Monday, January 03, 2011
Almost Didn't
I almost didn't get TPT's Christmas stocking finished in time for Santa's visit, but there it is--far right.
I bound off and grafted the toe and seamed the seam right about December 20. That's cutting it kind of close.
We are running out of room!
Labels: Christmas
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
It's Been a Long, Long Time
As several of you have reminded me, I haven't blogged in a while. You see, I've been sort of busy.
Twice since I last blogged, we have had company (a rare occurance in the Casa) and then there were the holidays and the annual visit of the Plague (Hamthrax, head cold, call it what you want, but it's going around and around and around)!
Christmas morning dawned (not nearly as early as I remember it 30 years ago) with presents and stockings and a visit (secret in the night) from a Jolly Elf.
All was good.
Matchboxes can entertain a 3 year old for hours on end! And so, there were Matchboxes galore! And then some more. (Just between us, there are at least 8 more of those suckers hidden in my office. . .Just saying.
First Christmases are very special even if you won't remember them.
That's why we take pictures.
We know that they don't stay this size for long. Just look back to January 2008 posts to see the Tiny Prince, Original (TPO), at this same age and size.
Note: TPO is 3'3" tall now, though he insists that he is "Just 3!"
And we take pictures so that we will remember very special smiles, because they are so precious.
Also precious: snuggling with a teensy at 2 in the A while he eats. And burps. And remains upright for 20 minutes. (I did a fair amount of one-handed "farming" in the middle of the night.)
And just as precious: Waking up at 4 in the A to a little person who says, "Hi, it's me!" and then crawls into the middle (one pillow, one blanket, no piggyloo) and sleeps for another three hours (saints be praised!) until teensy wakes up again to eat again. And burp. rinse, repeat.
Cindy Lou Who has nothing on the Tiny Prince Two (TPT) who is seen here wearing the hat I made for his Big Brother (TPO) for his first Christmas and his very own red wool hoodie (pattern at Knitting Pure and Simple in the free section).
I'm afraid if you want to replicate the hat, you will have to wing it.
The sorta "recipe" can be found here.
The shirt is an old favorite. I try to wear it often during the season.
Twice since I last blogged, we have had company (a rare occurance in the Casa) and then there were the holidays and the annual visit of the Plague (Hamthrax, head cold, call it what you want, but it's going around and around and around)!
Christmas morning dawned (not nearly as early as I remember it 30 years ago) with presents and stockings and a visit (secret in the night) from a Jolly Elf.
All was good.
Matchboxes can entertain a 3 year old for hours on end! And so, there were Matchboxes galore! And then some more. (Just between us, there are at least 8 more of those suckers hidden in my office. . .Just saying.
First Christmases are very special even if you won't remember them.
That's why we take pictures.
We know that they don't stay this size for long. Just look back to January 2008 posts to see the Tiny Prince, Original (TPO), at this same age and size.
Note: TPO is 3'3" tall now, though he insists that he is "Just 3!"
And we take pictures so that we will remember very special smiles, because they are so precious.
Also precious: snuggling with a teensy at 2 in the A while he eats. And burps. And remains upright for 20 minutes. (I did a fair amount of one-handed "farming" in the middle of the night.)
And just as precious: Waking up at 4 in the A to a little person who says, "Hi, it's me!" and then crawls into the middle (one pillow, one blanket, no piggyloo) and sleeps for another three hours (saints be praised!) until teensy wakes up again to eat again. And burp. rinse, repeat.
Cindy Lou Who has nothing on the Tiny Prince Two (TPT) who is seen here wearing the hat I made for his Big Brother (TPO) for his first Christmas and his very own red wool hoodie (pattern at Knitting Pure and Simple in the free section).
I'm afraid if you want to replicate the hat, you will have to wing it.
The sorta "recipe" can be found here.
The shirt is an old favorite. I try to wear it often during the season.
Labels: Christmas, Tiny Prince
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Belated Christmas
I know it's very late. I hope my regular readers will forgive the delay. We were busily celebrating with the Tiny Prince.
Every day is a celebration when there are little people in the house! Tiny Prince and his mama were able to visit for an entire week!
We had so much fun!
There were books to read.
And new clothes to wear (Santa brought socks.)
Aside: Santa always brings new socks. I never get new socks in my stocking (or new nail clippers or a new toothbrush). What do you suppose is up with that?
Uncle Cool brought most of the goggies to visit.
That's Belle, Katie, and Helen. Belle is the Forever Dog; the other two (and Beetle) are Foster Dogs, though, I suspect, they are really Forever Dogs, too.
Helen was badly neglected, but is regrowing her fur (how long do you suppose a dog has to sit in her own pee to burn all the fur off her tail?) She's settling in at the zoo.
Attention: You read it here! The Other Half and I are not adopting Helen!
Belle's place is right in the thick of things. She doesn't care what's going on as long as she's included.
Here's a favorite toy: Thomas the Tank Engine "starter" set.
I hear that these things can be a huge empty pit money suck.
They look so innocent!
Another favorite toy.
What did little boys do before there were Matchbox cars?
Was there ever a time before Matchbox cars?
Is that all??
Can I play now?
Flashlight?
