binding off

I'm almost finished with a couple of my current projects. That's one of the best feelings, especially since it lends credibility to my being able to start new ones. (Yes, I already have the yarn standing by. Why do you ask?) I'm doing the sleeve cap shaping for hubby's sweater. He'll actually have it to wear by the time it gets cold enough around here. (and can I just say that 70s after election day is just not right!)
I'll try to get him to model it for some photos. He's lost a whole lotta weight lately so I hope it will still fit well. Actually, I'm not as worried as all that. It's a ribbed sweater so it will almost certainly fit well, and I was sorta a little concerned that it might be too tight 20 lbs ago anyway. BTW, you look great honey! Keep up the good work.
Also finishing up the shawl I'm making for my mom. Hopefully I'll have it done in time to take it to her when we fly out there in a couple of weeks.
I already have several new projects picked out. A sweater for my little girl. Mittens for my sister. Still have socks for me on the needles. I want to do a sweater jacket for me. And of course there are no end of adorable things I can knit for little-one-on-the-way. (rubbing hands together in anticipation)

Fastest Time Yet

I found out late last week that a friend and her new baby are coming to town this week for a family visit. I'd been meaning to make the little one a turtle anyway, so I decided to whip one out, and boy, did I ever! What used to take me about 5 days, I got done in two this time. I'm rather impressed with myself, honestly. I'm not that speedy of a knitter, even though I knit Euro-style. Though, I suppose it might have something to do with the fact that this is probably the 5th or 6th one of these turtles I've done in the last year or so. I can practically do it in my sleep. I love him though. The yarn used is so soft. Yes, the eyes are safety eyes. I tugged and pulled and twisted and wasn't able to remove them, so I'm thinking they're pretty safe for the little ones.
It's a free pattern, so if you want to knit your own Sheldon, go here.

Useful knits

I have been knitting Swiffer covers lately. We're in 'green' mode at our house right now. So I had some cotton yarn in my stash and found this pattern for the mop covers. Pretty nifty really. Of all the mop covers out there, this one is simple and well thought out. No buttons, no funny stitch patterns, and the stitch pattern it does have makes it good at its job. I've knit a couple now, one to wash, one to use. The seed stitch really lets it scrub the tile floors pretty well. It's done a good job on doggy paw prints and kitty yak remains. I have one of the Swiffers (ok, I think mine may actually be the Clorox brand) that has the squirty juice sprayer on the front, so I've been able to use it to really mop, not just dust off, the floors. I actually think I may not ever have to use a mop and bucket again! (crosses fingers)

Finally back on the needles

It has been a while since I knit anything. Since the last time I posted I've moved into a new house and seen that new house almost get hit by a tornado. We've been in clean up mode since then. Got a huge tree removed from the back yard, thank God it didn't hit the house. Took out almost all the fence though. Took lots of shingles off the roof, so that's gotta be replaced; broke the pane and jam of the french doors, those are going to be replaced with a regular window now; also have to replace one wall of siding. Lots to do. $$$$$. Ouch! Thank goodness for insurance, wind deductible or not.
So, I finally got back to work on the lovely ocean storm colored shawl/wrap for my mom the other day. It's so easy, I do it while I watch TV. Or I did, we still haven't got the dish back up and working since the tornado; we figured it'd be better to wait until they're done with the roof since that's where it's mounted and they'll just have to move it again while they're up there.
So that's the report. Not much. Gotta get the materials for a couple more turtles for some new babies we know.

Who has time to knit?

I keep trying to sit for a few minutes and work on the sleeves to Sweetie's sweater (how's that for alliteration?) but something keeps coming up and I can't seem to get more than about 3 stitches done before I'm up again. Dog wants out, phone rings, dryer buzzes. Today's supposed to be a day off, but I'm busier today than some days at work. Gotta pick up a sport coat for sweetie that he needed altered (check), gotta get the oil changed in my car (check), gotta get laundry done so Sweetie and Little One can go to in-laws this weekend (in progress). Can't wait to have the place to myself for a couple days though.

So much knitting, so little time

I spent time today when I should have been working to look for knitting patterns that I want to add to my Ravelry queue. I have another friend who just had a baby, so I have another Sheldon that I need to get done for her. Not t0 mention the 3 or 4 projects that I have on needles right now. There are so many fun things to knit and I just don't have enough hours in the day to do them all! If you haven't checked out Ravelry, do it! The waiting list seems long, but they got to me in just 2 or 3 weeks, (that's with a 5,000+ person wait in front of me) so just go, sign up, and be a little patient. It's so worth it if you love fiber!

Just for knitting

Since I obviously don't have enough blogging to do, I decided to start another one. I do some knit blogging on my other site, but I decided to specialize a little and have a space just for knitting and maybe some of my other crafting.
So here's what's in the stash right now:
Sweater for Sweetie

It's getting close to being done. I'm working on the sleeves, both at one time. Of course, I meant for this to be done back when there was still cold weather for him to wear it in, but alas, it ought to be done just in time for spring!

I'm also working on a shawl for Mom, who gets cold if the AC's on no matter what time of year.