On the Move

Last night Lorelai started walking! We can get her to walk between us - maybe 5 - 6 steps - it's just incredible to watch her figure out her balance and such. I think she likes the falling part too. She's such an imp! Feeding is now more of an issue - I know I need to get her to eat more veggies, but she has mastered spitting them back out or flinging them everywhere. Groan. At least she's cute!


I finished the "Bitty Bolero" by PixiePurls for Lorelai this morning. Quick knit! One skein! It's just a little snug, my gauge was probably off, but it's a pattern I would knit again (in a larger size it would probably take 1 skein and then maybe half of the 2nd skein?). I used encore worsted that I got for 60% off (!). We're celebrating Lorelai's birthday next week on Thanksgiving and she was gifted a very cute ballerina-ish birthday dress - tank top style. So she'll wear that with a onesie and this little sweater.

Feels like Romper Room

I see so many knitters...
News Channel 8 Blogged about Thursday night knitting!
Link!

But, OMG, what is up with people in the comments?

Cover every little neck

a.k.a. My dog is a good sport part #3750293854 (note to Emmie beloved cat of Knelley, you could be a better sport!)







I've been wanting to make this for a while - it's a "Snood for a Hound" ravelry-link by Erssie. I love pretty much any dog anyway, but the hounds have a special place in my heart. It's a combination of the face and ears - such personality. I dream of getting an Italian greyhound (or rescue a greyhound) and naming it "Fragile" (Think Christmas Story pronunciation). But that's a long way off, I wouldn't dare do that to Jackson. I will, however, dress the dog in handknits. Anyway, Erssie sold this pattern to raise $$ for greyhound rescue.

I did have to make a few slight modifications - Jackson has a long body and head, but a short neck. I followed the pattern in the beginning, did one cable round, knit 11 rib rounds after that and bound off. The yarn is Vanna's Choice (acrylic) in a Rust colorway, leftover from a pumpkin hat. Jackson does get chilly but really gets a tad freaked out by wearing a sweater (he shakes harder!) so I'm hoping that this will give him some extra warmth (who doesn't like a bit of warmth around their neck?) without the full-on sweater-pressure. And it can be worn in a variety of styles. It also helps that he's ready to fall asleep with it on as I type this. I plan to get a few more photos of him walking around with it on.


Good dog!

FO Found!

This week we had a whole house fan installed, so the work-guys had to get up into the roof crawlspace. You get to that through my closet, so I had to clear it out. In doing so I found a FO that I forgot about. I made Bobblicious from Knitty.com, winter '05! I remember working on it on the drive into Rhode Island for Christmas Eve, so I'm guessing I started it December 24, 2005 and probably finished it before or just after 2006. I think it's lion brand wool-ease thick+quick.
(excuse the bad bathroom / low-resolution photos)




I don't really know what I was thinking with this one. I'm not a bobble-person (can't stand them actually), I never use this (obviously, it's been hiding in my closet for 3 years.) It is warm though, so maybe I'll make an effort to use it, just to curl up with / in while I watch tv at night.

I fixed my CPH fronts, yay on that. I'm going to a new-to-me SnB tonight - Dan wants to catch the Jets/Patriots game tomorrow night - his brother gets the NFL network, so I'll go knitting tonight, Dan goes out tomorrow. Anyway, I'm deciding what to bring to SnB tonight, my CPH? Maybe. I've got several other projects that are all shouting at me, "Make ME!"

I don't know how I feel about my knitting talking back and getting fresh.

Quoting Homer

"Aw, crap."

I am was going strong on my Central Park Hoodie. I'm working on the Left Front. I read the directions for the neck decreases and knit away. I pulled out the Right Front (previously finished) just to double check and see the length. Then I noticed something wonky.

(Left Front / Right Front iphone photos, excuse the quality.)


Um, see the cable on the right front? How is gets, what's the word? Oh, decreased? On the shoulder edge? That's an odd design modification. I don't know what I was thinking when I did that, or exactly when / where it happened - was I talking at SnB and not paying attention? Likely. Sigh. I think I can thread in a lifeline, then just rip back and re-do the neck decreases properly.

