Knits For Sanity

Hey Mister Postman!

Today was a mail day at my house.  I recieved some yarn that I ordered over a month ago and my first Iowa Chicks Knitting secret pal package.  Fun Fun!

I ordered this Cascade 220 from WEBS online store.  I like the color even more than what it looked like on the computer.  It's a much darker pink than it's looks like.

My wonderful grandma sent me some felted bag patterns awhile ago.  I ordered this yarn to knit one of them.  I haven't decided on one yet.  I'm thinking maybe the tall one on the left.  I going to use this bag to carry my knitting around in.  So it has to be BIG! I'm excited!  I just have to find time to get it done.  Maybe once I finish The Softest Baby Blanket I'll have more time.

I also got a package from my Iowa Chicks Knitting secret pal!  I have the best pal.  I LOVE everything! I had a lot of fun opening up the individually wrapped packages, and so did the cats.  You'll see why...get ready for a lot of pics: (click on them to see larger images)

Here's a cute card and some yummy treats.  That was good chocolate.                                      

I love love love these notecards.  I've been looking for notecards like these for along time.  Where did you find them secret pal?!

Here's some beads and charms to add to my collection.  The beads are so pretty and the charms are very sweet. My pal knows me well!

A vintage pattern book and some Crystal Palace Shimmer.  Very neat!  The yarn is variegated and the colors are so me.  I saw a lot of great patterns too.  It's giong to be hard to decide on one.

My idea of a great relaxing evening involves a long, hot bath. These items are so perfect are will come in handy! 

I bet you were wondering why the cats had such a great time opening this package.    Here's the answer.  They really love this catnip toy.  Having it on a string is perfect for little Miller.  He can play for hours with a toy like this.

This leads me to a funny story.  Once I opened the package from my pal I first took pics of eerything.  Then I put the items back in the box with the tissue paper on top.  I put the box on my bed and left the room. 

Two minutes, later I heard a rustling noise in my bedroom.  My parents have an old dog who gets into the trash in my bedroom multiple times a day.  So the noises l;ed me to think that she was the one making trouble.  So I yelled at her to get out of the trash.

The sounds still didn't stop, so I went into my room and found that the dog had been framed!  I felt bad, but the sight I saw was hilarious and I couldn't help but laugh.  Who was the little monster that framed the dog?

As you can see it was a Miller monster.  I found him like this on my bed playing with the cat toy.  He must have smelled it b/c he dug it out of the bottom of the box on my bed.  Unfortuantely he also dug everything else out with it!  That toy has been a big hit with my cats this evening.  I think my dad played with Miller and Oliver for over an hour.  They're dragging the thing all over the house.  I'm going to have to knit a couple of catnip mice for them so they won't have to share.

A Couple New WIP

(First, I apologize for not responding to everyone's comments lately.  I appreciate them all!  Hopefully I'll get to them all tomorrow.)

With my Sirdar Cardi officially on hold, I had no trouble finding something to keep me busy.  Here's the new projects I started recently.

The Softest Baby Blanket:

-Yarn: Plymouth Geisha in white (5 skeins)

-Pattern: Simple on US10.5(stockinette stitch with garter stitch border)

-For: baby gift for BF's brother (they're having their first child in July. EXCITING!)

I casted it on late last week.  About 1/5 of it was completed when I took this pic two days ago.  Now about 2/5 is completed.  This is going really fast on those big needles.

US8 is the biggest size I've used in a couple of months.  It makes it odd to use big needles.  I feel like I'm knitting with drumsticks!

The texture of the Geisha is why I call the blanket "the softest."  I love knitting with it. I may have to make myself a shawl with it this winter.  I can't get over how soft it is.  the only down side is that it's handwash.  I know, not the best choice for a baby.  I can't help it, I couldn't resist!

Tom's Jaeger Vest:

-Yarn: Jaeger Matchmaker Merino 4-ply

-Pattern: Jaeger Mens Collection-Lennon

I haven't made as much progress on this as I hoped for.  Maybe I shouldn't be too harsh.  Afterall, it is on US2 & US3!

I think I figured out how to change colors.  I'm going to use the intarsia method.  There is a great online tutorial at KnittingHelp.com.  It's an excellent site for the very beginner to the nearly advanced.

Now I have to wind a bunch of balls of each color.  Hopefully I'll figure out how to keep them from getting intangled.  Do any of my wonderful readers have advice, tips or tricks?  I'm thinking of using closepins to wind the balls onto.  I read that this method works well.  We'll just see, won't we?!

