The Pajama Queen Knits

Monkey Off My Back

2008-02-25T12:02:00.000-08:00

Yes! My Monkey socks are finished! I had to take Girly Girl to a doctor's appointment this morning so took a half day off work. We went to her appointment then I took her to school. I was home and in my jammies by 9:15 (go figure). Then I finished knitting the sock and kitchenered the toe. I need to wash them and block them, but I was so excited that they were done that I wore them to work.

I'm not sure what's next. I'm going to poke around on Ravelry tonight and see what inspires me.

Stash Enhancement

2008-02-24T10:01:00.000-08:00

I participated in the Think Pink group swap on Ravelry in January. I got some gorgeous pink that I can't wait to knit up: two skeins of Karabella Aurora 4 and one skein of Sheep Shop Yarn Company Sheep 3. I love these yarns. I have some possible projects in mind, but always welcome suggestions.

I also won a trivia contest on the Grey's Anatomy Season 4 KAL and got some lovely green Cascade 220 heather. I also made a new virtual friend who is a librarian, knitter, and Grey's fan. Sound familiar?

With the Cascade, I'm going to make A Scarf Askew from the March 2007 Magknits, but I have to wait until I'm finished with my Monkey socks. I'm showing admirable restraint and not casting on NOW!

My Monkey

2008-02-13T12:09:00.000-08:00

Really...I have been knitting. I finished the first Monkey sock out of Lisa Souza Sock! in the Violet's Pink Ribbon colorway. It is gorgeous. I have three repeats done on the second sock, and I can't wait to finish. I've also been knitting on my mom's Artisan's Vest whenever I get a chance. The vest is great TV knitting because it so boring that I need distraction.

I participated in the Think Pink swap on Ravelry and got some lovely yarn. More later about that.

Knitting Boredom

2007-12-18T19:35:00.000-08:00

I have it. I can't find a project that interests me. I've cast on and ripped out numerous projects in the last few days. I just can't get motivated to knit. I'm hoping that my mom bought me some yarn I hinted around for for Christmas. (Actually more than hinted, I send links to a bunch of stuff on Etsy and Lisa Souza's website. So maybe I'll just take a small knittin va-cay and see what I get. There are a couple of projects in the new book 101 Designer One Skein Wonders book that I'm semi-interested in. I really want to knit a pair of mittens, but I don't know who to make them for, what to make them out of...I'm really in a slump.

Actually, it's not just knitting I'm bored with. It's pretty much anything. I'm not even excited about Christmas. I feel like I'm going through the motions and checking things off my to-do list. Cookies baked. Check. Presents wrapped. Check. Cards sent. Check. Tree decorated. Check. I think I need a vacation.

Here's an interesting article from the Wall Street Journal about Sock Wars. I'm such a joiner and would be tempted to sign up if someone does another round, but I know I wouldn't last long.

I still haven't decided what to do about my Modern Quilt Wrap. I found a bunch of projects on Ravelry that I could use the Kid Seta for. I just hate to see my effort go down the drain. I really need to give myself permission to give it up. The yarn definitely won't go to waste.

