Like Kim Basinger said...

...I love purple. It really is my signature colour.


Which is why this yarn, which came in the Rockin' Sock Club a few years ago, was just the perfect thing to lift me out of my endless green scarf doldrums a few weeks ago. Plus the kit came with a Yarnissima pattern, who I absolutely ADORE. The woman's got a serious crush on gussets that just makes me giddy.

Think about it: heel flaps and gussets on a toe-up sock!!! The mind boggles!!! I'm boggled, I tell you.

Pattern: Cleopatra's Stockings, by Yarnissima (May 2008 RSC offering)
Yarn: Socks that Rock Lightweight in Shrinking Violet
Needles: 2.25 and 2.5 mm
Modifications: I lengthened the leg a bit before starting the twisted rib at the cuff.

I'm going to sum up the experience of knitting these socks with a fairly simple mathematical formula:

Yarnissima pattern + Happy Purple yarn = TOTAL FRICKIN' AWESOMENESS.

They totally restored my will to knit and renewed my faith in the Knitting Fates. So much so that I even decided to work on the green scarf this weekend! I only have about 22 grams of yarn left to knit up, after all.

Except that I... um... can't find it anymore.

Apparently I was so disgusted by the mere sight of it that I willed it into non-existence. I've looked everywhereish, and it's naught to be found.

Bummer.

Happy Knitting, Everyone!

Here We Go Again

My stomach did not calm down. I'll spare you the deets, but suffice it to say that Saturday night was NOT spent with Phil and I worshiping each other, but rather with each of us taking turns bowing in front of the porcelain altar. Ugh.

Luckily (or not, depending on one's perspective), I was "less sick" than Phil. I only threw up once to his 5 times (What is with men? Why are they so competitive?), so I got to take care of everybody and everything on Sunday. To his credit (he really WAS sick) Phil did take care of Émilie during Maxime's nap time, so I was able to get a nice nap myself, and then later on that afternoon, he watched both kids watch a movie while I frantically tried to pull 5 meals out of my *cough* hat in under an hour.

Why so many meals? Why, because Phil's off on another business trip this week, of course! I tell you, it's like they KNOW when he's going to be away. Bing! Daddy's leaving, time to get sick! *Sigh* Oh well, no sense harping on it (it may be too late now).

Today I went to the office in the morning, then after going to the gym I left work early to head back to Laval, voted (we're having our Provincial general elections here today), and picked up the kids for Maxime's 18-month vaccinations. The whole way, I kept reassuring Émilie that No, she was not going to get a vaccination today. Then when I get there, the nurse offers to do both kids' flu-shots, right then and there. Um.... Sorry Émilie! Looks like Mommy's a big fat liar! Remember this forever!

OK, on to knitting. First and foremost, I finished the first yellow sock!

Very happy with it, it's looking great, my grandmother is going to love it. I cast on the second sock last night while watching Nature, but I've decided to suck it up and only work on the second Thrum Sock until it's finished, so I can officially have a gift "pile" rather than just "a gift". I figured out what my problem with the thrum socks is, by the way. It's the thrumming! I just want to knit, you know? Having to stop every 5 rows and work a thrum into every 4th stitch gets awfully tedious after a while.

Also, keeping with my promise to rub more yarn on this blog, here's a shot of the last Rockin' Sock Club shipment of 2008. I don't think I'm spoiling anybody at this point (I mean, the Harlot already knit her pair, for Pete's sake), but still. Avert your eyes if your postman is Christy Brown (oooooh, bad joke, sorry).

Leave it to Blue Moon to send a really great yarn with the final package, just when I'm debating whether or not to renew my membership for 2009! I really like the colours, it's in their mediumweight yarn, which I love, and the pattern is by the lovely and talented Ann Hanson, who I happen to know personally (HA! If she's reading, I hope she gets a kick out of that!).

Yeah, I don't know if I'm going to renew next year. First, I've only knit 2 of this year's 6 shipments. Second (and this might seem like a "duh" moment to most of you), it's kind of bugging me that every shipment is Socks that Rock yarn! I'd like to be in a club with different yarns and designers for each shipment (yes Robyn, I know that's exactly what you do in your club). Plus (and this is the clencher), as Sinéad pointed out to me this weekend after looking through my stash on Ravelry, I've got A LOT of sock yarn already, and reaaaaallly nice yarn to boot. Maybe I should give this whole "sock club" thing a rest?

I still like the idea of a club, though. Getting yarn in the mail out of the blue like that, even if you're the one who paid for it, I don't know... It feels like a present, like it's Christmas all year. I was thinking of joining a lace club, something like Woolgirl's Embrace the Lace club, but dudes! It's 455$. I'm sure it's totally worth it, they've got a great lineup of yarns and designers, but still... 455$!!!!!! Aaaaack! Too rich for my blood. Anybody have any other suggestions? My mom keeps bugging me to send her my wish list...

Happy Knitting Everyone!

No, I'm Not Sleeegffff

Holy crap, where does the time go? Almost a week since my last post, and I don't have much to report besides the usual family shenanigans. But I want to keep you in the loop, dear readers, so here's a brief recap of the last few days.

