august seven

Instant Gratification!

Specs:
Pattern: Meathead Hat by Larissa Brown (Ravelry link)
For: Jamie's unborn cousin. His cousin Bonnie is due in November with a little girl, Hannah-Rose. (Took her 8 years to get pregnant!) We're so excited, and I get to knit in pink. I also have plans to make this top for her too. It'll go into a gift basket that I'm making.
Yarn: Handspun
Needle: US 15 / 10 mm
Size: small
Timeline: August 7th, 2008
Modifications: Followed pattern as published.
Opinion: Love it! I can't wait to give it to Jamie's cousin at her
baby shower with the rest of the gift basket that I am making for her.

I needed a change from everything I've been knitting lately (when time actually permits). So this was nice change, and a quick knit (few hours). I started it at the Ariadne SNB tonight and finished it just after getting home.

Speaking of getting home.... I had to leave the SNB early this evening because as Jamie had ball, my parents were babysitting Sean. He was rubbing his eyes and asked (without words) to go home into his crib. So my parents brought him home, and he went straight to bed after having a bottle. I couldn't believe it...! Bedtime and nap time routine has been great lately. Routine = good.

I got these in the mail a few days ago, the box got put on my dresser and was actually forgotten about. I picked up a few other items, (some knitter friends' birthdays are coming up), and can't wait to crack open a beer in my new beer glasses.

I forgot to mention the other day Jamie & I watched Hancock. Or rather, I watched Hancock while Jamie snoozed on the couch. The movie to me wasn't that good, thank goodness it wasn't very long. (1 hour 23 minutes).


Secret Pal 12 - Question of the Week 9:

In many communities, "the fair" is a great place to visit and spend time with your family. It's also where many have entered one product or another (jams, cakes, even knitting)... Have you ever entered your knitting (or anything else) in the fair? Would you ever consider it?

I have never entered in one and have never considered it before since this is the first time I have ever heard about it. I'm not even sure those exist in my area. We have craft shows, but none that have judging for knitting garments, etc.

Edited to add:...for those of you who live in parts of the world w/o fairs...would you ever consider entering your knitting in a competition?

I don't see why not... just never had the opportunity to do so.

December 5 of 31

Christmas Display at the Gap. KNITTED yarn ball ornaments! I couldn't believe it! Yep!

This morning we got up bright and early and headed out the door. First I wanted to go to Zellers to see if they had something that I saw at another location yesterday, but they didn't have the right one in stock, so I wanted to see if they had another one at a different location. No such luck, but I did find a few other things that I needed while there. After spending quite some time there, we headed off to the mall to see if we could find snow pants, and eat lunch before going to the movies.

So at the mall, first I find a pair of snow pants at Old Navy in black. Ok, fine. I didn't care for the color (his Tommy Hilfiger jacket is red & navy blue). Whatever. For the few times we go to play in the snow, it didn't matter. 12-18 month size, 42$. FOURTY TWO DOLLARS! I couldn't believe it. But, I bought them, because I didn't know if I was going to find anything else, and they are returnable, 90 days. Next we check the kiosk in the middle of the mall, and nothing. They had snow outfits, but not snow pants, not even as a set. Next stop, Gap Kids. I found navy snow pants 12-18 month size. On sale from 68$ to 48$. WHAAAAT??? I also had a 10% off coupon for the Gap that Old Navy just gave me. (Cross promotion). So I bought them. They came out to 1$ more and change than the Old Navy pants. Whatever. They matched.



So then we went to the food court, and Sean had his bottle, and I ate lunch (Chinese food, Mmmm! Hit the spot!) Sean was being all cute after his bottle blowing on his trumpet that I had to take a photo (above) and take some video:

So then we went to go check out Winners and they had absolutely nada. Next stop, The Children's Place. Ohh! Lucky! Navy blue - 12 month size, 44.50$ on SALE for 40% off. YEY! The 18 month size was too huge on him, that the non-adjustable but stretch elastic straps were too big on him, so I had to go with the 12 month size. It cameto 26.50$ plus taxes. Great! That's more what I was thinking they'd cost! Not 52-53$ with tax!! His pants with taxes at The Children's Place came to 30.20$ with taxes. Much better! Though, I was hoping they still wouldn't be that much. So off to Old Navy & Gap we went to return the other pants we bought. Tomorrow - we go sledding on Sean's new sled in his new snow pants.

