Another Pair

Yeah, I finished the Chevron Socks. Now I can move onto other things. I spent the entire weekend doing swatches for the red scarf. Just when I thought I had found one, I realized it was just like someone else's. I figure variety is key, so back to the drawing board. Front Back I wanted something with visual interest on both sides. I'm thinking that it has been achieved. Now I just have to clean up those edges. I have a k1p1 rib but I'm thinking that I'll just let the first and last repeat curl as it was doing. I'll just add a selvedge to it and leave it be. Both kids and I are sick. Yuck! It's not too bad but just enough to make us feel crappy. Connor's doing the best of all. He's such a little trooper! To top it off, he cut his first tooth yesterday. I know, pretty early. I have to admit, I started crying when I saw the white sticking out of his gum. He will be our last and I want him to stay little as long as possible. Already he's doing things that Reilly didn't do until a month or two later. I had promised Royd that he wouldn't miss much until he got home and he's missing alot. Well, three weeks to go...

Temporary Insanity

First, we will not discuss that after an entire morning of knitting, I have nothing to show for it. Second, we will not discuss the issue of making sure you are using the same needle that you achieved gauge with. Not one of the other two that didn't work. Ask me not. In other news, I have completed one of the Chevron socks and am quite pleased with the result. They fit perfect! I also have signed up for this: I made a scarf last summer in this beautiful rayon/cotton blend from Wool in the Woods yarn. Don't ask which one or which colorway, I lost the band. Anyway, I made it way too long and skinny. I want to wear it since it's so pretty, but end up having to wrap it three times to make it manageable. After I take a picture(to come later) for reference, I'm off to frog.

First FO of 2005

Finally! It's been November since I've finished anything. These are my Fluted Bannister Socks. Aren't they pretty? This is a shot of the lace ribbing on the cowl neck sweater I'm doing. So far the back is completed and I just started the sleeves. Since I'm changing the original pattern to not include a fur cuff, I'm playing around with how many repeats of lace to do. I'm aiming for a bell sleeve that isn't too wide yet drapey. Here's the sweater I'm doing for Connor. That's a sleeve, if you weren't sure. I'm also hoping that you can tell that's lime green and navy blue. I'm making this pattern up as I go along while using The Knitters Handy Book of Sweaters as a reference. I was suppose to drive down to Ansbach this morning to visit with Jean, but the weather had different ideas. I woke up to about 2 inches. Yeah, I know, it's nothing compared to the Northeast. I know mine and my cars limitations, and had to cancel. Bummer, I was really looking forward to it too. Instead I casted on for the Chevron Socks that I had frogged. So far so good.

A Knitting Update

Just a warning, there is lots of updating to be done. I've been a bad blogger as of late. I've had alot to blog about, but didn't quite have the energy to do so. Therefore, I'm just going to do one huge entry. Sorry, but pictures will follow another day. I'm still too lazy. I've started quite a few projects the past week. Oh, and they're ALL from my stash! Another blanket for charity in mint green and white yarn. This will end up being donated to Project Linus. Fluted Banister Socks. After reading how much other people liked the pattern I thought I'd try it out. I have so say I'm liking it alot. It's a quick and almost mindless knit. A cotton striped sweater for Connor. I'm using navy blue and lime green yarn I picked up for a steal (.75) a few months ago. The Fur Trimmed Cowl Sweater sans fur from the latest issue of Knit It!. Natalya. Well, kinda. I really want to use Classic Elite's Miracle for this, but am not getting gauge. So I'm swatching to see what gauge I do like and then need to rework the pattern. I also frogged those Chevron socks that I had made right after Connor was born. Ultimately I wasn't happy with them and couldn't bear to leave them as is. So, as soon as the Fluted Banister are done, I'll start these. I've also been quite the joiner. I've been accepted to the Knitting Blogs webring. Yeah! I signed up for Sockapalooza. I wasn't going to initially, but then Alison re-opened it, and I felt that that was a sign that I needed to join. I've been seriously stressing about what color and pattern sock to do. I don't want to do a sock that is too simple and nothing too complicated that I won't finish on time. Oh, yeah, I have to wait three weeks to get the yarn. I looked at what I do have and none of it is "right". (This does not qualify breaking my diet since it's for someone else...) I joined the Sock it to Me knitalong. Why? Ummmm...... Socks. I'm going help out the Red Scarf Project. I've got red and red and more red. Now that I think of it, this can count towards one of my ten projects. Woohoo! Not to discredit that it's also for a great cause. Yeah, that's alot for one post. I really need to get it together and post more regularly. Wait. I have a toddler and an infant. Hey, I'm lucky to even get time to knit. Ya know when I get most of it done? Between 5 and 7 am. I figure there's no sense in going back to bed after Connors morning feeding. It's probably my favorite time of the day. Coffee, knitting and quiet. Ahh. I've got happy news too. The hubby should be home no later than the 15th of February. For good. Well, for now. Who knows what the future holds, but I'll save that for another day. This is a happy post.

