Me & my dog

Me & my dog
Originally uploaded by nutmegknitter

10 months later, and Jackson is no longer completely freaked out by Lorelai "petting" him. I was going to use a different photo for the "10 month" post today, but I caught this quick with the iphone and it's just so sweet!

So, dear Lorelai, here's where we're at: You haven't gained much weight since your 6 month check up - the pediatrician is a little concerned and wants us to give you formula. You hate it. I use it to make up your cereal, but otherwise we just feed you more, and that you like! Might as well use those 7 teeth! Last night you even had the same dinner as mommy & daddy - pork tenderloin and couscous! Last night at dinner you started waving too - Daddy waved first and you did it back!

I love seeing how excited you get when I ask you if you want to read a book - your whole body shakes (like it does when I offer you the bowl of Cheerios!). We're working on giving high-fives and giving kisses - right now you lean your head in. It's a start. This week you've gotten very vocal - and loud, what's up with that? I caught you cruising along the couch last weekend too! It's been a big month - first haircut, first fair and we've got lots to look forward too!

The Saddest Little Acorn

Doesn't that sound like a children's book?

I was inspired before all the rain started to make an acorn hat - figured it was a good seasonal hat, might be something different for the craft fair - so I stopped in at the Yarn Basket and picked up some wool / acrylic yarn in browns. After some fiddling, I love these hats. I made three this weekend - one small (56st cast on) and two medium (64st cast on) - they are fantastic and I love them! (Ravelry details here)
Lorelai was not feeling the love, and she was not in the mood to model hats for mom's blog. Hence, this is the best shot:


Jackson is always a good sport.


Blog readers (and unfair market mayhaps because most of you knit, but still) - what would you pay (not charge. Pay.) for a handknit hat like this? I've got an idea already, but curious as to what the masses would consider reasonable.

Almost forgot! I plurked this, but how would you like to win two knitting books? Amy, who is a friend through my brother and sister-in-law-to-be, has recently started knitting again (she did a fantastic bag!), blogs for Hallmark, Things We Make - she's doing a give away - leave her a comment and check out the rest of her blog - she spotlights some fantastic etsy / indie finds!

Apple Season

One of the best things about New England is the fall season. It's so pretty here and we are lucky enough to be in prime apple country. My local orchard (Bishops) is wonderful - and last week I was able to pick up some of the first Macouns of the season. These are my favorite apples - there's something just right about them - they are the right size, the right crispness, the right juicy-ness, and the taste (while I wouldn't say it has a hint berry flavor like on wikipedia, but what do I know?) - I like. Jackson loves them too (remember him?). I was sitting here at the computer, enjoying my apple, and I hear a little whine. Jackson was perched on the couch arm looking at me with those dachshund eyes. I shared when I was finished.

Fair Season

It's that time of year - you wake up and it's cooler outside, a little bit crisp in the air, and then by early afternoon everything is all warmed up! Enjoyable for sure - just right for the fair. It is a small fair (Durham is my favorite - more food choices!) but still fun. We went early this morning and brought Lorelai to see the animals (Macaws in with goats? Sure. Didn't see the elephant - hope he's ok.) - her reaction was a bit reserved at the petting zoo. I tried to be excited for her - oooh! Sheep! Llamas!



She seemed to be trying to figure out the noises when we walked through the tents of bunnies & ducks & chickens & cows & sheep.

She did seem quite interested in fair food - we shared fried dough (with sugar and cinnamon - no sauce! yuck. If I wanted pizza I would get a slice, fried dough is a dessert! even at 10:30 in the morning. Perfectly acceptable for breakfast!)



We are planning to take her to the Durham fair next week - hopefully it will go just as smoothly!

Decked out by Auntie VA (and a haircut)

This was Wednesday (at the library):


We went for a nice walk and stopped in to get a haircut. Unplanned, but it worked. Today she looks like this:


Yes, that's a handmade sweater :) Not by me, but by Auntie Virginia (ravelry link) - today is forecast for a high of 65?! Fantastic! Sweater weather for sure. Action shots (and to see the haircut)


Auntie VA also provided Lorelai with the best shoes (that are still slightly big, but I love them and they help her keep on socks!) GreenPiggies.

Flashback! This is what Lorelai looked like back when she received the sweater at Easter (as one cousin commented to me, why can't babies stay babies?!)

Neck Sock Finished!

