Thoughts of Summer

Poetic title, eh? Or just wishful thinking in light of the snow a week ago.

This little top was a fun knit, though. And quick. My design, dreamed up as it was being knit. Fits perfectly! And I practiced honest, no shortcuts, finishing techniques. Wow. Proper seaming, and kitchener stitch mastered at long last. Maybe now grafting toes on socks won't be such an evil chore.

The top is made from yarn I acquired from Carissa during her destashing. I still have a better part of two balls remaining, not quite 200 yards. Any suggestions? It's a cotton/acrylic blend.

Not a Good Day?

Snow in April. Sure. No problem. Me have issues with it? Nah. And if you believe that, let me sell you a lovely piece of property on, say, Jupiter! See that poor little bitty Junco freezing his little bitty feet off? I bet he's not impressed either! Grrrr...

In other, better, news: if by raising someone else's children (2) I get the title of step-mother, does that mean that when one of those children produces a child of their own, do I become a grandmother or is there such a thing as step-grandmother??? See, my husband's daughter gave birth this evening to an 8lbs, 13oz baby boy! I couldn't be more thrilled except that it would make me a 35-year old grandmother (or whatever the title would be)! Did I mention that I adore babies? Really and truly. And now there is another one in my family. I am beside myself with joy!!

FOs and Birthday Gift Problem

Couple weeks and 4 pairs of finished socks. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Actually I have to graft 2 toes and then there will be 4 finished pairs to shout about tonight.

Now I go to the drawing board. What to gift a dear, dear friend of 20 years' acquaintance? It's a birthday gift that's required. He possesses a wicked sense of humour but alas, his wife is more reserved and demure. Not wishing to create ill will and discomfort (towards her), I asked him if she would frown on his receiving this. Apparently if he didn't die from embarrassment (which would have served my intentions just fine, thank you!), his wife would be sure to kill him! Imagine. A pair of socks then? How boring! Too warm now for a scarf. Maybe something with a Maple Leafs logo, since he is a huge fan and it would torture me sufficiently, since I am an Ottawa Senators fan.

Second Sock Syndrome

Second Sock Syndrome (SSS) is kicking my butt. I'm usually really good about finishing socks. These two (plus another I finally did manage to finish last night) have been lounging in my knitting basket for MONTHS! Good grief. The cotton ones I started last spring when I forgot to bring knitting to Brianna's gymnastics session; I drove 5 minutes to the nearest yarn store (Materia-LIZ-tics), bought yarn and needles, and got back to watching my daughter and casting on. The first sock was charming and soft. Then SSS struck. And the blue pair? Those where meant for my step-daughter for her birthday last November. Yeah, well. The stretch wool turned out to be as cranky as she usually is (how appropriate, I thought with every stitch!) and it was a major chore just to get through the first sock. Note the toe is still waiting to be grafted. I've pretty much convinced myself that since these socks will now be for me, the second sock should be that much easier to knit, and so I cast on yesterday and knit all of two rounds. That IS progress, no matter how insignificant!

And I picked up hubby's hunting sweater again. Two cuffs and about 15 rows down. I am so into this whole finishing projects groove. Something to do with the HUGE box I picked up from the post office with the latest of Carissa's de-stashing. Pictures once I finish at least 4 more UFOs. I don't even want to look at my new acquisition lest I cast on something.

Pics from The Trip

Proud Babcia (grandmother) with her grandchildern.

Wiktoria, the social butterfly, whom all the fuss was about.

My brother, me and Wiktoria.