Read twice, knit once. (This has happened to me before - I struggle with P2. My brain wants to P2tog and so my hands listen. Then I snap back to reality and wonder where all the stitches went!)

PlurkSwap!

PlurkSwap!
Originally uploaded by nutmegknitter

Thank you Lori!
This most awesome plurk-swap package arrived yesterday. There's bananagrams, Maine soap, the Yarn Harlot's "Free Range Knitter" (can't wait to dive into that!), Maple candies and blueberry candies and a plush toy for Lorelai (how sweet of you to think of her!)

And the yarn - Oh My! The color is "Clemantis Vine" - it's the greatest blend of blues-purples-greens EVER! The tag indicates it's 375 yards of Targhee Wool - it's so fantastically soft! Her etsy shop is fromthewoolroom.etsy.com - love it!

Thank you again very very much!

September / October 101 Update

(Gosh I'm behind on this!)

--------------------------------------------------
Original post here. Updates: January, February, March, June, July, August

---------------------------------------------------
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 (25/101)
-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 (10/33)
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) (9/30)
**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**
**Tidal Wave Sock #1 done 5/25/08**
**Sanrio Socks #1 & #2 done9/30/08**
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. (2/4)
26. Make updated moo cards. Completed 10/15/2008
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 (2/6)
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. Complete 10/31/2008
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 (9/33)
41. Post an Update of my 101 each month (8/33)
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 (2/15)
**PrettyInPosies hair clips for Lorelai**
**Gift for Dan**
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. All the maternity clothes are put away!
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**
**11/4/2008 another 8 pounds to go.**
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. (3/20) - rattles!
58. Complete 20 projects using stash yarn (4/20)
**1) Snowman Hat **2)Bunny Cozies **3)Batman Hat **4)rattles
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. Completed 11/4/2008
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. (2/25)
87. Get a table / space at a local craft fair. Completed 10/18/2008
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. (1/10)
**1) Little House on the Prairie
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 (4/5) **1) More (we're working on Help, Thank You, and Drink)
96. Come in second in the fantasy football league. OMG, don't want to jinx it but as of 11/4/08 I'm #1!
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.

Presidential election 2008

Presidential election 2008
Originally uploaded by nutmegknitter

Considering that it is my job to set a good example, Lorelai came with me to vote today - our town seems to have its act together - I think we waited 5 minutes tops. We completed our scantron (yes, scantron - fill in the oval completely, so low-tech, yet reliable) and went on our way.

I live in a house divided - my husband is an adamant supporter of the other guy. I can see his point and even agree with a few issues there, but on the whole, I like my guy better. I get a good vibe.

We don't have a crystal ball we can use to say Yes, Mr. X is the better guy for the job and was able to fix the economy, the war, the environment, the schools.... No matter who wins, the other team will be making noise that had their guy won we wouldn't be in this mess. Everything won't be fixed when the new guy is sworn in. I think both candidates have a hard job to do and most of what they promised isn't worth squat. It's all spun in so many ways the messages are all tangled. And I would bet that much of what they promise to try and accomplish can't be done in 4 (or 8) years anyway.

I voted for Lorelai. You vote for a better tomorrow. You vote for the future, not the present. Years from now, she'll be dealing with the mess that was created now - will she cared who I voted for? Do I care if my folks voted for Carter or Clinton? Not really.

And while I still have my suspicions about the evil empire that is Starbucks (and I support my local economy by getting coffee there once a week - it's good! and easy to get the stroller into.) I do like their campaign today.

My dog is a good sport (part2)

My dog is a good sport (part2)
Originally uploaded by nutmegknitter

Yep. I bought Jackson a bee costume to match Lorelai. What a good dog. He's been rewarded handsomely today!

Treats?

Treats?
Originally uploaded by nutmegknitter

My current favorite photo! May you find more treats than tricks today!



