June 29 of 30

Thank you so much Celena for the awesome stitch markers I received in the mail today. I am really into butterflies right now, and I just love them! Thanks again!

Sean & I went for a walk today to the post office, so I could mail off an Etsy Order. He was just delighted to check everything out on our walk. And I mean everything.

I received my SP10 Reveal package today! I have been spoiled by Tammy of KnitoneInsane2. I have been reading her blog since SP8, since she was my hostess in SP8! Thank you Tammy for spoiling me during SP10. It's been fun. For flash backs, here is package 1 and package 2. Above, in package 3, I've received a tote bag that reads "Life is Too Short To Use Cheap Yarn"... I just love it! I got my first pair ever of handknit socks that someone else knit for me. I've never received any before! They fit perfect! I got some gum (I'm addicted to gum!), some tea, (looks yummy!), some DPN ends so I don't drop stitches when not working on my project, some cute labels to sew into Sean's next sweater, and a Habs Hat (love it! Thanks to Tammy's hubby for getting it for me!) It's been a fun round SP10, and I look forward to SP11. Sign ups start Sunday, July 1st, and run for the month of July. SP11 starts on August 15th, and runs September, October & November.

Tonight my in-laws came over for dinner and then I played poker again this week. I had bad luck this week (Unlike last week) and was the first out of the game. Thank goodness Jamie came in first place, so he made the money back that he spent on me that I lost (10$).

Tomorrow our new washer & dryer are being delivered from Sears. I can't wait. I'll take pictures, of course. I'm in the middle of finishing up some loads because the new washer can't use regular detergent, only H.E. (High Efficiency) detergent, because it suds less, and so I am using what I have for the loads I have to do. I do have 2 full bottles of detergent, I'm going to see if I can just exchange them at Walmart (I have the bill) apparently H.E. costs the same. Price is not my concern.... I do have 1 concern. Baby laundry detergent. I've never seen a high effiency baby laundry detergent?? I know Tide makes H.E. detergent, but it's for children/adults, not babies. Grr... what do I do? I have to call up Sears first thing in the morning and ask. This question/concern only started to dawn on me now.

I just did some research on the internet, and people are stating that they wash their baby's clothing in regular detergent, just frangrance-free. That's fine with me, I don't mind doing that. I'm assuming that I can get H.E. detergent, that is fragrance-free. And some people even just do a second rinse (which is an option on my new washing machine) with regular detergent, with no problems. Sean's already 6 months old, I'm not worried about this too much, I'm just curious. I don't really know how long I should be washing his clothing in baby detergent anyhow, and even the no-name brand I'm using (from Zellers Truly Brand), is still expensive. (19 loads (liquid) for $4.99 or $5.99 depending if it's on sale - compared to Ivory Snow which is 23 loads (powder) for like 8.99$. (I don't use powder anymore, I find it gross when it doesn't wash out completely). Anyhow, last sale on Tide for cold-water (since I wash everything cold-water) I got the huge jug, 48 loads (which usually lasts me longer, because I don't use a lot of soap, you don't need to follow their "lines to fill up to" (less soap is better apparently) for under 10$ a jug on sale at Walmart. (Usually I think they're like $12.96 a jug, I think it was on sale for $9.96 or something). Anyhow, anyone have any insight on front loading washing machines, with high efficiency laundry detergent for babies? Please do share if you know anything!

I finished reading Knitting Under the Influence today. I definitely do not recommend this book. What a waste of almost 400 pages and months of reading. (Yeah, I started it when we left New Jersey on the way home back in March!) I'm not usually this slow in reading books, I guess life with a baby will do that to your reading! I do plan on starting another book tonight, I'll let you know which one tomorrow. I haven't decided yet. Anyhow, the book was okay, enough to keep me reading it - I wanted to know how it turned out in the end, but I wouldn't read it again, that's for sure.

Here is what I'd look like in the world of the Simpsons. If you want to create your own, click here. How cool is this?

I saw this funny and I thought I'd share it with you today. Enjoy!

June 2 of 30

Sean tried Green Beans last night. It seems to be a new fave with him. The butternut squash we started on Tuesday in Burlington, VT, was not successful. Of course, I'll try the squash again in a couple of day or so, but the beans were a much better success!

Sean's newest thing is with his tongue. He'll put it out and ask you to do the same. It's NOT funny when he has green beans in his mouth. I then had green beans on my tshirt. Cute the first time, not the 5th!