Then we met my mother, and went to go see Bee Movie. The movie was cute, but not 100% the greatest movie ever. Cute though. Definitely. Next week they're playing Enchanted again (which I saw) and The Golden Compass (which I don't want to see) so we won't be going next week. After next week they're on break from Starz & Strollers until the new year. It starts back up again on January 16th. So we'll see what's playing then. I guess they need the theaters empty for Xmas break.

After the movie I went with my mom and Sean to Walmart. Again, Sean slept in the carrier (as he did with my sister & I last week) the entire time we were there. I picked up a few items that I needed, and then we headed back to the car. My mom loaded the car with our parcels, I had dropped my house key which fell off my keychain near my trunk, just before I was going to put Sean into his car seat, so I put it in my coat pocket, and said I'd put it back on my keychain when I got back into the car. I loaded Sean into his car seat, and my mom put the carriage back and we left. I dropped my mom back off at her car at the mall where she met me, and then headed to the dry cleaners. When I got to the dry cleaners, while waiting for my stuff, I reached into my pocket to put my house key back on the keychain. GONE. I realized at that moment, the pocket I put it into, had a hole in it. GRR! So I paid for my dry cleaning, and headed home. At home, I dumped my purse to make sure I didn't put it in there, (nope) and searched my car. Since I could get into the garage, but not the house (same key for the front door and the garage door into the house) I decided to re-trace my steps. I went to the dry cleaners and double checked in the parking spot I was in, and even on the floor in the dry cleaners. Not there. I then drove back to Walmart. I tried looking in the spot I had been parked in, but there was an SUV in the spot now and it's much bigger than my car. Some lady was nice and went inside Walmart and asked them for me (since I had Sean sleeping in the car) if someone had brought in a key. No such luck. Anyhow, I waited for 45 minutes until the lady who owned the SUV came and moved her car. I had three people who passed by help me look for the key. Nada. Grrr! There was a bit of slush on the ground, but we would have seen it, for sure. It's a huge key and thick. Not so tiny. Yes it was alone and NOT on a keychain, but still!

Tomorrow when it's light outside, I will have to search my car again. It had to be somewhere. I have a spare key, so it's not the end of the world. I am also not worried about getting a new lock on the door, because if someone does find it there is no ID on the key to let them know it's from my house, and also - the Walmart is not even in my suburb, so they would never know that it would be to my house. (Plus we just spend about 250$ to change the lock from our duplex over to our new house, and had the lock changed so that the front door and garage would be the same key, so that would be less on our keychain). Not paying that again! Plus - we have an alarm system, I'm not worried if that key is 100% lost. Maybe it'll turn up in my car tomorrow when I can actually see. I am going to take a magnet and run in under my car seat, so see if it is maybe in a spot I can't see. I think the magnet idea will work. The key should stick to it.

This evening I went to Knit Night on Monkland. I had fun, but didn't have fun getting there. It took me an hour and a half to get into the city tonight, which even in the worst of traffic, has never ever taken me that long to get there. Usually takes me 20 - 25 minutes. With traffic - maybe 45 minutes. Tonight was double that!! I was listening to the radio, apparently the entire city was in gridlock on every highway! It was nasty. I have never sat PARKED on the Decarie Expressway before. I've been stuck in traffic on there before, but in rolling traffic. NEVER parked!!

I'm beat. More tomorrow!

October 9 of 31

A while ago my swift broke. I finally got some time (yeah, what's time? I don't know anymore!) to pull out my wood glue, and clamp and fix it. I think I did a good job with the surgery, my swift will recover just fine. Right now she's in the ICU, but will definitely make a full recovery. No doubt about it.

This afternoon Jenn & I went to a cafe just off the island of Montreal to meet up with two other mommy knitters. I had lunch there, and even shared some desert with the girls. (Above, the gorgeous looking plate of gelato before it was dug into)!

On the couch Jenn, Jakob & myself knitting. Sean was a good boy today and chilled out in his carrier for the entire time I was there. Everyone was impressed. The trick? Keep feeding him strawberries and banana and Cheerios. He likes those. He was very giggly and in such a good mood, it was such a pleasure. And he actually allowed me to get a lot of knitting done!

And on the couch across from us (on the very comfy couches in Cafe Igloo), you have Tara and Maxime (who happens to be 3 days older than Jakob!) and the very pregnant blogless Kate. Kate's working on her very first sock above, and Maxime didn't really allow Tara to knit today, maybe just a few short rows she got done. Both ladies are mommies to two children - well Kate will be mommy to two next month! We had such a good time today, that we're planning another knitting date shortly after Rhinebeck! (Tara is going as well!)

Sean was such a cutie today with his cute faces and smiles! I love spending everyday getting to know him as his personality emerges.

