Newness!!

I know it's been "forever" since I posted last, but I've been busy and enjoying retirement. The pic here is of our new house. We go to closing on 3 April 09. Don't know when we'll actually move in, but hopefully in about a month. We have tons of work to do on the house we're in to get it ready to sell, but feel we need to move out, first, in order to fix things.

I have been knitting and sewing, but think those things will become less for a while. I have several sock yarns ready for portability, so I won't be without knitting.

I've been watching the olympics AND knitting

You Are Gymnastics

You are agile, expressive, and precise. You have the drive to practice until you get something perfectly right. And you have the confidence to perform difficult moves when under pressure.

What Olympic Sport Are You?

I agree with this test result for myself!! I really do enjoy the pricision in knitting and English smocking. Hopefully I'll have some knitting to show here soon. I just haven't taken any pictures lately, that's why none to show right now. ;-)

More smocking

These are pics of the latest outfit I made for Chrissy. It's a size 1 blouse, jumper and panties in blue small checked gingham. I'm hoping it will fit through the summer without the blouse for a sundress, particularly around the 4th of July. I made this as a surprise for Helen and Chris and they loved it! Hopefully I'll get a picture of Chrissy in it, too. Then I may be able to post it here.

I sent her the pale yellow tulip dress for Easter and also found her some lavendar Carter's pieces for playwear for the summer and fall. Onsie top, Skirt with panties in it and a long pair of pants in a lightweight cotton that can be rolled up and buttoned after rolling. Cute!

I'm working on my entrelac shawl edging now, so when it's finished and blocked I'll try to get a couple of pics to post. Also hoping to start a jumper dress for Chrissy, knitted, of course!

;-)

I'm back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's been more than 2 months, darn it. But my surgery is over, there's no cancer, and I'm back to work, too. I've gained a lot of insight through all of this, but also got quite a bit of smocking and knitting while I was resting and healing.

Here's the round yolk of a bishop style bubble.


Here's our sweetie pie loving her toes! She's 7 1/2 months old now and still the sweetest baby in the world!
Here's the neck of her round-yoke Easter dress. Aren't the tulips pretty?
And here's a bonnet knit from cotton, to go with the dress. Only problem is it's a little too big.
Last, but not least, here's a new order of yarn from Knitpicks. The gray is for me and the Pink/purple is to knit something for the sweetest girl we know.

August 26th

I just finished this hat and left it with Chrissy today. It's the pumpkin hat from Itty Bitty Hats and it was really fun. I did the 6 month size, so it should be just right for Chrissy to wear in October and November.

This is Chrissy, as if yesterday. At one month, she has gained almost 2 pounds. She will find out on Tuesday when she goes for her next pediatrician check-up. She's such a sweet baby.



Update, 8/28/07 Chrissy now weighs 10 pounds 9 ounces, and is 22inches long. She is 5 weeks old today!!!!!! Wow, she's really growing!!

Progress!

This is the lace shawl and it is not close to finishing. I have at least 20 more rows and they are getting longer and longer since this is a triangular shawl and it is knit from the smallest point to the widest point. It is pleasant to knit, though, so I'll finish this summer, I think. I hope I do, because I have to pack some easy knitting to take with me in a week. Our granddaughter is being born by c-section on Tuesday the 23rd. We will go to our daughter's on Monday and stay however long she needs us. Probably to come home for a week and then return when her husband has to return to work. We'll see. It is so exciting and scary and wonderful all at once! This will be a week early for the baby so we aren't having to wait as long as originally anticipated. We still can hardly wait! ;-)
These socks are nearly done and I am so excited! Then I can move on to the new yarns from The Loopy Ewe. I've enjoyed these, but now I'd like to try a toe-up version. I really like the two circulars, for sure! ;-)

New yarn ordered

Today I saw a blog write-up for some really pretty yarn and a recommendation to use Loopy Ewe. I went to their site and ordered 3 different sock yarns. I placed the order this morning and by afternoon I had received an email that my order was shipped. Amazing! Wonderful! I can hardly wait to receive my package and get started knitting at least one of them. I'll try to take pictures and post when I get the package. What fun!! ;-)

7-7-7

I just had to post today. It seems like such a lucky day and I haven't posted in so long. I've been busy knitting a lace shawl and a pair of socks. I'll try to take some pictures soon. Baby news is that we're waiting! She is doing well as is her mommy. Less than a month to go!!! I can hardly wait!