Ali of Skeins Her Way held a contest, where we had to list our summertime knitting goals. I kept mine simple, but listed what I wanted to accomplish this summer. (With a baby, knitting time is precious sometimes). And guess what? My name was picked for the Grand Prize! I must be having some luck lately. (Despite all the horrible luck lately with my tenants, and other things going on). I love filling out contests... it's fun. (Never expecting to win of course)! So, for the grand prize, I win her pattern, Fitted Tank, (which I can't wait to make!) and 4 skeins of Blue Sky Alpacas (a cotton yarn) in the colorway of my choice. I choose Carribean color #630, it's just a beautiful teal/turquoise color. I need to go email Ali my address & choice!

Angela came over tonight and hung out with me. We tried to figure out a few internet things, but tonight it just wasn't happening. I have to call the company on Monday and see what the problems are. Nothing that is a rush, but it sucks when it's Saturday night and you can't get any internet support! Thanks Angela for trying - oh well - next time. We ended up watching the movie Because I said So, it was cute. The first time I tried watching it with my sister and Sherrie, it just wasn't happening. We were too interested in talking (and drinking white wine), that we didn't get into the movie. This time around, I was able to pay attention and it was really cute. Sean slept in my arms during the movie.

The blues and grey square to the left of the one I'm currently knitting is the square I worked on while in the car in one of the many times we were in the car during our trip to the USA this past week. It's square number 22. Square number 23 is still on needles, but will be done tomorrow. It's coming along great. I'm loving the blanket. Not really looking forward to weaving in ends, but I know I'm going to have to do it soon. It's getting to be a huge mess (all the ends!)

Today was day 2 of not spending money. I'm doing very well so far. I don't even think about it. My SP10 final pacakge was mailed and received already, but I have one more surprise for my SP10 pal, which I'll be able to use stamps that I already have in my wallet for it, so I'm not worried about that. I also have stamps for my stitch marker exchange, for the partners I'll be sending stitch markers to. So I don't have to spend money this month. I need 1 month of cleansing from shopping! I think I can do it. (The only 1 exception was the TTC Yarn Shop Crawl in Toronto next Saturday for the International Knit in Public Day). I know I can do it! It's going to be an awesome month of Not Buying It. If I can get through June, maybe I'll do July as well! (Might do me some good!)

I started listening to Harry Potter Book 1 on audio. (MP3 on my Creative Labs Nomad). I started listening to it in the car on the way home from our trip, while knitting. Fell asleep in the car a bit, found my place when I woke up and listened a bit more. I really like the british narrator, he's doing a good job.

Alright, I've got a nasty headache, so I'm off to bed for the night. I just took Angela to the metro to go home, and I'm going to hit the sack. Tomorrow morning my in-law's are coming for Breakfast. Jamie has a ball game at night, but it's a late game, so I'm not going to go to it with Sean. It's too late. I hope Jamie has an early game sometime soon, so I can go! Maybe after Post-Natal Aqua ends, I can go to a Monday night game.

4 more sleeps until the whackjob moves out of my apartment that I rent her. Oh, can you tell I'm so excited she will be gone before my birthday, and I won't have to think of her anymore. I'm also so very glad she'll be gone before my trip to Toronto. This way I don't have to worry about the crazy biatch while I'm away. Makes me feel a lot better.

Kadi will probably be working this weekend, and may not be able to come with me anymore to Toronto. So it looks like I may be going alone.... unless anyone wants to come in the car with me? Anyone interested? If so, let me know. The TTC Knit in Public Day is going to be so much fun! It's International, so what are you doing for it?

Congrats to L.C. for winning my Contest #6 for my Sp10 Group. She's getting to pick out a pattern of her choice. Contest #7 for my group is running until June 15th, and all you have to do is flash your stash! I did it recently for Kerry's group (which I'm in) and it was a fun contest! So I'm hosting that same one for my SP10 group!

I'm working on a Birthday Contest to have on my blog. It'll be a series of questions about me, which, the answers will be available on my blog. You just may have to dig through posts to find the answers. I'll post these questions on my birthday (June 16th) and you'll have until the end of the month to answer them. I'm not sure what the prize will be yet, but it will definitely be worth it! Contests are fun, aren't they?? I've been having fun being in some (and winning too!) so now it's someone else's turn for me to host and them to win! What fun!

