I have no new photos to show you, so this post is photoless. But I wanted to check in and let you know I'm still pregnant.
Today is my last day at work. It's surreal - I've always been a full-time something: student, worker. (With the exception of a couple of periods of unemployment / looking for a job. ) After today, I'll be off on leave for a bit, and then return to work part time, and working (mostly) from home.
I keep hoping this means I'll have more time to knit and maybe sew and quilt. Ha ha ha.... I'm hoping at least to keep up with laundry.
I'm working on spiral striped baby socks, which I think are turning out in a good size. But I haven't taken a picture of them, so I haven't blogged about them.
Blogging will continue to be spotty, as after today (when I don't have a work schedule) my computer time will be spotty. That's going to be weird also. I've been mostly attached to the Internet all day, every weekday for over a decade.
Blog reading will also likely be spotty. Sorry, y'all.
42 cloth diapers is a really tall stack of diapers. If I had a photo, I'd show you. (Bad blogger.)
Hopefully, I will show you some photos of socks tomorrow. If I manage to get computer time in. Tomorrow's #1 priority at the moment is sewing curtains. Curtains require much pinning.
Random enough for you?
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Belly shot
I don't know if this really qualifies as "eye candy" but I'm sure some of you are interested in seeing what I look like these days. Contrast to 2 months ago. Definitely arriving everywhere belly-first, and moving slowly.
I saw my OB this morning and everything is still going well; the due date, May 9, is 2 weeks from today, so any day could be the day. However, my OB was predicting that I'd still be pregnant for my next appointment on next Friday.
Today my work is going out to lunch in honor of my wandering off soon, and tonight The Sweetie and I have our "last" dinner-and-a-show date for quite a while.
Have a great weekend!
I saw my OB this morning and everything is still going well; the due date, May 9, is 2 weeks from today, so any day could be the day. However, my OB was predicting that I'd still be pregnant for my next appointment on next Friday.
Today my work is going out to lunch in honor of my wandering off soon, and tonight The Sweetie and I have our "last" dinner-and-a-show date for quite a while.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Ridiculously tiny sock
Does it count as a FO? Not sure. It's about twice as big as the Wee Tiny Sock, but still not really big enough for even a tiny baby. Maybe a 3 pounder, but my baby is already 6 lbs. (according to my OB's estimate).
Pattern: Playful Pairs, from Babies & Toddlers: A Knitter's Dozen (also available as free pdf here).
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Socks that Rock mediumweight, colorway Undertoe.
Needles: Lantern Moon hardwood (dark colored - mahogony?), size 1/2.25mm.
The yarn weight indicated in the pattern is "2-3-4", which I took to mean 2 = fingering with 1 = laceweight, but in the back of the book, it does say they mean 1 = fingering and 2 = sportweight.
So I'm back to the drawing board. I started on Little 16 Newborn Socks last night with the same yarn and needles (size 1), but it was coming out ginormous. I frogged it this morning. I don't really like to knit with size 0 (it's probably because I have Brittany birch needles and they bend) so I wanted to stay in size 1.
I think maybe tonight I'll give another shot at the Playful Pairs pattern, but this time in sportweight. I'll try making spiral socks to match the Spiral Hat, only in size 3 needles.
In other news, the infant car seat is correctly installed in my car. The Sweetie read all of the instructions and installed it, and this morning a very nice CHP officer inspected it and approved it. Yay!
Pattern: Playful Pairs, from Babies & Toddlers: A Knitter's Dozen (also available as free pdf here).
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Socks that Rock mediumweight, colorway Undertoe.
Needles: Lantern Moon hardwood (dark colored - mahogony?), size 1/2.25mm.
The yarn weight indicated in the pattern is "2-3-4", which I took to mean 2 = fingering with 1 = laceweight, but in the back of the book, it does say they mean 1 = fingering and 2 = sportweight.
So I'm back to the drawing board. I started on Little 16 Newborn Socks last night with the same yarn and needles (size 1), but it was coming out ginormous. I frogged it this morning. I don't really like to knit with size 0 (it's probably because I have Brittany birch needles and they bend) so I wanted to stay in size 1.
I think maybe tonight I'll give another shot at the Playful Pairs pattern, but this time in sportweight. I'll try making spiral socks to match the Spiral Hat, only in size 3 needles.
In other news, the infant car seat is correctly installed in my car. The Sweetie read all of the instructions and installed it, and this morning a very nice CHP officer inspected it and approved it. Yay!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Stash enhancement
I decided I wanted to make another one of these, as our decorating theme for our little guy is sailboats. I think the yarn I made the first one was a cotton/acrylic blend (it was definitely washable) that is now discontinued, but I saw Knit Picks had a new Pima cotton/acrylic blend (Comfy), in lots of colors, I ordered it and even paid for shipping.