For me?
All in all, it was a wonderful Christmas and a very wonderful visit. The Tiny Prince has gone home. The house is very quiet and very empty.
::sigh::
Every day is a celebration when there are little people in the house! Tiny Prince and his mama were able to visit for an entire week!
We had so much fun!
There were books to read.
And new clothes to wear (Santa brought socks.)
Aside: Santa always brings new socks. I never get new socks in my stocking (or new nail clippers or a new toothbrush). What do you suppose is up with that?
Uncle Cool brought most of the goggies to visit.That's Belle, Katie, and Helen. Belle is the Forever Dog; the other two (and Beetle) are Foster Dogs, though, I suspect, they are really Forever Dogs, too.
Helen was badly neglected, but is regrowing her fur (how long do you suppose a dog has to sit in her own pee to burn all the fur off her tail?) She's settling in at the zoo.
Attention: You read it here! The Other Half and I are not adopting Helen!
Belle's place is right in the thick of things. She doesn't care what's going on as long as she's included.
Here's a favorite toy: Thomas the Tank Engine "starter" set.
I hear that these things can be a huge empty pit money suck.
They look so innocent!
Another favorite toy.
What did little boys do before there were Matchbox cars?
Was there ever a time before Matchbox cars?
Is that all??
Can I play now?
Flashlight?
For me?
All in all, it was a wonderful Christmas and a very wonderful visit. The Tiny Prince has gone home. The house is very quiet and very empty.
::sigh::
Labels: Christmas, Tiny Prince
Sunday, October 04, 2009
The Countdown Starts
I know we already had the fair countdown, but that's over and done with for another year (or until 2010 panic sets in).I'm talking about Christmas countdown.
As in 81 days ::eep:: from now, we will all be in Gay and Festive mode.
I'm lucky. No one expects much out of me this Christmas. I've been sick.
So I am hoping that the
It's available again at Smiley's; don't wait if you want some. Availability at Smiley's usually means Closeout.
And here's a little quick and dirty Festive Dishcloth (or facecloth if you are like me and don't wash by hand). The yarn is Old Reliable (Sugar and Cream). The color is Mistletoe.
In health news, I still feel like crap (technical term). I coughed all night (meaning that neither I nor The Other Half got a lot of sleep.
My voice has not come back completely, though it is showing some signs of improvement.
And Monday (tomorrow) marks day 16. You know, nearly the half-way mark.
Labels: big people clothes, Christmas, current events, FOs
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Christmas Is Coming
We are into the double-digits! Christmas is less than 100 days away and the countdown begins. Sorry to wreck your day!
This is the first of a pair of fraternal scarves for a dear friend and her husband (also a dear friend).
The pattern is recognizable, I'm sure. My own variation called for casting on an even number of stitches, because that works better for me (always slip the first stitch purlwise, then start each row with a k and end with a k).
Instead of the Noro yarn called for in the original, I used Patons SWS (Soy Wool Stripes) in Natural Plum and Natural Violet.
I think the effect is very similar to that of Noro Silk Garden. (I can say that because my first one was made with Silk Garden.)
Frankly, I wanted to try the SWS. It seems to be going the way of All Good Yarns and I might never get another chance. So I bought 2 balls each of 4 colorways and cast on.
I am satisfied.
The other colorway is more earthy (translate: masculine) in shades of browns and rusts. That scarf is about half finished.
Yarn review: SWS is loosely twisted and somewhat splitty. It's available in limited colorways and quantities from a couple of online sources (Google is your friend) that I know of.
If you want it, get it now, because it won't last.
I used about 1.5 balls of each of the 2 colorways for this scarf. The leftovers will be incorporated into something (possibly a laprobe or baby blanket) at a later date.
This is the first of a pair of fraternal scarves for a dear friend and her husband (also a dear friend).
The pattern is recognizable, I'm sure. My own variation called for casting on an even number of stitches, because that works better for me (always slip the first stitch purlwise, then start each row with a k and end with a k).
Instead of the Noro yarn called for in the original, I used Patons SWS (Soy Wool Stripes) in Natural Plum and Natural Violet.
I think the effect is very similar to that of Noro Silk Garden. (I can say that because my first one was made with Silk Garden.)
Frankly, I wanted to try the SWS. It seems to be going the way of All Good Yarns and I might never get another chance. So I bought 2 balls each of 4 colorways and cast on.
I am satisfied.
The other colorway is more earthy (translate: masculine) in shades of browns and rusts. That scarf is about half finished.
Yarn review: SWS is loosely twisted and somewhat splitty. It's available in limited colorways and quantities from a couple of online sources (Google is your friend) that I know of.
If you want it, get it now, because it won't last.
I used about 1.5 balls of each of the 2 colorways for this scarf. The leftovers will be incorporated into something (possibly a laprobe or baby blanket) at a later date.
Labels: big people clothes, Christmas
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Right Down To the Wire
I can drop my entries off as early as 8 AM.
I am done. Finished. Fertig. This is as good as it gets.
Everything is pressed, washed, blocked, and ready to go.
And here's the finishing touch. The final piece. The last one in.
Mr. or Mrs. Santa, Other.