May 15 of 31

Sean had his 4 month (belated a little) check up today with his doctor. He is still currently in the 50th percentile (meaning 100% average) and he now weighs in at 15 lbs 7 oz. This morning before Jamie left to work we took our guesses - I guessed 15 lbs 4 oz and Jamie's was 16 lbs. Looks like I won! We play these little guessing games all the time. We'll guess a total before checking out our items at the grocery stre for example... it's fun. The winner never actually wins anything, but it's fun.

Sean got his 4 month shots today as well. Even though he did have a cold, he didn't have fever, so she went ahead with it. He cried more during the 2nd shot than the first. That was the beginning to a very rough day.

Since the shots (and tempra that he is on for his cold) knocked him out, I took advantage of him sleeping in his carrier, and wandered to the thrift shop.

I picked up 44 children's books for Sean, for 20$. Almost every single one of these books are in perfect condition. I couldn't believe what I found too - some really great stuff. Can you tell I want Sean to be a reader??

Had a REALLY rough day today, (the screaming started in the car on the way home from the thrift shop), and lasted for just over an hour. Nothing calmed him down. He pushed the bottle away from his mouth, pushing my hand away. I tried swaddling him, rocking him, caressing his forehead, things that usually soothe him.... nothing worked. That was a fun hour. He finally decided that he had enough, and wanted to eat, so that worked, and he fell asleep in my arms for a bit. I was able to then, once Jamie got home from work, put him to sleep in his crib, and Jamie and I watched TV, had dinner and I knitted.

Here is the progress on my sock. I have done more knitting since then though.... I am about 19 rows before decreasing the toes and then grafting shut. I think the above picture is about 20 rows shy of what I've done tonight, since taking the picture. This is the first itme I'm actually using my sock blockers at all! Finally they came out of hiding!

For my SP10 group, I asked them to post a picture or talk about their "knitting spot". Since I asked them to do it, here is my knitting spot:

The couch in my den. Usually there is a cat by my feet, like Zeus is above. I had Jamie take this picture of me this evening. So that's my entry for Contest #5, even though my entry doesn't count for a prize spot. I am just doing it for fun!


I did forget to post the oldest yarn in my stash.... for contest #4. I realized this evening backtracking through my posts, that I forgot to do it! I have this merino yarn that I got on ebay still in my stash.... I've had it since December 2005. No idea what to do with it... but... it's sitting there... it's a little flashy if you ask me. Too bad this isn't sock yarn!

I'm hoping Sean feels better tomorrow, we're off to do a ton of errands, I need to tackle my to do list! I'm meeting up with my mom for a while, and she will be helping me out on my errands and doing some of her own.

Still no sign of my Interweave Knits issue in the mail. I called last week, and the girl said that if it doesn't arrive this week, they'll send me out another copy. I'll wait until Friday, and if no show, I'm calling them before they close on Friday. They've already extended my subscription, because it was supposed to start last issue, and I never got that either! I'm kind of ticked off.

I called our local newspaper today to find out why they upped the price of my subscription by 4$ per month. The girl who answered was able to offer me half of that gone, so it was lowered by 2$ and she was able to send me a 20$ gift card to the local grocery store. However, in speaking to some people afterwards, and them getting a lower rate, I think I'm going to call back in a few days and threaten to cancel my subscription and see if they can lower it anymore. I don't believe that the only way they could give me a lowered rate is if someone was a student in the house. I don't buy that. Not one bit. There has got to be something they can do for me. I don't even read the paper. Jamie reads the sports section every morning.... so that's why we get the paper.

So it's official. I'll be in Toronto from Thursday, May 24th until Saturday May 26th, attending the Yarn Harlot event at the Indigo books on May 25th, and meeting up with some "virtual" knitting friends, whom will become "real" people ... and not just blogs anymore! I'll also be in Boston/Northampton from Tuesday, May 29th, until Thursday, May 31st, 2007, attending the Webs Event, also with the Yarn Harlot. I have a ton of people in my SP10 group that I will get to meet down at Webs, and also my mom wants to go shopping in Lee, MA and Northampton. Apparently there is REALLY good shopping. Plus, any excuse for her to spend 3 days with her grandson. So if you are going to be at either event, please let me know! I'd love to meet you!

May 7 of 31

I was going to post today an updated picutre of my tulips in the front of my house.
Except someone ransacked my garden this morning~ or late last night.

