Well now, where have we been???

Well, I'm back. Not sure how many people are going to be reading this again, but I'll try to get this updated every Wednesday when both beasts are at MDO.

My current knitting obsession has been with sweaters. I can't get enough. I'm on my 4th one since July. I've done the Central Park Hoodie, February Lady Sweater, Sweet Pea Coat, and I just casted on the Slouchy Cardigan. That's not counting DHs sweater and both the boys sweaters. I still have enough sweaters worth of Malabrigo, Goshen, Nature Cotton, and Southwick to stay busy for a long time. I'm also currently waiting on Commuknity to call me back so I can get another 3 sweater's worth of yarn at 40% off (the discount code isn't working). To pay for most of this stuff, I sold some books and yarn on Ravlery. Love my Ravelry folks so nice and in need of some good stuff!!

Socks have taken a step back. I guess once Spring/Summer gets here I'll be ready to pick up the DPNs again.

I'm knitting like crazy and have finished a GAZILLION things since I last posted.

Here is the link to my Ravelry page. I'll start posting pictures again since I'm blogging again.

What have I been up to???

Life is good the eldest beast is 4.5 and thinks he's 45. He talks down to us and treats us like freakin' idiots most of the time. I mean, the kid is bright, but the fact of the matter is that the sun is a STAR and not a PLANET. This was our last conversation that lasted 20 minutes, with him ending it w/ "Okay, mommy, if you think it's a star, then it's a star (insert eye roll here)"

The younger of my beasts is too funny. He's a monster toddler and is by far a force of nature that makes an F5 tornado look like a slight breeze! I've never seen destruction on this level from a child. I've heard rumors, but never experienced it until now. He's a mini-MacGyver and can get into anything he wants. The cat is in therapy from the abuse he's getting.

All in all they're strong willed, opininated, smart, and devilishy handsome. I'm in deep trouble b/c they both flash those baby blues at me and I totally melt. I mean who can stay mad at the two most beautiful boys in the world. . . . .. I complain about them b/c they're crazy, but I know that I was born to be their mommy. It's the best job I could have ever asked for (well ,most days!!! )

Always my personality!

I was a Psy. major in college and took personality tests all the time. I have ALWAYS been an ENTJ. Even with motherhood and 35 years under my belt, I'm still a control freak who loves to judge!!! Seriously, I don't think I'm this evil . . wait, I am!!

You Are An ENTJ

The Executive You are a natural leader - with confidence and strength that inspires others. Driven to succeed, you are always looking for ways to gain, power, knowledge, and expertise. Sometimes you aren't the most considerate person, especially to those who are a bit slow. You are not easily intimidated - and you have a commanding, awe-inspiring presence. In love, you hold high standards... for yourself, for your relationship, and for your significant other. While it's easy for you to impress others, it's hard for you to find someone who impresses you. At work, you are organized and good at delegating. You understand how to achieve goals. You would make a great CEO, entrepreneur, or consultant. How you see yourself: Rational, calm, and objective When other people don't get you, they see you as: Inflexible, controlling, and overbearing

What's Your Personality Type?

It's been while

since I posted my FOs!!

First, a little hat I did. I used a simple pattern and 3 colors of Hubro from Dale . . .I love this. I used Fibonacci numbers. I love that dude's thought process and applying it to knitting!!! It's for a little lady of 9. Knitty Lynn suggested the pompom and I think it's to die for!! Of course, the crazy almost 4 year old w/ hot pink toes (DH was NOT happy!!) had to model it for me.

Pattern: Wool Noggins by Marie Grace Smith

Yarn: Dale of Norway, Hubro

Needles: Size 10 Circulars

I also finished my Embossed Leaves in Prepster by Scout's Swag. I love the yarn. It's so tightly spun that it's a DREAM to knit with! I haven't had this much fun w/ socks in a while!!!

Pattern: Embossed Leaves by Mona Schmidt

Found in: Favorite Socks , 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave

Yarn: Scout's Swag, 100% Superwash Merino, Fingering

Needles: Size US 2 DPNs

I have a few more things, I've been working on that are coming along nicely. Once they're FOs, I'll be posting them too.