Neck Sock Finished!
Originally uploaded by nutmegknitter

I finished this cowl neck sock at SnB last week. I want to promote the word "Neck Sock" - neckwarmer can be misleading (Oh, you mean a scarf!) and no one really seems to know what a cowl is anyway. Neck sock is just right. Anyway, I love it. I knit this up in three days! Pattern is Chickadee Cowl (free, pdf link on the blog sidebar). I think I was taken by this for two reasons - 1) I spotted on on Ravelry that was knit with STR held double - thought that was fantastic! 2) My 6th and 8th grade teacher (same lady), Mrs. Baranski always called us "Her Little Chickadees". I will forever associate chickadees with Mrs. B. Wish I could locate her and catch up - she was awesome. I picked up some (surprisingly soft) "Mary's Little Lamb Light Worsted" from Farmhouse Yarns / CT Yarn & Wool - colorway is Sedona, and I held it doubled. I love it and can't wait to wear it all the time, if only the humidity would go away. Bring on fall!!

Happy / exciting news! I'm going to be doing a craft fair!! October 18, with fellow knitter / blogger, PeacefulKnitter - I'm going to do burp cloths and rattles and a few hats. So excited and nervous at the same time. How much inventory to prepare? How to price my work? How to display?

I really like how the iphone & not very flattering bathroom lighting actually took that photo. I seem to have a healthy complexion, not freckled-speckled-death-pale as is my norm. :)

Finishing & Starting Stuff

Things have sortof settled down here. I've been able to pick up the knitting for brief bouts of time as I'm still dealing with sinus issue (allergies? cold? I have no idea.) Anyway, I finished sheldon (knitty.com) - but as it is for Lorelai, I've named this turtle Sookie.

A relatively quick knit, fun to do, and I will knit it again for future babies. I would not stuff the shell as much next time, and I would work the applied i-cord in the opposite direction (lefty issue, but not a big deal).

I picked up the Debbie Bliss magazine:
There are some cute items in there (I'm obsessed with the vest mostly.)



I finished a sock! First one since April! Oh, how I miss making socks! I love that this is a sport weight yarn, knit on US3 - one week and the sock is done!
This is the yarn from my woolgirl.com "Sanrio Sock Kit". The yarn is TV Yarn, Fat Sock from white oak studio and I love it. With all its neon goodness, and you know, I almost think the yellow is not bright enough! All the other neon colors tone it down! Can't wait to finish the next one. Lorelai is interested as well.

She's funny - I can give her a length of yarn and she's happy. Then we talk about knitting. Maybe it will stic
k. :)

I had to work on something else sort of quick and mindless. Seeing Peacefulknitter's neckwarmers have kept me thinking about them, so I have started the Chickadee-cowl (rav link) using Farmhouse Yarns Mary's Little Lamb Light Worsted held double.

So far, so good.

Can't believe it's been 7 Years since 9/11/01.

On a more upbeat note I'm sortof employed! I found a part-time, work from home on the computer, legit gig for an internet entity. Can't really say much more than that. But it should be good.

Drive By Blogging

Short and sweet.
Thursday I started to feel the effects of an allergy attack (I thought) - I wanted to go out with the SnB-ers to celebrate JennSquared, but just ran out of steam.
Friday was a complete wash with a sinus thing, although L & I did get to go out for coffee and yarn with Virginia and her mom.
Saturday I was planning to go to WEBS and a craft fair in Northhampton, but between the impending storm and my sinus issues I opted to stay home.
We lost power at some point last night and it came back this morning around 9:30? 10? Not bad when the recorded message projects 3 pm.
Football starts today. J-E-T-S! BRETT! BRETT! BRETT! :)

My knitting is all in limbo. I've got a to do list that feels a mile long. And what I thought was allergies apparently is a cold and Lorelai has the sniffles as well.

That's all.

Sanrio Sock Club Kit

Sanrio Sock Club Kit
Originally uploaded by nutmegknitter

Yesterday was a fantastic mail day - I got my next project for Schaefer (and my yarn from the last project - Miss Priss in Thistle for a "Mr.Greenjeans"). And the Sanrio Sock Club from Woolgirl arrived. I have the sport weight yarn (quick socks, right?!) and look at all those goodies! There's a Hello Kitty sock / project bag, scented tissues, notepads, sticky notes, candy / gum, stamp, eraser, pen, stickers and stationery!! Lovely! I have also signed up for her Woodstock kit - can't wait to see what that's like!

