Distract! Distract!

I have been a bad blogger. I've been busy with little people and 10th wedding anniversaries. (Ok, just one. My own. Thank you very much. ) I have not been updating you on my knitting which has consisted mostly of plain socks for little people. On the up side, they work up REALLY fast. I do have one or two things to show you once I have a photo shoot.

SO, to peak your interest, I would like to tell you about the knitting books that are coming out in the near future that I am obsessing about. I feel like it's been a while since I have been excited about a new knitting book. There are good ones, but I am more discerning and am unlikely to buy a book if there are only a pattern or two in it for me. I also have a rather lengthy queue on Ravelry. (Go check it out. I think I'm on page 6 and it's likely to grow.) In spite of these factors, I will be heading to my local bookstore/yarn store/computer to check out the following titles.

1) More Last Minute Knitted Gifts The first book is one of my favourites. I look at the pictures. I browse through the patterns. I have knit several gifts from it and it is one of my favourite books to pick up when I lack inspiration.

2) Brave New Knits I read knitting blogs. It's like keeping in touch with my people. Knitters get me and I love reading about their projects. I like that other people have the same problems I do, that they sometimes have to start again, that in the end, they try to do their best to sharpen their skills or show their appreciation for someone they love.

3) Little Red in the City I heart Ysolda. I have both of her e books and find them charming and sweet, filled with little projects that teach me some new trick. She is so clever and her patterns are easily read and so amazing to knit. A whole book of new sweaters with information on how to tailor your knitting to your body will be a must have for every knitter. At least for this knitter.

4) Knit. Sock. Love Cookie A is the master of sock design. Each pattern is a master piece. (To confess, I still have many socks to knit from her first sock book, Sock Innovation. It is full of information on how to fit socks to your own foot as well as designing your very own master piece.)

Fall always reminds me of back to school. I guess I'll be hitting the books and trying new knitting techniques. Are there any new books you are excited about?

Inspiration

Knitting hasn't been meeting my needs lately. I haven't thought much about it, haven't been scanning Ravelry, and just haven't been knitting. I think it's lots of things - the move, the new lifestyle, the new schedule. I haven't been able to effectively fit the knitting in, and haven't really made it a priority.

I had a little chat with J. the other day and that seemed to help the spark a little bit. Then yesterday I came home, and I went to the stash. I just looked. And moved it around. And put matching colours together. And smelled it. And tried to see what called my name (well, it all did, but what called it the loudest).

I pulled out a couple skeins. One new and one that has been lingering around. They screamed the loudest. I wound them up and have cast on something new. I want to knit it. It is sitting there right now, and rather than chatting with someone from home online, I want to knit. I want to knit rather than falling asleep (again) on the couch. It feels good.

It almost makes it feel like home.

Be Still

Lately, I have been enjoying quiet moments. These come infrequently and I cherish them when they appear. Life is hectic with work and life, a four year old who has found her voice and uses it constantly, an almost two year old who chatters and states her case with great force.

I find that when I have moment, I don't feel like talking. I feel like collecting myself and finding a little peace.

So I hope you are not offended if I don't blog as much as usual. I just need to catch my breath.

Four

Four years ago, your dad and I woke up bright and early. We drove to the hospital and had a last minute discussion about your name choice.

Four years ago we found out what you looked like, but we didn't know you yet.

Four years ago we completed our little family.

Four years ago we wouldn't have predicted we would celebrate your birthday here.



Four years ago we would never have guessed you would turn out so amazing. You surprise us everyday with your will, your love and your charm. You are awes-mazing (your words kid, not mine).

Surely I Jest

I have a plan. I've made a schedule. I've wound yarn. I am on track for my Christmas knitting this year.



I am feeling so confident that I cast on the most adorable vest. I usually have so many projects lined up that new patterns get relegated to the bottom of the queue. I look at them from time to time and wonder what yarn I will use in what colour.



This issue of Knitty came at the right time. The pattern is cute and I love vests. It is smaller than a sweater and doesn't seem like a big undertaking. I had the yarn and buttons to match. It was meant to be! I've named her Jest (J's Vest).