War President

Don't understand? Go here. Thanks to Kerstin and Jessica for setting this up. Well, George, I hope you enjoy your party. I hope that spending $40 million makes you feel good about yourself. Why do I protest? Because I have never believed in the decision to go to war. Now the country is sitting there wondering if it was such a good idea either. What? No WMDs? Because I feel that all that money could be spent providing better services for the troops that are there. I hear people talking about troop morale and how our protests bring it down. Guess what? Troop morale is low, but not because of this. How about feeding them a hot meal more often than every other day? How about getting them the proper tools to do their job? How about those Humvees? How about getting their mail to them? Oh, I could go on and on with what could be done, but I'll merely be wasting my breath. Because I am an Army wife. Because of my children. It kills me everyday that my husband is in Iraq fighting a war that neither of us believe in. It kills me that he should miss out on seeing his children grow. I'm not protesting just because he's gone, like other wives I know. I protest because I truly believe it is wrong for us to be there. I'm not protesting because I don't support or love my husband. I am very proud of him. He is an excellent soldier and leader. I just wish that his talent was being put to a better use. Oh, like maybe Afghanistan? Likewise, I support all of our troops and pray for the safe homecoming of every single one of them. Okay, my little "speech" is done. I know I am not usually political on my blog, but I felt that I had to express myself.

Giving up

I'm not going to make it. It took me two days to get through one panel of the afghan and I need two more. Then there's seaming it and a pretty border that need to go on. I guess I'll just have to send it in for the next deadline. I may do another one for them, just because I feel really bad. Since I no longer have to finish the afghan by this week, I feel free to work on other projects. Specifically Natalya. I'm swatching different yarns to see which ones I like best. So far two have been deemed unacceptable. Hopefully the next two work out better for me. I love cheap yarn. Elann restocked the Highland Wool. I of course got some, in Oxblood. And since there was still some money left on the gift card, I got some more sock yarn. I really must stop going to their website. It tempts me so much. On top of that, KnitPicks just introduced their own line of yarn. Such cheap and pretty colorways. Their Highland Wool is only 1.79. They also have merino sock yarn for 3.99. Ohhhh... Ahhhh... Maybe I should lock my computer up so I won't see it. Better yet, I should hide my debit and credit cards.

Wishful Thinking

1. That I will remain on a yarn diet. When I previously mentioned it, I did not specify any end to it. Well, it's kinda open. Mainly I want to work through some of my stash before I start supplementing it again. I'd love to be able to get through at least ten projects before this happens. These are the six containers of my pretty yarn. Yarn that is high quality and don't mind keeping in a stash. These are the four containers that I'm dying to get rid of. Most of it was bought before I knew what "real" yarn felt and looked like. 2. That I will be able to get my shipment for Afghans for Afghans sent in time. The original deadline was the 15th, but it's been pushed back to the 27th. That gives me until Thursday or Friday to finish the last afghan. I know that seems like a lot of time for shipping, but I'm dealing with the Military Post Office. I don't trust them. 3. That I will be able to resist casting on for Natalya before the afghan is finished. Jody made the most beautiful cabled gauntlets and was kind enough to write out the pattern for us to enjoy. She saved me the trouble of having to do it myself. I love the easy way out.