Phil arrived home safe and sound on Friday night, stuffed to the gills with Oklahoma City barbecue (he loves it there), bearing gifts (perfume) and dirty laundry. On Saturday we took the kids to their swim lessons, and in the afternoon Émilie and Maxime helped me plant seedlings and seeds in my newly expanded vegetable patch (pictures when it STOPS RAINING!!!). So far I've planted a zucchini and a cucumber plant that Robyn gave me, as well as carrot seeds, lettuce seeds and some herbs (basil, cilantro and parsley). I also want to get a cherry tomato plant in there. I'd loooove to plant a raspberry bush as well, but I've run out of room, and can't for the life of me figure out where I could possibly fit one in our backyard, which already has a substantial flower bed, a swing set, a pool and a very large deck.

Sunday we had family and a few friends over for a little barbecue, and while I had planned to keep do some more gardening in the afternoon while the kids were napping, by the time everyone left and the cleanup was done, I was completely exhausted, and would have preferred diving headfirst into a pool of my own vomit rather that doing anything that required me to get up out of my deckchair. That evening the kids spent the night at their grandparents' house, and Phil and I went out to a lovely dinner and a movie (Iron Man). The movie was surprisingly good, but what I was most stoked about was a find I scored at a bookshop we were browsing in before the movie started.

As you may or may not know, I'm a huuuuge Buffy fan, and I had found out recently that the series actually continues in comic (I mean graphic novel!) form. I'd been browsing around for the books for a while (even in a comic store in Japan, where the sales girl looked at me like I was from another planet or something when I said "Buffy?", but I digress), but I hadn't had any luck. Then Sunday I find Volume 1 of season 8 in the discount section! Scoooore! :)

Monday was an ick day, so after picking up the kids, we spent most of it indoors watching TV and playing on the computer and counting the minutes until they finally went to bed. Seriously, I love them to bits, but when we're all stuck in out itty bitty house, it's like time screeches to a halt or something.

For those of you still wondering, our car was declared a total loss, so it looks as though there will be new car shopping to be done in the next few weeks. We've started looking at reviews and reading up on fuel economy and low emission vehicles, and we've narrowed it down somewhat, but it's still a pain in the arse! Oh well, I'm sure the new car fumes will set it right.

On the knitting front, I've got a genuine Finished Object! I present the Leafling Socks.

To recap, these are the March Rockin Sock Club socks, knit with STR Mediumweight using 2.5 mm needles. I really loved knitting these socks. The colour was stunning, and the pattern incorporated some of Cat Bordhi's new techniques, which made it very interesting. All in all, a lovely project. I may keep these, or they may go in the gift pile. I haven't decided yet.

I also cast on my Socks for Seeley. These will be knit in plain, no-nonsense stockinette. Just a no-brainer sock, perfect for knitting on the train. I'm quite enjoying working with a self-striping, I'd even like the stripes to be fatter and more defined. Maybe I need to expand the stash? :)

Happy Knitting Everyone!

Overachiever

I think it's safe to say that anyone who knows me would agree that I tend to take on too much. I don't know how it happens, exactly, but I think that it's mainly due to my genuine desire to be helpful to others, combined with my total inability to accurately judge how long a given task will take to complete. Anyway, long story short? I tend to take on too much.

For instance, I'm going back to work in 2 weeks. Thus, Maxime will be in daycare 2 whole days this week, to gently ease him into a new routine. I've got an abagagillion things I could do this week, like washing the windows, raking the property, cleaning out the flower beds, removing my daughter's booger-crusted wallpaper, and getting ready for Maxime's first birthday. Plus all the other stuff that needs to get done around here (laundry needs to get done, meals need to get prepared, yadayadayada).

So, pretty busy. The only problem is that my tendency to take on too much is matched only by my equally powerful urge to sprout roots on the living room sofa, to just lounge around and let the minutes lazily pass me by because, as any mother knows, the number of times a working mother has the house all to herself are few and far between, and are not to be wasted on stupid, so-called "productive" stuff.

I know all this. Unfortunately, I'm also a champion of self-imposed guilt (hey, I'm a complex woman). So I've been feeling, shall we say, a little scattered lately.

This has been reflected in my knitting as well. I've somehow managed to contract both startitis AND finishitis. It's like I've got an urge I can't satisfy (or name, for that matter). I want the thrill of casting on something new, but I also want the rush that comes from a finished object. I doubt even a healthy dose of stash enhancement would make me feel any better at this point.

Evidence of finishitis: What little time I had to knit this weekend was mainly spent on Cluaranach. As of last night, I've only got 2 pattern repeats (56 rows) left on the second half to complete the wrap, then it gets grafted and blocked. I don't know why this project has been languishing. It's very entertaining, and beautiful, and I'm looking forward to seeing the completed project. I've set a goal of 1 pattern repeat a day on this puppy, so if all goes according to plan, I'll have a completed wrap by the end of the week.

As a reward for completing my knitting goals, I'm allowed to work on either one of my socks in progress. I admit that I've been so intrigued by the design of Leafling that most of my sock knitting has been spent on this project. I really like the way it's turning out (pun intended).

I've got to say I think the mediumweight STR is by far my favourite to work with. Such a nice fabric. There's truly nothing about this sock I'm not liking. Hey! Wanna see the heel???

See that? The slip stitch heel flap continues through the heel turn and bottom part of the sole. How cool is that??? (OK, to your average person, perhaps it really isn't cool at all, but I thought it was pretty neat.)