Christmas Meme

2007-12-15T10:17:00.000-08:00

I saw this on a couple of blogs and thought it would be fun.
Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both.
Real or artificial tree? Real. I'm thinking about buying an artificial one though.
When do you put up the tree? Usually the first weekend in December. This year, I'm a little behind, and we still don't have one. I'm a little behind on everything. I just sent out our Christmas cards today.
When do you take it down? Anytime between the 26th and the 30th. I like to have it down before New Years though I’m a slacker where household duties are concerned so it doesn’t always happen.
Do you like eggnog? Only Purity.
Favorite gift received as a child? Blue ten speed bike when I was 12.
Do you have a nativity scene? Surprisingly, yes. I'm not religious, but my husband is Catholic. My MIL gave us our nativity scene the first year we were married. I put it up every year.
Hardest person to buy for? My mom!
Easiest person to buy for? Me! I seem to have followed the one-for-them-one-for-me philosophy when buying gifts this year.
Worst Christmas present you ever got? Wool hiking socks. (Not handknit.)
Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. As a matter of fact, I just mailed them today.
Favorite Christmas movie? A Christmas Story. (You'll shoot your eye out!)
When do you start shopping for Christmas? October-ish.
Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No.
Favorite thing to eat on Christmas? Christmas cookies.
Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear.
Favorite Christmas song? Christmas Wrapping by the Waitresses
Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel. Parents' house for Christmas Eve; SIL's house for Christmas dinner.
Can you name all of Santa’s Reindeer? Of course! I have kids.
Angel or star on top of tree? It's a star woven out of wooden slats.
Open presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning.
Most annoying thing this time of year? Crowded stores.
Do you decorate your tree in any theme or color? Nope. A lot of our ornaments are homemade though.
What do you leave for Santa? Cookies and milk. And a carrot for Rudolph.

Updated to add: we now have a Christmas tree. It's on the screened in back porch right now. There's a lot of clumps of snow on it so I don't want to bring it inside yet. Maybe we'll decorate it tomorrow since it sounds like it will be a good day to stay home.

Projects

2007-12-01T14:46:00.001-08:00

Here is the progress on my Modern Quilt Wrap. I took a class at my semi-LYS Finger Lakes Fibers. As Mary Jeanne said, I didn't need a lot of help, just some guidance and a solid block on knitting time. I cast on during my class and knitted 3 1/2 squares. Because today is pajama day for me, I managed some knitting time while watching a movie. I just finished square 8. I'm not enjoying knitting this at all. I'm too much of a perfectionist and end up ripping out so much because it's not perfect. I also hate the difference in quality between the Kid Seta (love love love it!) and the Crystal Palace Kid Merino (ick). I spent so much on the yarn for this project though that I'm knitting on. (Even though I'm tempted to turn the Kid Seta into six Scaruffles (pattern from The Knitter's Book of Yarn) and use the CP Kid Merino as pot scrubbers--yes, it's that coarse.) What would you do?

Here is my other WIP--Jaywalker socks using Zwerger Garn Opal Feelings in color 1702. As you can see, I only have a few rows of the ribbing done and haven't started the actual pattern yet. This is my first pair of "fancy" socks. I'm using the Knitpicks nickel-plated sock needles. I purchased the 0-3 set a while ago, and this is my first project with them. They are so smooth, and the yarn just glides along. I will never go back to my old bamboo DPNs which I always end up breaking since I'm such a tight knitter. I am so pleased with this Knitpicks purchase.

Progress

2007-10-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

I've been making a lot of progress on the knitting front lately. I discovered the Lime & Violet podcast and have spent many evenings knitting and listening (and laughing). I finished the Classic Socks made from Zwerger Garn Opal Hundertwasser. I also finished my Clapotis which is absolutely GORGEOUS! It is made with Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted in Chianti (rescued from the frogged Hourglass Sweater which didn't fit me right). My Clapotis is so cozy and warm, and I can't wait until the weather cools off to wear it more. I can't believe it's the end of October, and we haven't had the heat on yet. I'm also partway through an Irish Hiking Scarf for Big Guy's family Christmas gift exchange. They do a Yankee gift swap which is always so much fun.

Big Guy's football season is over today, and Girly Girl's soccer season ends tomorrow. Hopefully, we'll have a few weeks of calm before basketball season starts. I'm hoping to celebrate my very own International Pajama Day next Sunday.

First Day

2007-09-04T17:46:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of school for teachers in our district. I didn't get as much accomplished as I had hoped but still a fairly productive day. I have a lot of new books to catalog. Tomorrow is the first day of FIFTH GRADE for Girly Girl. I just can't believe it! Also, tomorrow evening is our home visit with Little Guy's Pre-K teacher. He will be going to school for an hour on Friday morning to see the classroom. Monday will be the real deal. It makes me a little sad, especially since his fourth birthday is next week too. My little baby boy is growing up. OK. I'm a little teary eyed just thinking about it.