Too Cute

Today I received a little package from Kim, my spoilee from SP3. She made Connor the cutest little hat! As you can see, he needs to grow into it a little bit: She also sent along some of her wonderful homemade Chamomile soap and yummy maple syrup. Thanks Kim. I love everything! I also got the latest issue of FCEK. For once it didn't take two months to get here! I am loving all four of the sweaters from "Pretty in the City." I have just enough of Highland Wool to make one sweater. It calls for 1575 yards and I have 1635 yards. Cutting it a bit too close for my taste. I'm debating whether to use the GC I have to get enough in another color. I may have to, to do the cabled sweater. Decisions, decisions...

Sweet, Beautiful Quiet

For the first time in two weeks both children are napping at the same time. There was some serious happy dancing going on for a little bit. Now I can post about what I've meaning to since last time. I wanted to show the beautiful necklaces my sister, Laura, sent me for Christmas. I usually don't wear jewelry, but they're so pretty that I have to. That's not all she sent. I also received some clasp-on stitch markers. In fact she just started out her own company, Laura Stark Designs. Seriously, you should go check out her stuff. Yes, blatant plug to drum up business for her. But hey, my blog-my sister! As far as knitting content goes, not much to report. I'm kinda in a rut right now. I had to put Mariah on hold for now. The yarn I was using isn't making me happy-too thick at that gauge. So, in accordance with a self-imposed yarn diet I'm on, I'll just have to wait. I've also been working on a hat for Connor. This too is displeasing me. I'm doing the Jester Hat from The Yarn Girls Guide to Kid Knits. The problem is the points- they won't flop down like they're suppose to. I'm contemplating ripping it all out and working in a looser gauge, or try reworking the decreases in a different matter. Two weeks worth of knitting and nothing to show for it. Hmphf! Yes, you read right. Yarn diet. Am I crazy? Yes. Can I resist? Probably not. (Disclaimer: patterns bought to support yarn stash and the GC to Elann don't count) All this stems from my first New Years Resolution in about 10 years. To live life a bit simpler. What does that mean? Well, stop buying things on a whim, get rid of the clutter surrounding me, invest more in my future instead of present, and teach my children about appreciating what one does have. It hit me two days after Christmas that I've become materialistic and am teaching Reilly to be the same way. He was sitting next to me on the couch, whining and bored out of his mind. I couldn't believe it with all the new toys he had! To top it off, I had just gotten done shopping on-line. Now I just have to get my husband sold on this idea. He's worse than I am.

Ho, Ho, It's Over

Actually, I did manage to get a little bit into the spirit after all. My celebration manifisted itself in the way of baking cookies. Five batches worth. This is down from my traditional minimum of seven or eight. One wouldn't know that I had been baking for two days though. There isn't a cookie left in the house. They were either given to various neighbors or eaten. I won't say which disposed of more. I hope that Santa was good to everyone else this year. He brought me lots of goodies. This picture showes a sampling. Four balls of Gedifra Scarlet, two skeins of Koigu in #403 (which I have to say is one of the pretties colors I've seen yet) and three of TSC's Donegal Tweed. My lovely family also indulged me in other things: wooden dpns, a set of Lantern Moon needles, a copy of Socks, Socks, Socks and a copy of Simple Socks. Such wonderful things! I can't wait to play with everything. My hands are still bothering me, but are better than they were. I've been wearing splints, taking Motrin, doing back and arm exercise and avoiding knitting to try to make them better. Avoiding knitting is proving to be very hard! I do sneak in a few rows everday, just to get my fix.