I wasn't sure if I wanted to have the main color be dark blue (as in my earlier version) or the lighter blue (as pictured in the pattern), so I got 2 balls of each. Then the natural for the sails, although I might change to the gold, and red for the flags.
The yarn is really, really soft. I usually shy away from acrylic (even small amounts in a blend) but I don't think I'm gonna mind this one. Now to quickly knit up some baby socks so I can cast on this hat!
I wasn't sure if I wanted to have the main color be dark blue (as in my earlier version) or the lighter blue (as pictured in the pattern), so I got 2 balls of each. Then the natural for the sails, although I might change to the gold, and red for the flags.
The yarn is really, really soft. I usually shy away from acrylic (even small amounts in a blend) but I don't think I'm gonna mind this one. Now to quickly knit up some baby socks so I can cast on this hat!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
FO: Moc-a-soc booties
Does two of something make a pair? Because while these appear to be two of the same, they actually are different sizes.
Pattern: Moc-a-Soc booties
Needles: Size 2, Addi turbo circular and Clover/Takumi dpns
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Sport in Willow, and Knit Picks Risata in navy.
Size: smallest (1-6 month)
They came out pretty large for a baby. Someone on Ravelry commented on them already and suggested going down to a size 1, which I might try if I have time to give these another shot. It's also possible that using the Addis with the Shine Sport was just too much slipperyness and made it loose.
The first bootie came out really big; the second one, I "thought tighter gauge" and it did come out a bit smaller. There you have it - two booties, not quite the same size.
Changes for next time: Since they come out so large, I would try and convert the pattern into knitting it in the round, rather than seaming up the bottom, at least for the first part of the bottom. Then painting on some rubber stuff to make them non-skid. Also try smaller needles, and maybe all wood needles instead of using the Addi turbos.
Here is a photo which shows the difference in size:
Pattern: Moc-a-Soc booties
Needles: Size 2, Addi turbo circular and Clover/Takumi dpns
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Sport in Willow, and Knit Picks Risata in navy.
Size: smallest (1-6 month)
They came out pretty large for a baby. Someone on Ravelry commented on them already and suggested going down to a size 1, which I might try if I have time to give these another shot. It's also possible that using the Addis with the Shine Sport was just too much slipperyness and made it loose.
The first bootie came out really big; the second one, I "thought tighter gauge" and it did come out a bit smaller. There you have it - two booties, not quite the same size.
Changes for next time: Since they come out so large, I would try and convert the pattern into knitting it in the round, rather than seaming up the bottom, at least for the first part of the bottom. Then painting on some rubber stuff to make them non-skid. Also try smaller needles, and maybe all wood needles instead of using the Addi turbos.
Here is a photo which shows the difference in size:
Monday, April 21, 2008
FO: Spiral baby hat
I have been fascinated by Grumperina's statement about jogless joins via spiraling, rather than fixing up color changes, and I also wanted to make a quick baby hat for my baby to wear when he is born. Finally, I did it.
I got 2 balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (I know I can machine wash and dry it) and started. It wasn't hard to start and the only thing I had to be careful of was whenever I changed color, I was careful about the tension - if I tugged on the yarn (like I usually do to avoid laddering), then it created a column of stiff fabric. Too loose, and it laddered (a little). But here it is, and I love it! This is a really easy hat over 56 stitches on size 5 needles.
Here is a close-up of the side where I changed yarns: no jogs! (Color here is more accurate than above, too.)
I got 2 balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (I know I can machine wash and dry it) and started. It wasn't hard to start and the only thing I had to be careful of was whenever I changed color, I was careful about the tension - if I tugged on the yarn (like I usually do to avoid laddering), then it created a column of stiff fabric. Too loose, and it laddered (a little). But here it is, and I love it! This is a really easy hat over 56 stitches on size 5 needles.
Here is a close-up of the side where I changed yarns: no jogs! (Color here is more accurate than above, too.)
Friday, April 18, 2008
ECF: Flower Friday
One thing that grows really well in our backyard with minimal attention is succulents. And this time of year, they bloom! I don't really enjoy succulents, but I do like it when they produce flowers. Then I feel that they are "real" plants, and not alien sculptures.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Still no news
I neglected to take a picture of my almost-completed second bootie (but this time in a different size due to slightly tighter gauge), so all I have are some photos from the garden.
Here are my snap peas (the ones which the sun was shining on), slightly wilted because of the extreme heat this weekend.
Knitting outlook for this week is still bleak, but Friday evening might bring about finishing the #$%^ bootie and starting on a quick, instant gratification baby hat. Dare I even consider it might be finished that evening also? Oh, okay, then throw in a pair of baby socks to match.