Both of the kiddos are ready for school: fresh haircuts, new clothes and sneakers. I've been buying Little Guy clothes on clearance for the past year so he has quite the wardrobe for fall. I'm lucky that he isn't particularly fussy about his clothes yet. He'll wear almost anything, and if there's an animal on it, the more he likes it!

First Sock Finished

2007-09-03T15:44:00.000-07:00

The first of my Opal socks is finished. It fits just right, although I probably should have knit the foot a little bit longer though. I should have enough yarn to knit the other sock. I'm looking forward to having a completed pair to wear to football games this fall. Here's hoping that I can get the pattern to match up. See mishapen foot picture to the right, along with a lovely view of our living room.

And there is progress of another sort: Little Guy, who has been so resistant to potty training, is finally getting the hang of it. And just in time too as he starts Pre-K next Monday! After so much struggles, I finally consulted with a woman who teaches parenting classes at a local agency. She suggested we have him sit on the potty one half hour after each meal and each activity period. Complete genius! And so obvious too!

In other news, our van (2000 Grand Caravan) died this week and has been replaced with a bright, shiny, brand-new 2007 Chrysler Pacifica. The new car's name is Penny because she is a shiny, copper color. The new car is fun to drive and has the room we need without the look of a van which Big Guy doesn't really care for.

M-D Baby Kimono at Last!

2007-08-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

I had to have help from my LYS owner, but that's OK! It's finished, and it looks pretty good. I spent part of my morning photographing my stash (while waiting for a plumber to show up to tell me what I already knew--sewer line clogged--and taking the van to the garage for an inspection and brake pads), putting it onto Flickr and onto Ravelry. I feel very organized now. I spent the first part of the afternoon (while waiting for the garage to call about the van) knitting I-cord for the baby kimono ties and sewing in my "From the Knitting Needles of..." label.

I'm not sure what my next project should be. I'm participating in the Second Wave Clapotis KAL so won't be started that until September 23. I purchased yarn for Ariann yesterday at the LYS, but it seems too soon to start knitting a sweater. Maybe Girlfriend's Swing Coat to get a jump on Christmas knitting? Maybe just work on the Opal sock? Maybe the Lucy bag? I JUST DON'T KNOW!

Frustration!

2007-08-19T10:43:00.001-07:00

Now that I have finished knitting the M-D baby kimono and the baby shower is on Wednesday, I have to mattress stitch the side seams. I've started it twice and frogged it twice because it looks like CRAP! I need some help. I've done the mattress stitch only once before (usually knit sweaters in the round) and that was under the guidance of my LYS owner (LYS now closed). I should have asked for help yesterday when I went to Finger Lakes Fibers, but I REALLY thought I could do it myself. It's the sleeves that are really throwing me--it's just not coming out smooth enough for my taste. (Yes, I'm a perfectionist.) I will try again later...

Why Me?

2007-08-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

I spent a lovely afternoon yesterday on our screened-in porch, knitting, reading, and watching Little Guy play. I came to the end of knitting the M-D Baby Kimono, put down my knitting onto the porch floor, and went to get a drink. When I came back, one end of the Knitpicks interchangeable needle I was using was wedged between the porch floor boards. I have no idea how this happened, but I'm thinking probably it was with some feline intervention. I tried to work the needle out from between the boards. I tried to pry it out using a knife. I finally resorted to tugging on the cable. The cable popped out of the needle, separating the cable from the little part that attaches to the needle tip, but the needle tip remained tightly wedged with about an inch sticking up. I managed to bend it down between the floor boards so no one would get hurt. Now I'm out another KP cable and a KP needle tip. Why do these bizarre things keep happening to me?

But the good news is that I'm finished knitting the Baby Kimono way ahead of schedule. It's so cute--just a little pink piece of knitted origami. Fun stuff. Pictures soon.