I picked out some yarn today for a teddy bear, hopefully like the cute one on a blog I've seen recently. Orange Cotton Ease! Wish me luck.

I've also pulled some yarn out to make a sweater for the nursing mom. It's a yummy green shade and I think she'll like it, if I can just get it started and done for her birthday in September.

I've been tagged!

Nancy at the Jersey Shore tagged me.

The rules: List 7 random things about yourself. Then, go and tag 7 other bloggers by making a comment on their Blog.Link them to your blog to get the rules.

1. I’ll be a first time grandmother this summer! If you’ve seen my blog, then you already know this, but I’m so excited, I think this is the most important random thing about me.

2. I love to read, but have so little time for it because I knit so much. Sometimes I feel ashamed at how little I’ve been reading lately.

3. My stash is overwhelming, but I love it! I’m sure I’ll never knit all of it before I die, but I’ll sure give it a good try.

4. I am physically lazy, most of the time. I workout at Curves(my daughter introduced me to them), though, and have been doing so for almost 4 years. I’ve lost 26 inches and between 40 and 45 pounds, so it has really been worthwhile. I manage to get there at least 4 times a week, except when we are traveling. I do take travel passes with me, but often can’t find the time. At least when we are on vacation I do a lot of walking, which does help make up for some of the lack of exercise.

5. My 25 year old son just got a wonderful new job. I’m so very proud of him and he will make someone a great catch. I just hope he remembers to bring me his new slacks soon, so I can hem them before he needs to start work. (short legs!)

6. My husband is retired and I am not! Sometimes I wish he would get a part-time job and others I am glad to have a great house husband. I do wish he would get the painting, etc. done inside our house, but maybe I can help him with some of my vacation. Whenever I retire, I think we will have a wonderful time together, but I like my librarian position (I got my MS in Information Science at the age of 56!) too much at this point and I’m not eligible for Social Security, yet.

7. I’m a very patriotic person. I cry when I hear patriotic songs, too, but I try to hide that most of the time. My son-in-law is in the Air National Guard, and my, brother, brother-in-law, father and grandfather were all in the Navy or Marines and gave a lot for our country. I wanted to do the same, but was female at the wrong time. I am too old now, so I support the military in other ways.

I tagged these blogs: Well..................I actually didn't tag anyone, because I think this list of 7 is getting old and almost everyone I know of has been tagged. So.................I'm the "it."

Home from Las Vegas

Well........we didn't win, but we didn't lose a lot and I brought home this yarn along with 3 new pairs of shoes from the SAS shoe store. I also bought 4 new pashmina shawls from Bijoux Turner in the Forum Shoppes at Caeser's Palace. One is for a gift. I found a couple of them with prints, rather than solid color, too. Nice!

This yarn is beautiful Egyptian cotton. I'm hoping to knit, on big needles, a summer shawl with it. Wish me luck. I have so many things on the needles right now that I'm not sure I'll finish anything very soon. The baby is still growing, and my supply of baby knits is growing, too, but nothing new has a picture. I'll try to take a few pictures in the next week or so and post them. Bibs, burpers, blankets, sweaters, caps, booties, smocked outfits, bonnets and toys are all either done or nearly done. The shower is on 16 June, so I need to finish up this next week to have time to wrap properly.

;-)

Some news

Well...........................It's been a while since I posted, but I've been busy with travel and needlework, for sure. We went to our daughter's home a week ago for a 4 day weekend and had a great visit. We did loads of things to help her, because her husband is away for about 6 weeks. We even bought and planted two dogwood trees that were promised as house warming gifts almost a year ago. The yard is pretty well settled and their fence and deck have been done, so the trees were appropriate to be done.
I've been doing some smocking and knitting for the baby, but no pictures to show for it, yet. I've finished the log cabin baby blanket and a bib. I've started a Genius burpcloth and am smocking a cute white round-yoke dress and bonnet. Now for some machine work to finish the smocked outfits.
Nascar is in town this weekend and the race just got rained out, so DH and DS will return to the track tomorrow afternoon, so I can get lots of sewing done while I watch on tv. I did have dinner out with my best friend this evening and we had a good time getting caught up with each other's happenings.
;-)

Some new purchases

This is some really pretty lilac colored acrylic yarn that I received in the mail today. I found it on the DeStash blog and got a really good price. There are 7 skeins, so the baby will get something nice, if it's a girl. Otherwise my daughter, sister or I will receive something to enjoy


This isn't finished, yet, but it's my first log cabin from the Mason Dixon knitting book. It is Cottontots, for the baby.