I've also been knitting more hats for The Preemie Project.  I'm focusing on red, white and blue colors.  They're fun for the July 4th holiday.  Here's a few of them.  Most of them still need the pompom on the top.

The motivation to knit these hats comes from the yahoo group I recently joined. (Bears and Blankets)  It's a group of charitable crafters who mostly support children.  They're having a contest to see how many partriotic hats we can each make. 

This week I found out that knitting is definently the SLOW POKE way to go!  Since the contest started a little over a week ago I finished 8 hats.  Before finding out everyone else's results I thought I had a pretty good number.  I was surprised to find that someone had finished 40!  If only I knew how to sew...  I still love the motivation!

The Preemie Project is my "baby."  Ideas are constantly brewing.  I've been excited to see things begin to fall into place.  We continue to receive great support.  I can't wait to be able to make our very first donation.  It's very exciting for me to see things start happening.  Thank you to everyone who has shown their support and enthusiasm!

I try to not talk a lot about my personal life on my blog.  One thing I have blogged about is the nerve injury I suffered last Aug. during surgery.  Many of you know that the injury led to a chronic pain condition in my left leg that I've had ever since.  I've basically been in the dark for 10 months about a prognosis.  I didn't even know if things would ever go back to the way they were. 

Anyhow, I just want to share some GREAT news.  I had a doctor's appointment last Friday, and they told us that the nerve has grown back a lot.  As if that wasn't enough good news, they also told us that I should begin to feel much better by the end of the summer!  I'm so happy that I just had to share this with everyone.  It's really nice to not have to worry about the future so much.  Thank you to everyone who has "listened" to me babble on about this situation.  Every now and again it's just nice to have someone with a different perspective "listen."  Hopefully I can return the gesture.

RAOKed again!

I received a sweet package from Atouria today.  She sent me a card and these handmade, cruelty free soaps.  They smell so good!  Thank you Atouria!  You're really a sweetheart.  I can't wait to use these in a hot bath.  There is nothing better than a long, relaxing, hot bubble bath.

On Friday I received this package in the mail.

Amy sent out these adorable goodie packages.  They are in celebration of her blogiversary.  She is so crafty!

The bag included a cupcake bath fizzy, M&Ms (which I already ate), and a magnet with her blog logo.

She even somehow got sitch markers with her blog mascot!  I don't know where she found those.  I hope she shares her secret.

Thank You Amy!  It is good to be a girl, isn't it?!

Tag You're It!

Cindy tagged me a couple days back.  Sorry Cindy that I took me so long to get to it.

So...

Pick 5 of the following and then complete the sentences. Then pass it on to 3 more of your blog friends! But no tag backs!

The Premise (pick 5):
If I could be a scientist? 
If I could be a farmer?
If I could be a musician?

If I could be a doctor?
If I could be a painter?
If I could be a gardener?
If I could be a missionary?
If I could be a chef? 
If I could be an architect?
If I could be a linguist?

If I could be a psychologist?
If I could be a librarian?
If I could be an athlete?

If I could be a lawyer?
If I could be an inn-keeper?
If I could be a professor?

If I could be a writer?

If I could be a llama-rider?
If I could be a bonnie pirate?
If I could be an astronaut?
If I could be a world famous blogger?
If I could be a justice on any one court in the world?
If I could be married to any current famous political figure

It's hard to just choose 5.  Well here it goes!

1. If I could be a doctor?  If I could be a doctor I would be SO HAPPY!  I think medicine is so fascinating.  I would be a pediatrician.  I love children.  I would also do as many things to help poor children as possible.  I would work (well not for pay) part time at my local free medical clinic treating children.  I would also go to other countries as well.

2. If I could be a musician? I love music.  I sang in choirs all through school and I also played classical piano for 10 years.  I just want to go back to that place.  I don't want anything fancy.  I just want to go back to playing the paino again for enjoyment.  I would also like to play the acoustic guitar really well.  I think the sounds of an acoustic guitar and piano are some of the most beautiful sounds in the world.  So soothing...

3. If I could be a scientist? I'm a biochemistry major...well I was until my surgery last august.  I'm still planing on getting that degree.  I just don't think I'll enjoy it as much as being a nurse.  Even though you help people immensely doing both, I prefer human contact.  So if I do decide to be a scientist I would probably do clinical breast cancer research. 

