Fulmar Update

The progress on this is going so quickly. I'm on my 4th ball and we've got the rib done and on to the main body.



This picture is actually not time accurate. But as my NEW CAMERA is charging...new pictures will have to wait.

Tomorrow is a new year, and my friend and I are heading out to The Fold. Nothing like a fiber sale to start off the new year perfect.

Have a happy and safe New Year!!

Look At The Loot...

First off, let me say that my husband is awesome and knows me better then I know myself. I don't have a hard time saying what I want, but I surely wasn't expecting all this...I have to personally thank Tricia and Cory from Nana's Knitting Shop for guiding my husband down the correct path...even if I posted a wish list...you guys were spectacular at picking up on my colors. Thanks!

In the reading department...yes, people I got not one but two books. Both are fabulous and I've been skipping away to my bedroom to steal moments alone with them.



I can't even start to tell you how many patterns I LOVE in there. sigh. I just wish I could knit faster;)



Now socks...come on...can't go wrong with a sock book. The big plus is the patterns are also written for circular needles!! They might not be toe-up, but with patterns like these I'll be busting through my sock stash like crazy.

Well, now to talk yarn. Here is the Dale Baby Ull in a lime green and grape-ie purple. This is my new small project for the start of the new year. Wondering what I'm making? ... Endpaper Mitts



And last, but certainly not least by any stretch...yummy Malabrigo. Oh yeah people...I've got enough to make Wicked.



The color is so rich and deep fire red/orange that it was hard to photograph. I'm hoping to start looking into cameras this weekend. This one was great when I bought it 3 years ago, but it's seen better days.

I still have to blog about Fulmar and show you updates on that...and lets not forget about my Koolhaas Malabrigo hat...

Signing off for now, hoping to post soon. I hope you all are safe, healthy and ringing in the new year in your own special way. Cheers and Knit-On!

Tap-Tap-Tap

(swipe off the cob webs)...Is this thing on?...

Yeah, I've been a bit busy. It was a little thing called Christmas. I've rated the quality of the kids enjoyment on how soon they eat after opening presents. They didn't have a single bit of my baked French Toast. It was a good day. I hope everyone had a very Merry Holiday.

I will keep this short, as I do want to show off my goodies properly. Hubby was fantastic this year...I couldn't have asked for better;)



Kids look happy....



Yep, she did want to ride the bike, but we were lucky she didn't want to go outside;)

Had this to deal with and still dealing with...



Kinda stinks to use a bonus for something that is only 5 years old and should work. The only thing to bring my spirits up is holding a tiny-tiny little wee one...



Little Mimi was a delight. It's hard work being so little;)

Friday Quickie

Here is a progress shot of the Koolhaas hat did up in Malabrigo.



Company holiday party is practically under way... with only one joker in the mix to try to ruin the plans. Not gonna happen buddy. I'm slicker and wiser then you.

I hope that everyone's holiday celebrations, no matter what or how you do it goes smooth. I think this is going to be the best year since Eric was very young. We've got the magic in the house again and I'm loving being apart of it.

Hope to post between now and the new year... Cheers!

Things To Be Thankful For...

I love, love, love my Stitch 'n Bitch girls. They keep me sane more then they probably realize. Last night was our Holiday Party and oh what fun we have. Cheesecake, cookies and coffee, oh my.

As requested I'm posting up some of my favorite holiday cookie recipes. These are easy and super yummy.

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Almond Graham Delights

2 Sticks Butter
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Sliced Almonds
2 Sleeves of Graham crackers

Break apart graham crackers into individual cookies and line a jelly roll cookie sheet. Melt butter in the microwave. Mix sugar with butter, then drizzle evenly over crackers. Sprinkle sliced almonds over top. Bake at preheated 375 oven for 7-9 minutes. Check on them often so as not to burn. Let cookies cool slightly for 1 - 2 minutes, but remove promptly to cooling rake otherwise they will stick to the sheet. Plaese note to also rise the baking sheet with hot water to remove access sugar which turns to glue.

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Ginger Snaps

3/4 cup butter softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
2 1/4 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves

Cream butter and sugar. Add molasses and egg. In another bowl combine 1 cup flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Combine with wet ingredients and mix well. Slowly add remaining flour. Chill dough in freezer for 15 minutes. Preheat oven at 375. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll in sugar. Bake on a parchment lined (or greased) cookie sheet for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool for 1 minute on sheet then transfer to cooling rake. Between baking place dough back into freezer.

