What to do on a sick day

My little guy woke up last night 'spouting from both ends' so to speak. I stayed up until 2am getting lesson plans ready for today and went to work at 5am to get my classroom ready. I had to leave so early as hubby had to leave for his job at 7am & I wanted to make sure I gave myself enough time.

The little guy is doing better so I've been knitting a bit today. My LYS started carrying Jojoland yarn & I bought a couple balls (4 actually). I found this pattern that I thought would work beautifully with the color changes in the yarn. So far I'm liking the easy knit and the subtle changes. The thing that's rubbing me the wrong way is how the balls aren't identical! They say they are, I was assured they are, but do they look the same? I swear, it's turning out to be like finding the repeat in a ball of trekking. I've vowed to finish it.

Pattern: Swirl Socks
Yarn: Jojoland, Melody, dye lot 005, color MS26
Needle: 2 sz1 circulars

Directions for a 'Lazy' Sunday

Step 1) Have a hubby that likes to cook. This evening's meal will be his famous Chili Verde. Mmmmmmm.

A pot full of simmering deliciousness

Step 2) Work on spinning up the neon green roving with your drop spindle while standing in the kitchen watching/talking with your hubby.

Bright green roving.
Purchased so I could learn.
When done, I'm going to overdye it.

Step 3) Have a son that asks to play games.

Several rousing games of "Don't Spill the Beans"

Rowan Felted Tweed

I was looking for a red color, Rage to be exact, and couldn't find any at the yarn shops hubby took me too for my burfday.

I started looking online once we got home and found some so I ordered it.

Just got an e-mail today that it was backordered (grrrr) and that she was expecting a shipment in the beginning of next month (double grrrrr).

I'm super jazzed about starting another sweater for myself and now I'm being forced to wait. I can't stand waiting! To tide you (and me) over, here is what I plan on making:

(photo courtsey of interweave knits)

(photo courtsey of interweave knits)

And I plan to use this color of yarn:

Rage 150

Baby Sweater

A friend of mine had twins a while back. I'm not going to say as I will embarass myself as a knitter & friend for the delay in gifting the sweater.

It is an adaptation of the Boheme sweater I knit for my niece a while back. I decided against the lace pattern and opted for stockinette instead. There is a garter border along the mid front and bottom. I like the clean look it has without being too 'girly'.

Mother loved it and is excited about receiving the next one for her son. I'm thinking baby surprise jacket...

Pattern: Boheme
Yarn: Mountain Colors, Twizzle (silk/merino blend)

Needle: size 5 circulars

I took this in the staff lounge as I

forgot to take one at home.
Good one I know.

This shows the variety of colors.
The colors are a bit deeper
(similar to the 1st photo). VERY soft.

A sweater thingy for me

I was tired of being cold at school but didn't want to invest big bucks into yarn only to have kindergarten hands touch it (if you've been in a kindergarten room in the winter, then you KNOW what I'm talking about).

I decided on the Collared Sleeveless Top by Debbie Bliss. I purchased her premiere issue (fall/winter 2008) and instantly fell in love with it. Hubby took me to Michael's and I purchased some Lion Brand Cotton Ease in taupe and stone. I added some stripes at the bottom and around the top of the collar. If anyone is thinking of making it, I want to mention a few things I learned from this project:

1. the cotton is stretchy
2. the front 'wrap' parts are G.I.G.A.N.T.I.C. Not a good or bad thing, it just is.
3. I had to use 2 crochet hooks to keep it closed at the top (I knew they would be of SOME use to me)

Pattern: Collared Sleeveless Top, by Debbie Bliss
Yarn: Cotton Ease
Needles: size 6 & 8 US circulars

The sweater is blocking and a tad wet in this picture. The collar folds down and has a bit of a Jackie O. neckline to it when it's secured with the crochet hook. I tried to get a good photo of me wearing it, but that didn't happen. Sorry.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

As you well know, I haven't been blogging lately. That doesn't mean that I haven't been online, I just have been slacking in the updating department. For that, I am sorry.

However, I would like you to know that I've been busy with my sticks and I'll have lots to post in the coming days.
Let's get down to business. For Valentine's Day, my hubby sent me a dozen of the biggest roses I have ever seen. I know some of you think it's a waste, but he loves to do it and they smell lovely. If her were to give them to me in the summer months, I wouldn't be able to smell them as my allergies/hay fever would have been acting up! I love them!!!

In return, I gave/made him one of the best things (I think) he's ever gotten. To preface it, I must tell all of you who don't know my husband that he's a science teacher. He teachers Diff Bio., Genetics, and Animal Behavior just to name a few. So, when I saw this pattern on knitty I just had to make it. The custodian at my school was happy to make a stand for it after he found out what it was (out of cedar and no less than 3 coats of varnish thankyouverymuch).

Pattern: Heart
Needles: 1.5 US dpn
Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill; red something & leftovers from a hank of red Happy Feet

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