They cut off (clean scissor cut) all the bulbs of my tulips. Not even the stems too, as if to put them in a vase in their house. They cut off just the bulbs on top! (is that what they are called? bulbs? The part that blooms open?)

They left 1. From about 8. I'm soo pissed!I'm posting about it tonight.

WHO DOES THAT!!

I know I said I hate flowers. I do. When you have to buy them, because they die two or three days later, or my cats eat them before they die. (Yep, I've got strange cats).

Anyhow, I'm upset that someone went onto my property (the tulips are closed in by bushes, so they'd have to of pushed the bushes to the side to get into my "garden area" (which consists of those 8 tulips.

I don't know if it was a random case, by some random kids in the neighborhood, I don't know if it was my tenant, but I'm going to ask her about it the next time I see her (I try to avoid her, because I can't wait until she moves out!), or if it was one of the neighbors (didn't do anything to any of them to piss them off though) or maybe my tenant pissed someone off? Or maybe it was my stalker? (From last year). But that I highly doubt (the last one) for some reason.

On the image above and below, you can see the clean cut on the stems. This flower above is the one one left. I had red, yellow & pink tulips from last year.


Evidence...

Even more evidence....

And the last of the evidence....

So help me g-d if I find out who did this... this is trespassing.

This morning I got an order of cascade. I got 5 skeins of each color. The white is for dying. Not sure what color yet. The Quatro, I think is for a full size Clapotis. I think. Maybe. We'll see.

I also received my stitch markers from KnitWit Momma - Jennifer, who is also an SP10 Hostess. Aren't they GORGEOUS! Wow! She makes some wonderful stitch markers!

I also received this mini package in the mail from my wonderful Secret Pal 10 buddy, who sent some "leftover" sock yarn for Sean's blankie, as well as some lovely green stitch markers (you all know how much I heart stitch markers!) Thank you so much SP - Sean's blankie is going to love it!

I picked up this today while out with my sister. It just makes me not want to do chores even more! As long as the kids are happy - who cares if you have cleaning to do!

And lastly, your daily dose of smiles. Oh wow, this kid is loved to pieces. He got spoiled by mommy tonight with some new toys, new books, and cute little slippers. Yep, this kid has more shoes than mommy owns! I swear! This kid made my day all better.

To comment again - whomever left the anonymous comment on my blog surely is a coward for not leaving their name. I hope they are bowing their tail between their legs and walking off in shame. Really. You are a huge time loser. And I don't care that I allow anonymous comments on my blog - they amuse me. I have my blog open to whomever wants to comment because there are some of my friends who do not have blogger accounts, and need the field to type in their name and weblog. So I cannot eliminate this. I need friendly accessibility to my blog. But I sure find it freakin' hysterical that you are not able to leave a name with your comment. I have my assumptions of whom left that comment, so you better watch over your shoulder ... yeah you - Anonymous person. Karma.... baby... karma. It'll bite you back in the arse for being so cruel for absolutely no reason. Because you know why? The person who received the hand crafted gifts, absolutely loved the items. Why don't you go ask her yourself. Her blog is here.

I went to post-natal aqua tonight, and found out that the class may be cancelled by the end of May if people don't start showing up. (Last week, when I didn't go due to my friend Aunt Flo, no one showed up). Tonight, it was just myself and this new girl Edweena, who was trying out the class for the first time, 14 weeks pregnant. However, I don't know if we'll see her again, apparently she doesn't know how to swim, so that is a probably when we do the deep end stuff on the noodles. So I had thought the program was going to run until at least St. Jean Baptiste weekend in June (the week after my birthday), but it's probably not going to. Even more of a reason to be upset with the local Y, and want to cancel my membership. I will find out soon what is happening with that, but thank goodness my parents have a pool.

Sean's swim lesson for tomorrow - it's being postponned until Friday. So you'll have to wait until then to see the little guy in his bathing suit.

Not a single stitch got knit today, I'm hoping for some knitting in the park tomorrow afternoon after I get some errands done. I'm meeting up with Kadi.

I'm all done my mother's day shopping, and I've gotten a gift for my mother & my step-mother-in-law. I'm doing brunch with my in-laws on Sunday morning, and dinner at my parents house Sunday night. This will be my very first mother's day, and I'm very excited about that.