Secret Pal Revealed

Awesome goodies were awaiting me yesterday at the post office! My secret pal, Pam, sent me a bracelet, a spindle and a knitting calendar. Wow! Thank you so much, Pam! You really, really spoiled me. I'm sad to see the end of SPs, I had so much fun doing it. I probably won't be doing SP4, maybe the one after it though. Actually, the package got here on Monday, but I didn't know about it until yesterday. The clerks forgot to put a notice in my box and then had the nerve to give me a nasty second-notice. It's now the second time this has happened and I'm quite annoyed with them. I'm in denial that Christmas is only six days away. My house shows no signs of it's short arrival, except for a lonely wreath on my front door. There will be no tree this year, only a tabletop artificial with some bows stuck on it. This is so weird for me, usually by the first week in December I'm dancing around, giddy like a school girl. All of this strange phenomenon has to do with Royd not being here. It just doesn't feel like the holidays without him. I've tried to get Reilly excited in the hopes that it'll rub off, but he doesn't quite get it. All he knows is that presents are coming. The concept of Santa isn't quite sinking in. Next year. Today's my birthday. I'm making a carrot cake to celebrate. Since Reilly has dairy allergies, I made him some cupcakes with some of the batter. I could have chosen a cake and icing that he could have eaten, but it's my day and my cake. Besides his birthdays in less that three weeks. I got an awesome present from my sister Laura. She sent me a gift certificate to Elann!!! Oh, the trouble I'm going to get into... Actually, I haven't been knitting too much this week. My carpal tunnel is acting up very badly. Just doing one row sets my hands and arms on fire. I'll need to go to a doctor pretty soon in order to get a referral to a therapist. I can just hear my mom(an OT herself) saying "I told you so" right now. But all is not lost. I've spending my lost knitting time cleaning and organizing my house. I'll leave you with the latest picture of Connor, sporting his booties and a hat I made him:

Three Weeks!?!

Honestly I can't believe it's been that long since I had a baby and last posted too. I'm not sure where the time is going. It seems that each day is a blur and before I know it, it's 9pm and time for all of us to hit the sack. Royd left last Saturday morning to go back. Saying goodbye again was harder than I had thought it would be. I just keep telling myself that it's only 2-3 more months and he'll be back home for good. That is unless he gets extended, which we have yet to find out. His visit home couldn't have worked out better. We got to spend two days together before Connor was born, he witnessed his son's birth and then a week and a half to bond with him. Reilly really enjoyed having his dad home too and is now having some issues with him being gone again. Thanks to a quick recovery from labor, we were able to go out and do things. Mostly we did alot of shopping for Christmas, both for us and for his guys. My poor, poor credit cards! One day we all headed down to the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) with my in-laws. There were all these vendors set up in the cutest little outdoor buildings. They have a name, but it eludes me right now. I didn't see anything I couldn't live without, but Royd spent some serious euros on Gluhwein (spiced hot wine). We now have quite the collection of mugs that it was served in. You pay a deposit for the mug and can either return it and get your money back or keep it. There was also a pen with some goats in it and Reilly had a blast feeding them. Of course the day wouldn't have been complete without a stop at the bakery and loading up on some yummy treats. Can I say yummy again? I have gotten a little knitting done. I've been working on these socks. They were intended for me, but turned out a little too tight, so I'll end up giving them to my mom. I also started on Mariah from the latest issue of Knitty. I'm about half way through the first sleeve. I had been going through all of my patterns looking for a cabled sweater and then I saw this. It's perfect. I love hoodies and the cable isn't so complicated that I'll get tired of it before completion. Also I wanted to show what my friend Jean sent me. Aren't they just the cutest little booties? She also sent Reilly a book that he very much enjoyed. Thank you, Jean, you're awesome!

He's Here!