He's soft and squishy and I really, really like him. Pattern is very loosely based on one in Jean Greenhowe's Knitted Toys. Yarn is a mixture of cotton and cotton blends. There's Lion Brand Cotton Ease (the red), Some lovely mercerized cotton that I think is Tahki Cotton Classic (the blue and pinks) and more of the Patons Chunky Cotton (the white).
The looped fringe is the technique I "learned" for this one. Fact is, I couldn't do it followin Greenhowe's directions, but found something similar in another book.
That's it for this year's fair entries. I'll post results in about 10 days.
Barbara C sent me this photo of her completed Mittnz.
Love the colors!
Love that there will be warm hands.
Now that fair knitting is behind me, I should get moving on my remaining 6 ::eepp:: pairs! Yes, I really have finished only 3 pairs. So far.
I am done. Finished. Fertig. This is as good as it gets.
Everything is pressed, washed, blocked, and ready to go.And here's the finishing touch. The final piece. The last one in.
Mr. or Mrs. Santa, Other.
He's soft and squishy and I really, really like him. Pattern is very loosely based on one in Jean Greenhowe's Knitted Toys. Yarn is a mixture of cotton and cotton blends. There's Lion Brand Cotton Ease (the red), Some lovely mercerized cotton that I think is Tahki Cotton Classic (the blue and pinks) and more of the Patons Chunky Cotton (the white).
The looped fringe is the technique I "learned" for this one. Fact is, I couldn't do it followin Greenhowe's directions, but found something similar in another book.
That's it for this year's fair entries. I'll post results in about 10 days.
Barbara C sent me this photo of her completed Mittnz.
Love the colors!
Love that there will be warm hands.
Now that fair knitting is behind me, I should get moving on my remaining 6 ::eepp:: pairs! Yes, I really have finished only 3 pairs. So far.
Labels: Christmas, fair entries, mittnz
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Quick Drive By Blog
Two sorta days off (I had a class yesterday morning, remember?) and I was able to stick a fork in 3 more entries.
Witness, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Other (as in "Not Plastic Canvas). This is a Jean Greenhowe pattern. I like him. Her, not so much.
Red Heart.
Toy, Knitted. From 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders ed. by Judith Durant.
Someday, I'll learn to read pattern directions. That will save ripping time!
Yarn is Patons Chunky Cotton that was a gift a while back.
It's called Bedtime Buddy, but in this cotton yarn, it could be BathtimeBuddy except that it would take years to dry after a bath.
I didn't bother to block. No time to dry.
The pink baby blankie. Corners finished with knotted i-cord.
Couldn't wrap my mind around the knitted-on lace border. Gave up. Did i-cord instead.
Here's how it looks in all its glory. Approximately 30"X36" which is an okay size for carseat covering. With more time, I'd have made it bigger.
The fair looms large, with 60 hours until the drop-deadline for turning in entries and I am down to one single last entry to complete. I should be able to finish it after work tonight.
No photo of that here. You'll need to be patient. I need to learn another technique on the fly to finish it.
Or, I'll need to punt!
Labels: baby things, Christmas, fair entries
Sunday, August 23, 2009
All Day, All the Way
A relaxing [?] Sunday, mostly, as I plunged headlong into finishing the last four::eep:: entries for the fair.
For those of you keeping score, they are: Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Other (eyes left to see progress on those), Mr. OR Mrs. Claus, Other (not started, thinking of ideas), Toy, knitted (also not started, but I know what I'll make)
and Infant carriage/crib cover, Knit.
This one needs about 1/2 of the edging completed (piece of cake), though I abandoned the knitted -on lace edging about 3" in. I'll save that technique for when the clock isn't ticking quite so loudly.
Everything is due at the fairgrounds by 6 PM on Friday. That gives me something like 96 hours if I sleep-knit the whole time.
And on a health note: Thanks to everyone for the kind comments, both here on the blog and in my email. I cannot express how much it means to hear from all of you, and especially those of you who are survivors. I will keep you posted on decisions and struggles.
Labels: Christmas, current events, fair entries
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Closing In On the Finish Line
You've seen the snowman. He was featured here.
Now, he is joined by Christmas Ornament-Santa.
Valient effort. Sort of nasty looking.
Cotton yarn with some floofy crap that I got for a buck at the Tree. It really is very nasty to knit, but the texture is what I wanted.
I may throw the rest of it away.
(Caron "Bliss"--bad name for a bad product!)
Labels: Christmas, fair entries, yarn review
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Hey, Santa!
I am starting to have quite a stockpile of Christmas Stockings, Knitted.
I make one for the fair each year and I've given away quite a few. (I think they make great baby gifts!)
This one will rank among my favorites, though.
The pattern, or rather the pattern that suggested this one, is in the Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts 2006 special issue. Designer is Nicky Epstein, and with all due respect, I have to wonder what she was thinking!
The original pattern calls for knitting flat and seaming up the back and for knitting a bunch of i-cord and sewing it on after. I used reverse stockinette (the red) to mimic that look. I knit it on dpns.
I left off the 40 knit-separately-and-sewn-on-last bobbles. I wasn't going to try faking them.
