I'll show you a Grouch

Jessie has a new passion. The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland She has watched it non-stop since Sunday afternoon. Needless to say, my feelings towards Elmo at the moment are far less than amicable. I'll just be glad to send her off to school so I no longer have to endure this torture. He only upside is the movie has a good dose of Oscar, and cookie monster has a small appearance. (COOKIE!!!)

Other than my muppet hell, not much else is going on. I have another long list of things that should be done before we leave. We'll see exactly how many I get through. First and foremost, I have to finish Jess' Halloween costume. She has a party at school tomorrow. I have it all done, except for the skirt, but that is just a couple seams, then it's all good to go. I will post a picture as soon as I am able to get a pose without too much incident.

I'm also trying to figure out what I need to pack. We will be taking the truck, which limits our cargo space. (I know that doesn't make sense, but we have learned the hard way not to use the bed of the truck for storage. Think all of our clothing sitting in the bed of the truck as we drove through a wicked rainstorm.)

Also I don't know what projects to take. I know I seem to have an attention span of a gnat lately, so I have SEVERAL projects started, but besides Nate's socks, I cannot figure out what to take with me.

small triumph

Well, I put a serious effort towards my sweater carnage clean up effort, and so far I have this under my belt.



It's Jess' cardigan. I love it. It's cute, and it's soft. Ok, the sleeves are a little long, but hey, it's for a growing girl. What does said girl think of her new cardigan? I can tell you she doesn't think much. I tried to have her try it on for a picture, and she shed the garment, threw it to the floor, and walked away. Why do I even bother?

I pulled some thick and quick woolease out of the yarn stash, and made up a bear from my new pattern. The thing is HUGE!!!! I have to sew on the ears and give it a face. Then I'll post a picture.

Right now I'm trying to work through some odds and ends of my stash, so I'm making hats. While I'm making hats,



I'm also debating on how to finish off my short row experiment.

I'm off to do laundry, and clean, and go to the post office, and the recycling center, and to the store, and to the library.....the list nevers ends....

fear of Fair Isle

Well, I finished the Harlot poncho. It just needs fringe now.



No progress on the sweater carnage clean up project.

Could it be because of this?



What is it, you ask? Well, I'm not terribly sure yet. as it exists now, it is an experiment of short-rows and combining assorted weights of yarn. As to what it will become, I have not decided yet.

I picked up the winter edition Interweave Knits magazine yesterday. I saw this:


Sadly, I cannot find a picture to reference. Guess I'll have to take a picture of the picture, but I'd just feel silly so i'll wait and add it later.


Isn't it beautiful? Personally I'm afraid of Fair Isle, but this might be enough motivation for me to buckle down and hone my skills. That way, some day, I will be confident enough to try this hat.


Not much else going on here. Jess has been sick all weekend so we've been trying to get her better without getting sick ourselves. We'll be leaving Wednesday for Ohio. (that's right, WE) Apparently just because one SAYS he will not be offended if I decide not to go along, doesn't mean that one WON'T be. Men. Go figure.

AHA!

The following is the key piece of evidence my investigation turned up. I can now safely assume that Jess IS my key suspect in the lens fingerprint case. I present to you my evidence:



The little Stinker thought she could get away with this.

I didn't get much knitting done yesterday. Jess had a doctor appointment with a new Pediatric Neurologist. Yesterday she behaved like a little monster.

Normally, Jess is a pretty happy, and charming little girl. Yesterday she screamed and kicked, bit and scratched, pinched and headbutted pretty much from the time she woke up until she passed out at about 3:30pm. She had me reduced to tears at the doctors office. This is highly unusual, because I'm usually not rattled at all,when she does behave badly. (Yeah, she was that bad.)

So, now Jess' new doctor thinks that I'm a basket case, and that Jess is most likely Autistic. Jess has been evaluated several times in the past few months , and everytime, she has rated "low risk" for Autism. Granted she does display Autisim-like behaviour from time to time, but with ONH that is fairly common.