(My dog is a good sport part 2 will be posted later today)

My Dog is Such a Good Sport (Part1)

I'm so "one of those moms" - you know the kind that get all Martha Stewart about stuff? Yeah, it's in my genes. My mom did it and I love it - still do, I've already started a file of magazine pages with ideas for costumes / parties / decorations / crafts for when Lorelai is older. But, let's not forget, Jackson, my "furbaby" was here first. So he's the one with the hand-sewn costume. And last year I knit his sweater. Because he's special. Yes, I lugged out my sewing machine, a recent issue of Bark magazine and some felt:

We'll just ignore the fact that I forgot he's 6 inches off the ground and the flower petals are 6 inches long!

Jackson is such a good sport. Love ya buddy!





Stay tuned for tomorrow - both babies in costume!

Etsy Shop

So, I did it - finally! I've got Fall / Halloween items in my etsy shop!

The Rhinebeck Experience - Part 2

After a "rest" (the hotel room was so hot! What's up with that?) and a continental breakfast with the group (Costumechick, Knelley, the Mad-knitter, Wife,Mom,Knitter, YankeeLagniappe and Backstageknits) we headed out to the festival. Still so giddy!

It was such a beautiful day - perfect fall weather! Our first stop, which was a very smart decision, was to meet the authors for book signings. Ann & Kay are sweethearts - and I so want to make the potholder / hot hands after seeing it in person!

There they are! the Mad-knitter brought her log cabin blanket to show them -

It's so fantastic! They were impressed - I believe they said to her "That's a lot of knitting!" :)

Next up, we hopped in line to see the YarnHarlot - I don't know how she does it - she's got to be exhausted from all the people, but she's fantastic! She complemented my hat (it was the unoriginal hat) and I professed my love for "Lenore's", then in what I hope was not a weird request, I asked for some good juju with my chevron scarf. She was wearing one (which she said she didn't make, but it's the Yarn Harlot and I'm gidddy about knitting celebrities) - I decreased and then didn't increase enough the night before.

She politely touched the chevron scarf, and hopefully now I can fix the mistakes and get it done!


While we waited in line I spotted scout and couldn't muster up the courage to say Hi (and tell her how awesome her scout swag club was!). I also spotted Amy Singer and Caro - but both times I was a chicken about going up and saying Hi and didn't think to pull out my camera to kinnear them. Oh well. Brushes with greatness still make me happy!

We made our way through the vendors - I think we did quite well, we took our time and shopped but were also able to go back and get things we liked. I was surprised that there wasn't more in the way of indie-hand-dyed / painted stuff. I found myself picking up several items only to realize that it's something I can get here in CT at one of my LYS's, so I put it back (gotta support the local economy too!) However, I did find several unique things:

Hope Spinnery - I'm a sucker for anything with "Hope" in the title - it will at least get me to give a closer look. It's a Wind powered fiber mill - How cool is that? And the tags / sign:

Intentional Fibers, Produced with Intention. Love it! I selected 2 skeins of "Barn" (which I think looked like a color Nana would like)


We met back up with our group around lunchtime (we missed the Ravelry meetup, boo!) and found the Peacefulknitter and Sweetie had come to the fair! I was kinneared!


We went back for more shopping and ended up at Jamie Harmon's booth - what fun colors! and so soft!


I love my new project bag from GoMonkeyDesigns:

I've already got my Mystery Sock project in there. I feel for the gal - she said she sold out on Saturday and was up late that night to make more product for sunday!

My last purchase of the day came from JenniethePotter - my new favorite mug:

A little dish:

And the sock yarn I bought (already caked up!) from The March Hare


Conni Togel's art was so wonderful! Saw several prints I would have loved to buy - my favorite was "Making Ends Meet"

What a fantastic time! It was like being at the Durham Fair, but entirely yarn and fiber!

There was a glitch in the weekend, I wasn't going to blog it, but it really is a bloggable thing. Betsy and I got back into the next town over - I turned a corner and didn't see the red light until too late - I made a split second (bad) decision and got caught. We were pulled over and I got a ticket. Bah. First ticket in my diving career. Groan. Good thing I kept my spending in check, eh?

The Rhinebeck Experience - Part 1

Following the craft fair, theatreknitter and I dashed back to my house, emptied the car, quickly changed, then reloaded the car and began our trek up to Rhinebeck, NY for NY Sheep & Wool.