Here is the almost finished Irish Hiking Scarf for my father-in-law. (Couldn't sleep last night so I was up until 4 am watching Poker after Dark as well as some Dog the Bounty Hunter Marathon episodes and knitting on this project!) Today I was waiting for my sneaky mother-in-law to measure my father-in-law's current scarf. His current scarf happens to be 7 inches wide by 80 inches long. EIGHTY INCHES? For real??? The new one I've just made him, is right now almost 60 inches long. I wasn't planning on making it any longer than that.... but now I'm wondering if I should? And my scarf is 5 inches across since the cables and the ribing pull it in. Grrr.. I'm going to finish the hat first, and then decide what I want to do with the length of the scarf. Right now he can most definitely wrap it around his neck once... but will 20 extra inches make it wrap around twice?

I am using the Irish Hiking Hat pattern by Nik Knits. Her files are currently not working off her website - not sure why - but I messaged her on Ravelry about it. Anyhow, I have until Thursday and I think it will all fall into place for this gift!

September 5 of 30

Thank you to all of those who commented on my accent/voice. Is it a Canadian accent? Does that even exist? I was just being giddy in that video. I don't think my real talking voice sounds like that. Then again, I was in a bathroom that echos! I do have some other videos of me with Sean in the archives of my blog (since January of course).

Anyhow, today I got a lot done, and even took a nice little morning nap with Sean. (Much needed). I took care of laundry, worked on my shop a bit, and even got an order in the mail today. Very excited to put some new items in the shop this week. And some more goodies on it's way!

There is a new 2nd Cup that opened up across the street from the shopping center that I usually go to around the corner from my house. I'm very intrigued to check it out, and see if there are comfy couches in there for knitting. Maybe Sean & I will take a walk over there tomorrow or Friday.

Tonight I went knitting on Monkland and had a good time. However, tonight I really concentrated on my cabled socks for Jamie. I have 13 days to finish both. (I think I can, I think I can). I asked Mona who was there tonight, and the Cabled Socks from Steppin' Out is her pattern. I also found out that my (autographed by Mona) 1st Edition booklet lacks the names of who wrote which pattern, unlike the 2nd Edition which does. Oh well. Glad that the designers live in my hometown & come to my SNB, because I'm able to ask who did which pattern! The socks are coming along great. Progress pictures tomorrow.

So many projects I want to knit, so little time. Can I get more hours in the day?

Marga's hosting another Booty-Swap & I joined. I'm very excited for this round! I participated last year, and got some awesome Boot-ay! Happy Hallowe'en!

August 29 of 31

Today I got some stuff done around the house, did a LOT of laundry (it really never ends) and cleaned up my office. I can now see the floor in there! The reason I couldn't? There was a LOT of yarn in my office from a recent order I placed. More about that as soon as my shopping cart software for my website upgrade is working (I'm hoping tomorrow!) Almost all the kinks are worked out!

Here is progress on Sophia. I am loving it. I can't wait to see how it turns out. It's definitely a long knit. Takes me a while to get through 1 row. (Almost 200 stitches on one row). At least in 4 rows I get to do the first decrease row to start shaping!

Here is a close-up of the pattern! I am just in love with it. And the color too - a dark fuschia, it's going to look great. I hope it's done by the winter!

My clicker for my house alarm (Yes no need to punch in the alarm code anymore!) I have a "Stay" button (man standing in house), "Away" button, (man walking away from house), and unlock button. The panic button was disarmed because it accidently went off once in Jamie's pocket and sent the police. Not a good thing. Anyhow, as you can see, the part that is supposed to go on your key ring broke. I have a dilema. Should I knit it a cozy to then hang on my keychain? Otherwise, it won't stay on my keychain..... Debating it.... we'll see!

Tonight I went to the NDG Knitting Meet-up. It was sooo good to get out of the house. Sean woke up last night at 2:45 am sick. Runny nose, congested, slight fever, coughing. I am hoping he's cutting a tooth. (It would be about time!) And now, getting home from an awesome night out with my knitting friends, my throat is killing me. It hurst to swallow. I hope I am not getting sick. I'm hoping it's just because I talked too much tonight (LOL). I am going to go to sleep, and see how I feel in the morning. (So happy I have someone coming to clean my house tomorrow!) YEY! Because I'm surely not feeling too great right now.

July 4 of 30

This is my boy, he's a ladies' man. Whenever we go out, he always flirts with the ladies. I'm going to have to watch out in about 16-18 years from now, most probably!