To all of those whom commented on my blog today, thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it. Some of you, I've emailed back a thank you - but there are some people whom have de-lurked, and I don't have a contact email to email you back - so I thank you for your comments. Glad to know there are people out there who appreciate handknit goods.

Alright, I'm zonked from a late night last night of staying up late and getting up early today (did get a little mini nap in this morning), and aqua, and a walk with my sister & Sean tonight, so I'm going to hit the sack.

Oh - before I go - I forgot to mention, the other night, I don't think it was last night, I think it was the night before, I got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and I picked up Sean from the spot he crawled to, and put him back in the "start" spot in the crib, and I felt he had a soaked diaper, it was really heavy. I cannot believe that I was able to change his diaper and put him back in his crib, and he did not wake up. Wow. I guess he's a heavy sleeper. Not like me. I'm a very light sleeper. Everything wakes me up.

Oh oh oh - I have one more thing to say. Thank you so much Kathy for hosting a blogaversary contest, apparently I was the 127th commenter on her blog. Was it today or yesterday that was the 127th day of the year, and she picked the 127th comment on her blog to win! Just what I needed to not think about tacky comments & flower tormentors.

May 4 of 31

I got the most amazing Secret Pal ever!! Really! Wow! I absolutely love her or him! Just in today, package number 2! All I have to say is WOWZERS!

I now own some fibers and my very own spindle! I'm not sure really how to use it, but I have some instructions that came along with it. These two items come from Hello Yarn. I got some Pink Dyed Corriedale Spinning Fiber. Oh wow! I'm freakin' excited!

Isn't this gorgeous? It's from Etsy Seller Kindred Spirits Yarn. It's just beautiful. My toes are going to love me. Must finish other projects so I can cast on!

I also received Quick Baby Knits by Debbie Bliss. I had ironically purchased this book on Wednesday while at Chapters with my mother. I have the bill, so I'm going to exchange it. Hopefully I can maybe find a book on spinning instead!? Great minds think alike!

I also got some soak wash for handknits and some really cute post-it notes. I heart post-it notes! I'm a list maker and post-it note leaver!

Sean even got a present from my wonderful SP10 pal. I haven't taken it out of the packaging just yet, but he'll get it tomorrow!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! You rock Secret Pal 10!

Here is your daily dose of Sean smiles. Sean was my good luck charm during poker tonight. I came in second place making my 10$ back. So I didn't lose out tonight, and I had a lot of fun. Too bad I didn't have the patience anymore to come in first place. (I would have made 40$ profit!)

Here are the 2 skeins I dyed the other day. It's Lannett Superwash yarn. This was with food coloring. The other 2 skeins were Regia, and with Kool-aid. I'll only be able to post those after SP10 is over and I reveal myself to my pal! Being a hostess I have to be very careful, and not post anything I send my pal, incase she stumbles across my blog! Wouldn't want her to know who I am too early!

Kerry, my SP10 Hostess is having a contest to blog about our garden and/or talk about our fave flower. I do not have a fave flower. I hate flowers actually. I told Jamie never to buy me flowers when we first started dating because they die. Why spend money on something that will just end up dying. However, I do think flowers are beautiful, even though I hate them. They are a lot of fun to photograph.

Last year, this time, exactly today a year ago, I had tulips in my front yard. Fast forward a year, and the weird weather we've been having, and here is my front yard right now (above). Hopefully my tulips will bloom soon. Then, in my backyard, not for a few more months, I'll have orange flowers (June) & purple ones (about July/August) too. There are three little areas with tulips next to each other. I had no idea they were there until they blossomed the year after we moved in. You see, they don't last long. Maybe 2 weeks if we're lucky. We got possession of the house on May 18th, 2005. We only officially began living her May 26th, 2005, when all our stuff was officially over here. We were sleeping on a matress on the floor in our living room for about a week (until our new carpets were installed) but we were officially here. Hence missing out on the tulips in 2005. In 2006, last year, we were surprised with the tulips. We had no idea they were here.

So this is my entry for the SP10 contest for the group I'm in - talking about flowers & gardens!

I got this in my email box from Lion Brand this morning. Can you say EWWW??? I also got a really cute pattern for a Knit Baby Hoodie, but it's more for a girl, not for Sean. So I've saved the pattern in my pattern folder on my desktop, and maybe one day it'll come in handy, for a baby girl or a gift! Or both... (here's to hoping the next kid is a girl!)

