Christmas Gifts

Presents from the Hubby:

I received four books to greatly enhance my knitting library. This means I can return the library books now :-)


He also got me a knitting machine. The Ultimate Sweater machine intimidates me. It will simmer in the box until I work up the courage to use it.


Some officemates got me a few knitting goodies, too.

Included in the photo are:
1. a tapestry bag (aka knitting bag)
2. 24" Addi Turbo US #7 circular needles
3. an accoutrement bag (replaces its predecessor - snack size Ziploc bag)
4. an Inox needle sizer
5. a customized pack of 30 labels with my name on it
6. a needle case for straight needles

I really got to get back to my knitting soon.

Stealth Knitting

Friday was a snow day. I ended up staying home with the 2 kiddies ... and guess what I did. I started a bulky sweater. I know I was not supposed to start another project. But I needed an instant gratification project to get me out of the rut.


KP Suri Dream on US #13s make for a quick knit. My shoulder and arms ache from those big honkers. However, by Sunday night while watching Grey's Anatomy I had finished the back piece. Woohoo!


Other project updates:
- 1 Green Mitten DONE.
- Fingerless Mitts has a pinky finger!

It's been slow around here ...

It seems like I lost some steam after Thanksgiving. I was so excited with some new yarns but did not want to start yet another project until I cleared off some WIPs.

KP Panache and KP Suri Dream
On December 1st, I attended my first Sit-N-Knit in our area. I brought along Ribby Cardi (which I haven't worked on in months). It energized me a little but then came the realization that I'm making things more difficult than it needs to be. WHY in my right mind did I think I could fudge with an already perfect pattern? I've come to the conclusion that I will need to frog whatever I have knit up and just start over (in pieces this time). It will make for a more relaxing knit. I don't need more stress during the holidays.

This past Sunday, I had to drag out the ole sewing machine. Pumpkin Girl played an Army Ant in her 2nd grade musical "BUGZ" and I had to make four appendages to attach to her shirt. All in all, it came out great! While we were waiting for the kiddies to come out, I overheard another parent comment on her costume "That's neat! How'd she do that?" That made my day.

My Little Army Ant
Hubby is tapping his fingers patiently waiting for me to finish his Fingerless Gloves. I'm stalled because my DPNS are on Pumpkin Girl's Mittens. I'm trying to work as fast as I can on her mittens to free up the needles. I know, I'm too cheap to just go out and buy another set of DPNS.

Yes, I know they do not match.
Molly is ON HOLD. The blisters on my fingertips have healed (weird reaction to acrylic) but I don't think I can muster enough courage to pick up acrylic yet.

Peaceful Palms update

I've been a slacker on this KAL. Hubby requested Fingerless Gloves in a bright cotton yarn. So first, I had to finish Little Man's Placket Pullover Sweater. Then my size 5 DPNS were tied up with Little Man's Mittens so I had to finish those, too. But wait! Pumpkin Girl requested Mittens after seeing Little Man model his mittens. So now, DPNS are being used on Pumpkin Girl's Mittens.

I finally convinced Hubby that cotton is no-good for Fingerless Gloves because it will stretch out. He wants me to knit from the stash. So I found enough leftovers from Little Man's Mittens. Enough procrastination. I finally cast on last night and ended up using Addi #5 circulars. I just finished 3" of cuff.

Bear: "I hope she's not making me wear that tube.
Should I make a run for it?"

Bear: "Whew! I'm in the clear."

Irish Hiking Scarf

Overall, our trip to PGH was successful. I got some knitting done. This will be a Christmas gift for FIL. It is safe to post a picture of the FO because they don't read my blog. Hubby picked out the yarn and the color. Unfortunately, grey is a difficult to capture in pictures. Trust me the cables are there.

For my first major cable project, it is a success. Not only did I learn how to knit cables, a few rows into the project I tried knitting without a cable needle. It goes so much faster. I love cables!!!

Irish Hiking Scarf
Pattern: Hello Yarn
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino in Dark Grey
Needles: Addi Circular in US 8
(November 05 - 26, 2005)
P.S. - Hubby loves the scarf. He wants one in Red.