Post Op Knitting

















I am now 48 hours narcotic free. The surgery went extremely well. Daddy-O had me home and in bed before I actually realized that it was all over. My boys were excellent care givers. Daddy-O kept ice packs on my face and Big C entertained me with his toys. (At one point I vaguely remember having a Drop and Roar Dinosaur on my chest.)

I didn't expect to get much knitting done, but I finished a pair of Fetching gloves for my MIL, got through the better part of a Ravenclaw sock, and started the Rustic Ribs Cardi. Anyone out there who is intimidated by knitting a sweater, turning a heel, or making cables should take heart. If I can do it on somewhat powerful drugs, you can handle it clear headed.

Things I asked/told Daddy-O a few times too many in the first 48 hours:
(Seriously, I kept saying the same things over and over.)

"Is my face swollen?"
"Tell me what happened on Lost."
"Did Meridith and McDreamy really kiss or did I just dream that?"
"McSteamy is such a bastard!"
"Hey, look at my sock."
"Feel this, it's Cashmerino. Ooooh Cashmerino..."

Off to bed now...work tomorrow. I can't wait to show my first graders the teeth that I lost this weekend. 

Soctober is Over, Sigh...
















Finally, a pair of socks that aren't too loud to wear with my favorite grey sneakers. Cascade Fixation is my new best friend. Sproingy, cuddly, and NO ITCH. I'm going to start a pair of Fixation ancle socks for my MIL soon. But first I'm going in this afternoon to have my wisdom teeth removed. Experience tells me that knitting under the influence is BAD. 

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
I began making socks in the spring of 2004. I had only been knitting for a couple of months.
I mainly taught myself, but I had some help from the lady who taught my beginner's class.

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?
My first pair was knit in the spring of 2005. They have held up wonderfully because I never wear them! They are made from Lion Magic Stripes. They feel like barbed wire to my sensitive skin.

What would you have done differently?
Used a different yarn!

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
I just discovered Cascade Fixation. Soft and cuddly, with NO ITCH!

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
I started off with DPNs, but now 2 circs is my preferred method. There is no extra needle to lose and Big C can't yank a needle free from my knitting.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
Flap baby!

How many pairs have you made?
5 with two more on the needles

My Very First Sock

Knit Spring 2004
Yarn: Patons Kroy Stripes
Needles: Size 2 Bamboo Double Points
Pattern: Knit It Basic Sock Pattern

I was so proud of my first lumpy little sock. Sadly, I wasn't proud enough to make her a mate. I ran out of yarn and didn't bother to order anymore.

My First Complete Pair of Socks

Knit Spring 2005
Yarn: Lion Brand Magic Stripes
Pattern: Knit It Basic Sock Pattern
Needles: Size 2 Bamboo Double Points

These socks turned out to be much more attractive than the first. I knit them in about two weeks while Big C was still nursing. Too bad I didn't know much about yarn quality at this point. They feel like spun fiberglass to my sensitive feet. I'm thinking about donating them to Children in Common. Eastern European children wear socks over their tights, so perhaps they wouldn't itch so badly.

There hasn't been much blogging around here this October, but Socktoberfest is in full swing.

















Pattern: Peter's Socks by Nancy Bush

Yarn: Knitpicks Dancing

Needles: Size 1 Circulars

Pattern: Generic Stockinette Sock

Yarn: Cascade Fixation

Needles: Size 3 Circulars

Mason Dixon projects still dominate my "to-knit" list. I finished this lovely scribble lace shawl yesterday afternoon. The ribbon yarn is Lion Brand Incredible in Autumn Leaves. I used crochet cotton for the contrasting yarn.















In blankie news my grandmother finished the final blankie. We didn't have enough time to include it in the Ukraine project, so it will make its way to Project Linus this week.

The Ukraine blankies take off tomorrow morning. Pray that they reach their little owners safely. I hope to have pictures soon!

I delivered 7 beautiful blankets to the director of my church's Ukraine mission trip Sunday. 3 blankets were made entirely of MDK squares. The others were made by home town friends and family. I am continually amazed by the generosity of my fellow knitters. Richard promised pictures of the blankets with their recipiants. I pray that they will bring joy and warmth to little ones in need.
 

And the winner is...
(No, I don't have man-hands. My hubby did the honors.)




















PAULA! I will pack up your Cotton-Ease Log Cabin kit this evening. It should be in the mail Monday.



































Posing by the Rowenta are the beautiful squares sent in by Stephanie B and Lynn. Stephanie's Classic Elite squares were knit enroute to Korea. This makes them the most traveled squares of the bunch. Lynn's Baby Soft squares will hopefully be sewn up by my grandmother and given a border in time to hop on the plane to the Ukraine. 

Catching up...