I did some pattern ordering today and got myself:

- Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (I'd seen one of the girls in my SP10 group talk about some wonderful patterns in this book, and had to get it. luckily they had it, while browsing for the next title!)
- Classic Elite Summertime Knits (Been eyeing this booklet, and found it cheaper here! I'm making the cabled pullover - I have the yarn already!)
- Sirdar Knitting Pattern 2062 Snuggly DK (While browsing originally for the Classic Elite Pattern, I came across these!)
- Sirdar Knitting Pattern 1507 Supersoft Aran(Sean will look super cute in both these 2 Sirdar patterns. (My first time hearing Sirdar -I've never seen their stuff before either, but I was browsing the patterns on sale, and what do you know - they have some really cute ones for babies!)

And that's it for today my friends. It's getting late, and I want to get to bed. On tap for tomorrow? NOTHING! I want to relax, and relax and knit?! Jamie has a team practice, his first softball game is on Monday night. I'm hoping my tattoo heals, because I want to go to post-natal aqua on Monday night, and Sean has his first swim lesson on Tuesday. They say to wait 2 weeks to go swimming or longer if you can avoid it, but the pool at the local Y is not chlorinated water, it's on another system, and I'm itching to go in the water. My ankle seams almost healed, it's my back that is scabbing and taking longer to heal. I only have a few weeks left of post-natal aqua (the instructor is going on leave, and doesn't know if she will come back to teach the class, and right now can't find an instructor, and even if they do, it won't be the same, so I probably would not continue). I'm cancelling my membership as of June....! Whether the Y likes it or not.

April 17 of 30

[Let me try this again. Wrote this entire post. Went to go press publish & all my internet windows froze - DAMN IT! Had to reboot - only have as of my last 'save' - so I have to write up more than half this post again... DAMN INTERNET!]

Last night I organized my needles in these jars I picked up. I have organized my needles by type (metal/bamboo or wood/plastic/etc...) I love them. This is sitting ontop of my desk hutch now!

Last night I didn't get enough sleep again. I have been going through some sort of funk lately, and I feel a) overwhelmed, b) stressed for no apparent reason c) ready to break down at any given moment d) frustrated on some days e) unsure of where I want to take my career once my maternity leave is over (yet I have tons of options) f) scared of the 'real world/work world'... does any of this make any sense to me? No. How do I cope? Trying to get too many things done at once, playing super-mommy to Sean, trying to maintain my house, knitting & staying up until wee hours of the night, not being able to go to sleep until everything on my list is accomplished. Sean is sleeping through the night. I should be sleeping through the night. I am not getting nearly as much sleep as I should. Last night, I got a total of about 5 or 6 hours, and 3 of them were on the couch with Sean in my arms. And that was because Sean slept in until 9:30 am this morning.

I did get some knitting done last night, while catching up on Desperate Housewives and October Road (almost caught up - I downloaded all the 4 episodes that so far exist). I have an FO to show... I've started & completed Jamie's MP3 player case. It's in blue - because he is picky with colors, and I really like it. Here's some pictures. (I knit it flat, and just ribbing k2, p2.... for the entire thing and then seamed up the sides. I think I did a fairly good job with the seaming for this, it looks clean on the outside. I used US zero needles, and I swear to god, I thought I was going to break the yarn! I have no idea what yarn this is - as I used some leftovers that someone gave me that they didn't want to use. There was no label with it unfortunately. I wish I knew what it was... as it worked well for this project. I am debating whether to add a snap onto the end of the case... I will leave that up to Jamie - but I can add one easily - if he wants one. I will be knitting another one, of the exact same thing, but in another color this time - for my sister, as she wants one. It's a VERY easy knit - so I will probably get to it this weekend or something, I want to make some more squares for Sean's blankie first.



Above is the inside of my seaming job and below is the outside seaming job - I believe I did a great job finishing off this project! On the outside, you do not see my seaming! I love the colorway I chose .... or "pattern" if you call it that. I'd seen this two-tone on something (maybe it was a cell phone pouch - and decided I wanted to copy the idea).

STATS:

Pattern: knit 2, purl 2, knit flat. No pattern required.
Needles: US zero
Yarn: Embroidery Floss (Works well for tiny cases!)
Timeline: About 4-4.5 hours of knitting in one shot.

I hope Jamie likes it! If not, I'm sure my sister will like blue.... if Jamie does like it - then I'll make another one for my sister, in another color/yarn though - as I don't have enough yarn left in blue.

