity. So I looked online and got more interested, then I went to B&N and next thing I know ... bells were ringing.. fireworks were going of, and I was in L.O.V.E.

Now you have to understand, I'm not into the kitschy/country scene, but I want to make practically everything in this book and am inspired to try many other projects that it has sparked in my creative little mind. I whipped out a dishcloth, yes me - with dishcloth cotton - who'd guessed - on Sunday evening (will post pic tomorrow) and today started on the baby kimono. I've been searching the web for the double worsted weight peaches and creame to make a bathmat for the boys bathroom. This is so unlike me, I'm a complete fiber snob, but I'm dreaming of Walmart $ cotton yarn.

The blankets are amazing in this book and fortunately I can use some nicer yarn like Elisabeth Lavold's Silky Wool (love that yarn). I'm also eager to decorate little princesses denim jacket with edging.

If you haven't looked at this book - go buy it. It really gets the creative knitting juices going.

Pigs will fly...

Finally, an update! It's not that I was being lazy or anything. In fact, my nimble little fingers have been very busy - knitting up a storm, well, at least a breeze. I even have a piccie or two, no thanks to the camera and docking station that decided to flip out on me and are now recuperating at Best Buy Hospital. In the mean time, here's the latest.

I finished knitting the throw for the living room. I used Plymouth Bulky Baby Alpaca in a pumpkin color and used a stitch pattern from a scarf (Sheep in the city) designed. It looks perfect with the color scheme in the room and the pattern on the pillows. I'm quite chuffed with myself at this point. Although I do need to weave in the last couple of ends.

Here's another pic showing the pretty pattern on the throw and a sock I started. Mmmm. Apparently I'm a pumpkin fan. I picked up the sock yarn last weekend when we went to Appleton for hubby to buy some more chrome toys for his hummer (I swear he treats it more like a Barbie than a car). The yarn was purchased at Yarns By Design where I will be attending a class at the end of month with none other than ....... are you ready for it ...... Meg Swansen. The pattern for the sock is a Schaeffer pattern with a slip stitch. It's mindless knitting, perfect for reading a new book with, such as Mason Dixon Knitting. This book is hilarious. I love the way these gals think. It makes you want to call up your best knitting buddy and laugh about yarn together.

Welcome to Procrastinators Anon.

I suck! What can I say?! I was so disheartened by not completing my Olympic sweater and the craziness of life that I didn't want to write a blog saying "guess what, I failed". Yes, I know knitting is fun and I love it, but there is that competitive side to me. I think one of my downfalls was from immediately moving from one Dale fairisle to a Philosophers Wool Fairisle. My hands, mind, skills needed some dead time. I completely get the YarnHarlot feeling the need to knit garter stitch for a few days.

So, I got 2/3 of the way there on the PW sweater and am slowly progressing on it. I am also working on the Baby Grande Alpaca Throw I designed. I love it, but it's plodding along. I'm also working on a couple of bears for PHYL's BEAR DRIVE. They're fun easy, scrap user-uppers and I feel like a contributor.

I'm trying to compile a list of all WIP's and begin finishing one by one... but then I did stop by LYS today and discover this delicious yarn that I immediately pictured a design for in my little head. So far, I have only told her to wind the yarn and will pick up tomorrow as kiddies were getting restless.

http://blackpurldesigns.com/_wsn/page2.html Pamela is the pattern that I modeled. It looks nothing like me, thank goodness. I look like my makeup is sliding of my face. Not my best picture by far.

The end is near....

I've got to much to do to post on blog and comment to Harlot's blog, so attached is my raving comment.

