Joining Kat & the Unravelers today, sharing what I'm knitting and reading.

KNITTING:

• My Ravelry Project Page: In Threes the Fourth
• Pattern: in threes:a baby cardigan by Kelly Herdrich
• Yarn: Malabrigo Washted, colorway 749 Selva Peruana
• Needles:  US 8 (or possibly 7... if I'm going to forget to record something in Ravelry, it's gonna be the needle size)
• Start to Finish:  August 29 - September 17, 2019

I found cute buttons at the same shop where I bought the yarn, my new LYS called Casting On -- and I sewed them on with the back side facing. I love the variations.

On the way home from dropping Kate at O'Hare last week, I stopped in Oshkosh at Oshkosh B'gosh and found some leggings to go with. I didn't intend to buy two pair, but GLITTERRRRR!!

I've been knitting other things, as well!

Tamarugo hasn't seen a ton of action in the past couple of weeks, but it keeps calling to me.

The yarn is in the most adorable "embroidered pot" that I picked up at Poppy Treffry in St. Ives when we were in Cornwall. It was the cutest shop!

Front and back of tag.  :)

But that's not all...

Technically, that's a finished Sunrise Cowl, but, as you shall see, I have another on the needles and plan at least one (if not two) more.

I am LOVING the colors of the Malabrigo Rasta! The more yellow skein I've had for quite a while... in fact, it was an almost-finished hat for a couple of years. Finally, I decided that it just didn't want to be that. Combined with some other hanks that I've picked up here and there (because I find it almost irresistible), it's all getting knit up into cowls. Possibly Christmas presents.

And I am over the moon in love with my 10-INCH SIZE 15 DPNs!!

READING:

I'm still listening to The Unwomanly Face of War: An Oral History of Women in World War II by Svetlana Alexievich. And on my nightstand is The Bright Hour, which I've been enjoying quite a bit... that's not the right word. It's a good book.

Joining Kat & the Unravelers to share what I'm knitting and reading.

KNITTING:

There's an FO to report!

• Ravelry Project Page: Garter Jacket for Malina
• Pattern: Happy Garter Jacket by Bev Galeskas
• Yarn: Malabrigo Washted, colorway 722 Fortaleza
• Needles:  US 9
• Start to Finish:  February 12 - March 30, 2019

I had plenty of yarn left over (and still do), so decided to knit a pocket across the wider side of the asymmetrical front -- in stockinette instead of garter, just because.

I found the perfect buttons at my new LYS, Casting On, where I'd also purchased the yarn on their "soft opening" day.

Oh, those colors are just so yummy! I haven't had the pleasure of seeing Malina wearing this sweater yet. Hopefully that'll happen soon!

<rant> I am mad that I bought this pattern. First, I already have a very similar pattern that I like a lot, which is also knit in one piece but in a slightly different manner, and has less seaming. Second, while paying $6 or even more for a downloadable pattern is pretty standard these days and I've never balked at that before -- designers deserve to be compensated for their work -- what I'm used to getting for $6 and what I got are two very different things. A photo would have been nice... even a clear line drawing that was larger than a thumbnail would've been great! Just sayin'...

Harumph. Get off my lawn, too. </rant>

MORE KNITTING:

I've been working on a pair of socks for Ginny. This was my "travel knitting," and I actually knit while traveling for a change (jumpstarted by a 5-/6-hour delay)!

This is one-half of a pair of Rye socks from Tin Can Knits. (An incredibly detailed and well designed FREE pattern with both color photos AND drawings.) As usual, even my stretchy cast on is a bit too tight (also, Ginny has chubby legs... which I have a feeling will soon be slimming as they lengthen), so I'm just leaving the ribbing unseamed -- it's actually kind of cute turned down like a little cuff. I had her try them on the other day before I kitchenered the toe, and sock #2 will be on the needles soon! Anyway, I sure like how they're turning out.

READING:

There hasn't been very much of that lately! My Brilliant Friend is still on my nightstand.

I downloaded the audio version of Daisy Jones & The Six before we left on vacation -- because I thought I might want to listen during flights or something. But I didn't. It looks like fun, though, and I might plug it in soon! Maybe I'll listen while I work on the #the100dayproject

KNITTING

It seems a while since there's been an FO in the Knitting Dept. around here! I was on a roll over the weekend and finally sewed buttons on the girls' sweaters, so today there are two:

• Ravelry Project Page: Cockleshell Cardigans
  • Size 18-24 months for Virginia, Size 6-12 months for Malina
• Pattern: Cockleshell Cardigan by Amy Christoffers
• Yarn: Cascade Yarns 128 Superwash (color: Daffodil)
  
  • 4 skeins = 2 sweaters with just a bit left over
• Needles:  US 10
• Start to Finish:  April 24 - May 28, 2018

The color is off in these photos (I blame the floor), it's really more like this:

So bright & happy!

Are they not the most adorable little sweaters? Soft & squishy, too.

Mods: The pattern called for I-cord ties but, um, Nooooo. I opted for matching buttons and crocheted a loop to close.