Here are my snap peas (the ones which the sun was shining on), slightly wilted because of the extreme heat this weekend.
Knitting outlook for this week is still bleak, but Friday evening might bring about finishing the #$%^ bootie and starting on a quick, instant gratification baby hat. Dare I even consider it might be finished that evening also? Oh, okay, then throw in a pair of baby socks to match.
Friday, April 11, 2008
ECF: Baby's room
Last weekend, The Sweetie finally got to assemble the crib. We have moved all of our stuff out of the baby's room (and into the hallway....) and it's really started to come together. It has a really nice outlook toward the ocean, and the late day sun lit it up perfectly last week. The daybed is staying there for mom (me) to sleep on in the first few weeks, while dad still has school. That way, baby and I can have nighttime feedings without disturbing the light sleeper dad, and dad will be able to function during the day. (Whoa - mom and dad! Still sounds strange!)
Every day, I make a point to visit the room and look around, imagining baby in the crib. I think The Sweetie does, too.
4 weeks until the due date!
Every day, I make a point to visit the room and look around, imagining baby in the crib. I think The Sweetie does, too.
4 weeks until the due date!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Wee Tiny Sock 2008 (received)
Amanda made this adorable red striped Wee Tiny Sock for the swap and mailed it to me. Her post office was ornery and insisted on an extra 17c postage, so it went back to her and she covered the envelope with 2c stamps - hilarious! (I should have taken a picture. Bad blogger!)
I love the colors and of course it's just plain adorable. I think I'll make a series of Christmas ornaments of my Wee Tiny Socks!
I asked at my local post office about it, and Mary (my postal worker extraordinaire) said that if it won't fit through a 1/4" slot, then it is a package and needs the extra postage. I think it depends on the envelope you use, whether you put the sock in card stock (say, in a greeting card or something), and the pickiness of the person who handles it, whether it gets a pass or not. Last year, I enclosed it in a notecard; this year, I put it in a business envelope. And we have super-friendly people at our post office (although probably the handler was in Santa Barbara, where all non-local mail gets sorted). (Or maybe the term is super-lax people? I mailed a Christmas card to Ireland this year with only domestic postage, and it got there!) Something to consider for next year....
I love the colors and of course it's just plain adorable. I think I'll make a series of Christmas ornaments of my Wee Tiny Socks!
I asked at my local post office about it, and Mary (my postal worker extraordinaire) said that if it won't fit through a 1/4" slot, then it is a package and needs the extra postage. I think it depends on the envelope you use, whether you put the sock in card stock (say, in a greeting card or something), and the pickiness of the person who handles it, whether it gets a pass or not. Last year, I enclosed it in a notecard; this year, I put it in a business envelope. And we have super-friendly people at our post office (although probably the handler was in Santa Barbara, where all non-local mail gets sorted). (Or maybe the term is super-lax people? I mailed a Christmas card to Ireland this year with only domestic postage, and it got there!) Something to consider for next year....
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
FO: Wee Tiny Sock 2008
Here it is, in the same pose as last year's Wee Tiny Sock.
Pattern: The Official Wee Tiny Sock Pattern (pdf)
Needles: Brittany birch dpns, size 0 (which annoyingly warp....)
Yarn: STR mediumweight in Undertoe, left over from the Chevron Scarf.
Notes: I followed the pattern exactly. There was a hole on one side of the heel flap. Pah.
It seems mighty pathetic that the 3rd FO of 2008 is a Wee Tiny Sock, but there it is. It was fun to knit, and I finished it up in two sittings - started at knitting group on a Monday, then finished it on a Sunday night (the night before mailing) sitting in the living room with the Sweetie.
Thanks, Emily, for the great swap!
Pattern: The Official Wee Tiny Sock Pattern (pdf)
Needles: Brittany birch dpns, size 0 (which annoyingly warp....)
Yarn: STR mediumweight in Undertoe, left over from the Chevron Scarf.
Notes: I followed the pattern exactly. There was a hole on one side of the heel flap. Pah.
It seems mighty pathetic that the 3rd FO of 2008 is a Wee Tiny Sock, but there it is. It was fun to knit, and I finished it up in two sittings - started at knitting group on a Monday, then finished it on a Sunday night (the night before mailing) sitting in the living room with the Sweetie.
Thanks, Emily, for the great swap!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
No news is good news
... or, there's worse things than boring. Still haven't found the time to upload photos, so blogging is languishing. I made a Wee Tiny Sock and mailed it. I'll show you later.
Just didn't want y'all to go thinking I had a baby or something. Because he's still kicking me in the ribs.
Just didn't want y'all to go thinking I had a baby or something. Because he's still kicking me in the ribs.
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