You should have seen the doctor's expression everytime I tried to explain that this was not Jess' "normal" behavior. So, so frustrating.

Relief came when Nate came home. He took one look at me, one look at Jess passed out on the couch, and told me to go do whatever I needed to do, and he'd take care of Jess for the night. (Did I mention how much I love this man?) I went off to a much needed night out. I did a little bit of Christmas shopping , (half way done) grabbed a bite to eat, and went to my Stitch n Bitch.

The SnB was a blast as usual, although the turnout has been low, lately. There are a few members I really miss, buteveryone gets busy I guess. Well, enough of my complaining. I promise tomorrow I'll have more knitting pics.

More squares.

Whoo-hoo!!! More squares arrived today from AFGHANS_FOR_US. I promised you all a picture of the completed afghan.



I have not finished the border yet, but you get the idea. I have squares left over. Originally, I had thought I'd make some throw pillows with them, but after this incident:



I thought I'd use them to make Jess her very own blanket. Here's what I have so far. The brown ones arrived today. They are beautiful. They're a bit scrunchie now (happens a lot due to shipping), but once they are reblocked and pieced in they'll look great.



Not much else to add. I just thought I'd post these pics before it slipped my mind entirely. Take care. *Added Later* I've just noticed that in all my recent picture there apprears to be a blurry spot. Upon investigation, I discovered a Three-year-old-sized fingerprint on the lens of the camera. Now I'm not pointing any fingers here, because I know my Jessie knows she is not allowed to play with the camera. Unfortunately My batteries are charging so i cannot peruse the memory card for further evidence. I will keep you all posted on my findings.

Damned if you do...

I've decided since the hoodie only needs sleeves, I'd work on it and try to make it one of my finished projects. Although, progress has been slow. Mostly because I like to do both sleeves at the same time, so they are both exactly the same length. Also, I'm always afraid I'll just end up with a one sleeve sweater. (Maybe I could start a new fashion trend.)

So here are is my meager progress on the sleeves.



Hey, what's that in the corner?? It couldn't be yet another Harlot poncho, could it? No, it can't be because I had said I wasn't going to start anything new until I finished some sweaters. It must have wandered in off the street while I got the mail.

Well, can you blame me? Super easy, super fast project. I have all this deep plum Paton's chunky and a sister-in-law who happens to love purple, and asked me for one. Ok, so maybe that's why the sleeves are going so slow.

I'm also thinking I need to finish Jess' sweaters as well, By the rate I'm going, she'll have outgrown them before I can finish.

Although with her cardigan, I have hit a snag. I wanted to do the sleeves in a solid color, but I have not found any Lorna's Laces shepherd bulky in a color I'd like to use. I think I may have to compromise, and pick a third choice color. We'll just have to wait and see.

Wednesday night I have a Stitch n Bitch, and I'm telling you I cannot wait to get out for a little bit. I love my family, but I don't always like the WEAR them, which is what has been happening lately.

Nate did offer an interesting proposition this weekend. (mind out of the gutter, Carma) :) I had half jokingly said something like, "so when do I get my turn of having run of the house while you and Jess are gone?" He then replied with, "Well, If you want to stay here when we go to Ohio at the end of the month. I wouldn't be offended."

I couldn't believe my ears. It could actually work! Except the whole reason for going to Ohio at the end of the month, is so that Nate and his family can celebrate his birthday. (we do this every year) So, I can either go, and lament over the lost opportunity, or I can stay home and feel incredibly guilty. I must say it's a toss up at the point.

Sweater Carnage

I have a condition.

I cannot stay faithful to a sweater. I've tried many times, but I always stray. Maybe a hat, a pair of socks, a bear or two, even (get this) another sweater. I don't know why my sweater projects failed to hold my attention. I have bits and pieces of them all over the house. Backs fronts, sleeves,(if only they were all to the same sweater)

I have the body of a gray raglan cardigan.



The hoodie sans sleeves.

See September's posts, because I have not even touched them since.

The blue cotton cardigan.

See above entry. Yeah, ditto.

The body of Jess' pullover.