4. If I could be a writer?  I would want to write mystery novels.  I especially love medical mystery novels like the ones my Patricia Cornwell.  I used to love to write when I was a little girl.  I have a difficult time with it now.  I'm very picky about the words I write  down.  That caused me to take twice as long to write papers during college.  I think I'm just too hard on myself.  Someday I hope that improves.

5. If I could be a Chef? I would cook for my mom everyday for the rest of her life.  That way she would never have to cook again unless she wanted to.  She cooked for me and my family everday while I was growing up.  I wish I could repay her and my dad for all of their sacrifices.  I'm so lucky to have them as parents.  It doesn't get much better.

So that's it!  Now the readers of my blog may know a little bit about me as a person.  Blame Cindy for this non-knitting content!  I love you Cindy!

Who am I gonna pass this onto?  Who hasn't already done it?  Well I think Libby over at Knit Tidbits, Dani who is a ray of sunshine, and last but certainly not least Sassy Gina-D!  This is just for fun, so only do it if you want to. 

Secret Pal 5 Questionnaire

It's about time I got to this!  I've had to cut down on computer time.  hopefully that will not be the case soon.  I really miss my computer time!

Okay, for my secret Pal, here it is:

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?

I have to admit that I'm becoming more and more of a yarn snob everyday.  Though I still have a lot of the higher quality yarns to try out.  I do think that most yarns have a place for certain projects.  The only yarn that I really dislike is Red Heart.  I love to use the Bernat Softee Baby for Preemie Project items.  Mostly i believe that if you're giong to put all of that time into knitting an item you want it to be nice and last many many years.  =0)  (My SP you'll soon learn how long-winded i can be) 


2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I don't spin, but I learned to crochet this winter.  I've only crocheted one item, a scarf.  I just don't like crocheting much.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.) not that I know of...

4. How long have you been knitting? For about 3.5 yrs.


5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? nope


6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
hmmm I love clean scents like clean cotton I also like fruity scents like pear

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? OH YES!  I have a very large sweet tooth.


8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I've really gotten into beading lately.  I'm having a lot of fun with it.


9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like all music.  Although I'm not a fan of hard core rap and rock. I do like classic rock and classical.  Country is my fav.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? My fav. color is purple and pink.  I really like pastels.  I don't like yellow.


11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I have a boyfriend of 4.5 yrs. and three cats. (Oliver, Toby and Miller)


12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)  Right now I dream of someday getting back to the life I had 10 months ago.  I want to physically be able to finish school and get a good nursing job.  I also have huge plans for The Preemie Project brewing already.  It's extremely important to me.


13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I like knitting with everything. I would like to try some sock yarns like mountain colors barefoot and koigu eventually


14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I don't really like cotton that much.


15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?  Anything I can get my hands on.  I'm knitting a lot of baby booties and hats for The Preemie Project.  I'm also working on some other items. I'm excited to knit some more socks once I get finished with some other projects.


16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I like to knit everything.  Sweaters, afghans, socks..etc.  I really want to eventually knit myself a soft shawl to use around the house.


17. What are you knitting right now? Oh my I have a lot: Jaeger Vest for my boyfriend, baby blanket for a gift, booties and hats for The Preemie Project and next a felted bag to carry my knitting around in. =0)


18. What do you think about ponchos?  I like them if they're really cute.  I think they should be a little understated.  I don't think they should be too flashy.  Some of that fancy ribbon yarn is just too much for me.  I hope to knit one for myself this summer with a simple black or silver railraod ribbon yarn.


19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? I like both. I mostly use circulars b/c I have to Boye interchangable set.  I like the straight needles for smaller projects.


20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I started out on aluminum and still use them.  Then through gifts I got one set of bamboo dps and one set of brittany birch dps.  I'm now HOOKED on the Brittany Birch.  LOVE IT!


21. Are you a sock knitter? I am recently.


22. How did you learn to knit? My wonderful grandmother taught me.  I was recovering from a large knee surgery and was bored spending all day in bed.  I been totally hooked ever since.  I love the special bond it has given my grandmother and I.  She's the best.


23. How old is your oldest UFO? Oh I think 2 yrs.  It's gonna be frogged


24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? I love cats, which is why I have three. I don't have a favorite animated character


25. What is your favorite holiday? christmas


26. Is there anything that you collect? right now, stitch markers.  Oh yes and YARN! =0)


27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Interweave Knits, Creative Knitting, Vogue Knitting, 


28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?