A box arrived this morning from Blue Moon. I had ordered about a month ago some yarn in mediumweight for the Chevron Scarf. I was not pleased to have to pay duty on this order. Whenever I receive my sock club kit, the value is always low, and I never have to pay duty. I could swear, that the last time I ordered STR from there, I didn't have to pay duty on the 6 skeins I ordered. This time, another story. 24$ and change in duty taxes. (Apparently people at the knitting meetup tonight found the word duty to be funny. I think they heard me say "doody" and as in "Sean made a doody" doody...

I was also not pleased to see this knot in my yarn when I wound it into a cake. Luckily, it's at the end of the skein, when wound, so maybe I won't get to it.

Tonight at the knitting meetup, I cast on and worked on my Chevron Scarf. However, I'm not liking this color combination. I think I had something else pictured in my mind, and well, I do not like this at all. It'll be getting frogged, and I'm not sure what I'm going to try out instead. I do have other color combinations to try, so we'll see. I'll let you know what I come up with.

I'm just not really impressed with the black onyx with this. The fire on the mountain is fun and vibrant, and I thought the "black" onyx would make it jump, but the black onyx is just really dull grey tones, and I don't like it. Looks like Jamie may be getting a pair of grey socks.

Modern 2nd Wedding anniversary gifts are cotton. I'm wondering if I knit him a pair of cotton socks that will be good? I'll try to find some cotton yarn that I like for him, (from my stash though!) (I definitely have!) STR is not cotton, so that won't work, but his birthday is in 5 months, so maybe I'll make him the black onyx socks for his birthday?? He doesn't read my blog, so I don't mind talking about his future gifts here. He loved the last pair of knitted socks I made him, and asked when will I be starting his next pair!

Tonight at the knitting meetup, Kadi & I swapped balls of Berroco love it. Remember I had bought 2 balls for Calorimetry? Well, it only needed one, so we swapped colors, and I'm going to make a 2nd Calorimetry, but this time in this fun "watermelon" colorway, as I call it.

This girl at 2nd Cup tonight walked by us, and was like "Oh my - you guys are soo cute" (Talking to us knitters). And because I was holding someone's copy of Fitted Knits (which I so have to get!) and the girls turns to me and says "Oh, you must be the teacher". It was funny. I told her it wasn't a class, and I wasn't the teacher. After she left, I turned to everyone and was like "Alright class, for your homework tonight..."... and got a good laugh.

It was nice to have Jenn & Jakob at knitting tonight. Sean was totally curious about his little cousin. I think he was confused about what the little baby was.... he kept wanting to play with either Jakob's bib, or grab his arm, etc. It was cute though. I hope as they grow older they are friends as well as cousins.

Tomorrow I have a list of things to accomplish, and today I got a bunch of things done. I'm happy that I spent an hour (two days ago) cleaning up Sean's room (was shocked that it only took me 1 hour and not more than that) and now things are easily accessible, put away, and you can see his floor. Before, there was things everywhere, unfolded clean laundry in baskets on his floor, and we were digging in piles of laundry when we needed a clean bib, etc... because the weather had been to hot to do anything, and I didn't feel like folding laundry & putting things away!

Maybe one of these days the rain will stop and I will be able to sit outside and knit & actually enjoy my backyard. The rain just ruins those plans!

Right now, I'm currently loving the song "Sweet Ones" by Sarah Slean.

Happy July the 4th to all my American friends. What did you do to celebrate?

Sean Went Knitting

Today was a really relaxing day. I had a few hours to myself this morning when Sean napped after a feeding (which is going SOOO much better now that I know what I'm actually doing!) and then after lunch, my grandmother came over to hold Sean, while I got to shower, do some laundry, and even answer a few emails.

This afternoon I got a call from our local CLSC and an English speaking nurse will be coming over tomorrow to weigh Sean and check in with me. I am very happy she's coming over, I have some questions for her, and I am glad that she will be able to weigh Sean. I hope there is some progress in his weight. I'm hoping that all the feedings that I've been now doing properly, that Sean is gaining weight. Even just a few ounces, I'll be very happy. I don't know how fast he could be gaining weight, but I hope it's enough. My mother will come over tomorrow to be here while the nurse comes. My family can't get enough of Sean! (Which is good!) The breastfeeding, now that I know what I'm actually doing, is beautiful. I enjoy the bond between mother and child. It's something my hubby will never understand. And it's a bond that I will have to eventually have to learn to let go. My right breast nurses beautifully, and my left breast right now is a little sore from mal-feedings in the past. It'll heel and it will all be just beautiful. It's such an amazing gift, to be able to breastfeed. Plus there are no hassles of bottles and formulas and preparations. I like just being able to feed wherever.... whenever.... you know?