I have been stash enhancing a bit, but the camera needs batteries and it seems if I don't post about the new stuff, it doesn't really exist! Isn't that how it works??

Nothing like a long break to get people wondering!!!

Just teasing on the title. I had no idea it had been 1.5months since I posted. I have been knitting like a mad woman as well as wrangling those two creatures of mine!!

S will be 4 in May and is slowly acting human again. He's signed up for LOTS of summer camps, yes he's way overscheduled!! He's still a great big brother and really loves his role.

E will be 6 months on the 1st. He's just a doll and sitting up. He thinks he's 2 or 3 already and gets very ANGRY when he realizes he can't run and jump w/ big brother!!

Easter was well, FREAKIN' AWFUL!!! We had over a foot of snow so we didn't leave the house for 3, count em' 3, days!!!! Everyone was stir crazy by Sunday so it didn't go well!

Of course the boys were thrilled by the Easter Bunny's gifts!!

As far as knitting goes, there's been lots of it!! I'll update soon.

My name is Cat and I'm a yarn addict . . .

Hello Cat . . .

Okay, I have a problem, I know I do. Isn't that the first step to recovery?? I'm always eyeing the Destash/ In Search Of Forum on Ravelry. Do I need any yarn?? No, but what if the bestest most wonderfulness of yarn is listed .. .shouldn't I have a chance to get it?? Right???

everyone nod yes at the crazy lady

Well that's what I did folks!! Got 3 skeins of sock yarn: 2 Cherry Tree Hill and 1 of Scout's Swag.

Here they are!

They're all just beautiful. We're having craptastic weather here in SE Wisconsin, so the light didn't agree with me today. I can't wait to use the solid from CTH. I've never own a solid sock yarn (except black for DH) and can't wait to do a great lacey/patterned sock with this. I love the varigated, but I want to start really showing off the detail of the patterns with some solid yarns.

Then, Knitty Lynn, Jodi and I went to Loop. The best yarn shop in Milwaukee EVER!! We had some coffee, shopped, I got in trouble at home b/c I was about 45 minutes late, but it all was worth it. I've eyed the Misti International Hand Dyed Chunky for a while now and I had to cave. It's soft and gorgeous. I can't stop fondling my yarn (see above, I have a problem).

Then this yarn just kept calling to me at the store. Something about the colors just drew me in. I didn't even know what it felt like or who made it. It just had some great colors. Well, lucky me, it was Misti AGAIN!! Just thier 4ply worsted. Lovin' it!!

Outside of the the yarn purchases, I have been knitting!!! I'm almost half way done with my Big Bad Baby Blanket. It's the fourth one I've done so it's a very quick and easy knit for me. I'm using Blue Sky Cotton and I do love it. HOWEVER, as cotton does, my stitches are not being forgiven as much as they would have been in another yarn. There are DEFINITE tension changes in the blanket. It bugs me, but I think the yarn and color are so pretty that I'm hoping the mom won't notice too much. She's not a knitter, so I might be safe. Hopefully a good blocking and washing will do wonders for the blanket. The baby is due on the 14th so I hope to have it ready to send when we get word that Baby Matty is here!!!

The poncho that never was

I wanted to make a poncho, but when it was brought up to knitting and non-knitting friends alike, I was taunted and teased. So with my tail tucked between my legs I put up the yarn, pattern and needles.

Fast forward 1 year. the Knitpicks Panache in Cloud was staring at me. Begging to be knit into something wonderful. So I decided to do something with it and give the yarn its day in the sun.

So out comes one of my pattern books, One Skein Wonders by Judith Durant. There was an adorable hat that was knit in 3 seperate directions called the Shepherd Bulky Rainbow Hat. It was a quick knit and looks adorable (if I do say so myself!). I even ventured to make some fingerless mittens to match from the same book. I'm stylin' in Wisconsin ridiculous winter!!