Mistakes: I made one on the cuff of Gin's sweater, creating an actual cuff... I didn't realize it was a mistake until I started the other half and then had myself a little time trying to recreate that particular "design element"! I also misread (or didn't actually read) the directions and did the 3-needle bind-off to the inside instead of the outside on both sweaters. These things do not bother me in the least!

The kids will be over this evening, so possibly modeled shots forthcoming!!

UPDATE TO ADD:

Oh, they are the cutest!! We had supper together and Gin wouldn't take her sweater off, so... ketchup, chocolate milk, and a little Truffle Kerfuffle later... it's already landed it in the wash! (Came through wonderfully.)

I am still working on Summer Camp! It won't be traveling with me, though, so I'm readying to cast on my first WATER hat to bring along. Check out the Baby Cocktails forum on Ravelry for more info about Water for Flint project and knit-along.

READING

Well, Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder has taken a back seat to The Thoughtful Dresser, which I've already renewed once (and may need to again) (reading has taken a back seat to almost everything else), but I'm getting into a bit more and enjoying it. Plus, there's some traveling ahead and it will be coming along.

I am listening to West Cork, which, it turns out, is actually an "Audible Audiobook - Original Recording." It's not an actual book -- never was, never will be! I think I nabbed it on a promotion or something... anyway, it says "audiobook" in the description, so I'm going with that. And it'll fill a Bingo square! I'll likely finish it on the plane tomorrow, so will be queuing up something else today!

Check out more from Kat & the Unravelers...

I had a little outing with these two today:

Malina is wearing all the red handknits! From the top:

• Aviatrix Hat - knit in May 2012 from my own hand-dyed yarn
• Puerperium Cardigan - knit in May-June 2011, also hand-dyed (part of Project Spectrum)
• Saartjes Bootees - knit in July-August 2007

All have been worn by at least Junah & Ginny before her, and the booties by Addie, too!! Practically vintage...

It was pretty great as far as holiday weekends go!

Rusty & I walked down to the farmers market on Saturday morning. On Saturday evening, we went to a friend's art opening in Oshkosh. In between:

I contemplated a Fade.

And I contemplated how to "bling" a fish.

And I washed & blocked some knitting!

Ali & I had talked about taking the kids to Kites Over Lake Michigan, but it was raining by the time she was finished at the market... and also pooped.

Instead, I decided to take the kids to Mulberry Lane Farm on Sunday -- gave her a break to do a few things (including take a nap). I think it was my first solo "outing" with both of them! It was a gorgeous day.

So much to see & do! I think that calf (above) was sniffing out some spills/crumbs in the stroller! There were chickens & chicks, a sow & piglets, a hog, cows, goats, sheep, geese, bunnies, a great hayride, pony rides (Jun wasn't interested in doing, only in watching), and a nice play area.

Ali came over afterwards and we spent a nice evening together.

I make Weeknight Roast Chicken (even though it was the weekend) and Salt Potatoes. I had recently posted a photo of potatoes in a pot on Instagram and someone asked if I was making Syracuse Salt Potatoes... I had never eaten or even heard of Syracuse Salt Potatoes, so of course I had to rectify that situation! Oh, so good, and so EASY!

I stayed up late on Saturday night, setting in the sleeves of Gin's Beatrice Top. On a roll, I continued the sewing up on Sunday morning while I had my coffee. I found a button, crocheted a loop, and voila! It's finished, and delivered to Ali this morning.

• Ravelry Project Page: Beatrice Top
• Pattern: Beatrice Top by Erika Flory
• Yarn:
  • Schachenmayr Merino Extrafine Color 120, color #502, 3 balls
• Needles:  US 6
• Start to Finish:  August 22 - September 4, 2017
• Button from Grandma's button box

I love that rolled neckline, and the gathers are so sweet! I crocheted a chain for the button loop instead of making I-cord. It was really a fun little knit and I'll definitely make another... maybe a solid color. It's my first time using that particular yarn and I love it -- so soft! Also, machine wash and dry.

Bewitched by the magic that is mattress stitch, I found myself wanting to do it some more, so I pulled out...

Oblique! This sweater is from Knitty, Fall 2007. Yes, 2007. I started in December of that year! The last time it saw the light of day was February 2010 when it was on my list of contenders for the 2010 Knitting Olympics (my event was "finishing"); I'd made progress, but it didn't cross the finish line. And it's been sitting for over 7 years! It's not going to fit me anymore, at least not buttoned up, but it's getting finished and it'll surely fit someone!!

My friend Ellen welcomed her 3rd grandchild in the past couple of months -- a boy! We've known the family a long time, as Ali and Ellen's daughter Abbey have been BFFs since high school. I've taken many photos of the family over the years, including Abbey & Kevin's (surprise!) engagement, her brother & sister-in-law Alex & Carrie's wedding photos, and some newborn/child/family photos.