This evening, I went knitting with Montreal Knits - and we were a full group! (Picture below of some of the knitters!) I don't even know how many we were, but I'm guessing it was somewhere around 17 or 18 knitters. Really! It was a nice huge group. Lots of new faces as well.

Here is Sean and I at the Stitch N Bitch.


And I actually got some knitting done. Just a few rows, but this is a pattern I really need to concentrate on, so that's okay! I am really happy with the way it's coming out.

Oh - by the way, Ariadne Knits is now online! The site looks fantastic! Mazel Tov again to Mary & Molly Ann!

Before my son gets too big, I decided that I should take a picture of him next to this silly huge dog that my mom got for Sean on behalf of her dog (it was a present from Bosco).

A little difference in size, don't you say?? Just too cute!!!
(Some more on my FLICKR account - See my sidebar)

I ordered some yarn today from a woman who was de-stashing. The color is absolutely fab. I will be getting 12 skeins, and it's Bramble Rowan's Soft Tweed. I got it all for a great price. I'm thinking a sweater or something fun like that. I love the color, so much fun! It's coming from Ottawa, Ontario, so it shoud get here early next week, she's mailing it out tomorrow!

My in-law's brought over tonight my CJAD gift basket that I won. There were 4 Safety First products. I will post a picture tomorrow, but I got some pretty neat stuff. I couldn't believe what I was receiving! Sean has been super lucky so far in his life! Winning contests and making money!

Taco Bell Opens in Quebec!! (Oh and Mary got Opal!)

So now I'm going through a phase where I'm not sleeping in. I just can't sleep in anymore. Jamie leaves for work, and poof - I'm up! No alarm - nothing. Just wide-awakeness!

Today I loaded up my images and posted in my Etsy Shop. I'm now online. Once I've finished all the tons and tons of stitch markers that are in progress, I think I may offer to Secret Pal 9, that I've got stitch markers for sale, and I can mail them directly to their secret pals. Maybe some of my stuff will sell - that would be really cool. Hopefully over the next couple of days I'll finish everything up (beading) and get those on track.

Just MINUTES after posting my sales, Marga bought my Firefly Stitch Markers. Thanks Marga! They're already in the mail to you! Enjoy! (And I even added in a little something extra for her!) I'll be making more Firefly Stitch Markers incase anyone is interested.

I was browsing Etsy today, and came across this: (So simple to make, and kinda funny actually!)

Sean will be giving Nana & Zayda (Zayda is yiddish for Grandpa) this above gift for the holidays. It's now wrapped, but I wanted to photograph it before it went into the bag. It's a poker picture frame, with his picture in it. I thought it was really cute. Jamie's dad and step-mom are HUGE texas hold'em players.... I thought it was appropriate!


Guess what???????????? The FIRST EVER Taco Bell is now open in Quebec. Now I don't have to go to Ottawa, Ontario or Plattsburgh, New York for Taco Bell. They opened up minutes from my parents house - (like 20 minutes without traffic from my house). Oh, I think I'm having a taco craving. I kid you not. I believe they opened yesterday. They are in alliance with KFC (or rather PFK in Quebec!)

I finally took Sean's Lobster out of the packaging today. This Lobster, is a laundry basket or toy basket. It'll be a toy basket for him to keep his toys in, to play with in our basement. Isn't it just ADORABLE????

In other news before I talk about going to our local Stitch 'N Bitch tonight, I went back again to my local police station, AFTER CALLING THIS TIME - to make sure there was someone there trained to install a newborn carrier into my car. The guy who answered the phone said that there was. I said I would be by shortly. I think I was there like 45 minutes later, and yet again, like yesterday, I JUST MISSED the person or people who are trained to install the seat. Now, I probably could read the instructions and do it myself, but - there is NO wiggle room with those, and well - with my belly - there is no room for me to do it! And to be honest, I'd rather the police station to do it - not my procrastinating hubby.... (he's said a couple of times he'd do it, and well - hasn't!) I was told someone should be there between 11 am - 1pm tomorrow and I will call and RESERVE the person before going in. The station - is LITERALLY around the corner from my house. I kid you not. THAT close!

Today, I discovered what a REALLY BAD period cramp must feel like. I've never had a really bad one, (just mild), but I had a contraction while in the parking lot of the post office around the corner from my house (had a few things to mail out for Jamie) and well - it was awful - but I did some breathing, and then it passed. I think it lasted almost a minute. It was this awful pain, and my uterus got really really really hard. Harder than I've ever felt it go. So - I guess they're starting! But they're not regular at all - and not all as bad. I think I've had a few today, but nothing to start me into labor, not yet anyhow!