MAJOR Stash Enhancment

I'm so excited about all my new yarn!! A small LYS is closing it's doors and going strictly internet so she decided to sell what was in the store at 50% off!! Yep 50%off of EVERYTHING freakin' thing.


So on Saturday, in 4 below zero weather, Starbucks new Skinny Latte in hand, and a 3 month old wrapped up from head to toe, I headed to The Pepper Tree. She had some great yarn left that just screamed PROJECTS to me!!!

So here it goes:

Cascade Superwash for striped hat/mittens for S (2 in both Red and Black)

Berroco Touche for a striped sweater for E for Winter 2008/09 (3 Ivory, 6 blue)

Queensland Collection's Kathmandu Aran (4 balls) for a hat/gloves/scarf for DH:


A sweater for myself in Cascade 220 - Heathers (6 Hanks)

Now some random yarn-yummniess just because I loved the way this looked!!



Patagonia Nature Cotton (2 in blue)


Cascade Baby Alpaca Chunky (2 pink, 1 mauve)


Elsebeth Lavold's Angora (2 in Misty Blue)



Cascade 220 (1skein)



All of this wonderful non-sock yarn for under $200!!! Close but under that amount!!! I can't believe what a deal. I'm glad I got good solid yarns b/c if it takes 3 years to knit up I'll still like the stuff. It won't be for just a fad I'm on!!!!



I also got 7 skeins of Blue Sky Dyed Cotton for DH's B-school buddy's baby. I'll be doign another Big Bad Baby Blanket. It's in the color Sky which is heavenly!!! Ordered it from WEBS. I've been very happy with them so far. The bulk discount ROCKS!!!

I also order Goshen from WEBS for the El Sol Pullover from Interweave Knits Winter edition! I'm boring and got VERY basic colors!! I wanted to do something a bit more adventureous, but couldn't do it.







































So that's it for a long time. STITCHES Midwest is in August and I can't wait. I'll be adding to my lovely collection in August!

I'm Angora

Angora – Soft and warm“Angora has a warmth that rivals cashmere and softness that rivals qiviut. Best of all, it comes from cute little bunnies that look for all the world like furry footstools with ears.” –The Knitter’s Book of Yarn

Angoras are eager to please and are highly sensitive. Flexibility and adaptability are your strengths and sometimes your weakness, as well. You are essentially a warm and feeling person, and little escapes your impressionable mind. You are generous with others and strive for harmony in your relationships.

What are you??? http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/pottercraftnews/fiberquiz/index.html

I'm one happy Monkey mama!!!

The Monkeys are finished and I've worn them all day today!! I love these socks and can't wait to start a new pair!! Pattern: Monkey Sock by Cookie A (from Knitty)

Yarn: BMFA - Socks that Rock - Lightweight

Colorway : SpaceDust

Needles: US Size 2 DPNs

So what's next?? I've joined 2 groups on Ravelry that I'm really hoping to get very involved with this year. First is the Sock a Month 5 KAL and next is the 2008 Mission Possible group. Both groups are going to help me decrese my stash before I hit Stitches Midwest this year. I need some room in my closet!!

The SAM5 KAL is really laid back and has 250 members. I need to post there today and show off my socks!!

The 2008 Mission Possible group is the brainchild of Jen-La. Basically, you pick 12 items you want to complete in 2008 w/ your current stash or UFOs. If on December 31st you haven't completed all of them, you need to donate the yarn. This'll help me get a few things of the needles that have been waiting patiently to be finished!

Next on the list is the Big Bad Baby Blanket for a friend of DHs. I'm going to use Blue Sky Dyed Cotton in Sky. I ordered from WEBS. I've been happy with them so far. I'm doing the Shepherd Bulky Hat from One Skein Wonders in Knitpicks Panache until the Blue Sky gets here. If I have time, I want to do mittens to match. I need to knit now that the baby is on a schedule, I hate sitting idle!!

Knitting will be a priority of mine in 2008. It makes me so relaxed to sit and watch my boys play together while I knit. They're the most peaceful times I have these days. As I type this S is reading E a picture book. E is laughing his head off. Truly a great time . . . .