A few weeks ago, Ellen asked if I'd be able to replicate a "favorite" hat of Kevin's for the baby. Kevin had a birthday coming up and she thought it would be a fun gift... "beard optional," she said.

Hahahaha... Typing "BEARD" into the Ravelry pattern search field returns more than 350 patterns!

I used Two by One, a pattern by Mandy Powers, as a guide for the hat. Details on Ravelry.

And Baby Beard by Poststitch for the beard. Details on Ravelry.

I'm being a little lazy today. We had a STELLAR Auntie Camp, but I am pooped, back at work, and was waylaid near the end by allergies or a cold. Allergy meds seem to help, so I'm going with that.

Given that it's taken until Mother's Day to finally finish what were intended to be Christmas presents, you'd think that perhaps there was a real big snafu or difficulty with the pattern.

• Ravelry Project Pages:
  • Jun's (after) Christmas Surprise
  • Gin's (after) Christmas Surprise
• Pattern: Knitted Polar Bear by Louise Walker in Mollie Makes, Issue #72
•  Yarn:
  • Plymouth Yarn Encore Mega - Ecru, Natural, Black
  • A bit of leftover fingering yarn for eyes
• Needles:  US 13
• Start to Finish:  October 26/November 7 - May 14, 2017
• Mods:
  • Embroidered eyes rather than safety eyes.
  • Rather than knitting 12 individual 3-stitch claws for each bear (I'd rather stick a needle in my eye), I cast on 9 stitches for each paw and used it as a base from which to knit them. It was still fiddly knitting, but I think it was easier to position and sew in the end.
  • Ooops! I just remembered that I knit collars for each bear. The head of each bear is filled with polyfil and I couldn't imagine that it would stay there with playing/cuddling/wrestling, so I "sewed" them closed at the neck... and knit a collar for each bear to a) distinguish one (Jun's) from another (Gin's) and b) hide the sewing.
  • Whatever. I'm still calling them FOs!!

The were very quick and quite fascinating to knit. The sewing up... well, that's never my favorite thing, but the finished pieces are so adorable, it's definitely worth it! The fact is, I've already "finished" once but that was quite short-lived as Junah dislodged a "safety eye" in all of three minutes while absent-mindedly cuddling/fiddling with his bear!

Ho-hum. I dithered over that situation for a while. I really loved the way those big fat round safety eyes looked, but they were obviously not so safe when used on a gauge this big and a toy intended to be played with.

They hung around my house for a while -- quite comfortably on my footstool, actually -- and in the course of the kids coming over, Gin eventually worked out another couple of eyes! They were so big that they weren't really a choking hazard, but still... ARRRGGGHHHH!

The wisdom of blog readers led me to embrace the embroidered eye... I was a little reluctant, but my other solutions involved a lot of un-doing & re-doing, and I hate that, plus I wasn't certain it would solve the problem.

So finally the other day, I sewed a rough outline of the eyes.

They were sitting on a side table by my chair when Junah saw them yesterday and lit up... They have EYES!! He grabbed them and cuddled up on the couch, hugging one in each arm, and I decided that it was TIME!! (How terrible a grandmother can I be??)

I finally located some leftover black yarn and set to work.

They're not perfectly smooth & round, but they are EYES and the job is done... so perfect.

And also loved!

I don't know why it takes so long to get around to things like this sometimes. My mom would say that I get that from my grandmother!

Speaking of mothers, I had such a wonderful weekend full of so many good things -- sewing, crafting, gardening, building, celebrating -- not to mention cooking, eating, and drinking! A couple of projects are underway... details to follow!

I hope you had a great weekend, too.

Obviously, sewing buttons on a handknit baby sweater is way more fun than working on taxes. No foolin'!

• Ravelry Project Page: In Threes: a baby cardigan
• Pattern: in threes: a baby cardigan by Kelly Herdrich
• Yarn:
  • Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage (from Kim)
• Needles:  US 8
• Start to Finish:  March 21 - April 1, 2017
• Mismatched vintage buttons from Grandma's button box

I made this because of March Madness and Kay!! I was all set to finish in three nights, too, except that the third night was Wisconsin vs. Florida and there was no way!!

The finished sweater weighs 175 grams, so two hanks of yarn with plenty left over. I think I had four altogether, and will likely make another in a larger size -- though may overdye the yarn. I'm actually thinking INDIGO!

I can't even remember when I started knitting this little sweater. It's been finished -- except for the button -- for a long, long time.

• Ravelry Project Page: Mignon
• Pattern: Mignon by Loop London
• Yarn:
  • Make.Do Dream DK Superwash (I think)
• Needles:  US 5 (I think)
• Start to Finish:  March 26, 2015 - March 26, 2017 (that's a guess)

Whatever the yarn, it's incredibly soft and squishy! And I know I was looking for a one-skein project.

Close up, the button isn't a perfect match, but it works from normal viewing distance!! Of course, Gin is great motivation for finishing a project like this -- and a little shrug is nice for spring! There's potential for years of wear with a garment like this.