The yarn is Caron Simply Soft (the navy), Plymouth Encore (the red) and some odd ball acrylic from the Tiny Prince's scrap ball bag (the white and black).
I had to really scrounge for that scrap of orange (actually peach) for the carrot nose. It's a bit of variegated baby shades fuzzy stuff also from TP's collection. There was just enough before it turned to white and pink!
The snowman is knit separately and stitched on. That might be the reason for knitting flat, but truthfully, I rolled a magazine up and put it inside to keep me from stitching the front and back together. No big deal. And no seaming.
Seven entries (3 well-started) to go. Twelve days (including today) to go!
Labels: Christmas, fair entries
Saturday, August 08, 2009
What a week!
My birthday (last Saturday, thanks for all the well wishes) spilled over into the week. I am blessed!
Rabbitch sent me some lovely Toe Jam sock yarn (the two hanks of blues) and a little bit of experimental Revenge to add to some I already have in the hopes that there might be enough to make something for the rapidly growing Tiny Prince of Wails.
I'm thinking hat and mittens with actual thumbs, as the Tiny Prince ain't a baby any more!
She's been at the Sock Summit, but she'll be adding to that Etsy page. If you like your socks to be unique, Rabbitworks works! Hop on over.
Ellen sent me these balls of Patons Astra that I plan to combine with some other Astra (it's a DK weight acrylic) into a pair of fair isle-cuffed socks/slippers. This gift was a bit of serendipity as I have several tiny bits of Astra, but nothing "dark for contrast."
Thanks, Ellen! I can move forward now without a trip anywhere that I might be tempted to replenish the stash (as if it needs it)!
I'll start that fair entry soon!
And here's my birthday gift to myself.
Two pounds (!) of silk/merino handpainted semi-solids. It was a genuine bargain and the price is what really got me over my yarn-buying slump.
Yes, I know that I don't need more yarn, but that's never stopped me in the past.
I love this stuff. It feels wonderful and I'm sure it will make up into many wonderful accessories.
And no. I really didn't need it, but sometimes we all need to give in to the wants.
Progress! I really concentrated on fair entries today. The little sweater is almost nearly finished. I need about 4 more cable repeats, then the cabled ribbing, about 48 more rounds, total. Yes, I am counting. I haven't timed a round, though so it hasn't reached the obsession point --yet.
The stocking is looking promising as well. There's a snowman applique that goes on the front. I'll suspend knitting on the leg long enough to make the snow-body so I can see if it's possible to shorten the thing just a tad.
Dark blue for a Christmas stocking? Wait. Really, wait! It's quite cute. You'll see.
Meanwhile, it's supposed to rain all day tomorrow. That will keep us indoors, though the lawn, oh, the lawn, hasn't been mowed in two weeks. It looks pretty bad.
And the weeds, oh, the weeds, haven't been addressed all summer.
And we will not speak about the shrubbery. At All.
Rabbitch sent me some lovely Toe Jam sock yarn (the two hanks of blues) and a little bit of experimental Revenge to add to some I already have in the hopes that there might be enough to make something for the rapidly growing Tiny Prince of Wails.
I'm thinking hat and mittens with actual thumbs, as the Tiny Prince ain't a baby any more!
She's been at the Sock Summit, but she'll be adding to that Etsy page. If you like your socks to be unique, Rabbitworks works! Hop on over.
Ellen sent me these balls of Patons Astra that I plan to combine with some other Astra (it's a DK weight acrylic) into a pair of fair isle-cuffed socks/slippers. This gift was a bit of serendipity as I have several tiny bits of Astra, but nothing "dark for contrast."
Thanks, Ellen! I can move forward now without a trip anywhere that I might be tempted to replenish the stash (as if it needs it)!
I'll start that fair entry soon!
And here's my birthday gift to myself.
Two pounds (!) of silk/merino handpainted semi-solids. It was a genuine bargain and the price is what really got me over my yarn-buying slump.
Yes, I know that I don't need more yarn, but that's never stopped me in the past.
I love this stuff. It feels wonderful and I'm sure it will make up into many wonderful accessories.
And no. I really didn't need it, but sometimes we all need to give in to the wants.
Progress! I really concentrated on fair entries today. The little sweater is almost nearly finished. I need about 4 more cable repeats, then the cabled ribbing, about 48 more rounds, total. Yes, I am counting. I haven't timed a round, though so it hasn't reached the obsession point --yet.
The stocking is looking promising as well. There's a snowman applique that goes on the front. I'll suspend knitting on the leg long enough to make the snow-body so I can see if it's possible to shorten the thing just a tad.
Dark blue for a Christmas stocking? Wait. Really, wait! It's quite cute. You'll see.
Meanwhile, it's supposed to rain all day tomorrow. That will keep us indoors, though the lawn, oh, the lawn, hasn't been mowed in two weeks. It looks pretty bad.
And the weeds, oh, the weeds, haven't been addressed all summer.
And we will not speak about the shrubbery. At All.
Labels: birthdays, children's things, Christmas, fair entries, yarn diet
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Productive Week
In anticipation of Turning Sixty (which I do sometime around noon today), I have been offering sage (hah!) advice all week. Some has been gleaned from years of experience, other was blatantly stolen. It matters not. It's all good stuff. ::coff::
Anyway, I've also been cranking out the fair entries, and even so, I'm getting a bit concerned about what isnot finished - - -yet.