Oh, and I CANNOT BELIEVE I ALMOST FORGOT TO BLOG THIS!!!! (Seriously, I was just proof-reading and about to hit the Publish Post button). I'm totally going to Rhinebeck!!!!!! Kate-the-Dilly-Dallying-Enabler (she knows I'm just kidding) has finally committed to accompanying me on what will likely become my annual pilgrimage to the New York Sheep and Wool Festival. And we're going without our husbands and kids!!! Just a couple of fiber enthusiasts on a knitting road trip. Woooo-Hooooooo!!!!! It's going to be awesome, I can't wait. :)

Through the Wilderness

Somehow I made it through the wilderness, the craziness and the busyness with my marbles fairly intact (still waiting on that award, though). Friday's dinner party went from a despair-inducing 9 guests with children to an acceptable, enjoyable 3. Maxime's fever finally broke during the night, allowing us all to sleep in until 7 o'clock Saturday morning, something I was starting to believe was only possible in urban myths.

Since Maxime was feeling better, we hopped in the car and went to the Cabane à Sucre (aka the Sugar Shack), along with a group of kids from Émilie's daycare. Aside from a somewhat traumatic incident in the Haunted House that they had set up for the kids, Émilie had a great time, and especially enjoyed that traditional favourite, hot tire (syrup heated until its caramelized, then cooled on fresh snow and enjoyed on a stick - no really, it's way better than it sounds).


When we got home, I was absolutely exhausted, but despite my best efforts, the kids felt that the 20 minutes they had slept in the car on the way back was more than enough for them, so after briefly considering totally flipping out (Phil was out picking up a new pinball machine with a friend - Hello Sea Silk, here I come!!!), I opted instead for a fun bath à trois. We had a great bubble bath (Maxime really loved being in the bath with Émilie, he kept letting out those awesome baby belly laughs) then we all got in our pajamas. Pajama day!!!! I couldn't veg out on the couch with the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and my knitting (like I would have done if I hadn't had any kids), but it was still pretty nice all the same.

Sunday morning we had some friends over for brunch ('cause, you know, we were starving! I mean, we hadn't eaten in at least 12 hours!!!), and went to my in-laws after the kids' naps that afternoon to review some income tax stuff (Phil's mom usually does his income taxes, but she's just got too much on her plate this year, so I'm going to get to do it). After the kids were in bed, Phil and I watched the hockey game (I can't believe we lost!!!).

I finally managed to get a couple of pictures of Maxime wearing his new cardi.


It fits really well. The sleeves are a little long, but aren't they always? (Or is that just me?). I think Maxime likes it as well, because as soon as I put it on him, he immediately started checking himself out in the mirror.

Too funny :) It seems I was also suffering from severe sock withdrawal (I always have a pair on the needles, but I finished my last pair in Japan), because I cast on not one but two pairs of socks this weekend. First, Leafling, by JC Briar (March Rockin Sock Club). I got mine over three weeks ago, so I don't think I'm spoiling it for anyone by posting this picture.


I especially love this yarn, with its subtle colour variations. Très wonderful. And I also like the feel of the STR mediumweight, it feels a little bouncier than the lightweight. The pattern is worked up using some of the techniques from Cat Bordhi's New Pathways for Sock Knitters (I still haven't found the guts to tackle any of the patterns in that one). I had a bit of trouble at first (especially with the left-leaning-increases, they kept getting twisted on me), but I think I'm good now, and I like the way it's knitting up.

Of course, I've been gazing adoringly at my 2 skeins of Spectrum ShiBui sock ever since I bought them from Robyn's shop a few weeks ago (starving for colour!!!), so after debating a while on the perfect pattern, I finally settled on Yarnissima's Firestarters.


Again, I had a bit of trouble understanding some of her instructions for the cables that run along each side of the foot, but once I got through the pattern, I realized it was fairly intuitive (just written differently than I was accustomed to), and it's been going pretty well (I knit this up last night). At one point during the game last night, Phil looks over at me and says "Weren't you working on green socks last night?".

Yeah, what's your point? :)

3 Dodos

Only 3 sleeps left until we set out on our Japan adventure, and I'm feeling so completely frazzled that I can't believe I'm even taking the time to sit here and talk about how frazzled I am. But I'll make it! I've still got some baby food to make, and some last minute errands to run (leg wax, Costco run, etc.), and to make matters worse, or at least more difficult, Phil's grandmother passed away on Monday, so on top of everything else, we've got the wake and funeral to attend as well. She had been ill for quite some time, and I really feel that it's a blessing that she's no longer suffering and can finally find some peace.

Just when I start to freak out, I remember that I'm leaving the kids and the house in more than capable hands, so that if I do forget something, it won't be the end of the world. Right? Right.

Yesterday afternoon I hung out with my mother, and we did some much needed shopping for yours truly. My Spring wardrobe was looking pretty thin, so we braved the snow and headed out to Place Rosemère. I really didn't see much of anything that I liked until we got to RW&CO., where I camped out in the dressing room trying stuff on for at least an hour. The sales lady was wonderful (they're not paid on commission at that store, so they're really honest about whether or not an outfit suits you), I received great service and I'm really happy with my purchases. I even bought a great shirt for Phil!

When No Country for Old Men won a gazillion Oscars on Monday, we (and the rest of the world) decided we should probably see it. We're big fans of the Coen brothers after all, so we went ahead and, ahem, rented it last night ;) DUDES!!!!! All I can say is thank God for Javier Bardem (who really did deserve the Oscar), because it wasn't really my cup of tea. It's hard to explain, I guess. I mean, I appreciated the film as a work of art, I appreciated the acting and the general feel of it, but it wasn't, you know, entertaining? Has anyone else seen it? Am I way off base?