The only problem is I keep stopping to admire the pretty diamond pattern and the soft drape of my yarn. I bought some Knit Picks City Tweed DK quite a while ago intending to make it into a little cardigan but other things came up and the yarn just didn't seem right. I'm so glad I waited and T is, too, since I sent her half the yarn I purchased so she can make a vest of her own.

I can't wait to wear it!

The Welcoming Committee

Last week I was ready to get on a plane and head home. Next plane out of Perth and I was going to be on it.

Then I arrived home and saw 3 packages by my front door. One contained mail from home. One had our modem and set-up package for our ADSL. And the last one had this.



Sent from Amanda who lives closer to me than any other knitting friends (although its still a long plane ride.....

I have to say I was gobsmacked (see how I'm learning the new language?). The package contains 2 lovely balls of Bendigo 4ply luxury in colours that match everything I own.

Thank you Amanda - you brightened my day and you are introducing me to new Australian yarn!! I can't thank you enough

One Sexy Beast

These buttons can tell a story of travels from Oregon to Alberta and then to Australia. I have to say I wasn't sure if they'd be worth the wait....


(I think they were - they look amazing on it....)


My Love is one of the most patient people I know (he has to be - he lives with me) - but I think he was getting somewhat impatient about getting his sweater.


I'm pretty sure he thinks it was worth the wait.

Saving Summer in a Jar

Knitting in the summer is somehow not quite right. For those of us who rely on multiple layers of clothing to protect our extremities for at least half the year, wool is our friend. We require much warmth and knitting is an excellent way to provide this warmth. It's so important that we often spend our summers knitting in preparation for the winter. (And also for Christmas, but I digress).

The last few days, I have been doing some other work to prepare for the short, cold days of winter. I made jam. I made raspberry-blueberry-strawberry jam. I picked strawberries in a farmer's field and turned them into jam. I added rhubarb and port and made another batch. Making jam is not knitting but I derive the same sense of satisfaction when I line up my pretty little jars on the shelf in my basement, waiting to opened one morning when the sun hasn't risen and the world is covered with sparkly snow. I'll open my little jar and the smell of summer will seep out. I'll spread it on my toast and remember when I was warm.

(Do you want some jam, too? Here's a quick recipe. Take 8 cups of sliced strawberries, 5 cups of sugar and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Mash them up in a pot and then boil it until it becomes thick. Pour it into jars and admire your work.)

Dion A

I have a brother who became a physics teacher. He reads scientific magazines. He browses the non-fiction section of book stores. He designs science experiments that involve sending a current through a pickle. (No. I'm not joking. Why do you ask?)

He often makes fun of me. That's what big brothers do. But for all that, he is supportive when I need and he loves when I knit him socks.

So I did. He has a birthday coming up. I'm pretty sure he'll be showing these off to all of his science buddies.

New challenges

I figured leaving my family, leaving my friends, moving across the world, setting up a new house and learning a new language (yes, it's a new language) was not enough.

I have started spinning.

Yep - spinning.

I'm very bad at it - but I'm doing it. I have made one small ball of something....well, I hesitate to use the word yarn.

I present to you my first attempt:


My plan is to use it as an edging on a toque. I am proud of it. I made it and I will use it.

Next up - some lovely orange and brown merino fiber.

Paper Princesses

I have been putting off knitting sweaters for my little girls for a while. There was always something else to do, a Christmas gift, a baby. I have finally started the Paper Dolls sweater, one for each little girl.

I am using Wollmeise Twin (80 % wool, 20 % nylon) in a lovely purple and a hot pink. The yarn has proven to be quite soft and the colours show off the pattern nicely.

This one is for the big girl. I plan to make another with the colours reversed. Now I just have to decide whether I wait to give them as Christmas presents or take a bunch of adorable pictures in them before the holidays.

Warm feet - Done!

Yeah!! I have warm feet.




Life is pretty good so far.

Warm feet

I've heard that it can be "cold" in Australia during the winter. Whenever I've heard this before I've laughed and then said "have you ever lived in Edmonton?". Seriously - being a Canadian and living in one of the coldest cities in the world, you'd think it would have me prepared for any level of cold.

I was wrong.

I'm freezing here. Especially in the house at night. Freezing. There is no insulation and minimal heating. I haven't removed my socks since I arrived, and my Love is walking around the house at night in his coat. I am concerned my Canadian passport will be revoked by admitting this. FREEZING.