(these are on my blog)

YES, in order:  -At Knit's End

                -Last Minute Knitted Gifts

                -Scarf Style

                -Vintage Knits

                -50 baby booties to knit

                -Debbie Bliss Special Knits

Well, that's it!  I'm very excited to participate in my first Secret Pal exchange.  I haven't received my match yet.  I'm excited to find out who my SP is.  I can't wait to spoil that lucky knitter! 

Tiny and Cute FO

A little over a month ago I made some booties for my newborn cousin, Emma.  I was supposed to travel to visit her a week ago.  Unfortunately I wasn't in good enough shape for a six hour car ride.  So except for pictures, I haven't even seen her yet!  It makes me sad.  I hope to see her sometime this summer though. 

Anyway, my mom did travel to visit the family even though I didn't come along.  She even got to see Emma wearing a pair of the booties I made for her.  I was so happy to hear that my aunt and uncle were touched by the little knitted items I sent.  It's always nice when you put a lot of thought and time into a gift and it's appreciated. 

So, back to the knitting part of this story.  My mom said that the little booties Emma was wearing looked a bit tight.  I only sent three pairs of the newborn size after she was born.  I didn't know if they would be functional or just slip right off her feet. 

Since my aunt and uncle enjoyed them I decided to send a couple of pairs in the next largest size. 

Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby Sparkle

I really love this white yarn.  I was surprised that it knitted up so well.  I like the Bernat Softee Baby Sparkle better than the regular BSB.

I thought the purple ribbon was really cute with these too.

I happy that these turned out so cute.  I love knitting little baby items.  (Wow I state the obvious a lot, don't I?!) 

I also knitted up this matching bonnet.  It's my favorite baby item so far.  It's so precious.  I told my boyfriend that I hope his brother and sister in law have a little girl this July.  I want to make this set for another baby I know.  I'm no sure that it would work so well for a boy.  I guess i could try blue ribbon?

So now it's obvious that I've fallen in love with this little set.  I decided not to knit the matching mittens.  I think it's getting a bit warm for them.  I'm definently going to knit up a couple of these sets for The Preemie Project.

Speaking of The Preemie Project.  I got a package of donations today from Jan.  So exciting!  Jan, thank you so much for the knitted items and the yarn.  Here's a peak at the items sent:

Aren't they cute?!  Jan you did a wonderful job. My mom and I were fawning over them this afternoon.  I think that she was as excited to open the package as I was.  =0) 

Now if I could just get her out of her garden and sitting down with some knitting needles.  Knitting may be my sanity, but gardening is definently her sanity.

Here's a peak at the yarn Jan donated:

The baby clouds is going to make some very soft preemie blankets.  Jan, thanks again!

I started the Jaeger vest for my boyfriend today.  I'll post a WIP pic tomorrow.    

RAOK - Thank You

I received a RAOK on Thursday.  Thank you Caitlyn for the thoughtful RAOK and note.  It came on a day when I needed it most.  You're a sweetheart.

Caitlyn sent me a cute notepad with her note.  Sorry I don't have a pic.  I have already scribbled all over it.  I'm using it to keep myself straight.  I'd lose my head if it weren't attached. Thank you so much Caitlyn!

More Yarn = More Projects

After my doctor's appointment on Thurday, my mom and I drove up to Cedar Rapids.  I had been dying to go back to Beads and Beyond for weeks.  I wanted to get yarn for a baby blanket and of course more beads.  I love that store. 

They have also been kind enough to display The Preemie Project flyer in their store.  I'm so grateful for that.  They're so nice and helpful.  It's fun to see the store owners as excited about knitting as I am.  You must stop in and say hello if you're ever in the Cedar Rapids, IA. area.  I look forward to my next trip!

I purchased this yarn for a baby blanket.  It is the softest, fluffiest yarn!  There was a small baby blanket already knit up in the store out of this.  Once I felt it I had made my decision.  I don't know the sex of the baby so I thought that white would be a safe color.  They didn't have it in yellow which would have been my other choice.

I also purchased beads to make some RAOK, gifts for secret pals, and gifts for family members.  If you're looking for cute charms, beads and Beyond has a wide selection.  I had a lot of fun browsing around.  I must have spent at least an hour and a half in the store.

I was already so grateful to Beads and Beyond for displaying my flyer.  Look what else I came home with:

Beads and Beyond sent me home with this large yarn donation for The Preemie Project. Thank you so much for your generosity!  It was a wonderful surprise.