The first week of school is almost always the hardest. There's tons of paperwork, a classroom to prepare, not to mention 16 new little faces to learn. Compounding the stress, Big C has been sick all week with fever and a cold. Thank goodness he has been able to stay with his grandparents while Daddy-O and I get our classrooms up and running. Needless to say we've been suffering serious bouts of mommy and daddy guilt. We are very grateful that he's on the mend and that we had the weekend to rest and relax as a family.















Big C and Daddy-O catch up on some much needed sleep.


















My mom and I catch up on the Ukraine blankie project. She crocheted a nifty little border on the acrylic blankie. She'll start on the Cotton-ease blankie soon. I sewed Cotton Classic squares until my eyes crossed. 

Quick post...
Believe it or not it's a school night, so I'll have to keep this post short.

Look at all the pretty squares that came pouring in this week. Francie sent these lovely Paton's Paradise squares along with a mitered square pen. Wow!






Take a look at Paula's lovely color combinations and tidy little stitches. My mom and I were super impressed!
As if 6 squares weren't enough, Paula also sent an adorable washcloth and coaster. Thank you so much Paula!
Stephanie sent in these cool denim squares. I adore the colors and believe she is sending even more soon. Keep em' coming!










I delivered two sewn up blankies to my mom this afternoon so she could crochet on a cute border. I have one other blanket to sew up, so I just don't have the time to knit on the border myself. Hopefully I can post finished blankie pictures soon. 

My poor neglected little blog...














More than a week between posts, that's just not like me! We've been so busy getting Big C ready for preschool and getting our own classrooms fixed up for the new school year. I haven't spent much time at all at the computer or with my knitting.

My mom and I sat down Sunday and sewed squares together. I've divided them into three catagories, Cotton-Ease, Acrylic, and Cotton Classic. 9 more Cotton Classic type squares and we will have 3 mitered square blankies. Is that crazy or what?! When this is all over I will be queen of mattress stitch.

A few folks emailed me wanting the pattern for my mom's diagonal stitch baby blanket. This is one of my all time favorite patterns. Because it is knit on the bias it is almost impossible for babies to kick off. As hard as he squrimed C couldn't get out of a swaddle if I wrapped him in this blankie. It went to preschool with him for naptime this week. *sigh* My baby is growing up, but at least he can snuggle up with a blanket knit full of Mommy's love. 

First finished blanket!

A mild cold and a case of pink eye have had me out of commission for several days, but the blankie knitters forge on with or without me.










My mom finished her blankie for the Ukraine project. It is knit diagonally with an eyelet trim. The yarn is Lion Brand Jiffy and I believe she used a size 10 1/2 circular needle. I love how the ribbon trim gives it an old fashioned charm. Great job Mother!!! Now I'm going to make you help me sew these squares together. Your next knitting lesson... matress stitch.
















Emily sent in 12 mitered squares for the project. Can you believe it? 12 squares! They are also knit in a nice soft acrylic yarn. Very snuggly and bright. I'm playing around with the idea of sewing them together into a crib sized blanket all their own.

There is still plenty of time to send in squares. Email me if you would like to help. I am in particular need of Cotton Classic type squares for the Taro style blankie, 9 to be exact. But ANY squares are welcome... well, maybe not fun fur... that would just be silly. 

Julie and Leslie sent these lovely squares for the Ukraine blankie project. I gave them a refreshing blast of steam from the ole' Rowenta after their long trip in in the mail. Thank you both so much! They will be beautiful additions to the Taro style blanket.

Aine's square has found a home in the Cotton-Ease blanket. I only have 3 squares to finish before I can sew it up and add a border. My mom also finished her diagonal knit blanket for the project this week. My mother-in-law is sewing flannel squares together and 2nd grader Allie has also agreed to sew a blanket. Pictures to come soon!

Pirates and Cowboys
Captain Jack lounges on the mitered square blankie. Only seven squares to go!
Big C and I took a trip out to my cousin's home in the country to see her adorable new colt. C knew just how to hang on the fence. Those western movies he watches at his grandparent's must be wearing off.
 

First Squares!























These bee-you-tee-ful squares came in the mail today. The purple and blue shaded pair comes from Mary Lou. What lovely colors! My camera doesn't do them justice.

The blue and green square comes from Aine. It will go perfectly with the pastel Cotton Ease blankie. A million thanks!

I've decided to divide the project into two different blankets. The first will be my pastel and mostly Cotton ease. The second will use the darker colors and be sewn/knit together Taro Blankie style.
























As the squares come in I am putting their makers names into the fish bowl. We will draw for the log-cabin yarn kit on August 7. Keep those squares coming folks. I am inspired and eternally grateful! 

Seeing Squares


Finished Big C's bathmat.














Sewed up some mitered squares. (My hands were too sore to do anything else.)



This appeared in the back yard. Is it a sign? No, I just left the kiddie pool in one spot for too long.