This is my latest purchase from Once Upon a Child. It is NWOT, but feels like it has the new sizing still in it. I don't think it was ever worn. Those are little ducks on the pale blue background and it has a polo collar with blue trim.


This is an adorable outfit that is NWT and I found it on Ebay for a great price. That is a giraffe on the bib. Take a look at the next photo. The little pull on pants in yellow have the giraffe on the seat of the pants. Soooooo cute!

No pictures, darn it!

Well................the past two weeks have been very busy! I've been doing extra training workshops at work and they require longer days with me having to get up much earlier than normal, too. I slept in this morning to help get "caught up!" It sure did feel good.

Last weekend we spent with our daughter and son-in-law and saw how good they feel about the pregnancy. She is feeling wonderful now, fortunately. Baby is progressing well, too. The sex of the baby has yet to be determined and there are no more ultrasounds scheduled, so we may just have to wait until it is born. That's not so bad, though. We had to wait to find out this baby's mother was a girl, too. Turned out great!

I have been doing a little knitting along the way. I finished a pair of socks, which I wore immediately! I'll eventually get a picture, I hope. I've started a log cabin baby blanket with Cottontots yarn and it's coming out really pretty. We shopped for baby curtains last weekend and I brought home the fabric to make them. We hope to go back in a couple more weeks, so I'm working pretty hard to get them done by then. Working full-time makes my hobbie time very valuable. We also bought a boppy pillow, which came with a simple pattern, so I can make a bunch of slip covers for it. Nice!

That's all for now! ;-)

Photo heavy post, mostly yarn

This is some yummy sock yarn I bought on Ebay. I have no idea when I'll get to it, but it looks and feels wonderful! I can hardly wait.

This is a beautiful blue yarn I purchased on Ebay, too. IF it's a boy, I will be all set. Girls wear blue, too, so I'm sure it will be put to good use.

This is self explanatory. I can knit baby things or adult thing, and even washcloths with this. I got several skeins of each color, so lots of options and fun!

This is the beginning of my first lace shawl. I plan to give it to my pregnant daughter as a treat for her, since almost everything else is for the baby about now. I MAY have it finished for Easter, but then again, I may keep it until the baby shower in June. Fortunately she doesn't read my blog, so I can post here without worrying that she is seeing it. This has been fun for me to knit. I've tried a little lace knitting before, but nothing this substantial and I'm please with my patience and how it is progressing.

This is Cottontots yarn I ordered from Joann's. The blanket I've already done is out of the Koolade variegated yarn, so I needed a bit more to make a bib or burper. The green, blue and yellow will coordinate with the blanket, too, but be solid colors for designs in washcloths. The purple is just in case the baby is a girl, so I can do a couple of really girly things for her. ;-)

Knitting Book List

I borrowed this list from Grace's blog. I think it is a wonderful idea, so please do the same if you feel like it.

This is only a partial list of the thousands of knitting books, how-to's and fiction available. Copy the list to your blog HIGHLIGHT the ones you own or have borrowed from the library., * the ones on your Wish List, change color to red on the ones not worth the money Note alongside anyone that is very special to you, or that you use most often. Have FUN!

1.Died in the Wool: A Knitting Mystery by Mary Kruger

2.Knit One, Kill Two (Knitting Mystery) by Maggie Sefton

3.Needled to Death (Knitting Mysteries) by Maggie Sefton

4. the Friday Night Knitting CLub by Kate Jacobs

5.The Knitting Circle: A Novel by Ann Hood

6.A Deadly Yarn: A Knitting Mystery by Maggie Sefton

7.Knitting: A Novel by Anne Bartlett This is a first novel by this author and really well written. Her tale actually knits you into the story.

8. The Shop On Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber I loved this and its sequel. I really enjoy a good book of fiction

9. A Good yarn by Debbie Macomber

10.Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters' Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures by Kay Gardiner This is one of my absolute favorite knitting and reading books!

