Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Knit-On

I had every intention on posting some over the weekend. Before Easter. However K and I came down with a wicked stomach bug Saturday night and it messed everything up. We are doing much better and for that we are greatful. We both took a sick day on Monday and while home I managed to pick up some knitting again.
rehab
I forgot to take a finished picture, and it was gifted to my mum today for her birthday which was yesterday. Just a dishcloth inspired by Michelle's Love Bug bib on Ravelry. Thanks to all of you for the encouragement. Nothing like a dishcloth to get a gal back on the knitting bandwaggon.

The real post delayed due to my illness is this. On Friday we received a new dining room set. It was bitter sweet. The set belongs to my grandparents who where moved into assisted living this past year. I casually mentioned the set and was told that it would likely be sold as no one else in the family had expressed interest in wanting it. I just couldn't imagine strangers dining at the table I ate all of my childhood holiday dinners at. Grandpa shared my feelings and was happy to let K and I have it. It fills the room wonderfully and it holds such a special place in my heart. Mom and Dad brought over some table cloths and napkins to go along with the table. I burried my nose into a table cloth and sucked in the familiar smell of grandma's house. It brought tears to my eyes. How many more times would I be able to smell that smell and have all the associated memories rush back so quickly?

I just deep down wish it was all still in my grandparents home, with my grandparents. It is ours now, to make new memories at while being reminded of the good times we have had in the past.

Looking in from the kitchen
Dining Room (3)
And from the living room
Dining Room (1)
Dining Room (6)

Hope that you all had an enjoyable Easter weekend.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Ready to talk

I think the sting of my knitting trauma has faded enough now that I can talk about it again. It has been over a week since I have last knit. I sit quietly on the trolley each day staring out the window wondering where I went wrong, why I let myself get so out of control knowing all along it could only end badly. Was I subconsciously trying to make a mistake? Was this the wrong project to take on after finishing the mammoth Baby Moderne? I think the answer to both is yes. Lets start at the beginning, shall we?

My Interweave Knits for sprig arrived at the house early in February. All of the patterns got me excited for the warm weather and I was itching to knit the Cotolino in my stash. So that is what I did. I was unfaithful to Baby Moderne, and began to knit a sleeve. All while knitting this sleeve on size 4 needles I thought to myself, "gosh, I should go get a tape measure and check my gauge" but was easily able to convince myself otherwise. "Nah, the tape is WAY upstairs and I can do it later" or "I can't check my guage until this is washed anyway, knit on!". Well that is what I did. I knit on. I easily wasted a month of precious knit time in this manor. Knitting on, knowing deep down there was a problem. The sleeve was finished and I was still fearful of measuring. I hand washed and allow the piece to dry. It seemed small. I didn't measure. I convinced myself that it should be machine washed per the labels directions. After all, the ride in the washer would surely make this sleeve grow right? Wrong. So just last Saturday, one day before our regular knitty get together, I pulled out my measuring instruments to confirm what I had known all along. It is too small. By about 3 stitches over 4 inches.

In this process I have developed a dislike for the pattern, the yarn, and size 4 needles. This project is certainly being put on hold, perhaps to never again reappear. Who knows. Now I am in search of a quick knit, something for me, so that I can regain my confidence in knitting before April's get together. Oh, and I will be certain to knit a guage swatch- and not just use the sleeve as my swatch.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

"Won't You Wear a Sweater?"

Happy Sweater Day

Today is Won't you wear a sweater day in honor of Mr Rodger's 80th Birthday. Eleni picked out a lovely hand knit sweater from our bloggless friend Erin! It is so soft and warm, thanks Erin!

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Has it been that long?

I have had a few impatient comments the past few days. I suppose it has been too long since my last update. I am finally feeling better now that I beat this cold that had been haunting me for two weeks. Miss Eleni brought it home with her from daycare and seemed to do a much better job at beating it than I did. It is my excuse for my disappearance. Plus since my last post I have returned to the working world. My reentry was not especially traumatic for anyone involved. I enjoy getting out of the house and having back part of my pre-mom identity again.

Hopefully I will have a chance to post another update soon. I have had some knitting trauma, bad enough that it kept me home from our monthly get together. I am not sure I am ready to discuss it right now.

until then....Happy Easter