Presents Revealed!

Liana wasn't available today for a model shoot, so I just have this pic of me wearing her arm warmers - I'll hopefully get a picture of her soon! I really enjoyed making these, and want to make a pair for myself. Here is the pattern.

My other Sis was a great model for her Mini-Clapotis! I love that the Clapotis pattern is so versatile. I used an extra skein of bamboo yarn from my Clapotis.

I used two skeins of Filatura Di Crosa Zara Plus to make this super warm and soft skull hat for my Dad. My son wouldn't leave his "Bapa's" side for the majority of our visit!

My poor mother willingly modeled for me, even though she was sick. Her Ribs and Ruffles Chunky Scarf is made of buttery soft baby alpaca. Only one skein and a super fast knit!

I was afraid I had gone crazy not only knitting for my family this Christmas -- but also knitting exactly what they requested! I now feel that it was easy and fun because I gave myself plenty of time. I hope to do the same next year! Rachel has already requested a pair of arm warmers just like Liana's...

Presents

So I am taking on the rediculous challenge of knitting for my immediate family this holiday season. As many of them (that means YOU) follow this blog, I can't show my projects until after Christmas. As for the rest of you -- check out Ravelry!

Mittens for Baby

These Extra-Toasty Toddler Mittens were really fun to knit, but apparently not so fun to wear. You try putting mittens on a squirming little boy! The mittens are knit with two strands held together, so they are very warm -- and not too stretchy. The thumb is the most difficult to quickly find when trying to force them on. Also, once on, they are still easy to come right off -- sort of like socks these days. And diapers for that matter, but that's another story. I hope my little guy realizes the value of toasty mittens when the weather makes then mandatory!

Mittens for Hubby

My mitten-knittin' slump has finally ended, on an unseasonably warm day! That's alright, because there will all-to-soon be freezing mornings that hubby will have to bike to work and the least I can do is keep those fingers toasty. I used the Kochoran Mittens pattern, but substituted a warm tweed for the Noro yarn, which I would have to order and is terribly expensive. This tweedy wool is more of the hubster's style anyway.

Mittens are like Socks

There is a great sense of accomplishment after completing one, and I am ready to move on -- but then I have to knit ANOTHER? Oh well, I suppose DH does need TWO mittens! Here we go again!

By the way, I don't know why the color looks grey here. It is really a nice warm, tweedy shade of brown. You'd never know.

Clapotis

This Clapotis was my birthday gift to myself, and I am so happy with the result! I love that I can wear it every day as a scarf, or wear it as a shawl to a more dressy occasion (like that ever happens!). It is knit with bamboo yarn (and bamboo needles) and is luxuriously soft and light. I now understand the Clapotis-craze and how addictive making one can be. I definitely want to make another, but I have a few other projects lined up first. I have to get the hubby and son ready for winter with some warm mittens!

Clapotis is Done!

More pics coming soon!

Vestee

(Please excuse the weeds, we have been quite busy this summer!)

Here is my belated posting for Alden's Vestee. I really enjoyed knitting this, simply because it is just so satisfying to knit for my baby. However, I found many aspects of this pattern confusing. I learned that many more experienced knitters have "just assumed" certain things about the pattern that I did not get right away and had to make adjustments (I really hate frogging unless it is absolutely necessary!). Hence, the only evidence of my frustration with the pattern is the rather large, cowl-like collar. It isn't supposed to be so large and long, but so be it. Alden doesn't seem to mind!

It is so hot lately and Alden is growing so fast, I am actually hoping for some cool evenings so we can really enjoy his Vestee!

Coronet

This is to prove that I actually did finish the Coronet. Even though I started it last winter and finished this summer! I hit a serious knitting slump. I enjoyed practicing the cables, but after that, the hat was terribly boring. Thank goodness for the Vestee, which is almost done!

Tag!

I have neglected this blog for months and months, and was tagged recently by Amber. So, it might be time to resurrect Jessi Stitches. I have to admit, I have only worked on two projects in the last 6 months. I have been in a sad, knitting slump. However, I am currently working on a project that is bringing me joy, and I will post on it later. Anyways, now that I am tagged, I have to post.

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, here are the rules for a tagged blogger to follow: The tagee answers the following questions about herself. The tagee then tags other people and lets them know they’ve been tagged. When you post your answers, let the person who tagged you know. So, let's get started:

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
In the summer of 1998, I had just finished my junior year of college. I was double majoring in English and Theater. I was still suffering from a broken foot and hobbling around in a walking cast. I broke my foot backstage wearing too small platforms and trying to walk all sexy (impossible). Instead, I had to perform the remainer of the shows in the cast. HOT.

2. What 5 things are on my to-do list for today?
1. Shop at the Co-op
2. Cook dinner
3. Play with my boys
4. Put my boy to bed
5. Try to knit few rows of my baby's sweater before I pass out for the night.

3. What snacks do I enjoy?
We love to put hummus and cheese on multigrain crackers. Also: yogurt, fruit, dark chocolate, and I am addicted to Reed's ginger candy.

4. What would I do if I was a billionaire?
1. Pay off all of our debt.
2. Set aside funds for Alden's college or whatever he is planning on doing to make a living.
3. Set aside funds for our retirement.
4. Get off the grid.
5. Whatever is left, donate to charities.
6. Quit my job (or should that be #1?)
Terribly practical, I know. I have actually thought about this a lot. It would be so gosh darn nice to never have to worry about money again!!

5. Where have I lived?
Milwaukee, WI
Oberlin, OH
Berkely, CA
Madison, WI

6. What jobs have I had?
Ice cream scooper
Sandwich maker
Hostess
Waitress
Cashier
Library Archives receptionist
Real Estate receptionist
Admissions Assistant
Editor
Juice Bar juicer
Health and Wellness department staff/supervisor
Nursing Assistant
Public Health Nurse
(Yes, in that order, I think. I'm sure there are others I am forgetting)

If you are reading this blog (if anyone reads it anymore!) consider yourself tagged. If you have already been tagged, also let me know so I can peek at your answers!

Dave's Scarf

I made this a few years ago. The pattern is "Ribbed-for-Her-Pleasure" from Debbie Stoller's "Stitch 'n Bitch" book. Dave loves his scarf and it is well worn. Just thought I'd share!

Toasty Topper

Alden wore his new hat today in our 10 degree weather as he played with his friend, Levi. His head, neck, and ears certainly were toasty! This is the first hat I have ever made, and I am really proud of how it turned out.

Alden's Turtle Sweater

Welcome to my knitting blog! I love all of the knitting blogs out there, and so decided to start one myself. It is so nice to have this blog, since the majority of what I make I give away. I really appreciate being able to document for myself what I knit.

I have been knitting off and on for a few years now. I have knit a few items for my husband, friends, and family.

This is the first item that I knit for my son, Alden. It was the first successful sweater that I ever knit. I knit a disaster for myself a couple years ago. I am really pleased with how this one turned out. I call it his "Turtle" sweater because the buttons are turtles carved out of shells.