Tuesdays...

I used to think that Tuesdays were the most underwhelming day of the week. I mean, Tuesday, it's not Monday (which we all dread as the start of the work week), it's not Wednesday, the porverbial hump day, and it's not Thursday or Friday which signify the end of the week and start of the weekend... it's not really note worthy on it's own at all. Right? Wrong. Now, it's SnB night for me at Make1 (my LYS) and that means an entire night to myself. Sigh. Except for last week and now it looks like this week may be a miss as well.

Why? Because I have an exam to write. Yes, you heard me right. An exam. Why? Because just before I became pregnant, I decided to take another degree and signed up for distance learning which (if I passed the courses, would be paid for by my work). Of course, if I don't pass, work doesn't pay, and I am out about $550.00 for the course. So, here I am, long story short, cramming for an exam that will happen in 2 days. Dumb? Yes. Absolutely.

So, knitting has halted for the time being. I have, however, made some progress on my Sockapalooza4 socks.

And the baby blanket that hopefully will be finished by the time baby arrives.

I have been working almost non-stop on these two projects exclusively as I am sure that I will deliver early with this baby (although I have probably just jinxed myself) and I want to ensure that my sock pal gets her socks on time and the baby has something to wrap up in that is snuggly and warm.

However, for the next few days, it appears that all I will be doing is studying. Bah.

Not a Finished Object In Sight

...and no pictures today either. Why? Simply because I am sick. Summer colds are the worst aren't they? Add 6 pounds of baby, a house that is hotter than sin, a grumpy almost five year old (who is also sort of sick in the way that kids get) and you get one cranky, unproductive, me.

Remember that I said that the needles would be flying this week? To me, it doesn't feel like I have gotten much done, but when I sat down and thought about it, I must admit, I have more done than I thought I did. I finished my first Monkey sock for my Sockapalooza4 pal and I really am happy with the way that it turned out. I did make some modifications (specifically to the heel), but you will have to wait until they are both done for a photo. I then cast on for the Denim Pants in Last Minute Knitted Gifts. These are a relatively slow knit for a baby item. I blame the endless rows of stockinette stitch. The yarn (Rowan Denim) is also turning my hands blue. I will have to remember to wash these alone with some vinegar so the dye sets. And, this morning, I cast on for the Entrelac Baby Blanket that I have been dreaming of for a few months now. My yarn came in Tuesday night and although I only have a row and a half done, I am in love already.

Otherwise, in baby news, I have dropped considerably and am thinking that this baby will most likely make an early appearance. Bunny was 10 days overdue when I was induced with her, but I have a feeling her brother or sister will not follow in her footsteps. This of course presents a problem logistically as the baby's room is no where near ready. It still needs to be painted and the crib needs to be put together. Also, we have no mobile, no decorations, and no dresser. If the baby was born today, it would have to sleep in a drawer. Husband has promised to paint today, so hopefully by the weekend, it will look a little less like a spare room and more like a nursery.

For now though, I am just waiting and knitting...

It's Good to be Free

I am done work as of 4PM today. I almost can't believe it. What a serious marathon - between trying to make sure my workload is going to be covered, to packing up my office and getting things in order for the person who will be taking over my office in the time that I am gone - life has been hectic and stressful. Blissfully, it is all done and I can now focus on my family.

And, I have been knitting, but only working on small things for the last while. I have so many projects to start working on, but have felt unable to meet the task of committing myself to something larger. I have, however, been using Ravelry to the fullest to keep track of all the projects that I want to get started on. If you are a knitter, then you will no doubt be aware of the amazing genius that is Ravelry. Truly, this site is like Facebook for fiber artists! It also keeps track of my works in progress; one of which is a rolled neck sweater for the new baby.



I am making this out of Dream In Color Classy yarn in the Deep Seaflower colorway and although the picture doesn't actually show it, I am finished the sleeves and am just putting on the neck finishing. It was an easy, somewhat mindless knit, which was exactly what I needed right now. I loved this yarn, it was so soft and really squishy, but am thinking I might buy some Lorna's Laces Worsted to make a second one. I would really like to see this in something a little less muted.

I really only have one other active project on the needles right now. The Scokapalooza4 socks are to be done for August 2 and I intend to meet this deadline. Of course, what with the baby on the way, I really only have until mid July (if all goes according to plan), so I have been working here and there on the socks that I picked for my partner. I was originally going to choose a pattern from the Interweave sock book that came out this year, but after hearing such good things about Monkey, I changed my mind. Monkey it is. And, I really do think the Monkey pattern sets off the Mama e C*EYE*ber Fiber yarn that I am using.

Babies Everywhere

Another day and another baby project done. Seems like there are babies coming out of the woodwork these days. So, because we know for sure that there are two baby girls in the family (one of which arrived last week and the other is still baking - due in September), I have spent some time knitting some pink things. Pink things are cute. Baby things are cute. Pink baby things are uber cute.

Pattern: 5 Hour Baby Sweater (Last Minute Knitted Gifts) & Ruffled Hat

Yarn: Mission Falls Worsted in Raspberry

Needles: Size 10.5 US (sweater) & 9 US (hat)

Size: Newborn

Modifications: None

I also stopped off at my not-so-local yarn store on my way home from a meeting in that area of town and picked up some of the things that I can't get at my fave LYS. I got a Phildar pattern book with some itty bitty and not so itty bitty patterns for Bunny and the new bean. The cool thing is that the book has a hooded jacket that I can make in sizes which will fit both kidlets. And, before anyone comments, yes, I realize that this makes me one of those moms. I know and yet, I don't care. Matching stuff is dorky, but cute. I promise not to knit a ton of these. Don't want to mess up the kids forever.

I am planning to make the baby size in Butterfly Super 10 Cotton that I bought today at the not so local LYS and the big girl version in some Sari cotton that I have hanging around from a sweater I sent to the frog pond.

Otherwise, one week of work left before I can start living at my LYS and knitting all day... I can't wait.