The back most of the front for Jess' cardigan. (I LOVE THIS YARN!) I need to go hunt down a solid coordinating color for the sleeves and trim I think.



Will I finish them? Eventually. Will I finish them before Christmas. That I cannot answer.

Meanwhile, I have finally finished Ma's socks. The slight bummer is, they are a touch big. Oh well, better than a touch small, I suppose.


Ma called me Thursday night and asked If Jess could sleepover on Friday. What is she thinking? Like she has to ASK??

So, Friday night, Nate and I were Jessie-less. We didn't do much really. We went out to eat, came home and just hung out. Oh, But we did turn down the heat. I know, I know..."Whew! When will the whirlwind of excitement stop?" you ask.

But, I did give into temptation and started Nate's socks.



They are more beautiful then I imagined. I know there's barely more than the ribbing, but they are.

So, with my embarrassing display of unfinished sweaters, I do hereby resolve to finish at least two of them before I start another project. Even though that cute new bear pattern is calling out to me from the binder it now calls home. Hmmmm...talking patterns. I better go to bed. Take care.

Flowers

Hi, all!

After much brooding Tuesday, I came to realize things are not as bad as I sometimes make them. Yes, it sucks that Jess has a vision impairment, but it does not endanger her life. For that I am truly thankful for everyday.

But moving on to lighter topics. I'm sorry to say I have not had much progress on ANY of my projects in the last few days. It's been somewhat of a hectic week. Not so much any one thing as it is about a million things. That need to be done. This week. And it's Thursday. I'm so screwed.

Nate had attempted to help out, and planned to take today off. But, last night he came home with flowers for me. I know what some of you are thinking, "Oh, how sweet! Flowers out of the blue."



NOTE: Notice the mini-disaster that surrounds the flowers. Originally, I had no room on our dining room table to set the flowers on. Yup, things are that bad.

My actual reaction: I met him at the door and asked, "What did you do?" (See, the ONLY time I get flowers is when someone screws up.) Nate began to explain how he cannot take today off after all, and he knew how much I was counting on him to be able to. Did I mention the million things to be done this week?

So here I am blogging to you all, instead of taking advantage of this early start to my day. Why? Because I'm to the point that I am so overwhelmed that I have picked only a few things that must get done, and I'm leaving the rest to be done at my leisure. After all, a procrastinator's work is never done. :)

"...Ain't not doin' nothin''."

"They ain't not doin' nothin'." --Mark Fields, NFL player for the Carolina Panthers. Please forgive me for not remembering what position he plays. I know forget when it was said as well. It was towards the very beginning of football season, when the Panthers played on Monday Night football. I'm sorry my details are, well, not very detailed.

This quote grates on every nerve of my being. One, I don't understand it, I guess it means they are doing nothing. What really bothers me about it, is this man is college educated. I'm sure he had scholarships thrown at him, and had a very easy ride. He probably majored in something like communications (DISCLAIMER: I am not in any way trying to degrade you communication majors out there. It's just communications is a quite common major for a football player for some reason) Anyway, he probably had an easier time than most, is my point. Meanwhile, very talented, intelligent, and less coordinated people were not able to attend because they could not afford college. And here is this college-educated man on national television, knowingly mic'd up for television, saying something so unbelievably unintelligent.

I have to admit, the more I dwell on it, (which I do from time to time. I know why. It's probably not healthy for me to, but hey, it's one of the dorky little quirks that makes me who I am.) I understand more and more the frustration this man must have felt when he said it. Today it popped in my head, and has become my motto for today. Not so much the words, but the frustrated emotion behind it.


Jess had an opthamologist appointment today. It went rather well, and the doctor was able to dilate, and examine her eyes more closely than he ever had before. Jess has Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, which basically means, for some reason her optic nerves did not form as they should have while I was carrying her. We found out when she was four months old. We became concerned that Jess' eyes seemed to "jump" around a lot. At that time we were told that she had approximately 10% of a normal nerve, and she would most likely be completely blind, and there was nothing that could be done. No surgeries, no glasses, nothing.