If you would like to see the contents of this bag up close, click here for pics.  Look at yarn donations 4-6 in the photo album.

I'm so overwhelmed by the generous donations I've recieved so far.  I'm on my way to having enough yarn to get a local group together to knit items for The Preemie Project. 

These yarn donations do serve another purpose.  They are sent to people who want to help but cannot afford to buy the necessary supplies.  If anyone wants to help but needs to have supplies sent to them, please contact me.  I would love to have you as a volunteer.

Here's another stash enhancement:

I purchased this Debbie bliss Cotton Angora on ebay.  It is ten skeins of a light leafy green color.  I got an GREAT deal!  It was less than half of the MSRP.  I was surprised b/c I've found it difficult to get a good deal on ebay lately.  I was in the right place at the right time I guess.

I'm not sure what I'm going to use this Debbie Bliss for yet.  Perhaps a summer tank for myself?  We'll see.  Too many other projects to finish first.

I worked on RAOKs all afternoon yesterday.  I wanted to send them out today.  Instead I am going to get a bunch more ready an send out a large RAOK on Monday.  I'm also going to send out my Iowa Chicks Knitting secret pal gift #1.  I hope everyone enjoys their surprises!

Sirdar Cardigan on Hold

I made a good decision last night.  I decided to put the Sirdar Cardi to bed until the fall.  There are a couple of reasons why I came to this decision.  It has taken me longer than expected to finish it.  I thought it would be finished a couple weeks ago.  Now it's starting to get pretty warm and I think summer is here to stay.  The worsted weight wool yarn I'm using makes the cardi too warm for the summer.  So, even if I were to keep plugging away on it I wouldn't even be able to wear it. 

I also have a long list of projects to complete.  Some of them are gifts, which means I have a deadline for them.  I need to start them now so that I'm not rushed later.  I also need to concentrate on knitting for The Preemie Project.

Thus I came to the decision o put the Sirdar Cardi away for the summer.  I'm not going to frog it.  Oh no, I still absolutely love the pattern and I think it's going to be really cute.  I just won't even be able to wear it.  Even if it was cold enough to be able to wear it I still wouldn't have time to finish it because of other projects.  Okay, I'm being really redundant now.  So, here is the Sirdar Cardi.

A it is now, I have finished:

-the back

-the right and left front

-started the first sleeve

I'll be excited to finish this one in the fall.  For now it's onto other fun knitting projects.  Here is my revised list. I hope to get these projects complete in the next two months.  Then I want to start on Christmas gifts.

-The Preemie Project 

-Boyfriend's vest

-Baby Blanket for gift

-Two Baby Bobbi Bears (Emma and other)

-Felted Knitting Bag

-Chevron Tank

-Branching Out

-Clapotis

-Tartelette Shawl

I've got to get knitting!  I have to many project to complete.  It seems like all of the sudden I'm not getting as much knitting done as before.  I'm actually busy which is great.  I'm putting everything I have into The Preemie Project.  It is my saving grace and my sanity.  I have received some great feed back and I cannot wait to see this project flourish. 

I wanted to thank everyone for their kind words.  I'm having a rough time but staying very positive.  I appreciate the support I receive from all of you.  I've been very touched.  Unfortunately I didn't receive a prognosis on Thursday.  I'm disappointed but I think that only time will tell.  For now I have a lot of time to knit.  So I really can't complain!  =0) 

Stash Enhancement and WIP Updates

 

I received my KnitWerx order late last week.  I order this Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora.  It was going for such a great price that I bought enough for two gifts.

 

This is going to be a gift for my boyfriend's neice.  She is the cutest three year old you've ever seen.  I know everyone says that about little boys and girls.  This little girl is so gorgeous. She is so smart too.  She really melts my heart.

This is going to be a baby gift.  I'm not sure for who yet.  Someone has ababy due that I don't know the sex of.  So, if that baby is a boy I am going to make this for my newborn cousin, Emma.  don't you love the name Emma?  It's so sweet.

                     WIP Update

-Sirdar Cardi: I just finished the right front this evening.  so, all I have left are the sleeves.  I'm casting one on tonight.

-Preemie Project: I'm working on more little pink hats currently.

I made a bunch of stitch markers today.  I'm getting ready to send out a bunch of RAOKs.  I'm also getting ready for my ICK secret pal and Secret Pal 5.  It's all gonna be fun!