This morning I received lovely stitch markers from the swap I hosted/created, from the lovely Barb. Thank you very much Barb - I love them!

Today I ran a bunch of errands with my mom. I borrowed three Debbie Bliss books from the library near my mom's place - and I'm excited to go through them and see if there is any patterns I'd like to make for Sean. I also did a return at ToysRus, walmart, went to the art store, and picked up some groceries. I got a lot done today. Had lunch at my parents house. Phew! Mailed some stuff at the post office, and picked up some magazines for Jamie's cousin who just had surgery. Ran home, met Jamie and went to see his cousin.

This evening we went to visit Jamie's 14 year old cousin who just had spinal surgery a week ago. She's looking good, and feeling good, and walking around. We brought her 2 pairs of pj's, 1 book, 3 magazines (J-14, Teen & Seventeen) and 2 new releases at blockbusters. I told her that she should pick out two movies for herself, not to let anyone else pick out a movie! I am planning on spending some time with her on Thursday (since tomorrow's already packed with stuff to do), and teaching her to knit. Her parents are working during the day, and her little brother goes to school. I told her I'd keep her company. It's going to be a long month of recovery if she's home alone every day. She's very happy though about not having to do phys.ed for 2 years! And she thinks it's pretty cool that she has 14 screws in her back that will set off the metal detectors at the airport. She'll have a note from her doctor about the screws though, so she doesn't have to worry about problems! Cute... at least she's doing very well!

Tonight I have been working on these:

I have made 4 sets (4 are SP10 commissions) There is a 5th set up in my Etsy Shop, if anyone wants to snag those, they're the last pair left for now.

This is a sneak peak of what is to come in my Etsy shop. There are some awesome colors going up this week - do check in! I'll also announce when it's up!

April 15 of 30

I went here and found a random lottery generator. It's pretty darn cool! I've entered in everyone's names who participated in Contest #3. If you posted both your hate and fave patterns, and if you only posted one hate or one fave pattern, I entered your name in to win. Random generator program picked out two names:

Your prizes will be in the mail tomorrow. Some sock yarn! Yum! And with the close of contest #3, I'm starting contest #4! Gotta keep SP10 Fun! This time, I'm letting my group decide what the contest will be. Email me here by Wednesday to win the chance to pick the question for the contest. You will win a prize. Then by entering the contest, there is another chance to win! I personally will choose the contest winner for the question for the contest, and the winner of entering by participating, I'll ask Jamie next time to pick a name out of a hat/bag/box, something!

This morning Jamie went to go check on Sean. He then came and woke me up to come "see"... So I went. Sean was on the other end of his crib, facing a total different direction than when I placed him in his crib last night to sleep. He did a total 180 in his crib! I can't believe this! He can crawl (or scooch, who knows) in his sleep - but he has yet to crawl during tummy time! I can feel it - any day now!!

My parents stopped by (very impromptu - which is okay - thank goodness we were home), and had brunch at our place. After they left, Jamie & I watched the movie Casino Royale. While it was a long movie, (2 hours 24 minutes) and most of it was unrealistic (but you are to expect that), I did enjoy the movie. During which, I knit up square #2:

This yarn is from Cynthia - which I believe may be left over bits from Scout's Swag (Correct me if I am wrong Cynthia!). Yes, it does have a hint of purple in it... now, while I hate the color - Sean may not. So - to be fair to him, his blankie may just have a little bit of that color in it...!

Our satelite was wonky tonight, probably due to the nasty weather outside, so we didn't get to watch Sopranos nor Entourage tonight. (I'll download them tomorrow once they are posted as a torrent). That was a little upsetting! Was looking forward to both new episodes all week.

Nothing really else to report. Packing up some SP10 stuff to mail off to my pal, so I can mail it off tomorrow when I got to the post office with Contest #3's prizes!

Jamie's cousin who is 14 had spinal surgery on Tuesday, and will hopefully return home from the hospital on this upcoming Tuesday. I was scrambling for ideas as to what to get her for a present, but I've decided on 1 book (on life as a teenager in Canada or something cute like that - it's written by teens across Canada), 2 pairs of PJ's, some yarn and some needles. I want to teach her how to knit - so she has something to do while at home. I'm going to go by Tuesday or Wednesday - depends on what day she gets home from the hospital. Unfortunately Sean is not allowed into the hospital (No children under the age of 12, can visit the Montreal Children's Hospital), so we'll wait until she gets home and visit her there. She's recovering beautifully so we've been told.

