The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

I have been avoiding you. I'm sorry about that. It has been a very rough month and I just wanted to deny that it ever happened. Some of you know what I'm talking about and thank you for all your support.

So lets start on a Good note.



Better-Than-Booties Baby Socks are done. Now my Sister-in-law can officially have the baby and I'm hoping that these little knits moves things along for her.

Now for the Bad.

There has been an upsetting turn of events for my new Featherweight Cardigan. I knew this would happen and I didn't listen to myself. sigh. I had been wearing my new cardigan everyday and enjoying it tremendously. When I was done I would roll it up and stick it in my huge purse and la-de-da. Well, there must have been too much movement and shuffling in the purse and the best I can tell, my wallet must have tussled with it.



The purse won that fight hands down. I shake by head because it still hurts to even look at it.

Then I discovered the Ugly.



What you see there is a full tear on that pull. I know. It's hard to even fathom. I knit that sweater for 3 months and only got to wear it for three days and WHAM!

After talking with some very helpful and knowledgeable knitters, I can fix this. I just don't think I'm prepared mentally and emotionally just yet.

My only other option is to embrace the Steampunk fashion

FO: Featherweight Cardigan

Pattern: Featherweight Cardigan by Hannah Fettig

Yarn: 1 skein and a few yards of another Filatura Di Crosa Centolavaggi

Needles: US 6 circular needle

Started: March 26, 2010

Finished: June 9, 2010



I was a little worried that using such a spiderweb yarn would cause a serious change in gauge. I measured and found it difficult to get a good judge of stitch count. sigh... I suppose this teaches me again why I knit swatches.

Since the numbers I was getting were inconsistent, I chose the average stitch number which then lead me to go up in garment size to make sure I didn't end up with a form fitting sweater. The end result is large and I swim in it, but I love that about it.



The pattern calls for a simple rib for the border, collar and cuff but I chose to add some lace. Thanks to my Knit Peep Knitterary for lending me the book Knitting on the Edge. Tons of fabulous stuff in that book... I know I will definitely have to add that to my collection.

With the 14 st lace pattern picked out, I did have to do a bit of reordering as the pattern is written top up and not top down. No biggie, just chart it out and BAM. It's all good.



I also added 10 short rows along the back neck to allow the collar to fold down instead of bunching up around my neck.



I am truly happy to be wearing this sweater and very pleased at how the lace adds that bit of posh!

Do Over

I tried. I really did. That is the only decent photo from my Featherweight Cardigan photo shoot before I was going to loose all control of my sanity. This sweater is deceivingly warm. I'm sure a Chicago winter wind would put it to shame, but in the middle of 80 degree June this sucker is H.O.T.

I'm hoping I will find time to take more photos for a proper Finished Object blog post so I'm requesting a Do Over.



In other knitting news, Coraline is coming along just fine. Had a little issue with the turned hem, but nothing blog worthy;)

One quick awwww moment I had today was discovering that my daughter has been taking pictures on my camera... of herself!! hahahah...



What a boost for my day to discover her smiling back at me!

Blocked by the Unblocked

The Featherweight Cardigan is off the needles, but needs a serious blocking.

This is posing a challenge for me, as most of my knits have been blocked in pieces then seamed together and with this added lace I really want that to POP.

Any suggestions as to how I should block this piece?

Just at Smaller Scale

Another graduate is in the house!!



I was able to attend Miss Mac's field day activities. I remember field days from my past with much fondness. It's interesting to see it all taking place as an adult. I kinda want to jump in and get in on some of the action. Tug-a-War anyone!!



This photo makes me laugh a little out loud. I can't describe the complete chaos that goes into having 80 kindergarten students all flying kites on one small patch of grass surrounded by trees. Yet, I think you can imagine;)

I have been knitting....



I haven't quite gotten the nerve to cast-on for Coraline just yet. I feel that I need this off the needles for fear of "new-project-syndrome".

I've completed the bottom edge lace, collar lace and nearing the end of one sleeve. So close, yet still many stitches to go.

Ups and Downs

The Man Child has graduated 8th Grade and is now officially a High School Student. Now comes the challenges and scary times in front of me. Say a little prayer. Especially when he is so handsome...



Sure is hard to believe that he's only 14... I. Know.

Over the holiday weekend, we opened the pool by taking the tarp cover off and filled the pool up so we could get the filter going. Then after buying all the chemicals, scrubbers, skimmers and arm floaties.... We woke up to this:



The water pressure coming out of the tear forced the 5 inches of stones out and away and dug a major hole into the ground. To say that we are devastated would be an understatement.