Happy New Year!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year! We stayed at home and went to bed at 10pm!!

I'm almost finished my Monkeys!!! It's such a kick-ass pattern! My DH said it looked complicated and he was very impressed. I also need to take pictures of The Beast in Felix. He looks so great in it. It fit so well on him. My camera is at my friend Kelly's house. Her daughter turned 3 last week and I wanted to document the tourture that S and Lauren inflict on each other. Of course, I forget it when we left.

So I usually try to think about everything I want to do in the new year. This year I'm going to go with the flow. I have no agendas, no yarn clubs, nothing. I'm going to knit what tickles my fancy and leave it at that. I did join the 2008 Sock of the Month KAL, but that is a low pressure thingy. DH on the other hand is all about hand knits for him this year. He's never really shown an interest . . . I have no idea what changed! He wants socks, a fancy alpaca sweater ( I bought the yarn at Stitches), a Felix ( of course in the same yarn which'll be over $100), and a felted bag for his golf shoes!!! He might be getting a how to knit book for his bday next month.

Anyway, pictures soon!!

Happy Holidays from the frozen tundra!!

I can't believe this year is almost over b/c it's gone by so fast and SO many things have happened to us as a family. First and most important . . .E was concieved and born this year. I'm still in awe at his adorable-ness (is that a word?) He's eating like a champ and is tipping the scales at 15lbs at 11wks!!! He's a big little boy! Here's the best smile ever (I'm a bit bias!!)He's a talker like his brother and loves to watch big bro play. I also can't get over the fac that at 11wks, he's laughing out loud. It's the sweetest sound I've ever heard. He laughs at S so much that he starts to hiccup. I love it when they play together and S really plays with E!! Being the mom two boys is the most fulfilling role I've ever had.

I've been knitting a lot thanks to a semi-established nap schedule! I'm a mom that lets the baby determine the feedings and naps, so my knitting has suffered a bit. Of course if he didn't sleep and eat like a champ, I might be a bit more strict on the sleep schedule.

So one Monkey is finished! I love SpaceDust. It's the most beautiful colorway. I can't get over how lovely it is in the Monkey pattern. I'm about 25% done with sock #2. I luckily don't suffer from SSS b/c I love the sock too much not to have a pair. I'm currently wearing my Solstice Slip from Rockin' Sock Club. It is the most comfortable thing I've ever had on my feet. As a fairly new sock knitter, I never realized how fantastic handknit socks are!! I'm sold . . . .

Now, Felix is finally done and S is just itching to wear it. I blocked it on Christmas day and it's currently rack drying. I let it go to about 75% dry and then threw it on the rack b/c S is starting to bug me about wearing it. Of course the 6inches of snow we're due today will keep us indoors for many days. I'm hoping he can wear it at some point this weekend. I want to take pictures of it on him. I think his loggerhead might be growing since I started it in August and I'm afraid that E will get the most wear. E might be in the 95th percentile for weight, but his head is only 59th!!! He's got the tiny head and buddha belly where S has the skinny body and HUGE freakin' head!!! So opposite in every way!!

Here's the Felix blocking:

Let the blogging begin . . . again

Okay, we're here! All of us! The 3.5 year old who just might be posted on Ebay, the 9wk old that has just stolen my heart (check back when he's 3), and me!! We're braving the winter months in Wisconsin. I hate them. . .. We have about 5 inches on the ground and it's 15 degrees right now. Humans should not be made to live in a place like this!

I've been knitting off and on for the last 9 weeks. A few rows on the Chevron, seaming a few things on Felix and doing a few rows of E's new blanket. Nothing has been really floating my boat . . . until now!

I casted on Monkeys with Space Dust from Socks That Rock! I'm totally in love and can't wait to get these socks finished!!!! I can't get over the colorway. It's prue heaven to look at. I really am very shocked and impressed it looks this good. I need to get my butt in gear and get a few pictures up.