Alright, I'm going to go try and cast on one more square... (probably won't get far in it tonight, but at least I want to cast on!)

April 14 of 30

We started putting Sean in this Evenflo (did I say that right?) Exersaucer that we got from one of my sister's friends as a hand-me-down. I finally wiped it clean, and Sean has been using it. It's missing one toy that is supposed to come with it - but that doesn't matter.... I am okay with that. Sean doesn't know the difference, so what does he care?? Anyhow - he LOVES being in it! He's got very good head control for 3 and a half months, and we're hoping he walks before he crawls, so this exercauser is good for his leg muscles! (Jamie has this dream that he's going to be the next Habs Star - so he'll be on skates the day he starts walking! LOL... Dream big hubby of mine! Dream big!)

We also started putting books with more pictures than words in front of Sean. I hope to raise a reader. I am a reader, but Jamie is not (Well, unless you count the Montreal Gazette every morning, and Beckett Hockey Magazine that he gets in the mail monthly - LOL)... but I want Sean to enjoy reading a book. I've saved all my Christopher Pike & R.L. Stine books for when he's a little older. I also have Roald Dahl books, Shel Silverstein, and for when I have a girl - all my Judy Blume, some Nancy Drew. What I am upset about most? Selling my ENTIRE babysitters club books at a garage sale... Should have kept those. But those are LONG gone. Oh well. Who knows, maybe my daughter won't even like those one day when she exists and is of age to read.


Sean kept falling asleep on us tonight, but then when we'd put him in his crib, 10 mintues to 20 minutes later (it varried), he would wake up.... and we'd feed him some more, and do this all over again. I swear, the kid was UP ALL DAY - and didn't nap at all. And I swear - he ate and ate and ate all day. I feel like I did nothing else but watch TV (we just caught up to the current episode of Entourage).

So here is the finished Mini-Clapotis - blocked and all. And here are my stats on it:

STATS:

Pattern: Altered Mini-Clapotis, though, I used my own length not what's shown here.
Needles: US 8/ 5mm

Yarn: Cascade Quatro Tahiti Colorway

Timeline: Wednesday, April 4th, 2007 - Tuesday April 10th, 2007

So last night's cast on for the tri-blankie for Sean didn't work out. I tried reading up on it first, but for some reason it didn't work out for me. Maybe it was because I did it in stockinette stitch, but I don't think that should matter whether I'm knitting or purling.... but I've only been knitting for just over a year, so maybe that does matter and I just don't know it. I am still learning as I knit. And what I've learned from the swatch below - Sean's tri-blankie will have to be knit in garter ridge (which is my most hated stitch pattern).

I tried following the instructions for the tri-blankie pattern from the Knitting 2007 Calendar that I got - and this one is actually done in stockinette stitch. I think this pattern only works with worsted weight yarn - even though it says to use whatever scraps/leftovers you have or want to use.

So frustrated, I called up my cousin Jenn. Explained exactly what happened, and since she is working on the same blankie for her soon-to-be son, I decided she'd be the right person to ask. So, with following what she has done, I re-cast on with some Opal yarn (thank you Mary in my SP10 Group - I need to photograph the leftover yarn she sent me and post a picture - this swatch/square came from your leftovers!):

I cast on 51 stitches on US1 (2.25mm) DPN's - and knitted away! It only used 4 grams of yarn for 1 square. I got a 3"x3" square. Perfect size. Exactly what I wanted.


I started out with 14 grams of leftovers in this colorway - from this one particular ball (I have more of it in leftovers) and I can get at least another 2 squares out of this same colorway - which I love. I'm a fan of red & black together!

So square number 1 is done. Hopefully more will get knit up tomorrow. And at some point, I must cast on Jamie's sock number 2... I am being pressured to finish his sock!

I saw this Sushi set that you can knit up - click here to see. This has got to be the ugliest thing I've ever seen! I love to eat sushi and all - missed it dearly while I was pregnant... but to carry around a knitted purse?? Yeah - I don't think so!

Tomorrow I'm picking two winners for my SP10 Group Contest #3. One winner who posted both their hate and fave knitted patterns, and one winner who posted either their hate or their fave knitted patterns, but not both. So check back tomorrow night for the winners!