We drove directly to the Ravelry party - as we pulled up to the elks lodge we were both about to burst! And then the shock started to set in as we saw all the cars along the road! We drove down a bit, found space on the road and parked. We met fellow ravel-er Liz, who also has a Lorelai, so were were all excited about that! We walked down to the lodge area, and amazingly immediately spotted Knelley one of the local SnB'ers! We tried to take it all in, Betsy checked her crackberry.

Notice her lovely clapotis and new neckwarmer (It's not one of Sonia's - it's a new plymouth pattern - made with debbie bliss alpaca silk that she got for a steal! It's in my queue - I'll be using Schaefer Esperanza. Anyway.)

There were so many people there, not entirely surprising, but still. The police were called and cars needed to be moved. After I had an encounter with a rather unfriendly lady ("I don't have any other parking for you, you can go to the bus garage and carpool") I was able to park right at the elk lodge lawn with the help of a very friendly guy who even helped me park the car so I could drive right out later.

We didn't win anything at the raffle, but it was fun to scan the crowd and admire the handknits, count / identify the patterns, check out bags - like this one:

And then to find out, we KNOW the gal holding the bag! That's how we met Librarysarie! We plurk! And we're friends on Rav. Awesome - her tilted duster was fantastic too! (Why didn't we photograph this encounter? I think we were so giddy that we just forgot!) (Oh, and Sarah - who was the gal you were with? I'm blanking on her name / username!)

So were still standing about and chatting and watching and all that, when we talk to another gal about her clapotis and it dawns on us "I know you!" - we met LiterateKnits (what's up with me meeting all these "L" people?) Erin is adorable! And then she introduced me to Sam - who is also fantastic! The three of us "work" for LimeNViolet - Erin and Sam write for the chum and I write the the show notes. Photo proof of the minions:


I also met blog commenter Kate! So cool!

It was cold and late so we headed to the hotel with the other local SnB'ers and watched Sarah Palin on SNL. I give her credit for going on there and showing she has a sense of humor, but it doesn't change my mind about her. I think Amy Pohler is amazing! Next post, the goodies from Rhinebeck!

Fair Craft Fair

Well, it's done!
Here's a shot (taken by PeacefulKnitter)


We did it! I'm so proud of us, and thankful for friends like Sonia and Betsy - not only did Sonia sign up for this (and miss out on a cool trip to NY city!) but she stuck it out with me to the end! Her neck socks / neck warmers were so well received - how could they not be? They are made out of Malabrigo! And Betsy, well, as true to her "Cruise-Ship Julie" nature, Betsy stuck it out with me late Friday night to help weave in ends, then was up bright and early on Saturday to help set up. And then she spent the day with us at the booth, keeping spirits high and talking up the product to all fair attendees! On the whole it was a good experience - we didn't sell out (that's ok, I'll be filling my etsy shop later), but we did sell and I think we made a positive impact on many people who checked out the booth.

Lesson learned - make more of the medium sized hats! Like for Lorelai's size. There was an adorable little acorn in the larger acorn hat that I made, and towards the end of the day, this wee acorn - I think he's 3 months old. Thank you Baby Dominic - enjoy your hat!



All the craziness that lead up to the craft fair was followed by a trip to Rhinebeck, NY for the ravelry party and the NY Sheep & Wool Festival on Sunday. But that's a whole other post!

Craft Fair

I've been mentioning the upcoming craft fair in this blog for a while now. The time has come - the big event is tomorrow! It's sure to be a day to remember (especially with theatreknitter in town, and a trip to Rhinebeck for NY Sheep & Wool Saturday / Sunday!). If you're looking for something to do on Saturday, swing on by and say "Hi!". Should be a nice fall event - I'm thinking it's got a Gilmore Girls / Stars Hollow sort of feel to it, without the crazy townsfolk (one would hope).

Read all about it. (Local paper article).


One of the fliers I've been seeing around town.

Sneak Peek at our table (poor lighting in the basement, low quality camera ability)

(brup cloths)


(neckwarmers - by PeacefulKnitter!, seasonal hats (acorns mostly), rattles)

Ready or not, here we come!