I'm a knitter though - so I can easily resolve this. I've cast on some Philosopher's House Socks (from Cat Bordhi) in a mohair blend. I started about 24hours ago and am making good headway (aran weight yarn socks are fast fast fast). I hope these do the trick - otherwise I'll have to layer them with some fuzzy slippers....this is what my world is coming to. Whatever it takes to stay warm.

Life Goes On

As you can imagine, we've had a lot of upheaval here at BaadMedicine. T has moved to Perth where I'm sure Australian knitters are working hard to make her feel welcome. Knitters here are keeping out chins up and are knitting on.

I finished these socks a few weeks ago.

They are Tall Tibetan socks by Cat Bordhi knit in Wollmeise Sock yarn. The colour is Kornblume and is an intense blue. These socks are meant for my nephew at Christmas time. They are interesting without being too obvious.

I have lots of this yarn left. Maybe another lucky boy will get some blue socks.

I'm now working on an Icarus shawl and a sweater for a little princess. Pictures and updates soon, but in the meantime I would like to know if any of you knitters are also weavers. I am considering branching out and would like some input. What loom do you use? What do you make? What kind of yarn do you use?

And so we move on. One day soon, T will surprise us with a post from Down Under. Maybe I'll take up weaving. The world is our oyster.

Dear Perth, Australia

I know that we don't know each other. In fact, we haven't met yet but I have a favour to ask of you. My good friend T is coming to stay with you. You'll know her because of her love of the colours orange and green, her Canadian accent and her passion for footwear. She is tall, but don't point that out to her. She already knows. She knits. She may sound like she is speaking slowly and will not be using many of your common abbreviations or slang. (We in Canada must like the sounds of our own voices as we tend to not abbreviate anything.) She also lacks a tan.

She is moving to your city for a few years. I hope you make her welcome. She is really an amazing friend. She is a good listener and will make you laugh with her dry sense of humour. She likes red wine and is an excellent cook. T may seem a little shy at first. It might take her some time to break out of her shell. Keep in mind that she is moving far from home and the people and places that she knows.

Please make her feel welcome and look after her. She is very special to me and I will miss her dearly. And remember, she is only on loan.

Thanks!

J

Abrazo

I finished this a bit ago but haven't had time to figure out my new camera - all it's settings and how to download onto the computer.

But despite these minor issues, I did manage to catch a few pictures of this little shawl that I knit for my sister.


The yarn is Silk Thread from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. I also used this yarn for my mom's Ishbel, and I still have enough to make myself a small shawl or large scarf.


The yarn is ridiculously soft and you just can't stop touching it.


I hope my sister likes it - she is having a hard time these days, and I hope this might cheer her up, even if it's just a little bit.

Catching Up

A shawl for Baba's 85th birthday.

A blanket for a baby.

Socks.

I have been knitting and knitting and have finally finished some projects. It's nice to have a blank slate. What will I knit next?

The Move

I don't mention it here very often. It's still on and is imminently close. But I don't mention it here because I don't want it to permeate EVERY part of my life.

But it does. I can't fight it. It effects my choice of clothing for work (what do I have left in my closet), my grocery shopping trips (will we eat this all?) and my conversations. It is hard - it is exhausting and emotionally gruelling.

But that's ok. It is part of the deal and we knew that going in. I am trying to make it part of the experience - knowing that every experience has good parts, bad parts and unbelievable parts.

The best part of this past week was when four amazing girls - J., Andi, Cathy and Lauren - knit me a blanket to keep me warm on Austrlian winter nights. The blanket is gorgeous and knit with amazingly soft yarn, but the best part - it was made by them with love. So when I'm sitting in Perth trying not to get homesick, I can wrap this around me and think of them, and their laughter and how much they make me smile. And they will continue to do so. Computers will be warmed up and the net will be buzzing with us girls laughing online. It'll work, because we'll make it work.

Look What I Got!

Yesterday, I received a package in the mail. It was from my swap partner in the LOST swap.

We were all excited to see what was inside.

Chocolate, a notepad, some cards and a scarf.

We were pleased.

Did someone say buttons?

So J. and I are overcoming our button issues by turning to Etsy.