I spent part of my morning today on Ravelry, updating my stash, finding new patterns, and figuring out what to do next. I really want to start Girlfriend's Swing Coat which will be a gift for my niece for Christmas. It is waaaaay too hot to knit with wool, however. I also want to start my Clapotis (finally). I think maybe I'll just work on my cross stitch project instead. I have to take Girly Girl to the orthodontist today so I'll take that along.

What I've Read Lately

2007-08-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

Lottery by Patricia Wood. Forrest Gump wins the lottery. I did not like Forrest Gump--either book or movie, but I love love love Perry L. Crandall! I'm a sucker for a happy ending, and I really wanted to tell off Perry's brother-cousins. With witty and insightful quips, Perry gives us a look at his unique perspective on the world. A must-read and a must-share.

A Little of This, A Little of That

2007-07-31T06:50:00.000-07:00

The fiery fried chicken was excellent. Unanimous rave reviews from Big Guy, Little Guy, and Girly Girl. I will definitely make it again. I was worried that the chili-garlic sauce would be too spicy for the kiddos. There was just a tiny hint of spice--just enough to make it interesting.

Little Guy's haul at Toys R Us included Hungry Hungry Hippos and the Animal Planet Farm Bucket. He loves animals, you know! I also picked up a new Chutes and Ladders game as ours got destroyed when we moved. Good fun! Can't wait to play! I'll have to get out our Memory game too. I'm sure Little Guy will be very good at that also.

On the knitting front, I started the Heartbreakingly Cute Baby Kimono from the Mason-Dixon Knitting book on July 22. I figured since the baby isn't due until October, I would have plenty of time to get it done. That was before I got an invitation to the baby shower on August 22. I'm about halfway through so I should be able to complete it in time. (I could be done by now if I weren't so easily distracted by pinball on the computer--MAJOR time waste). I am using Cascade Sierra in pink, and I really like it. It's very soft and is knitting up nicely. I'm hoping to find some pretty ribbon to use for the ties.

Cooking

2007-07-30T06:05:00.000-07:00

I love cooking in the summer. Fresh herbs, veggies, and fruits. Plus a lot more free time. I am working this summer but only half days. Gives me plenty of time with the kiddos and plenty of time to cook. I've tried out a lot of new recipes so far this summer. Tonight's entree will be fiery "fried" chicken from the August issue of Real Simple magazine which is my absolute favorite magazine. I can't wait to try this one.

Last night, Girly Girl and I made a lemon curd pie with raspberries.

She is big into the cooking thing. She says that she wants to be a chef when she grows up. I tell her only if I can be her sous-chef! Which reminds me that I need to sign us up for cooking class this fall. Our local BOCES offers adult education classes at the various campuses. We've taken various classes in the past and are looking forward to cooking with Chef Burt again!

In other news, we are still working on getting Little Guy potty trained for school in the fall. We're getting closer! My plan of bribery is slowly working...with a little help from Fletcher's Laxative for Kids. I gave him about a half dose yesterday for the first time, and it helped. Since this was his fourth BM in a row in the potty, he's earned himself a trip to Toys R Us (or "Toys For Us" as he calls it). I can't wait to see what he picks out!

I Love Pampered Chef

2007-07-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

I ended up having a GREAT show and was able to purchase three half-price items and get lots of free stuff. (Torte pans, tart pan, new garlic press and pizza cutter!) UPS should be delivering the orders either tomorrow or Saturday. I can't wait to unpack all my new stuff, put it away, and update my Pampered Chef inventory folder. (Yes, I'm aware that I'm a dork. Thanks for noticing.)

We had a great Fourth of July at the lake even though the weather was NOT great. It rained most of the day and was quite chilly by the evening. Good food, great family time, and even some stitching time. I worked on my Bent Creek Summer Row Sampler while Girly Girl and Little Guy played with the other kids. Good times. :)

Yes, I Am Crazy

2007-06-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

Today Girly Girl turns 10, and it has been confirmed: I have totally lost my mind. That's the only reason I can think of for letting Girly Girl host a slumber party with seven guests.

