Yes We Can

Yesterday morning I could see Grant Park from the conference window in my office building. We're some 20 stories up and it's quite a view. My heart was full of hope, excitement, and perhaps an over looming feeling of want. Want for change.

During lunch I took a quick walk outside to discover city workers collecting all of the garbage cans along the streets. Has anything changed? The city is preparing its self for the worst and hoping for the best.

I had a want for my city, my Chicago to show it's true colors to the whole world. I love this city, but we're really only known for Gangsters and Michael Jordan. There is so much more to this great city then that. I wanted the whole world to see what I see.

Extra trains were added to all Metra lines and I jumped on the 3:10 heading home to cast my ballot. The train was jam packed and I was lucky enough to have grabbed a seat. With my ballot counted I headed home for a quick nap as I knew I'd be up until it was announced who had won.

As I watched the news and viewed the Grant Park crowd getting larger, all I wanted was for a safe evening, no matter what the outcome. I'm just so proud that our Chicago hosted one the most historical events of it's time. There were no fires, pushed over cars or riots in the streets. Celebration yes, but peacefully and with hope. Hope that things will change.

I never thought that in my lifetime I would see something like this, but it's happened. As his speech was heard across the world, I got chills. His powerful words brought tears to my eyes and as I kissed my babies goodnight, I thought Yes We Can.

Pea Coat Update

This project has been on my mind for awhile now. Mostly having the wind blown out of my sales because of how horrible the Ogee was taking my knitting mojo out. I haven't really wanted to jump into that project with full force until that catastrophe was completely behind me. I mean seriously? can you blame me?

My issue with the Pea Coat is I think I'd rather have this piece knit up on size US 10.5 instead of US 11's. For the full test I've knit up different sections of the coat to see how they'll be effected. Yeah, the swatch was cool, but after having been bitten in the ass by Ogee, I'm not so confident on the 4 inch swatch theory.

The coat needs 2 cuffs and 2 belt sections to complete the project and since these are small and quick I figured I'd get the most out of testing with these.



Before washing, the pieces measure as follows: cuff is 3.75 inches wide by 14.5 inch long, belt is 3.5 inches wide by 20 inch long. The difference between the two is that the belts were knit on size 10.5 and the cuffs are size 11. I like the look of the belts verse the cuffs on these unblocked pieces.

The effects of blocking are not significant in the changes of scale. They didn't grow or stretch, but yet bloomed and became softer.



After seeing the effects on blocking (and consulting with some of the ladies at Nana's on Saturday), I've decided that I'll go with the 10.5 US needle. I'll be happier in the end, even if this means adjusting my pattern again.

I'm even considering lining the jacket. Would that just be to-die-for??

Halloween 2008

We set off for Grandma's on Friday afternoon because she has the best spot for trick-or-treating. Large established community with tons of young families where everyone sits outside on the decorated porch passing out fits full of candy.

Enough to make your head swim and pass-out from sugar rushes. Mr. E is of the age were he wants to full enjoy the experience, yet feels a little too old to be going around the neighborhood. It doesn't help that he's 6 foot 1 and a half.... a full 12 inches taller then most boys his age. Yet with little Mac fully understanding what, when and how this all works... it's an excuse to tag-along.



Mac was suppose to be Tigger, but Grandma had the Barbie Princes dress. Miss Mac could not resist. Plus with temps up in the 70's it made for perfect dress weather.

All week she's been practicing the routine. Walk up to the door. Ring the bell. Say real loud Trick-or-Treat. Once candy is put in bucket then say Thank you.



At her first door, she did exactly that. Walked away, let out a huge sigh and said "Yes! I did it!" - yes my little princes, you sure did. You did it over and over again for the next 2 hours.

Getting All Set

On Sunday we headed out to Butterprint Farms to pick out our pumpkins. The sun was warm and it helped because of the strong wind gusts. It's a great place to take the kids. You have to pay and entrance fee, but with the hay ride, corn maze, goats to pet and banjo music it's a blast. The kids love the flavored honey sticks, which you can see Eric had hanging out of his mouth. They have hives on the property and sell their own honey which is fabulous.



Monday night was carving time and when we lifted Eric's top off his pumpkin, a wet sickly sound was heard. The smell drifted and I just about tossed my cookies. rotten. He was disappointed and Mac shed some tears over his loss. He carried that 23 lb prize from the patch back to the cashier which was no easy feat. Another pumpkin has been purchased and round 2 of carving will happen any night now.

As for knitting, I've started the September club package for the Rockin Sock Club. Cloning Anemone Rib is coming along fine. The colorway is definitely fighting with the pattern... but I'll see how far I want to take this.

FO: Ogee Tunic

Pattern: Ogee Tunic by Norah Gaughan (published in Knitting Nature)

Yarn: Bollicine Dolly - 10 skeins

Needles: US 7 circ's

Start Date: June 20, 2008

End Date: October 22, 2008

Comments: This is a classic case for needing the right yarn to go with the pattern. The pattern is easy enough and the yarn is just yummy. They just don't go well together.



I definitely have learned that you don't always get what you want even after having knit and blocked a swatch. The only thing that irritates me on this project is the really long monkey sleeves, but totally wearable;)





Had a little helper with me during the photo shoot.