Let me introduce the newest addition to our family: Connor Patrick. He arrived early Saturday morning, on his due date no less, at 8 pounds. So far he's been a delightful baby. He hardly ever cries and eats like a horse! Reilly has taken the role of big brother on without any hesitations, which relieved a lot of worries on my part. Right now we're just taking it easy and getting adjusted to our new life. I'll post as more things happen and leave you with a picture of my three boys together.

No Baby Yet

Well, the little one is holding out so far. I have to say that I was a complete nervous wreck all weekend. Everytime I felt a contraction or slightly not well, I went into a panic. But it's now Tuesday and I've gotten this far. My FIL arrived today much to my relief. Now if the baby wants to come, I don't care. For one, I'll have a ride to the hospital without waking up the entire building and then Reilly will have someone to stay with him in his own house. Honestly I was more concerned about Reilly than anything else. I can't imagine how scary it would be for a two year old to be awakened in the middle of the night only to be shuffled off to someone elses house to sleep on a couch. Then wake up the next day and not have his mom. I know kids are quite resilient, but I have those guilty mommy thoughts. My dear husband called this morning to let me know that he will be back in Germany tomorrow morning. Awesome! He's been stuck doing debriefing procedures and such. Too bad I won't be home when he gets here, I have an appointment and then a few errands that must be done in his due home time frame. Oh, well, I guess I can wait another hour or two. Besides it'll give him a chance to de-stink and wash his uniform. Anyone who has know anyone that's been in the desert for months on end can tell you about this... I do have some knitting news to report. I intended to finish the Tropical and Leaf Lace Socks this weekend. This did not happen. Reilly frogged the Leaf Lace for me and I can't figure out which size needle I used for the Tropical. I was so sure that I wrote this simple matter down, but it appears nowhere on my notes. Could I swatch? No, my gauge fluctuated throughout the first sock. I guess I'll be ripping these out and re-doing. It's okay. As much as they fit great, I wasn't totally happy with the ribbing. Frustrated, I started a new pair of socks, using the Esprit Print I recently received. All I need to do is finish the ribbing. They're not quite so lime green in person. Really. I also decided to finally make some blankets for charity. I've been meaning to do this for forever, but have gotten sidetracked by various other projects that I had to do now. Now's a good a time as ever. I'm crocheting them. Yeah, you read right. I do crochet on occasion. I love the fact that a baby blanket that is 37"square took a day and a half when it would have taken me at least a week if I had knit it. Though, I do not personally like the fabric crochet makes, it's not for me. Is that wrong? That I would do something I don't love for someone else? Anyway, here's a pic of one blanket completed. There's another in the works. Not very exciting, eh? Okay, one more thing. I have a major dilemma. I just got a shipment from Amazon. It's a few books I had put on my wish list and my sister got them for me. I know what's in there and I'm dying to look at Ann Budd's latest greatest book. They're a Christmas present. Do I open the box or do I put it in the basement and wait? Help!!!

Waiting Games

I hate waiting. It makes me anxious. I can't sit down or concentrate on anything. Instead I feel the urge to get up and do things to try to take my mind elsewhere. But that's the last thing I need to do. What am I waiting for, you ask? First, my husband to get home. They keep changing his arrival date and it's driving me crazy. Understandably he's in a place where life itself changes everyday. The rational side of me says it's okay-he'll be home when he can, it's out of his control. The emotional side of me is screaming that I just want him here. Granted he wasn't suppose to be coming home so soon, but now that it's so close, I'm positively antsy. Second, I had another OB appointment today. She asked if I wanted to be checked for progress and also warned me that she could not predict whether labor was emminent or not. I of course had to know. Well, she quickly changed her mind. Based on how far along I was last week to this week, I'm progressing very fast. She honestly believes that the baby will be here soon-within the weekend. Not what I wanted to hear. My FIL isn't here yet! So, I spent the rest of the day getting all of my emergency people notified. I think I'm set. Now, I'm just making sure everything in the house is set, the hospital bag is at a go and anything else I can think of. I need to be sitting down and relaxing-trying to enjoy this lull before the hurricane. I just can't seem to. Urghhh...