This afternoon I beaded a bit more, and I started working on a secret knitting project (I'll reveal it once done - it'll be a quick knit). I'll give all the details afterwards.

Tonight, I had a good time at the Montreal Knits Meetup (SNB). We were a nice little crowd. (Angela, Alison P, Peggy, Jennie E., Deawn, Kadi & Mary showed up for a few minutes with some goodies! More about that below). It was Alison's first meeting, and she had a really good time, especially since she drove all the way into town from Terrebonne in traffic nonetheless!!!

These Teething Pain Relievers are from Deawn. She brought them to me for Sean, for when he's teething and is crying. You give him one dose, and apparently it's supposed to let the baby stop crying. Anyhow, she got them for free from Pharmaprix near her, so I told her to grab a few more boxes for me!

This is a picture of Deawn taking a picture of me taking a picture. Do you follow? It was funny.


Jamie asked me for 8 inches in his sock before I turned the heel. Finally - I've knit 8 inches of sock number one, and I'll add a few more to my sock, before turning the heels on both. I do not want my socks to be 8 inches tall - because USUALLY - I only wear ankle socks (tennis socks). But for some reason, this pregnancy has allowed me to want to knit a pair of socks a little bit longer than just ankle socks. So mine will be maybe half of Jamie's length - so let's say 4 inches or so for mine. I'll be working on mine tomorrow, so I will post some pictures. Tomorrow, I have nothing going on - but some more chores, so I hope to watch a movie or something, relax and get some knitting done! And maybe some more in that Cross Stitch for my mother. I also have a sock monkey that I want to make for Sean.

So, Mary (who lives just above the coffee shop - lucky girl!), stopped by our Stitch 'N Bitch tonight, as the Opal yarn I INSISTED her brand new company (Online Yarn Shop - called Ariadne Knits) HAD to order! Ariadne was supposed to get online tonight, but it has not yet been uploaded. Maybe tomorrow??? Anyhow, I was telling Mary that I have been eyeing two different colorways from Opal's Rainforest Collection, and she was able to get both! However, she was only able to get it in 6 ply (which is a good thing, because it'll make for a more durable sock), and not in 4 ply - which is what I'm used to knitting with for sock yarn. So without any more delay - I present to you - my 2 new fave balls of yarn:

Above - Opal Rain Forest Flamingo!

And Opal Rain Forest Ladybug.

Now, to be honest, I find that 18.60$ is a LOT for a ball of yarn (cost me 38$ for both with my 10% off Montreal Knits Discount) (Thank goodness for Paypal payments for their online shop, so I could pay for it by Visa! Hee hee!) But still - that's a lot for a sock yarn. That's why I only bought 1 ball of each - lol... I can't wait to finish my married socks, and my mother-in-law's birthday purse (which I should get cracking on - her birthday is Saturday - thank goodness I have some lee-way time - as they're going to be in Toronto from Friday morning - Wednesday or Thursday for Xmas - so I have some extra knitting time) and then I have a scarf I want to knit for myself - my secret project to finish knitting - and then perhaps another pair of socks with my new yarn!

My good friend Lainie, in California, sent me this picture of her at Starbucks today with her daughter. It's such a sweet picture, and I love it. I can't wait to have my own son to kiss and hug and give my heart to! I'm sure he'll win my heart the instant he's born. I have no doubt about it. Something about this image of Lainie and her daughter, just made me want to cry (tears of love and laughter of course!)

Isn't it just precious?

And with that... I bid you a good night and sweet dreams.

SNB & Aggrevating Things

Remember back in June the UPS incident, where I had to pay taxes on a GIFT that I got from my One Skein Secret Pal? Well - what I thought was taken care of - because my secret pal said she got charged for it, and paid it on her discover card, turns out that it got declined and the charge was to me, so it went to collections. I thought months ago that this was taken care of - and now... a letter from collections. It's goddamn annoying! I can't believe that I had to pay 23.04$ for a GIFT from someone else. Unreal, eh? That's exactly why I do not like UPS. And UPS had all the documentation from my pal saying that it was a gift, so I don't know why it was sent to collections in the end - when the original problem was rectified. I think I am going to call UPS later and find out what happened. They told me not to worry about it - because they received the fax to rectify the problem. So why did it go to collections. I paid the bill. And Collections told me that the only way for me to get any of the money back would be through Canadian Customs (it has nothing to do with UPS) and that all I would get back is the taxes, not even anything else. So - for a 15$ or so ball of Trekking XXL yarn, which was a GIFT from my One Skein Secret Pal - I had to pay 23.04$ (which is not even worth the item amount!) Why does retarded things like this happen to me? And for reasons like this - I won't use UPS! Damn brokerage fees. I won't even order from anyone who uses UPS either.