_ _ _ _ _

I promise there will be better photos at a future date, but here are the first that Ali sent me of Gin wearing her Geranium Dress.

It's a perfect fit! I can't wait to make another. Li'l Gingeranium!!

• Ravelry Project Page: Alfalfa Baby Hat
• Pattern: Alfalfa Baby Hat by Kate Gagnon Osborn, Kelbourne Woolens (free Ravelry download)
• Yarn:
  • Stitch Nation by Debbie Stoller Alpaca Love
  •       -- or --
  • Stitch Nation by Debbie Stoller Washable Ewe
• Needles:  US 6
• Start to Finish:  (this is a big ol' guess) Dec. 1-14, 2014

I know I knit this hat when Jun was wee, but I don't remember him ever wearing it and I never documented it on Ravelry or anyplace.

Gin has been wearing this at A LOT, though, and could not look more adorable -- even (especially) when worn slightly askew. So adorable, that I just had to add it to my Ravelry project page.

And I definitely need to knit another! The pattern is written for only one size, but I think I'll try going up a needle size or two and see what happens.

I knit this adorable hat using leftovers from Gin's Elwood, and I couldn't be happier (except that I wish I'd knit it one size larger) (listen to the voices in your head!).

• Ravelry Project Page: Murre for Gin's Elwood
• Pattern: Murre by Meiju Knits (free pattern on Ravelry, sizes 3m to adult)
• Yarns:
• Sweet Georgia Yarns "Party of Five," Snapdragon colorway
• Make.Do Realize Worsted
• Needles:  US 6 & 8 - DPNs
• Start to Finish:  September 28-30, 2016

I used my I-cord maker to make the ties (in mere minutes!).

I used all of the purple leftovers, subbing in the white to finish that section and also to carry throughout for the lifted stitches. With the exception of white, the other colors are striped in the same sequence as the sweater. It coordinates with the sweater in a very matchy way without matching.

There are still leftovers! I will likely riff on this pattern again...

This is the best modeled shot I could manage yesterday. Selfies with a wiggly, grabby 5-month old aren't easy! She grabs for everything and is almost desperate to instantly get whatever-it-is into her mouth -- a continuous motion. (I had to save my phone!)

Her mum says that she had a bad night last night and the morning wasn't so good, either; she may be getting close to cutting a tooth.

Or she has a cold.

Also, I predict that she'll be sitting up on her own for extended periods this month. She is absolutely fascinated by Jün and his antics... I get the feeling that she can't wait to join in!!

_ _ _ _ _

Breaking news from New Zealand via Snapchat:

Madventures. She's been adventuring like mad, but will soon be settling in for a little bit...

Don't fall off your chair... the knitting is certainly not fast & furious around here, but I have managed to finish this adorable little sweater for Gin!

• Project: Elwood for Gin
• Pattern: Elwood by Jenny Wiebe
• Yarns:
• Sweet Georgia Yarns "Party of Five," Snapdragon colorway
• Make.Do Realize Worsted
• Needles:  US 7, 8 & 9 - straights & DPNs
• Start to Finish:  July 31 - September 19, 2016

I love the button band/shawl collar combo in this pattern.

There isn't a modeled shot yet, but you'll be among the first to know!

I am completely in love with the ladybug buttons! When I posted on IG that I was in search of buttons, Ina Braun responded via email with photos of her extensive button selection! I mailed the sweater to her and after a little discussion, she sent it back with these and another contender... but it was these for me, all along.

Serious cuteness... Gin's gonna blow it out of the water! I have enough leftover yarn to make a simple striped hat, and I think I'm going to do that!

It was a long-overdue, really great, and very productive weekend! I'm not very good at holding back and parceling out the goods, but I thought I'd try and only post about one thing today; the danger is that I begin to think of things left for later as "old news" and/or something else comes along. I accomplished a lot, though, and I could be "Weekending" almost all week!

I'm not even going to start at the beginning. Here's the scene at my kitchen table on Sunday morning:

One of my errand stops on Saturday was at Joann's to find buttons for Junah's sweater, and I took some time on yesterday to sew them on! That results in an FO!

• Project:  Junebean, Devan by Holli Yeoh
• Size 2T
• Yarns:
  
• Knitterly Things Vesper Sock Yarn in "Electric Revolution" self-striping colorway
• Make.Do Be Fingering/Sock in "Bookworm" colorway
• Needle:  US 2 & 3 - slightly larger than specified in the pattern
• Start to Finish:  March 22 - May 3, 2015

At first I thought that stripey intarsia block at the neck in back would be too fiddly, but I'm not sure how I reasoned that THREE intarsia blocks across the bottom would be any easier? Because they were solid and not stripes?? Heh. As it turns out, I did both.

There was some operator error in the soaking for blocking process and a bit of color bled to the back -- you can see it here. It might come out or fade a bit with another washing, I haven't done that yet. It makes me a little sad, but then I look at the blocks, the stripes, turn it over and look at the front, the buttons, all those MATCHING STRIPES -- I LOVE IT!