I also wanted to share a pic of my newest little man. I'm so in love it's crazy!!!! He's a chunky monkey compared to big brother! He's been in 3-6 mo clothes and size 2 diapers for almost a month now!!!! HUGE compared to S! S is smittened and gentle as a lamb with his baby brother. It's just me and DH that get abused (you need to see my fat lip!!). Is there a law against Offspring Abuse???

E is sleeping like a champ. He goes down around 9:30 and wakes around 4:30. Then it's back to bed for a few hours. Of course the slew of snowblowers that get kicked on at 6am in our neighborhood isn't allowing anyone to sleep past 6-6:15!!

Still here and Still Knitting

Well, life has settled a bit now that E is 4 weeks old. The grandmothers are gone and today is my first day with the newborn and preschooler. So far so good, but they've only been up for 1.5 hours!!!

I finally finished my MILs Cabled Bag at 6am Saturday. No pictures b/c she was walking out the door to the airport as I finished it!! Now it's on to the Felix sweater! I have everything done except the seaming!!!

My early arrival!!

Well, there's another little man in my house to knit for!! E was born on October 1st at 5:33pm. Labor was so much easier this time. With S it took 4 days b/c I was induced so I guess anything would be easier!!

The low down . . .Around 2:30am 10/1 I rolled over and my water broke. I got DH up, we got the last few things together for my hospital bag, called the OB and doula, headed to the hospital. When we got there and all checked in I was only 1cm and 60% efaced. I chose to labor on my own for a few hours. At 10am I was still 1cm. The doc said Pitocin, I was okay with that, but wanted just a little more time. So finally at noon, I was STILL 1cm. We got the pitocin drip going. I labor with DH and the doula until 4pm when I just couldn't take the contractions any more. My knees were buckling.

The drug man came in around 4:30pm and I got the epi. He did a great job. I was able to freely move my legs and lower torso, but only felt strong pressure. At 4:35pm I was at 6cm so the pain med free labor from noon-4:30 really helped!!! My OB was called and he arrived around 5pm. I was fully dilated by then. My BP was running high all labor so they gave me something to bring it down. Once I got a normal reading (5:15pm) I started to push.

E was born at 5:33pm!!

He's gorgeous and we are SO in love. S is doing okay. Not great, but he'll adjust. My mom arrived today to help us out over the next few weeks!!

I'll be knitting soon, but until then, I'll be with my newest man!!!

Wow!! It's been too long!

I honestly thought on a few days went by since my last post . . NOPE!! Too much time.

Not much is going on, S started 3K on the 11th. He was THRILLED and is settling into a new routine. He is gone 5 hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I'll tell you 10 hours a week to be totally alone is just unbelieveable. I only have another 4-6 class days before E arrives and my time is once again taken with another little man. That's right only 18 days until my due date. How did 9 months go by so fast???

As for knitting . . . lots of starting . . .not much finishing. I did love the Chevron Scarf, but put it in my hospital bag b/c I was going to fast on it. I want it to be with me during labor. I hope to finish it while in the hospital. So that's packed away.

Then I started Mirabella Socks in Socks that Rock Silkie (colorway: Foo-Foo). I love the pattern and color, they're both so girly. The only problem is that my hands are swollen and holding size 1 or even 2 needles is just too hard. Those had to go away for a while!

Low and behold, a co-worker of DHs had a baby. The two boys are close, I've only met the wife once. Perfect. Baby project, easy, big needles . . . a blanket!!! So I ran and go some decent acrylic (yes, I did say acrylic) and decided to do a Fibonacci Baby Blanket in some really neutral colors (taupe, dark taupe and cream). They're not *baby* people so I think a pink blanket woudl have been too much. Got my 10s out and started knitting a 30x40 blanket. I did about 3 stripes and realized that I REALLY liked the blanket, more than I thought I would!! It's so pretty and calm!

E's getting it. No way I can give this away. It's too pretty. S is getting a navy blanket I was working on for E. It's in Cotton Fleece. . . . . now what to do . . . my two boys are both getting new blankets, but this new little girl needs SOMETHING!!