Half an hour late, but my ex-tenant showed up today to pick up her stuff. If she stood me up again, I had every intention to throw her stuff out on garbage day (and give Karine her 13" Tv - Sorry Karine!) but... she showed up, and now, I NEVER have to deal with that woman again.

Today, some interesting things have happened:

My mother in law not coming to baby shower. Yeah, you read right. My own mother-in-law. The woman who gave birth to my husband. Am I surprised? No. This is the woman who showed up 2 and a half hours late to my engagement party to her son, because her and her lesbian partner (they were not married yet) FELL ASLEEP because they needed to nap. At least lie to us and say you had a flat tire or something? Nope, they fell asleep. They apparently have PLANS with friends out of town that weekend, and can't make it. Then when I mentioned my other baby shower, (which my step-mother-in-law got invited to, because I'm WAY closer with her and Jamie's dad), if she wanted to attend that one instead, her response: "No, that's okay". She asked if I'd be home this weekend so she could stop by with a gift for the baby. I am curious to know what she got. Only because her judgment of picking out gifts is derranged. For my bridal shower they got me a crock pot - which if she would have looked at my registry, which she knew about - she would have seen that I actually already got one (in the end - we ended up getting 7 crock pots in total - most which had a gift receipt for). And the one that I ended up keeping, was NOT the one they got us. (Thank goodness they don't come over for dinner). Anyhow, I'm curious now...!

Interesting thing that happened to me today:

I emailed my ex-boyfriend's mother without even realizing it. You see, I'm interested in learning how to quilt. So I found a group in the town next to mine, that has a Quilting Guild. There was a contact email that said to contact for more information. So I did. I wanted to know about lessons. I didn't know that the email address was hers! Anyhow, now she wants to catch up, and I don't know if I feel comfortable with that. VERY WEIRD! I knew she was into calligraphy, but did not know she was a quilter! I was just thinking about maybe making a quilt for Sean to play on in my office, instead of buying a rug, or such.... and a knitted blanket would just slide on the hardwood floors. I dated her son for over a year (my longest relationship before the one now to Jamie) and it was a bad break-up for me, so I don't know if I really want to go there!

Today, I went to Walmart with Angela, and I got some funky material. I actually bought some patterns too, I want to make some pants.

I made Angela a needle case with some material she brought over today. I am really getting very GOOD with making them - I'm thinking about possibly making them and selling them on Etsy. Maybe be a good idea. I'm going to look into it tomorrow. See if they actually sell, and for how much (to see if it's worth my time). I am also thinking of possibly offering to make them for any Secret Pal who wants me to make it for their partner... I'll even offer to mail it directly to their partner. Could be a good business project to keep myself busy until Sean's born.

Tonight I went to the knitting meet-up in NDG. I had a really good time, and I literally JUST JUST walked in the door. It's late, but I don't get out much - lol, and enjoy just being with women and chatting. Tonight's conversations were completely here and there, and was very very interesting. We ended up staying late, (4 of us) and leaving just as 2nd Cup was closing! We didn't get kicked out of the place, because we were already standing around outside just talking. It was such good conversation, I just couldn't leave. (Not that I go to bed early anyhow, I'm a night owl!) I am really glad to have met all these wonderful people and people that I can actually call my friends!

Stitch 'N Bitch Time!

This morning I went out with my mother & grandmother to do some shopping. By the time we were not even half way through the afternoon, I decided that there is no way that I can do spend 3 days with the two of them in Albany, New York, as we were planning on going next month. I don't think it's because I was over tired and hungry - I think with me being 7 months pregnant (8 months next month when we actually go) that I won't be able to handle that much quality time! Not the way my mother & grandmother shop - LOL. Anyhow - we'll see as the time gets closer, it's not as if hotel reservations will be a problem or anything.

Tonight I went knitting with Angela & my cousin Jenn at the new yarn shop Effiloché. They were holding a little stitch & bitch for it's opening! It was a lot of fun! Effiloché is also a sewing shop, which is really cool, and I am curious to learn more about their sewing classes - as I'm learning my sewing machine. I actually have my friend Jennie coming over tomorrow to help me learn more on my sewing machine! I can't wait. Oh - an guess what? Effiloché has the ORIGINAL Clapotis in the shop window! Kate's original one! How damn cool is that?? I forgot to go look at it - maybe next time!