Stripey goodness. Julia's self-striping wizardry is out of this world amazing.

Oopsie! There's a sneak peek at something else I did over the weekend.

It was all going so well. Here's a photo I took a couple of days ago of the Left Front of Junah's new sweater:

I finished that and started on the Right Front. Knitting along, as one does; shaping the armhole and start of the V-neck, as one does; continuing the V-neck shaping, as one... WHAT? Argh! I totally missed that line about continuing the neck shaping every fourth row for ten times (or whatever) when knitting the Left. There's a bit of ripping in my future. At least Junah's sweaters are still fairly wee.

Last night, for the second time in as many years, Rusty and I went to the high school to SLURP! It's a soup supper fundraiser for a few departments at school, including fine arts. Yum! I was hungry and slurped up all of the Dill Pickle Soup (I got the last of it) before I thought to take a photo. I had Old-Fashioned Chicken Noodle, Cream of Potato with Bacon, Homestyle Chicken Noodle, and Tortellini with Spinach. There were many other soups to try, but I was full enough after these five -- and I had even shared some with Ali. KC&T was there to provide coffee and hot cocoa. Rod & Junah showed up, too, and I had a blast following Junah around... it's so fun to observe him in different situations.

Other than the snow (and that's all I'm going to say about it... there was some), it was a really great day off yesterday! Spring will come! I'm knocking things off my list so I'll be able to take advantage of good weather days on the way.

Junebug needs a lightweight sweater for spring. Ali thought she might still be able to squeeze him into the Garter Yoke Baby Cardi, but no-can-do! He's a burly dude.

I feel like I'm reaching into the way-back machine for this one: Devan! It's an adorable fingering-weight V-neck cardigan that was originally published in Knitty... way back in Spring 2004! And I've always wanted to make it.

I ordered some of Julia's fabulous self-striping Vesper Sock Yarn in a colorway called Electric Revolution, and I'm pairing it with some of my Make.Do Be Fingering/Sock in a semi-solid called Bookworm... and I just can't wait to get started!!

Hello Spring!!

All wound up and ready to go!

Gramma, WHUT?

• Project:  Regan - Aviator Hat by Julie Taylor
  
• Size: 1-2 years
• Yarn:  Cascade Yarns "Pacific" in #62 Gray (less than 1 skein)
  
• Needle:  US 7 DPN
• Buttons from The Collection
• Start to Finish:  November 7 - 9, 2014

Is that adorable, or WHUT?

Poor baby was in the process of cutting top teeth three-at-a-time in this photo... smiles were not happening!

KNIT BOY!

That's a tired 25+ lb. baby boy wearing the 3-6 month size of Heather Saal's Baby Leggings like a glove. He hasn't really needed them until now! The pattern runs a little large, so the 6-12 month size ought to get him right through winter.

And then it will be spring!

I have an amazing number of size US 0 double-points, considering that I've never finished a project that uses them!

Looks like that'll change! It's Martina Behm's Pepita, using the little bit of leftover yarn from the baby leggings and some of my dyed sock yarn.

While I could have drowned Ali with the handknits at her baby shower, I decided to include only the projects I've started *and* finished since learning about Zim!

Not the ones I've knit & stashed over the years.

Not the ones I started years ago and finished in the last 6 months.

Not the ones I've started in the last 6 months but haven't finished.

(There's an alarming number of all!)

There was a minor panic when I couldn't find all of the items that I wanted to include in the shower gift -- with all of the shuffling and rearranging around here, I put them someplace "safe." I knew they were somewhere and persevered, finding them all together in the yarn cupboard. So, meeting the criteria, there was this:

• Chevron Baby Blanket

• Le p'tit mousse

• Vintage-Style Baby Bonnet

• Garter Yoke Baby Cardi

• Wild & Crazy Baby Leggings

• 3 Wool Soakers/Diaper- Nappy-Covers + 2 pairs of Legwarmers never before mentioned

• Chunky Hoodie

I chuckled to myself as I finished the bonnet and sewed the buttons on the hoodie the other night, Kay's recent comment on an Instagram post echoing in my head while I added them to the stack.

"I'm worried this child will not have empathy for those who wear ordinary clothes."

And I must admit, even I began to wonder whether having a grandmother who likes to knit is really such a good thing!!

I've given it some thought over the past few days and have concluded that until Zim can voice his/her opinion and/or make his/her own wardrobe choices, IT DEFINITELY IS A GOOD THING!!

I will take full advantage of my woolly window of opportunity.

The shower was so much fun! I've only ever been to two and barely had one, myself, so I just winged it with input from Ali and inspiration from Pinterest. Maddy helped me with putting together favors and prizes, decorations and decorating, and it all turned out quite nice.

I really do have fun planning things... whether it's a trip to Vegas or Scotland, a wedding or a baby shower... find a theme, set some guidelines, and GO!