While we were watching the movie, I swatched the Mission Falls 1824 Wool I had set aside for the Cardigan for Merry, and unfortunately, it's just not going to work out. My gauge is still too loose using the recommended needle size (I'm getting about 24 stitches to the inch using 3.0 mm needles, as opposed to 26 stitches), and the fabric is already way too stiff for my liking. I won't despair, though. I've had this pattern in my Ravelry queue for a while, and I think the yarn will be perfect for it (even if it's not cotton). Unfortunately, I won't be casting on Merry, which has me seriously bummed. I did some surfing, and I think I could use some Elann Peruvian Pure Alpaca Fina for it, which actually works out cheaper than the suggested KnitPicks Andean Treasure (and it's even got some fabulous heathered colours), but we all know where that kind of thinking leads so I'm just going to cast on for Trellis and hope that I'm so enchanted by it that I forget about Merry altogether (highly unlikely).

As promised, I'll leave you with a shot of my Serendipity socks (January Rockin' Sock Club) in progress. Happy Knitting!

5 Dodos

I don't know if English people do this, but most of the French people I know count down the final days before a trip by ticking off the number of sleeps, or dodos, before the big day. So today it's 5 dodos before we head off to Japan. Part of me still doesn't really believe I'm going so far away for such a long period of time. People don't really live in Japan, right? Not really.

That said, most of the week will be spent checking and double checking that everything is ready for the kids and my folks while we're away, so no one wants for anything. I've written down pretty much everything I can think of at this point (even though I'm sure I'm forgetting stuff), and now it's just a question of making sure that we're all stocked up on essential provisions.

For instance, this is what I spend most of my mornings doing lately:

Cooking baby food (this morning it was Fillet of Fish Mornay with Vegetables - Yum!). I think I've recommended this book to every new mother I've ever met, but if you've never heard of it, and are keen on making your own baby food, I highly recommend it. I first bought First Meals when I had Émilie, and I just found it so much easier to plan her meals when I was whipping up a new batch of food every couple of days (most recipes make at least 4 servings, which I freeze in these handy GladWare containers that hold 125 ml (or half a cup) of food). I kind of discarded it when she started eating most of what we ate, even though there are recipes in there for up to 6 years old, but I still found it well worth the (moderate) investment, and was glad to find it again when Maxime was ready to move on from plain puréed meat and veggies.

And looky-looky! A Finished Object!



The specs: Embossed Leaves socks (from Favorite Socks), knit with Dyed in the Wool Handmade Mediumweight sock yarn (colourway: Prescription Medication) using 3.25 mm Harmony dpns. I'm quite smitten with these. They're dainty and feminine, soft and scrumptious. And a quick knit!

I've cast on January's Rockin Sock Club Serendipity socks (sorry, no pictures today). I'm also starting to think about what knitting I want to bring with me to Japan. There's plane knitting and train knitting and sitting around knitting to consider, and the possibilities are, well, endless. I'm obviously going to bring some light, portable projects (like socks, but how many pairs?), but I'm debating whether I want to bring something with a little more heft to it, like Cluaranach or the Cardigan for Merry I've yet to cast on... Hmmm, things to ponder.

Lastly, I was supposed to go to my Aqua-Mommy class this morning, but I'm still fighting this stupid Laryngitis (which ought to make choir practice tonight interesting), which has now developed into a cold to boot, and with all the other things I want to get done this week, I thought "Screw It". I've gotten a lot done so far today, so I think I'm just going to sit for a spell, sip some tea and do some knitting until Maxime gets up.

Happy day everyone! :)

Call me Stinky

Yesterday my cleaning lady broke my shower door. Actually, she pulled on the door too hard to open it, and broke the little plastic doodad that holds the door in place. The piece has actually broken about 12 times over the past 5 years, but Phil has always managed to fix it with trusty Super Glue (well, maybe not that trusty, since it has broken more than once). But wait. Phil's not here right now, is he?

Riiight. I decided I could forgo the shower yesterday (I showered late Monday afternoon), and when Maxime was in bed for his afternoon nap, I glued the piece back on. No worries. Yup, I'll just glue the piece back on then reinstall the door. How hard can it be? Yeah. This would be one of those times when I feel like the rat in the maze. How is it possible that I'm so mechanically challenged???

Apparently, you have to reinstall the door THEN glue the piece back on, something I figured out after struggling with the frickin' door for 15 minutes (with my daughter's incessant "Qu'est-ce que tu faaaaaais Mamaaaaaaan????" in the background - Lord give me patience!). Rather than throw it out the window in a fit of rage, I did what any sane woman would do. I sucked it up and called my Father-in-Law (he loves this kind of stuff). Sure enough, he rushed over while I was giving Émilie her bath, and tried to salvage my mistake.

He then proceeded to 1) take the door apart; 2) break the part; 3) put the door back together; 4) drill a hole in the shower; and 5) break the part in another spot. He left with the parts in a plastic baggie, and promised to make a new part, this time in metal (we can't buy a new part, they don't make them anymore). I just know we'll end up buying a new shower door (or possibly a new shower).

So yeah, call me Stinky, because there will be no showering in this house for a while. Grrrr.

Maxime's nap schedule has been a bit off lately. I can usually put him down without any fuss, but the past few days he's been fighting it and, although he sleeps well in the morning, we're back to the dreaded 40 minute naps in the afternoon. It's rough, particularly when you consider that his nap time is the ONLY non-kid time I get all day until both kids are in bed.