11.Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of a Knitter by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

12.One Skein: 30 Quick Projects to Knit and Crochet by Leigh Radford

13.Wendy Knits: My Never-Ending Adventures in Yarn by Wendy D. Johnson

14.At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

15.Knitting Rules!: The Yarn Harlot's Bag of Knitting Tricks by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee This is lots of fun!

16.Knitting Vintage Socks: New Twists on Classic Patterns by Nancy Bush

17.One-Skein Wonders by Judith Durant

18.Knit 2 Together: Patterns and Stories for Serious Knitting Fun by Tracey Ullman

19.Arctic Lace: Knitting Projects and Stories Inspired by Alaska's Native Knitters by Donna Druchunas This reminds me of our cruise to Alaska and the qiviut yarn I bought.

20.Knitting Around by Elizabeth Zimmermann

21.Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac by Elizabeth Zimmermann

22.Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes (Knitting Without Tears SL 466) by Elizabeth Zimmermann

23.Knitting from the Top by Barbara G. Walker

24.The Opinionated Knitter by Elizabeth Zimmermann

25.Sweater Workshop by Jacqueline Fee

26.Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmermann

27.A Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara G. Walker

28.Knitting Beyond the Edge: Cuffs and Collars*Necklines*Hems*Closures - The Essential Collection of Decorative Finishes by Nicky Epstein

29.Victorian Lace Today by Jane Sowerby

30.Cables Untangled: An Exploration of Cable Knitting by Melissa Leapman

31.Lace Style: Traditional to Innovative, 21 Inspired Designs to Knit by Pam Allen

32. A Gathering of Lace by Meg Swansen

33.Knitting Under the Influence (Paperback) by Claire LaZebnik I'm reading this right now and enjoying it.

34.Not Tonight Darling, I'm Knitting by Betty Hosegood

35.Knitting Nature: 39 Designs Inspired by Patterns in Nature by Norah Gaughan and Thayer Allyson Gowdy

36.The Knitting Experience: Book 2: The Purl Stitch (Knitting Experience Series) by Sally Melville

37.The Knitting Experience: Book 3: Color (The Knitting Experience) by Sally Melville

38. The Knitters Book of Finishing Techniques by Nancie M. Wiseman

39. The Knitting Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask by Margaret Radcliffe

40.The Knitting Experience: Book 1: The Knit Stitch (The Knitting Experience) (Paperback) by Sally Melville

41. 440 More Knitting Stitches - Volume 3 (Harmony Guides) by Harmony Guide Staff

42. 250 Creative Knitting Stitches - Volume 4 (Harmony Guides) by Harmony Guide Staff

43. Knitting Techniques - Volume 1 (Harmony Guides) by Harmony Guide Staff

44. 220 Aran Stitches and Patterns - Volume 5 (Harmony Guides) by Harmony Guide Staff

45.Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns by Inc. Sterling Publishing Co.

46.450 Knitting Stitches - Volume 2 (Harmony Guides)

47.Weekend Knitting: 50 Unique Projects and Ideas by Melanie Falick and Ericka McConnell

48. Knitting With Balls: A Hands-On Guide to Knitting for the Modern Man by Michael Del

49. A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara G. Walker

50.Charted Knitting Designs: A Third Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara G. Walker

51.A Fourth Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara G. Walker

52.The Baby Knits Book: The Ultimate Collection of Knitear Designs for Newborns to 3-Year-Olds by Debbie Bliss

53.Special Knits for Babies: 22 Gorgeous Handknits for Babies by Debbie Bliss

54.The Yarn Girls' Guide to Kid Knits: Patterns for Babies and Toddlers by Julie Carles

55. Quick Baby Knits: Over 25 Quick and Easy Designs for 0-3 year olds by Debbie Bliss

56. Baby Knits for Beginners by Debbie Bliss

57. Knitting Color: Design Inspiration from Around the World by Brandon Mably and KaffeFasset

58. Knitting Heaven and Earth: Healing the Heart with Craft by Susan Gordon Lydon

59. Yarnplay by Lisa Shobhana Mason

60.Natural Knits for Babies and Moms: Beautiful Designs Using Organic Yarns (Paperback) by Louisa Harding I'm knittin from this a lot at this point.