I Got Mine... Did You?

Just look what was waiting for me at the Post Office today: Why, that's fifteen balls of the Highland Wool in the loveliest shade of Tuscany Green and four balls of Sock it to Me Esprit Print sock yarn-two in Summer Meadow and two in Shades of Grey. Oh, such yummy yarn! Now I just have to figure out what I'm going to do with it! So many possibilities... I was quite surprised to get it today. I only placed the order six days ago. Now I don't feel so bad about paying the $10 shipping. It's when I pay that or more and it takes a month to get to me that I get pissy. Elann has become a best friend. I wasn't going to show this, since it's a present, but I couldn't resist. This is the start of Clapotis III. I just love the colors of this one-it's being done in a merino wool from Rodel Wolle. It's so tempting to keep it for myself. I got the last four balls in this color, but they're really good about replenishing their stock. So I may just have to run down and get some more in a few days (provided baby boy doesn't show up!). One more thing: winter is here in Germany!!! IT'S SNOWING!!! Yay, I haven't seen snow since the winter of '99/'00 when I lived in Pennsylvania. I hope it keeps up so I can take Reilly out for his first romp in it ever. Ahhh, the simple joys of motherhood.

Countdown

A week and a half. That's it. Yup, my days of knitting marathons and exploring my new host country are quickly depleting. As I was staring at the calendar this morning, this realization washed over me. Ugh. Don't get me wrong, I am looking forward to the little ones arrival and can't wait for him to be a part of this family. It's just that I dread trying to get two little ones ready and pushing them around in that humongous double stroller. I foresee that it will be awhile before my only excursions include more than the weekly trips to the commissary and PX. So, what's a girl to do? Visit every store that carries yarn this morning. That's five of 'em. My poor son must think I'm crazy. After our three hours walking around, I came home with this. That's enough sock yarn for eight pairs of socks. Five as they are and three to dye. I didn't plan on that much, but I found all these great deals. I couldn't refuse. And wait! There's more! I just can't show it. I picked up some stuff for my SP and some yarn for yet another Clapotis that will be a gift. Yes, I am on a sock kick. Should I mention that along with some Highland Wool that I ordered from Elann, there's also four balls of sock yarn coming too? My justification in having all this in my stash is that whenever I see a pattern that I want to do, I'll have many options to choose from and won't feel too bad about not being able to run to the LYSs on a whim. And the nesting doesn't stop there. I went just about nuts cleaning my house this weekend. Not your normal cleaning. It was the under the bed, toothbrush scouring, Lysol fume sickening kind of cleaning. I feel better. Not that when you look around, one could tell anymore-my son quickly trashed everything again. But it's done, along with alot of other stuff I've been meaning to do around the house. So, not too much knitting got done. I did manage to finish the Lace Top Socks. The second sock turned out much better, on account that I was able to not let my gauge grow on me. I also started another sock. It's being knitted with the green yarn I dyed and is of my own design. If it turns out nice, I'll post a picture. I am avoiding the diaper bag. All I need to do is finish sewing it together and then felt it. But I'm hating the way it looks with the overcast stitch. I know once felted, I won't be able to tell... I just can't bring myself to do it! And I think that Reilly's Winter Set is completed sans mittens. The thumb is giving me problems. After ripping it out and trying four times, I went out and bought him some fleece mitten that match close enough. Maybe I'll try again. Maybe not. I'm tired. Everything aches. I need to some laundry, but it's going to have to wait. The rest of my day is going to include frozen pizza and ass planted on the couch. I can't wait!

For The Love of Knitters

Thanks to those who left me suggestions dealing with the figure 8 "looseness". I'm going to try all and see what works best for me. And look what I got yesterday: Nifty stitch markers courtesy of Jean. We met up at the Wurzburg PX for lunch yesterday. It was a short visit, but very nice. It's always wonderful to meet other knitters and talk. Great meeting you, Jean and thanks for the gift. This is why I love fellow knitters. It's like we all share something special and are so caring about others. In my own giving spirit, I sent a package out to Calissa today. I hope she likes it!