Baby hat. That's the ticket!!!! I can do 2-3 quick baby hats from Knitting Rules and give them to them next week. I'll even add a cute embellishment to one of them to show some extra work!! Well, did one in 2 days. and it's so pretty. I just love Encore Colorspun. The shading looks like a yummy ice cream cone and it really just blends together beautifully.

Pattern: Basic Hat Recipe (large newborn size) Stephanie Pearl-Mcphee

Yarn: Encore Colorspun Worsted

Needles: US7 DPNs Bamboo

Not knitting, but too sweet not to share

S and I had the *Belly Shots* today. I love this one b/c it's so him.. He's excited to be a big brother. This picture has me tearing up every time I look at it.

***I totally love Portrait Innovations. They're a chain and FANTASTIC!!!!!

We were on a break . . . .

Felix and me . . . . I cheated on him. He's sitting patiently on the chair in the bedroom and I've been frolicking around town with someone new . . . the Chevron Scarf. She's beautiful, a real winner. No problems, colorful, a real doll. We're having a blast together. I'm still trying to work out my issues with Felix and his neck line. I'm sure in a few days, we'll be back together again!

Here's my newest project. I'm thinking it'll be done in the next week or so. It's FAST and I love it:

Pattern: Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts

Yarns: Silkie by Blue Moon Fiber Arts in Wild Tide (2007 Rockin' Sock club colorway) and Sherbert

Needles: Size 5 Circs - Addi Turbos

Knitting standstill . . .

Friggin', frackin', freakin' Felix sweater . . . . .

Why have I been absent for almost 2 weeks. . . . not pregnancy, not the 3 year old, not the summer weather . . the FELIX!!

The neck band just won't work. Now I admit, my child has a HUGE head. Always in the 90th or higher percentile. Add that to a 12th percentile body weight and 87th percentile height, he's shaped funny. Honestly his head doesn't look so big compared to the rest of him, but clothes sure to tell a different story.

Without the neck band, the sweater is a PERFECT fit!! Looks good and drapes beautifully. The neck band SUCKS. I've made it 6 ways to Sunday and it always ends up too tight. I've done larger needles, less rows, different stitch pattens. I've done the neck band about 7 times so far. Nothing is working.

I'm mad and have nothing cheery and positive to say so I've been avoiding blogland!!

I decided to go ahead and take the sweater apart and frog a few rows of the front and back to make that neckhole bigger. That *might* give me enough space to do the black neckband and have it fit Logger Head!!! =)

Updates soon . . .

Contest to check out!

Rachel over at Yarn Over is having a Blogiversary Contest!! She's giving away some beautiful stitch markers in honor of her 1st Blogiversary!! Check it out!!!!

Felix . . not too shabby!

I'm about 70% done with Felix. Not too shabby actually. I think it's going to turn out to be a great sweater for S. He should fit nicely into it for 3K this year. Not sure if I'll allow him to wear it to school. It might only be for days with Mom & Dad so I can monitor what ends up on it!!!

















The Svale is knitting up wonderfully after looking back 3-4 rows, but the actual motion of making a stitch sucks. It splits worse than any other yarn I've used, even the cheap stuff! I'm very disappointed in the yarn itself although one can't ignore how pretty it knits up. I just hope that it has some good structure to it. I can see S brushing up against something that's not 100% smooth and getting a nasty pull in the sweater.

Only time will tell. I'm on track to finish next week. I'm making one adjustment to the pattern since Knitty Lynn recommended it. I think it'll be great. I'm going to make the collar black instead of the main Oatmeal color. So I'm done with the front and back piece and 50% done with 1 sleeve. So I think I can finish the 1st sleeve tonight. Then I have Thursday with the girls so I can get most of sleeve 2 done. So we'll see.

The next project is my Labor Project . . .the Chevron Scarf. I'll start it and hopefully finish it as Baby E is making his way into the world. My hypnotherapist/doula thinks I'm hilarious for using knitting as part of my relaxation/no meds path to delivering little man. Little does she know that knitting is my Nirvana!! My Chevron Scarf and a little ocean wave music, the baby will just pop right out!!!