61. Simply Baby by Debbie Bliss

62. Itty-Bitty Hats: cute and cuddly caps to knit for babies and toddlers by Susan B. Anderson Really cute!

63. Knitting for Baby: 30 Heirloom Projects with Complete How-to-Knit Instructions by Melanie Falick

64.Special Knits for Babies: 22 Gorgeous Handknits for Babies by Debbie Bliss

65. Folk SHawls cheryl oberle

66. Folk Socks Nancy Bush

67. Folk Vests Cheryl Oberle

68. Stahmans Shawls and Scarves Myrna Stahman

69. Fitted Knits Japel

70. Twinles Big City Knits Wenlan

71. Big Girl Knits Moreno

Knitting and family pictures

This is our daughter, with her German Shepherd, Gabby. Grandbaby is 4 1/2 months along at this point and she is looking wonderful!
This is a picture of my most recent stash enhancements. All are intended for either daughter or grandbaby, at this point. I have some ideas, but am not certain, yet, what I'll do with them. I have more of each, so there's no problem with having enough.
This is the baby kimono (from Mason-Dixon). I just need to add the ribbons and it's done. I used Paton's Astra yarn and I'm not sure I'll use it again. It seems a bit bulkier than I wanted and a bit stiff. Hopefully when I wash it, it will soften up. I certainly hope so, since the booties and one of the hats I've knit are out of it, too.

Well, off to do taxes (ugh!) and then knit while watching the Las Vegas Nascar race this afternoon. ;-)

No pictures, once again

I have finished a diaper sweater in the green color of the booties and cap. Just need to put some ribbon ties on it. I've started a sweater in yellow and hopefully will be finished with the multicolored blanket soon. I'll take some pictures tomorrow, I hope. I've also received a couple of new yarns in the mail.

Yesterday my DH was at our daughter's helping her pick up baby furniture and bring it home. I got pictures of her at 4 1/2 months. I'll see her in about a month, so I'm really excited to see these pictures.

;-)

Baby Blanket and Booties

Yeah!!! I've finished a blanket and it looks really pretty and feels exceptionally soft! It is made out of Thread Art Soft and Thick Chenille in white. Perfect for a brand new grandchild!. I think I'll try to make a sweater and cap out of the same chenille. The green booties are out of Paton's Astra and were really simple, except for my binding off. I learned that I bind off too tightly and tried something new this time. I enlarged the bindoff needle two sizes and it helped a lot. I may just try that with casting on next time, too. In spite of knitting for almost 50 years, I learn new things all the time and it makes it even more fun because of that.

I went to Ben Franklin's 1/3 off sale today and bought several skeins of Paton's Grace to hopefully make a few baby washcloths. I'll post those as I do them. I got a couple of Sugar and Cream cotton balls and some other baby yarns, too. Fun, fun, fun!! ;-)

Baby Blanket

These are pictures of my Cottontots blanket, done in Koolade color. It is more than half way done and I can hardly wait. It seems to have taken a while to complete. Anyway, I just finished the knitting of the white chenille one last night and need to weave in the ends to have it complete. I'll try to take a picture today or tomorrow and post it. I might even start a sweater and cap out of the chenille, too. I'm not sure. I've knitted a pair of mint green Paton's Astra booties, too, so I do have a couple of pictures to take and post. By the time I finish with all of my ideas for knitting and then tackle my English smocking, this baby will be over dressed. But, gee, it is fun to do all of this!!! ;-)

Doldrums and a pretty sock

This is a pair of socks I've been working on for quite a while, or at least it seems like that. I can't seem to get them done, but I can't seem to get anything done, actually. Maybe I have too many projects on the needles right now, I'm not sure. I seem to be having doldrums and I don't know why. I've read a couple of other blogs that have them, too, so maybe it's just the time of year. I'm trying to finish two baby blankets that seem to have taken too long, so when they are done maybe things will clear up for me. I did knit a pair of mint green booties Monday night, but don't have a picture, yet. I'll try to take a picture this weekend and post soon. They were really simple and turned out cute, even if I do say so myself.

I've ordered some yarn from an Ebay purchase to make a sweater for my daughter for nursing when the baby comes. Hopefully she will like it anyway. It's a pattern from Natural Knits for Babies and Moms and I think it's pretty anyway. I want to knit the chenile baby sweater from that same book, too.
;-)