Sock Crazy

So... What do you do when one hasn't adjusted for the time change yet and yesterday was a German Holiday? Well, take a look: That's what. The first sock on top was started Sunday evening and finished at about 6am this morning. I'm using the Lace Top, Toe Up Sock courtesy of Socknitters. The one on the bottom is using my "Tropical" yarn I dyed using The Percentage-Based, Toe-Up, Garter-Stitch Short-Row Heel, Gauge-Less Socks from Stasia. I'd never done toe-up construction before and really wanted to see if it was better or not. It rocks! Granted, I've had to frog both socks after getting about three inches up, but it's better than almost a whole sock. I also tried two different toes-the provisional cast-on and the figure eight to see the differences there. I can't decide yet. The figure eight is so much smoother, but leaves a stretched out row. I even redid it with smaller needles. The result was a tighter stitch, but still not perfect. I have two more methods that I'm going to try out. But that will have to wait until I finish these two pairs. All this experimenting is leading up to my Regia socks. I figure if I'm going to make a $20 pair of socks, I better be very happy with the results. And I don't want to be trying out all this when I do them. Oh, and have you seen the Highland Wool at Elann??? I may just have to place my first order with them. There's other stuff from them I'd like to get, so I guess now's the time to go ahead and get it. Now I just have to figure out what colors I would like and what I'm going to do with it. Something for me, of course! And... I just got commissioned to do a poncho for my husbands cousin, Lori. My first! Well, the first that I'm actually going to do. When I worked at AC Moore, people were always trying to get me make things for them, but I never accepted. Partly because I didn't feel comfortable enough in my skills to make something well enough to sell and because they often balked at what it would actually cost. But, I'm not going to charge her for the labor. I just don't feel right taking the money from a close relative. It's nice that she offered though, often family members expect that I do it for free and pay for the materials. Only when it's present time, baby!

Exciting News

My husband called late last night with fabulous news! He's been authorized leave to come home for the baby!!! He'll be here about 2-3 days before the due date, so maybe the little one will decide to stay put until then. I really hope so-I would love for him to actually witness the birth and to be my coach again. I am so excited, I can hardly contain myself. We thought that we were going to have to wait until after the birth to get word to him and then he could come home. This is so much better! Onto knitting content. As promised here are the pictures of some completed items. Reilly is showing off his new sweater. I made it a little big so that he can wear it for the rest of the year. The neck line is a bit wide, but with a turtleneck underneath it'll be perfect. Next is the KoolAid Pink Sophie all ready for gift giving. This is what I did last night: These are the "Super Mittens" from Weekend Knitting. They're going to be a gift for my mom (hope she's not reading). She keeps telling me that mittens would be an awesome gift for XMas, since she lost the last two pairs I made for her. They only took about three hours start to finish and gave me a nice break from the diaper bag. Speaking of, this is one of the most boring projects I have ever done. It's just seed stitch rectangles. Only one more to go and then I can seam it and felt. It's been cold here this weekend and I broke out the socks I made. Oh so warm and cozy! It made me think that I'd like to make some more. So, as I was perusing Knitters Review this morning I came across this great link. It's from the Sock Design Challenge and I found several patterns that I want to do. Feeling inspired, I dove into the stash and found the six balls of sock yarn I had bought for a steal with the plans to dye. First is what I'm calling "Tropical" using Berry Blue and Lemon Lime. I love how these turned out. Second is "Purple Throwup". As you might guess from the name, I'm not happy. They turned out almost the same as another batch from before. I used Grape and was going for a light graduated purple, but it turned out very dark. Third is "I love this Green". With this I started out with a taupe yarn and used Wilton dye. Very, very pleased with the color on this one. But I can't wait for them to dry to start knitting so I found some Regia stretch that I forgot about. And I'm ready to cast on-again.