Here's one photo of Ali from the shower. She's holding a little knit cap that Katie sent from... why, Scotland, of course!! In her lap is an ADORABLE one-piece with the ABCs all over it. Katie wrote that she couldn't resist, and that it reminded her of the sort of thing their Nana would buy for them. So true. My mother always found the cutest clothes for her grands.

...that there are two FOs today -- just in time for Ali's baby shower this afternoon!

• Project:  Chunky Hoodie - Comfy Hooded Jacket by Lion Brand Yarn
  
• Yarn:  Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in "Barley"
  
• Needle:  US 13
• Start to Finish:  September 10 - November 28, 2013

Katie left this yarn behind when she moved to Scotland, so I looked for a project. I loved the color and sometimes chunky looks so cute on little. I knit the jacket in the 12-month size, and found the buttons in my stash.

• Project:  Vintage-Style Baby Bonnet - Modern Baby Bonnet by Hadley Fierlinger
• Yarn:  Make.Do Essence DK Superwash, <1 skein (leftovers from Le p'tit mousse)
• Needle:  US 6
• Start to Finish:  August 21 - November 28, 2013

The bonnet is knit flat with a small seam up the back; the chin strip worked separately and attached. It's apparently both vintage & modern! I like that. Either way, warm baby head.

Happy St. Andrew's Day!

VoteLoLa.com!

NaBloPoMo is a wrap!

OK! I'm off to make final preparations!!

• Project:  Chevron Baby Blanket from Whit's Knits at The Purl Bee
  
• Yarn:  Stitch Nation by Debbie Stoller "Washable Ewe" (discontinued) - 2 skeins each of Dragonfly, Robin's Egg, and Duckling
  
• Needle:  US 8
• Start to Finish:  July 29 - November 27, 2013

I suppose that if I was the very best Nana in the world, I'd give Parcheesi to Zim; instead, we'll snuggle under it together at my house.

The overall size is 28" x 38" -- basically "stroller" size. It's shown atop my queen-size bed.

I knit an entire skein each of Dragonfly (dark teal), Duckling (yellow), and Robin's Egg (light teal) to begin; I then knit up another skein of both Duckling and Robin's Egg in a random stripe pattern; finishing with another skein of Dragonfly -- two skeins of each color.

I've already washed it and dried it -- using cold water and the Permanent Press cycle in my front-loading washer, and medium-low heat in the dryer. It softened up a little and even has a little bit of halo.

 Beanie Baby giraffe for scale. And because he's my favorite.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my U.S. family & friends!

Happy Thursday to "the internationals."  :)

The process is not for the squeamish, but I channeled my inner Julia Child and muscled through. A good, sturdy kitchen shears is a must. That's the turkey right out of the oven. I transferred it on the rack to another pan and tented with foil, as directed, and after a :20 rest began to carve.

I will never cook a turkey any other way again. It was SO quick to cook, with none of incessant basting & worrying -- and I didn't get sick of it while it was still in the oven -- and it was SO much easier to carve, as well. Unless you're a family that makes big show of the carving-at-the-table (and we never ever were), I can't think of a good reason to roast a turkey any other way.

A co-worker told me today that he spied spatchcocked turkeys for sale at a local grocery chain; I have previously seen spatchcocked chickens available there.

In other news, I've begun the last color/section of Zim's knitted blanket and should have it finished just in time for the baby shower on Saturday afternoon!

Would you be surprised if the parade of finished baby knits carried on?

• Project:  Garter Yoke Baby Cardi by Jennifer Hoel
  
• Yarn:  Make.Do BE Fingering/Sock Superwash
  
• Needle:  US 4
• Start to Finish:  August 25 - November 14, 2013

I love the sophisticated, vintage buttons that  Alison chose at Soutache.

This little sweater is a free download on Ravelry, and I'm sure I'll be knitting it again!

 The color is called "Grandpa's Jeans" -- old, faded, dark denim. Comfy.

* * * * *

I'll be taking Ann & family to the airport this afternoon, as their impromptu, unscheduled, week-long visit comes to an end today... or, for them, tomorrow when the plane touches down in Rio.

So much bittersweet.

* * * * *

Once a day:   VoteLoLa.com!

• Project:  Wild & Crazy Baby Leggings - Baby Leggings by Heather Saal (a Shibui Knits Pamphlet, available from your Shibui retailer -- mine is Iris Fine Yarns)
  
• Yarn:  Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Lightweight, mill-end
• Needle:  US 3
• Start to Finish:  9/24/13 - 11/12/13

There are short rows and increases in the behind to provide the added fullness needed for a diapered baby butt.

These leggings are knit in one piece -- as seems to be my theme for recent baby knits -- with one seam up the inside of each leg, continuing up the front from where they meet at the crotch to the waistband.

And, of course, finished with the lovely machine-knit I-cord.

Being a winter baby, I'm pretty sure Zim will make use of these!

* * * * *

Once a day:   VoteLoLa.com!

OMG, that was so FAST and so EASY!