But we're not here to talk about my shortcomings (I hope). Let's talk successes!
Here's a Child Cap, knitted which I think came out pretty well. (It probably won't be big enough for the intended wearer, which is probably okay since he probably won't wear it anyway.)
Yarn is Patons Classic Wool, Denim Marl. Pattern is from Fully Wooly. There's a kid sweater there as well that I have my eye on.
And no matter what you might think, this is not a Christmas ornament.
It is a Winter Bauble. A Solstice Decoration.
The recipient does not celebrate Christmas. But he'd like to play in snow. Sadly (not really), he lives where it doesn't (snow).
So he will have to make do with a tiny Mr. or Mrs. Snowman, Other (as in Not Plastic Canvas or Ceramic). I'll mail it in time for the holiday he celebrates.
Yarn: some sort of leftover pompadour baby weight sparkly stuff and Red Heart sport. Pattern: On a Wing and a Prayer.
And bringing up the rear: Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, Other (see above).
Lightly felted after knitting and stuffing, yarn is some sort of Shetland stuff from that bin over there (the only white yarn in the place that's likely to felt at all), some Brown Sheep Naturespun leftover (the top hat) some turquoise cotton leftovers from Elann (might be Sonata??) and some sparkly stuff that was part of the Great Goodwill Haul of early spring. (I cut it close on that one. There was about 1' left when I finished.)
The pattern was at the Knit Picks website. Don't know if it's still there.
The two blankies are still in production and I have cast on a Child Sweater. Eleven entries to complete; 26 days to do it! ::eep::
Anyway, I've also been cranking out the fair entries, and even so, I'm getting a bit concerned about what isnot finished - - -yet.
But we're not here to talk about my shortcomings (I hope). Let's talk successes!
Here's a Child Cap, knitted which I think came out pretty well. (It probably won't be big enough for the intended wearer, which is probably okay since he probably won't wear it anyway.)
Yarn is Patons Classic Wool, Denim Marl. Pattern is from Fully Wooly. There's a kid sweater there as well that I have my eye on.
And no matter what you might think, this is not a Christmas ornament.
It is a Winter Bauble. A Solstice Decoration.
The recipient does not celebrate Christmas. But he'd like to play in snow. Sadly (not really), he lives where it doesn't (snow).
So he will have to make do with a tiny Mr. or Mrs. Snowman, Other (as in Not Plastic Canvas or Ceramic). I'll mail it in time for the holiday he celebrates.
Yarn: some sort of leftover pompadour baby weight sparkly stuff and Red Heart sport. Pattern: On a Wing and a Prayer.
And bringing up the rear: Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, Other (see above).
Lightly felted after knitting and stuffing, yarn is some sort of Shetland stuff from that bin over there (the only white yarn in the place that's likely to felt at all), some Brown Sheep Naturespun leftover (the top hat) some turquoise cotton leftovers from Elann (might be Sonata??) and some sparkly stuff that was part of the Great Goodwill Haul of early spring. (I cut it close on that one. There was about 1' left when I finished.)
The pattern was at the Knit Picks website. Don't know if it's still there.
The two blankies are still in production and I have cast on a Child Sweater. Eleven entries to complete; 26 days to do it! ::eep::
Labels: children's things, Christmas, fair entries
Friday, December 26, 2008
Where's Your Bone, Girl?
Christmas 2008 at Casa Sheepie.
No little kids to torment Princess Sparky, but instead, Belle of the Ball came to visit, sans her companion animals: Beetle, the Badly Behaved, Katie, the Current Foster Dog, and Raven, the Magnificent. They stayed at the Younger Kid's Home for Wayward Animals, because, frankly Casa Sheepie is not prepared for that sort of
I tried mightily to get a good picture of Belle.
I swear that she was nicely framed before I snapped each of these.
That Goggie moves fast!
Belle (and the other animals) all got new chew toys for Christmas.
Since she was here, Belle got first pick and selected a manufactured "marrow bone" (the kind with the smelly faux beefy crap in the center). She nibbled a bit then "buried" it in the living room chair.
Since we really didn't want to find it there later, I fished it out and gave it back to her.
First, she ran downstairs. Then she ran back to the bedrooms. The next time we saw her, there was No Bone in her mouth.
That was when the search commenced. Hey, Girl, where's your bone? Which, of course, caused her to jump onto the chair and to look for the missing treat.
Who knew that dogs could suffer short term memory loss?
After a long look under all the toss pillows, all the throws, under the skirts of every piece of furniture, under all of the furniture for lord's sake, under all of the piled up blankets, there was still no bone.
That was when she jumped on the bed (!) to communicate with Princess Sparky (who was having none of this "talking" with dogs crap and immediately disappeared under the bed) about the missing bone.
The dog can jump that high! (Our bed is very high.)
Bone! Behind the Other Half's pillow! Wouldn't that have been fun to find at 3 in the morning!?
Finally, she settled down and we got a couple of good photos.
Christmas at Casa Sheepie.