As the months passed it became quite apparent that Jess did in fact have some vision, and as a year passed we were told she was most likely legally blind, and it appeared that nothing other than her nerves had been effected.

Anyway, back to today at the doctor's office. He dilated her eyes and was able to really look into them, where he discovered that her retinas also seemed underdeveloped. Now, the retinas are an extension of her optic nerves, so this is logical. He said they appeared to have a "beaten metal" look to them which is most commonly seen with retina degeneration. Although, the most likely theory is that the retinas were never fully formed to start, this has everyone quite concerned. But again, there is nothing that can be done about it.

So, that's what I'm feeling today, frustration, and pain. I don't feel pain for Jess, because for Jess everything is as it's always been. It's all normal for her and she knows no different. I feel pain for wanting to do everything in my power to give her the best possible life I can, and frustrated that, for this I can do nothing.

I'm sorry for this lengthy and somewhat depressing post. I'm not looking for pity by any means. I just needed to vent. Thank you.

It's good to be home

Hi, all!

Jess and I returned from Missouri last night. It was a wonderful trip. Lots of family, food, and laughs. Although I wasn't able to do much knitting. To be honest, we were so busy I didn't even miss it.

I did make a little progress on my projects. I took my neglected socks that I'm making for my mom. I finished the mate and started unraveling for the heel, but that was as far as I got.



And I restarted Jess' pullover but I only have about four inches or so on that.



I did take a hat to my Great-aunt Bette. She had emailed everyone to ask that they be on the lookout for a red hat for her. She'd joined the Red Hat Society. So, I made her a red felted hat, and Ma and I decorated it with some tulle, a few pins, and some orphaned earrings. Then I crocheted her a "boa" with some fun fur, leftover purple wool, and some silver sequins. She was just tickled. Here she is modeling her new acquisitions.



Nate reverted to bachelorhood while we were away. No... no wild parties. Just some pizza boxes, two liters of Mountain Dew, and about three new video games. I think the break in routine has done him some good. :)

I came home to find so many goodies in my mailbox. I received some AFGHANS_FOR_US squares. (I will post a picture of the completed afghan soon.)





And a couple new projects to tempt me.

Lorna's laces sock yarn. I'm so tempted, but keep telling myself that I need to finish the other socks first.



And my new knitting pattern, which I'm fighting the urge to cast aside all other projects for.



Well, I guess I should go put the house back in order. I'm off to do laundry. Take care.

sweater setback

Well, We are all just about packed. See, Carma, I'm doing better. Normally, I would insist on being 75% packed 36 hours before departure. A very annoying habit that I am trying to rid myself of. :) (That's for my SnB friends.)

I finished the back of Jessica's sweater last night, and I gave it to her to inspect. Jess is three, visually impaired, and VERY particular about her clothing.

Anyway, I handed her the back of the sweater, and she threw it to the floor, as if it had burned her. So, it's back to the drawing board for me. (Note to self: "Self, Jess does NOT like Paton's chunky.") So, I'm now searching my stash for something she'll like that will go with her cords. I know I should just go to Walmart and pick her up a top, but where's the challenge in that? Plus these pants are SO cute on her.



Well, I'm off to run all my errands. I will return Monday. Most likely with lots of pictures.

New team member!

Whoo hoo!!! Carma has graciously accepted my invitation to contribute to this blog. After all, She is really the one with the dorky best friend. (Hey, I am aware of my dorkiness, and have learned to embrace it. After all, it's what makes me, well, me.)



Last night's Stitch N Bitch was a lot of fun. We had a new member, who was quiet, but seemed very nice. I took stitch markers that I had made as gifts to all who attended. These are what I have left. I'll have to make up some more.



So, are any of you wondering what I'll be working on now? It's a pullover (or cardigan. Haven't decided yet) for Jessica. She has the cutest pair of corduroy pants, but she has nothing to go with them. So I'm making her a pullover (or cardigan) out of Patons Chunky in Deep Plum It is nothing fancy. I'm trying out a new book I bought last night.