I hear you loud and clear. Last night I woke up to use the bathroom around 2:30pm and considered whether I should not go back to bed (although I had only been in bed for an hour) and knit. I made myself go back to sleep but dreamed of knitting. If only the amount of knitting I accomplished while sleeping had magically appeared, I would be done. Unfortunately, tis not so. I feel like I am skiing down the hill with the avalanche chasing behind me, getting closer and closer to the inevitable doom of not completing.
I was off to such a great start with the first sleeve finished in 3 days and 2nd sleeve a week later (I was slowing down), then I hit the ribbing on the body and time stood still. AND THEN, my body decided to become ill (which was of you sneaky olympic countries sabotaged me with illness), 3 of 4 kids became ill and then husband informed (reminded) me that we're going out of town for some boring dental conference (oh yeah, and 14th wedding anniversary) in chicago. Which just happens to be the weekend of the pinewood derby, where the pack was so kind as to say that siblings could have cars to race too. I put my foot down at only the 10, 7, and 4 year participating - 13 mo old will just have to hold this against me and drag up on Dr. Phil shows as evidence of psychological abuse later in life. So, 3 cars later - well, actually I have to go help 4 year old paint, calm husband as he profanes about "who hated parents enough to invent such an annoying event" as he tries to get them to the correct weight.
This is a long comment, I know! Did I mention that I was knocking down all the Vitamin C and Echinaeca (smelt wrong) plus beautiful Diet Coke (seriously 6 cans today) to try to complete preparing home for babysitter, knit, pack, cook, pack, laundry (8 loads), knit and I think possibly cry.
Oh, but don't worry I'm not complaining!! ha ha
P.S. How much Diet Coke in the bloodstream constitutes olympic doping? Because if more than 6 is illegal, then I'm pleading the 5th (which I'm not sure I can do, as I'm a british citizen living in the US - Do you have to be american to plead the 5th? and would it even matter if they had this comment as evidence.)
Oh crap! I've lost my ever-knitting-loving mind!

I Made the Team Trials!

Well, I finally finished the first sleeve. I'm behind scschedule, as I need to have both sleeves finished by end of day 5. Hopefully, I'll be able to start catching up. This has been a lot more fun to knit and I had even thought it would. To be honest, I was dreading knitting it the days leading up to the Opening Ceremonies, but once I got going, it was so much fun. You are constantly changing colors and stitch patterns. I love the colors too. I need to check my gauge, as the pattern suggests, to see how many stitches to cast on for the body, but I think I'm fairly close. My sleeve is a little longer than the suggested 19-20". I made it 21, as I think I'd like to turn the cuff up double when wearing.

Now, of course, I have to get cracking on the other sleeve, before I have 2nd sleeve-itis - but I have to finish cooking dinner and finish valentine items for parties tomorrow and do some laundry. Life, sure does get in the way of my knitting time. However, Devil Dec, just told me on his own volition how much he liked the sleeve, as I was photographing it, and how clever I was. If I haven't mentioned before "Devil Dec" is like the cartoon character with the angel on one shoulder arguing with the devil on the other shoulder. Usually the angel wins, but beware when the other does, it's just that its almost entertaining to watch him wresting with his conscience. Don't let the name deceive you, he is such a good boy and we love him to pieces. Better run, as Little E is trying to scan his face and I don't want him to be blinded by the light - he is the smartest 1 year old.

Happy Knitting Teammates!

I decided I need a button. Here is a really quick and let's be honest not the best blog button. But it's my first try. So don't judge harshly.

I'm On My Way to Victory & Happiness Today (I love that song!)

I have been absolutely terrible - Terrible, I tell you - at posting regularly. Here's the update on the knitting front. I started the Dale Agave body and after about 3 in's discovered that my ribbing was too loose and was flaring, so I ripped it off the needles and then had a hard time restarting. So, in the meantime, I completed some Socks That Rock in Deseret Bloom, started another pair in Jaywalker pattern in Carbon colorway (still on needles), Knit a cow print hat (still needing to be felted) for Little E, Completed 1st ballet slipper to be felted for Princess M and then completed 2nd ballet slipper (of course, I didn't felt it yet- procrastination is an art form), finalized the stitch patter I wanted to do for a throw for living room in Baby Grande Alpaca (it's delicious- pics will come later)


And finally, yesterday I started my PW Color My Own sweater sleeve. I didn't start until last night after 9pm and didn't get a whole bunch done as Dr. Tim put me on some funky new meds he wanted me to try that make my head incredibly fuzzy, so my speed was down and being aware of funkiness side effects I knit slow and cautiously. You remember the story of the Turtle and the Hare - I'm being the hare, but don't worry I'll get there (obviously a side effect of drugs is that I start rhyming - not my forte).