Over for another year.
That's the bone in my hand. It went home with her.
(Did I mention that she tried to bury it in the litter pan?)
Friday, December 12, 2008
And the Winner Is
Goggies!!
Honestly, I tried to sew the dinosaurs on.
But they really are too big and too bumpy, and most of all, too heavy. They need something along the order of Lopi doubled to work.
The Tiny Prince is growing, but it will be a couple of years before he can carry the weight of a sweater heavy enough to support those buttons.
(And I have some buttonsaurs that are even bigger.)
So, for the moment, let's stick to the cute little doggies.
I got them at ButtonDrawer.com
Their name is Augy. They also come in blue.
And here, looking a bit strangely shaped, is the finished sweater.
It is 2X2 rib, lightly blocked. The hanger is what's making it look so odd. I promise, it's normal-shape.
Yarn is Elann.com Superwash Worsted. Pattern is Twizzled Ribbed from Kids to Grown-Ups Seamless Sweaters (Rich Designs) also available at Elann.com
And to recap the other two Christmas Sweaters:
Pattern from Knitting Pure and Simple (neck down, wrap cardigan #263) also available at Elann.com (do I detect a theme?) for the Daughter In Law in Berroco Ultra Alpaca (50/50 blend of alpaca and wool), color Mahogany Mix from Webs (ha! I got ya!).
For the Older Kid, Jared Flood's Cobblestone Sweater in Filatura Lanarota Puno (100% alpaca) that I bought at Smiley's.
All three sweaters are in the hands of the U.S. Postal Service (whose clerk was having a minor meltdown today, but who could blame him? His computer froze right in the middle of taking my money!). They should be at the Palace of the Tiny Prince before ::sob:: the family leaves to spend Christmas with the other grandparents.
Not fair, is what that is!
Honestly, I tried to sew the dinosaurs on.
But they really are too big and too bumpy, and most of all, too heavy. They need something along the order of Lopi doubled to work.
The Tiny Prince is growing, but it will be a couple of years before he can carry the weight of a sweater heavy enough to support those buttons.
(And I have some buttonsaurs that are even bigger.)
So, for the moment, let's stick to the cute little doggies.
I got them at ButtonDrawer.com
Their name is Augy. They also come in blue.
And here, looking a bit strangely shaped, is the finished sweater.It is 2X2 rib, lightly blocked. The hanger is what's making it look so odd. I promise, it's normal-shape.
Yarn is Elann.com Superwash Worsted. Pattern is Twizzled Ribbed from Kids to Grown-Ups Seamless Sweaters (Rich Designs) also available at Elann.com
And to recap the other two Christmas Sweaters:
Pattern from Knitting Pure and Simple (neck down, wrap cardigan #263) also available at Elann.com (do I detect a theme?) for the Daughter In Law in Berroco Ultra Alpaca (50/50 blend of alpaca and wool), color Mahogany Mix from Webs (ha! I got ya!).
For the Older Kid, Jared Flood's Cobblestone Sweater in Filatura Lanarota Puno (100% alpaca) that I bought at Smiley's.
All three sweaters are in the hands of the U.S. Postal Service (whose clerk was having a minor meltdown today, but who could blame him? His computer froze right in the middle of taking my money!). They should be at the Palace of the Tiny Prince before ::sob:: the family leaves to spend Christmas with the other grandparents.
Not fair, is what that is!
Labels: big people clothes, children's things, Christmas
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
What a Difference a Day Makes
Yesterday:
Today:
I love this sweater. I love this yarn (Berocco Ultra Alpaca).
Wanties!
.
Today:
I love this sweater. I love this yarn (Berocco Ultra Alpaca).
Wanties!
.
Labels: Christmas
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Where We Stand
Many years ago, I worked in a furniture store (in the design department). We had an inventory clerk who fancied herself quite the comedienne. Whenever someone would say to her: "Where do we stand on Famous style #432?" (insert manufacturer and style of your/our choice), she would reply:
"We don't stand on the furniture."
Okay, point taken.
Where, though, you are probably wondering, do I stand on the Christmas knitting?
I planned 2 sweaters (one each for Older Kid and Daughter In Law). I finished Sweater #1 (Cobblestone) back before Thanksgiving and plunged ahead on Neck-Down Wrap Cardigan.
Then Thanksgiving intervened.
With the soon-to-be-owners visiting, it became apparent that No Knitting on that project could occur. So I did what any self-respecting knitter does. I cast on another project:
This is a top down "Twizzled Ribbed" Cardigan from Rich Designs Kids to Grown-ups Seamless Sweaters for the Tiny Prince. (Note that following the Growly Dog and Tomten I had not planned to make another TP skin this fall.)
I really like this book (got it at Elann.com if you're interested) and have used it as the jumping off point for several small sweaters. I am currently eyeing some thick and thin wool that's marinating in the stash as a potenial Me Sweater. But I digress.
This yarn is Elann.com Superwash Worsted. Nice stuff to knit with.
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I am auditioning buttons to close this puppy. And speaking of puppies, I have cute little tan puppy-face buttons that would be perfect, but they might be too small.