J. has found a lot of options for her Tempest at Buttons by Robin. We've both ordered buttons from her before, and they are gorgeous. She even has little boy options (which I assure you, are hard to come by). Go with what you know, I say.

I'm looking into a variety of wood buttons options, that need approval from my Love. I want his a-ok before ordering anything, because he darned well better like them, and darned well better wear the resulting sweater.

Update coming soon.....

Lost in Knitting

I've been knitting on projects here and there lately. I finished my Tempest sweater, but it languishes in want of buttons. A familiar tune here at Baadmedicine.

I started a Flower Basket Shawl for my Baba's 85th birthday. It nearly succumbed to the Lost series finale, but I managed to fix my mistakes and found redemption before I had to frog it.

But time is flying by and I want it to slow down. T. leaves in a month.

The Ongoing Button Dilemma

So the Beast is done and I can't wait to do the big reveal.

But there is a problem.

A button problem. Again. Still.

So the reveal has to wait a little longer. I have gone to two stores, but need to expand my search grid.

Can you wait one more week? I promise the wait will be worth it.

Mojo

It's that time of year again. The leaves are on the trees. My plum tree is blooming. And I have written a Christmas list. For some reason, I like to take stock in the spring and plan my Christmas knitting. It's not looking good. 15 pairs of socks ranging from baby to big boy. I have a schedule. I have a plan. I probably even have all the yarn I need to make all those socks.

BUT do I have the mojo?

I've been a little off my game lately. I knit on one project. I pick up another. Nothing really seems to be progressing. Maybe if I could finish off a couple of these lingering projects, I could start with a clean slate. And knitting socks goes much faster when you actually knit on them. Right, T?

Here's the first of a pair of socks I've been working on.

They're great. I love them. So why aren't I knitting them?

I need to focus. I need my Mojo.

Item #2

Again - I'll reiterate - I completed THREE things last week. Unheardof.

Item #2 - Socks with sparkles.


Knit with yarn from Andi and J. - they gave it to me when my oldest started kindergarten. It's from Zen Yarn Garden and it has silver in it (I of course can't find it on their website). They are perfectly plain socks - which I'm coming to realize, are truly my favorite kind of knit sock.

Next time - the Beast. Yes, you heard me. THE BEAST.

Yes it's true

I finished, not one, not two but THREE projects last week.

But I'm going to spread out the goodness in more than one post (because I have to get the most out of my fruitful week).

First up, my little spring vest.



It was the project for which I ran out of yarn. I miraculously found some lovely Cascade 220 to trim the neck and arm edges.

I love the softest of the unknown Fleece artist.

The twisted stocking stitch, althought painful to knit, really adds nice texture.

And the buttons, those are from Buttons by Robin.


All in all, a wearable, cute and spring-y vest. Next time - socks with bling.

Monkeys

Before I had kids, I got excited when people I knew had babies. That meant I could knit adorable little hats and sweaters. I loved buying soft cotton yarns and sifting through pattern books. Everything was just so cute and small. No project took longer than a couple of weeks.

Then I had my own kids and my ideas changed.

I knit them little sweaters and hats and socks. Most of my work stayed hidden in drawers. They only fit my little one for a month at most and then were packed away.

Now I am expecting a little niece or nephew late this summer and I have picked up my needles. I am knitting something that will take me a long time to complete. It has colourwork and steeks. It has fancy edging. And I hope it is loved and cuddled and dragged through mud. I hope it dries tears and calms fears.

Stalled

I feel like my knitting is stalled these days. I've (finally) cut the beast, and am working on the button band - but am stalled because I can't find the right buttons (nice wooden ones are the request). I'm stalled on my little green spring vest because I ran out of yarn and have to find something I'm happy with in colour, texture and sheen (to at least somewhat match the main yarn).

I am also stalled in life. My life currently consists of lists and boxes and sticky notes denoting staying, selling, packing, exporting. Every cupboard I open, every closet I pass - I ask those questions. I feel like I'm stalled between living here and living there.

Stalled. But yet time seems to be passing too fast.

Can I Ask You Something?

So, I signed up for a swap. I've never done this before, but I was caught in a moment of weakness.