Gotta say, that Embellish-Knit Machine is some of the best money I've ever spent! The boys weren't quite as excited and intrigued as I'd hoped, but you should have seen Joe! My stepdad is a mechanical engineer and, well, he was fascinated by the mechanics! The Embellish-Knit recommends sport- and fingering-weight yarns, but I didn't have any problem with either of the worsted-weights I used.

• Project:  Wool Soakers - Wool Soaker, Diaper/Nappy Cover by Val Turner (available on Craftsy)
• Yarn:  Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool (Natural)
• Needle:  US 6
• Start to Finish:  October 26 - 27, 2013 (for the first)

I started with the smallest size and have worked my way up the sizes, knitting one of each of the first three, so far, all from the same skein of wool. I've also used some of that skein for some baby legs and I-cord, and there's still more. The first/smallest soaker weighs approx. 45g with I-cord.

 This is the second size, I-cord is made with some leftover Encore Worsted.

And this is the third size; I-cord knit with some leftover Socks That Rock Lightweight. You'll see much more of that tomorrow!

The soakers are knit all in one piece with some grafting/kitchener to finish, and two tiny little seams to sew. I did as instructed on the first but, of course, had to change it up a little... and I tried a three-needle bind-off on the other two. The binding off is perhaps not quite as elastic, but I'm thinking that if that was the designated "front" of the soaker, where stretch isn't quite as essential as in the back, it would be okay.

We'll have our verdict in a few months! And then I'll knit some more!!

Don't forget to VoteLoLa.com!

With perfect buttons!

• Project:  Le p'tit mousse -- Le p'tit mousse by Miss Grain de Sel
• Yarn:  Make.Do Essence DK Superwash, <1 skein
• Needle:  US 8
• Start to Finish:  8/14/13 - 11/12/13

This is another garter stitch baby sweater -- a pullover this time -- knit all in one piece and requiring only to be finished with one long side/sleeve seam on each side and, of course, buttons! In this case, the buttons are purely decorative. 

Naturally, that clever little pocket drew me in, but so, too, the flippy little sleeve detail. The pocket could easily be done in another color -- complementary, contrasting, the possibilites are endless.

This was also a very quick knit, the long pause between start & finish mainly due to procrastination about seaming up and, then, the buttons.

Yes, more to come!

To get the party started, I sewed the seams of Le p'tit mousse the other night and then couldn't find the buttons I'd bought for it a few months ago.

So, I stopped at my LYS yesterday on the way home and, of course, found buttons I liked even better! Phyllis at Iris Fine Yarns has a wonderful collection of buttons!

But we're actually not going to talk about that today. Today we're going to talk about this:

• Project:  Stitch -- One-Stitch Baby Sweater by Lion Brand Yarn
• Yarn:  Lion Brand Cotton Ease, 2 balls?
• Needle:  US 9?
• Start to Finish:  ??? - 11/12/13

I put the start date on Rav as November 1, 2010, only because there's not an option for "a million years ago." I have no idea when I started this, but it's been finished for almost as long, with coil-less pins marking five spots and awaiting only buttons all this time.

Alison picked the buttons herself last week at Soutache, and they are perfect -- the light blue buttons with the pale yellow yarn gives a nice vintage-y feel.

I'm unsure of the size -- it will probably fit 9m to a year or so, depending on the baby.

Aptly named, it's knit entirely in garter stitch (my favorite stitch) and all in one piece, finished with one long side/sleeve seam on each side and, of course, buttons! Cotton Ease means easy care -- one of the best and most affordable there is. This would be perfect in all seasons.

Voila! Ooooh, I can't wait for a squishy baby!!

There's more to come... stay tuned!

* * * * *

And don't forget to VoteLoLa today (and everyday)!

Ten on Tuesday:  10 Things I Love To Do on an Extra Day Off!

Not necessarily all of these things on any given day off. Many of these things look like regular things I'd normally do on a day off -- or any day, for that matter -- but there's just a different flavor to everything when it's an "extra" day off and I am more able to choose to do something like cook or clean or do laundry.

I like to feel that I've been productive in some way, everyday -- and sometimes (rarely) that means having a pajama day, eating cereal for breakfast, lunch & dinner, watching movies, and knitting all day long! (Best on rainy/snow days.)

1.  Go out for lunch.

2.  Shop.

3.  Cook.

4.  Clean.

5.  Hang laundry on the line.

6.  Organize stuff... there's always that!

7.  Watch a movie or catch up with Tivo.

8.  Take a day trip.

9.  If it's on either side of a weekend, plan/extend a 3-day weekend away!

10.  Knit!

That's my first official soaker for Zim! It's the smallest size, and took all of 24 hours from start to finish. The only thing left undone is the i-cord tie and I pretty much want to poke a needle in my eye when I think about all the i-cord needed for all these pants and covers and whatnot, so something else will need to be done to keep these on the baby's bum. The second cover, in the next-up size, is underway! I'm on track to finish tonight, too, except that it's a 5th Tuesday and on those, knit night is held at a location other than the usual coffee shop -- tonight's is at a wine bar. Haha.