August 101 update

(September flew right on it, didn't it?!)
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Original post here. Updates: January, February, March, June, July

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I like a challenge. I love lists. I think this sort of list would be good to help me keep some focus (on me) now that the bulk of my focus is on my family. This list has been inspired by my family, friends, and the other lists in blogs I read...

Day Zero, Home of 101/1001 Project
The Mission
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

My List
Start date : 01 January 2008
End date : 28 September 2010

Key
Not yet started
In progress
Complete

1. Fill the large collage photo frames. (1/3)
2. Hang the photo-filled large collage photo frames (1/3)
3. Declutter: sell or give-away 101 material items I own (15/101)
-yarn, -clothes -books
4. Learn to use the drop spindle. Completed: 3/11/08
5. Make enough yarn on the drop spindle to make a hat.
6. Learn to crochet. Completed: 8/30/08
7. Use crochet to make a simple amigurumi character.
8. Open a savings account for Lorelai and save $250 (250/250) Complete: 5/17/08
9. See 10 movies in the movie theater (4/10)
**1)Sex & The City
**2)Hancock
**3)The Dark Knight
**4)Mamma Mia
10. Submit my resume to the new science museum. Completed: 2/28/08
11. Attend a sheep and wool festival in CT
12. Go to the local farmer's market 15 times (4/15)
13. Submit photos to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
14. Submit knitted objects to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
15. Photograph Lorelai on the 30th of each month (9/33)
16. Cook one new recipe a month (9/33)
**"Chicken Bruschetta Bake" from the Stove Top Stuffing Mix Box. Just ok.**
**"Curried Lamb" from Woman's Day Magazine, crock-pot recipe. Bland.**
**"Stuffed Pepper Soup" copycat recipe of 99 restuarant recipe. Burnt the soup. Ick.**
**Turkey & Brocolli Casserole thing from Taste Of Home Magazine. Not bad.
**Mini Lamb Burgers with Couscous Salad from Real Simple - Delish!
**Baked Mac-n-Cheese with Chicken Sausage from "6 o'clock Scramble" online - yummy!
**Blueberry Cake from Cooking Light - ok, but all the blueberries sank to the bottom!
**Chrispy Chicken Romaine Salad - back of the bread crumb box - ok
**Blueberry Crumb Bars - not bad.
17. Drink 2-3 Liters of water a day.
18. Write a letter to Koji and Noriko to tell them about Lorelai.
19. Knit a sweater for me that fits and I love. Glee!
20. Knit 30 socks (15 pairs) (4/30)
**Bartholomew's Sock #1 done 1/21/08**
**Bartholomew's Sock #2 done 2/4/08**
**Lenore Socks #1 & #2 done in 10 days! 2/14/08**
**Two wee socks (one for the wee sock swap) 3/30/08**
21. I want to make the “Heirloom Ring Blanket” for my mom. Deadline: December 2008.
22. Sign Up for the 100 Push Up Challenge
23. Complete the 100 push-up challenge: initial test, Week 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
24. Update the blog once a week for a year. (12/52)
25. Go to four dachshund meet-ups. (1/4)
26. Make updated moo cards.
27. Make my own granola.
28. Get a routine physical with an internist. Completed 8/5/08
29. Get a body scan to check on the freckles / moles.Scheduled for Feb. '09
30. Go to the dentist twice a year (0/6) Went in Aug, scheduled work for Sept.
31. Start doing yoga once a week, build up to three times a week.
32. Take Jackson for a walk daily, weather permitting. (Let's face it, he's a dachshund and doesn't fare well in cold, wet, or snow)
33. Save $1 for every item completed from this list.
34. Sew a pair of pajama pants.
35. Read 10 books. (10/10)
**1) The Good Good Pig
**2) The Memory Keeper's Daughter
**3) The Tender Bar
**4) You're Not You
**5) Water for Elephants
**6) Diary
**7) The Know-it-all
**8) Prince Caspian
**9) Smotherhood
**10) Redstripe
**11) In Defense of Food
**12) Garbage Land
36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson.
37. I'm going to allow myself to purchase yarn with the condition that an equal (or greater) amount leaves the house.
38. Clean out and organize the junk drawers in the kitchen (2/2) Complete: 6/29/08