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Also wanted to share Mac's first Snowman. Looks like he's been in a fight, but adorable none the less.



Sorry for the low knitting content...will have updates soon. I do have to say the Malabrigo is fabulous to knit with.

2 FO: Bunny for the Bunny

This is one finished object:



Pattern: Bunny Blanket by Lion Brand
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine
Needle: US3 (the pattern recommends decreasing needle size for the head, but I stayed with the same needle)
Comments: super quick...like one day quick. Yarn is fabulous, so if you need a quick project I totally recommend this one. Miss Mac thinks it's hers but it's for another little girl....

Becca's Finished object:

Baby Girl

Looks like not one of us guessed the right due-date for Becca's Baby. She finally gave during the night at appx 1:30 am Monday (Dec 17th). Baby weighs in at 7 lbs 12 oz and 19 1/2 in long. Sounds like everyone is happy and thrilled.

Congratulations Jason and Becca!
- oh, and Becca, you better let her hold the needles early;)

Time For a Hat

Yes ladies and gents...that is some Malabrigo. sigh. I know...I can't wait either. I'm looking for hat patterns and I think I might do another Koolhass.

I do have an announcement to make. Are you sitting down? I have finished the front panel for Fulmar. I know it knocked me on my butt when I finished it come 1 a.m. Saturday morning.

Whisky In, Wisdom Out

No... this is not a tale of my lush ways. I spent 60 minutes in traffic court last night and this was some advice the judge gave out. It pretty much sums up the whole story for these strangers, but I got a chuckle. I'm sure they were not not happy with the 50 dollar fine. I was lucky to have gotten my ticket dismissed. Yippee, as that means more cash towards holiday gifts.

Note to all suburbanites out there... walking in the middle of the street is a city violation. That is why we have sidewalks. Needless to say, my son got an ear full when I got home. I don't ever want to be that parent standing up in front of the judge.

I'm steady working on Fulmar...these neckline decreases go by fast. I'm already on the right side of this front panel.



I'm also declaring that my favorite swear word phrase is now Poo-Poo-Pee-Pee. My clever little stinker has come up with her own come back and she loves using it ... all. the. time. Well, at least when her brother is bothering her. It could be worse, right? I'm just waiting for the upgraded version Fu**ing-Poo-Poo-Pee-Pee-Head to come next.

Random Wednesday

13 days people...yep...seriously. I guess I don't even have to remind you of this number as I'm sure your well aware of it. Deep breath... lets move on. I have stuff to show off, but just real quick like...



Started a new pair of socks. The yarn is Shelridge Farms from Canada. I bought this stuff back in 2006 Stitches. I've been meaning to cast on for these for a while. They are a bit out of my comfort zone. I'm usually drawn to a something with more zing then brown. But, alas...I think I was wrong to prejudge this colorway. It's warm an reminds me of chocolate. The only down side is the yarn is very thin and with my new Knit Picks US1 (2.25m) needles the texture is very course. I'm not sure if it's my tension or perhaps the needle size. I believe the Addi's I usually knit my socks would be considered a US 1.5 (2.5m)...hum, they just feel a little stiff for my liking. I think I might grab my 2's and give it a shot there.

I've also started something else, but I don't want to reveal to much. Bethany (blog-free) will most likely recognize the pattern...hush now, don't spoil;)



What I can tell you is that the yarn is Knit Picks Shine and I'm loving the feel. I can totally see this yarn knitted in other patterns.

Last, but certainly not least is Fulmar.



Oh Yeah Baby...look at them neckline decreases. Just makes you swoon, right?

Ta-ta for now...

Santa

Every year we go the THE MALL and really it's not to shop. It's to see the BIG MAN dressed in red. Yep, Santa. I've been doing this since Eric was 6 months old, so I've seen my fair share of Santa's. I'm picky when it comes to Saint Nick. First off, there has got to be a real beard. None of this fake wig stuff. Second, he's got to have that...how shall I say...presence.

We arrived at THE MALL around 1 o'clock and they were not allowing any more people in the line as it was soon approaching reindeer feeding time. We dodge through the crowds and ventured into several establishments to pass time. I soon figured that sitting in line would work out much better in the long run. The boys were off doing what boys do while me and Miss Mac sat at the front rope, waiting for Santa's return.