I also have officially joined Team Deseret. After a lot of deliberation I decided to find a team that I could connect with and that are positive and upbeat. I'm so impressed, in addition to the Olympics, during that time they are going to work on some squares for Warm Up America. I'm going to try to whip out a couple when PW FairIsle starts to make me go cross eyed.

I'm so excited, but now I need to go knit as HunkyHubbie and WantabeDevil have gone to get some new tennis shoes. MiniAlexKeaton is busy doing piano practice and then is going to play with friends. I have promised Princess M that I'll watch a movie with her (so I can knit).

Have fun knitting peeps!

Knitting in the Car

Just a quick post tonight as am knackered. We went to Appleton this afternoon (nearest larger town/smaller city). Unfortunately we went too late to go to the yarn stores, so I knit away on my Socks that Rock. I had bought the yarn end of November, but only got as far as the ribbing on sock #1 - then a couple of weeks ago, I got the heel turned and started on the foot. Well, thank goodness for car trips, because I got the first sock finished and am half way through the 2x2 ribbing on sock # 2. The only problem with the yarn is that its a little slick and it likes to fly off the size 1 needles; so when it got dark I used the book night lights/reading lamps that Santa was kind enough to put in the kiddies stockings. They work really well. Santa got them at Radio Shack, and they were only $3.99. They clip perfectly onto my seat belt and give just enough light, but no so much that it bothers DH while he's driving. He did occasionally look over at me and laugh, but that was mainly when I felt the need to tell the slippery little buggers (nee stitches) to stop jumping off the bloody needles and behave themselves.

I didn't get anything done on my Dale today, so will have to work extra hard tomorrow as in order to keep on schedule I must have the sleeve (#2) finished by Sunday and I'm about 2/3+ of the way there.

I was very excited when I came home and looked on my blog today and saw that I got my first comment (and not from a friend - as I have been unusually shy about them seeing my poor grammar) from "Jon" - although aren't all knitters brothers and sisters - I know I'm extremely lame, I can't help it, I'm a mother of 4 kids - enough said. He informed me of a knitalong for Philosophers Wool. Yippee! I've been looking for a KAL or group about PW, as I know I'll have some questions. Yeah "Jon"! May your days be filled with many knitted stitches!

Prepping for the Olympics

I've discovered that in order to participate in the YarnHarlot's Knitting Olympics, I will need to have my own Knitting Championship to finish current Dale project (11604 - Agave) - plus complete some of the socks on needles ( I have around 3 - I suffer from 2nd sock syndrome, it's a serious condition..but there is hope). Not forgetting all the swatching (training) that I have to do to prepare for the Olympics.

I decided to do the Color My Own Philosophers Wool Cardi, and in my crazy dreams, I'm thinking I'll do the matching cardi for my daughter (4). Realistically, there is not a chance in Hades that I'll get both done, but one can dream. I've decided that the key to completing Color Own sweater will be to not sleep. Last night I took my sleeping pill (insomnia - a problem for some, but may work for my advantage during the Main Event) and tried to knit on the sleeve of my Dale. The colors for the main part of the sleeve are green and black; I had set a goal to complete 12 more rows before I went to bed and pill took effect... only problem was that after a while I noticed that some of the stitches looked blue and then pink and yellow and red. Bloody Hell! The pill took effect too quick. I'm wondering about cutting sleeping pills in half and only taking half doses so that I can get some zzz's but still get more knitting time.