I'm supposed to go to my Cardio-Poussette class this morning, but I really, REALLY don't feel like it. I'll probably end up going anyway, though (I AM the champion of self-imposed guilt, after all). It's shaping up to be a beautiful day (kinda cold, though).

Not much knitting content today, I'm afraid. I've reached the heel on the second Embossed leaves sock, so I should have a completed gusset by tomorrow, if I can get a little knitting time in during the day. I also wound my January Rockin' Sock Club yarn into a cake on Monday. I think that'll be my next sock project.

The Postman Rang Twice

Yesterday I spent almost two hours at the passport office to get my passport renewed for our trip to Japan. I obviously need to get back to reality pronto, because I headed out there without a diaper bag or toys or anything, under the massive delusion that it would be a quick, 15 minute errand. NOT!!!! Luckily, I had some toys for Maxime in the car, and he did really well for the most part. However, the last 20 minutes was spent crying (it was nap time), so much so that the 10 people who were ahead of me in line at that point graciously stepped aside and let me pass (what they don't know is that I pinched him in the hopes of speeding the process up - HAH!). Of course, once you get to the actual wicket, it takes about 2 minutes to hand in your paperwork (I had downloaded the form and filled it out at home) and get out of Dodge. I've got to go again next week to renew Phil's (he took his with him since he's in Maine all week). Ugh.

After I got home and by some miracle actually managed to get Maxime down for his nap (if he sleeps even 10 minutes in the car, it's usually impossible to get him back down), the postman delivered the January Sock Kit for the Rockin Sock Club (you need to sign for it). About 2 minutes later the doorbell rings AGAIN, and this time it's with my Loopy Ewe order (with gift certificate money from Christmas) and my used copy of the Yarn Harlot's Meditations for Women who Knit too Much. Is there anything better than that? Just LOOK at this loot (WARNING - Sock Club Spoilage in Picture).
I got some ShibuiKnits Sock (I LOVE how subtle the color variations are - must buy more) in the Mulberry colourway, 2 skeins of Dream in color Smooshy (Strange Harvest and Deep Seaflower) and one skein of Fiesta Boomerang (it's so soft, it feels like velvet) in the Rhubarb colourway. I actually had to suppress the urge to wind one of these beauties up right away and cast-on immediately (I want to wait for my Knitpicks Harmony dpns to arrive).

In other news, it seems that the hectic pace I've been keeping up lately (it doesn't FEEL hectic, despite what my mother keeps telling me) is finally catching up with me. I think I'm coming down with the flu or something, I'm sore and cold and hot and my throat hurts and I just feel yucky all over. By the time Émilie was tucked in bed last night, I could barely stand (and no, I'm not exaggerating). So I was in bed at 7:45 last night. Maxime woke up about 4 times coughing, but went back to sleep on his own without requiring any intervention on my part.

Finally, Erin (fellow Socks for Seeley (on Ravelry) organizer and Boreanaz fan extraordinaire) left a comment on my last post, saying she'd tapped me for a meme. Techno-Dork that I am, I had no idea what the heck a meme even was, but after a bit of savvy Googling, I figured it out. So here's my MEME. Here are the rules, (they must be posted to your blog).

Link to the person’s blog who tagged you : Erin.
List seven random and/or weird facts about yourself.
Tag seven random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they have been tagged by posting a comment on their blog and also so they can look at your blog and not tag the same people all over again!

My 7 Random Things:

1) I'm double-jointed. I can bend things in ways you can't even imagine. Dudes.
2) I met my husband on a cruise in the Caribbean, even though we actually lived less than 10 minutes away from each other. Go figure.
3) I worked at a McDonald's restaurant for 3 years as a teenager.
4) I used to smoke (quit 7 years ago this January).
5) I have a nervous tick. I'm constantly either drumming my fingers in my hands or rubbing my fingernails with my thumbs. It's a whole thing.
6) I enjoy doing laundry (no, really!).
7) When I pluck my eyebrows, it makes me sneeze about, oh, 57 times in a row.

Here are those I've tagged to participate (feel free to tell me to take the proverbial hike):

Robyn
Jennifer
Sereknitty
Alison
Caroline
Maggie
Shelley

OK, the couch beckons!

Year in Review

OK! Phil is out on the Skidoo, Émilie is in daycare, Maxime is asleep. It's just me and the computer! Time for my personal review of 2007.

Looking back at this past year, one thing obviously stands out: the birth of my son, Maxime, now 7 and a half months old. How he went from a bright red newborn to the giant butterball he's become is somewhat of a mystery, despite this being my second time around, but there you have it. 2007 was the year I had my darling boy, and I couldn't be happier with my two wonderful children. I'm truly blessed.

I also received my diploma for my second Masters' degree in 2007, having worked over the past 5 years to obtain my Masters' degree in Library and Information Sciences from McGill University, while simultaneously working full time, getting married and, oh right, having a baby. Looking back, I'm not quite sure how I managed it all, but now that it's over I'm looking forward to pursuing new professional opportunities in my field, preferably closer to home.

I've been married to a wonderful husband and father for 4 years now (together since 1994), and despite the occasional patch when I'd like to cut him up into itty-bitty pieces, our relationship is still going strong. I'd like us to make more time for each other in 2008. That's one resolution.

As far as knitting goes, 2007 has been a landmark year. I think this was the year I really, REALLY got into it. I made my first sock yarn purchases from Pick Up Sticks on Boxing Day 2006, and made my first trip to Effiloché in January of 2007, and presto, a stash was born. I joined Ravelry, and have been enjoying the online knitting community in general. I even took a knitting road trip to Rhinebeck, and have pledged to return next year (fates and life allowing, of course).