Right now they are outside playing baseball (in the neighbor's yard, but I'm sure she won't mind) so I have peace and quiet for probably about 10 minutes. Then I'm sure they'll be in shortly to fuel up on more pizza, snacks, candy, and soda. And I'm also quite sure no one will sleep tonight--especially me.

So far no major incidents: just one spilled cup of Sierra Mist (outside on the deck so I washed it away with water) and crepe paper wound around the ceiling fan. No biggie.

Thankfully, Big Guy and Little Guy are out for the evening. Just try keeping Little Guy away from all the girls. He thinks he's one of them.

And some good news. Little Guy needed new "crocs" for the summer. I went to Payless today because I'm cheap for summer shoes and sandals for growing feet. The Payless "crocs" from last year were recalled so my money was refunded in full--which covered the cost of the new pair. Cool beans. I'm not cheap--just thrifty! And considering how much I spent on Girly Girl's party, I don't mind saving $13.

Good Times

2007-06-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

Went to Knoebels yesterday with Big Guy, Little Guy, and Girly Girl. It's a very nice, clean amusement park with an old-fashioned feel to it. We had a great day, but it turned into a Gilligan's Island-type incident on the way home. How does a two-hour drive turn into a four-hour drive? Less than stellar directions/map, an extended dinner, and an impromptu stop at my SIL's at the lake on the way home--that's how. Fun time anyway. I will try to scan and post the picture of Big Guy and Little Guy on the log flume ride. I still can't still if Little Guy was having fun or was totally terrorized. Let's go with having fun...makes me feel better about my mothering skills.

Weekend Projects

2007-06-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

Nope. Not knitting projects. House/landscaping projects.

wall is complete, filled with topsoil and ready for plants
edging, trimming and mulching are all done
the porch is clean and ready for Wednesday's Pampered Chef party
the hammock is up and ready for some reading time

Right now I'm reading The Sweet Potato Queens' First Big-Ass Novel which I was sent an ARC of quite some time ago. What can I say? So many books, so little time! And so many knitting projects, so little time.

I'm very much looking forward to my two-week vacation between regular school and summer school. Lots of reading, lots of pool time, lots of time with Little Guy and Girly Girl, a Girly Girl birthday/slumber party, and a trip to Knoebels. Can't wait--haven't been since I was a kid.

What I'm Reading

2007-06-13T03:08:00.000-07:00

The Last Summer (of You and Me) by Ann Brashares, author of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants books. I'm not sure why I was interested in reading this as I did not care for the Sisterhood books. This is better although a bit slow reading at first. I'm intrigued by the dynamic between the two sisters in the book and their childhood friend.

Ugh

2007-06-13T03:00:00.000-07:00

I'm having the hardest time with knitting projects lately. My most recent disaster is the sock I was working on with the Opal sock yarn. Too small. I will cast on again and use a pattern with some ribbing to give it more stretch. I like the patterning of the yarn and am hoping to make my socks identical twins.

In other knitting news, the Lucy bag is coming along nicely. I'm almost finished with the body of the bag and ready to start the handles.

In non-knitting news, we're busy getting a few projects done around the house:

retaining wall - almost finished
new storm doors - one installed, one to be done today
new mailbox - finished
new outside lights - finished
driveway sealing - finished

Today's other projects are dining ceiling fan, new porch screens, fix shower doors. No, we're not DIYers; we hired someone. Big Guy (with my help) did the work on the retaining wall.

May 2007 Reading Report

2007-05-31T17:34:00.000-07:00

In May, I read 45 books (13,396 pages). The highlight of the month was definitely A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, the long-awaited second novel by the author of The Kite Runner. It was definitely worth the wait. Beautiful crafted writing combined with a deft hand at history made it a story worth reading...and buying in hardcover.

Current Projects

2007-05-31T17:30:00.000-07:00

Classic Socks using Opal Hundertwasser
Lucy Bag using Cascade 220

I'm dying to cast on for my Clapotis but just can't figure out how to pfb.