I knit on the mini-half blood prince socks while she ogled the holiday decorations planted around Santa's chair. A short time later we hear bells ringing down the long corridor. Then out of know where a voice bellows all around us... Ho! Ho! Ho!

I swear I got chills.

Miss Mac grabbed my hand and said softly. "It's Santa..mommy" Yes...Yes it is.

Santa sat down. They opened the rope and she started to back up. I told her "It's okay, it's time to talk to Santa now."

"Come give me a big hug!" says Santa.

Mac quickly walks up to him and sheepishly hugs him. Not quite knowing what to do next. On the lap she goes and Santa asks the big question. What do you want for Christmas?

She hardly but a whisper...Thomas.

Without any hesitation "I know Thomas and Percy and Gordon, sure I know all Thomas's friends"

Mac looks up at him with the expression of wonderment...he knows them, he understands.

I quickly tell her to smile real nice for the camera and look what we walked away with:

The Stretch

Let me first say I love my Thermal. Let me say I loved knitting with Knit Picks Gloss. Let me also say that I've lost a few pounds since said garment was finished back in July of 2007. But for this gorgeous knit..



To go looking like this...



Look at the saggy neckline? sigh, I'm upset. What to do? Silk obviously stretches doesn't it. So, this is what I did. I felted it.

Okay, breath...seriously, inhale and exhale. It's not that bad...I did this:

I did a quick 10 min soak in the washer (no agitation). Pushed the dial to spin to get as much of the water out, then stuck the whole thing in the dryer. I checked on it every 5 minutes, until I could tell that it was nearly dry then it was every 3 min. Pulled it out and laid it out on the guest bed to dry and couple days later...



I'm so happy I did it, because I was so mad to have spend money, time and energy to love something so dearly to then be a waste of time. sigh. It's a good sigh people. phew.

Oh Hell No!

Okay, so let me just say I'm super jealous of everyone out there who has all their holiday shopping done. (evil eye stare).

Sat down with hubby last night to go over budget and all that good stuff. We've taken several people off the xmas list as it has just gotten to be to much for the holidays. When this happens that's when guilt sets in. I want to give. give. give, but what do you do when you can't? I bake. sigh. At least I know I can do that and not feel to guilty that I haven't bought for everyone this year. Yeah, that's it...pump them full of sugar and maybe they wont notice how broke we are;)

Now, what kills me is this... hubby and I talked about who and what and how...he gets to a certain member of my family and pulls the "oh, you could just knit something!"... huh? me? knit? ARE YOU SERIOUS! I played it off all cool...and now here I am on my lunch break searching Ravelry for the perfect, simple, quick, yet jaw dropping holiday gift you can give. Nope. Not going to happen. I said no holiday knits. I mean it. I'm not stressing myself over this blown out of the water holiday anymore.

This year is all about my kids and what they want. My son has pulled a miracle this holiday and turned an F into a C. Yep, that's my boy!!

Alrighty Then...moving along. Knitting news. The Koolhass hat is now in time-out. I can't seem to read the knitting when I ripped back and have no clue where I am in the pattern. sigh. It would probably be quicker to start over.

Fulmar is just inches away from neckline decreases and because I love pictures...here is a photo:



Only other thing going on is Becca's Munchkin is due (Go check out the glowing mommy-to-be) ... MB and I have already lost the bet. Others still in the running are as follows:

• Karen has December 5th (3:30 am, 7lbs 14oz 19in)
  
• Bethany has December 6th
• Linda has December 7th
• Nancy has December 8th
• Wren has December 9th
• A:) has December 12th
  
• Mo has December 15th
  

FO: Mini-Half Blood Prince Socks

Pattern: Two Socks, Toe Up, on one Circ's (Magic Loop)
Yarn: Mackintosh Yarns in the Half Blood Prince colorway
Needles: US 1
Start Date: November 12, 2007
End Date: December 2, 2007
Comments: I finished these up last night as Miss Mac fell asleep on the couch with me. Well, of course I had to take a picture of them on her and what a better opportunity then now?

My hubby thought the other end was much cutter to photograph, but as he doesn't understand half of the things I do...it's okay.

My son would also like to point out that if I by chance knit him a pair a socks and plan on photographing them while he sleep, that I should take heed for booby-traps.