The swap is being organized on Ravelry and is related to the TV show Lost. Now, I'm a fan of the show and have watched it pretty much since the beginning. (Ok, we kinda broke up for a while during the third season which was slow. I'm not the only one that jumped ship for a while.) I really enjoy the show but I am in no way an expert. I'm doing my best to put together a swap package that includes little bits of the show but also includes items (knitted and otherwise) that will appeal to my swapee. (I have stalked her on Ravelry. I'm sneaky like that.)

Have you ever been in a swap? Did you ever get anything that you loved? Did it not really work out for you?

To be honest, I haven't really thought about what I might get in the mail. I just want to make sure that the object of my swapping enjoys the package that I send.

Insanity

Things here have been a little crazy, hence the radio silence.

I was out of town travelling quite a bit last week, however none of it very conducive to knitting. And the knitting at Chez T has been on hold a bit anyway.

The Beast is still NOT steeked.

The current project I'm working on is almost done but I'm COMPLETELY out of yarn.

I don't know what to start next and fear that J. may bug me incessantly if I start something new without steeking the Beast (she can be a scary little woman).

But I promise by the end of this week, I'll have something to show you ..... it may just be pretty pictures of my trees turning green, or gratuitous kid pics, but I promise, there will be something.

We Interupt Your Regularly Scheduled Knitting

Every once in a while, we have a knitting emergency in our house.

The first occurred around Christmas when the older Princess NEEDED a stuffed Bat. She needed this bat like flowers need the sun. At least, that is what she would have you believe. We looked for a bat. We hunted high and low but there were no bats to be found. In the end, I did a quick search on Ravelry, found a pattern and knit the thing myself.

Now she needs a snail. And you know I can't say no. Good thing I didn't throw out that cheap acrylic yarn.

Here are some lovely socks to distract you.

Knit in Twist of Fate yarn made of wool and seacell. The pattern is Cat Bordhi's Fountain Foxgloves.

A little bit

He's seems to like this just a little bit.



He wears it proudly. He tells everyone who made it for him. He is excited about the colours he picked out.

I guess this means he'll get another hand-knit sooner rather than later.

Four

Four years pass so quickly.

Four years and eleven months ago, I dreamed of having a baby. A little person to hold and cuddle and love.

Four years and eight months ago, I discovered you and wondered what you would become.

Four years and four months ago, I saw an image of you. Two hands, two feet, a beating heart.

Four years and 1 month ago, I waited and waited. Scared to become a mother. Scared to not be enough.

Four years ago, we met.

And here you are. Four. Tall and strong. Funny and delightful. You dance, you sing, you laugh, you spell and tell stories and help me more than I would have thought you could.

And I love you more than four times as much as I thought I could four years and 1 day ago.

Distractions

I am knitting socks. I really am. In spite of the fact that I am planning a 4 year old's birthday party, holding down the fort while my husband works long hours, taking a toddler for shots and checkups, I really am knitting socks.

But my attention may be focused elsewhere at the moment. Take my Tempest, for example.

It's stocking stitch will occassional changes of colour and it's such a relief for my overworked mind.

I'll get back to those socks soon. I promise. If I don't start another Tempest in the mean time.

Easter Presents

The Easter bunny was able to find my boys on our little road trip for the long weekend.

The Easter bunny did NOT find me, so I had to take care of things myself.

Completed over the 4 day long weekend, and worn on the 1st day back to work (Montego Bay scarf - Interweave; slightly modified).


And look at all the other spring green yarn I have....what to make next???

In Which I Should Have Taken Your Advice

Remember when I asked you what I should knit next? You voted resoundingly for the Coraline by Ysolda. I was a little surprised that it was unanimous. Nonetheless, I planned to cast it on to appease the masses.

BUT, it required a very lengthy provisional cast on AND I was going to be knitting it in wool with alpaca and that just didn't seem like a spring sweater, you know?

SO I was going to surprise you with my new project, Tempest. I was going to knit it in red and oranges and it would have knocked your socks off, not to mention match my new orange dress. I cast on all in one piece and knit the first stripe. The thing looked HUGE and my gauge was off. Back to the drawing board. I went down a needle size and started again. This time, I did two stripes and was admiring my work before I went to bed last night. The morning, we got a visit from the Easter Bunny and a good friend I like to call Reality. The two yarns I had chosen just didn't go. I frogged the second colour this evening and chose another from my stash.

So here I am. This sweater has had a few hiccups, but I think I will wear it a lot. The colours are much more harmonious and I think it will still match my orange dress.

And if it doesn't, it's not the end of the world. I plan to knit this sweater again some day in blues and greens. Catknip told me I didn't have to chose between the reds and the blues. I can have it all.

As long I don't make any more mistakes.

Progress

Look! I finished something!

I knit a scarf. A simple scarf in linen stitch with Double Sea Silk I had just lying around. And it is just lovely, if I do say so. I really like linen stitch for it's texture, especially with multicoloured yarns, and it's firm fabric. I would knit scarves like this for the men or women if I were really motivated.

And it looks good.

I'm also working my way through my sock club. This installment is the Fountain Foxglove by Cat Bordhi in Twist of Fate yarn made of wool and seacell. It has a lovely sheen. These socks have a very high instep. It fits nicely but I'm not sure they're for me.

Do you like my sock blockers? They were made by a friend's brother and I just love them. They are solid with nicely finished and rounded edges and I love that they were made my someone's hands to block the socks made by my hands.

Avoidance

In an effort to avoid the Beast, I decided to make my Stink a new sweater. Everytime, every single time, I pull out my knitting, he asks me if I'm knitting him a sweater. So, I figure it's time he gets one.


He helped pick out the colours (from the stash) with significant involvement and suggestion from me. It's actually good - getting rid of stash so I have less to move. There's some Cascade in blue and a heathered brown, with a little bit of Galway Paint mixed in for good measure.

And he's excited. So very excited.

Back from the Dead

I've been sick. The kinda sick that makes it hard to get out of bed. The kinda sick that leaves you with no energy to sick up, much less knit.

I will post pictures of the few things I've managed to accomplish in the last couple of weeks. For now, perhaps you can tell me how much yarn is too much yarn to buy when you're home sick.

And be kind.

Time to Cut

I'm prepared to steek the Beast. It is all done but the cutting. And a little bit more knitting.

I can't do it yet. I'm not mentally prepared yet.

I think I will undertake it on the weekend. It's not a "weekday" activity as it were.

Wish me luck.

And send scotch.

It's back

The Beast.

Which is the size of a beast currently. Two arms were joined to the body just last night and produced a mass of yarn and cables and stitch markers.


I'm hoping to have this ready for an Australian winter. I'm under the assumption that we won't have central heat, and will be in need of a few warm woolies.

Let's Poll the Audience

I'm at a bit of a stand still. Since the excitement of the Olympics, I've been a little slack in my knitting. I decided to start my personal sock club, which has me knitting a pair of Wanida socks by Cookie A in some Claudia Handpaints. I cast on a scarf.

I find myself looking around for my next challenge and can't make up my mind. Would you like to help me?

Ok, here are the options.

A) EZ's Green Sweater

B) Coraline

C) Mystery Project

Leave your vote in the comments. Help a knitter out.

A Sweater.

Yesterday when I read the Yarn Harlot's newest post, I felt a little disappointed in myself. I don't cherish or covet any of my sweaters enough to wear it multiple times a week, let alone being my "go to" piece of wardrobe.

I LOVE the sweaters I make. I love them so much I feel like I need to save them. Save them for something special. Or when I know other people will see them. Or when I'm going to a knitting event. I keep them specially folded in my closet for special occasions (which truly are few and far between at my house).

This is not a well thought out plan.

I should cherish them by wearing them. Wearing them as much as I can (factoring in my intense vanity that does not allow me to wear the same thing two days in arow). And not wearing them just to show them off.

This morning I pulled out a sweater. And I wore it for no particular reason other than to wear it. I'm doing the same thing tomorrow. And the next day.

I'm going to cherish them. And cherish wearing them. That's why I made them.

It only took 3 years

One day, a knitter saw a pattern for knee socks that she loved. She bought yarn. She bought needles. She cast on and knit a while. And then some new pattern caught the knitter's eye and the socks were put aside. Time passed. The socks waited. More time passed. The socks were patient. They were put away in a cupboard and still the socks remained optimistic.

In the winter of 2010, the knitter pulled out the socks and finished them in what can only be called an Olympic effort. Now the socks no longer wait on the needles. They cuddle toes and swing jauntily from a bench.

The end.

Double Gold