Also trying out are (eyes left) wooden toggles, boring flat buttons in the perfect shade of teal, and crayons in 6 colors that are acceptable, but not great.
Let the voting and comments begin!
Each one has its drawbacks: too boring, too big, not really washable, too bumpy, too small, not quite the right color. ::sigh::
I am leaning toward puppies or plain or maybe the stegosauruses. Just saying. Just looking for validation. Remember, he's one.
I need to knit one sleeve and the body from the underarm to the hem, then sew on the buttons.
Then, just imagine my delight this morning when I reached his momma's Sweater In Progress off of the high shelf where it was perched during their visit and discovered that the first sleeve was half finished. Yay!
This one needs one whole sleeve, part of the first sleeve, the neckband, and 3 miles of I-cord.
They need to be in the mail in time to reach their destination for December 19.
I will be alternating projects this week with plans to mail ::eep:: Friday.
Will Sheepie make it?
Stay tuned!
"We don't stand on the furniture."
Okay, point taken.
Where, though, you are probably wondering, do I stand on the Christmas knitting?
I planned 2 sweaters (one each for Older Kid and Daughter In Law). I finished Sweater #1 (Cobblestone) back before Thanksgiving and plunged ahead on Neck-Down Wrap Cardigan.
Then Thanksgiving intervened.
With the soon-to-be-owners visiting, it became apparent that No Knitting on that project could occur. So I did what any self-respecting knitter does. I cast on another project:
This is a top down "Twizzled Ribbed" Cardigan from Rich Designs Kids to Grown-ups Seamless Sweaters for the Tiny Prince. (Note that following the Growly Dog and Tomten I had not planned to make another TP skin this fall.)
I really like this book (got it at Elann.com if you're interested) and have used it as the jumping off point for several small sweaters. I am currently eyeing some thick and thin wool that's marinating in the stash as a potenial Me Sweater. But I digress.
This yarn is Elann.com Superwash Worsted. Nice stuff to knit with.
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I am auditioning buttons to close this puppy. And speaking of puppies, I have cute little tan puppy-face buttons that would be perfect, but they might be too small.
Also trying out are (eyes left) wooden toggles, boring flat buttons in the perfect shade of teal, and crayons in 6 colors that are acceptable, but not great.
Let the voting and comments begin!
Each one has its drawbacks: too boring, too big, not really washable, too bumpy, too small, not quite the right color. ::sigh::
I am leaning toward puppies or plain or maybe the stegosauruses. Just saying. Just looking for validation. Remember, he's one.
I need to knit one sleeve and the body from the underarm to the hem, then sew on the buttons.
Then, just imagine my delight this morning when I reached his momma's Sweater In Progress off of the high shelf where it was perched during their visit and discovered that the first sleeve was half finished. Yay!
This one needs one whole sleeve, part of the first sleeve, the neckband, and 3 miles of I-cord.
They need to be in the mail in time to reach their destination for December 19.
I will be alternating projects this week with plans to mail ::eep:: Friday.
Will Sheepie make it?
Stay tuned!
Labels: baby things, big people clothes, Christmas, Tiny Prince
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Doing My Bestest
Santa's watching, folks, and so, it's time to shift that do-gooding into high gear.Observe! Over there on the left. A hat, two scarves, and a pair of mitts. They'll be winging their way on Monday toward NOLA (Katrinaville) with a side stop in the Knitting Asylum where they will meet up with others of their kind before the final trip to Covenant House.
Because there are other needs besides warm woolies, I am including some towels and toothbrushes and a couple pairs of purchased socks.
The towels are of the inexpensive variety, but serviceable. Or so I thought until I got them home and next to the ones we use. Then I realized how rough and scratchy the sizing in terry cloth makes it feel. So I washed a beige, a tan, a yellow, and a navy blue together and threw them (together) in the dryer.
Now I know why the lables all say "wash with like colors."
Oh.
I believe that I am now officially done with "charity" knitting until after the Solstice.
Moving into high gear on the family sweaters. Tiny Prince's cardi is ready for the sleeves. They will be tonight's movie knitting. Boring buttons are selected. Looking for something more exciting.
Labels: big people clothes, charity, Christmas, FOs, WIPs
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Sing, Sing a Song
The title references a song that has been going through my head. "Quiet entertainment" for the Tiny Prince included You-tube viewing of (mostly) Muppets and Sesame Street vids. This one is stuck in my brain!
I have been "away," dear readers, wallowing in self-pity and grief and feeling like, yes, with all that has gone on in the past several weeks, it is absolutely "normal" to feel more than a little sad.
First off, the Tiny Prince's visit was, in many ways, far too short. He's such a fast moving kid on his knees and soon to be on his feet. He wants to feed himself, but falls asleep over his meal, because, Mammo, it's a whole lotta work!
And then, I discovered that the kids will be spending the next holiday with The Other Grandparents, which is, I guess (in my logical mind), Only Fair (but in truth, my emotional mind is saying So Not Fair). It stinks, truthfully.
Since I heard this, I have had a hard time working on the Christmas Sweaters that remain half-done, but instead, threw myself into a quick-knit project:
From Knit U contributor Dez Crawford:
I wanted to remind everyone that Covenant House, serving homeless teens in New Orleans, was Aunt Gail's favorite charitable cause and that I am collecting hats, scarves, mitts and socks for a special holiday delivery in Gail McHugh's memory.