The pattern is Wool Soaker, Diaper/Nappy Cover by Val Turner, available through Craftsy, and I love it! Using a combination of circular and straight knitting, the pattern gives options in a couple of places for different skill levels -- do this if you're a beginner, that if you're a more advanced knitter. There are a couple of ends to weave in at the end, and two tiny little seams to sew up (or not? I'm not sure it's even necessary). I'm using Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool for these.

What's your favorite lanolin-rich wool wash?

Consider this a head start on tomorrow's Ten on Tuesday topic...

I've been wanting to get a handle on the state of things in the baby knitting department, and finally gathered up all that I could find.

This pile (above & below) is knit, seamed & all buttoned up -- Ready To Wear (some of it has already been worn!).

There are a few others I could add to this pile -- Demne and Wee Weasley, for sure!

From top to bottom:

• Aviatrix by Justine Turner
• Puerperium by Kelly Brooker
• Vintage Baby Cardigan by Kristin Spurkland
• Boy-O-Boy by Carol Scott
• Fiddlehead Pullover by Courtney Kelley
• Opptuna by Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton
• Baby A Cardigan by Lisa Shobhana Mason
• Hug Me Tight!
• Wonderful "Wee Willie" Wallaby by Carol A. Anderson
• Another Wonderful Wallaby with a custom truck design that I must never have Rav'd

These items are sized from newborn to about 3 years, maybe even 4. I knit Opptuna, Baby A, and both Wallaby sweaters for my nephews... I think Mack was still wearing his custom-ordered Wallaby when he was 4.

I believe I can scare up a couple of mislaid hats and probably some booties & socks, too, before January.

The three items above are in need of only buttons:

• One for the hat
• Five for the Garter Yoke Baby Cardi by Jennifer Hoel
• Five for the One-Stitch Baby Sweater by Lion Brand

All of the above are in need of major work... seaming and other finishing! Two pullovers (one of them -- a preppy v-neck with pockets! -- is VERY well marinated), two cardis, Miss Dashwood (the earflaps were never secured), and a pair of just-finished baby pants.

I just remembered Le P'tit Mousse, awaiting sewing-up, stuffed in the bottom of my tote.

There's another cardigan on the needles (nearly finished with the knitting)...

Another "Vintage," too, on some other needles (not in love with it)...

And another hat in need of finishing somewhere, too.

And a blanket.

More on all of those soon before long, I hope!

The sweater -- Pull Gaspard -- that I was fixing in the last post looked like this on Tuesday:

And this on Wednesday:

I did some knitting in the car yesterday while Kate took a turn at the wheel and we day-tripped up to Door County. It was a beautiful day, but other than this:

and these:

Behind the Minnetonka moccasin shop; on the shore in Ephraim

And despite taking my big-girl camera along (I haven't tripped that shutter in ages), I only took mobile-phone photos of menus and food.  ;)

That's the Turkey, Cream Cheese & Cherry Chutney sandwich at The Cookery, one of my favorite places, and definitely one of my favorite sandwiches of all time! I haven't eaten an actual "sandwich" in about a year, so this was really a treat... and, oh, so worth it. I even said to Katie, while eating it, that one of the things I love about it (and I love all the things about this sandwich) is that they use RAISIN bread. I also love and look forward to the accompanying dill potato salad and chunky applesauce. I enjoyed a glass of Island Orchard Apple Cherry Cider and helped Kate with her bottle of Crispin Artisanal Reserve Honey Crisp Cider, and we shared some eggplant fries as an appetizer -- so light and crispy, better than I'd even hoped. There are many amazing eateries to choose from in Door County, but The Cookery is consistently at the top of our list.

We made our way north to Ephraim and Wilson's -- an institution up there, but to which I'd never actually been -- and enjoyed a couple of root beer floats for dessert. Second dessert, actually, as we'd found ourselves in a chocolate shop and one certainly can't leave an establishment like that empty-handed.

If that wasn't enough for a day, we ever-so-briefly cooled our jets at home before picking up Ali and heading up to the Farmers' Market on Broadway (in Green Bay) for more food and fun! That's been on the list for a while and I would certainly like to return.

It's a combo farmer market/festival -- LOTS of fresh produce and meat, arts and crafts, food vendors, live music, beer. I didn't have any beer, but I'm happy to know that it's there.

A good time (and funnel cake) was had by all!

Tonight is a company picnic at the local baseball stadium, and sometime between now and 8 a.m. tomorrow we'll be setting up for a 2-day rummage sale in Ali's driveway! Jeepers, it's a busy month.

I'm trying to keep it all together and make the most of every minute -- packing it all in while counting down the days: (1) 'til Maddy heads back to school, (6) 'til Ali's next midwife appointment, and (22) 'til Kate flies over the ocean.

Meanwhile, Saltires are popping up.

I've cast on another baby sweater by a French designer! Le P'tit Mousse has been on my radar (Pinterest board) for a long time! I'm so happy to have an actual reason/baby to knit some of these sweaters!

I'm pretty sure there's more, but that's all for now!