Sometimes it feels like a Catch 22 - I'm a mum so I have lots of people who are more than happy to wear my constant stream of knitted goods, but they are rude enough to require my attention and time - especially the 1 year old. I appreciate all the sporting events they are in, as I can have an excuse to sit and knit all day long watching them and occasionally remembering to cheer (hopefully when their team scores goal, not their opponents - believe me, it's happened). There are also all of those doctors appointments where I am more than happy to sit in the cough infested waiting room, but then my preschooler has the nerve to want to be held because she has a fever. I have tried knitting with a 4-yr old with a fever on my lap, but if you can manage to get your arms around them and their blankies, you can't keep hold of the needles for all the sweat pouring out of your body because 4yr old has 104 Fever. Very inconvenient. My boys, 7 & 10 have taken quite a liking to the yarn store, but then pester me to teach them how to knit. I have, but it cuts into my knitting time answering their questions and picking up their dropped stitches.

Need to run and put 1yr old down for nap, find project (nee Cartoon on TV for child to stare aimlessly at and playdoh to smash into carpet) for 4 yr old, so I can get some more knitting on sleeve of dale done. I am 1/2 way done on 2nd sleeve. I forced myself to do sleeves first (helpful for guage swatching) and get the pain out of the way.

Introducing the Knittin Brit in WI!

Well, everybody! Let's get the intro taken care of.

My name is Kim and I'm a Knitaholic! No, it's not just some cheesey line - its the truth. At night, I debate whether I should take my sleeping pill or take advantage of the insomnia for more knitting time. Many times the knitting wins, and my poor and unfortunate kids and husband pay the price of having a cranky, tired, knitaholic in the house suffering from withdrawls the next day. I started knitting when I was 5 and was taught by my beautifully talented Nanny Taylor (nee Grandmother) who always inspired me to create and give to others. Whenever a baby was born she would hand over a garbage bag of tiny size 0 needle sweaters, cardi's and pants/dresses for the newbie.

I knitted fairly sporadically for the next 25 years and then moved to Wausau, WI and stayed home with the then 3, now 4, little sprogs. (aged now, 10, 7, 4, and 1) I was wandering around downtown Wausau (takes all of about 5 mins to hit every store) and discovered Black Purl. Knitting Nirvana. I grabbed a project and have never stopped since. I have more yarn than Imelda had shoes. There are projects dotted all around my house, the kitchen (remember a watched pot never boils, but can boil over if the pot won't listed to the "one more row" request, the bathroom (for when hiding from kids and faking stomache upset), the living room (when trying to look interested in visitors with fake smile while trying not to let them see lips moving when counting 2 black, 2 green, 2 black, 1 green on Dale sweater sleeve).

Obviously I have issues, but my husband never really complains as he recalls how expensive therapy was for 1 session a week when afraid was going to drown kids. It probably wasn't the best to quit working right around the Andrea Yates deal and 2 weeks after having 3rd child and move to new state. He thinks knittings a deal - let 's see - 1 session per week $150x4=$600. Even I can't knit that many projects, although I am capable of purchasing that much yarn per month for said projects.

So, as previously mentioned I lack clear thinking when it comes to knitting and felt compelled to sign up with YarnHarlots Olympic Knitting 2006 Challenge Event and am trying to finish other projects before the Feb 10 start date so can complete a Philosophers Wool Sweater by the end of the Olympics (yes, that's 2 weeks).

Basically, I love to knit and when not knitting I love to read about knitting, but unfortunately I have found that reading about knitting does not work as bedtime reading, as after reading about knitting, I feel compelled to get out of bed and sit in the closet and knit for a while, then when tired I get back in bed and read again ... and I think you can see where this is going.

Well, that's me for now. Incredibly happily married to the most supportive man I know, and have 4 hilarious, intelligent and inspiring (yes, don't forget exhausting) children. I love you guys.

Now, I've talked about knitting enough and have to go run upstairs and knit.