39. Write recipes on recipe cards as needed. No more torn out from magazine papers!
40. Send the grandparents a card / Lorelai photo once a month (7/33)
41. Post an Update of my 101 each month (6/33)
42. Grow plant / veggie garden from seed.
43. Grow 3 "new to me" plants / veggies each year (3/9)
**1) Broccoli
**2) Peas
**3) Corn
44. Give blood once a year. (0/3)
45. Read "The Killer Angels".
46. Try out peapod or other online grocery service.Complete: 1/2/08
47. Try out g-diapers.
48. Clean out email inbox and maintain so there's never more than 100 messages in there at a time.
49. Get a professional portrait of Lorelai. Adorable.
50. Buy 5 gifts from etsy.com each year (1/15)
**PrettyInPosies hair clips for Lorelai**
51. Clean out / organize the bloglines reader to remove blogs unupdated / uninteresting / topics /etc. once each year (0/3)
52. Get back in shape to fit into my regular non-maternity clothes.
53. Bring old maternity clothes and newborn clothes to Beyond the Stork. Donated or put away
54. Replace the lights along the front walk. Complete: 6/8/08
55. Get back to at least my prepregnancy weight (minus an extra 5 - 7 pounds)
**As of 1/11/08 I'm down 28 pounds! 13 more to go to get to pre-preg.wt**
56. Buy a scale to keep an eye on #55.Complete: 1/15/08
57. Rediscover my yarn stash - pair up 20 new projects with stash yarn. (0/20)
58. Complete 20 projects using stash yarn (3/20)
**1) Snowman Hat **2)Bunny Cozies **3)Batman Hat
59. Knit 30 baby hats for charity, donate in Lorelai's name. (1/30)
60. Make my own sushi.
61. Make photocards for Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving on home computer.
62. See a Broadway show.Complete: 5/3/08 Macbeth
63. Visit New York City.Complete: 5/3/08
64. Snorkel in the British Virgin Islands.Complete: 4/22/08
65. Try 10 recipes from Alton Brown's "Good Eats" (0/10)
66. Host a holiday dinner for the family at least once a year. (1/3) Easter '08
67. Garden indoors with the AeroGarden, maintain the water and nutrients.
68. Get a bikini wax.
69. Vote for president.
70. Listen to 8 audio-books. (3/8)
**1) Microthrills by Wendy Spero
**2) The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood
**3) Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
71. Get my first tattoo
72. Go back to church
73. Knit three projects from each knitting book I own.
**Itty Bitty Hats a)Snowman Hat b)Bunny Tails Hat c)Upside-Down Daisy
**Mason-Dixon Knitting a)Baby Genius Burp Cloth
74. Join a local mom+baby group.
75. Copy the phone numbers in my cell phone into my paper address book.
76. Reinstall itunes.Complete: 1/3/2008
77. Expose myself to new music: Listen to one new artist a week (3/143)
78. See if the nerds / geeks can rescue the data from the Dell hard drive.
79. Get back on birth control. completed 1/13/08
80. Write a letter a month (2/33)
81. Sort through the boxes brought home from school.
82. Fully update stash on ravelry.
83. Fully update books on ravelry.
84. Fully update needles on ravelry.
85. Set up an etsy shop. Complete: 6/27/08
86. Sell 25 items from etsy shop. (1/25)
87. Get a table / space at a local craft fair.
88. Knit Dan & Virginia's wedding afghan. Deadline: June 2009.
89. Knit afghan for me!
90. Re-read 10 books that I read when I was in grades 6 - 8. (0/10)
91. Purchase a TerraPass / CO2 offset for my car / home / acrylic knitting.
92. Knit all holiday gifts by December 13.
93. Embroider a onesie for Lorelai.
94. Use the canvas / knit bags not plastic when shopping. This is a full time habit now
95. Try sign language with Lorelai - 5 signs (0/5)
96. Come in second in the fantasy football league.
97. Read more than just the Art section of the New York Times Weekend Edition (\2\4/143)
98. Eat vegetarian for a week.
99. Learn to make pancakes.
100. Eat out at 5 new restaurants (5/5)
**The Time Out Tavern, Durham, CT
**The New Deal Steakplace, Westbrook, CT
**Mia Dona, New York City
**Nellie Green, Branford, CT
**Miso, New Haven, CT
**Tuscany Grill, Middletown, CT
101. Smile everyday. Be a good example / role model for my daughter. Be a good wife to my husband.