I know you are all in the middle of your holiday knitting, but if you have an extra hat, scarf or other warm item laying around, or if you have time to whip out a hat en route to your holiday dinner, please consider dropping it in the mail soon.
U.S. residents, please postmark no later than December 13 so I receive the item(s) in time for delivery Christmas week. International residents, please drop your item in the mail ASAP.
Although Covenant House accepts donations of garments year round, I like to make a special delivery each holiday season. If you don't have time to knit, they also accept towels, washcloths, toothbrushes, toiletries, and easy-care black pants and white shirts for teen boys and teen girls (many of the kids they assist are trained for jobs in the restaurant business and the black/white combo can be worn to work).
Send to my shop:
Knitting Asylum
8231 Summa Ave.Suite B
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Thanks in advance for your generosity!
I am looking forward to making that delivery Christmas week, and thanks to local knitters who have already donated hats and scarves. Let's help keep Gail's memory alive through her favorite causes!
Dez Crawford, in Baton Rouge
I've finished a scarf, hat, and pair of mitts. When I finish this second scarf, I will wash them all and pop them in the mail to Dez with a quartet of inexpensive but colorful bath towels. (Photo, then.)
Other sad-producing events included the deaths of two folks that I have worked closely with for several years. Bob was a few years older than me, Stephen, a couple years younger. Though neither death was totally unexpected, I will miss them both greatly. The package to Dez will be sent in memory of Stephen, who would understand.
It's not depression, I keep telling myself, but just Normal Sad. If it's still here at the end of the month, I will seek help. I promise.
I have been "away," dear readers, wallowing in self-pity and grief and feeling like, yes, with all that has gone on in the past several weeks, it is absolutely "normal" to feel more than a little sad.
First off, the Tiny Prince's visit was, in many ways, far too short. He's such a fast moving kid on his knees and soon to be on his feet. He wants to feed himself, but falls asleep over his meal, because, Mammo, it's a whole lotta work!
And then, I discovered that the kids will be spending the next holiday with The Other Grandparents, which is, I guess (in my logical mind), Only Fair (but in truth, my emotional mind is saying So Not Fair). It stinks, truthfully.
Since I heard this, I have had a hard time working on the Christmas Sweaters that remain half-done, but instead, threw myself into a quick-knit project:
From Knit U contributor Dez Crawford:
I wanted to remind everyone that Covenant House, serving homeless teens in New Orleans, was Aunt Gail's favorite charitable cause and that I am collecting hats, scarves, mitts and socks for a special holiday delivery in Gail McHugh's memory.
I know you are all in the middle of your holiday knitting, but if you have an extra hat, scarf or other warm item laying around, or if you have time to whip out a hat en route to your holiday dinner, please consider dropping it in the mail soon.
U.S. residents, please postmark no later than December 13 so I receive the item(s) in time for delivery Christmas week. International residents, please drop your item in the mail ASAP.
Although Covenant House accepts donations of garments year round, I like to make a special delivery each holiday season. If you don't have time to knit, they also accept towels, washcloths, toothbrushes, toiletries, and easy-care black pants and white shirts for teen boys and teen girls (many of the kids they assist are trained for jobs in the restaurant business and the black/white combo can be worn to work).
Send to my shop:
Knitting Asylum
8231 Summa Ave.Suite B
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Thanks in advance for your generosity!
I am looking forward to making that delivery Christmas week, and thanks to local knitters who have already donated hats and scarves. Let's help keep Gail's memory alive through her favorite causes!
Dez Crawford, in Baton Rouge
I've finished a scarf, hat, and pair of mitts. When I finish this second scarf, I will wash them all and pop them in the mail to Dez with a quartet of inexpensive but colorful bath towels. (Photo, then.)
Other sad-producing events included the deaths of two folks that I have worked closely with for several years. Bob was a few years older than me, Stephen, a couple years younger. Though neither death was totally unexpected, I will miss them both greatly. The package to Dez will be sent in memory of Stephen, who would understand.
It's not depression, I keep telling myself, but just Normal Sad. If it's still here at the end of the month, I will seek help. I promise.
Labels: charity, Christmas, current events, Tiny Prince
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sunday, Sunday
Another X-moose sweater is finito.
This is Jared Flood's Cobblestone (from last fall's IK?) all done up in Filatura Lanarota "Puno" from Smiley's. I chose the camel heather colorway and was most pleased with the hand and the feel.
I'm not crazy about the way my wrap and turns look on the right shoulder. I think a little manipulation of the stitches might be in order.
It stretched to enormous proportions when I washed it, but a short trip through a warm dryer on gentle knocked it back in line.
All in all, a successful project. The dimension match those provided by the intended
The photos don't do it justice at all. But then, when do they ever? The color is much richer in real life.
These were not on the doorstep when I checked on Saturday, but there they were with the newspaper this morning!
I've wanted Wooly Thoughts for a while, and when I saw it on the Overstock.com site (I was shopping for a birthday gift),
My story. Sticking to it.
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