I also made real progress as a knitter. For instance, I knit my first pair of socks in January of 2007, and have knit 12 more since that pair. I've learned new techniques, most due to my membership in the Rockin' Sock Club, which I've renewed for 2008. I also cut my teeth on lace with Mystery Stole 3, and have discovered a love of lace and of beaded knitting.

I have 23 FOs for 2007, 21 of which you'll find on the sidebar (2 were given away as gifts pre-blog, therefore I don't have any pictures). The one I'm most proud of has got to be Émilie's Wildflower Sweater. The colourwork, the detailing, and well, it's just so pretty! I'll be sad when it no longer fits.

Lastly, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention this, my blog, in my review of 2007. This blog has allowed me to express myself in new ways, and has allowed me to come into contact and develop friendships with some wonderful people. It's been an amazing experience, and I plan on keeping it up in 2008. Thank you to all my readers for participating in this journey with me!

I don't know that I have any specific goals or resolutions for 2008, at least as far as knitting is concerned. I'd like to continue on my path of self-improvement, and tackle areas of knitting that give me the heebie jeebies, like steeks or zippers, or Cat Bordhi. I'd love to learn to spin, but I don't know that I've got the resources available to me. Besides, who can handle another *ahem* healthy obsession?

Happy New Year everyone. I hope 2008 will find you all happy, healthy, and surrounded with yarn.

One down!

Yesterday was a rather snowy day here, which gave me the perfect excuse to cozy up to my knitting and finish my Summer of Love Lace Socks. I believe I've mentioned before how smitten I am with these socks, and while I haven't changed my mind that they'll be heading to a new home come Christmas, I just had to try them on at least once before they go. Don't worry, I've since washed and blocked them, and they're ready to go :)

I also cast on for a new project last night, one that I unfortunately can't share with you on this blog, since its intended recipient is a reader :). However, if you're on Ravelry, you can check out my project page, I'll be uploading it today, as soon as I have a spare minute. I think it'll be a fairly easy and quick knit, though it's something I've never attempted before (how's that for suspense?).

No knitting this afternoon, though. Phil has the day off, and as soon as Maxime has had his lunch, we'll be heading into town for two of my mostest favourite things ever. First, a trip to Pho Bang New York, on St-Laurent, for some lovely Pho Bang soup. Then it'll be off to Noël Éternel to buy my annual water globe (I've been collecting them forever, and no, it has nothing to do with this movie) and a Christmas stocking for Maxime. I love shopping for Christmas decorations! I can't wait to start decorating the house.

Kickin' it into gear

There are now less than 5 weeks to go until Christmas, and as of this morning, I still have 3 gifts to knit up. Actually, I would really have to knit something like 10 more gifts if I were to give everyone on my list some woolly love this year, but since that's not going to happen (unless I, you know, forgo sleep entirely), I'm aiming for my parents and in-laws this year. That makes for 6 people (my parents are both remarried), which I think is doable.

I'm currently working on a gift for one of the ladies in that set (gotta be careful here, because the intended recipient is a sometime reader), the Love Lace socks. I've turned the heel on the second sock, and while I haven't yet finished the decreases along the gusset, provided Maxime gives me some knitting time, I should be finished by tomorrow night (pipe dream?).

I've also ordered some yarn from Maggie, and I think I'll be using the Evergreen colourway for a lovely pair of man's socks. Who will they be for? I don't know yet. I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on this yarn, though. New yarn (even when you really don't need new yarn) is just the thing to cure one of the knitting doldrums (I don't respond to pressure-knitting well).

Unfortunately, I won't be able to do much in the way of knitting today. Our "good" car is in the shop, so I'll be chauffeuring Philippe and Emilie in the "crap" car all day. Grrrrrr.

Monday Morning Report

Over the past week, I've heard several variants of the following phrase: "Your blog is great! But you don't post often enough!!!". While I take it as a sign that my readers enjoy what I write, and am accordingly totally flattered (every time someone new leaves a comment, I'm super excited!), I'd like to remind everyone that 2 kids (one baby) + husband + life = not enough hours in a day, and does not give me as much time to blog as I'd like :)

Nor does it leave much time for knitting, apparently ;). This weekend was busy, busy, busy and I didn't get much done (in the way of knitting). Saturday's nap time was spent putting my various flowerbeds to, well, bed for the winter, and we went for dinner at some friends' house that evening (their son is about 2 and a half months older than Maxime), so no knitting on Saturday (but I did get to play a Wii for the first time, and of course now I want one). I did manage to finish the first of my Love Lace Socks last night, while watching Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Quite cute, if I do say so myself. I'll definitely be making myself a pair when I have some spare time (you know, in August, 2015).

I also cast-on for Cluaranach on Friday, and OhMyGod, so in love with this yarn, I can't even tell you. Truth be told, I was a little disappointed when I opened my package on Friday (I'd been building this up as my perfect "Fall Comfort Knit" for a while). I don't usually go for single-ply yarn, so I was kind of bummed when I saw it (guess I should have read the fine print when I ordered the kit, huh?). Then I knit a swatch. DUDES!!!! This is the softest, bounciest, snuggliest yarn ever. The wrap is going to be a kick-ass project.