It's great. (Thanks, Lesa!) It's full of basic patterns. Then for each it has a cart. The top lists all the different sizes, and the first column lists your guage per inch, and where the two intersect is the number you cast on, bind off, etc. It's a real time saver.

We saw My mother-in-law off this morning. Now it's back to cleaning, and laundry. Jess are I are heading to Missouri for my grandmother's 80th birthday on Thursday. Nate has to stay home and work. The truly sad thing is, I've spent more time trying to decide what projects to take with me, than I have on what I'm going to wear. (I know, it's a sickness)

On to other things.

I've finished the Homespun "Very Harlot" poncho. Well, finished might be too strong a word. I still have to fringe it, but this is where I face my dilemma. I don't like fringe from Homespun. it unravels and looks messy, but I'm not completely sold on the unfringed version.




Maybe I'll crochet an edge around it. Still thinking on it. I have a Stitch n Bitch Meeting tonight. Maybe I'll be able to gather inspiration there.

So I Lied.....

... I didn't mean to. I was all set to start this felt hat, when it hit me. I can't start this yet. My Mother-in-law is going to be visiting this weekend. (NOTE: The intended recipient of said felt hat) I cannot be working on her Christmas gift right in front of her. That just wouldn't be right.

Of course, my rational side is taking a moment to say, "Neener neener neener..." Satisfying I'm sure, but it falls on deaf ears. Does this mean I'll abandon my reckless ways and finish up one of my current, and neglected projects?

Of course not. It just means I start a brand new, totally different one. And here it is.



Another "Very Harlot" poncho. (I love the Yarn Harlot. She makes my day.) This will be the third I've made. Mainly, because it is so easy and it looks wonderful! Plus, it uses up all that stash yarn that is just too much for say, a hat, but not enough for a sweater. This one's going to be made from some Lionbrand Homespun.

I made one for myself out of Manos del Uraguay Stria.



I have yet to wear it out and not have someone ask me where I got it.


By the way, I hate knitting with Homespun. DESPISE IT! Why, you ask? Because I snag it on everything! I'm not kidding. So, why do I keep buying it? That is a very good question. I don't know. I must suffer from temporary amnesia everytime I see it on sale. (Yes, I'm cheap. I can't help it, I'm on budget.) Plus, it's machine washable. I don't have to worry about the recipient accidently shrinking it and then feeling so badly, that he or she avoids eye contact until enough time passes that the shrunken article has little chance of making the conversation.

This Poncho is for My friend, Katie. She's expecting in March so I thought I'd make her one so that not only can she be pregnant and "fashionable", but she'll also have something she can use while nursing. (works like a charm...as long as it's light and breathable enough, of course.) That way, they'll be no "flashing" :)

Well enough for now I guess. I need to get cleaning... you know... my Mother-in-law's coming.

New Blog, New project.

I've decided to commemorate my new blog, by starting a new project. My rational side, although defeated in the matter, would like to point out how ridiculous this idea is. My rational side would like to parade before you all my current projects. I have allowed it, but merely for entertainment purposes.

"Under the Hoodie" from the Stitch N Bitch book.



Regia (sp?) socks. Unfinished mate, both still needing their respective afterthought heels.



"go-everywhere-goes-with-everything" cardigan from the Stitch N Bitch book. finished back, partial front.



And now for the new. A soon to be Fiber Trends "Felt Hat"



I should feel remorse for these poor projects. I don't take time to consider their feelings, as I flitter from one to the other. they watch helplessly from the knitting basket as I start yet another project.

But, then I think, "Geez, Erin, it's just yarn." Then make a note to self about getting out more, and to stop fraternizing with the yarn.

Anyway, they are all Christmas presents, so I have loads of time to finish them. (Remember this when December comes, and I am freaking out because I have not finished anything.)

Well, Jess has just entered the room.

"Mommy, is my best friend, and she loves me no matter what." This is Jessica code for, "I have done something I shouldn't have and please don't be mad."

Take care, all.