Biting off more than I can chew

My Own Apple
Originally uploaded by nutmegknitter

Lorelai loved getting her own apple yesterday is an understatement. I have the photos of her screaming when I took it away to take a bite (gasp! and it was my apple to begin with. I thought, oh wouldn't it be a funny photo if she tries to bite the apple. yeah, I started something there.)

Since I haven't been working since June 2007 (and it was terrible then), I've had zero stress. Really. Pregnancy, new baby and all, I don't have much to stress about. The negative things are beyond my control and day-to-day is just not chaotic. A bit crazy somedays, sure, but nothing like it used to be. Until now.

It may be all in my head, but I am definitely starting to stress about the craft fair next week. Maybe it's more anxious / anxiety. I am still knitting away. I've got tags and business cards in various states of completion. I've got projects on the needles all over my house. I've got ends to weave in.

*AND* I'm working, part time, at home for google. So I'm trying to get my hours in on that, because you know, money is good and all that. *AND* I'm trying to maintain the day-to-day stuff. Lorelai may be a bit more independent, but it really feels like when she's awake I'm getting less done and very little done during her naps.

Bite, bite, chew, chew, it's all good. This face says it all.

Cold Work

What is up with this house? It's freezing inside. I don't know why. I'm not even sure where to start looking for drafts / leaks. Ugh.

It was a rough weekend 'round these parts. Friends came in for the weekend - they bring their bassett hound as well, so the house is quite full. Jackson and their dog ignore each other for the most part. Lorelai was beyond thrilled to see another (bigger) dog. We planned to go out for dinner on Saturday. Our reservations weren't until 8, so we had time to drop off Lorelai with her grandparents early and we could go for drinks / appetizers. The appetizers were yummy, and the drinks (martinis) were on the strong side. I had a delicious Grape Cosmo that I would love to have again. So we're at least 4 drinks in by the time we get to the restaurant for dinner. Yeah, um, the other gal in our party was sick at the restaurant and we ended up leaving without even eating there. We got home, picked up the baby (I think I was a babbling fool to my FIL, I asked him about scrapple (learned about that at SnB) - some odd PA food, he had heard of it.), brought the baby home and the boys went out to get fast food. It was delicious, but I think it was the huge soda that did me in. I got sick, but it was quick and the next day I wasn't really hungover. So, yay on that.

Last night, Lorelai was up at 3:30 with a bloody nose! Looked a lot worse than it actually was - I think she was just all stuffed up and these things happen. She just wanted to snuggle - I would try to put her back in her crib and she would clutch at my arms like I was dropping her down some well or something, not in her own space. We were up until 4:30, so yeah, we're tired today. I've been trying to do my work, clean up the house, run the laundry and knit. That hasn't happened yet - I've got to go make dinner after this post so I can just pop it in the oven later. So it goes.

But I've got pictures! Peacfulknitter brought the "Through The Loops Mystery Sock KAL" to my attention (I'll link it up later - you can find it on ravelry) - it is Socktober you know. I could use a new pair of socks - the sanrio ones are thick, more like house sock / slippers. And I just found out that I somehow shrank a pair of socks (I think they went for an adventure in the dryer). Of course I could be working on the second sock of my Tidal Wave pair - I finished that sock oh, back in April. Or I could get back on track with the Noro sock (I'm thinking about frogging it though and using the yarn to make the One Skein, a Stole instead). This KAL let me wind up new yarn (Neighborhood Fiber Co Watershed yarn, Thomas Circle colorway - my DC vacation yarn). I like the idea of getting a piece of the pattern at a time (though, I still have the Mystic Light Shawl that started out great that way and now it's hibernating.) It feels good to work on tiny needles with thin yarn - I'm about fed up with cotton. Enough rambling, here's a picture. Clue #1, the cuff, is complete.


And the kids are together, yet so far apart.

(I think Lorelai is grinding her teeth in this photo. Mommy kryptonite at its best!)


She's reaching into the bench - it's got a hinge top, so I store stuff underneath. I think she found the plastic bag of lollipops.

I love the Yarn Harlot's post about Greg Kinnear, kinnearing in action!
I'll link stuff later, I'm cold, lazy and inundated with other things I need to get done.

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!