Tomorrow Kate-the-Enabler and I are going to meet up with Robyn and Jennifer for a little Mommies-who-Knit action. (Which reminds me, I've got to whip up some nibblies, I promised to bring something). I'm really looking forward to it, and hoping that Maxime will let me get some actual knitting done this time.

Wazzup!

Does anyone remember those Budweiser commercials? My brain is kind of mush today (Fire Bad. Tree Pretty.), so that's the best I could come up with for a post title.

As you may have gathered from my last post, I've been itching to work with the lovely, luscious Malabrigo I picked up from Mouliné on Tuesday. I wanted something simple yet pretty, to go with the Snowball Hat I'm also planning to knit with the same yarn. After two hours of knitting and frogging on Wednesday (plus a few hours of surfing, trying to find a suitable pattern), I finally settled on a scarf pattern. I wanted to cast on something from Knitting New Scarves, but there were no cable scarf patterns. I'm really looking forward to getting my invite from Ravelry (as of this morning, 8708 people are ahead of me on the list, so I won't hold my breath). I think it'll make the pattern search a heck of a lot easier.

Anyway, I'm pretty happy with the pattern. It's simple (good TV knitting), classic, and the yarn is just, well, yummy. The only thing I might have changed would have been to add a twist on either side of the cable, so it would fit in with the hat. But I SO don't want to frog again, so it'll just have to stay as it is.

I've also made excellent progress on my first Love Lace Sock (the August kit from the Rockin Sock Club). I'm totally in love with these socks now, and am quite resentful of the fact that I'm giving them away. But Christmas waits for no knitter, and I've only got 2 gifts made so far (the brown-socks-that-are-still-on-a-time-out don't count yet), so I've got to get cracking. I can always make another pair for myself, right?

I'm also going to start cruising for a hat pattern for Émilie. There was a great review of a hat pattern book on Knitter's Review this week, but I'm hesitant to go ahead and buy it. It feels like I'm being too impulsive (and you know that if I'm thinking it's impulsive, it's gotta be a sign, right?).

Happy knitting everyone!

The Reverse Frog

I've been working on the Gentleman's sock with Lozenge pattern from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks. Along the way, I bumped into a few problems. I kept at it, though, confident it would all work out in the end. Then this happened:

I ran out of yarn at the toe. Again. *Sigh* The only problem is that this is the second sock. There is no backup yarn. After seriously considering just setting the damn thing on fire, I had an epiphany. "I know! I'll just frog back some of the cuff and use the yarn to complete the toe. No worries!!!".

Yeah, the only problem is that, as I soon discovered, you can only reverse frog straight stockinette stitch. Something about the change in direction from purl to knit stitches turns the process into a big knot and, really, a total nightmare. But rather than re-knit the socks (and that was so not going to happen!), I patiently reverse-frogged (Gorfed?) 10 rows of cuff. After about five hours (yes, you read that right - FIVE HOURS), I wound up with a dinky little ball of frayed yarn, which was (thank goodness!) just enough to finish the toe.

I used a sewn bind off on the cuff, and I'm pretty happy with the results. There's only a slight problem.






Now the cuff on both socks don't match, and I have to reverse frog the first sock. Aaaaack!!!!!






I just couldn't face it last night, so I cast on another pair of socks instead. I'm a bit behind on my Rockin Sock Club kits, and I had originally planned to work on the October kit next. However, after working on a pair of brown socks for what seems like forever (!), the colours on the August kit just called out to me. The design is cute (I think these will make a lovely Christmas gift for somebody), and I'm enjoying the different look. The design calls for a lace cuff that is then joined together and folds over the leg. I'll be knitting them on DPNs, but since the cuff is knit straight (and wet blocked before joining to work in the round), I used a circular needle to start out.

Is there a cure for this?

I have a wicked case of cast-on-itis. Unfortunately, I don't actually own the yarn for any of the things I'm currently drooling over. *Sigh* And since I'm a bit of a fiber-snob (no acrylic, please), it would cost me quite a bundle if I were to order everything I want. Yes folks, incredible though it may sound, it seems that Rhinebeck did nothing to cure me from my urge to splurge.

What are some of the things you want, you may be asking? Here's a list (in no particular order):

• The Totally Autumn throw (by Anne Hanson)
• Mr Greenjeans (by Amy Swenson)
• The Somewhat Cowl (by Wendy Bernard)
• The Drive-Thru sweater (by Wendy Bernard)

I also have a yearning for this yarn, just because it's pretty:

• Sonava Beach Handpsun, from Dyed in the Wool (love her stuff!)
  
• Fearless Fibers sock yarn (never mind that sock yarn is the LAST thing I need);
• The Woolen Rabbit sock yarn (yeah, yeah, I know)

Even though my yarn fast is technically over, the Rhinebeck bills have yet to arrive, so I'm going to try to keep it together until they do. I'll keep you posted.

By the way, I've turned the heel on my second Gentleman's sock with lozenge pattern. I'm hoping it'll be finished by the end of the week, since I got my Rockin Sock Club kit in the mail yesterday (no pictures yet - I don't want to spoil the fun!). Suffice it to say that I love the colour (very Halloweeny), and the design is equally fun (from none other than the Harlot herself). I think these will be keepers!

The perils of stash diving

First things first: I finished my Solstice Slip socks!

To recap, these were knit with Socks that Rock lightweight in their Firebird colourway (the colour is only available to Rockin Sock Club members right now, but it'll be up for grabs to the general public sometime next year), using 2.25mm needles. I actually broke in my rosewood dpns on these babies, and I enjoyed them very much. The stitches really hold on to the needles, but the rosewood is much sturdier than bamboo needles. I'll definitely use them again.