And - I fell in love tonight. I fell in love with Recycled Silk Yarn - iImported and distributed by the Wool Peddler. It is handspun in Nepal. And it's gorgeous. Just look below! (I just checked my bill - I thought it was 15.75$ a hank - but it was actually 19.75$ a hank (minus 10% discount for being a member of Montreal Knits). I am glad that I didn't know the price before buying - that may have made a difference. (LOL - okay, maybe not!)


I am absolutely IN LOVE with my new yarn. It's actually silk from Sari's and right now it's shedding everywhere. I *think* I am going to make a shawl with it - I just have to find the right pattern. (Oh and Kadi - on knitty.com it's a bag not a shawl pattern for this yarn - I looked). I have 3 hanks of this yarn, and it's approx. 175 yards per hank, at 200g per hank (they're kinda heavy!) But I think it will make a gorgeous shawl! Or scarf of some sort. Something warm and beautiful. But first - I must finish:

- Jamie's sock
- My Clapotis
- My first pair of socks ever (just the toes need to be closed on both socks!)
- Sewing & Blocking of baby Sean's sweater
- Matching booties for the sweater for baby Sean??

And I think that's it - and then I allow myself to use my recycled silk!!!! Oh - no - wait... I have a purse to knit for my mother-in-law's birthday as well. Her birthday is in just over 2 months. I have plenty of time - just gotta get working on that too.

So much to knit before the baby is born. I hope I will have enough time!

Knitting & Procrastination

I procrastinated ALL day long. It's been a while since I've done that for an entire day.

Tonight, I finally folded one load of laundry, that needed folding since yesterday (that's how bad I was today, but I needed some clothes that was in that basket to go out tonight - so I had to fold it - lol) and went to the local knitting meetup.

I took a few pictures tonight...

Me, knitting!

Sharon & Kadi knitting away - I love this image, because look at Sharon's hands - they're knitting in motion! I love it!

ME! 27 weeks pregnant. I can't believe that there is only 13 weeks left until baby Sean will grace us with his presence....! Will he be early? Will he be late? Will he give mommy an easy delivery (I HOPE!?)

Anyhow, I am really glad that I got out of the house today, and got to work on baby Sean's baby v-neck cardigan. It's coming along great, I'm almost done the right sleeve. I will take picutres tomorrow of the progress. PROMISE!

I want to make myself this sweater. I won't make it until I've given birth, but I'm wondering if I should just start it now??? I know what size I liked my sweaters before I got pregnant.... so maybe it wouldn't be a bad thing to start it now??? The pattern is VERY easy, and you can find it here. I need to see what yarn I'll use for it - and get gauge, and I've read the pattern over a couple of times, and I think I understand it - so it should be a sinch! I have some nice black Gedifra Donatella yarn - I wonder if it will be good to use for this? I do have 14 skeins, so I have enough, it's just a matter of if it's good yarn for this sweater...

Dragged Out of the House

This afternoon I decided that I couldn't take it anymore, and went to go see my dad's friend who is "my doctor" for the moment. He's a General Practitioner, and I don't have anyone else, so, I go see him. He usually will see me at his house - but since he will be playing tennis tonight, he asked me to come to his office, right away. I learned, that the Amoxicyllin that I am on, isn't the greatest to treat bronchitis - that it is meant for ear infections or sinus infections. GREAT! I've been on this medication for a week already - no wonder I'm not feeling any better. He gave me Zpak which I've been on before (even during pregnant - back in May when I had bronchitis last) and hopefully it will start to kick in soon! I need this coughing to go away!

On the knitting front:

I had to change the baby v-neck cardigan over to straight needles because the bamboo needles that I was using was making the sock yarn stick. I still can't believe that I'm using US6 (4mm) needles on SOCK YARN! LOL... but that's what the pattern asked for - and so I went with it! I can't wait for this baby sweater to start actually looking like something! I've never made a sweater before, so I am very excited to start working on sleeves and stuff!

My 26 week pregnant belly. Today marks 26 weeks. Wow - time flies. Only 14 weeks left until my due date - that's crazy. We are sooo excited and now that we're back we must start looking into getting the nursery ready!

Tonight, I don't know how - but Angela convinced me to leave the house for a bit... and go out to a new knitting meeting location - for those knitters in the Plateau (It is really easy to get to Jenn C. - it's not on a shelf somewhere - promise!)

I took 2 pictures tonight to show, and here is everyone knitting around some tables:

And here is Kate's daughter Tadpole joined us at knitting tonight: