Knits with a silent K

KIP - June 14, 2008

2008-06-29T15:28:00.001-07:00

KIP - June 14, 2008
Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

A bit delayed due to intermittent Internet access! International Knit In Public Day came, and we had no morning plans, so we joined the local knit guild at their informal knit-out. Here I am with the boy in my Moby wrap, knitting on a second spiral sock for him. Hopefully I'll finish before he outgrows it!

Motherhood has been a wonderful experience. The challenges mainly have to do with not getting frustrated about how little gets "done", especially when tired (and often hungry).

Another photo (a rare photo of my face for the blog, albeit masked by sunglasses and hat):

And the view from where I was sitting, just to prove I knit also:

Rhonda's socks

2008-05-28T17:25:00.001-07:00

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Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

Boy, this week has flown by. I've had this photo uploaded for a while, just waiting to be blogged.

So here are Rhonda's socks being modeled by the boy himself. I even managed to color coordinate them with his outfit! The tiny feet are so adorable!

Thank you again, Rhonda!

Ridiculously Tiny Foot

2008-05-23T15:52:00.001-07:00

DSCF0040
Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

I managed to get my ridiculously tiny sock onto his foot. It was a tight fit, but it went on. It's tight enough that I'm opting NOT to make another one the same; this one can continue its life as a Christmas ornament or something. But I might make a pair with the same yarn on slightly bigger needles.

It's amazing how small his feet really are!

New FO for Cinco de Mayo

2008-05-09T17:39:00.001-07:00

New baby - 50 minutes old
Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

Our new baby was born on Monday, May 5. We're so happy to have him at home! He is a joy to both of us, every minute. Here he is at 50 minutes old. Will blog more when less tired....

Spiral striped sock in progress

2008-05-04T11:22:00.001-07:00

DSCF0003
Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

Here is the spiral striped sock, as of Friday. I've since finished the heel flap and am now on to the foot, and it's evident that this sock (while lovely) will be too big for a newborn. That's okay - I'll save it. But I'm back to thinking that the "ridiculously tiny sock" might be pretty close to just-born size feet, and wishing I'd made the second one.

I think I'll finish this one, and then start on a second "ridiculously tiny" sock.

Random Wednesday

2008-04-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

I have no new photos to show you, so this post is photoless. But I wanted to check in and let you know I'm still pregnant.

Today is my last day at work. It's surreal - I've always been a full-time something: student, worker. (With the exception of a couple of periods of unemployment / looking for a job. ) After today, I'll be off on leave for a bit, and then return to work part time, and working (mostly) from home.

I keep hoping this means I'll have more time to knit and maybe sew and quilt. Ha ha ha.... I'm hoping at least to keep up with laundry.

I'm working on spiral striped baby socks, which I think are turning out in a good size. But I haven't taken a picture of them, so I haven't blogged about them.

Blogging will continue to be spotty, as after today (when I don't have a work schedule) my computer time will be spotty. That's going to be weird also. I've been mostly attached to the Internet all day, every weekday for over a decade.

Blog reading will also likely be spotty. Sorry, y'all.

42 cloth diapers is a really tall stack of diapers. If I had a photo, I'd show you. (Bad blogger.)

Hopefully, I will show you some photos of socks tomorrow. If I manage to get computer time in. Tomorrow's #1 priority at the moment is sewing curtains. Curtains require much pinning.

Random enough for you?

Belly shot

2008-04-25T10:00:00.001-07:00

belly-April22-cropped
Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

I don't know if this really qualifies as "eye candy" but I'm sure some of you are interested in seeing what I look like these days. Contrast to 2 months ago. Definitely arriving everywhere belly-first, and moving slowly.

I saw my OB this morning and everything is still going well; the due date, May 9, is 2 weeks from today, so any day could be the day. However, my OB was predicting that I'd still be pregnant for my next appointment on next Friday.

Today my work is going out to lunch in honor of my wandering off soon, and tonight The Sweetie and I have our "last" dinner-and-a-show date for quite a while.

Have a great weekend!

Ridiculously tiny sock

2008-04-24T11:49:00.001-07:00

Ridiculously tiny sock
Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

Does it count as a FO? Not sure. It's about twice as big as the Wee Tiny Sock, but still not really big enough for even a tiny baby. Maybe a 3 pounder, but my baby is already 6 lbs. (according to my OB's estimate).

Pattern: Playful Pairs, from Babies & Toddlers: A Knitter's Dozen (also available as free pdf here).
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Socks that Rock mediumweight, colorway Undertoe.
Needles: Lantern Moon hardwood (dark colored - mahogony?), size 1/2.25mm.

The yarn weight indicated in the pattern is "2-3-4", which I took to mean 2 = fingering with 1 = laceweight, but in the back of the book, it does say they mean 1 = fingering and 2 = sportweight.

So I'm back to the drawing board. I started on Little 16 Newborn Socks last night with the same yarn and needles (size 1), but it was coming out ginormous. I frogged it this morning. I don't really like to knit with size 0 (it's probably because I have Brittany birch needles and they bend) so I wanted to stay in size 1.

I think maybe tonight I'll give another shot at the Playful Pairs pattern, but this time in sportweight. I'll try making spiral socks to match the Spiral Hat, only in size 3 needles.

In other news, the infant car seat is correctly installed in my car. The Sweetie read all of the instructions and installed it, and this morning a very nice CHP officer inspected it and approved it. Yay!

Stash enhancement

2008-04-23T13:55:00.001-07:00

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Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

I decided I wanted to make another one of these, as our decorating theme for our little guy is sailboats. I think the yarn I made the first one was a cotton/acrylic blend (it was definitely washable) that is now discontinued, but I saw Knit Picks had a new Pima cotton/acrylic blend (Comfy), in lots of colors, I ordered it and even paid for shipping.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to have the main color be dark blue (as in my earlier version) or the lighter blue (as pictured in the pattern), so I got 2 balls of each. Then the natural for the sails, although I might change to the gold, and red for the flags.

The yarn is really, really soft. I usually shy away from acrylic (even small amounts in a blend) but I don't think I'm gonna mind this one. Now to quickly knit up some baby socks so I can cast on this hat!

FO: Moc-a-soc booties

2008-04-22T09:26:00.001-07:00

Moc-a-soc booties
Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

Does two of something make a pair? Because while these appear to be two of the same, they actually are different sizes.

Pattern: Moc-a-Soc booties
Needles: Size 2, Addi turbo circular and Clover/Takumi dpns
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Sport in Willow, and Knit Picks Risata in navy.
Size: smallest (1-6 month)

They came out pretty large for a baby. Someone on Ravelry commented on them already and suggested going down to a size 1, which I might try if I have time to give these another shot. It's also possible that using the Addis with the Shine Sport was just too much slipperyness and made it loose.

The first bootie came out really big; the second one, I "thought tighter gauge" and it did come out a bit smaller. There you have it - two booties, not quite the same size.

Changes for next time: Since they come out so large, I would try and convert the pattern into knitting it in the round, rather than seaming up the bottom, at least for the first part of the bottom. Then painting on some rubber stuff to make them non-skid. Also try smaller needles, and maybe all wood needles instead of using the Addi turbos.

Here is a photo which shows the difference in size:

FO: Spiral baby hat

2008-04-21T10:47:00.001-07:00

Spiral baby hat
Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

I have been fascinated by Grumperina's statement about jogless joins via spiraling, rather than fixing up color changes, and I also wanted to make a quick baby hat for my baby to wear when he is born. Finally, I did it.

I got 2 balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (I know I can machine wash and dry it) and started. It wasn't hard to start and the only thing I had to be careful of was whenever I changed color, I was careful about the tension - if I tugged on the yarn (like I usually do to avoid laddering), then it created a column of stiff fabric. Too loose, and it laddered (a little). But here it is, and I love it! This is a really easy hat over 56 stitches on size 5 needles.

Here is a close-up of the side where I changed yarns: no jogs! (Color here is more accurate than above, too.)

ECF: Flower Friday

2008-04-18T11:17:00.001-07:00

Succulents blooming
Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

One thing that grows really well in our backyard with minimal attention is succulents. And this time of year, they bloom! I don't really enjoy succulents, but I do like it when they produce flowers. Then I feel that they are "real" plants, and not alien sculptures.

Awww....

2008-04-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

Just a little entry to point you at the blog with newborn lambs!

Still no news

2008-04-15T14:03:00.001-07:00

Snap peas
Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

I neglected to take a picture of my almost-completed second bootie (but this time in a different size due to slightly tighter gauge), so all I have are some photos from the garden.

Here are my snap peas (the ones which the sun was shining on), slightly wilted because of the extreme heat this weekend.

Knitting outlook for this week is still bleak, but Friday evening might bring about finishing the #$%^ bootie and starting on a quick, instant gratification baby hat. Dare I even consider it might be finished that evening also? Oh, okay, then throw in a pair of baby socks to match.

ECF: Baby's room

2008-04-11T10:02:00.001-07:00

Room - finished
Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

Last weekend, The Sweetie finally got to assemble the crib. We have moved all of our stuff out of the baby's room (and into the hallway....) and it's really started to come together. It has a really nice outlook toward the ocean, and the late day sun lit it up perfectly last week. The daybed is staying there for mom (me) to sleep on in the first few weeks, while dad still has school. That way, baby and I can have nighttime feedings without disturbing the light sleeper dad, and dad will be able to function during the day. (Whoa - mom and dad! Still sounds strange!)

Every day, I make a point to visit the room and look around, imagining baby in the crib. I think The Sweetie does, too.

4 weeks until the due date!

Wee Tiny Sock 2008 (received)

2008-04-10T10:49:00.001-07:00

Wee Tiny Sock 2008 (received)
Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

Amanda made this adorable red striped Wee Tiny Sock for the swap and mailed it to me. Her post office was ornery and insisted on an extra 17c postage, so it went back to her and she covered the envelope with 2c stamps - hilarious! (I should have taken a picture. Bad blogger!)

I love the colors and of course it's just plain adorable. I think I'll make a series of Christmas ornaments of my Wee Tiny Socks!

I asked at my local post office about it, and Mary (my postal worker extraordinaire) said that if it won't fit through a 1/4" slot, then it is a package and needs the extra postage. I think it depends on the envelope you use, whether you put the sock in card stock (say, in a greeting card or something), and the pickiness of the person who handles it, whether it gets a pass or not. Last year, I enclosed it in a notecard; this year, I put it in a business envelope. And we have super-friendly people at our post office (although probably the handler was in Santa Barbara, where all non-local mail gets sorted). (Or maybe the term is super-lax people? I mailed a Christmas card to Ireland this year with only domestic postage, and it got there!) Something to consider for next year....

FO: Wee Tiny Sock 2008

2008-04-08T11:30:00.001-07:00

Wee Tiny Sock 2008
Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

Here it is, in the same pose as last year's Wee Tiny Sock.

Pattern: The Official Wee Tiny Sock Pattern (pdf)
Needles: Brittany birch dpns, size 0 (which annoyingly warp....)
Yarn: STR mediumweight in Undertoe, left over from the Chevron Scarf.
Notes: I followed the pattern exactly. There was a hole on one side of the heel flap. Pah.

It seems mighty pathetic that the 3rd FO of 2008 is a Wee Tiny Sock, but there it is. It was fun to knit, and I finished it up in two sittings - started at knitting group on a Monday, then finished it on a Sunday night (the night before mailing) sitting in the living room with the Sweetie.

Thanks, Emily, for the great swap!

No news is good news

2008-04-02T10:33:00.001-07:00

... or, there's worse things than boring. Still haven't found the time to upload photos, so blogging is languishing. I made a Wee Tiny Sock and mailed it. I'll show you later.

Just didn't want y'all to go thinking I had a baby or something. Because he's still kicking me in the ribs.

Si, se puede

2008-03-31T09:45:00.000-07:00

Today, this blog is taking a ~~vacation~~ holiday for Cesar Chavez day.

Or maybe this weekend was too busy to upload any photos.

When I lived in Massachusetts, there were holidays all over the place: Patriot's Day, Columbus Day, President's Weekend (2 days off!). (I realize that these are nationally acknowledged holidays, but most places didn't observe them outside of Massachusetts.) In California there is really only one holiday that is not a federal holiday: Cesar Chavez day. And I (in the industrial world) don't have it, but The Sweetie does, because he works at a state university. It's really an extra breath before spring quarter begins, a kind extension to spring "break" for the faculty.

Read more about Cesar Chavez.

ECF: Lazy kitty

2008-03-28T09:38:00.001-07:00

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Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

Happy Friday! Happy weekend!

More Easter traditions

2008-03-25T10:18:00.001-07:00

Lamb cake
Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

Last year I made a butter lamb. But usually, The Sweetie's mom makes a lamb-shaped cake for Easter. She hasn't done it the past few years, and had already stopped frosting it, but it makes a nice centerpiece and then you eat it.

We had shopped for years looking for a lamb cake mold - it's a 2-piece mold; you bake it facedown and the cake is supposed to rise into the lid. We found one a few years ago, but hadn't had the opportunity to make a cake in it.

The Sweetie requested carrot cake (his favorite), iced with cream cheese frosting. I did some volume comparison of the cake mold with 8" cake pans, and figured a half recipe of his mom's carrot cake recipe would fill the pan. It came close - we could have used a bit more batter to really fill the back of the lamb out. We used the cream cheese frosting from (The New) Joy of Cooking. It was pretty magical to see the powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla magically transform into frosting in the Cuisinart. It was pretty good, but in the future we'd cut down on the sugar and vanilla, to get a more cheesy flavor.

The lamb cake baked for a full hour (!) and then we let it sit in the pan for an hour. Some gentle scraping with a knife loosened it enough to have it come out in one piece! (Thank you, Baker's Joy.) I piped the frosting on with a star tip. You can see little bits of wooly detail where it worked; some places needed extra scraping so it's not as pretty as it could be. I think the frosting got a bit warm in my hands as I went on. The back I just spread with a knife. The hard part was getting it to stick. (I think the Baker's Joy made the surface of the cake kind of slippery - but it's a tradeoff. The BJ made it unmold so easily!) Two dried currants for eyes and a dried cranberry for a mouth, and voila!

As it set in the fridge, the head started flopping forward (remember, it was kind of missing its back) so I stuck a skewer through it and eventually shored it up with another piece of skewer to make it last until evening. We sliced it rump end first on Easter evening. Yum!

My first Easter basket

2008-03-24T12:31:00.001-07:00

Easter basket - contents
Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

This year, for the first time in a long time, we didn't go to The Sweetie's parents' house for Easter. He had final exams on Friday and had to have them all graded and grades set by Tuesday, so we deemed it crazy to go up for the weekend in between. But I didn't want him to be completely without Easter traditions.

Usually, The Sweetie's mom buys a Bordeaux egg from See's candies for each person, and puts it in a family basket. Friday after work I snuck out to see if I could get a Bordeaux egg. I discovered they have other flavors of egg, so I got myself a Chocolate Butter with Walnuts egg. The Sweetie usually gets my Bordeaux egg because I find it too rich, but not this year! I also picked up some chocolate eggs - one bag dark, one bag milk.

Saturday while The Sweetie was grading final exams, I hard boiled eggs in the morning, and in the afternoon dyed them. I told The Sweetie I made red, yellow, green, blue, orange, and a try at purple. (The purple is always a controversial subject - mixing red and blue do not really make an attractive purple, you know.) He said it sounded like traditional family egg dying - right down to the "try at purple".

Sunday morning I told him to stay in bed while I hurriedly assembled the basket, candy, and eggs. He was completely surprised and delighted.

I feel oddly triumphant that I was able to produce an Easter basket that satisfied (my? his? whose?) requirements - dyed eggs, chocolate eggs, and the traditional Bordeaux egg, in a basket, with fake grass.

Wee Tiny Sock Swap 2008!

2008-03-21T10:03:00.001-07:00

Wee Tiny Sock Swap 2008
Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

Emily at Yarn Miracle has once again organized the Wee Tiny Sock Swap:

The Wee Tiny Sock Swap is the fastest, cheapest, cutest swap in blogland. Participants knit a single Wee Tiny Sock out of leftover sock yarn (the pattern is here) and mail it to their sock pal. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, it’s the only swap that takes an hour and a half and the price of a postage stamp to participate!

More information is here! Everybody's doin' it....

Random Wednesday

2008-03-19T13:26:00.001-07:00

DSCF0009
Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

The first thing that happened at Saturday's baby shower was everyone took a blank onesie or t-shirt and ironed on a freezer paper stencil, and went to town with the fabric paint. I know I saw this around on blogs a while back, and when Grace asked if there was anything in particular I'd like to have at the shower, I sent her some links. Grace was a dear and pre-cut all of the stencils, so all people had to do was pick one, iron it on, and paint! They turned out soooo cute! Everyone said it was lots of fun.

The random part of Wednesday is provided by the results from my drawing. I used Random.org to draw numbers, and after removing Kathy (who did it already) and Rachel (the one who Ped IF to me), I ended up with Marie, trek, and Kadiddly!

Congratulations! I'll be contacting you for mailing addresses. Expect to receive something handmade within 365 days. =)

More Baby Shower stuff

2008-03-18T09:07:00.001-07:00

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Originally uploaded by knitswithasilentk

I took this picture with the macro lens, and I'm thrilled at how it turned out. These were the favors for the shower. As you can see, Grace filled baby food jars with Jelly Belly jelly beans and made stickers for the top, and labels which say "From Kim's Jelly Belly to yours!".

The Sweetie has been eating from the jar I brought home (I actually don't prefer jelly beans) and we've been commenting that the random mixture of Jelly Bellys give an experience not unlike Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans - you really don't know what you're gonna get, and while Jelly Belly probably doesn't make really awful, poopy flavors, some of them are not as good as others!