Since I finished a project, I decided to dive into the stash. I wanted to knit a "miscellaneous" (as in, I haven't decided who they're for yet) man's sock, and I found a couple in Nancy Bush's lovely Knitting Vintage Socks that I really liked. This is where I ran into trouble.

I'm rooting through my fingering weight bin yesterday (I separated my fingering and sport weight sock yarn so that it seemed more manageable (read less crazy) - like THAT was going to work!), pushing this skein and that skein aside, and I just cannot comprehend how it is that I don't have a single suitable yarn for either of the patterns I have picked out. All this yarn, and I have nothing to knit with! Quite the conundrum under regular circumstances, but literally spasm inducing when one considers my oath not to purchase any more yarn until Rhinebeck.

So I ask you, what is the best way to approach a new project? Do you choose a yarn from your stash and then select an appropriate pattern for said yarn, or do you select a pattern and then try to match it with an appropriate yarn in the stash? Which is the lesser of two evils?

My problem right now is that, while I have oodles of variegated yarns, I don't have much in the way of solids or nearly solids. As these, in my experience, have been the best yarns to use when making socks for men or to display complex patterns, I've got some catching up to do.

Can I amend my oath to say that I won't be buying any variegated or self-striping yarn until Rhinebeck? :)

Strange night

I will indeed be posting knitting-related news in a few moments, but I just wanted to take this opportunity to document the strange, looooooong night that was last night. First off, I had a variety of bizarre dreams: I dreamed that Wentworth Miller (where did he come from? I don't even watch Prison Break) was flirting with me, and that I was ticked off I couldn't reciprocate due to my, you know, being married; I dreamed Phil and I were renewing our vows (doesn't everyone after four years of marriage?) because my grandmother hadn't been able to attend the original ceremony (both our surviving grandmothers were there at the real deal), but I was caught in the rain on my way there and had to wear a silk cami with my wedding skirt because the gray blouse I had originally picked out was soaked (Huh???); and lastly, I dreamed that my Mom put my daughter on a train going in the wrong direction, by herself, and I was running through wagon after wagon, trying to find her.

I also have this recurring sinus condition that's been acting up lately. Basically I'm stuffed up in the early morning and in the evenings, but when I'm in bed, my sinuses are very sensitive to my breathing patterns. So when my son woke up at 2:30 this morning, all bets were off. My nose was hermetically sealed the remainder of the night, making it nearly impossible for either Phil or I to get back to sleep (because of my failed attempts at quiet sniffling). I was forced to breathe through my mouth the rest of the night, and woke up this morning with my tongue feeling (and tasting) as though I had licked clean a litter box. Of course, my sinuses cleared within about 35 seconds of my getting up.

OK! On with knitting goodness! For those of you who read yesterday's post, I finished Mystery Stole! I actually finished it a couple of days ago, but was waiting for an Emilie-free window to break out my new lace blocking wires and pin it out. As a blocking surface, I used a set of interlocking foam mats that we had bought for Emilie, covered with a towel. This being my first lace, I was really impressed with how the details of the pattern come out during the blocking process. I was worried about the asymmetrical design, but it really isn't as strange looking when it's worn as when it's lying flat.




I've also completed one of my Solstice Slip socks. The pattern is really easy to memorize, and it knits up very quickly. It's a bit looser than I usually make my socks, so I think they'll make great slippers/house socks this winter.

I'm on a roll...

I decided to set aside Mystery Stole on Thursday night to finish up my Kneehigh to a Grasshopper socks (April's Rockin Sock Club), and here they are, in all their splendor:

Here are the stats: knit with Silkie Socks that Rock in the Walking on the Wild Tide colourway, on two 2.25mm circular needles.

What can I say about this project? It was challenging, to say the least. The two circulars (ingenious, but ultimately not for me), the endless purl two togethers (p2tog = M-U-R-D-E-R on the hands), the yarnovers... I'll put it this way: I won't be knitting a pair oh his and hers of this pattern any time soon. Nevertheless, I'm quite pleased with the results.


I'm also pleased (try ecstatic!) with my new sock blockers. Are they not the coolest things EVER??? Totally awesome. I ordered them from Leggy Creations on Etsy (if you've never heard of Etsy, the paradise of all things handmade, go now. I'll wait). I love them so much, I think they deserve their own photo-op.






I was looking forward to casting on another pair of socks (perhaps something from Favorite Socks?), when I hazarded a glance on the Rockin Sock Club blog, and discovered that the August kit was shipped last week. Since I'm already one shipment behind, I cast-on June's Solstice Slip socks instead. So far, I'm loving it.

New scale!

I purchased a digital scale this weekend, for the purpose of winding skeins into 2 equal-sized balls, something I find especially useful when knitting socks. I noted Wendy's technique back in the Spring, and with the recent acquisition of my swift and ball winder, I was dying to give it a go.

Here we see a pre-wound skein of STR (from the June Rockin' Sock Club kit) on my spankin' new scale. Isn't it great? It's PINK! Yup, I got me a new scale AND made a donation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Pretty awesome. Anyway, as you can see, the cake weighs in at 121 g.





Next up, I wound a second ball from the first, keeping an eye on the weight until I had wound off about half the skein.






And Voila! Two roughly equal-sized balls! Now if I can only finish the April kit (I should be finishing sock 1 today).







What did baby Maxime have to say about all this? Not much... :)